Lessons from the Legends: A Content Analysis of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration’s Legends Videos

Authors

  • Daniel L. Dustin University of Utah
  • Kelly S. Bricker University of Utah
  • Matthew T. J. Brownlee University of Utah
  • Keri A. Schwab California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2016-V34-I3-7335

Keywords:

American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, content analysis, Legends video series

Abstract

This paper reports lessons learned from sampling 68 of 119 videotaped interviews with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration’s (AAPRA’s) Legends in Parks and Recreation. The videos contain great insight into the history of the organized park and recreation movement in the United States, as well as the administrative, educational, and philosophical positions of its leading administrators and educators. The examination was prompted by our interest in whether there might be patterns of foresight in the videos that could serve present and future park and recreation professionals. We examined each of the 68 videos in teams of two, searching for common themes. Using a three-phase content analysis, we discerned three broad categories within which to discuss the results: becoming extraordinary, being extraordinary, and serving an extraordinary profession. Within each of the three categories, we also discuss several emerging sub-themes. We conclude the paper by directing the reader to a video link that brings the Lessons from the Legends to life, and discussing educational use of the videos. 

Author Biographies

Daniel L. Dustin, University of Utah

Professor

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

University of Utah

Kelly S. Bricker, University of Utah

Professor and Chair

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

University of Utah

Matthew T. J. Brownlee, University of Utah

Assistant Professor

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

University of Utah

Keri A. Schwab, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Assistant Professor

Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration Department

Published

2016-08-10