Open Space Radio: Parks and Recreation Trends

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As we get closer to the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference, we're excited to welcome this year's keynote speaker, Shola Richards, to Open Space Radio. Shola is the CEO and founder of Go Together Global, a best-selling author and host of the Kindness Extremist podcast. His work focuses on helping people build kinder workplaces through practical, actionable strategies; something that feels especially relevant for park and recreation professionals dedicated to serving their communities.

Throughout this conversation, Shola reminds us that kindness isn't just a feel-good idea. It's a skill that can strengthen teams, improve communities and help us better care for ourselves and one another. From the importance of rest and setting boundaries to the ripple effect of everyday interactions, this conversation is full of practical takeaways you can put into practice right away.

And, if you're joining us at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference, you'll have the opportunity to hear even more from Shola during his keynote in Philadelphia. He'll share practical tools you can use to build more resilient teams, create more welcoming spaces and lead with kindness in your agency and beyond. If you haven't secured your spot yet, there's still time to register!

Tune in to the full episode to learn how to:

Turn kindness into action by understanding the difference between simply being nice and creating meaningful connections.
Protect your well-being by embracing rest, setting boundaries and asking for help without guilt.
Create lasting impact through everyday interactions that shape experiences for your community.
Lead with hope using practical strategies you can apply immediately with your team and in your own life.

And if you enjoy this conversation, keep an eye out for the September issue of Parks & Recreation magazine later this month, where you'll find an exclusive feature story with Shola that dives even deeper into the power of kindness, hope and leading with intention.

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us!

If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA. Your gift will support our storytelling efforts and our mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental resilience efforts that enhance the quality of life for all. Give today at nrpa.org/donate.

This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke. Park and recreation professionals create spaces where communities connect, move and thrive. BCI Burke is proud to support that work by designing outdoor play environments that inspire movement, exploration and belonging for people of all ages and abilities. If you're attending the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference, visit Burke in the Exhibit Hall at booth #625 to connect with the team and discover new ideas for your community. Learn more at bciburke.com.

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Park and Recreation Month is one of our favorite times of year here at NRPA, and as we celebrate, we wanted to give one of our favorite episodes another spin. This episode originally aired as Episode 176, and it captures exactly what this month is all about: a collection of powerful stories showing how parks and recreation strengthens communities and changes lives.

We're revisiting our conversations with:

Shannon Barrett, CPRP, recreation coordinator for City of Kerman (California) Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and participants from the Walk With Ease program, who share how a simple walking initiative has built a tight-knit, supportive community.
Danielle Bachelder, CPRP, senior parks manager for Broward County (Florida) Parks and Recreation, and a young participant in the Pony Tales program, who discuss how a literacy-based initiative that invites children to read to horses is making an impact on children, families and the horses alike.

You'll also hear:

How a program can start small and grow into a lasting, self-sustaining community
Why the person leading a program can make or break the participant experience
What "progress, not perfection" looks like for both program participants and the staff who lead them
Why the simplest programs (the ones built on nothing more than walking, reading or just showing up) are often the most powerful

One More Reason to Celebrate

Speaking of Park and Recreation Month, don't forget there's still time to enter the Park and Recreation Month Sweepstakes for a chance to win:

A complimentary full-package registration to the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia
Three nights of lodging at a hotel in the official NRPA housing block
A $500 gift card to help cover travel expenses

Entries close Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT

Want another shot at a free registration? Listen to a new episode of Guardians of Greenspaces and submit your feedback for an additional chance to win.

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us!

If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to support not only our storytelling efforts but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke. July is Park and Recreation Month, a celebration of the people and places that help communities thrive. At BCI Burke, they're proud to support park and recreation professionals as they create welcoming outdoor spaces that inspire connection, movement and belonging. Learn more at bciburke.com.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore what it means to lead with empathy and why people-centered leadership can have a lasting impact on our teams and our communities as a whole.

Joining us for the conversation is Shannon Harris, CPRE, CPO, executive director of the Carson Valley Swim Center and past president of the Nevada Recreation& Parks Society. Throughout her career, Shannon has built a reputation as a thoughtful, compassionate leader. Someone who shows up, listens, builds trust, and creates opportunities for others to grow and thrive.

After spending some time with her at the Nevada Recreation & Parks Society Annual Conference, as well as this conversation, it's extremely clear that Shannon prioritizes her people, relationships and continuous growth. And, on this episode, she shares lessons learned from leading intergenerational teams, creating supportive workplace cultures and empowering others to discover their own leadership potential.

So whether you're leading an organization, managing a team or just looking for ways to make a positive impact in your community, Shannon's insights are a powerful reminder that leadership starts with recognizing the humanity in others (and in ourselves).

Tune in to the full episode to learn:

Why showing up and being present are foundational leadership skills.
How empathy and active listening help build trust and create healthier workplace cultures.
Ways leaders can use policies and organizational culture to demonstrate care and support for staff.
The importance of empowering employees at every level to see themselves as leaders, regardless of their title.
How kindness, vulnerability and community partnerships can create spaces where people feel valued and supported.
And much more!

This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke Play brings people together through connection, creativity and growth. At BCI Burke, they design outdoor recreation environments that inspire exploration and support the work of parks and recreation professionals — including the next generation of leaders shaping the future of play. Together, we're creating spaces where everyone feels welcome to move, play and belong. Learn more at bciburke.com

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CAPRA accreditation sets the national standard for excellence in parks and recreation and agencies that go through the process are really committing to operating at the highest level across everything they do.

From strengthening day-to-day operations to helping agencies plan for the future, CAPRA accreditation plays an important role in delivering the best possible services to our communities.

On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we explore how CAPRA accreditation is shaping park and recreation agencies, leadership and communities across the country. We also dive into how the newly reimagined 2027 CAPRA standards are helping make accreditation more adaptable and accessible for agencies of all sizes.

Joining us for the conversation are three leaders with deep experience in the CAPRA process:

Janet Bartnik, director of parks and recreation for Prince William County, Virginia, and member of the CAPRA standards reimagination team (and currently serving as deputy chief transformation officer for the Prince William County Transformation Management Office)
Chris Bass, director of parks and recreation for DeKalb County, Georgia, and former CAPRA Commission chair
Ray Bivens, director of recreation and parks for St. Mary's County, Maryland, and current CAPRA Commission chair

Together, they share insights on what CAPRA accreditation looks like in practice, how it shapes agency culture and leadership, and why it should be viewed as more than just a checklist or designation. Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

How CAPRA accreditation helps agencies build a culture of continuous improvement
Why the updated 2027 standards are designed to be more flexible and adaptable for agencies of all types
The unexpected benefits of accreditation, from staff development to recruitment and retention
How accredited agencies use CAPRA standards in their day-to-day operations, not just during accreditation reviews
And much more!

