Ron Ciancutti

Ron Ciancutti worked in the parks and rec industry since he was 16 years old, covering everything from maintenance, operations, engineering, surveying, management, design, recreation, and finance.

23 Articles

Local Greatness

It was the summer of 1976. Everywhere I looked, there was bicentennial paraphernalia. Gerald Ford was in the White House, and the Watergate scandal that led to Nixon’s resignation was mostly in America’s rearview mirror.

Columns 6 min read

Confidence From Failure—Not Success

You lean over your glowing birthday cake and blow out candles that signify you’ve turned two years old, and somehow (probably with a little assistance from Mom), the candles go out. Everyone around you applauds and smiles.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 4 min read

Ushering In Change

In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, the Ohio Department of Commerce began discussing the formalization of programs to regulate the safe operation of underground fuel storage tanks (USTs), in addition to the safe removal of aging, leaking tanks that contained petroleum and other hazardous substances.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 4 min read

Standing Firm

In my youth, I enjoyed coaching kids’ sports and shaping the minds and attitudes of young athletes. Baseball is one of those fabulous teacher’s aids. As part of the recreation department experience, I also had to umpire and referee games.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 6 min read

All In?

A metaphorically constructed proverb about the importance of seemingly insignificant things from Poor Richard’s Almanack by Benjamin Franklin

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Columns 5 min read

Making Space

Poet Robert Herrick used these six words—simple in nature—to declare a profound message: we have only one life and one youth, and both must be enjoyed while they last.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 4 min read

When Less Becomes More

During one of my college summers, I worked for an earth-moving contractor and, being the new man and lowest on the totem pole, I was often tasked with asking the boss questions.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 4 min read

Taking A Chance

The Board of Commissioners noticed a pattern. Of the many commodities and services our park system engaged, the same awardees were recommended year after year.

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 5 min read

Cutting To The Core Of Your Character

I do some consulting work regarding the completion and structure of bid documents and contracts. Unlike my previous career in government work, these private-sector clients can make decisions based on emotion and preference.

This article is for Members only

Columns 4 min read

The Power Of Decency

Doctors agreed that, after President Ronald Reagan survived a 1981 assassination attempt, his memory was diminished. (Years later, he was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.)

This article is for Paid-members only

Columns 4 min read