The Economic Impact of Paradise Cove Aquatic Center in Richmond, Kentucky

One of the most effective ways for rural communities to improve the local economy is by exploring opportunities related to tourism. When communities focus their resources on expanding and improving the tourism industry, it leads to additional opportunities for these communities to increase their revenue, provide jobs and revitalize the local economy. Like many other agencies, the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department has gradually expanded the tourism industry within the City of Richmond in Madison County, Kentucky. To help continue the expansion of this industry, Paradise Cove Aquatic Center opened in 2008. This decision was made because waterparks were becoming a more desired aspect within the tourism industry because they “offer the promise of serious tax dollars as well as a mix of temporary, seasonal and permanent jobs” (Rice, 2013). Since the opening of this waterpark, there has been a positive impact on the surrounding economy as well as improving tourism for the City of Richmond and Madison County, Kentucky. The Paradise Cove Aquatic Center has an approximate 1 million dollar impact on the local community (Sims, et al., 2016) annually. As recreation professionals, it is important to understand the economic impact of the facilities within our communities. By understanding this, community leadership may see which aspects of the tourism industry are the most beneficial to the community. The goal of improving the tourism industry within local communities is to meet the needs of the people and increase the capital flowing into our local economies

Recreation on the Move

The average amount of time children spend outdoors is at an average of 3-7 minutes per day. This is raising concern given the immense benefits that come with outdoor recreation. Recreation activities relieve us from the feeling of monotony, restores energy, improves physical and mental wellbeing, and encourages a sense of joy (Dee, 2020). However, there are barriers that many face when it comes to engaging in outdoor recreational activities such as lack of transportation, money, and resources (Traylor, 2017). These barriers can be remedied by a Recreation on the Move program. Louisville Parks and Recreation implemented a Let’s Play mobile playground unit and as a result, it has had a positive impact on children in Louisville neighborhoods (Traylor, 2017). Similarly, this program concept could be a great way to empower the community and combat these boundaries. With this program, the Recreation and Park Administration for the City of Richmond will be able to provide safe play experiences for children within their community. The perks of this program elucidated in this research include how the department is consumer focused, it\u27s time crunch sensitive and this movement can drastically improve youth physical activity. This is a literature review with a qualitative research component involving interviews with Richmond, Kentucky residents and recreation professionals

Management of Leisure Services & Programs During a Pandemic

Parks and Recreation professionals know the importance of providing leisure services and programs within their communities, but does everyone else? The benefits of recreation are endless and bountiful, some of which include: a decrease in health issues, boost economy, builds family unity, provides education, reduces stress, creates memories and so much more (C. 2018). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a strain on the recreation industry. Many recreational services and programs have either been cancelled, rescheduled or altered to help ensure the safety of everyone involved. The pandemic has completely disrupted the travel and tourism industry across the world (Hailey & Clinton 2020). As a recreation professional, it is critical to have a flexible and creative approach when facing obstacles such as this. The purpose of this research is to analyze how Richmond Parks and Recreation has managed to offer their services and programs provided by their organization. Additionally, the effects of missing out on these recreational opportunities will be elucidated in this research. This is a literature review with a qualitative research component involving interviews with Richmond, Kentucky recreation professionals

Recreation on the Move

The average amount of time children spend outdoors is at an average of 3-7 minutes per day. This is raising concern given the immense benefits that come with outdoor recreation. Recreation activities relieve us from the feeling of monotony, restores energy, improves physical and mental wellbeing, and encourages a sense of joy (Dee, 2020). However, there are barriers that many face when it comes to engaging in outdoor recreational activities such as lack of transportation, money, and resources (Traylor, 2017). These barriers can be remedied by a Recreation on the Move program. Louisville Parks and Recreation implemented a Let’s Play mobile playground unit and as a result, it has had a positive impact on children in Louisville neighborhoods (Traylor, 2017). Similarly, this program concept could be a great way to empower the community and combat these boundaries. With this program, the Recreation and Park Administration for the City of Richmond will be able to provide safe play experiences for children within their community. The perks of this program elucidated in this research include how the department is consumer focused, it\u27s time crunch sensitive and this movement can drastically improve youth physical activity. This is a literature review with a qualitative research component involving interviews with Richmond, Kentucky residents and recreation professionals.https://encompass.eku.edu/swps_graduategallery/1122/thumbnail.jp

Managing Leisure Services and Programs During a Pandemic

Parks and Recreation professionals know the importance of providing leisure services and programs within their communities, but does everyone else? The benefits of recreation are endless and bountiful, some of which include: a decrease in health issues, boost economy, builds family unity, provides education, reduces stress, creates memories and so much more (C. 2018). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a strain on the recreation industry. Many recreational services and programs have either been cancelled, rescheduled or altered to help ensure the safety of everyone involved. The pandemic has completely disrupted the travel and tourism industry across the world (Hailey & Clinton 2020). As a recreation professional, it is critical to have a flexible and creative approach when facing obstacles such as this. The purpose of this research is to analyze how Richmond Parks and Recreation has managed to offer their services and programs provided by their organization. Additionally, the effects of missing out on these recreational opportunities will be elucidated in this research. This is a literature review with a qualitative research component involving interviews with Richmond, Kentucky recreation professionals.https://encompass.eku.edu/swps_graduategallery/1119/thumbnail.jp

