Key Insights from the NRPA Conference: Strengthening Parks, Programs, and Partnerships
By Jacob Oswald, Parks and Recreation Director
This past week, I had the opportunity to attend the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) conference, a gathering of professionals and enthusiasts passionate about improving our communities through parks and recreational services. It was an amazing experience, filled with informative sessions on a wide range of topics. While there were many fantastic presentations, five sessions stood out to me as particularly insightful and relevant to our work here in Monticello. From building resilience and forming partnerships to creating sustainable foundations and trail projects, here are the key takeaways worth highlighting.
Good Things Rarely Come From Comfort Zones
Stepping outside of your comfort zone is essential for growth. When we face challenges, we have two ways to respond: resistance or resilience. Imagine an egg and a tennis ball. An egg, though tough, will shatter under pressure and can't be repaired once broken. On the other hand, a tennis ball may be pressed down, but it has the ability to bounce back, just as resilient people do. So, the question becomes: are you resistant, or are you resilient?
Partnerships: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Partnerships are essential to enhancing and expanding our programs. Take for example our Sit and Get Fit class, a free wellness session for aging adults led by Alison Harms from Trinity Home Health Care. This collaboration allows us to offer quality programming at no cost to the participants. But not all partnerships are smooth. Some require compromise, and others may not align with our vision. Still, the good far outweighs the bad, and we’re always open to new ideas for partnerships. Do you have a suggestion for us? Let us know!
Senior Olympics Festival
The Senior Olympics Festival was a fantastic experience, reinforcing that we’re on the right track with our planning for an ‘adult olympics.’ However, we’ve identified some areas where we could improve, especially to serve the 50+ community better. There’s a lot of potential for new and exciting offerings, and we’re already brainstorming ways to make it happen. If you’re interested in helping us bring this vision to life, we’d love to have your input. Keep your eyes open—this could be on the horizon soon!
Show me the Money: The Birth and Life of a Successful Park and Recreation Foundation
Why do people donate? Simply put, they give to causes that resonate with their hearts. Parks and recreation programs enhance our community’s quality of life by providing spaces for relaxation, physical activity, and social connection. A foundation allows us to fund large-scale improvements, offer legacy endowments, and create avenues for corporate and individual donations, including naming rights and sponsorships. Did you know that we recently established the Monticello Friends of the Parks and Recreation Foundation? This foundation will serve as a catalyst for future giving, ensuring continued growth and development for our parks.
Foundational Resources for Building a Successful Trail Project
The last session I attended at the NRPA conference was all about trails, and it reassured me that we are on the right path. Trails take time to develop, and there are many moving parts behind the scenes that most people don’t see until the project is complete. Patience is key, but the rewards are worth it—trails bring people together, enhance outdoor activity, and create lasting legacies for communities. Rest assured, we are following all the right steps to bring successful trail projects to Monticello.
