GAINESVILLE - Friends of Gainesville Parks and Greenways Board of Directors announces the election of its officers for the new year: Brad Abernathy, President; Nick Scheman, Vice-President; Michael Graham, Treasurer; and Dan Summer, Secretary.<br>
<br>
Friends of the Parks is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City of Gainesville and Gainesville Parks & Recreation to serve as a cultural, educational, and recreational resource to develop, restore, and preserve environmentally healthy, natural links to neighborhoods, schools, businesses, public facilities, parks, and Lake Lanier.<br>
<br>
Friends of the Parks was the catalyst behind the Rock Creek Greenway, which connects downtown to Lake Lanier. The greenway begins in Rock Creek Park and continues through Ivey Terrace, Wilshire Trails and Longwood Parks. Major improvements and enhancements have been made to the existing parks while more work is still planned.<br>
<br>
Friends of the Parks also hosts the annual Butterfly Release in Wilshire Park and offers volunteer and Adopt-A-Bed opportunities.<br>
