At the heart of the National Recreation and Park Association’s mission is enhancing the quality of life for all people. This is accomplished by individual and organizational members providing a range of facilities and programming to communities of all sizes. As the importance of parks and recreation grows, so too does the interest of working in recreation among the UISRM student population.

Locally, UISRM is fortunate to have robust collegiate recreation offerings and a supportive department through UI Recreational Services. In addition, the Coralville, Iowa City, and North Liberty parks and recreation departments offer bountiful facilities and programming for residents in the area and work experiences for UISRM students.

Furthermore, the program offers coursework designed for students with a parks and recreation interest through two courses. First, Recreation Administration (SRM:3150:0001) is taught by Adjunct Instructor and Recreational Services’ Associate Director of Facility Operations, Caleb Recker. Second, Programming for Recreational Professionals (SRM:3200:0003) is being offered for the first time by experienced recreation professional and Visiting Assistant Professor, Dr. Sarah Hardin.

Building on this foundation, UISRM sees students earn field experience credit toward their degree though parks and recreation internships often. This past summer, four students completed parks and recreation internships within the state. Below is what two of the students had to say about their experiences.

Shelby Reeves (BS 2020, ex. MA 2023, photo above, credit Iowa City Parks and Recreation Facebook): I served as the Iowa City Parks and Recreation (ICPRD) Youth Sports Coordinator throughout the summer. In the role, I supervised the tee ball program and its site supervisors, coordinated the youth triathlon event, and facilitated community outreach at special events. I have worked with ICPRD for almost one year as a coach and site supervisor but wanted to continue to learn more about the organization and recreation through my internship.

I am interested in working in recreation, particularly in a capacity where I engage with community members daily. My internship provided me an understanding of how multiple departments operate within Iowa City Parks and Recreation that will help me determine what kind of professional position I want to secure after graduation. 

Olivia Amos (ex. BS 2023, pictured right): This summer I interned with Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center. My responsibilities as an intern ranged from working the front desk and communicating with the public to shadowing the fitness coordinator for his early-morning strength classes for high schoolers. On top of this, I put together a detailed plan for a doubles pickleball tournament that the Wellness Center aims to host soon.

I secured my internship by contacting the director and proposing to him my idea to intern at the Wellness Center. After a phone call, tour of the facility, and learning more about the UISRM field experience framework, I was hired. This field experience will benefit my career because of my work with the public, my improved ability to juggle different roles, and my refined ability to create ideas for supervisors that highlight my strengths.

Thanks to all parks and recreation partners who provide experiential learning opportunities to UISRM students. Also, congratulations to all the students who make communities across the state healthier and more enjoyable places to live and work.