November 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 10

EDITOR' S LETTER
Data Leads Us to Larger Discussions
NRPA's Research and Evaluation team provides timely and informative
research studies that enlighten us about the park and recreation
field and help us to navigate this ever-evolving landscape. This month's
" Research and Evaluation " issue highlights other important research
that experts and innovative organizations are sharing with the park
and recreation community. No matter if it's NRPA original research
or studies published by academic institutions or independent research
firms, park and recreation data is meant to lead us to larger discussions.
In the cover story, " Planning for Equitable Greening, " on page 34,
contributor Estrella Sainburg shares research-based case studies showing
how cities are working to mitigate gentrification and displacement
due to greening by incorporating equity and anti-displacement strategies
into their system master plans. " Focusing research on gentrified
neighborhoods is important and valuable for organizing and planning
government services that properly meet the needs of communities and create equitable futures, "
Sainburg writes.
Next, author Paula Jacoby-Garrett offers insights into how park and recreation agencies are
supporting their constituents' right to free speech and assembly while providing a safe and inclusive
environment in the feature article, " Parks as Public Forums, " on page 40. What steps should
be taken to make this possible? " Organizers and participants should undergo relevant training
to ensure the responsible and effective use of parks as public forums. Training might include
guidelines on respectful behavior, conflict resolution, waste management and emergency response
procedures, " notes Jacoby-Garrett.
In the article, " Rural Communities Can Have Fun, Too! " on page 46, contributor Michael
Patton discusses his experiences living and working in a small town - revealing the rewards and
challenges. According to Patton, working " in a rural park and recreation agency means being
more than just an employee - it means becoming an integral part of a close-knit community, contributing
to its growth and experiencing the joy of making a meaningful difference in the lives of
its residents. " However, he admits, " there also are unique challenges that come with this setting, "
including lack of financial resources, community partnerships and collaborations, and sufficient
staffing. What's more, Patton offers tips for overcoming these hurdles.
Lastly, be sure to visit nrpa.org/Research to download some of NRPA's latest reports, including
the 2023 Engagement With Parks Report and 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review. The data will
help inform your decisions and, hopefully, lead to larger discussions with your staff, elected officials
and your community members.
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
Dreamstime.com, Adobe Stock
or NRPA (unless otherwise
noted)
VITISIA " VI " PAYNICH
Executive Editor
Director, Print and Online Content
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
10 Parks & Recreation | NOVEMBER 2 0 2 3
| PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
http://www.CreativeByDesign.net http://www.Dreamstime.com http://www.nrpa.org/Research
November 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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