February 2024 - Parks and Recreation - 8

PERSPECT I VES A MESSAGE FROM NRPA' S LEADERS
Centering Equity in
Parks and Recreation
As we celebrate Black
History Month this February,
the park and recreation
field honors the
legacy and accomplishments
of Black people
throughout U.S. history.
The park and recreation
field
is well-positioned
to hold events to commemorate
Black History
Month and highlight
initiatives to
advance
equity
in their local
communities. Be sure to
read about the expansive
Black History
celebration taking place
in Cary, North Carolina, on page 14. The town
will host a series of events that feature Black history,
culture, and achievements in science, technology,
research, education, and arts and music. Cary's
celebrations focus on fostering inclusivity and affirm
the town's commitment to a more equitable
future for all. This month and every day, I encourage
you to consider how you can advance equity in
your department, agency and community.
In this issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, we
are excited to share our 30 Under 30 winners and
recognize the accomplishments of these young
park and recreation professionals. Each is driving
equity, progress and innovation in the park and
recreation field through their committed public
service and leadership. I hope the stories of their
unique contributions inspire you to consider how
you can best ensure that all members of your community
can pursue holistic health and well-being
through equitable access to nutritious food, physical
activity, open space and social connection.
Oftentimes, park and recreation professionals
form partnerships with other government departments
and agencies, nonprofit organizations, and
private entities to amplify their reach and success8
Parks & Recreation | FEBR U AR Y 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
Month
fully achieve their mission. Partnerships and collaboration
drive excellence in our field, and I am
consistently amazed by what can be accomplished
when organizations with shared goals unite. Stafford
County (Virginia) Parks and Recreation saw a
need for meaningful employment opportunities for
working-age adults with developmental or intellectual
disabilities, and staff developed a solution
that far exceeded what people consider the scope
of traditional park and recreation offerings. Contributor
Elena Messenger tells the story of the program
in her article, " Stafford Connects, " on page
42. Stafford County's park and recreation staff
joined with other departments to create a program
through which adults with developmental or intellectual
disabilities partner with government employees
to explore various job functions and roles
during a 12-week period. Participants gain experience
and build their résumé while learning what
kinds of roles suit their interests and skills. This
collaborative effort comes at a critical time as the
unemployment rate among adults with disabilities
was 7.6 percent in 2022, nearly twice the rate of
the general population (tinyurl.com/37mbr4xz).
Since the program has grown, both government
and partner organizations may now apply to participate
in Stafford Connects, broadening available
opportunities. Participants gain confidence and
self-esteem by building skills, connecting with others
and contributing to a larger mission - essential
experiences all of us need to feel a sense of
satisfaction and well-being.
As you progress in your career, never limit yourself
in terms of what you think you can accomplish
in service to your community. All of us can
help create a brighter future for one another.
JESÚS AGUIRRE
Chair, NRPA Board of Directors
http://tinyurl.com/37mbr4xz
February 2024 - Parks and Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2024 - Parks and Recreation
