The California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) is a renowned organization with a mission to advance the park and recreation profession through education, networking, resources, and advocacy. CPRS represents a diverse group of over 4,000 park, recreation, and policy makers spanning four decades, united in their dedication to improving people’s lives. In the summer of 2022, CPRS approached Top Hand Media with the objective of modernizing their aging video library while creating authentic and inspiring stories for its members.
The Ask
CPRS’s vast membership comprises advocates, dedicated workers, and community members committed to enhancing the quality of life through parks and recreation. Given the scope of the park and recreation field, the primary challenge was to identify and tell the stories of individuals who exemplified CPRS’s vision of “Parks Make Life Better.” These stories needed to resonate with a diverse audience, ranging from seasoned professionals to newcomers.
The Solution
Our team at THM embarked on an extensive journey to address CPRS’s needs. Over the course of several months, THM conducted multiple discovery sessions to gain a deep understanding of CPRS’s mission, values, and vision. This groundwork culminated in a significant presence at the Annual CPRS Conference in San Diego from April 1 to April 4, 2023.
Inspired by the unwavering dedication, passion, and love for recreation exhibited by CPRS members, our team developed a series of impactful videos. Among these, “My CPRS Story” stood out as a compelling narrative platform. This video series featured over 15 individuals who shared their personal journeys into the field, highlighting the ‘who,’ ‘how,’ and ‘why’ of their involvement in the park and recreation profession.
In addition to “My CPRS Story,” THM produced a range of videos tailored to different aspects of CPRS’s work, including videos for the Political Action Committee, the Parks and Recreation Foundation, Conference Vendors, and an overarching video titled “We Are CPRS.” These videos not only communicated CPRS’s mission but also showcased the depth and diversity of its membership and the impact they have on their communities.
Results
The collaboration between CPRS and THM resulted in the creation of over 25 videos, each capturing the essence of CPRS’s mission and the remarkable stories of its members. These videos will serve as valuable assets for CPRS for years to come, enabling them to inspire, educate, and advocate effectively within their community.
Through this transformative video project, CPRS has not only modernized its communication approach but has also reinforced its commitment to advancing the park and recreation profession, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities across California.