How Has COVID-19 Impacted Planners?

COVID-19 has impacted how we live, work, and play. In this article, park planner Clement Lau shares how he has been affected, professionally and personally, by the pandemic.

Like most people, Lau was compelled to telework. Teleworking full-time initially meant that he no longer had a commute that involved the use of public transit and extensive walking which he enjoyed. Lau also discusses how the pandemic resulted in budget cuts, programs and positions being eliminated at his work, and temporary reassignment of colleagues to COVID-related efforts. In addition, the closure of certain park amenities like playgrounds and basketball courts have been especially challenging, because those are the very attractions that his family enjoys the most.

But things have not been all negative. Lau shares a few silver linings, which most of us can probably relate to: working from home offers some advantages and has not impacted productivity; being forced to stay inside has created more time to reflect, read, and write; and being forced to stay inside has also inspired a greater appreciation for nature and green spaces.

Lau concludes by offering a word of encouragement to planners and parks and recreation professionals to take care of ourselves and our loved ones and stay strong so that we can continue to serve communities to the best of our ability.