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Episode 26: Where We Are Today – ELP Alumni Recap

(19:51) 

Episode 25:  Integrating Preventive Public Health into Parks and Recreation Planning

Learn from this presentation summary hosted by Teresa L. Penbrooke, (Ph.D., CPRE, (Director of the Healthy Communities Research Group for GP RED – www.gpred.org) as she discusses the process of implementing projects that focus on the health benefits of recreation to attract investment. As well as, how to view your community as a system, the tools and tactics needed to build your case, and how to break down barriers to recreation access.

(15:41) 

Episode 24: What Are Parks & How Do We Create Them?

We’re eager to share with you Dr. Robby Layton, FASLA’s latest work and vision. In this segment, you can understand how he interprets parks and recreation, goes through systems planning, explains equity, problems to be faced, and possible solutions! This episode begins with host Teresa L. Penbrooke, PhD, CPRE, asking landscape architect Robby Layton the following questions:
1. What is your background and experience?
2. Can you talk about your thoughts on what a park is?
3. What about the history of parks?  How did they start?  How did they evolve?
4. How do we get more parks?
5. How do we plan for equitable access? Minimize gentrification?
6. How do we know if we have achieved our goals?
7. Teaching at PREPP – Why do you think this is important to include?

Looking to know more about the Parks and Recreation Emerging Professionals Program (PREPP)?

The Parks and Recreation Emerging Professionals Program is a unique program through the University of Colorado-Denver, for people who want to move ahead into upper levels of supervision and administration, need an education in management and planning, and are interested in a flexible, yet rigorous, program developed for working professionals.

The online program includes live class time (on Zoom) as well as an online course system for ongoing learning and study. Participants complete 12 courses over 15 months – for a total of 180 hours of class time. Each set of 3 courses ends in a student portfolio, and the final series is capped with a self-directed project that incorporates the learning across the entire program. Participants will be grouped into cohorts starting in January 2022.

Don’t forget to apply by Dec. 31st!  The first PREPP Cohort is filling up fast: https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/programs/professional-development/leadership-training/parks-and-recreation-emerging-professionals-program

(33:29) 

Episode 23: Exploring the State of Education for the Parks and Recreation Profession

Highlights from a talk for the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association on the current status  related to workforce development and education for the parks and recreation field across the nation –  by Dr. Teresa L. Penbrooke, Ph.D., CPRE, (Director of the Healthy Communities Research Group for GP RED – www.gpred.org). Dr. Penbrooke is sharing this work at other conferences around the country, and the basis for the research can be found in a GP RED Research Brief #14 – Status of Education Needs for Parks, Recreation, and Related Professionals – 2021.

Help us help parks and recreation professionals! GP RED Presents… brings education and tools for students and professionals who want to help communities thrive. GP RED is a non-profit organization. If you enjoyed this topic and find the information valuable, please consider taking a minute to support GP RED by making a tax-deductible donation for whatever amount you think is appropriate by visiting https://www.gpred.org/support/donor/​​​.

Please subscribe, like, and comment – on this video and let us know what else you’d like us to cover.

(30:45 minutes)

Episode 22: Developing a New Information Agenda for Parks & Open Space

Learn from this enlightening presentation summary hosted by Terry Horton, as she discusses developing the new information agenda for parks and open space at a GP RED National Think Tank. She speaks about how the world is changing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, greater structural racism, and intersectionality between multiple identities. She discusses the kind of research that must be implemented due to adapting to the new normal. 

Help us support parks and recreation professionals! GP RED Presents… brings education and tools for students and professionals who want to help communities thrive. GP RED is a non-profit organization. 

If you enjoyed this topic and find the information valuable, please consider taking a minute to support GP RED by making a tax-deductible donation for whatever amount you think is appropriate by visiting https://www.gpred.org/support/donor/.

Please subscribe, like, and comment – on this video and let us know what else you’d like us to cover.

