contents august 2019 PHOTO BY AARON CLAMAGE volume 54 | number 8 | www.parksandrecreation.org k and ec eation o g FEATURES 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS 38 A Park and Rec Kid Comes Full Circle Sonia Myrick Parks & Recreation magazine sat down with NRPA's new president and CEO, Kristine Stratton, who shared about how her past experiences have informed her career path, what constitutes her leadership style and why she so readily identifies as a park and rec kid. 46 The Rural Connection Vitisia Paynich The communities of Bennettsville, South Carolina, and Winooski, Vermont - both with rural park agencies representing populations of less than 9,000 - have signed on to the 10-Minute Walk and are taking their efforts in this initiative to the next level. Learn how this campaign is influencing their park and rec objectives, how social equity plays a key role and how these opportunities will help engage community members and stakeholders. 6 Parks & Recreation | AU G U ST 2 0 1 9 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G 52 Insider's Tips for Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference 53 Unique Learning Opportunities for Directors 54 Some 'Not-to-Be-Missed' Special Events! 56 How Is a Park and Rec Agency Like a Swiss Army Knife? 57 Don't Miss the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference Closing Session! 59 Exhibit Hall at a Glance