An internationally recognized expert on the economic value that parks bring to communities will speak at a public forum in Rapid City Thursday, April 26. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. in The Journey Museum Auditorium and is one of many public events leading up to the commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the 1972 Flood in June.
Friends of Rapid City Parks, with co-sponsorship by the Rapid City Department of Parks and Recreation, has invited Dr. John Crompton, University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor, and Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M to speak on the value of Rapid City’s parkland to real estate, economic development, tourism and community well-being. He will describe legal instruments, land use planning and other tools that cities have used to protect and preserve open space.
Crompton has written extensively on the impact of greenways on property values, the public value of parks and open space, and the financing of public leisure and tourism services. The most published scholar in parks and recreation discipline, he is author or co-author of 16 books and a substantial number of articles published in the recreation, tourism, sport and marketing fields. He has received numerous awards, including the National Recreation and Park Association Distinguished Professional Award.
Economic historian Eric Abrahamson of Rapid City will serve as master of ceremonies and discussion facilitator. Abrahamson has helped communities, companies and foundations draw lessons from anniversaries and historic observances such as the flood commemoration, and will lead an open discussion on the potential in Rapid City for approaches and techniques that Crompton presents in his talk. A panel of local experts will join Crompton for the discussion: Van Lindquist, chairman of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board; Kitty Kinsman, whose recreation advocacy has included leadership in the fund drives for development of the Outdoor Education Center and the Mickelson Trail, and Aaron Costello, former Ward 5 alderman for and outspoken supporter of bike and pedestrian trail development.
While in Rapid City, Crompton will also lead a workshop for parks and recreation professionals. Details on the workshop are available from the South Dakota Parks & Recreation Association.