Programs like these make Portland, Oregon, stand out nationwide. The GRUNT and Jr. GRUNT programs should be recognized as viable models for park and recreation programming around the country. Bringing at-risk youth into nature to build both their environmental awareness and their professional skills makes these programs especially beneficial. Young people who are empowered to contribute to their communities are more likely to continue to do so throughout their lives. These programs enrich not just individual participants, but entire communities. As a nation, we have a lot to learn about how to make the most of the resources we already have, and our human resources are truly the most valuable of all. Keep up the good work, PDX!
Comment by Emma Cornell on Parks & Recreation article, In Portland, It's OK to GRUNT
Great article describing this sustainable initiative! At the Chicago Park District, we have a 10-bike bikeshare program that we use to supplant pool car and vehicle use at our admin building (city meetings) and at three selected locations (park staff transportation). I was looking to expand the program for other staff at some of our very large parks, but your article now has me thinking about a maintenance pilot as well. Thank you for detailing the program.
Comment by Michael Dimitroff, project manager for the Chicago Park District’s Office of Green Initiatives, on Parks & Recreation article, Bikes in the Parks
When I managed a large park and lake and with swim beaches and campgrounds in Indiana, I woke up at daybreak to the sound of loud mooing sounds. It turns out that 25 cows from a neighboring farm escaped and ventured down to the park and one of the swim beaches, leaving cow pies and trampled trees in their wake. We herded the cattle back to the farm, but needless to say there was an intense cleanup effort before facilities opened to the public.
Facebook post from Mark Alan Young, consultant for Parks Forever Consulting and Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, regarding Parks & Recreation article, Hog Wild in Parks
I work in a state park, so I frequently encounter wildlife during my job. A partner and I were driving through a trail with a gator one day when we encountered a visibly angry deer. Luckily we got away before the deer came after us, but it was still scary...These things make the job great though!
Facebook post from Kayla Singleton regarding Parks & Recreation article, Hog Wild in Parks