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Maire Estar has been a member of the Park Patrol since 2019. She credits her dog “Boo” with her involvement because of their daily walks on the trail.
“Becoming a more formal presence in the park seemed a natural fit. I wanted to meet people and become involved in the community,” says Maire.
Responsibilities of a Park Patrol member are varied. From picking up trash along the trail to reporting downed trees or a need for trail maintenance, community members become goodwill ambassadors between the city and the public.
A benefit of being on the Park Patrol is meeting new friends. “I talked to the widow of the person that started the MKT trail. She saw me walking my dog with my vest on. It was really nice to have her show her appreciation that we’re out there keeping an eye on the trail because it was near and dear to her husband.”
Maire also volunteers with Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) doing things like weeding, mulching, planting trees and bushes, and harvesting. She’s a trainer and volunteer for Heartfulness Meditation, a worldwide meditation where “you focus on the divine light in your heart and it opens up the divinity within.” She notes that it’s her connection with her true self that she loves about the meditation.”
Maire also likes to work with pastels. The walls of her home are in some places decorated by her own beautiful artwork, full of color and inspiring to see. Maire describes herself as a lifelong learner. “I’m always learning and always want to learn.”
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