Red River Gorge: Economic Impact of Destination Resort

The Red River Gorge is a canyon system located in Slade, Kentucky within the Daniel Boone National Forest. The “Gateway to Red River Gorge” better known as the Nada Tunnel, leads visitors to the Red River Gorge area. It has been designated as a National Natural Landmark and is home to an abundance of sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls and natural bridges. There are over 100 natural sandstone arches in the Red River Gorge Geological Area which are popular among rock climbers. The Red River Gorge is important to the surrounding economically devastated areas because it brings in 2.7 million dollars in total revenue for the area, and nearly 40 full-time jobs for the people. If Red River Gorge was no longer there, the surrounding areas would lose an estimated 3.6 million dollars every year in revenue. The local restaurants, lodging and other infrastructures would be negatively affected, perhaps causing some to go out of business. Due to the annual tourism flocking to Red River Gorge, it continues to increase its numbers of outdoor recreation enthusiasts yearly. Rock climbers, hikers, canoeists and campers are among the many who come to the natural beauty and landscape. Increases in tourism have caused Red River Gorge to have “great potential to become an appealing regional destination for all types of visitors.” (Tobin 2019) Since tourism to this area continues to grow, the area is missing out on an opportunity for significant economic growth. Although Red River Gorge has national recognition for several designations, there is a lack of critical visitor lodging and activity accommodations so we should invest in a destination resort for this area. Adding a destination resort will appeal to a wider variety of tourists, including outdoor enthusiasts, while continuing to raise awareness of the area

Evaluating Trends and Issues withing Municipal Parks

Technology is permeating our culture, including if anyone has ever texted someone an emoji or taken a selfie stated Jenkins (2017). Many actions that were once considered “childish” are now mainstays in culture. Fox and Edwards (2015) reported that American teenagers spend nine hours a day with digital technology. Victor, Moore & Pearce (2017) reported that children 8 to 12 years old spend three times as many hours with electronics per week versus playing outside. The amount of time spent outdoors in play has decreased significantly, raising concern given the wellness benefits associated with outdoor play. To combat this issue, recreation agencies are looking into popular movements, hoping to implement them into their park systems such as outdoor fitness parks (OFP). Healy (2019) writes that by 2030, nearly half of all U.S. adults will be obese and 1 in 4 will be severely obese. The OFPs could be a great way to empower people, including those without access to gyms. Other trends and issues elucidated in this research include: animal yoga, human composting, opioid abuse and homelessness. This is a literature review with a qualitative research component involving interviews with recreation professionals in Kentucky

Empathy: The Key to Leadership

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another individual. According to a recent study on the topic, empathy is a critical driver to overall performance, however research shows that most frontline leaders were not proficient or strong in empathy (Lipman 2018). Organizations are constantly searching for ways to improve their productivity, including richer organizational cultures that are shown to increase morale and employee retention (Crowley 2013). Many organizational leaders tend to focus on the short-term of getting results instead of understanding the positive long-term impacts from incorporating empathy within their working environment. Empathy is the key to restoring the human essence that is frequently lost within the mechanized workplace environment. In the recreational field, it is crucial to recognize that empathy is a critical piece of emotional intelligence that will help nurture relationships, maintain positive emotional bank accounts, and improve the overall efficiency within the workplace. The purpose of this research is to illuminate what it means to express empathy as a leader, provide guidance on how to become a proficient empathetic leader, and include methods on how to incorporate empathy as part of a healthy work culture. The research methods used were a literature review with a qualitative research component involving interviews with recreation professionals in leadership roles, successfully implementing empathy in their working environments.https://encompass.eku.edu/swps_graduategallery/1117/thumbnail.jp

Evaluating Trends & Issues Within Municipal Parks

Technology is permeating our culture, including if anyone has ever texted someone an emoji or taken a selfie stated Jenkins (2017). Many actions that were once considered “childish” are now mainstays in culture. Fox and Edwards (2015) reported that American teenagers spend nine hours a day with digital technology. Victor, Moore & Pearce (2017) reported that children 8 to 12 years old spend three times as many hours with electronics per week versus playing outside. The amount of time spent outdoors in play has decreased significantly, raising concern given the wellness benefits associated with outdoor play. To combat this issue, recreation agencies are looking into popular movements, hoping to implement them into their park systems such as outdoor fitness parks (OFP). Healy (2019) writes that by 2030, nearly half of all U.S. adults will be obese and 1 in 4 will be severely obese. The OFPs could be a great way to empower people, including those without access to gyms. Other trends and issues elucidated in this research include: animal yoga, human composting, opioid abuse and homelessness. This is a literature review with a qualitative research component involving interviews with recreation professionals in Kentucky.https://encompass.eku.edu/swps_undergraduategallery/1267/thumbnail.jp

Empathy: The Key to Leadership

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another individual. According to a recent study on the topic, empathy is a critical driver to overall performance, however research shows that most frontline leaders were not proficient or strong in empathy (Lipman 2018). Organizations are constantly searching for ways to improve their productivity, including richer organizational cultures that are shown to increase morale and employee retention (Crowley 2013). Many organizational leaders tend to focus on the short-term of getting results instead of understanding the positive long-term impacts from incorporating empathy within their working environment. Empathy is the key to restoring the human essence that is frequently lost within the mechanized workplace environment. In the recreational field, it is crucial to recognize that empathy is a critical piece of emotional intelligence that will help nurture relationships, maintain positive emotional bank accounts, and improve the overall efficiency within the workplace. The purpose of this research is to illuminate what it means to express empathy as a leader, provide guidance on how to become a proficient empathetic leader, and include methods on how to incorporate empathy as part of a healthy work culture. The research methods used were a literature review with a qualitative research component involving interviews with recreation professionals in leadership roles, successfully implementing empathy in their working environments