One Year Later: COVID-19 and Parks and Recreation — Episode 086

When this episode airs on March 9, 2021, we will be two days away
from the one-year anniversary of coronavirus (COVID-19) being
declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The past
year has been filled with challenges, adaptations, pivots and so
much more. We’re battling multiple health crises on top of
economic pressures and racial injustices. And through it all,
park and recreation professionals have come together in service
of their communities, including taking on new roles and providing
essential pandemic response services, while also continuing to
deliver their already-life saving services and programs.


The work hasn’t been easy, and we know professionals are facing
their own mental health issues while they continue to support
equity, resiliency and health efforts for the people they serve.
To chat about what the past year has meant to park and recreation
professionals and to discuss where we go from here, we are
thrilled to welcome Jesús Aguirre, NRPA Board Member and
superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation. Jesús joined us
almost exactly a year ago as we explored what effects COVID-19
was already having in parts of the country like Seattle as well
as what we thought the year would bring. Also joining us is
Allison Colman, NRPA’s Director of Health, who has led much of
the COVID-19 response and content creation for NRPA.


Tune in to the full episode below to learn about the impact
COVID-19 has had on parks and recreation from Jesús and Allison’s
perspectives, as well as:


Some of the main challenges that park and recreation
professionals have faced during the pandemic and how they’re
trying to address them.

How COVID-19 has uncovered the disparities in our society, as
well as in parks and recreation, and what kinds of guidance has
been provided to reduce these disparities.

What kinds of opportunities have arisen due to the pandemic
that could change the future of parks and recreation.

The stories of resilience that have stuck out to Jesús and
Allison over the past year.

How the upcoming COVID-19 and Parks and Recreation: Response
and Recovery report, along with the corresponding communications
toolkit, COVID-19 and Parks and Recreation: Making the Case for
the Future, will assist in educating decision-makers about the
essential nature of parks and recreation, and more!



For more information about NRPA’s response to COVID-19, as well
as available resources for park and recreation professionals,
please see our Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
webpage.