Recreation Resources Service (RRS)

The Great Trails State Conference 2026 has announced our keynote speaker!

We’re excited to share our keynote speaker for this year’s conference.

David LaMotte—internationally recognized author, musician, and changemaker—will be joining us to help kick things off. His work centers on courage, connection, and purposeful leadership, with audiences ranging from the Rotary International Convention to the Scottish Parliament.

We’re honored to have him bring that perspective to the Great Trails State movement.

This is one you won’t want to miss!

Did you miss our Leader Development Episode? Listen now!

Listen in as we discuss the Leader Development Program with Rick Rocchetti and Lilian Heaton!

Listen now!

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X1ecEM43LIRyGHSGe9ck6?si=sIqcGd3aSyKSytvL31ow5Q

YoutTube:
https://youtu.be/lxcnZhG6em4

Listen in as we discuss the Leader Development Program with Rick Rocchetti and Lilian Heaton!

Listen now!

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2X1ecEM43LIRyGHSGe9ck6?si=sIqcGd3aSyKSytvL31ow5Q

YoutTube:
https://youtu.be/lxcnZhG6em4

Did you miss the webinar? Don't worry! The recording is out now.

Watch:
https://youtu.be/lZutx3JQaL0?si=iVceUnD6V1e2k_KI

Parks and recreation professionals are constantly asked to
do more with less. This practical webinar explores how AI can help recreation teams
and one-person departments save time, streamline marketing, and build
repeatable systems without losing the human touch that builds community trust.

Learn how to use AI for marketing campaign planning, proposal
efficiency, and measuring impact while keeping your department’s voice
authentic and community-centered.

Join us to learn how.

Register today! 👇🏽

https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tCrGnROuTlqgQSMCdsgFIg

THROWBACK THURSDAY SERIES! We don’t know if people still do , but we have been busy here at RRS! We have our consultant BRITTANY SHIPP taking over socials today. She will be sharing what she’s been up to lately.

“The 2026 NC Parks and Recreation Directors Conference was held February 10-12 in Raleigh and it was one for the books!

One of my favorite parts of planning was the trip up to Raleigh to tour the McKimmon Center and start visualizing directors from across the state gathered together. That visit also included lunch at the State Farmers Market and a quick stroll through the stalls…which never disappoints!

Fast forward to conference week, and kickoff did not disappoint. So many meaningful connections, valuable networking opportunities, impactful educational sessions, and a keynote from Chris Nunes that was both inspiring and energizing. We are truly grateful for the directors, sponsors, speakers, and partners who make this conference such a powerful time to connect and learn. ”

THROWBACK THURSDAY SERIES! We don’t know if people still do , but we have been busy here at RRS! We have our consultant BRITTANY SHIPP taking over socials today. She will be sharing what she’s been up to lately.

“So thankful for the opportunity to visit Pender County to close out the PARTF project at Kiwanis Park! This project represents an investment of more than $1,000,000, including a $500,000 PARTF grant and the generous donation of 26 acres to expand the park. Improvements include new tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, multipurpose fields, court games, parking, utilities, and a new shelter and restroom facility.

Serving as Phase 4 of this growing park, this project continues to meet the needs of the booming Hampstead community and provides even more opportunities for recreation, wellness, and connection.

It was an awesome experience working with Parks and Recreation director Zach White throughout the course of this project.

Proud to be part of projects that strengthen communities through parks and recreation.”

It’s Season 2 here at Recreating Connections and we are kicking it off with our Regional Consultant Trey Fouche! 🥳

Listen now:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Yp8FGcl3PKz2hDKbyCWSX?si=aMvQFG4GR8Wc6zit9mY7rw

ADA Workshops are coming to your region!

Our first regional ADA workshops are starting in March! RRS is partnering with Accessibility Essentials to offer a 2-Day Hands-on training with the opportunity for participants to gain skills to conduct and complete ADA Audits for Parks.

Day 1: Parking, Paths of Travel, and Restroom Basics
Day 2: Shelters, Fields of Play and Playgrounds.

For more information and registration:https://rrs.cnr.ncsu.edu/resource-library/access-through-design/

Have you signed up for next week's webinar?

Parks and recreation professionals are constantly asked to
do more with less. This practical webinar explores how AI can help recreation teams
and one-person departments save time, streamline marketing, and build
repeatable systems without losing the human touch that builds community trust.

Learn how to use AI for marketing campaign planning, proposal
efficiency, and measuring impact while keeping your department’s voice
authentic and community-centered.

Join us to learn how.

Register today! 👇🏽

https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tCrGnROuTlqgQSMCdsgFIg

Our first regional ADA workshops are starting in March! RRS is partnering with Accessibility Essentials to offer a 2-Day Hands-on training with the opportunity for participants to gain skills to conduct and complete ADA Audits for Parks.

Day 1: Parking, Paths of Travel, and Restroom Basics
Day 2: Shelters, Fields of Play and Playgrounds.

For more information and registration:https://rrs.cnr.ncsu.edu/resource-library/access-through-design/

Parks and recreation professionals are constantly asked to
do more with less. This practical webinar explores how AI can help recreation teams
and one-person departments save time, streamline marketing, and build
repeatable systems without losing the human touch that builds community trust.

Learn how to use AI for marketing campaign planning, proposal
efficiency, and measuring impact while keeping your department’s voice
authentic and community-centered.

Join us to learn how.

Register today! 👇🏽

https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tCrGnROuTlqgQSMCdsgFIg