What happens when beloved community programs no longer meet their original goals? That’s the question Parks and Recreation professionals explored in Recreation Reimagined: From Tradition to Transformation, a recent panel discussion hosted by Amilia. The session featured Kevin Schmidt, Executive Director at Oquirrh Recreation and Parks District, CPRE, and Chris Nunes, COO of Woodlands Township, sharing insights from their experience leading innovative community programs.
Featuring examples from agencies across the country, Kevin, Chris, and other forward-thinking leaders showed how teams are evaluating long-standing events, programs, and facilities — not to eliminate what’s familiar, but to make space for what’s more relevant, inclusive, and sustainable today.
One city realized their annual marathon—once seen as a community cornerstone—was no longer delivering the local impact they hoped for.
After analyzing participation and cost data, they found most runners were from neighboring cities, not residents. The event consumed significant staff hours, required heavy police presence, and disrupted traffic without the expected tourism boost.
The solution?
They retired the marathon and reinvested in a series of smaller, trail-based 5Ks designed for residents. Participation grew, logistics simplified, and the sense of community ownership returned.
Throughout the discussion, Chris and Kevin discussed how data—attendance trends, cost recovery, and participant demographics—help reveal when a “legacy” program needs to evolve.
In some cases, that meant reimagining event formats; in others, it meant phasing out programs that no longer served the community’s goals.
But these choices aren’t just financial—they’re political and emotional, too.
During the webinar they discussed how P&R leaders can navigate those challenges with transparency, storytelling, and a focus on long-term sustainability.
A standout story came from a Utah community that transformed its “Community Halloween Carnival” into the Harriman Howl—a rebranded, reenergized event that drew thousands in its first year.
By moving the event to a new park, inviting businesses to host themed “skeleton scenes,” and introducing new creative themes each year, they created something fresh that residents couldn’t wait to attend again.
The result? A once-stagnant event became a signature community celebration—with strong sponsorship interest and real economic impact.
Chris and Kevin also discussed the growing importance of environmental responsibility and inclusive access in program planning.
From encouraging carpooling to reusing event materials and rethinking facility use, recreation leaders are approaching every decision through a lens of sustainability and equity.
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway: evaluation shouldn’t only happen when something’s broken.
Small, continuous adjustments—whether to program pricing, volunteer processes, or event goals—keep recreation departments responsive and resilient.
“We should be evaluating constantly,” Kevin said. “Not when there’s a drastic problem—because by then, it’s too late.”
If you’re rethinking how your own organization can evolve programs, facilities, or community events, this conversation is a must-watch.
👉 Watch the on-demand recording of Recreation Reimagined: From Tradition to Transformation
Learn how Parks and Recreation professionals across North America are using data, creativity, and community insight to modernize recreation—without losing what makes it meaningful.
If you’re rethinking how your own organization can evolve programs, facilities, or community events, this conversation is a must-watch.
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