Community Connectors Episode #4 – Matt Hancock on Parks, People, and Leading with Listening
In this episode of Community Connectors, host John Kerber speaks with Matt Hancock, Parks and Recreation Director for Tulsa County, Oklahoma. With nearly 20 years of experience at the YMCA and now in county parks, Matt shares how listening, belonging, and service guide thriving community spaces.
Listening First
For Matt, leadership starts with being present. Community members may not always say exactly what they need, but showing up, listening, and responding creates trust. He emphasizes that clean, bright, and kind environments are required for any space that wants to be truly welcoming.
From Casual to Committed
Matt introduces a simple framework for community engagement: casual → connected → committed. In a park or any community space people may first show up for resources, but meaningful relationships bring them back. Over time, those relationships can grow into deeper commitments—volunteers, donors, or even future staff.
Serving All Ages
From kids to seniors, everyone experiences community spaces differently. Matt highlights the importance of flexibility and creating exceptional moments, like the time Tulsa County Parks organized a surprise fireworks show for a terminally ill child. For him, going “outside the box” is what turns services into memories.
Advice for New Leaders
To the next generation of community builders, Matt offers three lessons: embrace change, treat every interaction as a deposit or withdrawal in trust, and start fresh each day. “Every day is a new day,” he reminds us—and every person deserves your best.
Why Watch?
Matt Hancock’s journey from baseball to the YMCA to Tulsa County Parks offers both inspiration and practical takeaways. If you run a park, library, or community center—or simply care about local connection—this episode is filled with lessons on leadership, listening, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
🌐 Learn more about Tulsa County Parks – tulsacounty.org/parks/
▶️ Watch the full interview on YouTube – https://youtu.be/iw3u-meuZO0