Photo Credit: Megan Mueli
A wise teacher once said she became a better teacher when she stopped teaching subjects and starting teaching children. The same is true in the world of parks and recreation. Our world is about providing connecting experiences in a world that becomes more disconnected with every new-fangled device Apple and Microsoft churn out. In parks and nature centers, we put on events that allow people to meet their neighbors and join them in sleigh rides, Halloween hikes, and maple-syrup events. Having rental spaces in a beautiful setting is a mecca for birthday parties, weddings, and even memorial services. When people have their life celebrations at a park, a deep bond is formed.
I realized long ago, however, that people don’t give parks money for memorials or fundraisers for some kind of altruistic reason; most are generous because they have known someone on staff and developed a relationship with him or her. Perhaps their loved one walked in the park every day and someone smiled or learned of a love of birding. Perhaps a staff member sensed someone was lonely and made sure he or she attended the weekend program in order to find a friend or two. It’s the little things we do in parks and recreation that contribute to the big picture.
Real-Life Participation
Conversations in real time about interesting subjects happen here—no texting allowed. We are one of the last holdouts because we are still a place that wants everyone to come in person. There’s no shopping online for what we have to offer, nor will a drone deliver us to someone’s door. People have to show up and participate in paper-making and plaster track-making classes. They learn through experience, and as a bonus they meet others with similar interests. At our nature center, for example, the environmental book club members have formed friendships and become volunteers at events because they feel they belong to a community.