Phil Gaines returns to discuss ways park leaders can focus on personal growth during this pandemic era. While COVID-19 has altered many park programs, on a personal level, the effects have varied among rangers. Even as visitation rates have increased in recent months, so tends to complacency, especially for leaders accustomed to former rhythms. […]
A Passion for Parks
On this episode of the Parks Leaders Show, the Ingles family joins in to discuss their passion for state parks. As road warriors, the Ingles have a fresh perspective on park trends and patterns. With the recent increase in park visitation, De and John note emerging issues in national parks such as overcrowding and conservation […]
Refocus on Your Park and Career
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss ways park leaders can recalibrate their careers amidst the pandemic. In this Covid-19 era, customer service has suffered across multiple industries such as national and state parks. Despite new efforts to attract tourists, limited staff, restricted hours, and dwindling attendance […]
Using Pixar Style Storytelling for Interpretation
Matthew Luhn joins the show to discuss using Pixar-style storytelling for interpretation. As discussed in previous interviews, interpreters are some of the best storytellers on the planet. Especially when integrating science, the opportunity to engage park visitors through interactive engagement has never been greater. According to Matthew, the value of stories, in part, is their […]
Adapting Interpretation for Modern Challenges
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the relationship between interpretation and cultural challenges. In present times, more and more park rangers are having to adapt their language to political correctness. Especially after a year like 2020, to preserve retention, state and national park leaders are reanalyzing […]
Visiting Every Colorado State Park
Kyle Wagner, former Travel Editor for the Denver Post, joins the show to discuss her state and national park endeavors. A current freelance editor and writer, Kyle explains her heart for exploration and goal to visit every Colorado State Park. With a mission to visit every national park, Kyle hopes her followers can draw inspiration […]
Creating Greater Access in Park
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guests, James Ledgerwood, superintendent of Chimney Rock State Park, Mary Yeager Gale, Chairman of the Board for Chimney Rock Management, and Emily Blackwell, Project Manager at Stewart, join the show to discuss access at Chimney Rock State Park. Known for its renowned elevator access and outcroppings trails, Chimney […]
Creating Digital Access to Parks
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest Brad Krey returns to discuss interpretative services and digital access to parks. As education evolves into a social distance science, the same reality is impacting today’s parks. According to Brad, there’s not only a concern to teach a new generation about natural resources but build influential […]
Welcoming New Park Visitors
On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss park retention with COVID-19 impacts beginning to fade. After 15 months of social distancing, parks, like most enterprises, are slowly returning to normality. Accordingly, Phil asks two critical questions: 1) How do we get back to normal? 2) How do […]
Civil Discourse in Parks
Alan Spears, Senior Director of Cultural Resources for the National Parks Conservation Association, joins the show to discuss civil discourse in parks. In a politically charged era, the struggle to promote diversity is real. Tensions are high, feelings are fragile, and confrontations are ignitable if not handled appropriately. Yet, as Alan explains, parks can play […]