This article describes the continuing professionalization of park and recreation personnel during the past three decades with emphasis on manpower, education, accreditation, and certification. The major vehicles for professionalization are in place, but critical decisions must be made. (MT)

Draws from perceptual and cognitive psychology to present a theoretical basis for the principles of interpretation developed by Freeman Tilden. Emphasized is cognitive map theory which holds that information units people receive, code and store are structured into cognitive models intended to represent the environment. (Author/WB)

Over 1 million new cases of skin cancer are expected in the U.S. this year. Education about and adherence to sun safety practices can help prevent skin cancer. This paper describes types of skin cancer, what the ultraviolet (UV) radiation index is, who is at risk, sun safety practices, tips for children, and strategies for parks and recreation…

Successful park and recreation organizations rely on citizen boards and commissions whose membership includes effective and efficient leaders. To develop leadership skills, a training program for these boards is described; steps to establish and organize such a program are given. (JL)

Teachers wishing to teach experientially and to include environmental outdoor education in their classes must have the knowledge and skills to overcome barriers that may impede their way to this goal. Common barriers include senior administrative support, teachers' comfort and competence levels, scheduling outdoor explorations, terrain and sites,…

Describes comprehensively conservation education and interpretation in Australia. Includes discussions of history, range of programs, strengths and weaknesses of types of activities, cost considerations and some strategies to cope with budgetary constraints, and an analysis of the effectiveness of guided programs in Australia in the absence of…

Increasing ethnic/racial diversity challenges parks and recreation (PR) planners. Research indicates enough group differences in recreational participation and preferences to suggest that racial/ethnic background is an important consideration in PR planning. Facilitated focus group discussions with community members can help planners understand…

Presents a list of accredited Canadian and U.S. programs that offer professional preparation in the fields of parks, recreation, and leisure, explaining why accreditation is important, what the standards are, what the options are, how programs become accredited, who does the accrediting, and what is new in accreditation. (SM)

Family recreation programing is being restructured because of changing family structures. Studies show individuals still consider family recreation experiences extremely important. Substituting the word "community" for "family" in promoting special events may attract more people as traditional families decline. The article presents guidelines and…

Discusses how to handle problem employees in interpretive settings. Outlines minimal personnel management guides and minimal coaching/supervisory investment. Recommends learning personnel rules of the agency, thoroughly documenting the problem, and obtaining management support. (PVD)

Seven sites are designated as Department of Energy (DOE) National Environmental Research Parks and serve as irreplaceable outdoor laboratories for scientific research and education. The DOE has recommended the disposal of nearly one- quarter of the research park land holdings. Offers suggestions for developing a plan for protecting the…

Recommendations of the World National Parks Congress, which met in Bali, Indonesia, are provided in this document. These recommendations address issues related to: information on protected areas; global system of representative terrestrial protected areas; marine and coastal protected areas; Antarctica; the role of protected areas in sustainable…

Topics of general interest in park and recreation management and programming are discussed. This issue deals with energy/environmental education in parks. Various professionals in the fields of park and recreation, education, conservation, energy, historic preservation, and government have contributed articles. Some describe ongoing programs and…

This paper summarizes a panel discussion that included 25 students and outdoor education and recreation professionals on issues related to land use and outdoor education and recreation programs. Many participants expressed frustration over inconsistent management policies related to educational and recreational use of public lands. Participants…