Today guest favorite, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the park ranger’s role in customer service.

When a tourist visits a national park, seeing a park ranger can be the equivalent of finding Mickey Mouse at Disney World. Especially for newcomers, there’s often a sense of awe built into the experience whenever a park ranger shows up.

As such, Phil encourages park leaders not only to be mindful of their daily priorities but to see themselves as part of the story visitors share. After all, for the customer, their stay is their time to soak in the best sights and sounds nature has to offer. Why not ensure they receive the best service as part of the attraction they came to see?

Dan Bortner, the recently promoted Director of Indiana Department of Natural Resources, joins me today.

With 15 years as a State Parks Director, Dan has transitioned into overseeing not only all of Indiana’s State Parks but the regulatory aspects beyond land holdings as well. At every level of leadership within parks, being surrounded by the best talent you can afford can make or break the culture. Forming the right team, regardless of “qualifications,” will build a sustainable infrastructure.

In the current environment, as the rest of the world closed down, people rediscovered the joy of outdoor spaces, and all they have to offer. The impact that state parks have on mental health and the economy has come to the forefront. As Park Leaders, understanding the role that State Parks play in the big picture is paramount. Having a desire and intentionally working toward leaving a legacy is what long-term conservation is all about. Leaving our parks better than we found them is essential to us as leaders. Walking the line of preservation and innovation is a fine line to walk.

Episode Resources

The Business Side of Parks - https://parkleaders.com/the-business-side-of-parks/

Submit questions and topics to jody@parkleaders.com

Phil Gains, my semi-regular co-host, is with me once again; and today, we are tackling a listener’s question.

Special thanks to Sean Bonage for submitting this episode’s question. Sean asks, “What do you think are some of the most critical topics that you think need addressing that could help inspire a graduate student in their effort to better public land experiences for park visitors?”

As we answer Sean’s question, we consider the importance of not relying on the traditional use of public lands. How do we stay relevant when everything around us is changing? Taking the current climate into consideration, more than ever, we need to be listening to our stakeholders, our citizens, and expanding our understanding of our visitors. We also explore advocacy and access to parks and the necessity of educating many first-time visitors in the arena of conservation and personal responsibility.

Diversity of recreation and overall inclusion is challenging us as park leaders to redefine how parks are used and how we approach all groups. Intentionally expanding our pool of viewpoints is imperative; and this trickles into how we care for our workers and their overall health. Lastly, we are unpacking the pros and cons of pulling back the veil on decision making during tough times and how to grow customers into advocates.

Episode Resources

Submit questions and topics to jody@parkleaders.com