Ready to experience the power of CAPRA? Check out The Power of CAPRA Accreditation to access a helpful toolkit so you can make the case for CAPRA within your organization. And, from May 20 through July 31, 2026, agencies beginning the CAPRA accreditation process will receive a waived application fee — a $130 value. To qualify, agencies must submit their CAPRA application and complete the checkout process by July 31, 2026.

This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke Outdoor play creates opportunities for connection, creativity and growth. At BCI Burke, they design play environments that inspire exploration and support the high standards park and recreation professionals strive for — including CAPRA accreditation — helping create spaces where everyone feels welcome to move, play and belong. Learn more at bciburke.com

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Each Earth Month, we're reminded of the important role parks and recreation plays in building more resilient communities and connecting people to nature. A key piece of helping that connection grow is through curiosity, learning and a deeper awareness of the world around us.

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Erica Flocke, parks and recreation director for the City of Wimberley, Texas, to talk about how the Texas Master Naturalist program has shaped the way she sees her work and her community.

After reading Erica's recent article in Parks & Recreation magazine, we wanted to dig deeper and explore how learning about our local ecosystems can strengthen community connection and transform everyday park experiences into something more meaningful.

Whether you're looking to grow as a professional or simply deepen your connection to the parks in your community, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is learning to notice what's already there. And bonus! Christina also shared their experience completing the Virginia Master Naturalist program and Cort may have been inspired to sign up based on this conversation.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Erica's work and how the Master Naturalist program helps people see parks not just as beautiful spaces, but as living ecosystems worth understanding and protecting. You'll also learn:

Why curiosity is at the heart of this program (you don't need a background in something like environmental education to get started!)
How small moments of education can spark stewardship and turn visitors into advocates for the places they love
Why this type of learning is valuable professional development for park and recreation professionals at any stage of their career
How engaged volunteers can strengthen your work and expand your department's impact in meaningful ways
The power of bringing people together across generations through a shared appreciation of nature
And much more!

Additional Resources:

Parks & Recreation magazine: The Naturalist Advantage
NRPA's environmental resilience resources
Tip: Most U.S. states have a version of a Master Naturalist program. To find one in your state, search something like: "[your state] Master Naturalist program."

This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke.

Swing into play this season with the Burke Spring Playground Sale. Save up to 40% on select playground designs and stretch your budget further while bringing more movement, inclusion and lasting value to your community.

Learn more at bciburke.com/sale

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Each year, NRPA hosts its Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest. But before one story makes the cover of the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, countless submissions remind us just how powerful this work truly is.

With submissions now open for this year's Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest, this episode of Open Space Radio looks back at a few stories from last year that stayed with us. From older adults building connections through a simple walking program to children strengthening literacy skills by reading to horses, these stories capture what parks and recreation does best: create spaces where people connect and grow.

Tune in to hear our conversations with:

Shannon Barrett, CPRP, recreation coordinator for City of Kerman (California), Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and participants from the Walk With Ease program, who share how a simple walking initiative has built a tight-knit, supportive community.
Danielle Bachelder, CPRP, senior parks manager for Broward County (Florida) Parks and Recreation, and a young participant in the Pony Tales program, who discuss how a literacy-based initiative that invites children to read to horses is making an impact on children, families and the horses alike.

Both stories may seem simple on the surface. But as the team reflects in this episode, simple ideas often create the most meaningful impact.

Listen below to hear the full episode. You'll learn:

How simple programs can create transformational impact across generations
Why effective leadership, care and passion are often the keys to program success
How partnerships expand access and broaden community reach
The importance of starting small and building over time
How storytelling helps elevate the power of parks and recreation
And more

If your agency has a story that reflects "The Power Of" parks and recreation, share your photo and story by March 13 for a chance to be featured in the cover story of the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine. Pictured: Isabella Mangum reads to a horse named Cash at Tradewinds Park and Stables as part of the Pony Tales Program. Photo by Katherine Garces, courtesy of Broward County Parks and Recreation.

This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke: Outdoor play builds confidence, leadership skills and social networks. At BCI Burke, they design outdoor spaces that support movement, opportunity and connection, helping park and recreation professionals create environments where more girls feel encouraged to step in, play hard and lead the game.

Learn more at bciburke.com

Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.

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What does it take to increase the number of girls participating in sports? On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the obstacles, the breakthroughs, and how park and recreation professionals are at the center of it all.

We know sports offer lifelong physical and mental health benefits, helping girls build strength, confidence and connections. But when it comes to getting more girls and women involved in sports, participation alone isn't the goal. The real work is creating environments where girls feel like they belong, and feel supported, safe and excited to stay in the game as they grow. And right now, as girls' and women's sports are gaining national attention, it's a pivotal moment to rethink how youth sports actually show up for girls in our communities.

On this episode, we chat with two incredible local leaders who are putting these ideas into action in their communities: Sally Pennington, CPRE, director of parks and recreation in Eudora, Kansas, and Amy Tessier, recreation program supervisor in Twentynine Palms, California. We're also joined by Allison Colman, senior director of programs at NRPA, who helps lead our youth sports strategy and shares insight into NRPA's role in advancing this work nationwide.

Tune in below to hear how you can be part of the movement to get more girls in sports. You'll also learn:

What participation gaps between girls and boys still exist, even as girls' and women's sports gain national visibility
How early experiences in youth sports can shape long-term confidence and retention
What a systems-change approach looks like in parks and recreation, from coach recruitment and training to programming
Why increasing women coaches and role models is critical to keeping girls engaged
How local programs are creating ripple effects beyond the field
And much more!

Additional Resources

Get Her in the Game
NRPA Youth Sports Framework
NRPA Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Report
Level Up: Coaching Tools to Inspire, Connect, and Lead Through Sports

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us!

Learn more at bciburke.com

Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.

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January is National Mentoring Month — a time to celebrate the transformative power of mentorship and spotlight the essential role park and recreation professionals play in fostering youth development in communities across the country.

On our first episode of 2026, we chat with JaCory Bazell, CPRP, CYSA, CPO, the center supervisor at Bloomfield-Gilead Recreation Center in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, to explore how mentoring takes shape in his community. Through the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department, JaCory leads two youth mentoring programs: a teen media program focused on topics such as photography and videography, as well as leadership skills and teamwork, and Macon Ambitious Young Men, a group mentoring program that prioritizes holistic youth development.

