CPRA Byline - Summer 2022

O F F I C I A L

P U B L I C AT I O N

O F

Leadership Development Issue

C O L O R A D O

• 2022 Leadership Survey • Growing Your Career • Employee Recruitment & Retention • Parks and Recreation Views SPONSORED BY

PA R K S

&

R E C R E AT I O N

A S S O C I AT I O N

cpra-web.org | Summer 2022

Managing Fire Mitigation & Drought Concerns

ALSO INSIDE: • BAND TOGETHER COMPETITION • CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT • GOCO SPOTLIGHT

2022 CPRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE PREVIEW INSIDE!

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Bobcat ® and the Bobcat logo are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. ©2022 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION PO BOX 1037 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034 [P] 303-231-0943 [F] 303-237-9750 cpra@cpra-web.org www.cpra-web.org Allison Kincaid Executive Director allisonk@cpra-web.org Ashley Perillo Professional Development Program Manager ashleyp@cpra-web.org

26 8

4 Member Spotlight: Karen Palus

By Anna White, Kim King and Britt Haley

Jillian Strogis Membership & Communications Coordinator jillians@cpra-web.org

4 Industry Spotlight: GOCO 5

Agency Briefs

6 GOCO

By Diane Metzger

8-9 10

2022 Conference Preview

10

Band Together Competition

13-15 2022 Leadership Survey

18-19 Growing Your Career

By Dean Campos

22

SECRETARY/TREASURER Sean VonRoenn ERBM Recreation and Park District seanv@ERBMrec.com

22-23 CU Denver School of

Public Affairs

By Ellen Patterson

AT-LARGE Chad Redin City of Commerce City credin@c3gov.com

24-25 Caring for the Environment

By Andrew McDonald 26-27 The Sounds of Music

in Thornton

By Michael Freyta

31

Marketplace

PRESIDENT Hillary Roemersberger Apex Park & Recreation District hillaryr@apexprd.org PRESIDENT-ELECT Clay Shuck City and County of Broomfield cshuck@broomfield.org

20 Parks and Recreation Can

Have Different Views

By Amanda Cesar

28-30 Preventing Disaster

By Colorado State Forest Service

Colorado Byline is the official member magazine of CPRA, Colorado Parks & Recreation Association. CPRA is a dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.

2021-22 CPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

16-17 Employee Recruitment & Retention

By Patrick Hammer

Rachel Hungerbuhler Professional Development Program Coordinator rachelh@cpra-web.org

2021-22 CPRA ADVISORY COUNCIL AAPS Amy Hodge Eaton Parks & Recreation District amyhodge@eaprd.com AQUATICS Bryan Gentilini Town of Parker bgentilini@parkeronline.org CARA Nicole Reeves Widefield Parks & Recreation District reevesn@wsd3.org DIRECTORS Janna Hansen Town of Crested Butte jhansen@crestedbutte-co.gov FACILITY MANAGEMENT Shaun Jones South Suburban Parks & Recreation District sjones@ssprd.org FITNESS Michelle Stout Apex Parks & Recreation District michelles@apexprd.org PARKS Ryan Jensen City and County of Broomfield rjensen@broomfield.org PLAaY Kelly Rathbun City of Loveland kelly.rathbun@cityofloveland.org TRSC Kristina Cripe Developmental Disabilities Resource Center kristina.cripe@ddrcco.com

BYLINE, ONLINE & EMAIL ADVERTISING: Todd Pernsteiner, Publisher Pernsteiner Creative Group 952-841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com www.pernsteiner.com

AT-LARGE Mark Snow, CPRE, CTRS City of Colorado Springs mark.snow@coloradosprings.gov

24

UPCOMING BYLINE DEADLINES Fall 2022 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: August 15, 2022 | Mails: October 2022 Winter 2023 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: January 15, 2023 | Mails: February 2023 Spring 2023 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: March 15, 2023 | Mails: April 2023 Summer 2023 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: June 15, 2023 | Mails: August 2023

Learn more about advertising at www.bit.ly/CPRA2022.

AT-LARGE Kit Newland City of Lakewood kitnew@lakewood.org AT-LARGE Susie Anderson Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation sanderson@ci.wheatridge.co.us

Colorado Byline is the quarterly publication of Colorado Parks & Recreation Association (CPRA) and is provided as a benefit to members. Submit your article to www. cpra-web.org/page/bylinearticlesub under publication resources. Submissions are edited and published as space allows. Letters to the editor, suggestions, comments and encouragement are welcome. Expressed opinions and statements in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinions of the CPRA board of directors or its membership.

GO DIGITAL View this issue online at cpra-web.org/page/byline.

Keep up on all things CPRA via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Mission: Promote the parks and recreation profession and its growth throughout the State of Colorado.

Vision: A dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 3

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Karen Palus

By Anna White, Kim King and Britt Haley, Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services

Karen Palus served as the director of the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department for 10 years. She recently left her position to put her full focus on family in both Colorado and Florida. During her tenure with the City of Colorado Springs, she effectively led a diverse department that features 200 park facilities, 17,000 acres of open space, and 150 miles of urban trails, as well as unique Colorado heritage amenities like the internationally renowned Garden of the Gods Park, which attracts more than 4 million visitors each year.

Karen’s legacy accomplishment was the completion of the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center in 2021. The $60+ million, 26,000-squarefoot facility is highly sustainable, resilient and emphasizes the spectacular beauty of the region.

