What It Takes To Be a Park and Recreation Professional

Park and Recreation Professionals (PRPs) are the true backbone of keeping parks and recreation centers up and running. With varying programs, events, and upkeep, they’ve got their hands full with Mother Nature. And the best part? They do it all in the name of community happiness and participation. And here’s a quick fact, thanks to an insightful National Park and Recreation Association survey: 93% of U.S. adults have felt their mental health has been benefited by activities offered by local park and recreation professionals and agencies. And according to their 2023 Engagement Report, 84% seek nearby high-quality parks and recreation centers when choosing a place to live!

Here at Good for PA, we’re gearing up for the 6th annual PA Park and Recreation Professionals Day on July 19, a day to show gratitude and shine a light on all the amazing work done so far in 2024. But in the meantime, we’re looking to give you the rundown on all things PRP: what it takes to become one, how to show your gratitude to the incredible team in PA, and which parks to look out for this year as standouts.

Who Counts as a PRP? 

Sure, the first occupation you think of when you hear “PRP” is park ranger. And they’re great! But they’re not the only position within the world of PRPs. Though, if you’re looking to become a ranger, it’s important to know all the facts. 

There are in-office positions working behind the scenes: agency directors, directors of finance, facility managers, marketing professionals…your everyday Leslie Knopes!

And, of course, there’s the team members out in the field, daily: park rangers, athletics supervisors, park ornithologists, park horticulturists, even aquatics supervisors, and so many more!

Here are just a few of the positions in the parks and recreation world:

Whether they’re working out in nature or inside, they’re the brains and the beating heart of the park and rec department here in PA. NRPA gives some insight into choosing a career as a PRP.

They’ve also created an 2024 Agency Performance Review, packed with key statistics into the ins and outs of park agency operations and the responsibilities of our trusty PRPs. One of our favorite facts to hear? Nine in ten park agencies have hiring practices and policies that promote a diverse agency workforce. We know that anyone has what it takes to be a standout park professional!

Good Gratitude

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, our state’s outdoor recreation sector supports 152,000 jobs. That’s a whole lot of PRPs! The PA Park and Recreation Professionals Day is all about showing gratitude—celebrating the workforce behind PA’s, and the entire country’s greatest outdoor (and indoor!) achievements. Not sure how? We’ve got a few ideas. In fact, we’ve even written another blog about it!

Writing a thank you letter can be a fun activity for the whole family, and hand-delivering them makes the gesture that much sweeter! Maybe you don’t have a way with words. That’s okay—just write a signature instead! There’s plenty of petitions to put your name to that could benefit our PRPs and the parks they work for. 

Another great way to show your appreciation is to help out! Consider volunteering at your local park. Whether planting trees, cleaning up litter, or even jumping into some summer activities (many local parks and recreation centers are looking for lifeguards and camp counselors as we near the peak of summer!), we have some helpful hints on how to get involved in all the good!

Shine a Spotlight on These Parks

While it’s important to celebrate PRPs on their special day, we can also take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge a few of the incredible parks found in PA. 

The Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society awarded Dauphin County’s Park and Recreation Department with this year’s “Agency of the Year Award.” The agency offers around 400 programs annually. Wellness Wednesday Walks, Bird Walks, Sound Meditation, and so much more—Dauphin County Park and Recreation highlights a variety of interests in their programs and events. And none of these programs would be possible without the help of PRPs. 

Butler County Parks and Recreation is another spotlight agency in 2024. Did you know they even have a waterpark? Well, now you do, and just in time for summer! Some of their programs include flag football, swimming lessons, soccer, and much more. Not to mention their upcoming events include an outdoor concert series, a flower festival, and July 4th celebration. 

And finally, we can’t forget Northampton Township’s Parks and Recreation Department. Talk about events! Their summer brochure is a guide on having fun and staying active this summer. With specialty camps, concert series, murder mysteries, and farmer’s markets, there’s truly something for everyone! To learn more about PRP Day, find out resources and toolkits on the PRPS website. In the meantime, how about finishing this blog, putting down the electronics, and hitting the great outdoors (to have fun and to thank a park professional in person)? Find the nearest park and recreation easily on our Park Finder. See you there!