September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 34

The Benefits of
INCLUSIVITY
Celebrating a 2SLGBTQIA+ summit
By Noah Callahan and Debby Huffman, CPRP
T
his past September, the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association
(MRPA) hosted what is thought to be the first-ever state trainings
solely focused on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The benefits
of 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in parks and recreation are numerous. It
provides 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals with a sense of belonging and acceptance,
reduces social isolation, and improves mental health outcomes. Providing community
members with recreational opportunities that are relevant to their interests
and identities improves overall quality of life. Moreover, it promotes social
cohesion and understanding by bringing people from different backgrounds together
in common spaces.
From a practical standpoint, embracing
diversity also can have positive
economic impacts. 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals
and their allies are more likely
to patronize businesses and support
organizations that demonstrate a commitment
to inclusivity. By positioning
themselves as welcoming spaces for
all, park and recreation departments
can attract a broader range of visitors
and strengthen community ties.
MRPA hosts an annual Director's
Summit. Conducting a retreat specifically
for park and recreation directors
from across the state can offer
numerous benefits; providing valuable
opportunities for area directors
to come together and exchange ideas,
strategies and best practices. They
discuss common challenges that arise
when managing parks and recreational
facilities and brainstorm innovative
solutions. This yearly meeting also
fosters collaboration and networking
among professionals who share a passion
for enhancing public spaces and
promoting community wellness. Additionally,
retreats allow directors to
stay updated on industry trends and
developments, which ultimately can
lead to the improvement and enrichment
of recreational opportunities for
all residents within the state.
Centering Equity
One of the topics discussed during
a diversity, equity and inclusion
(DEI) session at the Director's
Summit
was the
2SLGBTQIA+ community.
apparent
It
was
with
the
questions
and discussion
that
we
needed to dive
deeper into the
topic.
Debby
Huffman, CPRP,
Takoma Park
34 Parks & Recreation | SEP T EMBER 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G

September 2024 – Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2024 – Parks & Recreation

September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Intro
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Cover1
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Cover2
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 1
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 2
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 3
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 4
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 5
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 6
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 7
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 8
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 9
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 10
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 11
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 12
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 13
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 14
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 15
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 16
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 17
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 18
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 19
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 20
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 21
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 22
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 23
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 24
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 25
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 26
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 27
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 28
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 29
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 30
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 31
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 32
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 33
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 34
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 35
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 36
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 37
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 38
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 39
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 40
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 41
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 42
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 43
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 44
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 45
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 46
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 47
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 48
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 49
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 50
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 51
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 52
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 53
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 54
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 55
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 56
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Cover3
September 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Cover4
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2021
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com