contents november departments 12 We Are Parks and Recreation Tips for Your In-Person Certified Playground Safety Inspector Class 12 Skate Parks Benefit All 14 Using Technology to Engage Your Community 16 Member Benefit: Monthly Virtual Learning Subscription 17 18 Research Agency Performance Review Survey Is Ready for Your Input Melissa May 19 Park Pulse Parks and Recreation Provides Important Inclusive Programming 50 Operations Creating a Recreation Center That Your Community Genuinely Wants Nicole Crawford 51 Park Essentials 55 Advertiser Index 56 Park Bench Breaking Equity Barriers in Golf in Wichita Troy Houtman, CPRE columns 8 Perspectives Recognizing Our Vital Role in Advancing Community Health and Well-Being Kristine Stratton 10 Editor's Letter Research and Nature's Direct Link to Good Health Vitisia Paynich 20 Advocacy Advocating for Consistent Funding: A Two-Pronged Approach Dr. Andrew Mowen, Dr. Sammie Powers, Dr. Nicholas Pitas and Asia Simms 22 Health and Wellness Hierarchy Anarchy Christy Famolare 24 Equity The Mental and Therapeutic Benefits of Nature for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Tim Herd, CPRE 26 Conservation The Atlanta BeltLine Ruben Brooks 28 Law Review Environmental Review of Chicago Park Obama Center James C. Kozlowski, J.D., Ph.D. Page 24 Cover image: Photo courtesy of AECOM Parks & Recreation is printed using soy ink on at least 10 percent post-consumer recycled paper and is mailed in a wrap - only when required - that is plant based and certified compostable. If you are interested in helping us go even greener, email us at prmagazine@nrpa.org and ask to opt out of receiving the print magazine. Parks & Recreation is always available to read in an ezine format at ezine.nrpa.org. 6 Parks & Recreation | NOVEMBER 2 0 22 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G Studies have shown that time spent in nature can raise morale, sociability and mental clarity.http://ezine.nrpa.org