Transforming Your Agency with On-the-Ground Innovation

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Have you found yourself wondering how your agency can take practical steps toward being more creative and relevant to your local community? Join us for the second part in a series on how innovative thinking can be foundational to strong, relevant and community-oriented park and recreation agencies. Learn how the Bristol (Connecticut) Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Department developed creative solutions to recreation, conservation and equity-focused initiatives.

Learning Objectives:

Learners will develop strategies for implementing their own innovative programs, projects and initiatives to stay relevant in their communities.
Learners will be able to implement solutions to breaking down access barriers.
Learners will be able to create a framework for integrating diversity, equity and inclusion work into their department’s innovations.

Dr. Joshua T. Medeiros, Ed.D., CPRP (he/him)

Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services

Bristol Parks and Recreation

Dr. Joshua T. Medeiros serves as the Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services for the City of Bristol, Connecticut and as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut. Medeiros has an earned Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration. Medeiros serves on the National Recreation and Parks Association Board of Directors and he is also the past President of the Connecticut Parks Association. Medeiros is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and is an award winner of both his state and national parks and recreation associations.

Sarah Larson, CPRP (she/her)

Deputy Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services

Bristol Parks and Recreation

Sarah Larson has the honor of serving the City of Bristol as the Deputy Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services, overseeing 730 acres of park land, three aquatics facilities, more than one hundred programs, and a $5.5 million operational budget. Sarah received her undergraduate degree from Tufts University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Recreation Administration from Southern Connecticut State University.