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is a top tourist attraction in Colorado with more than 750,000 people reaching the 14,115-foot summit annually.

Additionally, Karen implemented a new park system master plan, opened the city’s first new community park in over decade, completed a departmental economic benefits study, increased visitation across all park attractions, addressed equity through regional collaborative efforts, and helped the department achieve national accreditation. Her efforts in spurring the largest neighborhood park redevelopment project in the city’s history will be realized when Panorama Park opens in August 2022.

Karen led with insight and motivation, serving to inspire her team, and building on the vision of advancing Colorado Springs as an outdoor mecca prized for its outstanding natural and cultural resources. Thanks to her commitment and passion, residents and visitors alike will benefit from Karen’s efforts for generations to come.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a statewide organization that invests up to half of Colorado Lottery proceeds in conservation and recreation projects.

GOCO funding helps build parks and trails, protect wildlife and open space, restore and care for the great outdoors, support our state park system, and create more equitable access to the outdoors.

In 1990, Governor Roy Romer and Department of Natural Resources Director Ken Salazar formed a citizens committee to answer one question: What should we do to sustain and enhance our outdoor resources for the future? After an extensive public process, the committee proposed

establishing a trust fund to invest in the future of Colorado’s outdoors. The initiative was placed on the ballot and on Nov. 3, 1992 was approved with 58% of voters in favor. GOCO was born!

Since its creation, GOCO has invested more than $1.4 billion in more than 5,500 projects in all 64 counties of Colorado. In recent years GOCO has invested in the creation of Fishers Peak State Park, expansion of the Peaks to Plains Trail, upcoming restoration of the iconic Hanging Lake Trail, and more. GOCO also launched Generation

Since its creation, GOCO has invested more than $1.4 billion in more than 5,500 projects in all 64 counties of Colorado.

4 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

Wild, the statewide movement breaking down barriers to the outdoors and getting kids and families outside more often.

GOCO is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year alongside an amazing network of statewide partners, including you – Colorado’s awesome park and recreation community. Learn more at GOCO.org.

KEEPING UP - AGENCY BRIEFS

Longmont Adds Staff

Colorado State Outdoor Recreation Grant Open The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) is pleased to announce the opening of the Colorado State Outdoor Recreation Grant program on June 1. OREC will be accepting applications for roughly $4 million in competitive funding for projects related to economic development and recovery in the outdoor recreation sector. Eligible entities include government bodies, nonprofits, colleges/universities, economic development organizations and Indian Tribes. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with quarterly review deadlines of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year through 2025 or until all funding is allocated.

Learn more at www.bit.ly/ORECgrantsopen.

Several Parks and Recreation professionals have recently joined Longmont Recreation. (L-R) Sara Heisdorffer, Molli Jorgensen, Jessica Magley (Aquatics Coordinators), Jes Jolly (Recreation Supervisor), Phil Henry (Aquatic Technician).

If you have an agency brief for a future Byline issue, please email Jillian Strogis at jillians@cpra-web.org.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 5

More than $1.4 invested in

5,500+ Projects

By Diane Metzger, Communications Manager, GOCO

More than $1.4 billion invested in over 5,500 projects led by partners in all 64 counties of Colorado. Now that’s a whole lot to celebrate as Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) turns 30 this year.

Since its creation by voters in 1992, GOCO has directed a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to parks, trails, open spaces, and outdoor access initiatives that protect and enhance the resources that Coloradans hold dear. But it’s the people – the communities – that deserve the most recognition for their vision, collaboration, and perseverance that bring these projects to fruition.

Look no further than Leadville, Colorado for inspiration. In 2021, 9-year-old Olive Mudge and fellow residents collected pledges from family, friends, and

Huck Finn Bike Park, Leadville

6 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

neighbors as part efforts with a $150,000 grant of the town’s now to Lake County to upgrade its annual Pedal for the pump track.

Park bike-a-thon Here’s to 30 years more! where they would Looking ahead, GOCO is ride as many laps excited to support the projects as they could in 8 you’re dreaming up in your hours to support communities. GOCO offers Huck Finn Bike competitive grant programs Park. In Olive’s for outdoor recreation, land case, in addition to conservation, and stewardship collecting pledges projects in Colorado. Aligned and even hosting a with GOCO’s 2020 strategic Olive (left) and Arlo Mudge local trivia night to plan, regional officers are generate donations, now located across the state she accomplished something big: a 24to support you with any questions you mile bike ride at the event, the longest of may have and guide you through the her life. The community came together to application process. Learn more and get raise an incredible $46,000 to support the in touch at GOCO.org. park. GOCO was proud to bolster these

Like print, but better.

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You don’t have to be a computer programmer to use Issuu. The platform hosts a number of valuable, userfriendly features that can help you quickly and effectively distribute content via an innovative flipbook.

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Custom stories are more important than ever and can be a great way to get your content noticed. Repurpose publication content for all your social channels. Issuu’s visual story and article story features can help you increase engagement through visually appealing, motion-graphic stories for Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.

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Drive web traffic with active links

Embed brochures, branding and external websites (like your park and recreation home page) directly into your publication. It’s a useful way to cultivate a broader audience as well as generate interest in your department’s offerings.

4

Embed videos into your flipbooks

Embedding YouTube and Vimeo videos directly into your flipbook is a great way to boost engagement and deliver a multimedia experience.

