Debbie Austin

Park Angel #506

About:
Simonton Park Captain

Each park’s captain will help recruit volunteers and promote the Conservancy’s work in the park. Captains will recruit volunteers for Garden the Park events and maintain volunteer/park connections. They also will act as a liaison with neighborhood groups, churches, schools and businesses to promote Garden in the Park volunteer opportunities.

Austin is retired and came to Charleston from her hometown of Jacksonville, Fla.

• Why did you want to be a Lead Park Angel? I enjoy gardening and all things related.

• Favorite garden, park or horticulture space? My last garden in Louisiana.

• One thing you learned from working with the Conservancy: How committed, knowledgeable and unselfish those involved are.

• Favorite hour of the day and why: When I first wake up, I let the sunlight in all over the house and remind myself that each day is a treasure and to enjoy every moment. I also like the late afternoon when things are winding down and I am sitting on the screened-in back porch enjoying the end of the day relaxing and reflecting on the day and contemplating the coming of night and what the next day might bring.

• Best Charleston park and why: Chapel Street Fountain Park. It is my favorite because it is small and more diverse than most of the other parks and has such wonderful texture, color, variety and simplicity.

• Favorite flower/plant: Hard to answer since I like so many. I like flowers with fragrance and plants with color and texture.

• If you could inscribe something on a park bench what would it say? Cherish and protect the things you love in life so they will be there in the future for others to enjoy, cherish and protect.

• Why should someone become a Park Angel and volunteer for the Conservancy? It is a wonderful way to give back to the community and adds beauty to our everyday surroundings. It is also great therapy, exercise and a relaxing way to spend your time that benefits many others.