Park Leaders Show By cover art

Park Leaders Show

By: Jody Maberry
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Park Leaders connects the wisdom of Park Managers, leaders in the park system, and thought leaders of the business world with up and coming park leaders. This is the show for Park Rangers, Park Managers, and leaders who want to have an impact. Join host Jody Maberry as he talks to park leaders from all over the world.
    2022 Park Leaders
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Creating Experiences for Normal People

    Creating Experiences for Normal People
    Apr 9 2024

    "The general public is not impressed with how much you know. They're impressed with how much you've inspired them to know more about the places they visit."

    Key Moments

    02:04 Creating Park Experiences for New Visitors

    07:10 The Challenge of Information Overload in the Digital Era

    10:35 Historical Communication and Public Engagement

    16:02 Inspire Learning through Augmented Reality Historical Storytelling

    18:08 Instant Information Access on Learning

    21:19 Contact for creating park experiences or highlights.

    Resources

    www.parkleaders.com

    https://parkleaders.com/about/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    Creating Experiences for Normal People

    The deep knowledge of park leaders is invaluable. However, when we want to create experiences for the everyday visitor it is important to recognize that simplicity resonates with the general public. We can add to their experience by offering narratives and relatable stories that build their interest in the history. Even better is when it encourages them to further explore the land.

    Too many park guests feel lost in a sea of too much information at an exhibit. Park leaders have the unique role of balancing their wealth of knowledge with creating intrigue of the great outdoors. As Phil says, "park people are not normal people." and how we can embrace this difference to enrich the experiences of our everyday visitors. "Normal" may be subjective, but the joy of discovering the wonder of parks is universal. A park adventure shouldn't feel like a history exam. It's about creating a connection that turns mere data into memorable stories. This is how parks capture hearts and provoke minds.

    Ever heard of the Horn Works in Charleston? No? Phil Gaines shares about turning a 10x10 foot relic into a journey through time. Imagine seeing a revolution-era fort pop up among modern buildings using augmented reality. That's where technology marches alongside history in the parks, showing us that innovation and tradition can walk hand in hand. It's an opportunity to dive into the past without getting lost!

    It is inevitable that people will spend time googling historical facts after a park visit. Visiting parks sparks curiosity in the minds of the next generation. For many younger visitors, a monument speaks louder than textbooks. Parks are more than terrain; they're a testament to human history. Next time you visit a park, look beyond the scenery. Search for the story, find the connection, and dive into the curiosity and wonder the experience brings.

    While park staff may not be your everyday Joe, the experiences they curate should resonate with anyone stepping off the bus, ready for adventure. Make sure to listen to listen to this episode for more on ways park leaders are working on making the next 250 years of park history as engaging as the first.

    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • Volunteer Projects to Enhance Tourism

    Volunteer Projects to Enhance Tourism
    Apr 2 2024
    "We have to do more things with younger people to make sure they know what a cool industry we are and that there are so many different job opportunities that aren't just front line." Key Moments

    04:35 Tourism Synergy and Collaboration

    08:37 Empowering Youth to Make a Positive Impact

    14:50 Revitalizing Urban Parks and Workforce Development.

    19:03 Building Partnerships for Environmental Conservation

    20:26 Historic Site Preservation

    23:50 Community Support in the Tourism Industry

    28:06 Promoting Career Diversity to Youth

    Resources

    www.parkleaders.com

    https://parkleaders.com/about/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    Volunteer Projects to Enhance Tourism

    The dedication of park professionals is undeniable, espeically when they are all together in one place. At the annual in-service for Michigan State Park, I had the opportunity to meet a number of people doing amazing things, including Patty Janes, a professor and founder of Michigan Cares For Tourism. Her organization brings together tourism experts to revitalize Michigan's historic and cultural park attractions. The more we talk the more clear is becomes that impact of volunteer work on local tourism provides a blueprint for successful community involvement. Volunteerism is a tourism booster. Patty has championed this cause through Michigan Cares For Tourism by organizing volunteer events that tackle the maintenance backlog in state parks. These events, such as an adopt-a-forest program, are vital for park conservation. They also enhance the visitor experience by improving facilities and creating a cleaner environment. The impressive result of these efforts is an estimated $1.2 million in labor and supplies saved for the state. She knew the profound economic impact of volunteer-driven tourism projects, and it is most certainly paying off. Collaboration is the linchpin of success in these community projects. The synergy between Michigan Cares For Tourism and a diverse set of organizations such as Pure Michigan and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been a key force. These partnerships facilitate initiatives such as the transportation of volunteers via donated motor coaches and the structuring of professional communication. This approach underlines the potential of joint efforts to get sustainable results. All while creating a more vibrant tourism industry. Educating and involving the younger generation in tourism is a must. Patty continuously works with high schoolers and early professionals to bring awareness to career opportunities within the tourism sector. This helps highlight the field's career potential while insprining future stewards of Michigan's natural gems. It also encourages the fresh flow of ideas and innovation, ensuring the longevity of the industry. Make sure to listen to this episode for more of Patty Janes’ insights and opportunities. Whether you’re a business professional with an eye for community impact or simply a lover of parks, this episode is full of ideas on the intersection of volunteerism and tourism.
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • The Role of a Park Director

    The Role of a Park Director
    Mar 26 2024
    "A good new part director has a vision. And and if you want to make a difference and leave your mark, you have to have vision of where you want to take your agency in the next year, in the next 3 years, and in the next 5 years."

    Key Moments

    06:53 Recognize the need to act as leader.

    11:39 Watch what you say, people are listening.

    13:38 Build on core values, ethics, and vision.

    18:28 New directors often overwhelmed, need readiness training.

    21:35 Stay close to service, vision, motivate.

    25:38 Seek smarter team members for success.

    Resources

    www.parkleaders.com

    https://parkleaders.com/about/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

    The Role of a Park Director

    Successful leaders have a clear vision and understand the impact of communication. in order to drive it forward. Phil Gaines returns for a great conversation on the role of a park director, though anyone in a leadership role can benefit from what we discussed. When someone has a vision, it will only come to fruition if they make decisions with confidence to empower their team while staying close to your point of service

    3 key takeaways from our conversation:

    1. Vision and Communication: Successful leaders have a vision and can effectively communicate it to their team. This sets the path for the team's success and establishes a sense of urgency.
    2. Empowerment: Effective leaders must empower their team members with the knowledge and tools needed for success and be ready to support them as they work toward achieving the shared vision.
    3. Accountability and Decision Making: Leaders need to be okay with being held accountable and must be willing to make tough decisions. They should be focused on moving the team forward strategically and not recklessly, with a strong sense of urgency.

    This episode gives a great perspective on the intricacies of leading a park, while also offering valuable wisdom for leadership roles in various organizational settings. This episode is a must listen, whether you aim to rise to the position of a Park Director, or aspire to grow in your current leadership position.

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
Career Success Economics Personal Success
Show more Show less

What listeners say about Park Leaders Show

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available