Videos help readers interact with your content and propels them to learn more about programs.

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Once you’ve launched and sharer your content, check out your dashboard for up-to-date information on impressions, reads, read-time, clicks and more. Unlike traditional printed publications, Issuu’s digital statistics feature allows you to track real-time data and properly evaluate the overall effectiveness of your marketing strategy. You’ll gain beneficial insight into your publication’s audience.

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Colorado Byline | Summer Colorado 2022 Byline • 7 | Summer 2022 • 7

October 5-7 Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center Breckenridge

Opening Keynote

Closing Keynote

Jean Marie DiGiovanna Wednesday, October 5

Brad Montgomery Friday, October 7

How to Become a Renaissance Leader in the Age of Disruption

Embrace Your Awesomeness

Our workplaces shifted overnight...and so did our lives. It’s human nature to want to go back to how things were, but if we keep looking back, we miss out on one of the greatest opportunities that lay in front of us today — The opportunity to create a new future NOW. We are in a time of “rebirth”. These times demand a new way of thinking and leading. These times call for “Renaissance Leadership”.

Jean Marie, International speaker, author and executive coach will energize your mind and heart as she shares the vital skill-set needed in this age of rapid change to expand your thinking, manage change with grace and harness the power of Renaissance Leadership.

In this interactive session, get ready to: • Discover the #1 Skill Renaissance Leaders possess and why it is critical to your organization’s success.

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• Learn the five Renaissance Leadership Principles that will shift the way your leaders inspire, motivate and innovate. www.jeanmariespeaks.com

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In this program, motivational keynote speaker Brad doesn’t motivate them…he simply helps to remove some of the factors that prevent them from motivating themselves. We all have amazing surprises within us.

Brad helps us to let them out to share with the world.

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8 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

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For trip ideas, go to Breckenridge Tourism’s website at www.gobreck.com.

Rafting near Breckenridge is the best way to see miles of natural landscapes. Go to www.gobreck.com for details.

Tour the Country Boy Mine, pan for gold, and explore private trails! Learn more at www.countryboymine.com.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 9

BAND TOGETHER - YOUR DISTANCE MATTERS!

Colorado Parks and Recreation Association | September 1 - 30, 2022

CALLING ALL AGENCIES! Get your band together for a friendly competition between CPRA members!

Your distance matters as you race along the road to Conference 2022.

Teams of 25 will compete by running, walking, hiking, biking, or swimming the most miles from September 1st to September 30th.

Awesome prizes and bragging rights await brave teams who take on the challenge. Who will rock out the most miles!?

GET STARTED Register Your Team

$50 registration fee for each team of 25, unlimited teams per agency!

Start Recruiting

Once on the leaderboard, CPRA will provide you with all the necessary materials to recruit your team.

Fundraise & Compete!

Encourage your community to stay active daily to earn points for your team and achieve your fundraising goal!

RUN OR WALK

BIKE

SWIM

WALK

ROLL

#DonateYourHustle #BandTogetherCPRA 10 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

REGISTER MY TEAM

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Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 11

Secrets to Developing Great Park & Rec Leaders Introduction by Allison Kincaid, Executive Director, Colorado Parks & Recreation Association

“We all need people who will give us feedback.

That’s how we improve.”

- Bill Gates

If we all take a moment to reflect on what makes a great leader, particularly in the Parks & Recreation Industry, odds are good that each of us has our own idea based on experiences with mentors and leaders that have helped to shape our careers and inspire us to do our best work. At this strange time after a wild ride of pandemic shut downs, economic uncertainty, supply chain issues, challenges in hiring staff, and on and on, we wanted to focus not on the barriers to our work, but on you, the professionals that continue to lead the way for your communities in spite of these challenges.

We hope you’ll enjoy the featured articles and that each of you finds a ‘nugget’ of inspiration to enhance your own leadership skills!

SECTION SPONSORED BY

Employee Recruitment & Retention...........................p.16-17 Growing Your Career........................................... p.18-19 Parks and Recreation Views.....................................................p.20 CU Denver Helps You Learn and Grow...................p.22-23

12 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

We sent a survey to CPRA members this summer inviting them to share their leadership wisdom.

We asked for great advice you’ve gathered throughout your career and if you wanted to pass on words of wisdom to new professionals. We also inquired about awesome mentors you might want to recognize. Here are the results.

What are the top 2-3 things you learned from your Parks & Rec mentor?

Response #1

Response #5

Response #8

Response #12

Patience To truly listen Don’t answer in haste.

Take time if needed.

Be patient, stay focused, do a good job and people will take notice.

A different view point It’s ok to not know Listening and being open

Response #6 Be early no matter what position you hold.

Stay focused while taking care of the entities business.

Care, about yourself, your staff, your entity.

Response #9

Response #2

How to consider competing perspectives How to handle, think through, and prepare for difficult scenarios Higher level, proven solutions to typical workplace scenarios

How to be a better leader How to be more outspoken How to teach classes and fun ideas

Response #3 How to be a better leader How to be more outspoken How to teach classes and fun ideas

Response #4 Ethics Positivity Quality

Response #7 Disagreements can very much have a positive end result.

Constantly share the organizational vision with the team.

Perservence is everything, your time will come Always make time for your people How to teach classes and fun ideas

Response #10 Assume good intentions Listen first Contempt prior to investigation is never a good thing.

