September 2018 Park Angel of the Month: Greer Hostetter
Greer Hostetter is a park enthusiast. Before moving to Charleston almost thirteen years ago Greer had lived in Atlanta, Charlotte, and London enjoying all that their parks had to offer.
“From 1998 to 2000, we didn’t have any family or friends in London,” shared Greer. “Spaces like Hyde Park were where I could find good energy. I was inspired by London’s Parks from their beautiful green spaces to what they can be for everyone.”
“Parks are everyone’s common grounds,” said Greer, “Near or far they belong to everyone. They bring all life together where we can be all equal whether a dog, bird or people. We should all be lucky to have them and be able to use them.”
When Greer and her husband later moved from Atlanta to Charleston she brought her love of parks to the Lowcountry. After chatting with her neighbor, Sandra Deering, about an upcoming fundraiser for the Charleston Parks Conservancy she quickly joined the committee for what would become the first Party for the Parks.
“I was on the decor committee,” said Greer, “I was always the one who wrapped the palmetto trees at Colonial Lake. It became my thing.” Since then, Greer has been on the Party for the Parks committee every year. This year, 2018, will be Greer’s second year as Chair of the Party for the Parks Committee where she works as what she calls, “The liaison between the Conservancy and the members of the community.”
When asked how Party for the Parks has changed over the years Greer shared, “It’s become such an inclusive event as it touches every age bracket. That’s very special that we have older people just as excited as kids out of college. It’s really everybody’s party and they’re getting the word out that our parks are special.”
In October 2016, Greer also joined the Conservancy’s Board of Directors, where she serves on the Program and Development committees. She also serves on a committee of community volunteers helping to raise funding for the renovation of Moultrie Playground.