For the first time in more than a year, Friends of the Garden has an executive director.
Kathryn Wall takes over the nonprofit, bringing with her 15 years of experience across philanthropy, public health and journalism. She replaces Heather Parker, who resigned in April 2024.
“I am honored to join Friends of the Garden at an exciting time,” Wall said in a press release. “Springfield Botanical Gardens is such a cherished centerpiece of the Queen City — bringing people together through beauty, learning and environmental connection. I look forward to working with our dedicated volunteers, partners and community to expand our impact.”
In her new role, Wall will oversee all aspects of Friends of the Garden’s mission to inspire discovery, understanding and appreciation of nature by creating and maintaining features at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.
Flower beds abound in the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. (Photo: Sony Hocklander)
She’ll also work closely with Springfield-Greene County Park Board staff and community partners to ensure the park continues to serve as an accessible and inspiring destination for visitors, families, gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
“Friends of the Garden takes pride in being a key supportive organization for Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park — one of the premier destinations in our parks system,” Susie Turner, Friends of the Garden board president, said in a press release. “Kathryn brings a unique blend of operational strategy, community partnership and zeal that will be indispensable as we all work together to envision an even bigger and brighter future for the park.”
Formed in 1998, Friends of the Garden supports the Springfield Botanical Gardens through fundraising, volunteer-driven garden enhancement, educational events and public outreach. Its work enhances the visitor experience and promotes community appreciation for horticulture and nature stewardship.
To learn more about Friends of the Garden, visit the organization’s website or call (417) 874-2952.
Jeff Kessinger
Jeff Kessinger is the Reader Engagement Editor for the Springfield Daily Citizen, and the voice of its daily newsletter SGF A.M. He covered sports in southwest Missouri for the better part of 20 years, from young athletes to the pros. The Springfield native and Missouri State University alumnus is thrilled to be doing journalism in the Queen City, helping connect the community with important information. He and wife Jamie daily try to keep a tent on the circus that is a blended family of five kids and three cats. More by Jeff Kessinger