La Fran D. Marks hopes to transform Jefferson County into a community connected through vibrant and universally accessible greenspaces.

Marks, the newly named superintendent of parks for the county, and Deputy Superintendent of Parks Amy Conyers are the newest members of the Jefferson County Greenways Commission, a group established last year to oversee Red Mountain Park, Ruffner Mountain and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Prior to 2023, the parks were run by separate non-profit boards, according to the Ruffner Mountain Park website.