“Disruptive innovation in parks rarely starts big. It’s often the small changes that reshape how people connect with the outdoors.”
When we think about disruptive innovation, it’s easy to picture flashy technology or massive breakthroughs. But in parks, disruption often comes in quieter, smaller packages.
In 1957, a plastic cooler showed up in a campground. At the time, nobody could have predicted how much it would change recreation. Suddenly, families could keep food and drinks cold, stay longer, and enjoy more comfortable experiences outdoors. That little cooler reshaped camping, picnicking, and even park visitation.
That’s the nature of disruptive innovation—it often looks ordinary at first. By the time we realize its impact, it’s already changed the way people behave. Today, we see it in unexpected places. Social media posts that flood a beach with visitors. RV rental companies reshaping how reservations work. Equipment advances that make backcountry hiking more accessible to more people.
The lesson for leaders is simple: don’t dismiss small changes. Pay attention to what’s happening in your parks and with your people. Walk the trails. Notice new games, gear, or gadgets. Monitor social media for what’s trending. These are often the early signals of disruption.
And when disruption happens, the key is not to panic. Too often, we react by trying to shut something down. But great leaders act instead of react. They ask, What opportunities does this bring? How can we adapt to serve people better?
Parks are living systems, and disruptive innovations will keep coming—whether it’s a cooler, a drone, or the next trend we haven’t seen yet. The question is: will you see it as a problem to fight, or an opportunity to embrace?
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Episode Highlights
00:42 How a small cooler forever changed camping and visitation.
05:23 – RVs and modern camping units disrupt campgrounds built in the 1930s.
09:13 – Digital platforms can drive unexpected visitor surges.
10:52 –Reshaping reservation systems and campsite use.
14:44 – Why leaders must act, not react when disruptive innovations emerge.
15:50 – QR codes, drones, and geocaching are examples of disruptive tech in action.
21:37 – Monitoring trends to keep parks relevant.
25:34 – Shifting demographics and expectations require adaptation, not resistance.
27:35 – Small steps of change often matter more than sweeping cultural shifts.