When Things Return to Normal

By Aaron Harris, MS CPRP, Recreation Manager, City of Fort Collins

These are the words that have become a common phrase for Parks and Recreation professionals since the start of COVID-19 pandemic closures in March. The phrase that had offered me hope that at the end of the pandemic life that we would return to normal.

It would not be until a performance review with a direct report that I realized that the aforementioned statement was completely incorrect; it had been, until they commented, “the old normal will never return”.

However, this pandemic, like all pandemics and all other seismic societal shifts from the past, will indeed come to an end.

One effect of the pandemic is that it has exposed the fiscal fragility for which our industry operates. Parks and recreation has spent decades building and remodeling facilities, adding programs, increasing services, and increasing our footprint in the community. The pandemic has forced conversations in my organization which has led my community to prioritize their needs in terms of programs (e.g., childcare) vs. revenue generating opportunities (e.g., youth sports and special events). As a result, several individual programs and entire program areas have been identified as permanent cuts. As Parks and Recreation professionals we must all be thinking about the balance of these priorities and have the confidence to make tough choices when necessary. In hard times, it is important to reflect on the positives associated with the pandemic. Many of the process changes that have been created because of the pandemic are not temporary solutions to pandemic related problems but are enhancements that will continue after this pandemic ends. These innovations consist of synchronous virtual and in person fitness classes, enhanced focus on cleaning procedures and documentation, enhanced childcare options to simply being able to reserve a swim lane online. These types of innovations are unquestioned progression, in fact, many of those program cuts eliminated mature programs that begun to wane in interest in recent years and for various reasons the programs or services were being continued. In addition, these eliminated programs or services were likely being subsidized by other programs or taxpayers. To this end the pandemic has helped to create more nimble organizations for the future that will be able to better withstand the next pandemic, recession, or other societal shift.

The post pandemic parks and recreation industry will be different than the industry was, pre-pandemic. Our organizations will not be, “returning to normal.” The change will be both necessary and positive because it will be made to ensure the fiscal longevity of our industry so that we are able to provide the community benefits in the future. Now, as experienced pandemic leaders, we have a responsibility to take initiative to ensure our industry thrives.

Design, Innovation & Adaptability

Colorado communities accept the challenge to create and adapt facilities, playgrounds, programs, and gathering spaces to meet the needs of all residents.