New York State Recreation & Park Society Magazine

MISSION

New York State Recreation and Park Society, Inc.

Saratoga Spa State Park

19 Roosevelt Dr., Suite 200

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.nysrps.org (518) 584-0321

The New York State Recreation & Park Society (NYSRPS) is the principal organization advancing the value of parks, recreation, and leisure services through professional development of its members and citizen engagement.

PURPOSE

NYSRPS has served the leisure service industry for 83 years as an independent, nonprofit, public interest, professional membership association dedicated to the following:

To function in such a manner as will further the interests of the leisure service movement, its professionals and leaders in voluntary, public, private, and commercial agencies.

To promote principles and standards for the improvement of leisure services and to encourage studies and research in professional relations.

To affiliate for our mutual benefit and cooperation on local, state, and national levels, and with those organizations in similar or related fields.

To educate the public in regard to the principles and goals of the leisure service industry.

To assist in the advancement of the leisure services, recreation and parks, and environmental conservation fields.

To study legislation pertaining to the leisure services and further that legislation which is in the public’s best interest.

To provide opportunities for professional growth of individuals employed in the leisure service industry.

To develop a public awareness of the necessity of recreation as a vital part of life.

To stimulate a widening interest in leisure services in local communities and statewide through conservation and development of leisure resources.

To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences are celebrated, thus driving the creation of innovative programs and services to meet the needs of our members, participants and employees.

To celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion of healthy people and healthy communities through a variety of programs and services.

NYSRPS will guarantee our success by uniting our members, while celebrating and encouraging our many differences among us.

We will strive to be the best stewards and spokesperson for our profession by ensuring we promote activities, initiatives and open spaces that unite and promote participation from those of all backgrounds and experiences. We will lead with an openness to change, when needed.

The Society is comprised of over 600 New York State Recreation and Park professionals spanning from Long Island to Niagara Falls, Lake Placid to New York City. Members have access to a wide range of programs and services to improve their skills as recreation providers. To best deliver upon our mission and purpose, the Society focuses on five core services: professional development, membership development, resource development, communications / PR, and public policy.

The information and articles contained within this publication are for your consideration and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NYSRPS. NYSRPS reserves the right to approve all material in The Voice. All requests for articles, photos, and advertising should be made to ed@nysrps.org. Deadlines for articles, photos and advertising:

• Fall/Winter 2024 Deadline: August 1, 2024

• Spring/Summer 2025 Deadline: January 15, 2025

Let’s be social!

Facebook: @NYSRPS

Instagram: @NYSRPS

Twitter: @NYSRPS_INC

LinkedIn: New York Recreation and Parks Society

On the cover: Onondaga County Parks’ Pickleball Courts, Liverpool, NY. Courtesy of Onondaga County Staff

From the Executive Director

Dear Parks & Recreation Community,

I hope this finds you well and thriving in your respective roles within our vibrant communities. I am honored to address you as the Executive Director of the New York State Recreation and Park Society (NYSRPS). And it is with immense pride and excitement that I update you on the recent accomplishments and future initiatives of our society through “The Voice” our NYSRPS digital magazine.

Our society stands as a pillar of community engagement promoting the importance of recreation and parks across the state. In the past year, NYSRPS has achieved significant milestones in advancing our mission to promote the value of recreation and parks throughout the state. Our Annual Conference generated a fantastic turn out of attendees, showcasing a diverse array of presentations on topics ranging from sustainable park management to innovative programming strategies, and the ample presence of vendors who add the valuable dimensions of our conference.

The success of our conference is a testament to the commitment of our members and community. Your active participation and eagerness to share insights contribute to the vibrant exchange of ideas that define NYSRPS. Additionally, the partnerships with our regional districts have seen increased engagement, providing valuable networking opportunities for professionals across the state.

We are also thrilled to announce upcoming initiatives aimed at further elevating the impact of recreation and parks professionals in our communities. From outreach programs to professional development opportunities, NYSRPS is dedicated to pushing boundaries and ensuring that our profession continues to play a vital role in community development,environmental stewardship, inclusive spaces, economic growth, and the overall well being and quality of life for individuals of all ages throughout New York State and beyond.

Your involvement and dedication to our mission are the cornerstones of our success. The feedback, ideas, and active participation contribute significantly to the continued success of NYSRPS. I encourage you to stay engaged, share your experiences, and be part of the ongoing dialogue that shapes the future of recreation and parks in New York State.

Your voice matters.

Thank you for your continuous support, and I look forward to the exciting journey ahead!

Sincerely,

Courtney Carroll NYSRPS Executive Director

“Your involvement and dedication to our mission are the cornerstones of our success. The feedback, ideas and active participation contribute significantly to the continued success of NYSRPS.”

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EXECUTIVE BOARD

President Jason Marra Great Neck Park District 516-487-7665

jmarra@gnparks.org

1 year term - Expires 2024

President-Elect

Paul Blake

Village of Garden City 516-465-4077

pblake@gardencityny.net

1 year term - Expires 2024

Immediate Past President Vacant

Vice President of Programs & Services

Tom Venniro Town of Parma 585-392-9030

tvenniro@parmany.org

2 year term - Expires 2024

Vice President of Professional Development

Nick Berlin Town of Perinton 585-223-5050

nberlin@perinton.org

2 year term - Expires 2025

Treasurer

John Hirliman City of Saratoga Springs 518-587-3550

john.hirliman@saratoga-springs.org

2 year term - Expires 2024

Secretary

Jake Brigham City of Binghamton 607-72-7017

jabrigham@cityofbinghamton.gov

2 year term - Expires 2025

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Region I Representative

Robert Kaczmarek Village of Scarsdale 914-722-1160

rkaczmarek@scarsdale.com

3 year term - Expires 2026

Region I Representative

Christine Selback Town of East Fishkill 845-226-8395

selbackc@eastfishkillny.gov

3 year term - Expires 2027

Region II Representative

Nicole Woodcock Town of Queensbury 518-761-8214

nicolew@queensbury.net

3 year term - Expires 2027

Region II Representative

Leiko Kiggins Onondaga County Parks 315-435-5515

LeikoKiggins@ongov.net

3 Year Term - Expires 2025

Region III Representative Naomi Sosnowski Town of Tonawanda 716-876-7424

nsosnowski@tonawanda.ny.us

3 year term - Expires 2026

Region III Representative Kathleen Laskey Pittsford Recreation

klaskey@townofpittsford.org

3 year term - Expires 2027

NYSRPS REGIONS

Region 1 – Hudson Valley, Long Island, Metro, and Westchester

Region 2 – Central, Capital Region, Adirondack/Lake Champlain & North Countr y

Region 3 – Genesee Valley & Niagara Frontier

Affiliates and Regional Partners are encouraged to share news and events with NYSRPS. Please send submissions to ed@ nysrps.org.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR NEW YORK COMMUNITIES

