Beginnings and Endings

What would happen if participants were more engaged and had more takeaways from the gatherings you lead? The activities, groups, meetings, presentations and programs would have greater impact, make more of a difference.

What can you do to make this happen? Remember that experiences have more impact when preceded by an opportunity to connect and when followed by an opportunity to reflect. "Beginnings and Endings" shares some examples of how to do this- connect with and reflect on experiences.

Staying Ahead: Embracing AI to Thrive in Parks and Recreation

Monica Tierney reflects on the wisdom of Socrates—acknowledging what we don’t know—as a foundation for growth. Drawing from personal experiences with emerging technologies, from her first text message to the rise of smartphones, she emphasizes that curiosity leads to innovation.

In parks and recreation, artificial intelligence has already begun transforming operations, from pandemic-era capacity monitoring to modern tools like ChatGPT and ZenCity that enhance community engagement, data analysis, and inclusivity. AI offers practical benefits such as sustainable resource management, improved accessibility, and virtual park experiences, helping departments meet diverse community needs.

Tierney stresses that success with AI depends on mindset: approaching it with humility and curiosity rather than fear. By embracing AI as a partner rather than a threat, parks professionals can actively shape the future of their communities. Writing the blog itself became an example of AI’s potential, allowing her to research, write, and create visuals efficiently while learning along the way.

Extreme Ownership – A Leadership Approach From Retired U.S. Navy Seals Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

If you’re like me, leadership principles and managerial best practices were not part of my college curriculum. I had to learn them from on-the-job training, through trial and error, and often by making mistakes and learning from them. The last five years of my career have been some of the most impactful and have provided the most opportunities for growth in my life. I transitioned into a leadership position in 2020 and while I thought I was a natural leader, I quickly found out that I had a lot to learn. Part of that learning was on the job training and part of it was investing in myself through reading, podcasts and conferences to learn as much as I could.

The Wall That Heals: Team Collaboration at its Finest

From July 10 to 13, Montgomery Township will host The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, at Windlestrae Park. Open 24 hours a day and featuring a Mobile Education Center, the exhibit offers a meaningful space for reflection, remembrance, and learning. The experience begins with a Ceremonial Motorcycle Escort on July 8, traveling from Valley Forge National Park through Montgomery County with hundreds of motorcyclists and emergency vehicles. Planning this six-day event has required months of collaboration across Township departments, partner agencies, and community volunteers to bring this powerful tribute to life.

The mysterious past of rail trails

Discussion of railbanking, the process by which unused rail lines are converted to popular rail trails.

Summertime Health Issues for Outdoor Workers: What to Know and How to Stay Safe

For park maintenance crews and others who work outdoors, summer can bring welcome warmth and sunshine. However, summer also introduces a host of hazards that can compromise your health and safety. Warm weather and sun carry increased risks, including heat-related illnesses, poisonous plants, insect and animal bites, and sun exposure.

Building Community Together- Program Partners, Fundraisers and Spaces

For park and recreation professionals, COMMUNITY isn’t just a concept, it’s our purpose. It’s why we jump out of bed, power through packed schedules, and rest easy knowing we’ve made a difference. Bring us together at an Urban Exchange or PRPS Conference, and the energy is contagious. The impact is real.

5 Steps to Spring Clean Your Finances

You may associate spring cleaning with tidying up your home, but it’s also a good time to ensure your finances are in order. Get started with these tips.

The joyride that is PRPS

how we collaboratively built our current-day PRPS

Investing in the Future: 5 Ways to Strengthen Seasonal Staff Development

In this blog, Monica Tierney, Director of Parks and Recreation for Lower Makefield Township, describes the importance of training the next generation of workers in the field of Parks and Recreation. She highlights how the seasonal employees hired each summer play a crucial role not just in supporting operations, but in shaping the future workforce. Monica reflects on the need to rethink training methods, moving away from outdated approaches and focusing on strategies that are engaging, relevant, and adaptable to today’s workforce. Through these changes, she aims to develop young professionals equipped with skills for their future careers.

A Choice Career: Parks and Recreation

PRPS Conference & Expo First-time Experience

To those experiencing their first conference, it can be a battle of emotions from a little fish in a big pond to the handshake of a long missed friend. Everyone there knows your struggles because they feel them as well. When arriving the set-up is usually quick and to the point. The first hours are usually a whirlwind of activity between check in at the hotel, if you are staying, or the sign up for your class schedule and activities. Fortunately this process goes very smoothly and it's done and over before you know it. Next is the fun part of getting acclimated to your surroundings. I've always felt the best practice is to explore. Find all the rooms, education classes, and the layout of the building you will be living in for the week. This always helps when the fast pace of classes start.

Building Your Network, Builds Your Net Worth!

Basics for Networking with Colleagues to Build Your Net Worth!

Celebrate Excellence in Environmental Education

Environmental education is a vital force for fostering a sustainable future, and every year, the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE) proudly honors outstanding individuals, programs, and initiatives in the field. Now, through December 13, 2024, nominations are open for two prestigious awards: the PAEE Awards and the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize the dedication, creativity, and hard work of educators and organizations across Pennsylvania.

From Idealism to Insight: Reassessing My Parks and Rec Beliefs

In my early career as an eager, program-minded young professional, I held strong beliefs about what recreation professionals should bring to their communities. I thought our primary duty was to run as many high-quality programs as possible, driven by passion and dedication to our field. While I still value giving our best, experience has shown me there’s more nuance than I initially realized. In this article, I’ll revisit some of my early beliefs and reflect on how they’ve evolved through experience. Looking back on these ideals, I’m re-evaluating what still resonates and where reality has shifted my perspective.