What began with just a handful of participants has grown over nearly five years into programs that equip more than 100 young people with real-world skills, confidence and meaningful connections. As JaCory shares, mentorship isn't just about teaching, it's about showing up consistently, advocating for youth, and creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported and empowered to thrive.

We're also joined by Olivia Peterson a program manager at NRPA on our youth mentoring team. Olivia reflects on how park and recreation agencies are uniquely positioned to integrate mentorship into everyday programs and interactions, from workforce development and sports to after-school and community events. Olivia also shares the importance of adults investing in young people's well-being and growth, as well as some helpful resources from NRPA.

Listen to the full episode to hear how mentorship is shaping futures in Macon-Bibb County and what it means for communities everywhere. You'll also learn:

How mentorship relationships built through consistent support make a difference.
How even small beginnings can grow into long-lasting impact.
How parks and recreation naturally supports youth development and helps young people build confidence, belonging and leadership.
How mentors who show up through the good times and bad times help youth build resilience and trust.
How self-care, shared leadership and community backing help sustain mentoring efforts.

Helpful Mentoring Month Resources

National Mentoring Month — NRPA: Learn more about the month-long celebration and access resources to support your youth mentoring programs.
NRPA's Youth Mentoring Framework offers a 16-week curriculum of sample topics and activities that can be used in 1:1 or group settings. Other resources such as Career Pathways Through Youth Mentoring and Community Service Through Youth Mentoring offer best practices and ideas for local programs.
NRPA's Building Local Partnerships to Support Youth in Parks and Recreation resource offers strategies and case studies for connecting youth to services to support their overall mental health and well-being.
NRPA's Amplifying Youth Voice in Parks and Recreation resource equips park and recreation professionals with practical strategies to embed youth voice in programs.
NRPA's Mentoring Through Youth Sports guide aims to help weave mentoring into all youth sports programs.
MENTOR's Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ highlights six evidence-based standards that are intended to be applicable for any type of mentoring program.
The National Mentoring Resource Center is the nation's premier source of training, technical assistance, tools, research summaries and other information for youth mentoring programs.

This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by: For more than 105 years, BCI Burke has worked alongside park and recreation professionals to design outdoor environments that support well-being, inclusion and Play That Moves You®. That focus aligns closely with NRPA and the purpose of Open Space Radio — sharing insights and stories that strengthen parks, recreation and open spaces in communities everywhere.

BCI Burke approaches play and movement with intention, believing that connection, learning and community all thrive outside. Through Open Space Radio, Burke is proud to support the sharing of ideas and experiences across the parks and recreation field.

Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.

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November is Native American Heritage Month — a time to honor and celebrate Native people in the United States. On this episode, we are resharing a conversation from 2021 with Stephanie Lozano, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation tribe and a tribal liaison for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, and Sara Sinclair, an oral historian of Cree-Ojibwa and German-Jewish ancestry, Columbia University professor and editor of How We Go Home: Voices from Indigenous North America.

While this episode originally aired in 2021, there are still so many relevant pieces, from activating land acknowledgments to climate resiliency. Each second is impactful. We have also provided more current resources, external research and history, as well as stories from Parks & Recreation magazine for you to turn to below.

Tune in to the episode below for 55 minutes of powerful history, examples of actions we can take, the importance of leading with curiosity and humility, and a whole lot more. We hope Sara and Stephanie inspire you to continue learning, just as they have done for us.

Additional Resources:

Design, Place and Indigenous Ways: Working with Local Communities (Parks & Recreation magazine, December 2016)
Indigenous Peoples Day or Columbus Day: Lessons in Leadership and Risk-Taking (Parks & Recreation magazine, January 2020)
Protecting the Land and Its History (Parks & Recreation magazine, December 2021)
To Relate: Indigenous Views on Native American Historical Events in Texas (Parks & Recreation magazine, March 2022)
https://illuminative.org/
https://voiceofwitness.org/
https://seedingsovereignty.org/
https://www.firstnations.org/
https://native-land.ca/
https://www.saraesinclair.com/

Sara Sinclair's Book Contributions:

A Steady Brightness of Being: Truths, Wisdom and Love from Celebrated Indigenous VoicesTruths, Wisdom, and Love from Celebrated Indigenous Voices
You Were Made for This World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People
Who We Are: Four Questions for a Life and a Nation
How We Go Home: Voices from Indigenous North America

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Halloween is here, and Open Space Radio is celebrating with one of our most hauntingly fun episodes yet. In this special episode, we sit around the virtual campfire to share a few eerie tales from park and recreation professionals.

From ghostly encounters in historic parks to strange happenings at community events, this episode is packed with stories that remind us how our parks come alive (and sometimes come back to life) after dark.

Halloween Celebrations Across the Country

Before diving into the stories, we highlight some of the incredible ways communities are celebrating Halloween this year. In Denton, Texas, for example, the city celebrates all 31 days of October with more than 300 events and 30 placemaking experiences, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors downtown.

Cobb County Parks in Georgia brings the scares with its ever-growing haunted house event, which has expanded into a seven-day attraction boasting 17,000 square feet of spine-tingling fun. And in Rutland, Vermont, a legendary Halloween parade continues its decades-long tradition of bringing the community together.

True (and Truly Spooky) Stories From the Field

The stories that follow are first-hand accounts from professionals who have experienced things that defy easy explanation:

The Whistling at the Senior Center: In Wyoming, Michigan, a staff member setting up for an event alone on a Saturday heard whistling echoing through the darkened building, even though every door was locked.
Elise's Watchful Spirit: At Farrel–McWhirter Park in Redmond, Washington, longtime staff have grown accustomed to the lingering presence of the park's original owner, Mrs. Elise Farrel–McWhirter. From flickering lights to the scent of pipe tobacco wafting through empty rooms, her spirit seems to remain as she lovingly watches over the land she donated more than a century ago.
The Fire Pit at Great Pond: In Maine, a routine maintenance check took a terrifying turn when a park and recreation professional found himself face-to-face with a family of baby skunks and a very protective mother. This suspenseful (and slightly comedic) tale proves that not all scares are supernatural!
The Ghost in the Mist: During a New Year's Eve event in Belfast, Maine, a director captured what appeared to be a face (and a specific finger) in a mysterious mist that appeared during a community bonfire. The photo, still a topic of conversation at city hall, left her with chills that haven't quite faded.

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by the American Sports Builders Association:The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) brings together the experts who design, build, and supply the sports facilities that bring communities to life. Their members are dedicated to creating safe, high-quality places where people can play, compete, and connect.

