Witness the challenging rebirth of a defunct park into a sustainably managed recreational asset. Journey with our presenters through the circuitous process of taking North Hero State Park from a struggling campground to an accessible day-use park with a greener footprint. Learn how three successive regional managers approached shutting down traditional operations, revisioning the park, collaborating with subject matter experts and partners, integrating passionate public feedback, and ultimately carrying out this less-is-more revitalization effort.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn about navigating a park planning and revitalization effort of an existing recreational asset.

2. Outline effective strategies for managing challenging public engagement.

3. Explore ways to foster community connections and develop supporters of revised outdoor areas.

Presenters:

Emily White, Parks Administrative Services Manager, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Emily White (she/her) has over a decade of experience in outdoor recreation working for Vermont State Parks. Currently the Parks Administrative Services Manager, Emily previously worked out of the northwest region of Vermont State Parks as the Regional Coordinator, Regional Facilities and Projects Manager, and Regional Manager. Emily is especially passionate about parks planning and project management, recreational liability, and data analysis. Outside of work, Emily’s favorite activities include camping, biking around the Champlain Islands with her family, and playing mediocre slow pitch softball in her local rec league.

Joe Tyson, Parks Regional Manager, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Joe Tyson (he/him) is the Regional Manager for the Northwest Region of Vermont State Parks. Prior to his current role, Joe was an Operations Manager for Vermont State Parks and Governors Island, a public park off the southern tip of Manhattan. Outside of work, Joe enjoys fly fishing, skiing and gardening.

Rob Peterson, Deputy Harbormaster, City of Burlington

Rob Peterson is the Deputy Harbormaster for the City of Burlington. Rob was Regional Manager for the Northwest Region of Vermont State Parks for ten years and Chief of Park Operations for two years. He served in various VRPA roles for more than ten years, including as VRPA president, Conference Committee Chair, Silent Auction Chair, Conference Committee and the Executive Board. Rob loves lap swimming, running, gravel biking and plans to visit his son at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, and daughter, at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, later this fall.