One of the things many park professionals love about our jobs is the variety of things we get to do. Park Directors get involved in policy creation, budgets, planning, resource protection, Human Resources, marketing, and so much more. But even with the variety of tasks it can be easy to fall into a rut of addressing issues as they arise, I mean there is a never ending stream. When you are in the stream flow, it can be hard to take a moment to think creatively about opportunities, and see clearly changes just around the bend. Fortunately they have found a solution, time with other park leaders working in different streams!
This year, North East Park leaders met up in Vermont to be hosted by Director McKeen and learn form each other. Gathering at Bolton Valley Resort leadership from almost a dozen different states, were able to hear about the great things Vermont is doing and share some of their own successes and challenges with each other.
The teams had the opportunity to visit several park sites and hear form an array of motivational and informative speakers. Park visits to Little River State Park, Mount Philo, DAR, and Kingsland Bay served as great locations to see how park staff are daily providing opportunities for citizens to enjoy some of the special places in Vermont. Presenters from Vermont Parks Forever, Park teams, the Mirnavator (an inspiration for sure), and of course the Governor, highlighted the value and passion around taking care of these places for the future.
Vermont State Parks showed off not only the resources that make their state special, but the people who live and work there as well. Directors from as far away as Texas were able to learn about how the Green state has worked with limited staff to create a thriving park system. The partnerships built with groups such as Vermont Youth Conservation Corp and Vermont Forever, highlighted not only the passion of people for parks, but the creativity of the VSP team in finding ways to be successful.
A big thank you to Director McKeen and the entire team for their work planning for and hosting a great gathering.
