Innovation in Parks and Recreation
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ach year, the NRPA Innovation Awards recognize and honor the park and recreation professionals, and their agencies, who are making the latest advancements in the field of parks and recreation. The 2022 Innovation Award winners highlighted below exemplify the inspiring work park and recreation professionals are doing in their communities.
Innovation in Health — Tallahassee (Florida) Senior Center, UPSLIDE
WARIDSARA/ADOBESTOCK
PHOTO COURTESY OF TALLAHASSEE PARKS, RECREATION AND NEIGHBORHOOD AFFAIRS
It is well-recognized that loneliness is a persistent public health issue, and one that was exacerbated during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic due to physical distancing and stayat-home mandates. To address this issue, park and recreation professionals
at the Tallahassee Senior Center created the Utilizing and Promoting Social Engagement for Loneliness, Isolation and Depression in the Elderly (UPSLIDE) program to combat loneliness and isolation in older adults. The program takes a holistic approach by providing no-cost individual counseling, therapeutic support groups, transportation
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assistance, social engagement support, resource connection and social events. It also features Friends Connection groups that provide meaningful social interaction, both in person and virtually. “UPSLIDE is unique for addressing loneliness and isolation long before COVID-19,” says Ashley Edwards, director of Tallahassee Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs. “Services are flexible and individualized, and quality mental health counseling is available at no cost, which has literally saved lives. UPSLIDE has helped over 500 people become part of a community, thus improving their mental health and overall quality of life.” The UPSLIDE program engages trained mental health professionals to assess and identify individuals’ complex issues, as well as provide intervention, care, support and guidance. The program also provides essential mental health counseling to underserved populations at no cost, so they can improve their quality of life by combating the negative social determinants of health. According to UPSLIDE staff, they prioritize knowing and understanding the unique personalities and needs of
Park and recreation professionals at the Tallahassee (Florida) Senior Center created the UPSLIDE program to combat loneliness and isolation in older adults. Parks & Recreation
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