APR Innovators is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting team members going above and beyond to bring huge value to community members through knowledge, connections, and insight that come from a desire to create the best city possible through the power of high-quality recreation programs and safe parks that welcome everyone.
When did you join the Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) team?
In my previous job as an educator for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, I was able to host a lot of programs in partnership with APR. I enjoyed those programs more than any others because many of the youth hadn’t been exposed to many outdoor adventures before and had more enthusiasm for my programs. The obvious impact the programs had on the kids was inspiring and helped me to appreciate outdoor recreation in a new light.
As part of the Asheville community for 20 years, I knew I would get a lot more satisfaction working for the APR than anywhere else in the field – and I was correct. When the position opened, I applied and was hired as Outdoor Programs Coordinator in January 2023. I get a lot of satisfaction taking care of people in my city who are often overlooked, underserved, and don’t get the same opportunities that many others do in the region.
How have you grown professionally by working with APR?
This position has helped me grow as a coordinator and communicator. I was previously the person who executed a plan set forth by someone else. The autonomy I have working for APR allows me to see programs from start to finish, which allows me to continue to improve them over time.
Which accomplishments are you most proud of in terms of your work with the department?
Initiating more nature-focused recreational programs such as river snorkeling and naturalist hikes, as well as growing existing programs such as the fly fishing series. (Pro tip: sign up for the APR Outdoors newsletter to stay in the loop!)
How have impacts of Tropical Storm Helene changed or affected the way you approach your work?
Working in resource distribution lines after Helene was life changing. Seeing people in our community sacrifice to help strangers who had lost everything was inspiring. Many people cried with relief because they aren’t used to asking for help – and it turns out they didn’t have to. We all wanted to help and took great satisfaction in doing so.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Other than driving teenagers around, I enjoy picking bluegrass, fly fishing, nerdy nature things, playing soccer and ultimate frisbee, and many other things that I rarely have time to do.
How would you complete this sentence: I work for Asheville Parks & Recreation because…
Asheville is the best city in the country with the best people in the world! Helping them get more satisfaction out of life by getting them off screens, getting outside, and being healthy is more than just a 9 to 5 desk job. I feel like I’m making a difference to improve their daily lives.
Join Daniel and other parks and recreation professionals making significant impact as they work to build a strong, healthy, and happy place to live. Current opportunities to work with Asheville Parks & Recreation can be found online.