Articles
Programming Ideas For The Community, By The Community
When it comes to programming, most communities allow their parks department to set the tone, choosing a level of engagement based on what’s available. But, increasingly, residents aren’t waiting to see what’s on the calendar—they’re stepping in to develop the programs themselves.
“A” For Effort
Go for a walk between neighborhood subdivisions in Colesville, Md., and you’ll stumble upon a unique urban oasis. Maydale Conservation Park, managed by Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), features an idyllic stream, a meadow, trails, wetlands, and woodlands across 24 acres.
Finding Ways To Play
As COVID-19 left a wake of canceled events last summer, a small New York town took a new approach to recreation, offering skateboarding lessons, tours of Yellowstone, and riverside concerts.
Outside The Box
LaTanya Sandifer wanted to make a difference in her community, so after careful consideration, the Macon-Bibb County Department of Parks and Recreation’s Program Coordinator settled on providing Middle Georgia residents with an annual event advocating a healthy and sustainable way of living.
Zombie Survival Camp
Through the years, we at Kalispell Parks and Recreation in Kalispell, Mont., have struggled to fill a need in the community for some type of programming during the week prior to elementary schools beginning the year. Our traditional summer camp usually ends a week earlier because counselors head back to college, leaving the camp short-staffed.
Beyond Playgrounds And Plants
Just five years after Oklahoma’s statehood in 1907, one of Oklahoma City’s oldest parks was purchased and became home to Will Rogers Gardens. The land, previously a dairy farm, began a transformation in 1932 when Henry Walters, the City Horticulturalist, designed the gardens’ ponds, plant beds, overlooks, and basic structures.
Integrating Sustainable Thinking Into Conceptual Design
Located on a 160-acre site of forest, marsh, and restored prairie in St. Louis Park, Minn., the new Westwood Hills Nature Center, designed by HGA, includes indoor and outdoor spaces and programming for all ages and abilities.
Right On Target
Located at the Jack A. Claes Pavilion in Elk Grove, Ill., the Pavilion Aquatics Center (PAC) is a facility of the Elk Grove Park District. From April 2013 to February 2014, the PAC underwent a $9-million renovation
Endless Possibilities
The initial vision for Rustad Recreation Center began in 2011 as the West Fargo Park District in North Dakota became aware of the community’s rapid growth and the need for indoor recreational space.
To Duct Tape Or Not To Duct Tape
Winter in Michigan has three phases. December is magical, and holiday spirit abounds. Parents are happy, kids are angels, and the snow (if there is any) is a blessing.
In Times Of COVID-19
Programming a public park safely and successfully in the time of the coronavirus requires vigilance, patience, and flexible persistence.
Simple But Effective
When it comes to rural, underserved areas, few are more remote than Bethel, Alaska. Located 400 miles west of Anchorage—40 miles off the coast of the Bering Sea—the region is only reachable by plane or
Levy Park Extends On-Demand Programming Into June
Houston, Texas—Find your Zen, learn something new, enjoy story time, a concert with Levy Park On-Demand. Streaming programming continues with new programming and activities through the end of
Levy Park Announces New On-Demand Programming Through May
Houston, Texas—Levy Park On-Demand continues to offer the community different ways to enjoy the outdoors with new programming and activities through the end of May. With Levy Park’s free public
Levy Park Reboots Outdoor Fun With On-Demand Programming
Houston, Texas— With Levy Park’s free public programming paused to allow regular guests and potential visitors to engage in social distancing, the park team has created Levy Park On-Demand. Featuring daily
Three Trendy Aquatic Activities For A Community
Public aquatic offerings for local government parks and recreation departments are critical to citizen engagement and department revenue goals. While there may be many ways for citizens to get out and
Good Programs Don’t Just Happen
There are countless books, articles, and videos about the importance of being mindful and living in each moment. Authors before me have written about the many benefits of being in the
Getting The Jump On Fitness
Indoor exercises commonly include such uses as a running track, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes. What these amenities have in common is the need for valuable floor space--
Get Something For Nothing (Or Very Little)
No matter what types of programs you offer for youth, parents are the best marketing tools. Whether at the grocery store, on the sidelines, or on social media, parents listen to other parents
Jamming In Beaver Dam
In 2013, I stood in the new downtown park in Beaver Dam, Ky., with Commissioner Kevin Davis, surveying its progress.