Setting a goal is more than just a declaration—it’s a commitment to personal and professional growth. By the end of this article, I hope that you will be inspired to set and share your own S.M.A.R.T. goal. Day Hiking at the Grand Canyon You may have already read this same Read more…
Returning from the 2023 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Conference in Dallas, we encountered many great sessions embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. As we all continue through our personal journeys to a more diverse workplace, let three basic principles guide you as you lead the way. Read more…
BY KRISTINA NEMETZ Millennial has become the catch-all term for entitlement in workplaces across the country. I am the first to admit I have misused the term when working with younger staff or interns. It is funny that people use the word while the millennial generation (born between 1982-1997) are Read more…
BY JOE DELUCE If you are currently an executive director or want to become an executive director of a parks and recreation agency, the following are some of the key steps you will need in order to take your career to the next level. Everyone is not cut out to Read more…
BY JOE DELUCE A positive workplace culture develops through alignment of values, standards, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It is evident in everything you and your staff do every day. Workplace Culture could be considered one of the most essential elements of a successful agency or organization. Many consider it more Read more…
REC-LEBRITY INTERVIEW Come along to Illinois’ first and only Dark Sky Park, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve. Lisa Sprinkle and Matt Kuntz, of Champaign Country Forest Preserve District, and David Leake, of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society, join Jarrod Scheunemann to discuss the importance of Dark Sky Parks and how they went about receiving the designation in Read more…
Mitchell Fransen, of Pontiac Parks & Recreation Department, and Jarrod Scheunemann talk about water in recreation: Have fun hiking even in wet conditions, plus what to expect when launching a brand new local splash pad. Northville-Placid Trail Upstate New York Have fun hiking even in wet conditions {01:12} Tip #1: Add an Extra Liner to Read more…
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 Read more…
On-location with Joel Dickerson, of Morton Park District, and James Wayne, of Town of Normal Parks and Recreation, to talk all things disc golf while Joel prepares for the 2019 PDGA Disc Golf World Championships. {1:05}Q. Why is disc golf importantA. {1:15} – Rich history in central Illinois.{1:24} – Increasing interest.{1:28} – Get Read more…
What does Judy Miller, of Urbana Park District, feel are the biggest hurdles in environmental education? And what trend is she the most excited about? {1:01}Q. What are the biggest hurdles for environmental education?A. {1:36} – Sharing the message that nature is a part of us.{1:46} – Nature centers staying relevant.{3:39} Read more…