July 2016 - Parks & Recreation - 11

Letters
We hope the articles you read in Parks & Recreation are
thought-provoking and engaging, and we want to hear your
opinions on what you read in these pages. Through social
media posts, website comments, emails to staff or posts on
NRPA Connect, let us know how the magazine's articles apply
to your job and your agency. To submit feedback for this section,
email Executive Editor Samantha Bartram at sbartram@nrpa.org.

Comment from Robin Nilsestuen regarding Cait Wilson, Jim Sibthorp
and Dan Richmond's February 2016 article,
" Freedom to Fail, Space to Grow, " (www.
parksandrecreation.org/2016/February/
Freedom-to-Fail-Space-to-Grow):
I just read " Freedom to Fail, Space to
Grow. " I really enjoyed the article because it gives me more ways to inspire
our young athletes. My husband and I are
honorary members of BeastMode, a local
sports track and field team for kids ages 5
to 18. Our goal is to cheer the kids on, encourage them to believe in themselves and
look at the positive side of what they are
doing. We love working with the kids and
seeing their success. I love the Henry Ford
quote, " Failure is simply the opportunity
to begin again, this time more intelligently. " What if [Ford] gave up when he failed
- where would we be now? I used to run
the 50-yard dash in elementary school
and the teacher would ask me if that was
the best I could do. I had no idea that one
day, I would become a marathon runner
and go on to do Ironman events.
Comment from Shontae Miller regarding Robin Wexler, CTRS, and Anthony Martino, CTRS, November 2015 article,
" Licensure for Recreation Therapists: Why?
Why Now?, " (www.parksandrecreation.
org/2015/November/Licensure-for-Recreation-Therapists--Why--Why-Now):
This is good. I hope one day that every
state requires licensure. Having unqualified
activity directors is another problem. In nursing homes everyone is certified, but the ac

tivity director. The activity director position
should be for those that are certified by NCCAP or NCTRC. Instead, there are people
with high school diplomas holding this title,
while activity professionals or recreational
therapists could be holding these positions.
Comment from Dawn B. Trenholm regarding Sarah Jovinelly, Alba Sereno,
Carmen Llanes-Pulido and Cynthia Rodriguez's March 2016 article, " Communities
Rallying for Health, " (www.parksandrecreation.org/2016/March/Communities-Rallying-for-Health):
Wow! Thank you, God! Thank you to
all who are making this such a success!
Kate, several members of the Williamson
Creek Greenbelt, SANA [South Austin
Neighborhood Alliance], GO! Austin/¡VAMOS! Austin, Dell Foundation and all
city of Austin departments committed to
the health and well-being of all. Amazing
community outreach, planning, efforts
and collaboration creating sustainable results. I love you, Austin!
Comment from John Principles on Sonia
Myrick's December 2015 By the Numbers column, " With a Little Help from Friends, "
(www.parksandrecreation.org/2015/December/With-a-Little-Help-From-Friends):
It is true when Forbes.com predicted
that crowdfunding and unique fundraising strategies would account for more
start-up monies than venture capital. This
allows ordinary people to do their share to
help out projects like keeping our neighborhood parks preserved. Good Job!
W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | J U LY 2 0 1 6 |

Parks & Recreation

July 2016 - Parks & Recreation

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