Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin Career Overview
As a Recreational Area Planner, you play a significant role in shaping the outdoor experiences that communities enjoy. Your responsibilities typically include:
Site Assessment: You evaluate locations for potential recreational development. This involves analyzing the terrain, existing vegetation, and accessibility to ensure sites meet recreational needs.
Planning and Design: You create comprehensive plans that include the layout of parks, trails, sports facilities, and other recreational amenities. Your designs should promote environmental sustainability while catering to public interests.
Community Engagement: Engaging with local communities is essential. You gather input from residents, user groups, and stakeholders to ensure that the developments resonate with the needs and desires of those who will use them.
Regulatory Compliance: You ensure all plans adhere to local, state, and federal regulations. Navigating zoning laws, environmental legislation, and other compliance issues is a large part of your responsibilities.
Collaboration with Other Professionals: You often work alongside landscape architects, environmental scientists, and civil engineers to bring projects to fruition. Coordination with these professionals ensures that all aspects of the development are harmonized.
Funding and Budgeting: Identifying funding sources or budgets for projects is a key aspect of your role. You may propose grant applications, local funding initiatives, or partnerships that support recreational development.
Maintenance Planning: It’s important to not only focus on the creation of recreational spaces but also during the planning phase, you develop maintenance schedules and guidelines to ensure the longevity and enjoyment of these areas.
Your contributions are vital for fostering community recreation opportunities, enhancing public health, and promoting environmental stewardship. Through your expertise and planning, you help create spaces that offer both leisure and connection to nature, enriching the quality of life for residents across Wisconsin.
Recreational Area Planner Salary in Wisconsin
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin
To pursue a career as a Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin, you will typically need to fulfill specific educational qualifications and training requirements. The following programs are particularly relevant:
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Design: This program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to create and plan recreational spaces while considering environmental influences and sustainability principles.
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science: This degree equips you with knowledge about ecosystems, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices, essential for planning recreational areas that harmonize with natural environments.
Bachelor's Degree in City and Regional Planning: This program focuses on urban development and land use, offering skills necessary for strategic planning and management of recreational spaces within communities.
Bachelor's Degree in Urban Studies and Affairs: This degree will help you explore the socio-economic and political aspects of urban life, which is critical for understanding how recreational areas fit into broader community planning initiatives.
In addition to a bachelor's degree, you may consider pursuing a master's degree in one of the aforementioned fields or a related discipline to enhance your qualifications and expertise in recreational planning.
Internships or hands-on training experiences in environmental planning, landscape architecture, or community development can further enrich your educational background and provide practical skills relevant to the role of a Recreational Area Planner.
Best Schools to become a Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
American Public University System
Oregon State University
Ohio State University-Main Campus
University of South Florida
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Recreational Area Planner Required Skills and Competencies in Wisconsin
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and make informed decisions regarding land use and resource allocation.
Communication Skills: Proficiency in verbal and written communication is essential for effectively conveying ideas, proposals, and project plans to stakeholders, team members, and the public.
Project Management: Strong project management skills help in planning, executing, and overseeing recreational projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budgets.
Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships with community members, government officials, and other stakeholders is vital for garnering support and collaboration on recreational projects.
Creative Problem-Solving: Capacity to develop innovative solutions to challenges that arise in the planning process, including environmental limitations and funding constraints.
Knowledge of Environmental Regulations: Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations governing land use and environmental protection to ensure compliance in planning activities.
Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in geographic information systems (GIS) and other planning tools and software to create maps, models, and visual presentations.
Cultural Awareness: Understanding the diverse interests and needs of different community groups to ensure inclusive planning that incorporates a variety of recreational opportunities.
Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate effectively with stakeholders to reach amicable agreements and compromises that benefit all parties involved.
Attention to Detail: Strong focus on detail to enhance the quality of plans and ensure that all relevant factors are considered in the planning process.
Teamwork: Comfort working collaboratively in a team environment with various specialists, such as architects, environmentalists, and engineers, to achieve project goals.
Public Engagement: Skills in facilitating community meetings and workshops to engage the public in discussions about recreational planning and gather valuable feedback.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks efficiently and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of planning efforts.
Job Duties for Recreational Area Planners
Confer with clients, engineering personnel, or architects on landscape projects.
Integrate existing land features or landscaping into designs.
Prepare graphic representations or drawings of proposed plans or designs.
Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Reading work related information
People and Technology Systems
- Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin
As a Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin, you will find a dynamic job market influenced by several factors including environmental priorities, community engagement, and public funding dedicated to parks and recreation. Here are key insights into the current landscape of job opportunities available in this field:
Demand: There is a consistent demand for Recreational Area Planners in Wisconsin, driven by increasing awareness of the importance of outdoor recreation. Communities are recognizing the need for well-planned recreational spaces to enhance quality of life, attract tourism, and promote public health.
