PA Environment Digest

Share this:

DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Tim Herd, PA Recreation & Park Society

Tim Herd is a Certified Park and Recreation Executive and the CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS).

After starting a position with the Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission in East Stroudsburg, Tim joined PRPS as a professional member.

The Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society is a statewide association providing professional leadership, development, advocacy, and resources for those working and volunteering in the parks and recreation field.

As CEO, Tim is responsible for setting the direction of staff and resources towards the Board of Directors’ governing values and strategic goals. That includes the administrative leadership of human resources, finance, training, communications, advocacy, partnerships, and marketing.

One day while enjoying a local trail, Tim was inspired to celebrate what park and recreation professionals do by setting aside a day to thank them.

In 2019, the first Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Professionals Day was held.

The concept was fueled by a common understanding of what the park experience should be. Facilities should be maintained, and recreation should be accessible to all. Water quality at the local pool should be optimal, and safety and security systems should be in place at a local festival.

These are all reasonable expectations of our parks and facilities, and so it is appropriate to commend the individuals who perform these services and offer their expertise.

“It’s not only a pat on the back for the unsung heroes, but it’s also inviting the public to participate. It expands their understanding and appreciation for what we all want and expect in a thriving community. And it leads to greater recognition of the values of parks and recreation, which in turn can translate into higher priorities in decision making and funding,” Tim says.

“Together it brings a more comprehensive approach to solving the community problems, and all those important things that make a quality of life difference in our modern society.”

Tim particularly enjoys the opportunity to instill the value and an appreciation for what park and recreation professionals do.

“I am truly grateful to work with so many committed and creative professionals all over the state, and together advance the industry and exert some influence to enrich everyone’s lives,” he says.

A self-proclaimed “country boy,” Tim has grown up roaming farm fields, adventuring as a Boy Scout, and taking up interests in maple sugaring, stargazing, and recording the weather. He can often be found roaming the bike path near his home.

Know of a good natured Pennsylvanian who is passionate about outdoor recreation and/or conservation that we should feature? Contact DCNR by sending email to: ra-resource@pa.gov to nominate someone.

[Visit these websites to learn more about recreational resources near you: Explore Get Outdoors PA; Explore PA Trails; Explore State Parks and Explore State Forests.

[For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.]

Related Articles This Week - Recreation:

-- Natural Lands, Partners Receive PA Park & Recreation Society Award For Coatesville Park Revitalization

-- DCNR Good Natured Blog: A Greater Appreciation For Parks & Recreation

-- Bay Journal: COVID Lockdown Unleashes Swarms Of Visitors At Parks, Trails

-- DCNR Highlights Economic Importance Of Outdoor Recreation Industry At Organic Climbing In Centre County

-- PA Wilds Makers Market, Find Your Next Locally-Sourced WILD Thing!

-- DCNR Reminds Pennsylvanians To Wear Masks While Enjoying The Outdoors

-- DCNR, Dept. Of Health Expand Free Sunscreen At State Park Beaches

-- Dept. Of Health: Protect Yourself From Ticks, Mosquitoes When Spending Time Outdoors

-- Penn State Extension: Tick, Lyme Disease, Tick-Borne Illnesses Thursday Webinar Series

-- Op-Ed: PA's Howard Zahniser Should Be Included In National Garden Of American Heroes

-- July 8 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR