Community spotlight: Sara Shookman

Lindsay Smith, Marketing & Public Relations Manager

Northeast Ohio residents will recognize Sara Shookman from her role as an anchor for WKYC 3 News’ Front Row and What’s Next evening news shows. A Summit County native and graduate of Manchester Local Schools, Shookman is also a longtime visitor to Summit Metro Parks.

From a young age, Shookman knew she wanted to be a reporter. During summers while attending Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, she interned locally at 91.3 The Summit and WKYC’s Akron-Canton Bureau. After graduation, Shookman spent three years working at the CBS affiliate in Knoxville, Tennessee before returning to Northeast Ohio in 2012 as a reporter and anchor for 3 News.

Growing up in the Portage Lakes area, Shookman has always enjoyed being outdoors and on the water. Shookman, who earned her first Fall Hiking Spree shield at age 10, said the spree is a family tradition.

“Once boating season was over, you could find our family in the Metro Parks on a hike. Sometimes we’d do a few in one lovely fall day. The four of us would go out, or sometimes join family friends and explore the trails. Since I’ve moved back, my mom, sister and I try to keep the tradition,” said Shookman. She appreciates that the Fall Hiking Spree provides an extra incentive to spend time outdoors — especially since Northeast Ohio weather can be challenging. “Having a goal to hit, or special programming I want to take advantage of, helps me get going,” she added.

Shookman feels lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world, surrounded by green spaces. “Summit Metro Parks maintains these spaces, keeps them clean and safe to get outside and explore. I hope people see the parks as a four-season adventure. I have memories climbing Deep Lock Quarry, biking the Towpath Trail and cross-country skiing at Firestone and other parks in the winter,” she shared.

As a new mom, she is eager to get the stroller out on the trail: “I hope you’ll wave and say hello!”

For more great stories like this, check out Green Islands Magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks. Summit County residents can sign up to receive the publication at home free of charge.