Creating Immersive Stories for Park Visitors
Park Leaders Show
"Storytelling is the bridge between awe and understanding, whether you're in a theme park or a national park." Notable Moments 01:05 – Bob’s national park road trip that shaped his worldview 05:24 – “Recreation” vs. “Re-creation”: the true power of parks 06:10 – Walt Disney’s advice: walk the park, observe the guests 08:41 – How Disney draws inspiration from national parks 12:19 – Gaps in concessionaire storytelling at national park lodges 14:51 – Bob’s advice for elevating the lodge experience 16:15 – Lessons from Kennedy Space Center concessions 20:39 – Making...
info_outline
Protecting Pucheguin - An Underdog Conservation Story
Park Leaders Show
"When you truly love a place, you do whatever it takes to protect it, even if it takes a decade." Notable Moments 00:01:04 Meeting Rodrigo and Jose 00:02:03 Rodrigo shares how a simple question sparked conservation 00:07:15 Jose explains fighting the first hydroelectric project 00:20:54 What happens after the land is protected 00:32:04 The significance of the ancient Alerce tree Jody Maberry recounts his unforgettable trip to Chile’s Cochamó Valley, especially meeting Rodrigo Condeza and Jose Claro. Together, they have spent over a decade fighting to stop hydroelectric dams and...
info_outline
Stories Connect People to Conservation
Park Leaders Show
"The only way you're going to save the world is with a damn good story." Notable Moments 02:13 – Jeff’s origin story: how a zoo letter changed his life 04:47 – Radical collaboration and partnerships across conservation groups 06:31 – Story of Pueblo Patagonia and local leadership in Chile 13:16 – Big change starts with one local champion 17:26 – Why storytelling is essential to conservation success 24:16 – Gabon’s 30x30x30x30 model and protecting rivers, too 26:14 – Partnering with Disney for the Lion Recovery Fund 33:18 – Jody’s zoo and creek story: early sparks of...
info_outline
The Politics of Public Lands
Park Leaders Show
“A win in conservation is temporary. You’ll fight for it again. A loss is permanent.” Notable Moments [00:01:03] – Why politics and public land are inseparable [00:04:37] – The impact of the Antiquities Act on land policy [00:06:57] – South Carolina’s bipartisan approach to land conservation [00:10:31] – Western vs. Eastern perceptions of public land ownership [00:15:11] – Economic and social value of protected lands [00:21:13] – The difference between temporary wins and permanent losses [00:26:40] – Why every acre counts, from Yellowstone to your local county park Jody...
info_outline
Parks Role in the Sestercentennial
Park Leaders Show
“Parks protect the land, but just as importantly, they protect the stories that shaped our nation.” There are a number of ways parks can contribute to the United States’ 250th anniversary. From South Carolina’s rich revolutionary history to the roles western parks can play, this conversation highlights how parks serve as stewards of history, not just nature. Phil joins to share his involvement with state commissions and the American Battlefield Trust, offering ideas for programming, preservation, and storytelling. for more from this episode. Notable Moments [02:30] Phil’s work...
info_outline
The National Parks Classroom
Park Leaders Show
"I'm going to do something that's connected to the national parks or our or a state park near me so that I can use my knowledge and see the real world impact it has. And that way, I never am stuck in class asking, why is this important? Why on earth do I have to learn this?" Notable Moments 03:02 Parks' Enhanced Virtual Learning Programs 05:30 The Value of Learning About Distant Places 12:39 Bridging Classrooms and Public Lands 17:53 Engaging Park Rangers as Educators 24:08 Enhancing Park Visitor Experience 26:14 Park Principles for Classroom Management Connect with James Order the Book ...
info_outline
Rethinking Park Bathrooms
Park Leaders Show
"We've designed the bathroom to be agnostic to the environment in which it goes. There are certainly other operational considerations the further out you go, but there's really no fundamental limitation as to where we put a throne." Bathrooms in parks are rarely the focus of innovation, but I was eager to dive into this unexplored territory with guests Jessica Heinzelmann and Fletcher Wilson from Throne Labs. Together, they are revolutionizing bathrooms, transforming them from mundane necessities into seamless, data-driven experiences for park visitors. for more from this episode about how...
