The Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands successfully implemented two Pathfindersâ„  workshops for the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD). A Pathfindersâ„  workshop is Eppley's unique process in which self-facilitated groups are utilized in a systematic approach to develop action items. Typically, the workshop can last multiple days; however, we were able to conduct two separate one-day Pathfindersâ„  workshops in Boulder earlier this month.

Our first Pathfindersâ„  workshop was a community-oriented meeting. This particular workshop format allows various community leaders to come together and discuss ideas ranging from mission statements to overarching goals or broad themes that park and recreation agencies should explore. In our case, the community Pathfindersâ„  workshop succeeded not only in producing alignment among community leaders but also in creating relationships. From a consultant perspective, stewarding relationships among various service providers within a community is the lifeblood of a parks and recreation department/agency. With budgets tightening, partnerships and collaborations are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

After the community Pathfindersâ„  workshop, we had the privilege of spending the day with BPRD staff for their own Pathfindersâ„  workshop. Our workshop allowed us (as consultants) to hear the voices of those with the most knowledge and experience of how BPRD programs and services are delivered - the staff themselves! Utilizing our process with the community and the staff allowed us to see perspectives from the top-down and the bottom-up. This process builds alignment between city staff and community leaders, which is a powerful tool to utilize in master planning.

The Eppley Institute's Pathfindersâ„  workshop is a unique, powerful tool that results in new relationships, alignment, strategic direction, and actionable items that are community-driven. If you are interested in learning more about our proprietary workshop, please do not hesitate to contact the Eppley Institute for more information.