Chris Lea
“I firmly believe that man has a natural connection to the land. Without it, we are nothing.”
To honor the late Charles Gresham, Trust for Public Land established the Gresham Challenge, with $1 million from his generous estate gift designated to inspire others to give. Keep reading to meet one of the first Legacy Partners to answer this call, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come.
What inspired you to take the Gresham Challenge?
While I was revising my will, I thought I should add Trust for Public Land as a recipient. When I heard about the Gresham Challenge it became a no-brainer. While I plan on giving regularly to Trust for Public Land, I have some satisfaction knowing that upon my death I will make a meaningful contribution to the organization.
What would you like to say to future generations about the importance of land and access to nature?
I think the pandemic has quickly shown younger generations the importance of open space, nature, and parks. Man needs a connection to land, whether a vast natural area for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, watersports, and so on, or a city park for adults and children to gather and unwind. I firmly believe that man has a natural connection to the land. Without it, we are nothing.
What’s one of your favorite memories in nature or your favorite park or on public land?
I have fond memories of a neighborhood park where I grew up, in Glenview, Illinois. My friends and I would ride our Sting Ray bicycles for the short ride to the park, just a few blocks away. There we would play for hours—riding the teeter-totters, slides, spinning each other around on the tilt-a-whirl until we couldn't stand straight, playing tag, and racing. In the winter, a portion of the park was flooded to create an ice rink. I was a terrible skater. I could barely stand without falling, but I loved to go. In afternoons and evenings, the little park house would serve as a gathering place for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other community organizations. And every July 4th, the neighborhood would hold its own parade, and all the kids would decorate their bikes in red, white, and blue. It was truly the meeting place for the neighborhood. As a child, I don't think I really appreciated the park as much as I do now. It was just a given that we had a place to play. I naively thought every kid had a place to play, but they don't, and they deserve to have a park just like I did. We all need a place to play, unwind and gather.
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