Regardless of industry, conversations about leadership and management tend to revolve around similar topics — employee engagement, succession planning, people development best practices, and so on. And certainly, we value those discussions at PRB+. That’s the motivation for this annual issue, which typically functions as a guide to help parks, rec, and camp leaders deepen their connections with their people.
However, great leadership isn’t only about what happens within an agency or organization. Especially in the industries that our magazine serves, leadership choices impact communities. And increasingly, as municipalities face unpredictable weather patterns and climate change impacts, today’s best decisions are the ones that prioritize tomorrow’s results.
In this year’s Leadership & Management issue, things might look a little different. Our feature stories work together to help leaders craft a future-focused mindset. Be it use of AI in parks, more effective greenspace management, or the power of master planning, these articles all question what’s next and offer advice on how to navigate changing tides.
But the centerpiece of this issue is the Project Portfolio.
What better way to demonstrate the impact of strategic, focused leadership than a showcase of innovative facilities and initiatives? In an impressive spread, you’ll discover 42 projects that are transforming communities across the U.S. From playgrounds and parks to natatoriums and rec centers, each entry demonstrates what happens when future-focused leaders spring into action.
On one hand, this might seem like a 2024 recap, a yearbook of sorts for parks, rec, and camps. But as we all know, a finished project is just the first step. After the grand openings and initial news coverage, these facilities will serve residents for decades. Each in their own way, these projects have filled a community void, closing gaps in neighborly connection and accessible recreation. It’s easy to focus on a brand-new, awe-inspiring aquatic center or inclusive playground, but the real impact is yet to come. Investing in these projects today requires vision. And if there’s any takeaway from this month’s issue, I hope it’s inspiration — to dream big, act now, and lay the groundwork for future generations.
Earlier this year, readers had a chance to vote for their favorite projects. Throughout the section, you’ll notice ribbons on the projects in each category that secured the most votes. But know that every entry has value and is delivering positive impact for the community it serves. If you didn’t have a chance to vote or you weren’t able to submit a project this time, drop me a line and share your thoughts. I’m happy to hear your feedback. And with so many incredible new facilities getting underway, it’s never too early to get started on the 2025 portfolio.
