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Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her desk and “wander around” the area of operations, talk to people, ask questions, and kick around ideas with the individuals in the thick of delivering services to the public. So the author will bring up issues and ask the leaders among the readership to share their knowledge and experiences.
Recently, I had an interesting call from a man who had read one of the “LBWA” articles and wanted to offer his accolades and some suggestions. Our conversation made me realize how important it is to understand the history and development of parks and recreation.
I could tell right away John H. Davis was a man I would enjoy talking with. He was articulate and full of energy, and I could tell by the inflection in his voice that he loved talking about recreation.
He spoke of his days as a young recreation coordinator, living in the very space he programmed. He remarked about his entry into the field and mentioned that he was involved with the NRPA in the early days of its formation.