Always Explore: You Are Still an Athlete

You are still an athlete in the way you move your body.
In the way you step outside for sunlight and fresh air.
In the way you seek nature not just for fitness — but for mental clarity and emotional reset.

That’s the energy I carried with me to the Montana Parks and Recreation Conference, hosted by Bozeman Parks and Recreation — and the same energy I found in every room, every conversation, and every person who showed up to celebrate the powerful intersection of wellness, community, and the outdoors.

A Book, A Moment, A Mission

I was grateful to travel to Montana for the Montana Parks and Recreation Annual Conference, where we also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). It was an honor to donate and sign copies of Always An Athlete during the evening fundraiser—a meaningful moment of both celebration and reflection.

As I looked out at the park and recreation professionals in the room, many with backgrounds in sport or wellness, I saw teammates. Teammates in the shared work of helping people live better, move more, and feel whole.

Signing those books wasn’t about me. It was about offering a message, especially to the former competative athletes:

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You are still an athlete. You carry what sport taught you—into how you lead, how you move, and how you help others move too.

The Aha Moment: Parks Are the Path

One of the most powerful realizations from this past month: Parks and Recreation aren’t just places—they’re a pathway. And the people of Montana helped bring that truth into focus.

Parks offer the exact blend of wellness and community that so many of us are searching for. In a world that’s more connected and more isolated than ever, parks remain real. They’re tactile, grounding, and deeply human. They invite us to breathe, stretch, laugh, walk, and play—on our own or with others, but always with intention.

Parks = Community.
They’re where the athlete in all of us still gets to show up.

Even without a uniform. Even without a scoreboard.

We’re still moving.
We’re still focused on our mental health.
We’re still growing.

Parks as the New Arena for Athletes

Transitioning from a competitive sports career can be challenging. The routines, the camaraderie, the goals — they don’t easily fade. But what if the next chapter isn't about leaving something behind, but redirecting that energy?

Parks and recreation systems offer a powerful, accessible space where athletes can continue to thrive — not just in movement, but in in person community.

Movement That Matters

Parks and recreation facilities provide opportunities for athletes to stay active in meaningful ways. According to the NRPA, nearly 93% of U.S. adults say that local park and recreation activities positively impact their mental health. Whether it's walking trails, playing pickup basketball, trying tennis for the first time, leading a yoga class, or simply reconnecting with nature — the athlete’s body finds purpose again.

Mental Health Boost

We know that time outside helps us reset. In fact, 92% of adults say that being in their local park improves their mental health. That’s not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Parks offer a natural, accessible way to support emotional well-being, manage stress, and build resilience after high-performance careers.

Community: The New Team

For many athletes, leaving competition also means losing a team. But in parks and recreation, a new team of new friends is waiting. Through group fitness classes, adaptive programs, coaching opportunities, or just showing up — former competative athletes can find connection and community all over again.

Steps That Add Up

Living closer to parks has a real impact. People who live near parks are significantly more likely to meet their recommended daily step counts. That’s daily movement built into life — and a reminder that staying active doesn’t have to be structured or intense to be effective.

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