Not Returning to the Old Normal

We’re back….and in most cases we never left. When the initial stay at home orders were given, parks and trails were for the most part excluded. Our team along with medical and environmental experts have long touted the health and wellness benefits of the outdoors for years. However, as the health crisis intensified more and more people flocked to our parks and trails to take advantage of the benefits. You embraced us and the benefits we provided more than ever. Thank you, now keep it up!

I also ask you to recognize our team members who have served the community during this exceptional time. Especially our team members who worked hard keeping parks, trails, and public restrooms clean and safe, picked up litter, mowed grass, raked leaves, made playground repairs, and provided facilities for children to have safe access to online schools and created virtual programming to keep you moving and connected. Join me in thanking our front-line essential parks and recreation team members! Want to know how to thank them or give back?

Top 5 Ideas:

1. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @DPRPlayMore and Subscribe to our YouTube channel and monthly E-newsletter by visiting DPRPlayMore.org/115/Stay-Connected 
2. Contact us at DPRVolunteers@DurhamNC.gov for volunteer opportunities or youth sports coaching
3. Support our philanthropic, non-profit partner @DurhamParksFoundation
4. Pro-Park Action - If you and your team want to do some fun, teambuilding, we’ll help you organize a park-clean up, reach out to us at DPRVolunteers@DurhamNC.gov
5. Be a positive park participant – Treat your park like your backyard, because it is. Help us take care of our parks and pretend someone will have to clean up after you – because they do

Not Returning to the Old Normal

Covid-19 was certainly filled with pain, agony, and fatal impacts; however, in an ironic twist - as humans suffered the negative impacts, our environment benefited and we grew to appreciate it more. When the shut-down occurred around the world, travel (land, sea, and air) was reduced thus air pollution levels decreased. Air and water became cleaner, wildlife and ecosystems strengthened. So as we “open back up” (return to normal), it would seem pollution levels could return back to “normal”? It doesn’t have to. This crisis has opened up opportunities for potential improvement and hopeful change. Remember often proceeding great growth and change is equal or greater adversity. Knowing what I know about the Durham community (Residents, City Leadership, Businesses, and Non-Profit organizations) this fills me with hope and excitement for the future of Durham. 

So, as we return, let’s not sprint back to the old normal entirely, but move forward optimistically to the new normal and opportunities we created together in the Bull City in the face of a global pandemic. Durham has always come out on the other side better when faced with transformational events and it’s not because of luck. It’s the relationships we build and spirit of the community. Transformation and growth often come from intentional reflection on or contributing factors, and a relentless commitment to create a better path forward. Your City and Parks and Recreation Department is committed to this effort and hope you will join us as we embrace the new normal to better serve, build better lives and a better community.

Thanks,

Wade Walcutt

Director of Parks and Recreation