Become a Certified Playground Inspector (CPSI)

The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered nationwide. By becoming a CPSI, you will learn how to identify hazards on public playgrounds and playground equipment, rank those hazards according to injury potential and apply that knowledge, as well as how to establish a playground safety program.

Why Become a CPSI?

• Learn from expert instructors and network with other professionals from the field.

• Protect children from injury due to playground hazards.

• Reduce your agency’s liability and take your career to the next level.

Eligibility

CPSI candidates should be at least 18 years of age and must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

How to Become a CPSI

To become a CPSI, you must successfully pass the CPSI exam. The CPSI exam consists of 100 questions, 95 scored and 5 unscored pre-test. CPSI certification is valid for three years.

Next offering Fall 2024!

NYSRPS BOARD MEETINGS CALENDAR

Board meetings are at 10 a.m. via Zoom(unless otherwise noted) and are open to all to attend. We welcome guests and encourage participation.

JAN 8

NYSRPS Executive Board Nominations Open

FEB. 1

Nomination Acceptance 2024 Dates Review 2025 Annual Conference Chairs and Locations

MARCH 7

Ballots Distributed Pre-Conference Discussion

APRIL 15

In-person Board Meeting/Meet the Candidates

MAY 2

Annual Report Presentation/Ballots Approved

5

JUNE 6

2024-2025 First Board Meeting/Board Orientation

JULY 11

Review Goals/ Action Items AUG. 1

Budget Presentation Meeting/Board Retreat

Schedule at-a-Glance

Falls, NY

Keynote: Annie Frisoli, Founder & CEO Creating Community, LLC

Annie Frisoli’s mission is to serve those who serve others. She upholds this mission by developing content on concepts related to leadership, innovation, teamwork, and community.

Annie has an earned Master’s degree from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Recreation Management, is a Certified Festivals & Events Executive (CFEE), gaining her certification through the IFEA/NRPA Event Management School (where she is now a year-two instructor) and is also certified in Foundations of Design Thinking and has a Train the Trainer Certification in Experience Innovation. Annie has worked with numerous teams in a variety of capacities including time spent with operations for the Volvo Car Open and the St. Louis Art Fair, she has acted as the non-profit development coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, and has worked as a facilitator for strategy sessions for Memphis in May International Festival along with assisting BerryDunn consulting firm in developing their strategic goals. Finally, due to her 20 years as a university instructor, Annie is highly sought after by organizations to design curriculum for their employees.

Annie’s journey to becoming Founder & CEO not only includes her unique combination of education and professional certifications, but also life experiences. She has always enjoyed meeting and learning about people, and has also been honored with titles including wife, daughter, sibling, mentor, happy wanderer, coach, bartender, boxing instructor, 1st International Ambassador for the Canadian Hi-5 Run, best friend, and self-proclaimed “baking strategist.” All these experiences have ignited Annie’s profound interest in others and enjoys sharing knowledge on the impacts we can ALL have on the livelihood of teams, organizations, and communities. We all have the ability to be CREATING COMMUNITY, EVERYDAY.

JOIN US FOR TWO SOCIALS!

Sunday Night at Downtown Social

Sunday, April 14, 2024 | 8 - 11 p.m.

After exploring and enjoying the Amazing Race Adventure on Sunday evening, make sure to stop by Downtown Social, located in Downtown Glens Falls, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. for a bit of fun with NYSRPS friends and colleagues. Enjoy live music, delicious hor d’oeuvres and cold drinks, courtesy of BCI Burke - the first drink is Burke and cash bar for the remainder of the evening. Plus, we have plenty of giant games for more of that fun competition we all love and live for.

Sponsored by:

Monday Night at Park 26

Monday, April 15, 2024 | 8:30 p.m.

After a full day of educational sessions, speakers and awards, unwind Monday evening at Park 26, located in the Queensbury Hotel, for another night of networking, raffles and fun, courtesy of Kaizen Labs. The first drink is on Kaizen and cash bar for the remainder of the evening.

Sponsored by:

Downtown Glens Falls at night

Photo:

2024 NYSRPS Conference

April 14-16 | Glens Falls, NY

Stay Up-to-Date & In-the-Know!

Eventsential is the official app for the NYSRPS Conference.

With Eventsential, you can take advantage of features that will make the most of your time and keep you informed about the latest event happenings at the touch of a tab:

Connect - connect with fellow attendees and exhibitors.

Notifications - view event alerts and up-to-the minute information.

Schedule - search sessions and speakers, create your own itinerary, download handouts, take notes, and make personal appointments.

Exhibitors (Sponsors) - search, filter, mark exhibitors (sponsors) to visit, take notes, and contact exhibitors.

Maps - view floor plans and maps.

Event Details - access destination information, complete surveys, and more.

Directory - create your own profile and search for and message other attendees.

Photos/Posts - share and view photos/posts of the conference before, during and after.

Timeline - view and swap ideas, photos and lessons learned with other attendees.

Attendees recieve an email from Eventsential to login in to the event.

Attendees also recieve a name badge with a Personal QR Code to scan to exchange digital business cards.