Whether you're planning a brand-new facility or upgrading an existing one — indoors or out — ASBA has the resources to help you Build It Right. Visit sportsbuilders.org to find a Certified Builder or explore their Construction and Maintenance Manuals packed with expert guidance for every type of sports facility.

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On this very special episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss all things 2025 NRPA Annual Conference! It’s hard to believe we’ll be in Orlando with thousands of our friends, colleagues and peers in just a few days.

If you’ll be in Orlando, please come say hello to the Open Space team in the exhibit hall. We’ll be posted up in the Open Space Lounge, which is booth #1272, right next to the NRPA Member Area. Come hang out for a few, grab some swag and even get on the mic!

On today’s episode, we have some very special guests who play a big role behind-the-scenes to make the NRPA Annual Conference come to life. They’ll be giving you some practical takeaways so you feel informed, less overwhelmed, and excited to dive into everything the conference has to offer.

Today we’re so excited to welcome Jenna Kuklish, NRPA’s education systems program specialist, and Michael Biedenstein, NRPA’s Senior Manager of Membership.

We chat about all the things you’ll need to know before you arrive and some helpful tips for navigating the conference. Tune in below to learn:

An overview of key conference highlights and can’t-miss experiences
Tips for creating a personalized schedule and not missing out on key session or events
How to maximize your learning and get Continuing Education Units
Practical tips for navigating the Orange County Convention Center and surrounding areas
Insider tips from NRPA staff and attendees
And much more!

Helpful Links:

NRPA Events App
Exhibit Hall Highlights
Full Education Session Schedule
Networking Events in Orlando
NRPA Network Meetings in Orlando (Including Conference 101: A Crash Course for New Attendees, taking place on Monday, September 15 at 5 p.m. in the Orange County Convention Center)
Opening General Session and Day 2 General Session
Shuttle Schedule
2025 NRPA Virtual Conference

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Xplor Recreation.

Xplor Recreation’s parks and recreation software helps municipalities and government organizations of all sizes connect with their community. Xplor Recreation makes managing operations, payment processing, membership management, and program coordination effortless.

Are you heading to the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference? Xplor Recreation will be giving away iPad Airs to three lucky attendees through a randomized draw. Enter for your chance to win by going to https://xplor.ink/NRPA2025.

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This Pride Month, we are proud to spotlight the powerful work happening in Maryland to build more inclusive and welcoming park and recreation spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Way back in September 2024, Christina attended the second annual Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit at the North Laurel Community Center. As the only known state-level summit of its kind in the field of parks and recreation, this gathering is a testament to the intentional and sustained effort to center representation and inclusion across the profession, and we’ve been eager to share the voices and stories that came out of the summit!

The summit first began in 2023, sparked by a recognized need within Maryland’s park and recreation departments to better support and engage the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As Noah Callahan from Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks explained, it all started with a gap that was quickly filled by forming a committee, engaging with community members, and building momentum for a first-of-its-kind statewide event.

That first summit left a lasting impression, especially on attendees like Jaimie Wilder from Howard County Recreation & Parks. The welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful programming, and sense of solidarity stayed with them long after the event ended. So, when the second summit came around, it was clear this was becoming something special. It wasn’t just a one-off, but a catalyst for real change.

The 2024 summit expanded on the foundation built the year prior. With both 101 and 201 breakout session tracks, attendees were able to engage with a variety of topics including allyship, inclusive policy, indigenous inclusion, programming strategies and historical context. As Ashlyn Thompson, inclusion and community outreach specialist for Montgomery Parks, shared, the summit was intentionally planned to meet people where they are — whether just starting their inclusion journey or deepening their understanding.

Kindness, joy and a strong willingness to learn was felt throughout the summit. That spirit, combined with deeply personal storytelling and education, created a space that was not only informative but transformative.

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about this special event and how it’s impacting the culture throughout parks and recreation in Maryland. You’ll also learn:

How the MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit is a model of how to build welcoming spaces through education and collaboration
How connecting with speakers and organizations already doing work in your community — such as at Pride events — can make your inclusion efforts more authentic and impactful
How this event led to new programs like “Robinson Rainbows” and influenced internal policies and workplace culture in meaningful ways
How you can get started or deepen your organization’s journey as it relates to this work
And much more!

Additional Resources:

MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit Webpage and Resources from 2024
NRPA Resource Library

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Earlier this spring, we had the chance to attend an incredible event in Washington, D.C., where we caught up with Akiima Price, co-founder and program advisor for Friends of Anacostia Park — an organization with a mission to enrich the lives of D.C. residents by preserving the park and connecting the surrounding communities to its restoration.

We met Akiima at NatureFest, a lively week-long celebration during D.C. Public Schools’ Spring Break that provides a safe, engaging space for kids and their families to explore nature, have fun and create lasting memories. From boat rides and scavenger hunts to roller skating and live animal encounters, the joy was infectious. This event was a wonderful reminder of how parks can nurture community and connection.

After hearing Akiima speak at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, we were inspired by her commitment to restorative park engagement — a human-centered approach to environmental education and programming. One that focuses on a person’s immediate environment and all the factors that contribute to it.

In this episode, Akiima shares how her lived experience shapes her work and why centering humanity is crucial when building deeper relationships with nature and community. And, some very enthusiastic attendees, both kids and parents, shared with us why they appreciate NatureFest so much and all the things they learned.

Tune in to learn:

What restorative park engagement is and why it matters
How NatureFest helps families build lasting memories in Anacostia Park
Why meeting someone’s basic needs is essential for deeper environmental engagement
How lived experience and empathy drive Akiima’s approach
What it looks like to design nature programs with the community, not just for them
And much more!

Learn more:

Friends of Anacostia Park

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Happy Earth Month! On today’s episode, we’re excited to share a collaboration with NRPA’s new podcast, Guardians of Greenspaces.

Guardians of Greenspaces is a podcast focused on conservation from a park and recreation maintenance lens. Hosted by Rukmini Kalamangalam, a program specialist on NRPA’s community and environmental resilience team, Guardians of Greenspaces uplifts voices of experts in the field and will drop weekly for the next 10 weeks.

We recently caught up with Rukmini to learn more about this new podcast and how it will bring value to maintenance staff working in the conservation and environmental resilience space. Tune in below to learn:

Some of NRPA’s priorities as they relate to environmental resilience
What prompted the creation of Guardians of Greenspaces
What listeners can expect to learn on future episodes
Interesting things Rukmini has learned hosting the podcast (like why people might not like tall grass)
How you could win a $50 gift card to the NRPA retail store for listening

Plus, you’ll hear the very first episode of Guardians of Greenspaces focused on staff engagement at the San Antonio River Authority!