Response #11 Say yes Don’t give up Follow your gut

Response #13 How to delegate Time management Interdepartmental communication

Response #14 Get involved with your CPRA sections!

Don’t try and recreate the wheel. Ask another professional for guidance or documents.

“Be patient, stay focused, do a good job and people will take notice.”

Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 13

What are the top 2-3 leadership skills you find to be most valuable in 2022?

Response #1

Response #4

Response #9

Response #12

Learning to be adaptable and everything is fluid Know every position so you can fill in if needed Tomorrow is a new day and today’s issues are in the past.

Communication Integrity Learning

The younger people coming into the workforce seem to need more communication.

More details about what is expected of them. More guidance than I expected at this stage in my career.

Be honest with the good and the bad, don’t expect staff to respect you if you are not honest.

I try to guide staff to work to live rather than live to work.

Hold tough conversations with employees Keep producing in hybrid envoronment How to be an advocate

Response #2 Being innovative Speaking up Asking for help

Response #3 Active listening Flexibility with staff’s time and schedules Assuming positive intent

Response #5 Flexibility Empathy

Response #6 Empathy Active listening Stragetic thinking

Response #7 Accountability Support – being there Understanding

Response #8 Active listening Empathy Decisiveness

Response #10 Patient compassion Pivot when you need to Go with the flow

Response #13 Collaborate Be present Be passionate

Response #14 Listening with empathy How to be flexible in all situations Making time and showing up

Response #11 Change management Leadership development Critical thinking

Anytown Parks & Rec

Join us at Bluebird Park tomorrow at 3:00 pm for the Annual Kite Festival.

My kids are excited! See you at the park.

Your partner in getting people to the park Visit us at the 2022 CPRA Conference 14 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

www.pidj.co

What advice from early in your career has stuck with you the most?

Response #1

Response #3

Response #6

Response #9

Everyone has a different point of view and by listening to what everyone has to say, helps paint the whole picture and you can better resolve an issue, or have a better way of doing something.

Work as if someone is watching every minute.

Don’t take things too seriously – unless warranted.

Stay curious.

Response #4

Response #7

Active listening is a must.

Learn the “flavor” of your community. People have expectations and you can either overwhelm them with your way or work with them for the betterment of the community.

Never let bad stuff roll down hill to your people. It’s OK to take it up the chain, but not down.

Response #2 Learn how to have tough conversations with staff.

Lead by example.

Response #5

Response #10 Response #11 Staff are the most important piece of being successful.

Response #8

Response #12

Clean you desk at the end of the day and organize tomorrow’s tasks.

Stay out of the work drama!

Accept feedback and learn from it.

What advice would you like to give to new P&R professionals now?

Response #1

Response #4

Response #7

Response #10

Never rush into anything.

Learning to be empathetic and open minded has a far better success rate.

Keep learning everyday, every year. Your journey should never end.

Be adaptable in the times of change. Never say that’s the way we have always done it!

Response #2

You have work to do, do it to the best of your ability.

Be humble, think things through and use some common sense.

Take your time to be open to seeing, learning, and doing things outside your comfort zone to grow yourself. Find your “team” - to support you as you take these risks/ leaps.

Find someone you look up to.

I am still in contact with my mentor and you can never stop learning! Surround yourself with positive people in your workplace.

Response #3 Success doesn’t happen overnight. The professionals you look up to or work for, who are leading and making decisions, started where you are at now.

Response #5

Response #6 When starting in a new role, take things slow. Don’t start changing things right away. Be patient and focus on building relationships with direct reports, peers, supervisors, and others.

Response #8 Build coalitions, advocate, treat everyone with respect.

Response #9 Work hard and don’t give up. If you have dreams, know that they will be achieved if you persevere and stay true to the cause of bettering your community, organization, and team. Your time will come, don’t give up, it’s worth the effort and it is all part of the journey.

Response #11 You don’t have all the answers that you think you do - go find someone that’s already walked the path and learn from them!

Response #12 Work hard, pay attention, learn to value all types of people.

Response #12 Get involved with your section and ask questions.

Learn from those who have been involved in P&R for years and years.

“Success doesn’t happen overnight. The professionals you look up to or work for, who are leading and making decisions, started where you are at now.”

Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 15

Employee Recruitment & Retention

By Patrick Hammer, Director of Parks and Recreation, Town of Erie

Certain buzz words have crept into our collective vocabulary over the last few years. Pandemic, cohorts, mandate, remote work, zoom, supply chain, and inflation have become staples in everyday conversation. As we move out of the pandemic era into whatever the future has in store for us next, I think we can safely add the words employee recruitment and retention to the vocabulary list. A week doesn’t go by when we don’t hear about the struggles to hire and/or retain qualified staff to provide basic levels of service.

Whether or not you believe or even

fully understand the reasoning behind the shortage in labor, which I do not, the impacts are continuing to be felt throughout our communities.

as parks and recreation organizations navigated the changing conditions of the pandemic. Employee recruitment and retention warrants a similar effort.

So from where we all sit today as dedicated industry professionals, what can be done to address this rather large and stubborn elephant in the corner of the room? As the old adage suggests, take one step at a time. Start small and dedicate bandwidth to facing head-on the issue at hand. Follow this by creating a manageable game plan that starts to move the needle towards success.

This mindset was used successfully

Erie Parks and Recreation began seeing significant changes in our applicant pools and employee retention rates shortly after the initial wave of the pandemic, and unfortunately the trend continued into 2021. Job postings that would typically attract 20-30 applicants dropped to 5-10, and we were seeing pockets of full-time positions turn over, especially in the areas of guest services and parks maintenance. There was a

Whether or not you believe or even fully understand the reasoning behind the shortage in labor, which I do not, the impacts are continuing to be felt throughout our communities.

Architectural Architectural dog dog park park products products

ARCHITECTURAL

DOG PARK PRODUCTS 16 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

DOG DOGWASH WASHTUBS TUBS

FUNPRODUCTS PRODUCTS FUN

AGILITY AGILITYITEMS ITEMS

tangible shift in how people were feeling about work. In an attempt to keep up, staff drafted a quick plan and committed to the following action items: • Conducted

employee satisfaction surveys – collected anonymous employee feedback regarding work experience and needs. Identified measurable areas for improvement which was added to annual work plan and added fringe benefits for parttime staff.

• Commitment

to the little things – provided extra staff hoodies and bucket hats, popsicles, consistent snacks in the breakroom, cases of hydration drinks, thank you notes, surprise lunches, listening sessions, etc. for employees.

• Analyzed

all part and full time job descriptions – rewrote job descriptions that had become outdated based on new working conditions and included employees in the rewriting process. wage benchmarking for all positions – benchmarked stagnant pay scales and adjusted pay to meet the new working and market conditions. Committed to benchmarking every three years to include non-government competition.

employee on-boarding led by leadership staff, and committed to more staff gatherings.

It may be premature to determine if the actions above will produce lasting results, but nearly two years on the indications look promising. Internal employee feedback is positive, applicant pools remain strong and positions are filled. There’s no crystal ball to predict what types of changes lurk around the corner, but we can begin to accept that for the foreseeable future change is going to be a constant. No plan is perfect, no one solution fits all, and each respective organization has to make decisions that best fit their needs. What isn’t effective is not being able to quickly address and act upon the ever-changing industry we work in.

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Growing Your Career

By Alison Rhodes, Director, City of Boulder Parks and Recreation and Dean Campos, Parks and Recreation Manager, Town of Wellington

PART 1 Alison’s Input So you have found yourself a job in a parks and recreation agency – congratulations!

If you are like most folks who work in public service, you’re here because working to make the community better aligns with your personal values. And, like most folks, you are probably going to be happiest longest if you are learning.

So, how do you support your own professional development? Here are some easy, not earth shattering tips to grow in your career.

18 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

1. Start by knowing your professional development goal Identify your overall career goal It always helps to know where you’re going before you start any journey.

The goal does not have to be a specific position, e.g. “I want to be a Director” – it could be that you want to be performing new roles, e.g. “I want to be a people leader”. If you have no idea, think about what you like and don’t like to do and look for a job that optimizes the good and minimizes the bad.

Know your strengths: Knowing what you’re good at helps you know what jobs a good fit for you and the types of people you should seek to work with to compliment your skills (and is also helpful for avoiding imposter syndrome).

Know where you need to grow If there is a job you want or even in your current role, it is helpful to identify any skills or competency gaps – these can drive your development actions.

2. Ways to grow and achieve your goal Formal Mentorship CPRA, the academy and even some organizations have mentorship programs. I have found success in just asking people I admire if they have time for coffee with me and keeping a running list of topics or questions to discuss with them when we meet informally. I’ve also participated in NRPA/AAPRA’s mentorship program and truly enjoy meeting talented professionals from all over the country – and what is really great is that this

If you are unsure on a career path within the parks and recreation industry, I have always encouraged the mentees I have mentored to try different positions and experiences to figure out what they like. This strategy is helpful because you find out quickly what you can tolerate, and what you love. investment is also driving some great recruitment for our department.

On the job growth: The keystone to career advancement is rocking the job you’re in. When you have that under control, signing up to support a department team can provide you perspective on other elements of operations, learn new jobs, and meet new teammates. In Boulder, we’ve used teams to drive our learning and growth strategies, develop our service delivery model and complete ADA audits – these have gone quiet the past two years and I’m eager to bring them back for our teammates’ development.

Formal Learning Sometimes the best way to learn is through formal teachingCertified Public Manager program CPM programs offer public sector professionals an opportunity to “develop and improve management and leadership skills” with coursework in crisis management, public engagement, strategic planning, and more – this nationally recognized certificate can provide learning and credibility. CU-Denver’s program is the only program in Colorado and they have partnered with CPRA so that the association benefits from parks and recreation professionals participation – win/win!

Parks & Recreation Emerging Professionals Program Delivered by CU-Denver in partnership with GP RED, this program is geared for folks looking to grow in parks and recreation leadership. The PREPP is ideal for those needing an “introduction to executive-level competencies needed to move up”.

Conferences and Certifications can also provide technical skill and networking to support growth.

PART 2 - Dean’s Input As a professional in the Park and Recreation industry, one of the most important action steps you can take to elevate your career is to identify your professional goals.

love. The strategy is a lot like dating. I think there is also value in seeking out mentors when navigating through your professional development. These individuals provide an unbiased opinion and will guide you when facing challenges.

This becomes super helpful because, usually these types of people are truly interested in your growth and overall well-being.