April 14-16 | Glens Falls, NY

Digital Business Card Exchange Feature

The Digital Business Card Exchange feature of the app allows attendees to easily share and exchange contact information digitally, eliminating the need for physical business cards and facilitating seamless networking opportunities during events.

See who is attending by visiting the Directory. You can favorite your colleagues by tapping the star icon next to the name, then message them via the Messaging menu item.

You can exchange Digital Business Cards with other attendees and exhibitors by tapping the QR code button on the main app menu, scanning your colleague’s personal QR code, and accessing the contact information under your Registrant Bag.

Find your scans in your Registrant Bag where you can view notes you took, export contact information, or remove.

Press ‘Scan QR Code’ to scan other attendees personal QR code to exchange digital business cards or session codes

Press Confirm.

Build Your Network!

Image: iStock.com

The Professional Development Roadmap in Parks and Recreation

By Chris Nunes and Tom Venniro

How the roadmap helps guide professionals and affirm their professional “why”

To have a successful career in parks and recreation, professionals need to be growing and evolving continually. One of the challenges they face is navigating myriad professional growth opportunities, including conferences, schools, certifications, professional association membership and involvement, and mentoring. The challenge is that they do not have a roadmap to guide them and link opportunities, which often leads to professionals feeling lost.

Reviewing the many available career progression opportunities, the “Professional Development Roadmap” provides a logical and rational development model, which can guide professionals no matter where they enter the park and recreation field. Professionals following the roadmap will be able to find a starting point, explore the many available career progression opportunities, and affirm or reaffirm their professional “why” — to enhance the quality of life for others by creating and providing extraordinary experiences.

The professional stage you are at when you start your career should not be the same at your career mid-point or later.

Whether utilizing professional associations, engaging with like-minded groups, or simply communicating and networking with colleagues, park and recreation professionals regularly build each other up. Like the “Pyramid of Greatness,” created by the “Parks and Recreation” character Ron Swanson, the roadmap helps professionals working toward the pinnacle of their career to obtain and use the tools gained through professional development in their community and unleash the full power and benefits of parks and recreation. The roadmap can help determine what stage you are in while providing suggestions and guidance along the way. Each stage provides a logical progression toward development, but as opportunities may avail themselves thus, they are not necessarily

accomplished in any specific order.

The roadmap, structured as a pyramid, has two focuses: continuous learning and continuous improvement, each consisting of four categories.

Herein, continuous learning is defined as the process of learning new skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis, which is voluntary and self-motivated and enhances personal and professional development. Continuous improvement is defined as an ongoing effort to improve yourself and evolve over time. The professional stage you are at when you start your career should not be the same at your career mid-point or later.

Continuous Learning

Continuous learning is attainable and accessible. All professionals are capable of continuous learning if time and energy are allocated. A mentor of mine once said, “The day I feel I know it all is the day I should retire.” We all can agree, especially given the events of the past few years, that we always are learning from one another. For purposes of professional development, the continuing learning focus is broken down into the following: mentoring, education, certification/accreditation process and toolbox development.

Mentoring – As a cornerstone of career development for many professionals, mentoring is perhaps the most accessible learning resource. In most instances, it’s free. Starting off, many find a mentor in a trusted co-worker or supervisor, where a relationship is established to simply observe or ask the occasional question. As one gains experience and broadens their network beyond their own organization either regionally, statewide or nationally, you may find a mentor by attending a conference or participating in a formal mentorship program, such as the NRPA/ American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration Mentorship Program. This program pairs hundreds of professionals from around the country annually who embark on a guided mentorship journey. It should be noted that many states and larger

metropolitan areas also have formal mentoring programs. Some of the bonds formed during these programs have led to countless professional opportunities, including association leadership, new jobs and promotions.

To be a successful park and recreation professional, you need a variety of tools. However, it should be noted that as you move up in your career, those tools will change and evolve.

Finally, as one finds the comfort level with the mentor/mentee relationship, there comes a time to pay it forward by mentoring others. There is a quote that states, “If you’re over 45 and don’t have an under-30 mentor — not mentee, but mentor — then you’re going to miss fundamental shifts in thinking that are happening.” This concept often is referred to as reverse mentoring, which is key for those who have been in the profession for a longer period of time. Mentoring is an ongoing process that provides benefits to learn, grow and develop for both parties in the relationship.

Education – This is one of the most tangible and common forms of continuous learning. Upon entering the workforce, whether with a degree in parks and recreation or not, professionals need to continue to build their knowledge. One of the most accessible methods to learn about the field is to read professional journals, publications and magazines or be active on NRPA Connect (connect.nrpa.org). Furthermore, learning can come in the form of researching the practices of highly successful professionals, visiting CAPRA-accredited or Gold Medalwinning agencies, and attending various trainings and conferences either locally, virtually, statewide or nationally. These experiences provide the foundation for both individual and agency development. As careers progress, educational opportunities also can be obtained through schools and institutes, such as the NRPA Park and Recreation Maintenance Management, Supervisors’ Management, Revenue Development and Management, and Directors Schools.

Certification/Accreditation

process –NRPA and other professional organizations have several professional certification and agency accreditation programs that can be used for professional development.

These programs can assist the professional in adhering to the highest operational standards in the industry for both the individual and agency/organization. While we may have obtained various individual certifications — like CPRP/CPRE, AFO and CPSI — there are opportunities for continuous learning through being involved with the development of these exams; i.e., writing test questions, and the administration of these certifications. Additionally, governing bodies like CAPRA and the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions rely on practitioners and academics to oversee these programs. Being a part of these programs and processes provides an excellent outlet for the professional to understand parks and recreation and its “gold standards,” as well as provide input on how to improve each program.

