September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 12

EDITOR' S LETTER
What's Your Funny Park and
Recreation Story?
I believe if you've been in a job long enough, you've likely encountered
plenty of strange, wild and downright hilarious moments to fill a
book or two. Although I've been at NRPA just two-and-half years, I'll
bet many members of our park and recreation community have some
really memorable and fascinating stories just waiting to be shared with
our magazine team. So, in honor of our conference issue, I have one
question for you: What's your funny park and recreation story involving kids?
We're very excited to learn about these stories, however, please adhere
to a few ground rules: (1) Keep it professional; (2) don't include
the full name of the person(s) involved; and (3) think light and funny.
We invite you to email your story at prmagazine@nrpa.org.
If you're attending the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference in Phoenix
this month, I recommend reading our cover story, " Dr. Temple Grandin
on the Importance of Outdoor Play, " on page 38, which profiles
one of NRPA's featured conference speakers. Author Paula M. Jacoby-Garrett spoke one-on-one
with this esteemed scientist, animal behaviorist and author, as well as an important voice for those
living with autism. " Having autism herself, Dr. Grandin is both an advocate and spokesperson
for individuals on the autism spectrum. Recently, she has lent her knowledge and expertise to the
park and recreation world through a unique collaboration with Play & Park Structures, " JacobyGarrett
writes. This important partnership emphasizes the need for inclusive design in playground
equipment, so that individuals of all abilities can enjoy outdoor play.
Contributor Cheri Ruane takes this concept one step further with the feature article, " Principles
of Inclusive Playground Design, " on page 44. According to Ruane, " With each new universal
design, we have an opportunity to move the needle on what constitutes a great playground. You
simply cannot make progress if it's not compelling to people of all ages and abilities. "
Are you currently planning your trip to Phoenix? Check out our special conference section on
page 50, which offers a handful of suggestions for fun things to do in the city nicknamed, " The
Valley of the Sun. " You'll also find a handy list of frequently asked questions to assist you with
your registration and travel needs.
Lastly, don't forget to visit our expansive exhibit hall, where you'll discover a plethora of companies
and service providers showcasing the latest products available on the market. And, be sure
to say hello to our magazine team in the NRPA Member Area Booth #2559. We look forward
to meeting you, answering your editorial questions and, perhaps, hearing your funny park and
recreation story. You never know...it just might be published in a future magazine issue. See you
in Phoenix!
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kristine Stratton
VICE PRESIDENT OF
COMMUNICATIONS AND CHIEF
MARKETING OFFICER
Gina Mullins-Cohen
gcohen@nrpa.org
EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND
DIRECTOR OF PRINT AND
ONLINE CONTENT
Vitisia Paynich
vpaynich@nrpa.org
MANAGING EDITOR
Lindsay Hogeboom
lhogeboom@nrpa.org
MANAGER OF ONLINE
CONTENT
Jennifer Fulcher-Nguyen
jnguyen@nrpa.org
PUBLICATION DESIGN
Kim Mabon/Creative By Design
CreativeByDesign.net
SENIOR CORPORATE
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
WESTERN REGION AND ASIA
Michelle Dellner
703.858.4635
mdellner@nrpa.org
SENIOR CORPORATE
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER EASTERN
REGION AND EUROPE
Paul Semple
916.880.5225
psemple@nrpa.org
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Melissa Hunter
703.858.2199
mhunter@nrpa.org
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dreamstime.com or NRPA
(unless otherwise noted)
VITISIA " VI " PAYNICH
Executive Editor
Director, Print and Online Content
MAGAZINE ADVISORY
BOARD MEMBERS
Anthony-Paul Diaz, Chair
Michael Abbaté, FASLA
Neelay Bhatt
Ryan Eaker
Kathleen Gibi
Paul Gilbert, CPRP
Tim Herd, CPRE
Denise Johnson-Caldwell
Roslyn Johnson, CPRP
Michele Lemons
Sarah Lisiecki
Sam Mendelsohn
Maria Nardi
Lisa Paradis, CPRP
Paula Sliefert
Shonnda Smith, CPRP, AFO
Ronnetta Spalding
Anne-Marie Spencer
Stephen Springs
Amelia Storer
12 Parks & Recreation | SEP T EMBER 2 0 22 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G

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September 2022 - Parks & Recreation

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