Why I Run for the Parks: Erika Saltzman
EARTH WEEK 2020
The Chicago Parks Foundation has been a proud partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon since 2014 with our charity team, Team ChiParks. Each year, our runners make their marathon extra meaningful by fundraising on behalf of CPF. Since our start, Team ChiParks has raised $550,000+ for the parks!
Here on our Seeing Green Blog, our 2020 Team ChiParks runners share why they run for the parks. This week we hear from returning Team ChiParks member Erika Saltzman, the Chicago Park District’s Deputy General Counsel. 2020 will be her 15th marathon and her 4th year as a part of Team ChiParks.
Interested in running the 2020 Chicago Marathon with Team ChiParks on October 11th? LEARN MORE >
“I’ve always been incredibly passionate about the parks - so much so that I’ve devoted my career to them!”
What is your role with the Chicago Park District?
I've been with the Park District for 17 years and I am the Deputy General Counsel. I work on Public Finance and transactions for several departments including Purchasing, Revenue and Culture, and Arts and Nature. In other words, I draft a lot of contracts for various Park District programs. I love the work because it's fulfilling and never gets boring; there is always something new and exciting happening in the parks!
Will 2020 be your first marathon?
2020 will be marathon No. 15! It will be my tenth time running Chicago, but I've also run marathons in New York (NY City), Wisconsin (Green Bay), and Michigan (Grand Rapids and Traverse City).
Why are you running on behalf of Team ChiParks?
When I was a kid growing up in Michigan, I practically lived in the neighborhood parks and that helped to shape a lifelong love for nature and the outdoors. I think the parks are so important for keeping people healthy and active and providing an oasis of green in the middle of a busy city. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful parks and green space in Chicago. I've always been incredibly passionate about the parks - so much so that I've devoted my career to them!
What is your favorite park memory?
It's hard to limit it to just one! I think my favorite memory is of discovering the lakefront and its connecting parks when I first moved to Chicago. I spent hours riding my bike and rollerblading up and down the lakefront trail.
What are your tips for staying active during this “stay at home” time?
I run early in the morning before a lot of people are out, and I also do strength training and yoga workouts at home with DVDs or online videos. I'm also cooking and baking more than ever, so staying active is really important!