Toolbox development – This is the last aspect of continuous learning. Benjamin Franklin stated, “The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” To be a successful park and recreation professional, you need a variety of tools. However, it should be noted that as you move up in your career, those tools will change and evolve. Toolbox development serves as a supplemental form of learning that comes from continuously trying new “tools.” Professionals in the early stages of their career can develop a toolbox by learning new skills (Canva, Adobe, Excel, etc.), volunteering for special events and joining professional social platforms, such as LinkedIn or NRPA Connect. As you progress, this concept continues in the form of attending organizational board meetings or being asked to lead or serve on special project committees. Learning from these leadership opportunities enables the professional to gain skills in a safe environment to use when

needed in their community. Eventually, the toolkit grows to a point where one may develop a visionary project or even consult other agencies with the knowledge gained over the years through this process.

Continuous Improvement

The second focus area within the Professional Development Roadmap, continuous improvement, presents a different but equally important set of opportunities. Closely related and sometimes a byproduct of learning, improvement relates to implementing what you have learned for the benefit of your community and for your benefit as a park and recreation professional. Through the process of continuous improvement, the professional will use what they have learned and contribute to forward-thinking and cutting-edge approaches to parks and recreation. To some extent, the elements in this focus area are outcomes of learning. However, the sharing of information from your learning continues your professional development journey. Key elements of this focus area include applying for and potentially receiving awards, sharing information through presentations, obtaining certifications and embarking on professional association leadership.

Awards and recognition – While acknowledgements always are appreciated, sometimes, awards and recognition are thought of as impossible to attain due to all the great work other park and recreation agencies are doing around one’s region, state and country. Park and recreation professionals should not fret about applying.

While a certain amount of time and effort goes into the process for a quality submission at any level, as Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” When it comes to awards, put in the work and take your shot — individual and agency opportunities alike — because even going through the process will make you better at what you do. If you don’t achieve your goal the first time around, learn from it and keep trying.

Secondly, while receiving awards is a fulfilling feeling from a personal standpoint, these awards provide councils and boards validation of the work you are doing and the funding they are providing to your department. Awards are an important part of professional development. However, as one of our peers stated, “Awards are part of the journey, not the destination.” A professional never should rest on their laurels. If they do, their programs and services may become stale and not relevant to their respective communities.

Instruction – For those who have learned so much from others in their quest to develop their craft, passing it on through instruction of their own is a wonderful way to accomplish individual improvement. Presenting information is a hallmark of a highly successful professional. As professionals move up the ladder, they are asked to present to community groups, advisory councils, boards and commissions. Starting in safe environments, such as leading agency meetings and facilitating part-time staff orientations, is a great way to gain this skill. This will help you gain confidence and overcome the fear of public speaking. Additionally, seek a friend who will be at your early presentations to provide constructive criticism on your presentation style, eye contact with the audience, rate of speech and overall content of your presentation. As you

build your knowledge base and become a better speaker, seek opportunities to present at state or regional conferences or virtual trainings that potentially can lead to presenting nationally, at a specialized school or as an adjunct lecturer/professor. A great way to get your feet wet is by co-presenting with a co-worker or colleague, especially if you are not fully comfortable going solo to start.

Personal certifications – Certifications can be costly but are a great investment and a way to continue your development while making you more marketable. Certification programs are not just about having letters behind your name or a piece of paper to frame and hang in your office. By obtaining certifications, you demonstrate to your community, supervisors and prospective employers that you maintain a high level of knowledge and skill in the profession and that you are committed to maintaining the certification through obtaining continuing education units (CEUs). From specialized examples — such as earning first aid/ CPR certifications or becoming a licensed fitness instructor or CPSI — to general professional certifications — like becoming a certified therapeutic recreation specialist or CPRP/CPRE — these credentials keep the professional learning and improving. They are critical to differentiating your résumé from that of the next candidate.

Professional association leadership –

As you build your knowledge base and become a better speaker, seek opportunities to present at state or regional conferences or virtual trainings that potentially can lead to presenting nationally, at a specialized school or as an adjunct lecturer/ professor

NRPA is the leading professional association in the field, serving more than 60,000 members across the country. Each state and many regions possess their own member organizations or societies related to parks and recreation. Additionally, there are specialized associations, such as the Association of Aquatic Professionals, International Society of Arboriculture and American Camp Association, that provide professional leadership and growth opportunities. While much of the coordination and administration comes from paid staff, volunteers lead many of the initiatives and much of the legwork. Next

time an email comes across your desk asking for volunteers to serve on a committee, task force or focus group, raise your hand. The time you may have to allocate toward service is certainly at a premium and can vary, so be sure to look for the opportunity that makes sense for you. Start small if you are unsure. Consider assisting as a member at large on a committee that provides clear responsibilities. As you progress, the opportunities may grow to the tune of you leading or chairing the very committee you served and potentially acting as an association executive board member or president. You will be amazed at what this can lead to, what you will be exposed to and how this will impact your career in the long run.

Relationship Building

As you navigate through the roadmap itself, you undoubtedly will discover much more than what’s outlined here. Relationship building is one concept that has been alluded to that is vital to the professional’s successful development journey. Relationship building and networking tie the entire roadmap together. Without it, a professional is highly unlikely to progress from one step to the next. Throughout every level of your career, there are opportunities to build relationships that help you in achieving continuous learning and continuous improvement. Building relationships, at any level, can be accomplished by adhering to one simple phrase, “Just show up.” When you are asked to attend a meeting, conference, professional social engagement, or engagements that may be outside your comfort zone or the typical job scope, just show up. You never know who you might meet, what opportunity may arise and how the experience can potentially position you or your agency for future successes.

While the Professional Development Roadmap may seem overwhelming, the park and recreation professional needs to realize it frames professional development from a career perspective, not a singular five-year plan. The roadmap has been created with the understanding that everyone’s journey is different. For those just beginning their career in parks and recreation, determine a

starting point and use a mentor as a guide. If you are in the middle of your career, it is not too late to restart your journey. There is a very good chance that most of us already have been engaging in professional development practices, either by design or unintentionally. As a general career objective, we are challenged with growing the communities we serve, and to do so we must grow ourselves. Use this tool as a guide to develop personally while simultaneously growing the profession with the ultimate goal of “leaving it better than you found it,” as we have been challenged by Claude Ahrens.

