Jameel Jones, of Champaign Park District, and Jarrod Scheunemann talk about trends in recreation.
{00:52}
Q. How is your park district preparing for the minimum wage increase?
A.
– We have already started making adjustments for our lower-paid staff.
– We are also looking at needed long term adjustments.
– Looking at both part-time and full-time staff.
{1:40}
Q. How many employees do you have on staff?
A.
– 87 regular staff members.
– 500–600 part-time staff (during the summer).
{2:17}
Q. What trends are you watching?
A.
– The shift between athletics and arts – the two seem to be balancing.
– Balance is forming due to partnerships.
{4:15}
Q. How do you start a partnership conversation?
A.
– Start with being open to working with others.
– Collect public input of what partnerships your community wants.
– Building strong relationships – this is a major trend.
{5:16}
Q. What are some arts programs that are hot right now?
A. Anything that works with teens or kids for self-expression.
{6:33}
Q. What are some steps to successfully reach underserved populations?
A.
– It’s an effort you cannot do alone – have community buy-in.
– Play a role in their lives.
– You can’t really just help one kid – help two, three, four, five…
{8:38}
Q. But let’s be real, will a professional that looks like me gain that trust?
A.
– Starts in your heart – be genuine, others will see it.
– Consistently showing up.
– Learn the songs the kids are listening to.
{9:48}
Q. What can we do to encourage minorities into the park & rec field?
A.
– Train and hire bilingual staff.
– Being accessible, being a safe place.
– Creating partnerships with local school districts.
– Translate information appropriately.
– Putting a representation of their culture at our parks.
– Including them in the planning process.
– Engagement, a good heart, and follow-through.
Contact the Rec-lebrity:
Jameel Jones
Director of Recreation
Champaign Park District
706 Kenwood Road
Champaign, IL 61821
jameel.jones@champaignparks.com
217-819-3907
Rec-lebrity Interviews conducted by Campfire Concepts President, Jarrod Scheunemann, and Marketing Director, Jessie Scheunemann, focus on local park and recreation management strategies and best practices. Join this dynamic pair and other “rec-lebrities” in their treehouse and on location to find your next great idea.
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