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Stacy Bare
Executive Director at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
Stacy Bare is the Executive Director of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, a position he has held since February 2022.1 He brings over a decade of experience focused on getting more people outdoors and promoting the transformative power of nature.12
Background and Experience
Stacy Bare has a diverse background that includes:
- Military service as a veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Georgia12
- Leadership roles in outdoor recreation and environmental organizations, including:
Achievements and Initiatives
Some of Bare's notable accomplishments include:
- Launching the Great Outdoors Lab study in partnership with UC Berkeley to research the impact of outdoor experiences on human health14
- Winning the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Award3
- Leading initiatives to expand outdoor recreation participation among youth, military members, and people of color1
Role at Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
As Executive Director, Bare's responsibilities include:
- Working with the board of directors to raise $1.5 million for investing in Grand Rapids' park spaces and planting trees1
- Promoting outdoor recreation and encouraging more people to get outside2
- Overseeing various programs such as tree planting events and the Explore Your Park Series3
Personal
Stacy Bare relocated to Grand Rapids from Utah with his family in 2022.12 He enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, mountain biking, and Nordic skiing.1 Bare is passionate about making Grand Rapids the "healthiest, most park equitable city in America" by achieving 40% tree canopy and ensuring all residents live within 10 minutes of a park or open space.4
