leadership tag
How to achieve more than you are able
A synergistic set of catalysts can collectively produce far beyond that of any one's ability.
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.
The joyride that is PRPS
how we collaboratively built our current-day PRPS
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger: How Adversity Can Be a Good Thing
At the beginning of the pool season, a sudden departure of the Aquatics Manager left the parks and recreation team scrambling to fill a crucial role. Despite initial challenges, the team’s director took on the added responsibilities of pool management alongside regular duties, revealing gaps in both business processes and leadership styles. The situation turned into an opportunity for growth, strengthening team cohesion, and fostering stronger connections with the community. Reflecting on this experience, the director emphasizes the importance of embracing adversity as a path to progress and looks forward to the future with a renewed focus on personal and team development.