(9:10 minutes)

Episode 21:  Trends in Outdoor Recreation

Learn from this informative presentation summary from Atilla Bality, outdoor recreation planner (NPS-RTCA), and Dr. Teresa Penbrooke (Director of the Healthy Communities Research Group for GP RED – www.gpred.org) as they discuss the trends in managing outdoor recreation at a GP RED National Think Tank. They review an Outdoor Industry Association Forecasting Report, discuss how agencies are adapting to new trends around outdoor recreation and how to further utilize tools for managing outdoor land spaces.

(15:25 minutes)

Episode 20: Community Resilience through Parks and Recreation Responses

Learn from this educational presentation summary from Daniel Hernandez, MPA, Director of Parks and Recreation for Clark County, Nevada, and Donna Kuethe, Executive Director, GP RED, as they discuss the challenges and opportunities for dealing with natural disasters at a GP RED National Think Tank. They discuss the issues and how agencies are dealing with them, and a brief overview of a new program, Operation Recreation Response (ORR).  For more information, see https://www.gpred.org/education/operation-rescue-response-orr/

(13:47 minutes)

Episode 19, Part 1:  Bouncing Back: Pandemic Lessons for Parks and Recreation Agencies

“What we know now is completely different than what we knew in July.” In this episode 1 of a 2 part series, Thomas Venniro (Director of Parks and Recreation, Hilton-Parma, New York), Jay Tryon (Superintendent of Community Recreation, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina), and Chris Nunes (Director of Parks and Recreation for The Woodlands Township, Texas) discuss how each of their communities have dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they plan on pushing forward through the next coming months. They talk about the increase in parks usage and awareness, challenges to different levels of comfort among community members and staff, as well as new trends that have emerged (such as the “reservation” model for using facilities and attending events).  (16:00 minutes)

Episode 19, Part 2: – Bouncing Back: Pandemic Lessons for Parks and Recreation Agencies

Continuation from Part 1.

Episode 18: Changing Law Enforcement Perception through Recreation

Partnering with police departments gives park and recreation agencies the power to help change the perception of law enforcement within the communities. Listen to Officer Adam Mentor and Sergeant Jason Newton from the Colorado Springs Police Department, as well as well Police Chief Darryl McSwain of Montgomery County Parks, share their personal experiences and ways they connect with the community through recreation. They discuss ways of being seen beyond their uniform and cover difficult topics such as racism and profile in regards to George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. 

This session was facilitated by Brian Kates of the Colorado Springs Police Department during the 2020 GP RED Think Tank Series.  More highlight videos will be uploaded onto the GP RED YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe!

Be informed about upcoming Think Tank details and registration by clicking here: 

www.gpred.org/initiatives/gp-red-national-think-tank

(19:59 minutes)

Episode 17: Highlights from Sylvie Rokab’s Keynote Presentation on Love Thy Nature

“Nature connection is completely wired in us.” In this episode, Emmy nominated and award-winning film maker Sylvie Rokab highlights key points from her documentary, Love Thy Nature, which was presented at the 2020 GP RED Think Tank. She discusses the importance of connecting to nature and how to incorporate nature connection into our everyday lives. She explains the practice of forest bathing, awakening senses, being mindful, and daily practices that integrate nature connection into a mostly urban, digital world. 

This video is part of the Highlights from the 2020 GP RED Think Tank Series. More highlight videos will be uploaded onto the GP RED YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe!

Be informed about the upcoming Think Tank details and registration by clicking here: https://www.gpred.org/initiatives/gp-red-national-think-tank/

Sylvie Rokab’s Love Thy Nature Synopsis:
Produced and directed by Sylvie Rokab, narrated by Liam Neeson, and the winner of 27 awards, Love Thy Nature points to how far we’ve distanced ourselves from nature and takes viewers on a cinematic journey of the beauty and intimacy of our relationship with the natural world. The film shows that a renewed connection with nature is key both to our health and the health of our planet.

Link to Love Thy Nature Trailer: https://youtu.be/e7yljPRMZJA

(18:32 minutes)

Episode 16: Out of the Box Programming for Parks and Recreation Agencies

How can parks and recreation agencies bring recreation to the community? In this episode, Emily Fox (Recreation Manager of the Parks and Recreation Department in Ventura, CA) talks with Teresa Penbrooke PhD, CPRE (CEO of GreenPlay – www.greenplayllc.com, & Director of the Healthy Communities Research Group for GP RED – www.gpred.org) about “out of the box” programming, building off of what other agencies have already started, partnering with local businesses, and encouraging staff to brainstorm new ideas together. 

