contents february 2019 PHOTO COURTESY OF J. SCOTT AT NYC PARKS volume 54 | number 2 | www.parksandrecreation.org k d ti FEATURES 44 Something to Talk About Vitisia Paynich Americans fear public speaking more than heights, bugs and drowning. For park and rec professionals, interacting with community members and the public at large comes with the territory - no matter their level of experience. Review best practices for public speaking that can help build your confidence to effectively engage community members, successfully communicate your point of view and impart your industry expertise in a clear and concise manner. 6 Parks & Recreation | F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 9 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G 50 Addressing Public Injection and Syringe Disposal in NYC Parks Julien Scott Every syringe collected at a park represents a risk not just to the public and staff, but also to those individuals suffering from addiction and possibly at risk of a fatal overdose. As an agency that prides itself on improving the quality of life of all New Yorkers, especially those for whom parks are perhaps the only safe space they have or their only opportunity to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of green space, NYC Parks staff felt increasingly unable to fulfill its basic mission without addressing this issue head on.