A Farewell Interview with Barbara Tulipane and How Parks Will Save the World — Episode 038

Today’s episode is slightly bittersweet. The exciting part is
that we’re chatting with Barbara Tulipane, NRPA’s president and
CEO, about the incredible 11 years she has spent helping
transform NRPA into what it is today. But we can’t help being
saddened that we’re having this discussion because of her
upcoming retirement in June.


On this episode, we talk with Barbara about what she’s learned
during her tenure as our fearless leader, as well as why she
thinks that parks are one of the last places for tolerance. We
also chat about parks and recreation being a cure for loneliness
and depression, and whether or not Barbara thinks parks are going
to save the world (spoiler: she absolutely thinks parks are going
to save the world).


Barbara also shares stories about the incredible things she has
seen during her time at NRPA that truly show the power of parks
and recreation. Among them, she recalls the time that she was
touring a recreation center when a young boy who had just been
stabbed ran inside looking for help. The interesting thing — and
one that proves the scope of parks and recreation — is that the
boy was not stabbed in the park or recreation center. He ran to
the recreation center because he knew that it was a safe place
where he could get the help he needed.


This instance alone shows how when there is a need in the
community, park and recreation professionals step up and fill
that need, day-in and day-out. The same goes for Barbara. She
stepped up and not only led NRPA in growing its membership
substantially, but also helped it grow into the respected
association it has become. There’s also a lot to be said about
the culture that Barbara has fostered internally here at NRPA.
Barbara encouraged robust conversations among people with
sometimes opposing ideas, and she admits to loving when some of
the younger staffers here challenged her (and challenge her we
did).


Tune in to the show to hear Barbara reflect on the past 11 years
as NRPA president and CEO, and please join us in wishing her the
best in her retirement. She will truly be missed, but this isn’t
goodbye, it’s just, “See ya later — in the park!”