Authors’ Note: The Professional Development Roadmap initially was developed by Dirk Richwine and Chris Nunes prior to Richwine’s passing in late 2021. We are thankful that he provided this one last “nugget” of wisdom and mentoring that we can use in our professional development.

Chris Nunes, CPRE, is Chief Operating Officer of The Woodlands (Texas) Township (cnunes@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov).

Tom Venniro, CPRP, is Director of HiltonParma (New York) Parks and Recreation (tvenniro@parmany.org).

The roadmap graphic can be found in the October 2023 NRPA article at https://ezine. nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/ october-2023/index.php#/p/48.

“Whether utilizing professional associations, engaging with like-minded groups, or simply communicating and networking with colleagues, park and recreation professionals regularly build each other up.”

CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITES

The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is the national standard for all parks and recreation professionals who want to be at the forefront of their profession.

Learn more at https://www.nrpa.org/certification/CPRP/become-a-cprp/

The Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative and executive parks and recreation professionals. Learn more at https://www.nrpa.org/certification/cpre/.

The National Recreation and Park Association offers the industry-leading certification program in playground safety, the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program. Learn more at https://www.nrpa.org/certification/ CPSI/.

They also offer the premier certification program in swimming pool operations, the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification. Learn more at https://www.nrpa. org/certification/AFO/.

By Ryan Hegreness in Generative in Parks

Generative Artificial Intelligence

in collaboration with ChatGPT and Grammarly AI tools.

Imagine a world where managing parks and recreation becomes not just easier, but also more innovative and efficient. This vision is becoming reality, thanks to the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Long perceived as a domain reserved for tech giants and futuristic films, AI is now an accessible, transformative tool enhancing everyday life, including park and recreation management. It's more than a buzzword; AI is a technology capable of analyzing vast data, automating routine tasks, and unlocking insights.

Recent developments in Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, have brought the power of AI to the forefront, dominating news and becoming a practical tool for the masses. With these advancements in text- and image-based AI, the way we manage parks, market programs, and engage with the public is experiencing a transformative shift. While early, this change isn't speculative; it's already impacting our field. These tools simplify creating compelling narratives for grant proposals, designing eye-catching promotional materials, and more, transforming tasks that once required extensive manual effort.

As we delve into generative AI's applications, envision crafting engaging social media posts, informative newsletters, and visually stunning park brochures with ease and precision. Whether you're starting your AI journey or seeking to expand your knowledge, this article will shed light on how AI can enhance parks and recreation services, making them more efficient, engaging, and sustainable.

Artificial Intelligence: The simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding.

Generative Artificial Intelligence: A category of AI systems that have the ability to generate content, such as text, images, audio, or even other data types, often in a creative or humanlike manner.

- Definitions generated by ChatGPT

Opportunities & Benefits of Generative AI

Revolutionizing Content Creation with Text-Based AI

When it comes to writing content for websites, newsletters, or press releases, AI writing assistants are transforming the process. These tools can generate draft texts from social media posts to detailed reports, suggest improvements, and even tailor the language to different audience segments. Similarly, routine communications, such as newsletters or event descriptions, can be generated quickly and efficiently, allowing staff to focus on more creative and strategic tasks. In addition to speeding up content creation, these tools can ensure messages are clear, engaging, and aligned with your brand voice.

Tools like Grammarly have been around for years and can be used as a stand-alone application, browser plug-in, or word processor add-on to provide grammatical corrections and feedback on style and tone. Over the past year, generative AI tools from OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and others provide significantly more functionality—instantly generating draft documents based on user prompts, or completely rewriting existing content for new audiences. These tools have become so mainstream that they are being incorporated into products you use every day, such as Copilot for Microsoft Office.

Park and recreation professionals are using these tools to increase creativity and efficiency for everything from program descriptions and social media posts to drafting contracts and grant applications. Use the videos below as a starting point to explore how AI may help you with your writing.

VIDEO: Can AI Write Better Program Descriptions Than You?

VIDEO: Improve Your Writing With Al

Research & Information Synthesis

Generative AI is transforming the way people gather and synthesize information. Imagine leveraging AI to quickly compile historical information, best practices, and case studies relevant to park management and recreational program development. AI tools can scour a wide range of sources, from academic journals to industry reports, extracting pertinent information and presenting it in a concise, easily digestible format. In addition to scanning pdfs and websites, generative AI tools can also quickly synthesize information from lengthy videos by scanning their transcripts. Otter.ai is an application that listens to virtual and in-person meetings and provides a transcript and meeting summary to share with participants. The video below demonstrates the use of ChatGPT to summarize educational content, podcasts, and council meetings.

VIDEO: Summarize Videos with ChatGPT

Brainstorming & Creativity

Park and recreation professionals can use AI as a collaborative partner and idea generator. These tools can generate a plethora of ideas, from innovative park programs to unique visitor engagement strategies. Imagine an AI that suggests new event themes based on trending topics or environmental concerns, or offers creative solutions for park maintenance and conservation challenges. This technology doesn’t replace human creativity but rather enhances it, providing a springboard for brainstorming sessions and helping teams

think outside the box. It’s a partnership where AI provides the seeds of ideas, and human ingenuity cultivates them into fully realized projects.

Enhancing Marketing with AI-Driven Graphic Design

Imagine creating stunning, custom visuals for marketing campaigns, brochures, and social media posts in a fraction of the time it used to take. Image-based generative AI tools enable the creation of stunning visual content, from posters and brochures to digital advertisements, tailored to specific themes, events, or seasons in our parks. With AI, creating visually appealing designs is not only faster but also more accessible to teams without professional graphic designers. This means that even small-scale events or announcements can have high-quality, engaging visuals, significantly enhancing the overall appeal and reach of marketing efforts.

Image-generation tools such as MidJourney & Dall-E have exponentially increased in quality and sophistication over the last few years. No longer is a separate account required to explore these tools. The paid-version of ChatGPT now supports image generation by Dall-E, and popular design tools such as Canvas and Adobe Photoshop now offer AI tools within their software. The video below demonstrates image generation capabilities within ChatGPT.