For more creative programming ideas, click this link to hear from El Cajon Parks and Recreation Director Frank Carson, in GP RED Presents Episode 2. (19:21 minutes)

Episode 15: Partnerships for Parks, Recreation, Libraries, and More for Community Quality of Life

Parks and Recreation agencies are partnering with libraries now more than ever. In this episode, Teresa Penbrooke, PhD, CPRE (CEO of GreenPlay – www.greenplayllc.com, & Director of the Healthy Communities Research Group for GP RED – www.gpred.org) talks with Jim Ziemnik (Director at Lorain County Metro Parks) and Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz (Director of Lorain Public Library System) about the the benefits, obstacles, and considerations of their current partnership, along with some examples of the programs they’ve implemented together. Noah Lenstra, PhD, Assistant Professor of Library and Information Science at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, joins the conversation with examples of how this fits within preventive health strategies and other quality of life partnerships, along with considerations when deciding to partner with another agency. 

Click the following link to see an example of Lorain Public Library and Parks and Recreation partnering together to create “Little Library on the Lake.”  (19:40 minutes)

Episode 14: Component-Based Methods for Inventory and Level of Service Analysis for Parks

What makes a park valuable? What is a component score? Why is it important to know how services are distributed across a system? How do inventory and level of service analyses ensure equal access to parks and recreation facilities in communities?  

In this episode, Teresa Penbrooke, PhD, (CEO of GreenPlay – www.greenplayllc.com, & Director of the Healthy Communities Research Group for GP RED – www.gpred.org) talks with GreenPlay GRASP® Team Leader Dave Peterson and GIS Analyst Caylon Vielehr about inventory and level of service analyses and how they relate to equity in parks and recreation. They discuss how inventory is recorded, understanding level of service, and how/why agencies of all sizes can record inventory.  (20:08 minutes)

Episode 13:  Deeper Dive – How to Get Started and How to Help Younger Parks and Recreation Professionals

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or looking for an entry-level job in the field, this video explores a conversation around what people need to know about starting a career in parks and recreation. What soft skills and hard skills should one look to acquire? How should universities help students prepare? What is the importance of volunteer work?  How and why should seasoned professionals offer mentorship and guidance to younger professionals?

Experts Dirk Richwine (Director for NRPA’s Director’s School, CAPRA Commissioner, and Fellow American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration), Donna Kuethe (GP RED Executive Director), Amanda Walker (GP RED Research and Active Living Manager), and Leslie Fritz (Director of Strategic Initiatives, Leadership Outfitters, and former Education Manager for California Park & Recreation Society) recently shared their experiences during a GP RED National Advisory Board “Deeper Dive” conversation. What emerged was advice and a brainstorm of ideas on how to help young parks and recreation professionals thrive and succeed. What are your thoughts (feel free to comment below)?  This is part of an ongoing “State of Education” initiative that GP RED is coordinating with universities and associations around the U.S. (18:32 minutes)

Episode 12:  Parks & Recreation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Impacts of COVID-19

Parks and recreation facilities and programs need to be available for people with all levels of ability. Join John McGovern, JD, Partner & Principal in Charge for the Accessibility Practice at the WT Group (www.wtengineering.com) as he talks with Teresa Penbrooke, PhD, (CEO of GreenPlay – www.greenplayllc.com, & Director of the Healthy Communities Research Group for GP RED – www.gpred.org) about how public parks and recreation agencies can prepare, plan, and manage aspects related to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and do the right things around providing inclusion services in our communities.  (19:49 minutes)

Episode 11: Transformative Community Engagement – Conversation with Laura Pirie & Dr. Teresa Penbrooke

We are in a time of change, and how we talk to, engage with, and learn from people in our communities to help plan and move forward is changing. Some of the basic tenets for how we can build trust and meet people where they live are the same, but the need for social distancing and integration of mobile-optimized engagement tools have added other opportunities and challenges. Join Laurie Pirie, Principal of Pirie Associates (www.pirieassociates.com), and Dr. Teresa Penbrooke, CEO and Founder of GreenPlay LLC (www.greenplayllc.com) and Director of the Healthy Communities Research Group for GP RED (www.gpred.org), as they talk about these issues related to in-person and online community engagement and planning. and how we can do it better. (19:52 minutes)

Episode 10: Bouncing Back and Staying Back – How Parks and Recreation Agencies Can Rebound and Thrive

Difficult times often present the opportunity make critical decisions that can move agencies forward. In this episode, Teresa Penbrooke talks with Chris Nunes, Director of Parks and Recreation in The Woodlands, Texas, about how parks and recreation agencies can adapt and even thrive during the COVID-19 Pandemic. They discuss how we can recreate belonging even if we cannot bring people together like we used to, how parks and recreation can be transformed, and considerations for staffing. (19:54 minutes)

Episode 9, Part 1:  Being Part of the Solution: Race and Recreation

It’s around us, it exists even if we don’t see it, it demands our attention, and it needs to be addressed, openly. This video is part of the Highlights of Real Conversations About Race and Diversity in Parks and Recreation Solutions series.

This episode features GP RED board members Debbie Woodbury, MPA, CPRP, CPM, from the City of Alexandria Parks and Recreation, VA; Justin Cutler, MPA, CPRE, from the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department; and Lakita Watson, from Richland County Recreation, SC, in honest discussions about equity and racial justice in parks and recreation. Facilitated by Dr. Teresa Penbrooke, CPRE, we talk about racism in the parks and recreation management realm, and ways parks and recreation professionals can be part of the solution. We discuss what diversity really means and the importance of having an administration that represents your community. (15:17 minutes)

Episode 9, Part 2:  Being Part of the Solution: Racial Equity and Use of Parks and Recreation with Mickey Fearn

This is part of the Highlights of Real Conversations About Race and Diversity in Parks and Recreation Solutions series. Dr. Teresa Penbrooke from GP RED talks with Mickey Fearn, a long-time parks & recreation advocate, trainer, researcher, and mentor, about how we can address racial equity, diversity, and inclusion for all of our community residents. (10:21 minutes)

Episode 7 – Roundtable: Current Additional Funding Opportunities for Parks & Recreation Agencies

Find out which additional Federal funding opportunities your agency might be eligible for in this conversation led by Town of Salem, NH Director of Community Services, Danny Hopkins. He discusses funding opportunities such as the CARE ACT, FEMA, and JAG and the requirements needed to be eligible. Leaders from other agencies across the country talk about how their department cut costs by partnering with other departments, and what to expect in the future. A copy of Danny’s presentation is available at https://www.gpred.org/gp-red-presents/. 

RESOURCES:

Ep. 7: Funding Roundtable Powerpoint

Episode 6, Part 1:  The Uphill Road to Financial Stability – What has Happened, What to Expect

“It isn’t about returning back to the way things were, it’s about preparing for a new normal.” This is Part 1 of a 3-part series of highlights taken from “The Uphill Road to Financial Stability” webinar , hosted by Amilia, and moderated by Liz McConomy. Here cost recovery and resource allocation experts Chris Dropinski from GreenPlay, Lisa Paradis from Berry Dunn, and Jamie Sabbach from 110%, discuss how COVID-19 has impacted parks and recreation agencies and what they can expect in the future. The full webinar also included Janet Bartnik, from Mountain Recreation District, and Stacie Anaya from the City of Lewisville, TX.  (22:43 minutes)

