Let's Talk Parks With BerryDunn

In this episode of “Let’s Talk Parks,” Ryan Hegreness and Becky Dunlap sit down with Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District (HHPRD) Deputy Director of Enterprise Services Bob Owens and Community Relations and Communications Manager Kellie Flowers to explore Colorado’s largest water park, Water World. You’ll hear insights on marketing and operational strategies focusing on guest experience and retention, including Bob’s observations over his 42-year career at Water World. Whether you're a seasoned aquatics professional or simply interested in a behind-the-scenes look at this complex (and sometimes unpredictable) industry, this episode offers practical advice on guest and employee retention, revenue strategies, and the importance of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Highlights: Bob shares the importance of leadership development and investing in his team Kellie discusses year-round marketing strategies for the park, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day Bob talks about how Water World integrates other HHPRD programs and local law enforcement into their EAP to keep guests and staff safe Resources mentioned: For more information about Water World, visit WaterworldColorado.com To learn more about HHPRD’s other programs and services, visit HylandHills.gov To learn more about BerryDunn’s Parks, Recreation, and Libraries team, visit berrydunn.com/parks-libraries Subscribe to “Let’s Talk Parks” for more episodes like this, and visit soundcloud.com/lets-talk-parks to learn more.

Welcome to the Lets Talk Parks Podcast. In this episode of our Let’s Talk Parks podcast, we prepare for the National Recreation and Parks Association Conference. We offer tips and tricks for navigating the conference, as well as a sneak peek into the sessions we will be presenting.

Welcome to the Let's Talk Parks Podcast. In this episode of our Let’s Talk Parks podcast, we celebrate National Parks Month by sharing some of our favorite projects and ways we play/connect with our communities.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this podcast, we sit down with Chris Bass, a seasoned professional whose journey in the parks and recreation field has led him to become the Chair of the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). We explore Chris’ background, his path to leadership in the field, and the key moments that shaped his career. Additionally, we dive into the importance of CAPRA accreditation for parks and recreation. Chris shares valuable insights on the CAPRA accreditation process and discusses how consultants play a crucial role in helping agencies navigate this journey.

In this episode of Lets talk parks, we flip the script and turn the spotlight on our hosts. Join us as we learn about their careers in the parks and recreation sector, and uncovering the challenges they've faced, the lessons they've learned, and the emerging trends they’re seeing in the field. From overcoming obstacles to embracing innovation, this conversation is a candid look at the personal journeys that shape the professionals who are driving the future of parks and recreation. Whether you’re a seasoned industry expert or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights into Parks, Recreation, and Libraries.

In this episode, we turn our focus to the future, exploring the exciting trends and innovations we expect to shape the parks, recreation, and libraries industry in 2025. Hosted by Becky Dunlap, we hear from industry experts, to get their predictions and insights on what's next for public spaces and community services.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, you’ll hear from Becky Dunlap and guest Art Thatcher as they share strategies for successfully implementing your master plan.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this special NRPA edition of the Let’s Talk Parks podcast, our parks and recreation consultants ames Mickle, Lisa Paradis, Ryan Hegreness, Becky Dunlap, Elsa Fishcher, and Nikki Ginger share both their conference and non-conference highlights from their time in Atlanta.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, you’ll hear from experts in the field on how they are using AI in the parks and recreation departments today. Joining host Becky Dunlap are team members from the parks and recreation department in the Village of Park Forest, Illinois, and Brookline, Massachusetts.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, we discuss the importance of using data to make informed, data-driven decisions that improve operations and justify resources, staffing, and funding needs. We also highlight how dashboards can make complex data more accessible and interactive, helping teams to better understand and communicate their impact.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, host Lakita Frazier (formerly of BerryDunn) welcomes BerryDunn colleague Lisa Paradis. They discuss the importance of using parks and recreation to foster a sense of belonging in communities throughout the country, this month and every month.

In this episode, host Becky Dunlap welcomes Lakita Frazier (formerly of BerryDunn). They discuss the importance of creating a culture of innovation, finding time to build innovative thinking in your organization, and how important innovation is to building successful projects, programs, and departments.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, host Becky Dunlap welcomes Diana Garcia, Assistant City Manager and former City Librarian of Monterey Park, CA. The topic? Building a post-pandemic strategic planning process that engages every part of the community.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, host Becky Dunlap continues her conversation with Ally Bujacich, Executive Director of PenMet Parks in Gig Harbor, Washington, about strategic planning. The topic? Implementing a strategic plan and holding each other accountable to ensure that the plan becomes a reality.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks, recreation, and libraries. In this episode, host Becky Dunlap continues her discussion with Ally Bujacich, Executive Director of PenMet Parks in Gig Harbor, Washington. They discuss the importance of identifying, developing, and operationalizing your values as an integral part of strategic planning.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks, recreation, and libraries. In this episode, host Becky Dunlap continues her discussion with Ally Bujacich, Executive Director of PenMet Parks in Gig Harbor, Washington. The topic? The importance of reviewing and including strong mission and vision statements as part of the strategic planning process.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks, recreation, and libraries. In this episode, host Becky Dunlap discusses strategic planning. She is joined by Ally Bujacich, Executive Director of PenMet Parks in Gig Harbor, Washington, and BerryDunn colleague Barbara Heller. They discuss the ins and outs of the strategic plan process and their necessity.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks, recreation, and libraries. In this episode, host Becky Dunlap discusses the differences between strategic planning and master planning. She is joined by BerryDunn colleague Barbara Heller to discuss the necessity of these plans and implementation best practices.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, we’re talking all things AI. Host Becky Dunlap welcomes Ryan Hegreness, an experienced parks and recreation professional and the current Deputy Director of Business Services at South Suburban Parks and recreation. They discuss AI both in broad terms and in the parks and recreation setting, how parks and recreation agencies can utilize it now, and potential uses for AI in the future.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, we’re talking about how to create more inclusive public spaces. Host Becky Dunlap welcomes Lane Gram, a Manager for the Parks and Recreation team in Gilbert, Arizona. Lane provides insights on Gilbert’s efforts to improve inclusivity and the implementation of changes to make spaces more inclusive. Meredith Tekin, President of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, joins the conversation to provide perspective on the optimization of spaces for people with sensory needs and autism.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, we’re talking about recruitment and retainment in a very challenging environment. Host Becky Dunlap welcomes BerryDunn colleagues, Barbara Heller and Nikki Ginger, and members of the parks and rec team from Loudon County, Virginia, Nicole Falceto and Fernando Avellanet. They discuss effective hiring and retainment strategies and supporting a strong culture to enhance efforts.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Parks with BerryDunn, a podcast focused on helping you navigate the changing field of parks and recreation. In this episode, Becky Dunlap hosts Shane Mize, Parks and Recreation Director in Pflugerville, Texas. Nikki Ginger and Jason Genck join the conversation to discuss Shane’s leadership approach and innovation in parks and recreation.