Planning with Gratitude

2020 has been a challenging year in so many ways. Due to the pandemic, our personal and professional lives have changed. We have been forced to adapt and come to terms with how much we have taken for granted—our family, friends, co-workers, daily routines, recreational activities and just the simple things around us. While it would be easy to just focus on the negatives, park planner Clement Lau is choosing to share the positives in this article.

Lau believes that it is good for his soul to reflect upon on what he is thankful for and offers the following gratitude list which planners, especially those in the field of parks and recreation, should be able to relate to:

1. New Park Facilities
2. Modified Programming
3. Continued Engagement
4. Meaningful Projects
5. Time with Family Outdoors
6. Writing for Fun
7. Support from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 

It is not easy being a planner. With or without the pandemic, we face a wide range of challenges that sometimes leave us discouraged, frustrated, and cynical. But to continue to serve our communities to the best of our ability, we must stay positive and adopt an attitude of gratitude.