People Spotlight: Karen Sparks
Karen Sparks
Executive Director, Wesley Clover Parks
Karen Sparks is a dynamic community leader, accomplished equestrian, and passionate advocate for outdoor recreation, youth development, and philanthropy in Canada’s National Capital Region. A Forty Under 40 award recipient and recent graduate of the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program, she also holds a BA Honours in English and Psychology from Carleton University. For more than a decade, Karen has been shaping initiatives that strengthen community connection, economic vitality, and access to nature.
Since 2013, Karen has served as Executive Director of Wesley Clover Parks, the flagship project of the Wesley Clover Foundation. In this role, she oversees all operations, programming, and development of the site. Established in 2014 when the Foundation assumed operations of the former Nepean National Equestrian Park and Ottawa Municipal Campground, Wesley Clover Parks has grown into a vibrant, year-round destination. Under Karen’s leadership and vision, the Parks continue to evolve into a premier community and international hub, welcoming visitors, athletes, and families from across Canada and around the world for world-class equestrian sport, outdoor education, and all-season recreation.
Karen has been a Director of the Wesley Clover Foundation for over 10 years, supporting its mission to promote excellence in entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, and local community initiatives. Through both direct contributions and fundraising efforts tied to organizations such as the Brookstreet Hotel, Marshes Golf Club, and Kanata Research Park, the Foundation plays a meaningful role in strengthening the region’s social and economic fabric.
Her commitment to community leadership extends across numerous boards and organizations. Karen currently serves on the boards of Invest Ontario, where she chairs the Governance and HR Committee, as well as the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada, Kanata Research Park, Brookstreet Hotel, and the Marshes Golf Club. She previously served on the Board of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation from 2015 to 2021, including terms as Vice Chair, Chair, and Past Chair, where she helped lead a successful $30 million fundraising campaign and guided the organization through executive leadership transition.
A former international show jumper, Karen enjoys rock climbing and volleyball, and brings the same energy and dedication to her personal pursuits as she does to her professional and community work.
A mother of four, Karen is deeply rooted in the community she serves, bringing both personal and professional perspective to her work in building inclusive, vibrant spaces where people can connect, learn, and thrive.
“Strong communities are built when we invest in shared spaces, support one another, and create opportunities for people of all ages to connect, grow, and thrive together. As a mother of four, I have the privilege of watching my children grow up immersed in this community, and that experience fuels my commitment to creating places where families can connect with nature, build lasting memories, and feel a true sense of belonging — today and for generations to come.”
— Karen Sparks