VIDEO: AI Image Generation for Parks & Recreation

Streamlining Communication and Design Processes

The integration of AI tools promises to streamline communication and design processes significantly. The marketplace is flooded with new tools tailored to specific tasks, like Beautiful.ai for creating presentations, or to serving a variety of organization-wide functions within one platform, such as Jasper.ai. Used well, these tools reduce the time and resources needed to produce high-quality content, allowing park and recreation departments to respond quickly to emerging trends and visitor feedback. This agility ensures that parks remain relevant and engaging to their visitors, adapting swiftly to changing needs and preferences.

Description: Generating superhero image variations with Midjourney. Image Credit: Hegreness Consulting

Practical Steps to Implement AI in Your Parks

and Recreation Organization

Understanding Your Needs and Setting Clear Objectives

The first step in embracing generative AI within your parks and recreation organization is to identify where these technologies can have the greatest impact. Is it in creating more engaging marketing materials, enhancing visitor communication, or streamlining administrative tasks?

Selecting the Right AI Tools

Look for tools that are user-friendly, costeffective, and provide reliable support. Ensure these tools are compatible with your existing systems and can effectively handle your specific needs. For instance, some AI platforms excel in text generation for marketing or administrative purposes, while others are more adept at creating dynamic visual content.

Ensure Leadership Support and Guidance

Involve leadership, information technology, and legal professionals in your organization regarding the AI tools and uses you plan to pursue, as there are security, legal, and ethical concerns with many of these tools and how they may be used (see the next section for more on challenges and concerns).

Planning for Implementation

A phased implementation approach is recommended. Start with pilot projects in areas where AI can show quick wins. This could be as simple as using an AI tool to design a new brochure or draft social media posts. These initial projects will offer valuable insights and help fine-tune your approach before a broader roll-out.

Training and Empowering Staff

Provide your team with the resources and training they need to effectively use these new tools. Encourage a culture where staff feel comfortable experimenting with AI and suggesting innovative applications.

Data Management and Privacy

Handling data responsibly is a key aspect of implementing AI. Ensure that your use of AI tools complies with privacy laws and ethical standards, especially when processing visitor information. Establish clear guidelines on

data usage and privacy to maintain trust and integrity in your operations.

Evaluating and Adjusting Your AI Strategy

Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your AI implementations. Are they meeting your objectives? Solicit feedback from staff and visitors to understand the impact of these tools. Be open to making adjustments based on this feedback and evolving needs, ensuring your AI strategy remains effective and relevant.

Scaling AI Implementation

Once you’ve seen success with initial AI projects, consider how you can expand these tools to other areas of your organization. Gradual scaling allows for a more controlled integration, minimizing disruptions while maximizing the benefits.

Staying Informed on AI Developments

The field of AI is rapidly evolving. Stay informed about new tools, techniques, and best practices. This continuous learning will help keep your organization at the forefront of AI applications in parks and recreation, ensuring ongoing efficiency and innovation.

Generative AI Challenges and Considerations

Understanding and Managing Limitations

While generative AI offers remarkable capabilities, it’s not without limitations. There’s potential for inaccuracies or contextually misaligned content. Crucial to successful implementation is human oversight, ensuring AI-generated content aligns with your specific needs and values.

Prompt Engineering

The best AI Outputs with start with good prompts. There are numerous models you can follow (search “ChatGPT Prompt Engineering”). Generally, you want your prompt to include the following elements:

Role & Context: Tell the AI how it should act. For example, “You are the communications director for a small, municipal park and recreation agency.”

Task: Tell the AI what you need it to do. For example: “You need to generate a series of social media posts to encourage registration for Intro to Golf lessons targeted toward millennials.”

Format: Tell the AI how you want to receive the information. For example: “Provide five draft posts in list format for each of the following platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X.”

You might also want to consider adding the following to your prompt:

Exclusions: Tell AI what you don’t want it to include. Example: “Don’t use the word ‘municipal’ in the output.”

Length: Specify how long the output should be. Example: “Also, draft a program teaser that is no longer than 30 words to include in an email newsletter.”

Inspiration: Specify the style or tone you wish to see. Example: “The style should be casual. Use informal language that would resonate with a millennial audience. Style the posts after effective marketing by Red Bull and Chipotle.”

Description: Artificial Intelligence will state incorrect information boldly and has no idea it is wrong. Current generative AI tools are not designed to provide a factual output, but a probable output based the text upon which it is trained. Understand its limitations and fact check its output. Image Credit: Hegreness Consulting

Navigating Data Privacy and Security

A paramount concern in using AI is data privacy, especially when handling visitor information. Adhering to privacy laws and ensuring data security is essential. It’s important to establish stringent protocols and consider AI tools that prioritize data protection.

Balancing Human Creativity and AI Efficiency

AI should be viewed as a complement to, not a replacement for, human creativity and intuition. The challenge lies in leveraging AI to enhance efficiency while preserving the unique creative input that only humans can provide.

Dealing with Technical Challenges and Integration

Integrating AI with existing systems can present technical challenges, requiring data input and maintenance. To mitigate these issues, collaboration with IT experts and selecting AI tools with robust support is advisable.

Cost and Budget Considerations

Implementing many AI tools involves initial investment and ongoing costs. You can get started with tools like ChatGPT and many others for no cost, but more robust features require monthly fees.

Keeping Up with Rapid Technological Changes

The rapid evolution of AI technology necessitates continuous learning and adaptation. Staying informed through industry resources and professional networks is crucial for keeping your AI applications current and effective.

Ethical Considerations in AI Usage

Lastly, the responsible use of AI demands consideration of ethical implications. It’s important to ensure that AI tools are used in a manner that is ethical and align with your organization’s values.

One of the main concerns is algorithmic bias, where AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate or amplify existing human biases. For instance, if an AI tool is trained on historical data that reflects past inequities in park access or resource allocation, it might suggest strategies that continue these patterns. It’s vital to critically assess and regularly update AI models to ensure they reflect equitable and inclusive practices.