Additional Resources:

NRPA’s Environmental Resilience Pillar
NRPA’s Earth Month Resources

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating the incredible women in parks and recreation who are shaping the profession and making a difference in their communities.

Women have long played a vital role in parks and recreation – but it has historically been a male-dominated industry. Today, the leadership and presence of women in the profession continue to grow. In fact, within NRPA’s membership of more than 60,000 park and recreation professionals:

47 percent of members identify as women
48 percent of 2023 NRPA Annual Conference attendees identified as women
53 percent of 2024 NRPA Directors School attendees identified as women
47 percent of Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP) identify as women

We recently asked women in parks and recreation to share their experiences with us, and we got some wonderful responses. Tune in to the full episode to hear from:

Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO, gives a shoutout to women who have shaped the profession and NRPA staff who are leading impactful work
Katie Groke, CPRP, director of community services at Apex Park and Recreation District (Colorado), shares how the former executive director of her department laid the groundwork for a lot of women at Apex to grow their careers
Gabby Vera, CPRP, director of Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation (Arizona), shares how she’s making history by being the first female director at her department and the youngest director in Arizona
Nikki Taylor, CPRP, assistant director of recreation for Town of Bedford (Massachusetts), shares how her department can empower girls and women and the importance of leading by example
Renee Glosecki, a project manager at Orange County Parks (California), shares how she’s making a lasting impact on women’s history by paving the way for future generations of women in leadership roles
Ali Rhodes, director of Parks and Recreation at City of Boulder (Colorado), shares how two impactful women who worked for her department in the 1990s provided her the honor of supporting a well-planned parks and recreation system.

And, we received another response after recording that we wanted to share, from Joan Scovic of Northbrook Park District in Illinois, who gave a shoutout to women leaders in Illinois:

Carrie Fullerton, Arlington Heights Park District
Lisa Sheppard, Glencoe Park District
Elizabeth Kessler, McHenry County Conservation District
Laura Rudow, St. Charles Park District
Allison Niemela, Batavia Park District
Alex Engelhardt, Fox Valley Special Recreation Association

Joan shared: “These women are all amazing leaders in the field of parks and recreation in Illinois (and around the country). They are phenomenal examples of how to be a female leader in this field, and show incredible support to other women. They take the time to educate, share their career paths and mentor others, and are models for other women who strive to be leaders and those who want to excel in service to their communities. They accomplish all of this with intelligence, compassion, humor and warmth, and have all achieved amazing things for the profession, for their communities, and for the women who are lucky enough to be in their spheres of influence.”

Resources discussed in this episode:

Women in Parks and Recreation Facebook Group
Women in Parks and Recreation Webpage
NRPA Youth Sports Framework

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the critical role that parks and recreation plays in advancing sports opportunities for all youth — especially girls. Providing these opportunities is more than just fairness; it’s about giving girls the opportunities and support they need to succeed, both on and off the field. Participation in sports is linked to increased self-esteem, better academic performance and higher career aspirations for girls.

Sports also have the power to build confidence, foster leadership skills and create lifelong connections. However, girls often face barriers that prevent them from participating and staying engaged. This episode brings together leaders from various organizations to discuss strategies for making sports more inclusive and empowering for young girls.

Tune in to the full episode below to hear from experts in this space who are making a huge impact, including:

Teresa Morrissey, Senior Program Manager at NRPA
Kelsey Moore, Director of Social & Community Impact at Nike
Jillian Green Loughran, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport
Julia Lankford, Director of Operations at Laureus USA Sport for Good Atlanta

You’ll learn about the importance of engaging girls in youth sports, as well as:

The key role parks and recreation plays in providing accessible, affordable and high-quality sports opportunities (they reach more than 40 million youth annually!)
Why collaboration and partnerships are key to advancing girls’ participation in sports
Strategies to break down barriers preventing girls from participating and staying in sports
How coaches – specifically women coaches – play such a critical role in advancing this work
How your park and recreation agency can be part of this movement and get more girls in the game
And much more!

By investing in inclusive sports programming, training coaches and fostering partnerships, park and recreation agencies can help ensure that every girl who wants to play has the opportunity to do so.

Thank you to our guests for their insights and dedication to advancing gender equity in sports. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Open Space Radio and share it with others who are passionate about the power of sports to change lives.

Resources Discussed on this Episode:

NRPA Youth Sports Framework
Play to Lead Report: The Generational Impact of Sports on Women’s Leadership
Nike Coaching Girls Guide: How to Get (and Keep) Girls Playing – Strategies for Engaging & Retaining Girls in Sport
Body Confident Sport
Coaching HER
Nike Super Bowl Ad: So Win.
Center for Healing and Justice through Sport
Laureus USA Sport for Good Atlanta

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA. Your gift will support our storytelling efforts and our mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental resilience efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

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Pictured: Teen Leaders in the HYPE program at City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities participate in an exercise to overcome obstacles. Photo courtesy of Blythe Brown.

Did you know that 74 percent of adults who were mentored as youth say their mentor contributed significantly to their success in life? Now, consider that more than 1 in 3 young people in America are growing up without a mentor.

Fortunately, park and recreation professionals are addressing this gap by bringing more mentoring opportunities to youth across the country. And, NRPA is supporting these professionals and their agencies in their efforts to build effective and evidence-based mentoring programs that connect youth with caring and compassionate mentors, while strengthening connections across community.

On today’s episode, in celebration of National Mentoring Month, we chatted with six youth mentees and six of their mentors in Mesa, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; and Monroe County, Michigan, to learn more about the impact of these programs.

Tune in to the full episode to learn how each program is meeting the unique needs of youth, providing safe spaces filled with opportunities, and helping youth build meaningful connections with their peers and adults. You’ll hear from:

Chris Daniels, a mentor for City of Huntsville Parks and Recreation Department’s Male Mentorship program
Carter Williams, a youth participant in City of Huntsville Parks and Recreation Department’s Male Mentorship program
Blythe Brown, recreation assistant, Oscar Venegas, recreation supervisor, and Raynetta Brown, recreation coordinator for City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
Eilleen Johnson, Adyson Thompson and Rebekkah Evans, teen leaders for City of Mesa’s HYPE (Helping Youth Produce Excellence) program
Jason Allen, ACC special projects director, and Maya Falls, ACC peer youth worker, from the Monroe County Opportunity Program
Ava Long and Emery Amison, youth participants in the Monroe County Opportunity Program

You’ll also hear tips for starting a mentoring program at your agency and the benefits of simply incorporating a mentoring mindset into your existing programs. And, be sure to check out NRPA’s suite of mentoring resources below to help you along the way.

