December 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 9

EDITOR' S LETTER
A Year of Growth and Renewed Purpose
It's that time of year, again, when the Parks & Recreation magazine
team reflects on the many inspiring stories centered on NRPA's Three
Pillars - health and wellness, equity, and conservation - that have
graced the pages of this publication. From articles covering climateresilient
park projects to newly launched Community Wellness Hubs
in under-resourced neighborhoods, Parks & Recreation has been there
to chronicle this work and bring awareness to the challenges and social
injustices that exist in communities across the country. We do that by
lifting up the voices of park and recreation professionals, community
advocates as well as industry thought leaders every month.
In fact, one particular thought leader is featured in this month's cover
story, " Courtside With Katrina Adams, " on page 36. The former professional
tennis player and past president and chair of the United States
Tennis Association discusses how parks and recreation introduced her
to the sport at an early age, as well as paved the way for her successful professional tennis career
as a player and coach. Most importantly, Adams discusses what park and recreation agencies can
do to encourage youth to embrace tennis by first engaging their parents or guardians. She says it's
about " making sure that we are proving to the parents that tennis is a sport for a lifetime; that it
is healthy for the mind, body and soul; that it is an equitable sport in so many different ways; and
that it can offer friends for a lifetime and healthy benefits for a lifetime. "
If you joined us at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference this past October, you likely heard
Adams speak. For those who couldn't make it to Dallas, no problem, because Managing Editor
Lindsay Collins, Associate Editor Alexandra Reynolds and Chris Brummet, production coordinator,
provide a full recap of the event in the article, " 2023 NRPA Annual Conference Highlights, "
on page 46. Nearly 9,000 park and recreation professionals converged at the Kay Bailey Hutchison
Convention Center for networking, education and exhibit hall activities. In fact, " nearly 500
vendors filled the hall during the first two days of conference. Park and recreation professionals
spoke with experts on services, equipment and products, finding opportunities to enhance their
agencies' operations, facilities, programming and services, " they report.
Next, in the article, " 2019 Parks Build Community Project Revisited, " on page 42, contributor
Aaron Hipp, Ph.D., and NRPA's Dianne Palladino, Ph.D., and Austin Barrett, Ph.D., share
findings from the recently concluded five-year evaluation project of the ABC/Catherine Street
Park renovation. The research includes park-use data and adult satisfaction ratings toward park
amenities and facilities.
As 2023 draws to a close, I want to thank you, our members, readers and partners, for all that
you do to keep your community members happy, healthy and thriving. It's your invaluable expertise
and dedication to your craft that inspire our own work on the magazine and at NRPA. Learning
how you make a profound difference in people's lives renews our own sense of purpose and
responsibility of telling your stories and showing everyone why parks and recreation is essential
to ensuring the health and well-being of all.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kristine Stratton
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS
AND ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
Clarissa Garcia
EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND
DIRECTOR OF PRINT AND
ONLINE CONTENT
Vitisia Paynich
vpaynich@nrpa.org
MANAGING EDITOR
Lindsay Collins
lcollins@nrpa.org
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Alexandra Reynolds
areynolds@nrpa.org
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Chris Brummett
cbrummett@nrpa.org
PUBLICATION DESIGN
Kim Mabon/Creative By Design
CreativeByDesign.net
SENIOR CORPORATE
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
WESTERN REGION AND ASIA
Michelle Dellner
703.858.4635
mdellner@nrpa.org
SENIOR CORPORATE
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER EASTERN
REGION AND EUROPE
Paul Semple
703.858.2174
psemple@nrpa.org
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Melissa Hunter
703.858.2199
mhunter@nrpa.org
PHOTOGRAPHY
Adobe Stock or NRPA (unless
otherwise noted)
VITISIA " VI " PAYNICH
Executive Editor
Director, Print and Online Content
10 Parks & Recreation | DECEMBER 2 0 2 3
| PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
MAGAZINE ADVISORY
BOARD MEMBERS
Roslyn Johnson, CPRP - Chair
Neelay Bhatt
Anthony-Paul Diaz
Ryan Eaker
Kathleen Gibi
Paul Gilbert, CPRP
Tim Herd, CPRE
Denise Johnson-Caldwell
Michele Lemons
Sarah Lisiecki
Sam Mendelsohn
Maria Nardi
Lisa Paradis, CPRP
Paula Sliefert
Shonnda Smith, CPRP, AFO
Ronnetta Spalding
Anne-Marie Spencer
Stephen Springs
Amelia Storer
http://www.CreativeByDesign.net
December 2023 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2023 - Parks & Recreation
