About Us

About Us

The Great Lakes Park Training Institute is a collaborative initiative dedicated to advancing the knowledge, skills, and impact of park and recreation professionals across the region. It brings together a diverse network of practitioners, educators, and leaders who are committed to strengthening parks, public spaces, and community well-being. 

The Institute supports its mission by offering high-quality training, fostering professional development, encouraging the exchange of ideas and best practices, and creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration among peers. 

Participants represent a wide range of roles and disciplines, including park and recreation professionals, educators, planners, landscape architects, administrators, community leaders, and others who contribute to the planning, management, and enhancement of parks and public lands. 

With a strong tradition of regional partnership and professional growth, the Great Lakes Park Training Institute continues to serve as a valuable forum for learning, connection, and innovation in the parks and recreation field. 

Team

Colleen Durkin-Blackburn

Senior Program

Manager ofAccessibility and Park Planning

Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands

Clay Chafin

Center Director

Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands

Claire Jenness

Administrative Assistant

Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands

GLPTI Board Members

The Great Lakes Park Training Institute Board provides governance and administrative oversight for GLPTI and is comprised of parks and public lands professionals in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio.

Erin Parker

Erin Parker

Chair

Larry Hess

Larry Hess

Chair-elect

Michael “Mickey” Rea

Past Chair

Zuri Carter

Rowdy Perry, CPRP

Rowdy Perry

Kristi Solberg

Brandt Baughman

Brandt Baughman

Ex-Officio

Ted Bowman

Ex-Officio

Vacant

Vendor Representative

Vacant

Wisconsin Representative

Vacant

Illinois Representative