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Christine Craycroft
Portage Park District

The Nominator: Jeff Ingram, Standing Rock Cultural Arts

How has the nominee implemented sustainable business practices in his or her business or organization?
Why should this person or organization receive the Sustainable Achievement Award? As Executive Director of The Portage Park District, Ms. Christine Craycroft has done an extraordinary job of promoting sustainable development in Portage County and balancing the needs of development and green space. She has been working diligently on a Greenways, Parks and Trails Plan that will identify critical natural areas, water protection areas, neighborhood connections, scenic trails, natural stormwater management, and wildlife habitat. The process includes public meetings throughout 2007 at seven locations in Portage County. She has also been a leader in putting together the Portage Hike and Bike Trail, which will connect many areas of the county. The Park District also plays a major role in the creation of a regional parks and trails system that can contribute millions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and new business stimulation. strive to keep the parks, trails and facilities that we operate clean, safe and well-maintained.

What are the triple bottom line benefits (people, planet, prosperity) of the nominee`s work?
She`s worked to bring education programs to the county that emphasizes sustainable ideas. She`s built consensus among diverse groups such as townships, villages, cities, schools, railroads, and developers in planning, conservation, and park development. Additionally, Ms. Craycroft has been instrumental in the founding and expansion of The Portage Park District where she has been Executive Director since 1998. Under her leadership, conservation has been part of the main mission and Portage County now has a park system that includes 4 parks, The PORTAGE Hike and Bike Trail, and four properties that are not yet open to the public. Her vision includes the following statement from the Portage Park District Website: "The Portage Park District strives to be known throughout Portage County and Northeast Ohio as a leader in conservation of natural resources and a major contributor to local communities’ quality of life. We work towards being a well-respected partner to local communities in promoting and developing new parks and trails and providing recreation and education programs for all citizens. Through open communication, collaboration and respect, we can balance the various needs in our community to ensure a healthy environment without compromising economic development. The Park District conserves high quality natural areas including stream and river corridors, mature forests and old fields, much of which is available for passive recreation uses. In addition, through its innovative and creative education programs and partnerships that can reach every school district and community, we can help raise the consciousness for the need for natural resource conservation and stewardship. We strive to be a leader in promoting sustainability, modeling energy, water and materials conservation practices as well as demonstrating ecosystem restoration. We support a cooperative and collaborative approach to land use and development that can result in the conservation of rural character, water quality and wildlife habitat." These efforts will have results that will benefit our citizens for many years and generations to come.

How has the nominee inspired you to implement sustainable business practices?
Directly, The Portage Hike and Bike Trail that she conceived and implemented in Portage County offers our patrons and workers the opportunity to bicycle to our North Water Street Gallery in Downtown Kent. Her ideas help spawn our annual "Who`s Your Mama?" Earth Day and Environmental Film Festival, which has helped our organization, achieve national and international attention. This festival highlights four major themes of sustainable business practices. Alternative Energy, Sustainable Agriculture, Conservation, and Multi-Media Environmental Education. While some may just talk about such innovative and sustainable ideas, Ms. Craycroft has gone the extra mile and proved she can achieve results.

How can someone else translate the success of the nominee? Is the work of the nominee an example or model that others can follow?
The existence of The Portage, an extensive hike and bike trail system throughout Portage County, is an example of coordinating many competing interests into a sustainable practice that benefits all the citizens in our area. These interests include railroad companies, private developers, land conservancies, and individual property owners to name a few. Her approach to collaboration is an exemplary model in patience, perseverance, and tenacity that is essential for producing sustainable results that have long lasting effects. All who reside in Portage County presently, and in the foreseeable future, will benefit from her actions. It is an honor and a privilege to know this remarkable person and I feel she is entirely worthy of the title Champion of Sustainability.

How does the nominee actively participate in the sustainability community? How do they collaborate and share their knowledge with others?
Ms. Craycroft has held many public meetings throughout the past few years in all corners of Portage County. Most recently she was a leader in the campaign for Issue 32 that would have provided much needed operating funds for the Park District. The Issue unfortunately failed, but throughout the process, an aggressive information campaign was set up that included newspaper ads, an informational DVD that was provided free at festivals and events, and television PSA`s that emphasized conservation and the many economic and health benefits of having a Park District in the county.