Open Forum

Hello All,

I am in the early stages of developing an interpretive master plan for The Parklands of Floyds Fork, and I am on the hunt for examples of successful plans. The Parklands is a 4,000 acre urban public park system that is only about 5 years old; we just opened the final park this past April. We host summer camps and field trips through our Outdoor Classroom initiative, and lead guided hikes as well. Our current focus is science-based, (mostly geared towards the natural sciences) but it would be great to start showcasing The Parklands' cultural history as well. Unless they stop by the welcome center, our average park visitor rarely learns any of the vast amount of information we know about The Parklands, which is something we would like to change. 

My question for the community is: what goes into an interpretive master plan? How does one ensure the plan is not simply a list of potentials, but contains concrete solutions and achievable goals? This is the first plan I have written, so any advice or examples plans would be much appreciated. I have been using resources such as Beverly Serrell's Exhibit Labels, Alan Leftridge's Interpretive Writing, and various AAM/NAI/NPS documents and sources. 

Many thanks!

Sarah

IMTAL - HOME

You might consider checking out the International Museum Theatre Alliance (IMTAL) at IMTAL - HOME. We are an organization the supports the use of theatre as an interpretive approach in museums and other cultural institutions. 

Hello All,

I am in the early stages of developing an interpretive master plan for The Parklands of Floyds Fork, and I am on the hunt for examples of successful plans. The Parklands is a 4,000 acre urban public park system that is only about 5 years old; we just opened the final park this past April. We host summer camps and field trips through our Outdoor Classroom initiative, and lead guided hikes as well. Our current focus is science-based, (mostly geared towards the natural sciences) but it would be great to start showcasing The Parklands' cultural history as well. Unless they stop by the welcome center, our average park visitor rarely learns any of the vast amount of information we know about The Parklands, which is something we would like to change. 

My question for the community is: what goes into an interpretive master plan? How does one ensure the plan is not simply a list of potentials, but contains concrete solutions and achievable goals? This is the first plan I have written, so any advice or examples plans would be much appreciated. I have been using resources such as Beverly Serrell's Exhibit Labels, Alan Leftridge's Interpretive Writing, and various AAM/NAI/NPS documents and sources. 

Many thanks!

Sarah

IMTAL - HOME

You might consider checking out the International Museum Theatre Alliance (IMTAL) at IMTAL - HOME. We are an organization the supports the use of theatre as an interpretive approach in museums and other cultural institutions. 

Hello All,

I am in the early stages of developing an interpretive master plan for The Parklands of Floyds Fork, and I am on the hunt for examples of successful plans. The Parklands is a 4,000 acre urban public park system that is only about 5 years old; we just opened the final park this past April. We host summer camps and field trips through our Outdoor Classroom initiative, and lead guided hikes as well. Our current focus is science-based, (mostly geared towards the natural sciences) but it would be great to start showcasing The Parklands' cultural history as well. Unless they stop by the welcome center, our average park visitor rarely learns any of the vast amount of information we know about The Parklands, which is something we would like to change. 

My question for the community is: what goes into an interpretive master plan? How does one ensure the plan is not simply a list of potentials, but contains concrete solutions and achievable goals? This is the first plan I have written, so any advice or examples plans would be much appreciated. I have been using resources such as Beverly Serrell's Exhibit Labels, Alan Leftridge's Interpretive Writing, and various AAM/NAI/NPS documents and sources. 

Many thanks!

Sarah

Check with Richard Kohen of National Park Service, Richard_Kohen@nps.gov -- he (and Kim Sikoryak, who's retired now) developed an excellent planning/development process, Comprehensive Interpretive Plan; he'll be able to point you toward both the info on how they do this as well as some sample park plans. (Okay to tell him I sent you!)

In addition, check with National Association for Interpretation (NAI) -- they have training/workshop leading to certification in interpretive planning, recently (or possibly still in the process of being) revamped. I'd begin with Emily Jacobs, ejacobs@interpnet.com. Info about the CIP training is here: Process of Interpretive Planning

IMTAL - HOME

You might consider checking out the International Museum Theatre Alliance (IMTAL) at IMTAL - HOME. We are an organization the supports the use of theatre as an interpretive approach in museums and other cultural institutions. 

Hello All,

I am in the early stages of developing an interpretive master plan for The Parklands of Floyds Fork, and I am on the hunt for examples of successful plans. The Parklands is a 4,000 acre urban public park system that is only about 5 years old; we just opened the final park this past April. We host summer camps and field trips through our Outdoor Classroom initiative, and lead guided hikes as well. Our current focus is science-based, (mostly geared towards the natural sciences) but it would be great to start showcasing The Parklands' cultural history as well. Unless they stop by the welcome center, our average park visitor rarely learns any of the vast amount of information we know about The Parklands, which is something we would like to change. 

My question for the community is: what goes into an interpretive master plan? How does one ensure the plan is not simply a list of potentials, but contains concrete solutions and achievable goals? This is the first plan I have written, so any advice or examples plans would be much appreciated. I have been using resources such as Beverly Serrell's Exhibit Labels, Alan Leftridge's Interpretive Writing, and various AAM/NAI/NPS documents and sources. 

Many thanks!

Sarah