L.E.A.D.ing in Parks and Recreation

No matter your job title, you might often find yourself in leadership roles when working in the field of parks and recreation. Leadership involves influencing, motivating, and inspiring others to achieve a common goal. It requires patience, poise, strong communication skills, a vision, and the ability to empower a team. Effective, transformational leaders in parks and recreation ensure that programs, events and facilities build a sense of community and serve the greater public good by collaborating with others. This requires that professionals maintain a growth mindset, foster innovation and pursue intentional learning.

That is why I dedicated myself to earning the CPRP in 2024. I really wanted to broaden my knowledge of the department. I love working in Special Events, and realized that my knowledge of the department had been limited to the size of my work unit. I really wanted to get a better understanding of the goals and limitations of other work units such as sports, aquatics, rec centers as well as Admin. Even with a Masters degree in Public Health in Parks and Recreation, I realize that there is still so much to learn and appreciate about what we do for our communities. It was a goal of our Department's Deputy Director that we have more CPRP professionals in our department... and I wanted to be one of them! I joined a CPRP study group and was challenged to pass the exam prior to going to the NRPA conference in Atlanta that year. By having my CPRP, the sessions in which I participated would add to the CEUs required to maintain that certification.

In September, I passed my CPRP and by October, I was learning more about being a leader in my field. The many NRPA Conference sessions I tuned into, the like-minded people I conversed with, and the motivation I received at that conference only fueled my desire to learn even more. This spring I set my mind to getting more involved in the Nevada Recreation and Park Society (NRPS), my local professional organization. For that reason, I applied to the L.E.A.D. Institute.

The L.E.A.D. Institute by the Nevada Recreation and Park Society is an annual leadership development initiative catering to professionals at various career stages. They recognize the importance of leadership growth for both public servants and those who work in the private sector. This particular program equips participants with a comprehensive leadership skill set, a range of applicable professional competencies, and an evolving expertise of problem solving, all contributing to the enhancement of leadership proficiency. Designed to elevate personal and organizational leadership aptitude, with a focused emphasis on diverse leadership styles, philosophies, and skill sets, I look forward to improving my leadership skills and advancing my own personal development while inspiring others to do the same.

This program requires two years of commitment. Follow me on my journey as I learn to be a leader in my field!

National Recreation and Park Association, 2024 Conference in Atlanta, Georgia