Durham Central Park, the five-acre downtown Durham oasis on Foster Street that helped launch the revitalization of a neighborhood that bears its name, has hired a new Executive Director: Erin Kauffman. Kauffman is a familiar face at Durham Central Park, as a former DCP board member and Durham Farmers’ Market long-time Market Manager.
Durham Central Park’s former Executive Director, Ann Alexander, is retiring after six years of service but will serve on the board of directors. “I am thrilled that Erin Kauffman will be the new Executive Director for DCP. Her experience as the manager of the Durham Farmers’ Market and her enthusiasm for DCP in general make her a perfect choice for the job. I look forward to working with Erin in my position as a DCP board member in the years to come. DCP is lucky to have her on board” says Alexander.
Kauffman, a resident of Durham, grew up in small town Maryland. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geology from Guilford College. “I would like to see Durham Central Park to flourish as a destination for all the residents of Durham and beyond” says Kauffman. “I see this job as an opportunity to build a sense of community through hosting great events and to encourage people to feel a sense of ownership of the park.” She’s already hit the ground running by arranging Pavilion rentals and preparing for the upcoming events at the Park including the Father’s Day Food Truck Rodeo, the Children’s Independence Day Parade, and the Warehouse Blues Series.
Durham Central Park is a city park, developed and maintained by Durham Central Park, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization.