Park Stories

A creative Halloween letter-writing program sparks local—and global—connectionsBy Chris OrrThe Tulare Parks & Recreation's "Letters to Jack Skellington" is a community-engagement program designed to promote literacy, community connection, and a holiday spirit. In 2025, the program went viral as the department received 5,000 letters from all 50 U.S. states (as well as Guam and Puerto Rico), Canada, England, Scotland, Germany, and Australia. This year, the program not only connected local residents but also facilitated a global connection through a shared, themed activity, creating a sense of belonging and community excitement during the Halloween season.

Eco-friendly elements improve operating efficiency at new aquatic facilitiesBy Brianne SanchezColoradans who love to swim, splash, and soak with a view of Mount Sopris will soon do all three more sustainably at a new Carbondale Aquatics Center, scheduled to open in May 2026. The Western Slope’s first all-electric aquatic facility replaces a crumbling, vinyl-lined 1970s-era pool, fulfilling long-term goals within the town’s parks master plan. 

The Note and Float Life Jacket Fund boosts water safety with life-saving donationsBy Rachel GriffithsNearly two decades ago, the Note and Float program was created by Dr. Tom Griffiths while he served as the Director of Aquatics at Penn State University. The program is a free drowning-prevention strategy for facilities to adopt, identifying weak and inexperienced swimmers, and requiring them to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. The program was piloted at Penn State. Beautiful life jackets in different pastel colors and sizes were displayed on a rack at the entrance of the Penn State Natatorium. In front of the rack was a 48” Note and Float logo children could use to measure themselves, or parents could use to help measure children, akin to a “you must be this tall to ride” sign at amusement parks. Non-swimmers and those under 48” were required to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

How preventive maintenance reduces downtime, controls costs, and protects community accessBy Myles PhelpsEvery community pool tells a story—from early-morning swim practices to first lessons and lifelong fitness. These facilities quietly support daily life in ways most patrons never see. But their success depends on more than construction or programming. It depends on preventive maintenance—the behind-the-scenes work that keeps aquatic facilities safe, reliable, and open to the communities they serve.

Parks can be a prescription, but who gets them?By Karen Fischer

Working smarter to improve waste collection in Georgetown County, South CarolinaBy Jackie R. Broach

The maintenance blueprint that sustains Inland GreensBy Jonathan Batts and Charles DavisLong before Wilmington, N.C., wakes up, before the first golfer tees up the day’s opening shot, work at Inland Greens is already in motion. At 6 a.m., crews step onto the course with mowers humming, sand moving, and turf shaking off the night’s heaviness. By the time the course opens, every green is rolled, every tee box is prepped, and every detail is refined. With nearly 40,000 rounds played a year, nothing about this routine is optional. Turf doesn’t care about tee times, but the community does, so staff members show up early, every day, to make sure the course is ready.

How Miami’s The Underline built an economy of connectionBy Eulois CleckleyMiami has always been a city that moves fast and dreams big. From its art deco past to its tech-forward present, this community thrives on reimagining what’s possible. That same energy fuels The Underline, a 10-mile, multimodal, urban park beneath Miami’s Metrorail that serves as a corridor of connection, commerce, and culture.

How Louisville is using science to shape a healthier downtownBy Travis RagsdaleWhen city leaders in Louisville, Ky., signed the Greenprint Charter, they weren’t launching another beautification project. They were testing whether science and collaboration could reshape the future of an urban core. The initiative brings together government, researchers, and community partners to examine how targeted greening can improve public health and support downtown recovery.

Midewin Tallgrass Prairie offers a new blueprint for conservationBy Karen FischerI don’t know what a prairie looks like, yet I spent years living in the Midwest. But neither do you, even if you’re reading this, from the Midwest, right now. In fact, no one knows what a prairie really looks like because it has long been gone.

Discover how camps across the U.S. are transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant pollinator gardens filled with music. In this CampFest webinar, Percussion Play explores how nature-inspired outdoor musical instruments invite campers to slow down, connect with the environment, and create music together. Learn how these multi-sensory spaces support wellbeing, environmental education, and inclusive play—while buzzing with bees, butterflies, and rhythm.Presenters are Alex Cook, Camp Specialist and Kate Mannerings, Client Services Manager. This session is FREE to all camp and parks professionals. It takes place Wednesday, February 25, 2026 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM MSTRegister for FREE here.If you'd rather watch this (and future podcasts), follow Park People on YouTube. 

How Asheville Parks & Recreation is building a mentorship program that works for its communityBy Christo BubenikParks and recreation professionals often see their roles as providing spaces and opportunities for people of all ages to stay connected, discover new things, and reach their highest potential. However, one age group is notoriously hard to reach: teens and tweens. As young people straddle the time between childhood and adulthood, fostering the people and leaders they will become is essential to community health.https://www.prbplus.com/guiding-our-youth/

How civic architecture can redefine resilienceBy Jeff KuhnhennAs communities face frequent climate events, social disruptions, and infrastructure challenges, civic architecture is being reimagined as a front line of resilience. Libraries, recreation centers, and municipal buildings—once regarded as the background fabric of civic life—are increasingly recognized as essential public assets that can sustain communities during crises.https://www.prbplus.com/future-readiness/

Mobile recreation units help residents access amenities and build communityBy Brianne SanchezCan giant yard games like Connect Four encourage neighbors to connect more?Leaders in the rapidly growing suburb of Bondurant, Iowa, believe so. Recreation plays an important role in strengthening relationships in the city, which experienced an astounding 90.8 percent population increase from 2010 to 2020.https://www.prbplus.com/fun-on-wheels/

How to run a successful recreation facilities referendum  By Emily GebhardtRecreation centers, public parks and trails, pools, and athletic facilities form the foundation of community wellness and engagement. Successful funding for park districts and projects requires a multifaceted approach. Community support and funding are critical; without that backing, a parks and recreation project is less likely to flourish.https://www.prbplus.com/winning-the-vote/

By Dave HerpyIn today’s dynamic world of parks and recreation, effective leadership is more essential than ever. This field plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in our communities, yet the challenges facing our teams—staffing, burnout, and ever-evolving public needs—require intentional leadership grounded in purpose. Drawing from my book, Leading with Purpose: Achieving Your Highest Potential in Work and Life, this article explores how leaders in parks and recreation can lead with authenticity, clarity, and impact.https://www.prbplus.com/leading-with-purpose-in-parks-recreation/

A unique outdoor program for adultsBy Leah CarlsonFor over 25 years, Wilderness Awareness School's Immersion program has transformed the lives of adults through an intense, nine-month, nature connection experience. Located on a 60-acre campus in the foothills of Washington State's Cascade Mountains, the program is a powerful model for how immersive, holistic outdoor education can inspire personal growth, foster community, and build tomorrow's environmental leaders. https://www.prbplus.com/the-power-of-immersion/

A critical way to increase ADA complianceBy VernaAnn KotanskyInclusive playgrounds give all children an opportunity to enjoy one of the most essential parts of childhood—play. Unfortunately, many accessible playgrounds focus only on physical accommodations like ramps and wheelchair-accessible swings. While these are vital, true accessibility must go further by also addressing communication differences. That’s where communication boards come in. These tools are a critical part of creating fully inclusive, ADA-compliant playground environments. 

Planning for and mitigating noise issuesBy Brandon KunkelWhether you love pickleball for its energetic, fast pace or hate it for the constant rhythmic, popping noise of the plastic ball, its status as one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in the United States is undeniable. According to USA Pickleball, 4,000 new locations were added in 2024, contributing to a total of nearly 16,000 new courts nationwide.

Palm Coast’s Southern Recreation Center sets a new standard for sustainable sports designBy Sam ElsheikhNestled within a 63-acre campus adjacent to the Palm Coast Tennis Center, the City of Palm Coast’s new Southern Recreation Center in Florida is more than a sports complex. It’s a regional destination, an architectural statement, and a benchmark in environmentally conscious civic development. Designed by OLC and constructed by Gilbane Building Company, the project integrates community engagement, environmental stewardship, and recreational excellence into a LEED Gold-certified facility.

The entrepreneurial-planning approach By Howard Kozloff and Ben DonskyPublic parks are often caught between providing accessible amenities and programs for the community and finding ways to generate revenue for upkeep and maintenance. Today, many conservancies and a smaller number of municipal and county parks departments are moving toward a more business-minded approach, away from the traditional user-fee model. This shift represents a fundamental change in how park systems operate, focusing on creating diverse revenue streams that can advance broader community priorities while maintaining their core public mission. https://www.prbplus.com/revenue-development-for-public-parks/

How trails are essential to climate resilienceBy Clement LauAs climate change intensifies, communities around the globe face unprecedented environmental challenges, from rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns to the loss of biodiversity. In response, innovative approaches to enhance climate resilience are essential. Trails, typically seen as recreational amenities, can play a surprisingly critical role in building climate resilience. More than just pathways for walkers, hikers, cyclists, or equestrians, trails offer numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits that directly contribute to community preparedness and adaptation in the face of a changing climate.https://www.prbplus.com/on-the-right-path/

Collaborating with local land trusts helps park departments and camps protect and connect properties for public useBy Brianne SanchezAcross the country, partnerships with local land trusts facilitate projects with long-term environmental, economic, and social impacts. Expertise in land acquisition, fund development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement can catalyze solutions.

Preserving the history of your camp or park can be a vital channel to integrate alumni into your program’s future and attract future participants. Author Dan Shortridge, who wrote the book about his local camp’s history, will share nearly 20 free tools and resources to help your park or camp explore and share its stories from decades past.Register and attend for FREE: www.prbplus.com

In this session,  Courtney Gallagher, EP Climbing will share how climbing boulders and wall systems support community engagement and wellness across different types of park projects. We will walk through design considerations, accessibility features, and the long-term value of climbing as part of modern recreation planning.Register and attend for FREE at www.prbplus.com

Julie Knapp, Clinical Assistant Professor and Internship Coordinator at Indiana University-Bloomington, explores strategies for designing the ideal internship program.  The presentation will highlight effective intern recruitment, the importance of goals, structure, and expectations, articulating responsibilities, providing mentorship, and establishing evaluation processes for interns.Register for free at www.prbplus.com

In this inspiring and practical session, Dave Herpy, Extension Organizational Development Coordinator for NC State Extension, will share actionable strategies for purpose-driven leadership in the parks and recreation field. Drawing from over two decades of real-world experience, he’ll equip participants with tools to build trust, engage teams, and create a resilient, positive organizational culture.Register for ParkFest for FREE at www.prbplus.com

ParkFest 2025 -- taking place October 28-30 - is the parks and rec industry's best virtual event. Free education. Free CEUs. And, lots of fun. To register you or your team, visit www.prbplus.comThis episode cover our AI Track -- three AI Sessions from Jason Peters at GovTech Innovators and Samuel Lunt, Assistant Recreation Director in Southeast Michigan. Intro to AI for Parks and Rec ProsParks and Recreation Marketing with AIAI Security and Policy ConsiderationsJoin us for FREE. You're going to love it. Enjoy this episode.

How the GEO Foundation makes the game of golf more sustainableBy Hal PhillipsEvery time folks think they’ve wrapped their heads around the scope of transformation here at municipally owned Corica Park Golf Course (in Alameda, Calif.), there’s another spasm of revitalization and innovation—all of it sustainable, none of it a burden to taxpayers.

Why Spikeball belongs in every summer camp’s programmingBy Andrew LuftgalssAny leader who has spent time around a playground, beach, or park has likely seen a circle of kids gathered around a small, trampoline-like net. The players dive, laugh, and slap a small ball down with remarkable energy. The activity is Spikeball, and it’s more than a trendy game. It’s perfect for camps and recreation departments in search of fun games that blend fitness and social engagement.

Taking the lead with insurance for camps and campersBy Mark CeslowitzOperating a camp means creating memorable, often life-shaping experiences for kids. Underlying these opportunities for fun, adventure, and education, however, is a serious responsibility to protect families and owners alike.

How inclusive playgrounds are transforming communitiesBy Chad KennedyAccording to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one in four people lives with disabilities. Yet many playgrounds and recreational spaces fail to provide inclusive environments where everyone can connect, play, and thrive. 

How West Chicago Park District created an indoor jungle adventureBy Ashleigh TorbertWhen the West Chicago Park District opened the ARC Center in 2014, the goal was simple yet ambitious: to bring all the city’s recreation services under one roof and to create a true community hub for residents of all ages.

How to launch an inclusive learn-to-ride bike campBy Andrew LuftglassFor many people, learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage. It’s a skill that gives them freedom and opens up the world to exploration and independence. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), however, that milestone can often feel inaccessible. The All Abilities Bike Inclusive Learn-to-Ride Camp is changing that narrative, one confident stride at a time.

Trends for the community waterpark By Josh MartinAs the popularity of waterparks continues to rise, local governments and municipalities have sought ways to bring the waterpark experience to their local community aquatic facilities. Trends in more family-oriented attractions, theme park environments, or bigger and better parks in general have saturated the space. Community leaders must look at the investment needed for some of these waterpark trends to obtain a solid return and to stay relevant in a competitive landscape.

Envisioning enriching and dynamic water play sitesBy Chelsea Hoffman and Max D'AurizioWater is inherently fascinating—children (and adults) are instinctively drawn to it. It’s a natural focal point for communal play. In the U.S., water-play spaces are often designed as splash pads or automatic spray systems. These installations let children run through jets of water, cool off on hot summer days, and enjoy bursts of excitement.

How splash pads can provide inclusive fun for allBy Ariel MansholtWhen the summer sun blazes, many families flock to splash pads to beat the heat. These play spaces can be a refreshing escape for children and caregivers of all ages—and they can be particularly effective in ensuring that kids of all abilities are included in the fun.

Winona Lake Limitless Park is a model for inclusive play By Jessica DoomsWinona Lake Limitless Park is more than a playground—it’s a space where people of all ages and abilities can come together to play, connect, and enjoy the outdoors. Designed with inclusivity at its core, this universally accessible park embraces the beauty of its natural surroundings while fostering a sense of belonging for all. Located in Winona Lake, Ind., it has become a beacon of community engagement and innovative design, earning its reputation as a place “where fun has no limits.”

