February 2024 - Parks and Recreation - 15

Avery: The City of Mason aims
to build a culture of wellness
through
the
recreational amenities
we provide to the community.
Adapted and inclusive programming
are
key
considerations
when we build facilities and offer
programming. In 2021, the City
of Mason opened Makino Park
(tinyurl.com/mr2nrrat). Makino
Park encourages
interaction and
recreation opportunities that span
multigenerational users of all abilities
in a peaceful and welcoming
setting.
Concepts
learned
from
Makino Park have been integrated
across our organization as new facilities
and services are created.
Patak: As a seasoned
professional, you've likely
encountered unexpected crises
or challenges. Can you share
an example of a particularly
challenging situation you faced
and how you navigated it as a
leader?
Avery: Navigating operations
during the coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic was challenging. Park facilities
and programs help improve
the daily lives of community members.
Finding ways to connect with
the community during this time
was critical. The frequent changes
in expectation and protocols required
strong leadership skills to
help foster communication, coordination,
collaboration,
cooperation
and compassion with staff and
community members.
Patak: What advice would you
give to aspiring leaders in the
field of parks and recreation who
are looking to make a positive
impact on their communities and
advance their careers?
Avery: Take time to learn and understand
what you are passionate
about; passion is a key component
to longevity in this field. Staying
involved in professional
organizations
like NRPA and your local
state organization is a necessity.
In my career, change has been the
only constant. Understanding the
need for change and making necessary
program and facility updates
as community needs and desires
change is important. Careers in
parks and recreation provide a
great avenue to be creative while
serving our communities.
Colton Patak is Program Supervisor at
City of Mason Parks and Recreation
Department (cpatak@masonoh.org).
Earn Recognition With an NRPA Award
N
ow through March 29, 2024,
NRPA is accepting applications
for its 2024 awards program.
NRPA awards consist of the following:
The
National Gold Medal
Awards, governed and administered
by the American Academy
for Park and Recreation Administration
in partnership with NRPA,
honor park and recreation agencies
throughout the United States and
armed forces recreation programs
worldwide that demonstrate excellence
in delivering superb park and
recreation services.
The
showcase the
Innovation Awards
inspiring
work
park and recreation agencies do
to improve and empower their
communities
through
innovative
practices in park design, health and
wellness, conservation, and equity.
The Spotlight Awards are
presented to individuals to honor
their efforts - both professional
and personal - in the field of parks
and recreation. Award winners
include park and recreation
professionals, volunteers, engaged
community members and park
advocates.
Fellowships
and scholarships
provide recipients with the
opportunity to attend and explore
the operation of the field at the
NRPA Annual Conference.
The Hall of Fame inducts
individuals posthumously who
have made extraordinary and
Taking the Mystery Out
of the Awards Process
What can you do to make sure
your application stands out from
the rest? How does the scoring process
work? What are some pitfalls
to avoid? In the webinar, " Taking
the Mystery Out of the Innovation
and Individual Awards Process "
(tinyurl.com/5ydmhjr7),
representatives
from the NRPA Awards and
Scholarship Committee shed light
on the awards application process.
lasting
contributions
advancement of the
park
to the
and
recreation movement.
To learn more about NRPA
awards, scholarships and fellowships,
visit nrpa.org/Awards.
PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | FEBR U AR Y 2 0 2 4 | Parks & Recreation
15
http://tinyurl.com/mr2nrrat http://tinyurl.com/5ydmhjr7 http://www.nrpa.org/Awards
February 2024 - Parks and Recreation

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