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Embracing Opportunities for Growth

By John Weaver, CPRP, CPSI, Parks Senior Technician, City and County of Broomfield

It is truly a privilege to have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our communities.

Through fostering and implementing park and recreation experiences, we touch and improve the lives of so many citizens and visitors alike. In order to make the most of this tremendous opportunity, I strive to learn and grow so I am able to serve the community to the best of my ability. One of the most amazing things about our industry is the people who work in it. We are very lucky that professionals in the Parks and Recreation field lift each other up and help one another problem solve. The mentality in this field isn’t how can I be the best, it is how can we be the best, all of us. It is a collaborative and collective effort to help one another. This is why professional development can be so accessible. Many professionals in our field are willing to help, mentor, and share their knowledge. All you have to do is ask.

Learning and growth can take several forms and it doesn’t always have to be formal. Networks, projects, and committees can be one of the most accessible and effective ways to learn and grow. No matter who you are, there is always someone out there who can teach you something. Building your network is how to you find those people, and it is free! CPRA and your own organization are great places to start. No matter if you have been working for 1 month or 40 years, building your own personal Board of Directors will not only be empowering, it will help to guide you in ways you can’t even begin to imagine on your own. When you tap into the power of the people around you, your own potential begins to grow exponentially. CPRA has done a phenomenal job to facilitate opportunities for professional development, mentorship, networking, and information sharing. They offer numerous courses, conferences, conversations, focus groups, discussion boards, sections, events, countless connections, and a mentorship program. They are an indispensable resource for professional development and networking. Raising your hand and developing the courage and curiosity to take on a new project can also be an excellent way to learn. I believe there is no greater way to learn than by doing. Setting yourself up for success with a new project means understanding your own limitations and what resources you will need to be successful. It takes the courage to be vulnerable enough to ask a lot of questions and be willing to put in the extra effort to learn, while simultaneously performing the task effectively. There are also formal avenues for professional development. There are many courses, certifications, and degrees available in person and online. Some organizations may offer internal training or a leadership academy. With so many opportunities, it is just a matter of honing in on what skills you would like to develop and start by taking one step at a time to achieve your goals. I chose to start my professional development from where I was, and then build on the skills that would help to achieve my long term goals. I began by becoming a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) to directly expand my technical capabilities in my role. I also volunteered and joined the CPRA Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) to build my own network and develop my leadership abilities. Those experiences prompted me to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), which gave me a better understanding of the Parks and Recreation industry as a whole. Next, I wanted to expand my network and effectiveness within my organization and applied (numerous times) until I was accepted into the Broomfield Leadership Academy. Development occurs one step at a time, and it usually requires persistence and perseverance. Recently I set my sights on becoming a Certified Public Manager (CPM). The CPM program is an amazing opportunity offered through the University of Colorado Denver in partnership with CPRA. This intensive program combines many of the aspects I have been building upon: a better understanding of local government, personal development, interpersonal skills, business acumen, operations management, and leadership. Participants in the program come from a variety of backgrounds in government operations from the local, state, and federal levels. The classes are designed not only to teach useful concepts, but to create a space and dialogue where

Raising your hand and developing the courage and curiosity to take on a new project can also be an excellent way to learn. I believe there is no greater way to learn than by doing.