Longtime parks and community advocate Dr. Judith Campbell was recently sworn in following her reappointment as a Hamilton County Parks and Recreation parks board member, a position she has held for nearly 20 years.
Dr. Campbell’s appointment to another four-year term was made by Judge Thomas Clem. Hamilton County Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams conducted the swearing-in proceedings. Dr. Campbell will continue to serve as a key member of the county parks board of directors through her position as board treasurer.
As a physician, Dr. Campbell has used her talents and resources to bring awareness of the physical and mental benefits provided by nature and green spaces. She championed the development of the SOMAstation adult playground, located in Cool Creek Park, understanding the need to address the challenging issues of loneliness and isolation in our society today – especially within the elderly community. What makes the adult playground unique is its equipment that requires more than one person to operate, encouraging interaction and socialization among its users, in an outdoor environment.
Her dedication to parks and nature led to her serving as one of the founding members of Friends of Hamilton County Parks, Inc., a 501(c)(3) foundation devoted to the advancement of parks within Hamilton County. She also maintains a passionate support of naturalists and their efforts to educate youth about nature and land stewardship.
When asked about her future goals as a parks board member, Dr. Campbell said, “I’m fully committed to the development of a world-class conservatory at Coxhall Gardens that would serve as a one-of-a-kind resource for the Hamilton County community, designed to attract the most respected individuals and organizations seeking to pioneer the latest advancements in botany, horticulture and related fields that lead to the advancement of sustainable practices, such as vertical gardening and other responsible gardening and growing practices.”
The impact Dr. Campbell has had on efforts to ensure future generations will enjoy quality parks, programming and education is impossible to measure. While her fellow board members, park professionals, family members and friends are keenly aware of her contributions, they readily admit that they believe she’s just getting started!
To learn more about Hamilton County Parks and Recreation and the department’s mission, visit MyHamiltonCountyParks.com, follow the park department on Facebook or call (317) 770-4400.