VIDEO: AI Observations for Local Government (January 2023)

Conclusion

Integrating AI tools into park and recreation practices holds the potential to streamline operations and infuse a new energy into our content and how we interact with visitors. Yet, as we navigate this promising landscape, we must also be prudent. It’s important to proceed with a blend of optimism and caution, recognizing that each step forward comes with its own challenges and learning opportunities. Adopting these tools necessitates a willingness to explore and adapt, and to critically evaluate and refine our approaches. The road ahead invites us to not only embrace the efficiencies and enhancements that AI offers but also to guard against the complacency that can come with reliance on technology. It’s a journey that calls for a thoughtful blend of human insight and artificial intelligence, ensuring that the services we offer and the spaces we manage are not only improved but also respectfully and sustainably preserved.

About the Author

Ryan Hegreness wrote this article in January 2024. Ryan Hegreness joined BerryDunn on April 29, 2024. Content at hegreness.net will remain accessible until the site is retired and the content is transitioned.

Ryan, a Senior Consultant in the firm’s Parks, Recreation, Libraries practice, has over two decades of park, recreation, and local government experience across five states. His teams have been nationally recognized for their innovation, creative programming, industry-leading marketing, and exceptional cultural events.

Beyond Generative AI: Future AI Trends in Parks and Recreation

Generative AI is only one aspect of Artificial Intelligence. AI advancements will impact many more aspects of the park and recreation industry. Below are a few potential ways AI may play a more prominent role in the years ahead:

• Predictive Analytics and DecisionMaking (Maintenance, Programming, Mechanical)

• Integration with IoT and Smart Park Technologies (Lighting, Displays, Efficiency)

• Enhanced Visitor Personalization (Tailored Guides, Custom Recommendations)

• Autonomous/Robotic Services (Mowing, Field Painting, Cleaning)

• Innovative Program and Event Ideation with AI

• Customer Service Enhancements with ChatBots and Tailored Content

• AI-Based Grant Writing, Tracking, and Reporting

• Conservation and Wildlife Tracking and Modeling

• Automated Content Creation (Text, Images, Immersive Interactive Media)

• Continued Ethical Concerns and Privacy Implications

Learn More About Ryan Hegreness

Learn More About BerryDunn

Connect with Ryan

Contact Ryan

A Parks and Recreation Podcast Unleashing Laughter and Knowledge

By Tom Venniro with the Help of AI and ChatGPT

In the dynamic realm of Parks and Recreation, where laughter and knowledge intertwine, emerges the RecLess podcast – a brainchild of three career-long friends, Shane Mize, Jay Tryon, and our very own Tom Venniro, a member and Past-President of the New York State Recreation and Park Society.

RecLess, a Parks and Recreation spinoff inspired by the popular Smartless podcast, is not your ordinary podcast. It brings a refreshing blend of entertainment and education, featuring surprise guests carefully curated by one of the hosts for an improvised and authentic conversation. The result is a podcast that feeds your RecLess mind with valuable insights into the world of parks and recreation.

Tom Venniro, as one of the hosts, adds a unique touch to the podcast with his insider perspective as a member of the New York State Recreation and Park Society.

Having recently recorded two live in-person

episodes at the National Recreation and Park Association Conference in Dallas, the trio showcased their spontaneous and genuine camaraderie.

Courtney Carroll, our Executive Director, had the privilege of experiencing the RecLess magic firsthand at the conference. The podcast hosts also graced a national webinar hosted by industry software provider Amilia, where they discussed upcoming trends in the field for 2024, further solidifying their presence as thought leaders in Parks and Recreation.

Season 2 of RecLess is already underway, offering a treasure trove of episodes featuring guests from various corners of the industry – from current and rising stars to retired legends. The guest list reads like a who’s who in the world of Parks and Recreation, including former

NYSRPS Conference Keynote Speakers Chris Nunes and Neelay Bhatt, as well as industry

icons like Jodie Adams, Rosylyn Johnson, Tom O’Rourke, and Joe Turner.

The conversations on RecLess are as diverse as the guests themselves, spanning topics such as mentorship, professional development, leadership, and overcoming adversity. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, RecLess promises to be a valuable resource for everyone in Parks and Recreation.

All episodes, including Season 1 gems, are easily accessible on popular Podcast Streaming Services, YouTube, Apple, Amazon, Spotify, Audible, and Pocketcast. To stay updated and catch exciting episode announcements, follow RecLess on their LinkedIn Page or visit reclesspod.com.

Embark on a journey where laughter and knowledge collide – tune in to RecLess and join Shane, Jay, and Tom on this exciting exploration of Parks and Recreation like never before.

Photo courtesy of Tom Venniro

Onondaga County Parks Embraces Pickleball Trend with New 12-Court Lakeside Complex

By Eric Sopchak

Opened in mid-August 2023, the Onondaga Lake Park Pickleball Courts in Liverpool have quickly become the most popular attraction in Park’s leisure facility portfolio. Situated on 4-acres of prime shoreline park land, the new Pickleball facility anchors the southeast corner of the main family activities center in Onondaga Lake Park. Previously an underutilized diamond-shaped athletic field, this area of the park has been reimagined, and, thusly, seen a resurgence in visitation with the newly constructed courts.

A joint partnership between private citizens representing CNY Pickleball and Onondaga County Parks, the conceptualization, planning, development and construction was initiated from a groundswell of demand and support for a facility that could accommodate the countless number of people participating in this burgeoning sport. Nearly a year of

planning, meetings, design concepts and tweaking were hashed out before shovel met ground. Many important factors were considered when designing and constructing the facility, including ample parking, proximity to bathrooms, minimizing maintenance costs and overall ‘fit’ of a new facility into a well-established family activity center.

In addition to designing the physical facility, Onondaga Lake Park staff worked hand-inhand with CNY Pickleball representatives to implement rules/regulations, design signage aesthetic and language, develop a website and implement marketing materials and scheduling databases. This master planning ensured that the courts were scheduled and used in a fair and equitable way to handle the demand that would be placed upon them, not only in the opening months of use, but for years ahead.

All of this hard work and planning came together seamlessly for an opening ceremony attended by political dignitaries, out of state visitors and local pickleball enthusiasts who were excited to revel in the collective accomplishment of introducing this newest jewel to the Central New York community. This growing sport is only gaining momentum and we believe this beautiful facility is a testament to the many folks who have worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition.

Before and after photos courtesy of Onondaga County Parks & Recreation

FLASHBACK TO NYSRPS 2023 AWARDS

Recognizing the Professionals Who Improve Our Quality of Life

Lifetime Achievement

David Moriarty, Town of Henrietta

Distinguished Service

Dave Goldberg, Town of Pound Ridge

Outstanding Service

Bill Alley, Town of Cicero

Young Professional

Richard DiRago, Rye Recreation

Frances Wallach “Good Gal”

Megan Ball, Onondaga County Parks

ABCD Award (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty)

Cora Hawn, Town of Perinton

Distinguished Citizen/Organization

Jerry Schremp, City of Fulton

Elected Official of the Year

J. Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Executive

Special Event

Lasdon Park and Arboretum Hundred Acre Wood Exhibit, Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation

Program of Merit

Lasdon Park and Arboretum Dinosaur Garden, Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation

Multimedia

Ogden Parks and Recreation, Town of Ogden

Excellence in Landscape Design

Haverstraw Recreation Complex, Town of Haverstraw

Inclusion Program of Excellence

Hilton-Parma Special Olympics Training Club, Town of Parma

Environmental Leadership

Stephen Harris, City of Syracuse

Outstanding Corporate Partnership

Pettinari’s Deli, Pizza & Meats, Town of Parma

Standing (L to R): Richard DiRago, Joseph D. Perello, Brian Kelly, Kelly Bartell, Cora Hawn, Jerry Schremp, Tom Venniro Seated (L to R): David Goldberg, David Moriarty, Kathy O’Connor, Samatha Arone, Megan Ball, Bill Alley, Daniel Rolfe

Photo courtesy of NYSRPS

NYSRPS 2023

Conference Magic

Westchester Parks Foundation Launches Trails Without Limits

By Elyssa Martinez

Westchester Parks Foundation, with the support of Westchester County Parks, officially launched the first adaptive hiking program within Westchester County parks, Trails Without Limits.

Trails Without Limits allows people who may be living with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, amputation, paraplegia, arthritis, cardiac issues, joint replacements, or have other mobility concerns the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and receive all corresponding benefits.

Those who participate in the free program use specially designed All-Terrain Trackchairs, capable of navigating roots, rocks, mud, sand, and grass, to access a rustic hiking trail.

Westchester Parks Foundation and Westchester County Parks Department officially launched the program on March 2023 at Saxon Woods Park in White Plains. The first parks to offer the program were Saxon Woods Park, Lenoir Preserve in Yonkers, and

Muscoot Farm in Katonah. Over the 8 months the program offered 384 opportunities for 64 unique hikers and their caregivers. Community members contributed 736 hours through WPF’s Volunteer Program, assisting in trail maintenance and serving as trail guides for the program.

“The Nationally Accredited Westchester County Parks system is here to serve our entire community. I’m elated Westchester Parks Foundation is taking the necessary actions to create accessibility in our parks,” says George Latimer, Westchester County Executive.

Fundraising efforts for the Trails Without Limits program began in the fall of 2022, with Westchester Parks Foundation’s #GivingTuesday campaign, which launched after a successful pilot program. The Park’s Foundation also received generous funding from The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Veolia, and most recently the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.

“For some, it may be the first hike they’ve ever had the chance to be included in. For others, it may be the first time immersed in trails since their diagnosis,” says Erin Cordiner, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement, Westchester Parks Foundation.

Westchester Parks Foundation is proud to announce that Trails Without Limits will expand this year, reaching more locations as well as the addition of handcycles so community members have access to join Bicycle Sundays. The All-Terrain Trackchairs will rotate throughout the county in March.

Individuals looking to take part in the program can do so at no cost by registering at: https://www.thewpf.org/trailswithoutlimits Community members or local businesses interested in supporting the sustainability of the program can reach out to Erin@ TheWPF.org or call the office at 914-231-4600. Individuals looking to contribute through WPF’s Volunteer Program can reach out to MBenjamin@TheWPF.org

Town of Henrietta Gymnastics Program

By Craig Ross

The Town of Henrietta has been offering a recreation gymnastics program since the 1970’s. This program has evolved over the years to become one of the most unique offerings around for a town municipality. Up until the opening of our Recreation Center in 2017, the town had leased a space to house our gymnastics program. We now have 9,000+ sq. ft of dedicated space in our recreation center which houses our gymnastics program. The space includes a preschool area, spring floor, balance beams, high and low bars, vault areas, ninja warrior area, tumble track, and everyone’s favorite the foam pit!

Jackie Kitto, our gymnastics director, has been with our gymnastics program since 1997 and has grown the program beyond imagination. Our gymnastics program begins with our 1 yr. old walker program and offers something for all age groups moving forward. We also have

a recreation team whom Jackie is the coach of, they practice at the rec center and compete in gymnastics meets around the area. Our recreation classes on average see about 600 participants per session not including our gymnastics team, birthday parties, private lessons and summer camps. Our facility is also home to the Rush Henrietta Varsity Gymnastics Team as well, they practice and host their home meets at our facility. Many of the girls on the team end up becoming gymnastics instructors for our recreation classes.

This program would not be possible nor would it have grown into what it is today without the hard work and dedication that Jackie has brought over her many years with the town. We are very fortunate to be able to offer such a unique program for our community. The best part is that we are able to offer a top of the line

facility at an affordable rate for the population we all see in the municipal space. Every town or city has it’s niche and the Town of Henrietta has made gymnastics the forefront of its programming over the years and we hope to continue to grow!

Photos courtesy of Town of Henrietta