Celebrating Parks & Recreation Professionals

Parks and Recreation… more than just a beloved comedy show.
This field encompasses a wide and dynamic range of professions that thoughtfully shape our everyday experiences in towns and cities, on trails and rivers, and within the natural landscapes of Pennsylvania’s rich heritage.  July is Park and Recreation Professionals Month, and there’s no better time to shine a light on the people behind the programs, spaces, and experiences we sometimes take for granted.

At its heart, the field of Parks and Recreation is about balance. These professionals balance people, place, resources, and experience. Whether it’s a quiet trail through a state forest or a bustling summer program at a local community center, these efforts are often the result of careful planning and deep local knowledge.

These professionals work at the intersection of:
Environmental stewardship
Mental and physical wellness
Community building and social equity
Economic vitality through tourism and local development
From toddlers at a splash pad to seniors attending walking clubs, this work impacts every stage of life.

We know that access to green space, recreation, and community programming supports healthier, happier lives. But behind that access is a network of planners, educators, rangers, volunteers, and public servants who make it happen.

Research continues to affirm the role of parks in improving public health outcomes, reducing stress, and fostering social connections. Especially in today’s world, the importance of curated and equitable access to outdoor and recreational space cannot be overstated.

One of the most exciting aspects of this profession? There’s no single path in or out. While the core aspects remain the same, the day-to-day of each of these professions can vary immensely!

Whether you’re drawn to urban planning, forestry, education, landscape architecture, policy, health and wellness, or public engagement, Parks and Recreation is a field that welcomes many talents and perspectives.

It’s a career rooted in community, shaped by environment, and driven by purpose.
At the LHR we recognize these professionals, many of them right here in the Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania, who build and maintain the experiences we hold most dear. The ballfields. The riverwalks. The trails. The festivals. The forests.
Thank you Parks & Rec!

Written by Rowan Crisp, LHR Education & Outreach Administrator
Sources
https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/building-a-movement/parks-and-recreation-is-essential/
https://www.nrpa.org/events/july/park-and-recreation-professionals-day/