Tyler Fairchild is the Director of the Shippensburg Community Parks and Recreation Department. A Shippensburg native, he has continually worked to support local parks and recreation throughout his life.
In high school, he started working at the public pool as a lifeguard. After that, he got involved in coaching youth sports, working summer camps, and working for the park maintenance department.
“During my years working in parks and recreation, I developed a passion for it,” he says.
Like many Pennsylvanians, he enjoys being outdoors and taking advantage of the many recreation opportunities his department works to provide.
Those experiences help to fuel his passion for his work. Tyler understands how important a quality parks and recreation department is to the public.
“I care a lot about the well-being of our community; and want to provide the best quality parks and recreational opportunities,” said Tyler.
There is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into providing things like safe playgrounds and accessible and educational programing. The parks and recreation professionals that work to deliver these things are at the core that effort.
Tyler says that, “residents should be aware of the countless hours that are spent by parks and recreation professionals. Hours spent on administrative duties, programing, facility coordination, and many other areas.”
Educational and outreach programs are an informative and popular way for the department to engage the public. They offer classes to learn about different animals, nature journalism, and nature education walks around trails.
Tyler’s department wanted to get involved in environmental education programing to promote an understanding about the importance of the surrounding environment.
These programs are a vital resource for his community; however, they can be challenging. Tyler wants people to know that most programs and events are only possible through community volunteers.
“Without community volunteers, some programs and events may not be possible,” Tyler says. “I encourage all residents to get involved and volunteer.”
During his time as a parks and recreation professional, he has seen all the determination and hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
“I have learned that it takes a lot of work and effort to manage programs, events, development projects, and all the many things that go on at parks and recreation department,” he says. “At the end of the day, it is a very rewarding experience and career to have.”
Currently, his department is involved in a Rails-To-Trails Extension Project. Working to extend a current rail trail that connects into downtown Shippensburg, their goal is to connect the trail through the rest of Shippensburg and onto the next town.
Although there is plenty of hard work involved, Tyler enjoys providing a valuable resource to his community. He says that, “The most rewarding experience is seeing the enjoyment on the faces of residents during a community event, program, or while they are visiting our parks.”
Know of a good natured Pennsylvanian who is passionate about outdoor recreation and/or conservation that we should feature? Contact DCNR by sending email to: ra-resource@pa.gov to nominate someone.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
(Reprinted from the July 24 issue of DCNR’s Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)
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