Growth Potential: The sector shows strong growth potential, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a surge in outdoor activity and interest in accessible recreational areas. As local and state governments allocate funds toward improving and expanding these spaces, job openings are expected to rise.
Geographical Hotspots:
- Madison: The capital city emphasizes sustainable development and community wellness, creating a strong demand for planners focused on integrating parks and recreational areas into urban landscapes.
- Milwaukee: This region is focusing on revitalizing existing park systems and creating new recreational areas, particularly along the waterfront. Planners are needed to enhance urban green spaces and community facilities.
- Green Bay: With growth in local tourism and community involvement, opportunities are emerging in planning new trails, parks, and festivals that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
- Wisconsin Dells: Known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," this area sees a heightened interest in recreational planning that combines tourism and outdoor activities, leading to job opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Collaborative Opportunities: Many positions are available within local government agencies, non-profits, and private firms. Positions often involve collaboration with environmental engineers, architects, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive and sustainable planning efforts.
State Support and Grants: The state government provides various grants and funding options for recreational projects, which can lead to an increase in available positions as communities seek to utilize these resources effectively.
Overall, as a Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin, you will encounter a vibrant and expanding job market that values innovative ideas and community-driven initiatives.
Top Related Careers to Recreational Area Planner 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
- Website: www.nrpa.org
- Offers educational resources, professional development, and advocacy for park and recreation professionals.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Website: dnr.wisconsin.gov
- This state department provides information on land management, recreational planning, and funding opportunities for public spaces in Wisconsin.
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Website: www.asla.org
- A professional association for landscape architects that offers guidance, networking opportunities, and insights relevant to recreational area planning.
American Planning Association (APA)
- Website: www.planning.org
- This organization provides resources for urban and regional planners, including research, policy updates, and best practices for community engagement.
Wisconsin Association of Environmental Education (WAEE)
- Website: www.waee.org
- Focuses on promoting environmental education, which is often integral to recreational area planning.
Recreation Research and Health Journal
- Website: www.tandfonline.com
- A peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on recreation and leisure, providing valuable insights for evidence-based planning.
Center for Land Use Education
- Website: www.uwsp.edu/centerforlanduseeducation
- A program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offering resources on land-use planning and policy that can be key for recreational area planners.
Local Government Institute of Wisconsin
- Website: www.lgi.org
- Provides resources and training for local government officials, including tools relevant to community planning and recreational development.
Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)
- Website: www.smps.org
- Offers resources and connections for marketing professionals in planning and development sectors, including those working in recreation.
Wisconsin Land+Water Conservation Association
- Website: wisconsinlandwater.org
- Focuses on land and water conservation issues crucial for sustainable recreational area planning.
Online Courses and Webinars
These resources provide a solid foundation for further exploration into the profession of Recreational Area Planning. You can utilize these tools to enhance your knowledge and network with professionals in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin
What is a Recreational Area Planner?
A Recreational Area Planner is a professional responsible for designing and managing public recreational spaces such as parks, trails, and community centers. This role involves assessing community needs, planning activities, and ensuring environmental sustainability.What qualifications do I need to become a Recreational Area Planner?
Typically, you'll need a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, urban planning, environmental science, or a related field. Some positions may require specific certifications or a master's degree for advanced roles.What skills are important for a Recreational Area Planner?
Key skills include project management, strong communication, problem-solving, and knowledge of environmental regulations. Being adept in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software is also advantageous.Where can I find employment as a Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin?
You can find job opportunities in local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private firms specializing in planning and design. Networking with professionals in the field and attending related conferences can also enhance your job search.What is the typical salary for a Recreational Area Planner in Wisconsin?
Salaries can vary based on experience and location, but as of 2023, the average salary ranges from $55,000 to $80,000 per year.Are there growth opportunities in this career?
Yes, there is potential for career advancement to senior planning positions, project management roles, or specialized areas within recreational planning and design, especially with additional education and experience.What role does community involvement play in recreational area planning?
Community involvement is crucial as it helps ensure that the recreational spaces meet the needs and desires of the public. Planners often hold public meetings or surveys to gather input from community members.What are some common challenges faced in this career?
Challenges include managing limited budgets, balancing environmental concerns with development goals, and addressing conflicting interests among community stakeholders.How can I stay updated on trends and regulations in recreational planning?
You can stay informed by joining professional associations, subscribing to industry journals, and attending workshops or conferences focused on urban planning and recreation.What are some important regulations or policies to be aware of?
Familiarize yourself with local zoning laws, environmental regulations, and state and federal policies governing public land use and recreational facilities. Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is also important for ensuring accessibility.