Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss what it means to be a well-rounded ranger. As Phil explains, the expectations for rangers have evolved considerably in recent decades. During the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, the idea was a ranger should know how to build homes and service plumbing and electrical […]
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Discussing Funny Park Visitor Reviews
In this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss the funnier side of visitor reviews. While some low-star reviews are unwarranted, as Jody and Phil explain, they can also provide a unique perspective. Sometimes, a new visitor question or a trite online review can […]
Do Interpretive Services Provide a Return
Today on the ‘Park Leaders Show’, Phil Gaines, retired Director of South Carolina State Parks, returns to discuss the value of interpretive services. As Phil notes, many parks are applying budget cuts to interpretive services and discontinuing in-person programming due to COVID-19; however, while the physical returns have dwindled, the online returns have been surprisingly […]
Understanding Park Priorities
On today’s episode of the ‘Park Leaders Show’, Cam Sholly, Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, joins the show to discuss prioritizing park responsibilities. Of these umbrella priorities, Cam explains five in particular: workforce development, strengthening ecosystems and cultural resources, resource accessibility and park experience, investing in infrastructures, and building coalitions and partnerships. In all endeavors, […]
Making Parks More Inclusive
On this episode of The Park Leaders Show, Reggie Williams, ex-NFL linebacker, former Disney executive, and social reformer joins us to discuss how inclusion should look in state parks. When we talk about popular tourist attractions, we often think inclusion is exclusive to participants after they’ve engaged. Popular among park leaders is the idea once […]
Experience Your Park as a Visitor
Today, on the ‘Park Leaders Show’, Phil Gaines returns to discuss new takes on the park visitor experience. Per recent travels, Phil unpacks some lessons learned having toured local parks as a visitor. One principle he stresses is good leaders view the park experience through the eyes of the visitor. To facilitate a positive environment, […]
Interviewing to be a Park Ranger Part 1
Phil Gains is back with me and today’s episode is the first in a series on interviewing to be a park ranger. This topic was suggested five years ago by Cassidy, a new ranger, and it is a loaded topic. We are unpacking Cassidy’s experience, as well as sharing our own experience as leaders in […]
A Park Ranger’s Role in Customer Service
Today guest favorite, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the park ranger’s role in customer service. When a tourist visits a national park, seeing a park ranger can be the equivalent of finding Mickey Mouse at Disney World. Especially for newcomers, there’s often a sense of awe built into the experience whenever a park ranger shows […]
Great America Outdoors Act
Dan Bortner, the recently promoted Director of Indiana Department of Natural Resources, joins me for back to back episodes. Today, we are discussing the historic passing of the Great America Outdoors Act. This is probably the greatest conservation act in a generation, comparable with the legislation previously passed by Teddy Roosevelt. After many years and […]
Rediscovering Parks During Tough Times
Dan Bortner, the recently promoted Director of Indiana Department of Natural Resources, joins me today. With 15 years as a State Parks Director, Dan has transitioned into overseeing not only all of Indiana’s State Parks but the regulatory aspects beyond land holdings as well. At every level of leadership within parks, being surrounded by the […]