By Danielle Spence

In an age of increasing threats to student safety, collaboration between school districts and park districts has become a vital part of emergency preparedness. Natural disasters, unforeseen security threats, and shootings are only a few of the possible situations.

Over the past 5 years, school shootings have skyrocketed. In 2023 through October, there were more than 265 shooting incidents across the U.S. The fear of this tragedy occurring in a nearby neighborhood can be felt by students, teachers, and families. School district officials may wonder, “How can we improve our emergency response?” That’s where reunification drills can be utilized. 

By Jefferey Spivey

When it comes to improving natural-grass fields—be it bare spots, pooling, or other problems—many park departments turn to tried-and-true solutions.

“One way is to use a chemical-intensive system and have the lawn people come every few weeks and lay down chemicals and fertilizer,” says Liz Harriman, Deputy Director for the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI). But TURI’s work proves there are other options. 

Reach out to the elderly and children with messages of kindness and caring

By Ron Ciancutti

Take a step back and look at what players need to aspire to be great

By John Engh

When I run into people from my youth-sports days, they tell me what a great coach my dad was and how they still remember some of the ways he motivated them to work harder and be better.  

How do you know when you’re ready to lead?

By Bill Plessinger

I had been at my previous parks and rec position for more than a decade when I landed a great job in central Ohio for a Gold Medal-winning agency, with more responsibility and many more employees to lead. It was tough saying goodbye. The position and the people had been good to me. Before the move, I kept asking myself, “How do I know if I’m ready?” At the going-away party, my old boss put both hands on my shoulders, looked at me, and said just two words. “You’re ready.” That was his goodbye present. I still think about those words, 15 years later. We are both different people now—he is retired, and I have gone from a bachelor to a married man with a now-fourth grader.

A Chaska redevelopment project pays tribute to its industrial past while embracing a favorite local sport

By Tom Betti and Tracy Nicholson 

“Chess on Ice” has come a long way from the frozen ponds of Scotland.  

While the sport of curling rewards great skill and precision, Chaska, Minn., wanted to reward the community with a great place to play, practice, compete, and celebrate. With a design led by 292 Design Group, now JLG Architects, the Chaska Curling & Event Center opened its doors in the winter of 2015, alongside a vibrant redevelopment of Firemen’s Park in downtown Chaska. 

A framework for implementing these principles in today’s park design

By Troy Houtman

With many changes in programming, ADA-access, and opportunities to inclusively serve all members of a diverse community, a paradigm shift has occurred, and it’s time that it is recognized in the way parks are designed. 

ADA requirements for digital parks and recreation communications

By Brian Stapleton

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology holds a paramount position in the functioning of local governments, influencing every facet of their operations. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing civic engagement, technology assists in modernizing and serving communities more efficiently. One of the most significant impacts of technology on municipalities is revolutionizing communication channels. Digital platforms enable government agencies to connect directly with residents, disseminate vital information, receive real-time feedback, foster transparency, and build trust. 

By any other word would be a logo re-design

By Sara Green, Shannon Palmer, and Stephanie McDermott

Since 2020, state parks have seen massive upticks in visitors. The pandemic forced people to self-reflect and find new ways and places to interact. As a result, the outdoors became a safe haven for many, and state parks became an avenue for those looking to reconnect with nature. Washington State Parks (Parks) was no exception and saw 43,840,590 visitors in 2021, a 14-percent increase from 2019. Encouraged by the record numbers, agency officials saw an important opportunity to re-examine how it presented its mission and values to the public. 

Tips to create simple marketing messages that work

By Ryan Wille

It takes a lot of effort and planning to stand out in today’s world full of people constantly being treated as potential customers. Studies show the average person is exposed to roughly 4,000 marketing messages every day, and the number is growing.