Leadership, learning, and impact across the country
In this issue of Parks and Recreation Insights, we’re taking a look back at a busy and meaningful 2025 for our team. From supporting communities across the US to connecting with leaders at national conferences, this year underscored the resilience, creativity, and commitment of the parks and recreation professionals we serve.
“We are inspired by the courage of dynamic leaders across our country. The level of complexity in leading through challenges seems to be increasing, and yet leaders are doing exceptional work for their organizations. The dedication to service is truly outstanding.” - Jason Genck, BerryDunn Practice Co-Lead
Read on for project highlights, key trends for 2026, and helpful resources your team can use in the year ahead.
A year on the road — Trends that shaped 2025
Our parks, recreation, and libraries consulting team was busy in 2025—working across the country with communities of every size and paying close attention to what’s changing. From that work, we identified five key trends shaping how communities can better prepare for the future, from sustainability and data‑driven planning to workforce resilience and equity. These patterns surfaced again and again in projects, conferences, and client conversations nationwide. What do they signal for your community’s next chapter?
Small communities don’t need scaled‑down plans—they need right‑sized ones. This article explores practical, flexible approaches to parks and recreation master planning that balance capacity, funding realities, and community voice, helping smaller jurisdictions plan with confidence and clarity.
What does CAPRA accreditation really involve? Drawing on firsthand experience, this article breaks down the value, rigor, and realities of the process—offering clear insights into how accreditation can strengthen operations, accountability, and long‑term organizational excellence.
Innovative strategies for parks, recreation, and libraries
BerryDunn's parks, recreation, and libraries consultants work with you to improve operations, drive innovation, identify improvements to services based on community need, and elevate your brand and image―all from the perspective of our team’s combined 100 years of hands-on experience. We provide practical park solutions, recreation expertise, and library consulting.