In terms of seeking out these individuals, it’s all about doing your research and seeking out those professionals who exemplify those leadership qualities you seek, are successful in their career, are intelligent, and most important; bring a unique perspective to the table which will ultimately help you grow.

After your research, just ask! Ask that professional to grab a cup of coffee or a phone call to learn from their journey. You’d be surprised how willing most leaders open to helping. I truly believe that most of these professionals want to help support your growth and will not only make time for you, but also provide guidance when needed, especially in tough times.

At the end of the day, know that you own your career and growth is dependent on you. You are in the driver seat and can move forward and learn in any situation.

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In my own career I have found value in seeking out necessary experience to gain the knowledge base to progress to the next level within my journey. I have been in different organizations intentionally, to not only help the entity become better; but also learn from my experiences.

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Parks and Recreation Can Have Different Views

By Amanda Cesar, CPRP, CYSA, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, Pueblo County Parks and Recreation

Many people say they are “Parks and Recreation Kids.” This term has been used so much that it has been adopted by the National Parks and Recreation Association. I truly was the Parks and Recreation kid and definitely lived the Parks and Recreation life.

Parks and Recreation Department in Pueblo. I applied for a Recreation Supervisor position. I was one of the top two candidates and finally received the job offer in April of 2017. In this position, I not only used my recreation experience from my youth, but I incorporated the outdoor recreation experience from my adult life. It was a merger of my two worlds of parks and recreation together.

While working with the City of Pueblo, I supervised sports programs, recreation facility buildings, movies in the park program, concession stands, the city’s regionally recognized “kiddie rides” amusement facility, and coordinated several special events.

When I was born, my father was a Parks and Recreation director. Even as a baby, I would go with him to youth sporting events where I would be in a backpack on his back. I remember sleeping under his desk when he would work late or school vacations. I would help him scout future trails on weekends, basketball score keeping, helped at the local pool and so much more. His team has always been like my extended family.

When it came time to choose a career, I struggled. To no surprise to anyone, I loved Parks and Recreation, but I didn’t want to follow in my father’s footsteps.

I wanted to do my own thing. I sought a job with the local state park. When it came time for college, I finally enrolled for a bachelor’s in Recreation after changing my major three times. At work or school, I simply introduced myself as Amanda, never to use my last name. I did not want to be referred to as my father’s daughter.

This action changed my direction in the Parks and Recreation Field and put me on a different path then the standard parks and recreation professional.

Within a year of graduating from college, I had already worked almost seven seasonal years with Colorado State Parks (now Colorado Parks and Wildlife). As a seasonal ranger, I worked in campgrounds, boat patrol, and special events. I was hired full-time within a year following my graduation. Through my 11 years with CPW, I was stationed at two of the crown jewel parks in the

20 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2020

Top: Amanda (right) as a ranger and her father; Bottom: Amanda and her father today

state, Mueller State Park and Lake Pueblo State Park. This path led me to my different opportunities. I attended the police academy and received my POST certificate. I received my national certification in interpretive guide, national certified kayak instructor, state trail building certification, snowmobiling certification, and ATV certification. I had the great opportunity to be trained among the best in the parks system. I presented ranger talks, educational programs for schools, and assisted in leading major events. In addition, I organized and managed the successful volunteer program and trail building projects.

In 2016, I decide to go back to my roots and started to look for a job at the local

The trend for many organizations is “Get children outside.” This opens the doors for great new opportunities in the Parks and Recreation industry; kayaking, fishing derbies/clinics, nature hikes, bicycling clinics, archery ranges, and expanding trail opportunities. My knowledge of the law has enhance writing the parks and recreation code, developing park enforcement, and security within the facilities and parks.

Having experience at large-scale state parks that exceed one million visitors per year, and offer water-based, hiking/ biking, open space, nature and wildlife activities has provided me a background to integrate these activities into a more urbanized environment with municipal and county park and recreation departments.

In both settings, one of the most important factors is developing a strong team to work together to provide quality programs, safe and inviting recreation facilities, along with an exciting and inviting environment for visitors and participants.

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CU Denver School of Public Affairs Helps You Learn and Grow as a Parks and Recreation Professional

By Ellen Patterson, External Programs & Partnerships Coordinator, School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado

The CU Denver School of Public Affairs (SPA) has been a strong supporter of continuing education for parks and recreation professionals for many years.

Three programs are currently open for applications and cater to professionals at different points in their career. We hope you’ll join us and pass this information along to colleagues and others in your networks.

22 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

The Parks and Recreation Emerging Professionals Program (PREPP) is an online learning program designed for newer parks and recreation staff or those who haven’t had access to formal parks and recreation education. It’s geared toward people who aspire to be in supervisory and management positions and is run in a cohort model to build strong networks among participants.

Live, virtual sessions are held once-a-

week, in the evenings, to accommodate busy professionals across the U.S. There are 12, 3-week courses covering topics such as organizational structure and governance, equity, finance, program planning and evaluation, facilities/parks planning and management, human resources, and communication. Students develop portfolios of their learning and complete a final project. A new cohort starts this Fall.

As the top-ranked public administration school in Colorado and with a new, campus-wide commitment to professional education, you’ll want to keep an eye on the improvements and new opportunities at CU Denver.

The Colorado Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program offers early and mid-career public sector professionals an opportunity to develop and improve their management and leadership skills, while earning a nationallyrecognized, professional certificate. The program consists of 6, 2-day courses plus a student-developed capstone project.

