“You have to be ready because change is constant, and you have to be able to adapt and adjust.” As the retired director of South Carolina State Parks and a current professor at Clemson University, Phil Gaines has wisdom on navigating administrative changes in park systems that is invaluable. Phil joined me to break down the […]
National Park
Document History
“Sometimes we forget, or perhaps even take for granted, the significant role that we may be we may be playing in this legacy that we call parks.” It is incredibly important to preserve the historical legacy of our national and state parks. There is a need to capture significant events, natural disasters, and park facilities […]
Managing the Capacity Dilemma
Capacity is a big challenge for this generation, especially post-pandemic. We need to rethink how we get people into these special places while preserving their natural beauty and ensuring a meaningful and enjoyable experience. – Phil Gaines As national park attendance continues to increase, managing visitor numbers has become crucial. The pressure is on park […]
The Role of an Assistant Park Manager
“The exposure that assistant managers have to total park operations is tremendous.” Managing a park isn’t a one-person job. It’s a combination of efforts from different individuals. Phil Gaines and I explore the hidden challenges and crucial responsibilities within the role of an assistant park manager. An assistant park manager has to understand how that […]