Related Links:

Mentoring in Parks and Rec
NRPA’s Mentoring Resources
Grant Opportunity: Out-of-School Time (OST) Youth Mentoring Program Grant
Slideshow: City of Mesa HYPE Program
City of Huntsville Parks and Recreation Department’s Male Mentorship Program
Monroe County Opportunity Program
Thank Your Mentor Day: Stories of Impact from STRONGkids
Mentoring.org

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us!

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It’s our final episode of Open Space Radio for 2024! Did you know we released 15 episodes this year and talked with 27 amazing community leaders for a whopping 758 minutes of conversation (more than 12 hours!) about the power of parks and recreation?

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the show to share their story this year and to everyone who tuned in to an episode. We truly love amplifying these stories through our platform and appreciate you trusting us with that!

On today’s episode, we’re reflecting on some of our favorite moments from the year, as well as chatting about what we’ll be up to in 2025 — like scaling back to monthly episodes to bring you even richer, more compelling stories packed with even more voices from the profession.

Tune in to the full episode below to reflect on the year with us and listen to some powerful clips from the following episodes:

Imposter Syndrome Is Real — Episode 149
Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150
Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152
Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153
Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156
Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157
From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159
Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161
From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162
Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163

Be sure to tune in to every episode here!

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us!

If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to support not only our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

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Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163

On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m excited to share our collab episode with GovLove Podcast, which we recorded live back in October at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

This was our first live episode recording — with an audience. So, besides the obvious nerves that came along with that, it was such a fun, enriching conversation and it definitely won’t be our last! I was honored to co-host this conversation alongside Ben Kittleson, manager at Raftelis and co-host/producer of GovLove. GovLove is a production of Engaging Local Government Leaders and is a podcast about local government with the goal of telling informative and unique stories about the work being done at the local level.

On this episode, we discuss the important environmental resilience work taking place in Columbus, Ohio, and Boulder, Colorado, as well as how NRPA’s Sustainability in Practice program equips park and recreation professionals to develop and implement community-driven sustainability practices. Joining us were the brilliant:

Bernita Reese, director of recreation and parks for City of Columbus, Ohio
Ali Rhodes, director of parks and recreation for the City of Boulder, Colorado
Michele White, senior program manager for NRPA.

Tune in to learn how park and recreation professionals are essential in advancing climate solutions to build a healthy, resilient and equitable future. You’ll also learn:

How you might already be doing this work, just not naming it explicitly
Park-specific sustainability actions and planning principles to assist your efforts
Strategies to enhance support from your community and local leadership
Ways of embedding sustainability and resilience into your organization, as opposed to having it perceived as “another thing”
And so much more!

I want to give a special shoutout and thanks to everyone who joined us for the live recording — we appreciate you showing up and supporting both of our shows and the important work we discussed. And for those about to listen for the first time, thank you for tuning in! I hope this transports you to the conference so you can feel a bit of the energy if you weren’t able to join us.

I hope you enjoy the episode, learn something new, and if you have any ideas for a topic we can discuss on a live recording at next year’s conference, send us an email at openspace@nrpa.org!

Related Links:

NRPA’s Sustainability in Practice Program (Apply by November 15!)
Columbus Recreation and Parks
City of Boulder Parks and Recreation
GovLove Podcast

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

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We are getting very excited to travel to Atlanta (in just one week!) to connect with thousands of our closest park and recreation friends at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. And on today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who is local to the Atlanta area and might have some insider tips if you’ll be joining us next week.

Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, is the operations coordinator at Douglasville Parks and Recreation in Georgia, and after sharing a blog post with us about her 2023 conference experience, we knew we wanted to chat with her further since this year’s conference is right in her backyard.

We discussed what receiving NRPA’s Diversity Scholarship in 2023 meant to her, how her conference experience motivated her to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, and the boost in confidence she feels with another year of experience under her belt.

Tune in below to learn more about Jamiah, her conference tips and more. You’ll also learn:

What inspired Jamiah to get into the field of parks and recreation
What Jamiah’s 2023 NRPA Annual Conference experience meant to her
What she’s looking forward to at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference
Tips for conference attendees and recommendations for first-time Atlanta visitors
Why Jamiah feels like parks and recreation is where she belongs
And much more!

Connect with Jamiah on LinkedIn
Douglasville Parks and Recreation

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us!

If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

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On today’s episode, we welcome a superstar of out-of-school time programming! The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is making a huge impact on youth in the DC area through its weekly after-school group mentoring program, Roving Leaders. Among countless initiatives and opportunities that are part of the program, top of mind this time of year is the fact that Roving Leaders visit with students in schools outside of program times. They are truly going the extra mile.

DPR’s Roving Leaders program has been around since the 1950s, building relationships of trust with teens, youth, professionals, community leaders, and public and private sector organizations.

The mission of the program is to prevent, neutralize, and control hostile behavior in youth and youth groups through the development of positive relationships between teens/youth and outreach workers. Roving Leaders utilize recreation and leisure time activities as the intervening vehicles for redirecting antisocial and aggressive behaviors.

At the center of the program is Danielle Hunter, chief of the Roving Leaders. Danielle has been with DPR for more than 24 years, and her impact has certainly been felt across the city.

Tune in below to learn more about Danielle and this impactful program. You’ll also learn:

Ways the Roving Leaders are engaging youth in the community and the types of activities involved
How the program is impacting youth in DC
What qualifications or training Roving Leaders undergo to effectively mentor and support youth
How the program and DPR are providing safe, culturally relevant and effective resources
How NRPA’s Out-of-School Time Youth Mentoring Grant helped to expand access to this program
What the future holds for the Roving Leaders Program and much more!

Related Links:

DCDPR’s Roving Leaders
Follow Roving Leaders on Instagram
Follow DCDPR on Instagram

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In less than 40 days, thousands of park and recreation professionals from across the country will gather in Atlanta for the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. This is, without a doubt, the best park and recreation conference you can attend — it’s filled with tons of amazing opportunities to learn, build your network, and of course, have a little fun with your peers.

As we get closer to the conference, we know there are probably some professionals out there who are attending for the first time and have a lot of questions. Cort recently posted on LinkedIn asking for previous attendees to share their best tips for first-timers, and the comments did not disappoint. So, we decided to turn them into today’s episode of Open Space Radio!

