Friends of Boyce Park Committee accepting member applications

The Friends of the Boyce Park Committee is looking for new volunteers.

If local residents have an appreciation of nature, a love for community and ideas for park improvements and events, the committee is a perfect fit, according to Plum resident Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis.

“It’s an opportunity to bring the park users’ interest to an advisory that is able to take action,” Naccarati-Chapkis, who represents District 8 on Allegheny County Council, said. “Nobody knows the needs or opportunities for the park better than the users, themselves.”

In 2021, council amended an ordinance that established requirements for committees to support county parks. Boyce Park, in Plum and Monroeville, falls within the council’s District 8. Its committee is able to have up to 12 members, seven of which will be nominated by Naccarati-Chapkis. The other five members will be nominated by other council members.

Résumés of the chosen nominees will be brought to the county council meeting on Aug. 23 for approval. After members are established, Narccarati-Chapkis is hoping to host the first meeting in September.

“I’m really interested in hearing from the committee members,” she said. “I think that they’ll have various interests and ideas. I think this is a great opportunity for the community to have their voices heard and take on some new ideas and initiatives.”

Approved volunteers will serve three-year terms while collaborating with the public and the Allegheny County Parks and Recreation Department to help enhance experiences for park users.

“Our park system is a crown jewel for the county,” said Naccarati-Chapkis. “Parks promote our physical and mental health. I look forward to hearing more about resident experiences, as well as ideas for enhancing Boyce Park to its fullest potential.”

For those interested in applying, email Michelle.Chapkis@AlleghenyCounty.US.