Steve Timmer

A Legacy Rooted in Community — Steve and Linda Timmer

Steve Timmer has spent his life making sure Hamilton residents have access to the outdoors—and he’s not done yet.

Now retired from his role leading the Hamilton Parks Conservancy, Steve—along with his wife, Linda—continues to give back to the city he loves by partnering with the Community Foundation to support causes that matter to their family. A member of our Legacy Society, a donor advised fund holder, and an active user of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), Steve exemplifies what it means to build a lasting legacy through giving.

One of the most visible tributes to Steve’s dedication is the newly completed Steve Timmer Park in Hamilton—a green space in a neighborhood that, until recently, had none. Previously considered a "park desert," the area on Gordon Smith Boulevard lacked safe and accessible public space. Steve worked tirelessly to change that, even securing the land through donation to the Conservancy.

His vision that every resident should live within a 10-minute walk of a park helped transform the city’s approach to green space. Today, nearly 75% of Hamiltonians live within that distance, thanks in no small part to his leadership.

The Foundation was proud to award a $100,000 grant toward this transformational project and is even prouder to walk alongside Steve and Linda as they continue supporting the next generation of local changemakers.

Steve’s story is one of vision, generosity, and deep-rooted love for his community. His legacy grows not only in parks and places—but in people.