info_outline
Dealing With An Administrative Change
Park Leaders Show
"You have to be ready because change is constant, and you have to be able to adapt and adjust." As the retired director of South Carolina State Parks and a current professor at Clemson University, Phil Gaines has wisdom on navigating administrative changes in park systems that is invaluable. He joined me to break down the often tumultuous times when new administrations take office. Transitions can be tough. Read the blog to hear how more on our conversation about strategic planning and adapting to new leadership in the park system. Resources Facebook -
info_outline
The Role of Philanthropy in Parks
Park Leaders Show
"Nothing gets done without partners. And in fact, it's way more fun when you get to do it with other people." Philanthropy is a powerful tool that often goes unnoticed in the world of park management. I have the privilege of diving deep into this with Sarah Unz, Vice President of Community Partnerships at the National Park Foundation, and Ryan McClure, Executive Director of Gateway Arch Park Foundation and Board Chair of the Friends Alliance. for more on creating world-class experiences and preserving our natural treasures for future generations. Notable Moments 00:00 Reimagining the...
info_outline
Connecting With Nature in the Classroom
Park Leaders Show
"They've done studies observing children in a park. They issue the more organized places like a like a soccer field or basketball court, but the kids always end up on the edges where the trees or the brush is just messing around." Childhood adventures in nature can shape a lifetime of curiosity and exploration. That’s why I was thrilled to chat with Chris Anderson, creator of "OutSCIder," an initiative bringing educational videos about national parks into classrooms. Through his work, Chris is ensuring the next generation doesn’t just learn about nature but forms lasting bonds with it. ...
info_outline"The general public is not impressed with how much you know. They're impressed with how much you've inspired them to know more about the places they visit."
Key Moments
02:04 Creating Park Experiences for New Visitors
07:10 The Challenge of Information Overload in the Digital Era
10:35 Historical Communication and Public Engagement
16:02 Inspire Learning through Augmented Reality Historical Storytelling
18:08 Instant Information Access on Learning
21:19 Contact for creating park experiences or highlights.
Resources
https://parkleaders.com/about/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/
Creating Experiences for Normal People
The deep knowledge of park leaders is invaluable. However, when we want to create experiences for the everyday visitor it is important to recognize that simplicity resonates with the general public. We can add to their experience by offering narratives and relatable stories that build their interest in the history. Even better is when it encourages them to further explore the land.
Too many park guests feel lost in a sea of too much information at an exhibit. Park leaders have the unique role of balancing their wealth of knowledge with creating intrigue of the great outdoors. As Phil says, "park people are not normal people." and how we can embrace this difference to enrich the experiences of our everyday visitors. "Normal" may be subjective, but the joy of discovering the wonder of parks is universal. A park adventure shouldn't feel like a history exam. It's about creating a connection that turns mere data into memorable stories. This is how parks capture hearts and provoke minds.
Ever heard of the Horn Works in Charleston? No? Phil Gaines shares about turning a 10x10 foot relic into a journey through time. Imagine seeing a revolution-era fort pop up among modern buildings using augmented reality. That's where technology marches alongside history in the parks, showing us that innovation and tradition can walk hand in hand. It's an opportunity to dive into the past without getting lost!
It is inevitable that people will spend time googling historical facts after a park visit. Visiting parks sparks curiosity in the minds of the next generation. For many younger visitors, a monument speaks louder than textbooks. Parks are more than terrain; they're a testament to human history. Next time you visit a park, look beyond the scenery. Search for the story, find the connection, and dive into the curiosity and wonder the experience brings.
While park staff may not be your everyday Joe, the experiences they curate should resonate with anyone stepping off the bus, ready for adventure. Make sure to listen to listen to this episode for more on ways park leaders are working on making the next 250 years of park history as engaging as the first.