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Community Development Through Recreation

Outdoor recreation increasingly drives economic and social development in communities, creating diverse career opportunities.

Economic Development Roles: Positions focused on building recreation-based economies:

  • Recreation economy development directors
  • Trail system planning and development managers
  • Public-private partnership coordinators
  • Grant writing and management specialists
  • Tourism development strategists
  • Infrastructure planning specialists
  • Business attraction and retention coordinators

Success requires understanding both community development principles and outdoor recreation industry dynamics.

Community Engagement Leadership: Roles that connect recreation assets with community needs:

  • Recreation access coordinators
  • Community outreach and education directors
  • Stakeholder engagement specialists
  • Recreation equity program managers
  • Youth development program coordinators
  • Cultural resource integration specialists
  • Local workforce development managers

Career growth often involves building deep connections between recreation opportunities and community well-being, while managing diverse stakeholder interests and needs.

 

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