The newly-formed Mayor’s Parks Advisory Board held its first meeting Monday and announced that it has elected Ann Baker as its chair.

The Parks Advisory Board grew out of a recommendation by the Mayor’s Parks Task Force which was appointed by Mayor John Peyton in April 2004 to study Jacksonville’s vast park system and make recommendations on how to take the system from simply the nation’s largest urban parks system to its biggest and best system. Previously a member of the Parks Task Force, Baker was appointed by Mayor Peyton to serve on the Parks Advisory Board. 

Baker is an active member of the community and heavily involved in improving Jacksonville parks for many years. She has served on a number of boards and commissions within the city, including currently serving on the board of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. 

In addition, the Baker family has played an important role in the development of park space in the Ortega area.  Baker Point, located adjacent to the Ortega River Bridge in the Lakeside Park area of Jacksonville was named for the family. 

“Ann’s dedication to improving our park system has helped lay the groundwork for success,” said Mayor John Peyton.  “Jacksonville will be well-served by her energy and enthusiasm and we are excited to welcome her to this position.”

The board will assist the Parks, Recreation, Entertainment and Conservation Department (PREC) by assessing community needs, identifying sources for funding and partnerships and serving as a communication tool between PREC management/staff and residents.  In addition, the board will work to motivate and mobilize residents to assist the department in its efforts to take the park system from “biggest to best.”

The board plans to meet monthly for the first six months, then quarterly thereafter.  Other members of the board include Howard C. Coker, David M. Foster, Rashean Mathis, Billy O. McKenzie, Kim Flower and Cindy Congelio.