In an era where environmental issues are at the forefront of public discourse, promoting sustainability is essential, especially within park and recreation agencies. As stewards of natural spaces, it’s vital for our organizations to not only advocate for sustainable practices but also integrate them into their culture. In parks and recreation, we have the opportunity to lead in the conservation of our precious natural resources, and here we will look at ways to build a culture of sustainability.

Define Sustainability Clearly

The first step in fostering a culture of sustainability is to ensure everyone at your agency understands what sustainability means. In parks and recreation, sustainability can encompass various aspects, from conserving resources and protecting wildlife to promoting human well-being and environmental education. Craft a clear definition of sustainability tailored to your agency’s goals and values, ensuring that it aligns with the broader mission of your organization.

Lead by Example

Leadership commitment is vital in creating a sustainable culture. When agency leaders embody sustainable practices, it sets a powerful precedent. This might involve decision-makers implementing energy-efficient practices within agency operations, opting for sustainable materials in all projects, or participating in community conservation efforts. Transparency in communicating these practices can inspire all employees to adopt a similar mindset.

Engage Staff Through Training and Development

Providing training and resources related to sustainability can empower your staff. Consider workshops or online courses that cover sustainable practices in park management, waste reduction techniques or environmental stewardship. Equip your team with the knowledge they need to implement these practices in their daily work. Ongoing professional development opportunities will keep the momentum going and encourage staff to continuously seek new ways to foster sustainability.

Incorporate Sustainability into Policies and Procedures

To integrate sustainability deeply within your agency, it’s essential to weave it into policies and everyday practices. Review your current policies to identify areas that can be updated to reflect sustainable principles. This could include procurement policies that prioritize sustainable vendors, guidelines for reducing single-use plastics in parks, or even stipulations for minimizing carbon footprints during park maintenance and programming.

Encourage Employee Involvement and Collaboration

Fostering a culture of sustainability requires buy-in from everyone in the organization. Encourage employees to contribute ideas for sustainability initiatives. Create a sustainability committee where team members from different departments can collaborate on projects, share best practices and brainstorm new initiatives. This not only reinforces commitment but also utilizes the diverse perspectives of your team.

Promote Sustainability Through Community Engagement

An agency that actively promotes sustainability within its community can have a profound impact. Involve your community in sustainability initiatives, such as organizing cleanup days, tree planting events or educational workshops. By partnering with local organizations, schools and volunteers, you can expand your reach and create a movement that emphasizes the importance of sustainability not just within the agency, but throughout the community.

Measure and Share Progress

To maintain momentum and build credibility, it’s essential to monitor and report progress on sustainability initiatives. Regularly assess your efforts through surveys, audits or performance metrics, and share the results with staff and stakeholders. Celebrating milestones or achieving sustainability certifications (such as LEED) can motivate your team and showcase your agency’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Incorporate Sustainable Design in Park Planning

For park and recreation agencies, integrating sustainability into park design and maintenance is crucial. Utilize native plants in landscaping, implement rain gardens to manage stormwater, and ensure facilities are energy-efficient. Consider incorporating educational signage throughout parks that inform visitors about sustainable practices and the importance of conservation. This not only beautifies the environment but also serves as a constant reminder of the agency’s commitment to sustainability.

Emphasize the Importance of Environmental Education

Empowering the community with knowledge on sustainability can lead to lasting change. Develop educational programs tailored to different audiences — think workshops for community members, school programs for children and guided nature walks. These initiatives strengthen the community's bond with natural spaces and equip individuals with the tools to be better stewards of the environment.

Celebrate Achievements and Sustainability Champions

Recognizing and celebrating achievements in sustainability can invigorate and inspire your team. Highlight employees who go above and beyond in their sustainability efforts, whether it’s through newsletters, meetings or awards. Public recognition fosters an environment that values and rewards those who contribute to sustainability goals, motivating others to get involved as well.

Conclusion

Creating a culture around sustainability at your agency requires deliberate efforts, commitment and collaboration. By defining clear practices, engaging your team and promoting community involvement, your agency can lead by example and inspire others to follow suit.  It is an important undertaking, and if you are able to instill sustainability into your culture, then the work will become easy and success is inevitable.

Chris Lindgren, CPRP, is the Deputy Director of Properties & Planning for Park District of Oak Park, Illinois.