Volunteer of the Month: John Goebel

By: Mal Atkinson, Resource Coordinator

John Goebel has a special love for Sandy Creek Park and his commitment to enriching the outdoor experiences to park visitors has been immense.

John’s role as a volunteer with Durham Parks and Recreation has been diverse. He has volunteered for over 7 years, most recently finishing a vast park improvement project at Sandy Creek Park. The project included installing pond levelers to combat flooding caused by beavers, an accessible sidewalk to the highest point in the park and developing a History Grove in memory of Larry Stogner. Additionally, John has managed several projects at Sandy Creek Park that have helped to make it a destination park in Durham, including the wetlands trail, the installation of milkweed and declaration of the park as a Monarch Wayfaring destination, the butterfly garden, and the swing. And if that wasn’t enough, John is also a vigorous fundraiser in support of Sandy Creek Park which has helped DPR attain national recognition of Sandy Creek Park as a bird watching hotspot.

DPR staff member Annette Smith shared her most memorable moment with John from the second Monarch Festival “the look of pure joy on John’s face as hundreds of children traversed the park in their butterfly wings.” Thank you, John for sharing your joy with so many others.

Thank you, John for Playing More with DPR!

Looking for a way to give back to your community? If you are interested in volunteering at an upcoming event or would like additional information regarding the volunteer opportunities available, please visit our website, email Mal Atkinson at DPRvolunteers@durhamnc.gov or call 919-560-4355.