Episode 6, Part 2:  Why Cost Recovery and Resource Allocation is Important

Anticipated public parks and recreation budget cuts from the Covid-19 pandemic may be as much as 20 to 40%. This means that strategic approaches to managing resource allocation and cost recovery are essential for every agency. This episode, helps give insights as to why culture is important when it comes to cost recovery, why this type of work is important in both good times and the bad times, and how to embrace cost recovery practices rather than be afraid. This is Part 2 of a 3-part series of highlights taken from “The Uphill Road to Financial Stability” webinar, hosted by Amilia, and moderated by Liz McConomy. Here cost recovery and resource allocation experts Chris Dropinski from GreenPlay, Lisa Paradis from Berry Dunn, and Jamie Sabbach from 110%, discuss why cost recovery and resource allocation is important for parks and recreation agencies, and what they can expect in the future. The full webinar also included Janet Bartnik, from Mountain Recreation District, and Stacie Anaya from the City of Lewisville, TX.  (20:10 minutes)

Episode 6, Part 3:  Cost Recovery and How Two Parks and Recreation Agencies Can Adjust

This is Part 3 of a 3-part series of highlights taken from “The Uphill Road to Financial Stability” webinar, hosted by Amilia, and moderated by Liz McConomy. In this episode you’ll hear case studies from Janet Bartnik, Executive Director, Mountain Recreation District, and Stacie Anaya, Director for Lewisville, TX, Parks and Recreation Department, talk about how cost recovery practices prepared them for COVID-19, along with advice they would offer to other departments and agencies. The full webinar also included Chris Dropinski from GreenPlay, Lisa Paradis from Berry Dunn, and Jamie Sabbach from 110%.  (20:03 minutes)

Episode 5 – Virtual Programming and Outdoor Recreation

It’s great to get creative with creating and managing outdoor recreation and adventure programming, for a variety of reasons! Dr. Teresa Penbrooke, CPRE, talks with Recreation Specialist Keith Dodson and GreenPlay Principal Art Thatcher about how to embrace change during the pandemic, create exciting virtual programming, create economic benefits, and take advantage of the opportunity to incorporate technology into outdoor recreation. Please like and subscribe to this channel to help us bring you more great videos!

Comments, questions, or want to be a topic expert? Email us! info@gpred.org

Episode 4: Considerations for Reopening

What should be considered when reopening parks and recreation facilities to the public? Should COVID-19 be treated like other emergencies and natural disasters, or something entirely of its own? How do agencies adhere to social distancing guidelines while continuing to provide programs and services? Dr. Teresa Penbrooke, CPRE, talks with experienced professionals from around the country regarding steps, strategies, and different approaches to reopening during COVID-19. Debbie Woodbury, Danny Hopkins, and Linda Smith share their insights and offer advice on how to safely reopen in phases.

Resources:

GP RED’s Considerations for Reopening Worksheet
Valparaiso, IN Reopening Sample Documents –
Return to Work Procedures | Park Openings Graph (courtesy Valpo Parks, IN)
Valpo Parks Program Changes
Santa Ana, CA PRCSA Reopening Plan (courtesy of Santa Ana, CA Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency)
Reopening Guidelines, Kansas Recreation and Park Association
CDC Decision Tree – Youth Programs and Summer Camps

Episode 3:  Effectively Working From Home

Working from home has its own struggles, from dealing with different types of co-workers to establishing new routines. GreenPlay’s Becky Dunlap and Dr. Teresa Penbrooke share their knowledge and experience to help professionals adapt to a new normal in the COVID-19 era.

Additional links and free resources in response to COVID-19:

Zoom – Free 1-on-1, group calls up to 40 minutes
Facebook Workplace Advanced – Free until June 2021
Google Advanced Hangouts – Free until July 2021
Microsoft Teams – Free for 6 months www.freeconferencecall.com

Episode 2:  Creative Programming Now

Parks and recreation agencies have to ability to make a powerful impact during the era of COVID-19. Dr. Teresa Penbrooke talks with El Cajon Parks and Recreation Director Frank Carson about how he and other agencies are finding ways to engage with their communities. They also discuss ways to provide and market services to the public during social distancing, as well as the development virtual recreation programming.

Episode 1:  Introduction to GP RED Presents

What knowledge can you gain from subscribing to GP RED Presents? Director of Healthy Communities Research Group and GreenPlay CEO Dr. Teresa Penbrooke gives a brief overview over the importance of parks and recreation, the definition of leisure, the evolution of management to leadership, and other topics that will be discussed on future episodes of GP RED Presents.