Forging links, opening doors in recreation community

A year or two ago, comfortably settled in British Columbia, Doug Brimacombe didn't exactly picture himself where he is today-back at his alma mater, grappling with a demanding, precedent-setting new position. "I was actually retired," he laughs, sitting in his office in the General Services Building.

In January 2009, Brimacombe began a three-year term as Senior Liaison, Leadership and Professional Development-a shared appointment between the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, Alberta Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA), and Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation. In addition to teaching three courses at the university, Brimacombe helps coordinate the efforts of the three organizations.

In other words, Brimacombe can no longer spend his days playing playing old timers' hockey and walking on the beach. But, so far, he has no regrets about the move.

"When I was offered this opportunity, it truly resonated with me," Brimacombe observes. "Here was a chance to help in a variety of ways, including the development of young, aspiring practitioners, and also make a contribution with those already in the field. I'm also serving as a kind of senior advisor to both the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association and Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation."

The position grew out of an informal discussion in 2008 between Dean Mike Mahon, Deputy Minister Bill Werry, and ARPA Executive Director Rick Curtis. The three men felt that their respective organizations should be doing a better job of communicating and collaborating with each other.

Before long, a plan took shape. Says Brimacombe, "Their approach was, 'Let's put some money on the table. Let's create a joint position, and through this partnership we could potentially begin to address our various concerns.'"

If things work out according to plan, Brimacombe will be able to build a much-needed connection between recreation students and the organizations that may eventually hire them.

"I serve as a conduit, connecting the three organizations," Brimacombe explains. "I try to ensure that the interests of the recreation and parks field are brought to the table when discussions are happening on campus. Likewise, I try to help the recreation and parks field to be aware, for example, of research opportunities that are being discussed at the university."

Brimacombe brings a wealth of experience to the position, but he also brings a fresh pair of eyes. Although he graduated from the U of A with a physical education degree and a teaching certificate, he has spent virtually all his professional life in British Columbia.

"By a curious twist of fate, I ended up securing a position on Vancouver Island," says Brimacombe. "I started in the role of sports coordinator with the Parks and Recreation commission in Port Alberni. That was the beginning of my career, and the beginning of my love affair with the recreation and parks field.

"Then I spent a good chunk of my career in executive roles in local government, and the charitable sector, with the YMCA and SPCA. I have always had a very strong bond with recreation and parks."

Now that he has returned to Alberta, Brimacombe finds that he has some serious catching up to do. "I'm on a really steep learning curve," he admits. "Prior to this year, I had no direct knowledge of these three organizations. They're all different cultures, and they all have their own pent-up demands, which translate into expectations." Not surprisingly, then, Brimacombe sums up his greatest challenge in two words: "managing expectations."

Well into his first year, Brimacombe seems more than up to the job. Still, he smiles at the suggestion that he's a miracle worker. "I'm just somebody who's passionate about the recreation and parks field," he insists. "I've had quite an extensive career in various leadership roles, so I think I understand the issues quite well.

"It's more a matter of helping everyone to contribute to solutions. I'm not expecting that I'll always find solutions, but I can sometimes connect dots and facilitate discussion."

The discussion, and the solutions, are beginning to flow, says Brimacombe. "We are learning as we go, because the model hasn't been in existence before, so we don't have any experience to draw on. But I think everybody's pretty pleased with what's going on so far."

Brimacombe is also thrilled that the job has brought him back to the classroom. "I really enjoy people, so I've loved my interaction with the students. They inspire me."

In short, Brimacombe is perfectly content serving as the man in the middle. "There are some tremendous people in each of these organizations. They're all just really fine people. I haven't seen any downside.

"I'm enjoying it very much. It's very rewarding. I get a sense of giving something back, contributing to a field that has meant so much to me, and which is so significant to our communities. I really feel privileged to have that opportunity, because I believe that this is a very progressive model."