Attendees come from all levels and areas of government, which offers a unique classroom experience. Participants can start the program at any time, with any course, and have 3 years to complete the program.

Courses topics include ethics, administrative law, leadership and teamwork, public engagement, strategic planning, and innovation. The certificate can be used as 6 elective credits in SPA’s Master of Public Administration program. Alums say that the curriculum helped them see many new aspects of public management and learning alongside people in different fields opened their eyes to similar challenges across departments and governments.

In addition to the Denver-based CPM program, applications are open for a new, in-person cohort, hosted by Pitkin County, for professionals in the mountain region.

The Rocky Mountain Leadership Program is designed for public and nonprofit sector professionals with more than ten years of experience. It guides leaders in developing authentic leadership skills specifically focused on change leadership, effective use of conflict, emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership, and coaching. The program is held as one intensive week, on-site in Breckenridge in late October. Attendees come from Colorado and around the U.S. to allow the Colorado mountains to inspire their leadership journey.

All three programs have fees between $3,000 and $3,750. CPRA Members receive a discount for both CPM and PREPP, and payment plans and some limited scholarships are available. Information about these programs, and more, are available on the SPA website. Reach out today for additional information or to begin your application!

As the top-ranked public administration school in Colorado and with a new, campus-wide commitment to professional education, you’ll want to keep an eye on the improvements and new opportunities at CU Denver.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 23

Caring for

24 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

the Environment IN WHEAT RIDGE

By Andrew McDonald, Forestry & Open Space Supervisor, City of Wheat Ridge

The Wheat Ridge Forestry Department has continued it’s large-scale Tree Planting Program in spring of 2022, planting 150 new trees throughout the city. Residents will notice freshly planted young trees of many different varieties around Wheat Ridge parks, and up and down city streets. Tree species and varieties are carefully selected by the Forestry team for their physical attributes, such as fall color, but also for their growth characteristics, such as drought resistance and fruit production.

Young trees are grown in local nurseries, in special air pots for the first several years of their lives. Once a site has been selected for planting, the soil is amended with compost, and a special dried formula of mycorrhizal fungi, which

grows on tree roots and is essential for nutrient uptake. The Forestry team also maintains large, deep mulch rings around young trees to help retain moisture and assist in the development of “soil biology” around the growing tree root systems. Of course, young trees also need lots of water! Wheat Ridge Forestry staff will be busy watering trees throughout the summer. Some trees are watered by irrigation systems, however many are hand watered by staff and volunteers through the City’s Tree Steward Program. Each new tree is hand watered for at least it’s first three growing seasons.

This year, Wheat Ridge celebrated their 42nd year as a Tree City USA! This is a national distinction as a city

that prioritizes a healthy urban forest.

A major reason for this accreditation is the City’s commitment to planting more trees then are lost each year. A heathy city tree population results in cleaner air, water, and countless other benefits.

With this in mind, the City of Wheat Ridge aims to plant at least as many trees each year as years of Tree City USA designation, a goal which was far surpassed this year.

Many of the new trees this year were planted by volunteers within the community! In addition to a highly trained Forestry team, City of Wheat Ridge relies on a strong community outreach program and marketing division who work tirelessly to organize volunteer events, such as tree plantings.

This year, Wheat Ridge celebrated their FORTY-SECOND year as a Tree City USA! This is a national distinction as a city that prioritizes a healthy urban forest.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 25

The Sounds of Music in Thornton

By Michael Freyta, City of Thornton

Music has the power to heal, it provides hope, it nourishes souls, and it brings people together from diverse backgrounds. It can serve as a ‘survival tool’ when times get tough. Knowing this, Thornton community member and Parks and Recreation employee, Michael Freyta approached the Thornton Active Adult Center about starting a drop-in music group for Thornton seniors. He

26 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

wanted to help reignite musical talents and provide a creative outlet for those still up to strumming a few notes.

For seven Thornton residents, this idea sparked immediate joy. They dusted off their guitars and vocal cords to meet at the Active Adult Center on Friday afternoons to jam out! Since the group started, the recreational musicians have formed a bond sharing their favorite

songs, learning to read music again, and for first time musician Mark Betts, learning to play percussion instruments from scratch.

What felt intimidating at first has shifted toward second nature again as the group, now named Strings & Things, has begun to create a musical portfolio of which they practice weekly. The group members have all brought their

musical eras to the line-up, think Elvis to Johnny Cash, The Beatles to the Everly Brothers and the Eagles to Simon and Garfunkel.

For this group of musicians, it’s not just about the tunes.

It’s about connection, creativity, and the opportunity to engage with the community through their talents. Strings & Things had their first official performance at the Active Adult Center’s Casino Fun event. The group played in the spotlight for 70 of their closest friends and family. With a warm reception and not having any tomatoes thrown at them, their confidence as performers has blossomed!

While Strings & Things has found their groove and rhythm, they are always open to new members looking to reconnect with the community and share a common love for music.

