Paula Russo reflects on her 30 years with the Florida State Parks Foundation and her accesibility mission
Still of Paula Russo from Florida State Parks Foundation video.
As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, the Florida State Parks Foundation is sharing stories about some of the people who have helped shape the Florida State Parks Foundation. People previously featured include current Foundation president, Tammy Gustafson, and board member emeritus Don Philpott.
Today, Paula Russo, who has been involved with the Foundation almost since its inception, shares her memories of the Foundation and speaks about her work to make Florida's state parks accessible to all visitors.
Paula, who currently serves as the Foundations's Grants & Programs Administrator, has served as Foundation president, and also in several capacities on the Foundation board. She says that her favorite Florida state park is whichever park she's in at the time!
Paula has devoted her life to serving Florida's state parks and ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy and experience our natural treasures. During her years of devotion to Florida State Parks, Paula has worked tirelessly to increase accessibility for people who use mobility devices. Through her efforts, Florida State Parks in recent years have debuted several new accessible amenities, including trails, fishing piers, trams and more.
In 2021, thanks to Paula'a hard work and determination, the first ever wheelchair accessible glass-bottom boat debuted at Silver Springs State Park. The boat is named "Chief Potackee - Betty Mae Tiger Jumper," in honor of the only woman to serve as Chief of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Betty Mae Tiger Jumper.
In recent years, the Foundation's accessibility projects have included:
• A wheelchair accessible glass-bottom boat at Silver Springs State Park.
• All-terrain powered wheelchairs.
• Floating beach wheelchairs.
• Wheelchair accessible boat and kayak launches.
• Wheelchair accessible fishing piers.
View Paula telling her story here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq6qfsdgjl4.
If you're inspired by Paula's work to help increase accessibility in Florida State Parks, you can contribute to the Foundation here: https://secure.everyaction.com/oraO4bGYgUqLHFod3Vc0kA2?emci=caa2adef-a4c2-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=df9d1642-32c3-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=17618020. Your donation will help to further Paula's work and provide for new or updated accessible amenities and experiences in Florida State Parks.