What started as a simple walk with friends has grown into a meaningful movement for local greenspaces. The Park to Park Stroll group is a community-driven initiative led by two friends, Paige Crane and Trish Cadwallader, who turned their love for walking Columbus parks into a creative way to give back. Twice a year, this ever-growing group gathers to walk across various city parks, raising funds to support tree planting through the Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation.
Their most recent walk raised an incredible $7,335 to plant trees in Nelson and Wolfe Parks, directly contributing to the City of Columbus’ Urban Forestry Master Plan and the mission to increase our tree canopy by 2050.
We asked Paige to tell us more about their journey, their “why,” and what inspires them to keep strolling and giving.
Q&A with the Park to Park Stroll Group
What inspired the creation of the Park to Park Stroll group, and how did walking Columbus parks become a part of your giving journey?
My good friend Trish and I had walked and hiked together often, and after completing the Great Saunter—a 32-mile walk around Manhattan—we were inspired to do something similar in Columbus. We imagined a route that passed through our city’s parks, and the idea of the “Park to Park Stroll” was born. What started as just the two of us grew into a group of about 40 walkers. Our first walk from Franklin Park to Schiller Park was a beautiful fall day in October 2022, and we asked for small donations to support planting trees in city parks.
Why was it important to your group to support tree planting and the expansion of the urban tree canopy in Columbus?
Planting trees is a long-term investment in our community’s health and beauty. Trees offer countless benefits—shade, clean air, habitat for wildlife, and mental respite for humans. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that what we plant today will benefit generations to come. The tree canopy has been in decline, so this felt like a small but meaningful way to make a difference.
What does it mean to you personally—and as a group—to support parks like Nelson and Wolfe through your fundraising efforts?
Many of us live in Bexley and walk in Wolfe and Franklin Parks daily. Seeing the loss of trees over the years—especially from the emerald ash borer—was disheartening. Being able to fill those gaps with new trees in our own neighborhood parks felt personal and powerful. We’ve also had trees planted in Hanford and Dodge Parks, and as long as the Park to Park walks continue, so will our support.
How does spending time in nature and walking in our parks connect you to the mission of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation?
Parks provide essential spaces for recreation, reflection, and connection. During the pandemic, we learned just how vital greenspace is for our well-being. Trees help parks thrive—and in turn, parks help people thrive. Supporting our parks through tree planting is a direct connection to CRP Foundation’s mission of wellness, nature, and community.
Why did you choose to donate to the Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation, and what impact do you hope your gift will have?
The parks are the heart of our strolls, connecting each step of the journey. We’ve walked through historic parks like Schiller and Goodale, and discovered hidden gems like Topiary Park and Social Justice Park. The trees we help plant add to the charm and sustainability of these spaces. As longtime residents, we love seeing Columbus grow—and we hope our contributions help build a greener, more beautiful city for all.
What would you say to others who are looking for simple ways to give back or support green spaces in their community?
If you want your city parks to thrive—invest in them! That can be through donations, planting flowers or trees, picking up litter, or simply spending time there. Every small action helps.
How has this experience brought your group closer together, and what do you envision for the future of the Park to Park strolls?
The group is inclusive and ever-evolving. Some have walked every time, others join when they can—but all leave with a deeper connection to the city and to each other. You notice new things when you’re walking. You laugh, talk, and share stories. We plan to keep hosting walks twice a year—spring and fall—for as long as we can. It brings us joy, and we hope it inspires others to step outside and do the same.
Interested in starting your own community giving walk or supporting Columbus parks?
Learn more about how you can get involved by contacting us here.