“We are excited about the opportunity to perform at future events around Thornton showcasing the idea that you’re never too old to get back out there or try something new”, says Freyta.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 27

Preventing Disaster Managing Fire Mitigation & Drought Concerns

Photo: Blair Rynearson 28 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

Report: Drought Places Colorado’s Forests, Communities in Jeopardy

By Colorado State Forest Service

The Colorado State Forest Service published its annual forest health report in early March 2022, highlighting the current conditions of forests across Colorado and how the agency is improving the health of the state’s forests in the face of persistent drought and historic wildfires.

takeaways from the report include: Persistent Drought: Dry conditions threaten more than just water supplies, outdoor recreation, and farming and ranching. Drought in Colorado is placing our forests and the many benefits they provide – from clean air and water to carbon sequestration to wildlife habitat – in greater jeopardy. Ongoing drought in Colorado is affecting the state’s forests, leaving trees susceptible to insect outbreaks and increasing the risk of large-scale wildfires.

The report shows how years of dry conditions have stressed forests across the state, creating ideal conditions for insect outbreaks and large, destructive wildfires that threaten Colorado’s communities, water supplies and the many benefits forests provide. The report also emphasizes the need to reduce wildfire fuels through forest management and prepare more communities for inevitable wildfires.

“This is a unique moment for Colorado’s forests,” said Matt McCombs, state forester and director of the CSFS. “Drought continues to spur insect activity in our forests and increase the potential for more record-setting fires like those we’ve seen the last two years, whether that’s acres burned or structures lost. In this report, we look at the trends driving these forest health challenges and what

Photo: Zach Wehr

the Colorado State Forest Service is doing to protect our forests and help communities adapt to a new normal for wildfire.”

2021 Key Forest Takeaways The 2021 Report on the Health of Colorado’s Forests focuses on “Managing Colorado’s Forests During Drought.” Key

Insects and Disease: Warm temperatures and dry conditions in Colorado last year resulted in trees around the state further declining in health and becoming more susceptible to attack from deadly bark beetles. Spurred by drought, spruce beetle remains the most deadly forest pest in Colorado, affecting roughly 53,400 acres of forests statewide in 2021.

Living with Wildfire: Colorado is grappling with post-fire mudslides, flooding and charred mountainsides after historic wildfires in 2020 and the most destructive wildfire in state history in terms of insured losses in 2021.

Colorado’s leaders must continue to heed

Photo: Ron Cousineau Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 29

the wake-up call from these fires by reducing wildfire fuels and preparing communities for fire.

Northwest Colorado

Grant Program: State leaders are making key investments in the health of Colorado’s forests with funding that helps communities lower their wildfire risk. Work completed with support from the Southwest CSFS’ Forest Restoration and Colorado Wildfire Risk Mitigation grant program helped firefighters save the Shambhala Mountain Center during the Cameron Peak Fire in October of 2020.

Northeast Colorado

Southeast Colorado

Southwest Colorado: The CSFS completed the agency’s largest timber sale through the Good Neighbor Authority program on more than 3,500 acres between Gunnison and Montrose.

Northwest Colorado: The CSFS completed a mile-long mitigation project near Breckenridge Ski Resort that protects residents from wildfire and supports the local forest products industry.

Regional Project Highlights

Each year, the forest health report provides information to the Colorado General Assembly and residents of Colorado about the health and condition of forests across the state.

Northeast Colorado: The CSFS managed a project in the Larkspur area of Douglas County that removed 4 million pounds of dead timber, which went to local outlets to produce a Colorado wood product.

Information for the report comes from an annual aerial forest health survey by the CSFS and U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, as well as field inspections, CSFS contacts with forest landowners and special surveys.

Southeast Colorado: The CSFS is helping the small town of Cuchara make big strides in fire protection with seven projects that lower the town’s wildfire risk and establish a safe evacuation route.

Copies of the 2021 report will be available at all CSFS field offices. A PDF of the report and interactive maps of insect and disease activity are available at bit.ly/ForestHealthReport.

Grants & Funding Assistance The Colorado State Forest Service helps individuals, landowners, community groups and others secure grants and assistance for projects that promote healthy forests in Colorado, whenever opportunities arise.

The Colorado State Forest Service has approximately $15 million available for Forest Restoration & Wildlife Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) grants, and the application period will be midAugust to early October. Awards will be made

by March 31, 2023. Legislation during the 2021 Colorado legislative session provided additional funding and an expanded scope for the program.

Applications and requirements have changed from previous years, so we encourage applicants to thoroughly review documents and contact their local Colorado State Forest Service field office with questions. Learn more at csfs.colostate.edu/ funding-assistance.

Photo: Amy Bulger

30 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022

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When you can’t connect in person, we have ways to connect with park and recreation decision makers!

2022-23 Byline Deadlines* Fall Issue + 2022 Buyer’s Guide Deadline: September 27 Special sections: Facility Design & Usage, Alternative Revenue Streams Plus, 2022 Buyer’s Guide - a commercial resource for agencies with listings and a grants tool kit

Winter Issue Deadline: December 10, 2022 Spring Issue Deadline: April 5, 2023 Special section: CPRA member awards

Summer Issue Deadline: July 8, 2023

CPRA WEBSITE

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*Content subject to change. Contact Todd Pernsteiner for more information at todd@ pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111, or watch www.cpra-web.org.

View the rate card: www.bit.ly/CPRA2022

Value-added packages available! Inquire for details.

To reserve your placements, contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

Colorado Byline | Summer 2022 • 31

COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION PO BOX 1037 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034

1992-2022

GOCO celebrates 30 years of partnership with Colorado’s park and recreation community.

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