This article is based on an episode of the Let's Talk Parks with BerryDunn podcast.
July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the people who transform everyday spaces into places of joy, connection, and belonging. To highlight this year’s theme, ‘Build together, play together,’ members of BerryDunn’s Parks, Recreation, and Libraries team share stories of projects that helped communities thrive—and the personal ways they embrace play in their own lives.
From bustling cities to quiet towns, parks and recreation departments are shaping the future through thoughtful planning, conservation, and inclusive programming. Their work proves that when we invest in shared spaces, we invest in each other. We are proud to support this meaningful work and to share these successes.
Strategic planning for community growth
Communities across America are discovering how intentional parks and recreation planning can spark transformation. In Charles County, Maryland, a comprehensive Land Preservation Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) has become a blueprint for community development.
“Through leadership and strategic guidance, the planning process brought together various voices throughout the county,” says Lisa Wolff, senior consultant with BerryDunn’s Parks, Recreation and Libraries team.
In Timnath, Colorado, community feedback didn’t just shape ideas—it drove action. When 95% of residents voiced support for a new recreation center, the town moved swiftly from vision to reality. Ryan Hegreness, who managed Timnath’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan, saw firsthand how listening to residents can accelerate change.
Meanwhile, in Greeley, Colorado, BerryDunn Manager Nikki Ginger has been impressed with how the strategic investment in master planning and facility assessments is helping the Culture, Park, and Recreation Department strengthen diverse communities and meet evolving needs.
Preservation and heritage
Parks aren’t just about play—they’re about protecting what matters. In 2023 alone, Charles County preserved 1,700 acres of farmland and forest, secured $1.7 million in open space grants, and obtained over $380,000 in rural legacy funds for conservation easements.
These efforts safeguard not only natural landscapes but cultural treasures like Mallows Bay, home to the “Ghost Fleet of the Potomac.” Designated a National Marine Sanctuary in 2019, this hauntingly beautiful spot holds nearly 200 historic shipwrecks—the largest collection in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Recreation and community connection
Park professionals don’t just build spaces—they create moments. Ryan Hegreness’ local pickup soccer group is a daily ritual that brings together teens, seniors, and everyone in between. “It’s a powerful example of how sports can bring people together—not just during your childhood, but throughout your life,” Hegreness shares.
Lisa Wolff’s journey began as a “parks and rec kid” in Wilmington, Delaware. Today, she hikes, kayaks, and serves on her local Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Her story reflects the countless individuals who find friendship, purpose, and joy through recreation.
Professional impact and leadership
The influence of parks and recreation stretches far beyond playgrounds—it’s about leadership, vision, and lifelong service. Elsa Fisher, newly elected to the Skokie Park District Board of Commissioners, brings four decades of experience to her role. “I am experiencing local parks and recreation with a new perspective,” Fisher says, highlighting her work in budgeting, park development, and community events.
For professionals like Lisa Wolff, the work is deeply personal. “The quality of my life matters. And that’s why I celebrate Parks and Recreation Month with excitement and gratitude for a career path that really makes me smile pretty much every day.”
Happy Parks and Recreation Month!
From strategic planning to conservation, from pickup games to public service, parks and recreation professionals are building stronger, more connected communities. 'Build together, play together' isn’t just a theme—it’s a way of life. And this July, we honor the people who make it all possible.
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