Glass trends that blend sophistication and structural integrityBy Mike Mendoza Glass is more than just a material—it's a statement of modern elegance and innovation. Commonly used to enhance the decorative appeal of a project, it also holds a structural integrity that makes it a smart choice for building design and construction, due to its versatility, durability, and contributions to sustainable building practices. 

Pocket parks can improve public life with minimal requirementsBy Mitchell FransenCommunity parks are often celebrated as the epitome of urban park experiences, as evidenced in Google results, bustling vehicular traffic, and ambient sounds present. However, leaders tend to overlook the invaluable opportunity to forge community bonds through the intimate spaces of smaller parks. Not all citizens go to parks after a 9-5 shift in a minivan with their kids, ready for active recreation. Moreover, rethinking the impacts of smaller parks, pocket parks, plazas, and multi-destination greenways is paramount in delivering on the promise of excellent parklands for all citizens in urban regions and beyond.

A transformative journey for Santa AnaBy Timothy J. PaganoIn 2022, the City of Santa Ana, Calif. embarked on a transformative journey to bring its aquatic programming back in-house, marking a bold shift in its approach to community services. For over a decade, the program had been outsourced, but with the conclusion of the contractor agreement and evolving priorities of the city council, Santa Ana’s leaders saw an opportunity to take control of its aquatic future. This decision, driven by the need to address systemic inequities in water safety, has since reshaped the way residents engage with aquatic education and recreation.

CDC, NSF, and Westlake Water Solutions offer annual facility-maintenance tipsBy Frank SchiffmanThe COVID-19 pandemic, followed by inflationary cost increases, has made it more difficult for aquatic facility managers to maintain smooth operations. Staff shortages and budget tightening have also made general maintenance, water safety, and chemical management feel like herding cats.

How Makapo Aquatics centers inclusivity in watersportsBy Grace Nyberg“We just wanted people of all abilities to be able to get on the water together,” says RJ De Rama, Executive Director and co-founder of Makapo Aquatics Project. That simple idea sparked the beginning of the organization, which is dedicated to making outrigger paddling accessible to every individual. Founded in 2007 by two blind paddlers, Makapo began by creating opportunities for blind and low-vision athletes. Since then, the organization has grown to include individuals with a range of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, paralysis, and amputations, among others.

Revolutionizing parks and recreationBy Jason PetersLike many industries, parks and recreation departments are benefiting from using AI and data to optimize operations. Based on insights from industry leaders with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, there are some key takeaways that can help agencies of all sizes.

What it takes to maintain an ice-skating rinkBy Hannah SeoA beloved and longstanding staple of wintertime recreation, gliding around on knife-strapped boots is an annual must-do activity for families around the world. But while ice skating has been around for an exceptionally long time—scholars think it was developed in Scandinavia around 1000 BCE—manmade ice-skating rinks are a somewhat recent invention, created fewer than 150 years ago. 

Iowa nonprofit Can Play empowers communities for inclusive recreationBy Brianne Sanchez“Tonight, we’re going to work on building strong muscles and fast feet!” Melissa Clarke-Wharff calls out to a group of pre-teens warming up for 45 minutes of fitness fun. 

Balancing the needs of workers, communities, and land By Clement LauAs the world transitions from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable energy sources, the concept of a "just transition" has gained prominence as a framework for ensuring the shift is fair and equitable. At its core, just transition seeks to balance the needs of three critical areas: impacted workers, impacted communities, and impacted land.

Building a sustainable camp cultureBy Danny SudmanImagine sustainability as a massive LEGO set—a collection of colorful bricks, each representing a resource that helps build a sustainable model. Unlike traditional LEGO sets with clear instructions, sustainability is an evolving process that varies from camp to camp due to differences in location, resources, and organizational priorities. Most of us are working with a mix of pieces—limited budgets, minimal buy-in, and limited knowledge about best practices for sustainability. But with creativity and determination, we can still create something meaningful.

A changing climate is bringing new animals to public spacesBy Karen FischerThe end of summer 2024 brought several massive hurricanes to the East Coast, flooding homes, destroying power grids, and costing hundreds of billions in recovery dollars. But across the Southeast, beyond heavier rain, drought, and other changes in climate, there have been more instances in which animals like alligators are spotted outside their historical territories.

How to prevent carbon monoxide leaks in ice rinksBy Laura Wheatman HillThough ice skating provides joy, connection, and fitness in many communities, unexpected dangers lurk in rinks. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is an unfortunate possibility due to a few factors. Fortunately, however, prevention of potentially deadly accidents is possible without major facility upgrades, costs, or labor.