October 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 11

Dianne hoover
What attracted you to the field of parks and recreation
and, by extension, to NRPA?
I grew up in the outdoors camping, swimming, hunting, fishing,
trapping, rowing, and picnicking with my parents, four brothers,
and sister. I became involved in my church youth group and was
encouraged by the leaders to work at youth camps and to get my
lifeguard, WSI, and first aid certificates. Once I started leading
youth and watched them develop confidence as their outdoor
skills improved, I was hooked for life. When I got involved in
the profession fulltime, supervisors and professors encouraged
me to join the state and national organizations. At my first NRPA
conference, I met people who were involved in APRS and the
Great Lakes Region, and my volunteer work with NRPA began.
How would you describe your involvement in NRPA
over the years? Did you ever expect to be president?
I started where I thought I had the most knowledge at the time-
a committee called Recreation and Religion. The purpose of that
committee was to try to bridge the gap between public recreation and the recreation that many churches were providing in
communities in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The committee
disbanded, but I continued on with the Regions, APRS, National
Forum, and fi nally, NRPA Board. I did not know how to say NO,
so I kept volunteering. Becoming NRPA President was a dream
once I had served on the Board of Trustees for a full term, but
it took the support of the Board to make it a reality, and I will always appreciate that support.
What are your thoughts on the reorganization and
streamlining of the NRPA Board of Directors over the
past several years?
" Wow " pretty much sums it up. Between the National Forum
and the Board of Trustees, it was well over 12 years of visioning, meeting, conferring, negotiating, forming, and brainstorming before a true, acceptable plan for downsizing took shape.
Many past leaders are to be commended for voting themselves
off the Board, knowing that their many years of service at that level would end. The time was right for the downsizing to occur, with
many professionals and citizens facing downsizing in their own
communities and boards. The past two years with the downsized
board have been quite productive, with each member actively
participating in decisions and future direction. The current and
incoming Board of Directors are actively seeking ways to continue to improve the organization and they encourage members
to contact them with questions, concerns, or suggestions.
What does it feel like to be the last (elected) President of
NRPA?
Whether I was first, last, or somewhere in between, I wanted to
do the best job that I could. It has been an honor and a privilege
to have served as NRPA President, and I am thankful for-and
humbled by-this opportunity.
With only 21 members on the Board of Directors, it became apparent that eliminating the dual leadership (Chair and President)

was the right thing to do, even though that meant the role of President will be eliminated at the end of Congress 2011. I think it is
great that a professional can now become Chair of the Board-
a position that was once reserved only for citizen members. It is
essential that citizens and professionals continue to serve side by
side on the Board and in other leadership positions throughout the
organization. This is what makes NRPA unique and strong, and it
is this strength that will pave the way for further growth.
What are you most proud of during your tenure at NRPA?
This year, I encouraged partnerships between NRPA and Keep
America Beautiful, as well as with the Arbor Day Foundation.
Each one of these organizations has a million or more contacts
nationwide, contacts that will become aware of America's Backyard and help to grow NRPA in the future. As President-Elect, I
worked closely with the leadership of the various interest groups
and regions to form the current structure of Networks. This was
a joint effort, and I commend all involved in that endeavor.
What advice do you have for young people considering
volunteering at any level of involvement?
Lead with your strengths, do not wait to be asked if you are interested, and join as many networks as you want in order to understand the depth and breadth of this organization. This applies to
all members: We need anyone and everyone who is interested
in volunteering. Most networks are looking for engaged, energetic leaders. You know the drill-just do it! Most of all, enjoy!

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October 2011 - Parks & Recreation

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