For an enhanced digital experience, read this story in the ezine.
In just about every industry, companies and organizations rely on research and evaluation as a roadmap for developing new products, allocating advertising dollars, and deciding what markets merit investment. Park and recreation leaders know the importance of research, especially when it comes to providing elected officials and potential corporate partners with critical data on communities that need adequate funding for park and recreation projects. What’s more, research presents the bigger picture — enabling us to make more informed decisions and provide greater context to the stories we tell.
In this month’s cover story, “PlayGrand Adventures Is Leveling the Playing Field,” on page 34, author Dr. Taylor D. Bunn offers a look at the big picture through her study of an all-abilities park located in Grand Prairie, Texas. She writes, “Through an online questionnaire, semi-structured interviews and playground observations, I uncovered information that will help PlayGrand Adventures and other all-abilities playgrounds respond to community needs, raise funds for development and sustainment, and design spaces where everyone can play together regardless of ability level.”
Research through community engagement proved quite valuable to the transformation of Western Sculpture Park in St. Paul, Minnesota. In the feature article, “Infusing Art and Play,” on page 40, Teresa Morrissey, NRPA’s park access program manager offers a bird’s eye view of this park project, particularly its 26-year-old play area that needed a long overdue renovation. In fact, the city collaborated with Public Art Saint Paul to develop the “Birds at Play” theme for the play area. “The community engagement efforts really led to building something useful for our community,” explains Bianca Paz, project manager and landscape designer for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. “Our community members are proud of this space, of their local backyard.”
Next, the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration’s Research for the Profession Committee shares helpful management strategies in the feature story, “Management Challenges in Parks and Recreation Agencies,” on page 44. Using thematic analysis, the article’s contributors identify 10 key themes of concern for park and recreation agency leaders.
Lastly, the NRPA Research team publishes a plethora of research studies and resource tools throughout the year to assist members in nearly every facet of the field of parks and recreation. I highly encourage you to check out NRPA’s Research section. After all, we all benefit from seeing the bigger picture.
Vitisia "Vi" Paynich, NRPA Executive Editor and Director of Print and Online Content