On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss why rangers should commit to their campaign hat.

While dress code is often a subjective topic, for park rangers, the uniform plays a valuable role. While badges have their place, as Phil explains, the campaign hat designates authority and captures an iconic legacy to tourists. If one is a ranger or park leader, it’s critical for visitors to know who they are as they explore and inquire.

As the campaign hat reminds us, an experienced park ranger should not only make their influence recognizable but also enhance the state park experience to diverse audiences.  

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On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss his final experience at the State Park Leadership School. 

Started by the National Association of Park Directors in 2005, Phil unpacks his role with the school in finding instructors, inspiring attendance, and delivering content. Since each state has different guidelines and regulations, Phil explains why the school is now a two-year program focused on overarching leadership principles and best practices. 

Although Phil’s involvement with the school is officially over, he hopes the strong camaraderie and culture will continue with the school in the years to come.

For more information, visit https://www.stateparks.org/professional-development/state-park-leadership-school/.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

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On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Park Supervisor, Rowdy Perry, joins the show to discuss his love and appreciation for state parks. 

As a former ranger turned supervisor for the Michigan Department of Nature Resources, Rowdy unpacks the attendance rise in his state, the psychological safety parks bring, and how park leaders should perceive their jobs.

Per his experience, while park employees get paid in sunsets, the reason behind the work comes back to people and providing them resources to boost morale and appreciate their part in making the world an environmentally friendly place.

Resources

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While intended consequences may seem like a vague term, in the context of environment preservation, this often refers to the calculated controlling of species and habitats to sustain life. In select state parks, the reintroduction of wolves into the wild is a prime example of what’s working. In other areas, the reintegration of turkeys into gaming circles and projects like Passion for Pigeons are also having an impact.

As Ben explains, Revive & Restore hopes to spread conservation awareness to audiences to ensure people understand the factors that benefit near-extinct species and surrounding ecosystems. 

For more information, visit https://reviverestore.org/. 

Resources: 

www.parkleaders.com

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A man of many hats, Tim Schurrer talks about the value of humility within a teamwork setting. Per his experiences, corporate success is often defined by a selfless culture where roles are prioritized above the spotlight. By cultivating an environment of validation, team members can derive contentment from their role and encourage others within their arenas of influence. 

While Tim worries about young people wanting to be instant influencers, his message is clear: Stop chasing the spotlight and embrace your role without forsaking what matters.

Resources:

www.parkleaders.com

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On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss new economic trends within park management.

In the wake of the pandemic, park visitors have increased around the country. Yet, while the uptick in retention has been a silver lining, the population boom has led to new opportunities. As more tourists visit state parks, the more demand has taxed its resources.

Accordingly, this has prompted some park rangers to enforce new fees and limits for trail and campground access. As Phil explains, the decision is not based on generating revenue but on managing capacity and sustaining resources. By preserving park property, rangers can take new initiatives in sustaining improved visitor experiences.

Resources:

www.parkleaders.com

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On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, special guest, Michelle Baker, former Director of Disney Institute, and business leader at Disney Cruise Line, joins the show to discuss ways to build a better park culture.

As Michelle explains, the emerging generation of park leaders and visitors have a deep desire to leave a lasting impact. From recreation to labor, the theme among rangers and tourists today is to live and work on purpose. Yet, for some starting out in the industry, the ‘how to’ on improving culture can be arduous when blending past and present ideologies. 

The key, Michelle adds, often comes down to managers prioritizing collaboration in addition to teamwork. While the differences can seem subtle, as long as park personnel integrates top-to-bottom voices within their decision-making process, better work cultures will ultimately ensue.

Resources:

www.parkleaders.com

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On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the proper title for park visitors.

As Phil explains, while there’s a transactional element involving visitors, they aren’t best described as customers or guests due to service intent. Since state and national parks are for the public, the goal for park leaders should be to retain tourists over time as opposed to making money in the moment. Accordingly, one could say the best investments for parks are cyclical due to the value of presence over product. 

In closing, Phil and Jody agree while visitors have a customer orientation, it's far better to note them as visitors than other monikers based on the purpose of services provided to them.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss popular themes and topics from today’s tourists.

Having spoken at several park ranger conferences in recent weeks, Phil notes the common denominators of frequently asked questions. The most common threads? Visitor retention and voluntary compliance.

As Phil explains, while many park fans are curious about increased visitation and staffing struggles, the motivations for these inquiries are similar. With more people searching for morale within their work, the spillover mentality into park visits is changing the landscape of park leadership and management.

The question: How long will these trends continue and what can rangers do about them in the short term?

Resources: 

www.parkleaders.com

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On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns on-site at Zion National Park to discuss the complexities of maintaining large-scale state parks.

From capacity management to resource protection, encouraging tourism and preservation in tandem can be a difficult task. Sprinkle in today’s social issues and the recipe for park leadership can get tricky in a hurry; however, as Phil charges, as long as rangers are committed to perceiving their parks through the eyes of a visitor, they’ll in term become better managers of the experiences they promote.

While infrastructures are essential, these cannot be improved long-term with park leaders dedicated to adding value to local communities. Accordingly, Phil recommends rangers not only engage visitors as they enter but ignite a sense of wonder as they participate.

Resources:

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/