Every single tip shared was super valuable, and if you’re attending the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference this October 8-10 for the first time, we encourage you to listen and keep some of these nuggets in mind while you’re in Atlanta — and while you’re packing!

Tune in to the full episode below to hear all the tips and our reactions to each of them. If you prefer to read instead of listen, we’ve listed them below, as well.

And, if you haven’t already registered, there’s still time. Visit conference.nrpa.org to register today and we hope to see you in Atlanta!

Nichole Bohner, Aquatics Division Manager, City of Round Rock, Texas

“Talk to everyone! When you’re seated in the conference sessions, get to know those around you and exchange contacts.”
Nichole went on to say, “If you’re lucky enough to travel to conference with coworkers, don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons. Take every opportunity to broaden your network. You never know who you’ll meet who is struggling with the same issues or has ideas that would help your operation.”

Sarah Olson, CPRP, Public Works Deputy Director of Engineering, Planning, and Development Servies, City of Kirkland, Washington

“Go to a pre-conference event. It’s a smaller crowd, a great way to get through registration when things are way less busy and a great way to start making new friends.

Eric Lopez, CPRE, District Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, City of Fort Worth, Texas

“Don’t underestimate the power of night socials and lunchtime. A lot of great connections happen over informal conversations.”
“Take notes, review them later and plan to execute the things that resonated more. Going back to your leadership with actionable things you learned and takeaways will aid in enhancing their commitment in sending staff in future years.”

Lisa Shore, CPRP, CPSI, Anne Arundel County, Maryland

“Leave room in your suitcase for all the cool stuff you’ll bring home!”

Jeanette Aiello, CPRE, Project and Operations Supervisor, Charter Township of Canton, Michigan

“Attend at least one session in a topic area that is different than what you regularly work in. It can spark some interesting thoughts or possibly open you up to a new aspect of the field. Also, be willing to talk to the person sitting next to you. You'll likely want to get into your session 15 minutes prior and that opens you up to meeting some incredible professionals.”

Trista Taylor, CPRP, CPO, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director, Village of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

“Check out the schedule and try to have a backup plan for the sessions you want in case the room is full! If you arrive early, visit the app to get an idea of the layout. Last year was my first time and the experience was a shock to my system in a great way but can be overwhelming!”

Anthony Iracki, MS, CPRP, CORE Professional Development Manager, PlayCore

“Ask for business cards and take ownership of the connection. Send a LinkedIn request or a friendly email within a week of getting back from the conference.”
“Take advantage of the network meetings.”

Tom Venniro, CPRP, Director of Hilton-Parma Parks and Recreation, New York, and co-host of RecLess Podcast

“Just show up. A lot of times, the introvert in me (and the fact that I feel I’m always go, go, go at home), tells me to go to conference and then get to that room and relax. Instead, seek out the social or if you are asked to join people at one or for a meal, say yes. You never know how any connection or conversation can impact you/others.”
“Don’t sleep on the exhibit hall. For starters, it is huge! Plan in at least 4-5 hours over two days if you want to cover it all. The vendors are amazing and want to talk to you, but be intentional on stopping with limited times. Another fun tip, they all have swag and some years back I started looking for items my team back home might like and I bring them all back a swag care package and some candy as a thank you for holding it all down while I was away. I have also borrowed many ideas for our own swag.”

CivicPlus® Recreation Management is a proud sponsor of Open Space Radio. Join thousands of other local governments as you empower your staff and enable residents to self-service their needs through your department with our industry-leading software. With more time to focus on community activity programming and park and facility maintenance, staff can foster more significant resident engagement and improve the civic experience. Learn more at https://www.civicplus.com/recreation-management-software/.

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On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re excited to chat with someone very influential in the outdoor recreation industry who is doing a ton of good work to raise awareness about protecting our environment. Not only that, but he is also a leader when it comes to making the outdoors more equitable and accessible.

José Gonzáles is the founder of Latino Outdoors, an organization working to bridge the gap and create more inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences and opportunities for Latino Communities. He also currently serves as the equity officer at East Bay Regional Park District in Oakland, California.

And, if you’re not following him on Instagram, José makes some of the best memes and social media content around.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about José and all the good work he and his organizations are contributing to. You’ll also learn:

How we can learn a lot about leadership from mycelium networks (the way trees communicate with each other via an underground network of fungi)
What inspired José to start Latino Outdoors and how the organization is working to bridge the gap and support Latino communities
What cultural relevance means in parks and recreation and how it’s being incorporated into programs
What current challenges and opportunities exist when it comes to making the outdoors more equitable, inclusive and accessible
What exactly it means to be a part of a "thriving meadow"
And a whole lot more!

Related Links:

Latino Outdoors
East Bay Regional Park District
Follow José on Instagram
Outdoorist Oath
Hispanic Professionals in Parks and Recreation
Othering & Belonging Institute

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us!

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As you may know, May was Older Americans Month, and NRPA celebrated by sharing how older adult programs in parks and recreation are making a big impact in communities across the country. On today’s episode, we’re excited to explore one of the most popular programs in NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks portfolio: Tai Chi.

Through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NRPA has been working with park and recreation agencies across the country for the last 11 years to increase the availability of and participation in the CDC’s Arthritis Appropriate Evidence-Based Interventions, which are Active Living Every Day, Fit & Strong!, EnhanceFitness, Walk With Ease and Tai Chi, which was added to our portfolio in 2022 and has become the most sought-after program through NRPA’s grant application process.

As part of NRPA’s Healthy Aging work, park and recreation agencies across the country have trained more than 1,000 instructors, offering more than 2,000 of the evidence-based interventions you mentioned to nearly 29,000 participants through 441 agencies. And while we’re focusing on Tai Chi today, it’s important to highlight that impact across all of these interventions, because it’s pretty incredible.

Our guests today know a little bit about Tai Chi and the benefits it provides: Patricia Lawson, a master trainer at the Tai Chi for Health Institute, Carol Briseno, a recreation coordinator at Martin County Parks and Recreation, and Colleen Pittard, a partnership manager at NRPA.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about this impactful program. You’ll also learn:

Why Tai Chi is such a beneficial activity for physical and mental health (and spiritual and social health) for older adults
How the community in Martin County has embraced its Tai Chi program
How to navigate barriers to older adult programming
How findings from NRPA’s Supporting Older Adults through Parks and Recreation report can help inform your programming approach
And much more!

