Fwd: ...in the parks. | LOVE

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From: Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy <awenk@pittsburghparks.org>

Welcome to the first edition of "...in the parks." This new email series will share exclusive stories from the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy about the wonders found in your regional, community, and neighborhood parks.  Read below and enjoy the very first story from this new original series. Love in the parks.   Delaney and Darren have a passion for parks and outdoor spaces. They currently call the Squirrel Hill North neighborhood home — right between Pittsburgh's Frick and Schenley Parks — the perfect location for these two park lovers who enjoy exploring their green spaces year-round.   "My partner and I love the outdoors – any chance to get out and enjoy nature makes us happy," Delaney explained. "We've enjoyed exploring so many parks over the years and as we've moved around the city. We probably visit Frick and Schenley Park the most since they're down the road and have tons of trails for running and hiking with our dog." Parks have played a pivotal role in Delaney and Darren's relationship — it's where they got engaged and promised one another a lifetime together.    "We got engaged along the Black Forest Trail while backpacking," Delaney said. "Darren popped the question early in the hike, so we had three days free of cell service to enjoy the engagement ourselves. It was beautiful being out in nature for it all."   Delaney and Darren decided to plant their own roots in Pittsburgh's parks by purchasing a commemorative tree in their favorite park to celebrate their upcoming wedding.    "We chose to purchase a tree to commemorate our wedding as it's a natural but lasting memento we can go back and visit," Delaney explained. "Trees represent life and growth, a fitting symbol of our marriage. We wanted something to honor our wedding that would positively impact the world and bring joy; a tree in a local park felt perfect."   Not only do Delaney and Darren enjoy exploring their parks, but they also love giving back to their parks.    "Supporting our parks supports our community. Parks provide places for play, discovery, and respite that anyone can access and enjoy," Delaney explained. "They allow one space to connect with nature and slow down; they are spaces for people to gather, learn, and celebrate. Parks strengthen their communities in many ways, and it's an honor to support them."   Special thanks to Delaney and Darren for sharing their heartfelt love story with us for our first edition of "...in the parks." Stay tuned for our next edition in March!   If you have a story you'd like to share about your explorations and adventures in the parks, please email Alana Wenk at awenk@pittsburghparks.org.  Special thanks to Delaney and Darren for sharing their heartfelt love story with us for our first edition of "...in the parks!" Stay tuned for our next edition in March. If you have a story you'd like to share about your explorations and adventures in the parks, please email Alana Wenk at awenk@pittsburghparks.orrg