Registration Open for Women in Parks and Recreation Leadership Certificate Program

The Eppley Center for Parks and Public Land’s 78th Great Lakes Park Training Institute is offering a certificate program for women in leading park and recreation agencies. The program, led by an instructional team of leaders from the National Park Service, park and recreation districts, conservation districts and Eppley, has designed a curriculum that helps future women leaders meet several challenges in leading agencies, especially as these spaces evolve to meet the demands of changing climates, health needs, and the diversity of the nation. The program will be held February 24 to 26, 2025 as part of the Great Lakes Park Training Institute.

Costs for the program include $475 for early bird registration and approximately $500 for lodging and meals at Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN.  Registration includes all Great Lakes Park Training Institute activities from 2/24/25 to 2/27/25 and attend exclusive program learning sessions.  For more information, see the registration and program information link at https://glpti.org/women-in-parks-leadership.

Being a park and recreation agency leader is a constant challenge to innovate and meet community needs while continuing to offer valuable services to the community.

Additionally, park and recreation agency leaders must address issues like public safety, environmental conservation, changing community and user diversity and needs, and the balance between recreational visitation and use with preserving natural spaces. Effective leadership in parks and recreation requires flexibility, a deep understanding of community engagement, and a proactive approach to balancing these complex demands.

Research shows that women leading in parks and recreation agencies are more likely to meeting these demands by bringing diverse perspectives and approaches to managing parks, improving recreational programming, and fostering community engagement. Their influence helps ensure that the parks serve the needs of all community members, including women, children, and marginalized groups. Women’s leadership often introduces more family-friendly, inclusive programs, ensuring that parks are welcoming spaces for everyone, regardless of gender or background. Women also bring unique strengths to leadership roles, such as collaboration, empathy, and a focus on community well-being. Female leaders tend to prioritize initiatives that connect physical spaces with wellness outcomes, such as the development of safe, accessible parks that promote mental and physical health.

In addition, women in leadership roles help with the critical role of breaking down stereotypes and inspire the next generation of female leaders. Seeing women in positions of authority in public spaces like parks and recreation facilities encourages new leadership from women which is essential for fostering inclusivity, equity, and community health. Their perspectives enrich the field, leading to more diverse programming, improved workforce policies, and stronger community engagement, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.