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.