Tell us the View from YOUR Park Bench? What are you looking at as a recreation professional right now?
Seeing an ever changing world from my “park bench”. (Below) is a picture of me leading a nature hike before Covid. The (next) one is a zoom dance we conducted. Reminds me of the contrast we have currently in our recreation world.
What is the most important issue facing the park and recreation industry right now?
How do we make people feel safe enough to attend our programs?
Who was your mentor and what was the most important thing you learned from him/her?
My first Recreation Supervisor in Stafford, Virginia. Taught me trust. She believed in me and all the programs that I wanted to bring to the Rec Center.
If you magically received 100% funding, what project would you implement for your organization?
100% funding all to our Erwin Park. It is an amazing outdoor recreation focused park that features camping and mountain biking. Has the best views in the city and we could be doing more. Update the facilities and build some kind of outdoor recreation facility that included all things from archery to hiking.
When you are trying to lift up someone else (a staff member, peer, friend) what advice do you give them?
Remind them why we are public servants. We got into this field to better our communities and we do that despite all the hoops we have to jump through.
What TRAPS member is doing amazing things for our organization and should be recognized?
Jesslyna Olivares, she has been an enthusiastic and active member of the young professionals branch and always tries to reach out to other employees in our city to get involved.
What is inspiring you right now?
The ideas everyone is coming up with. We all went into super innovative mode when Covid hit. Everyone had an idea to get people involved whether it was virtually or safely in person.
How do you deal with disgruntled customers?
Listen and gather facts.
How can we (the collective WE) be better advocates for what we do and the benefits of parks, rec, and leisure services?
Get more active in the media. Put our name out there more and make sure people in our community see us and recognize us.
Would you like to submit the view from your park bench? Take a few moments to fill out this questionnaire: https://traps.org/2020/09/01/view-from-my-park-bench/
Your TRAPS family looks forward to hearing from you!