Jim and Vickie Wheatley are not shy about taking on a challenge. After raising a family and retiring from long careers in teaching and banking this couple sold their house and cars, learned to speak Spanish, joined the Peace Corps and moved to the Dominican Republic. But, during their first year, Jim became very sick from an E. coli infection. He couldn’t get the medical treatment he needed, so with great disappointment, they returned to Louisville.
Fortunately for the Olmsted Parks, they bought a new house in walking distance of Cherokee Park. Their frequent walks in the park led them to become dedicated park volunteers. Jim and Vickie have made a huge contribution to the parks by planting over 60 trees in the last few months. They like to work as a team by taking turns shoveling dirt out of the holes they dig for planting trees. In addition, Vickie is also in training to become a Park Steward which will allow her to take on a leadership role in the Olmsted Parks. In talking about their service Vickie says she views volunteering in the parks as, “Organized fun”, and Jim says, “People can’t take the Olmsted Parks for granted.”
Thank you Jim and Vickie for your dedication to keeping the Frederick Law Olmsted Parks healthy and green!
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