This February we proudly celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Month. At Parkland Retirement Living and Lifestyle Residences, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of Great People, like Brenden Butchart, who work each day to enrich the lives of residents and support their overall wellbeing. Recreation is an important part of what keeps residents happy and healthy, and it’s something they look forward to daily. 

Brenden Butchart, Wellness and Recreation Manager at Parkland at the Common, experienced firsthand how recreation and socialization can make a difference in someone’s wellbeing. When he was young, he was often involved in many activities, including art, choir, piano, hiking groups, and swimming lessons. After experiencing the benefits of being in many community spaces and feeling a sense of connection and belonging, he found himself pursuing a career in therapeutic recreation to pass on these experiences and feelings to older adults. 

A typical day for Brenden includes creating spaces for residents to gather to share experiences and knowledge. Brenden’s position relies on creativity, adjusting each activity to ensure every resident can participate to their full extent. He believes that being active and social is the key to enhancing the lives of older adults and enjoys finding new ways to engage residents. 

What sets Parkland apart? Brenden believes that, in addition to the continuum of lifestyle options, it’s the dedicated Harmony Wellness Program that sets them apart. Brenden’s mission to engage every resident and promote wellness aligns perfectly with the Harmony Wellness goals. He directly supports this resident wellness program by creating environments for residents to be active and have fun through recreation. 

Recreation isn’t solely about moving and exercise. Residents foster friendships, social connections, and a sense of belonging and purpose. Brenden enjoys working alongside residents to set and reach goals and give them something to work towards. He says, “I feel like I am reminded daily why I chose this career, through the past 12 years or so I have had the privilege to work with various populations and the one thing that is consistent is seeing people excel and/or accomplish a goal they have been going for.” 

Overall, Brenden is truly looking to make a lasting difference in the lives of older adults. He consistently works to reduce isolation, promote active living, create relationships, and bring fun into the community. He reminds us, “we forget as we age that having fun, playing games, building community, and being not-so-serious is truly what life is about.” 

We celebrate Brenden and all our therapeutic recreation team members for their commitment to enhancing resident lives every day.