Related Links:

NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks Initiative
NRPA’s Supporting Older Adults through Parks and Recreation Report
Tai Chi for Health Institute
Martin County Parks and Recreation Older Adult Programs

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As we continue to celebrate Park and Recreation Month, we’re excited to highlight a story that truly embodies our theme of “Where You Belong.” Today’s episode is all about ensuring opportunities to recreate and spend time in nature are available to all, regardless of ability. And, it’s perfect timing because July is also Disability Pride Month!

We are so thrilled to chat with Caitlin Marcotte, an operations specialist IV adaptive manager at Charlottesville (Virginia) Parks and Recreation, and Sarah Kyriacopoulos, a member of the Charlottesville community who has participated in the city’s adaptive program for years. They both shared so much wonderful insight, and it was really inspiring to hear how the programs that Caitlin and the agency offer are having a positive impact on Sarah and others in the community.

Tune in to the full story below to learn more about Charlottesville Parks and Recreation’s adaptive recreation program. You’ll also learn:

What adaptive recreation is and why it’s so important
How Charlottesville Parks and Recreation is committed to serving the diverse needs of its community, especially its disabled population
What types of adaptive recreation programs are available to the community (and there are a lot!)
What programs Sarah enjoys and how they have benefitted her
Why creating a sense of belonging really comes down to making space for building community
And much more!

Learn More:

Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Adaptive Recreation Department
Contact Caitlin Marcotte
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation on Facebook
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation on Instagram
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation on X
Charlottesville Parks and Recreation on YouTube

Pictured: Charlottesville Adaptive Recreation Department staff and program participants go on a whitewater rafting excursion on the James River in Richmond, Virginia. Photo by RVA Paddle Sports.

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Happy Park and Recreation Month! On today’s episode, we’re excited to bring you a story that truly embodies this year’s theme of “Where You Belong.” Each year, the NRPA team hosts a cover contest to find a cover photo and story for the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine that supports the year’s theme, and this year’s winner is a gem.

Today we’re joined by the winner, Rachel Kohler, a recreation coordinator for cultural arts and community engagement for The Majestic Theatre, part of Corvallis Parks & Recreation in Oregon. If you haven’t read the story yet in the July issue, it’s a wonderful piece that shares how community theater is fostering inclusion and belonging among its staff and participants. It’s truly a testament to the power of intergenerational programming, bringing folx together with diverse identities and how we can all learn something from someone else, regardless of our differences.

Tune in to the full conversation below to learn more about Rachel and why this story of The Majestic Theatre’s production of “The Tempest” embodies the power of belonging — and why parks and recreation can be such an important catalyst for continuing to build belonging in communities. You’ll also learn:

How The Majestic Theatre approached its audition announcement to bring in people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities
How staff ensured everyone felt safe, welcome and included throughout the production
Why community theater is such a powerful way to build belonging and diversify an agency’s offerings
What challenges arose during the production and how the team and cast navigated them
Why this work is so meaningful to Rachel, and much more!

Related Links:

Park and Recreation Month

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Happy Pride Month! On today’s episode we’re discussing an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature and build a sense of belonging.

We learned about this partnership when Mihaela Genova, Volunteer Program Manager for Get Outdoors Nevada, submitted a photo (pictured) featuring Angelique Burton, director of advocacy of The Pride Tree, contributing to her community by volunteering for public land maintenance activities at the National Wildlife Refuge outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. The event Burton volunteered for offered insight into how marginalized communities have historically been excluded from outdoor spaces.

Events like this one, part of a partnership between Get Outdoors Nevada and The Pride Tree, illustrate the impact that can be made when groups come together for a common goal. We were thrilled to talk with a few individuals about this partnership to learn more:

Grant Frailich, Founder of The Pride Tree
Shelly Kopinski, Director of Programs, Get Outdoors Nevada
Mihaela Genova, Volunteer Program Manager, Get Outdoors Nevada

Tune in below to learn about this important partnership and how it is supporting the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering connections between nature and community. You’ll also learn:

How Get Outdoors Nevada provides outdoor experiences for those who have limited opportunities
How The Pride Tree provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth
How collaborating with community organizations can impact your work
Why allyship is so essential
And much more!

Additional Resources:

The Pride Tree
Get Outdoors Nevada
Celebrating Pride Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 138

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As you may recall, our final episode of 2023 was part one of our conversation around neurodiversity and parks and recreation. It was a wonderful conversation with Kande Jones, the Development Director for Mulvane Recreation Commission, and Dave McDaniel, the Operations Coordinator for City of Mobile Parks and Recreation about their experience as neurodivergent individuals. Well, we’re finally back with part two of the conversation!

The inspiration for these episodes came from a 2023 NRPA Annual Conference session, “Neurodiversity and Inclusive Workplaces: Insights from Park and Recreation Professionals.” The session explored the individual strengths neurodivergent professionals bring to their work and the strategies and accommodations that have helped them succeed, as well as ways to find workplace champions and allies.

The presenters also offered suggestions for how organizations can better support and include neurodiverse individuals in the field in a number of ways, and we’re excited to chat with two more of the presenters on the show today: Tammy Schwab, manager of education and outreach for the resource management division of Fairfax County Park Authority in Virginia, and John McGovern, principal-in-charge for The WT Group, LLC Accessibility Practice.

Tune in to our conversation below to hear from Kande and Dave as they share their experience as neurodivergent individuals and how it relates to their careers in parks and recreation. You’ll also learn:

· How a career in parks and recreation can contribute to a positive working environment for neurodivergent individuals

· Some of the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in the workplace (and solutions!)

· How leaders, coworkers and peers can create a culture of belonging and safety for neurodivergent staff

· What it meant to Tammy and John to have the opportunity to discuss neurodiversity at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, and much more!

Related Links:

· Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part I) — Episode 148

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On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what it takes to protect them.

Teresa’s commitment to creating outdoor experiences that speak to culture, environmental responsibility and inclusion is something to be admired, and she is a staunch advocate for bringing underrepresented communities into the conversation and the work.

Teresa has led various organizations and initiatives that support this work, such as The Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, the African American National Park Event and the Outdoorist Oath, to name a few. We were so thrilled to have the privilege of talking with Teresa to learn more about her determination to make a difference in the work of diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces.

And, as 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and the Wilderness Act, Teresa has created a campaign encouraging everyone to get outdoors, doing whatever they enjoy, between now and July. Be sure to share photos of you and your community getting outside on social media using #CivilRightsAct60 – the photos will be turned into a collage of the country celebrating and honoring the anniversaries.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Teresa and how her work may support your efforts to build more equitable, inclusive spaces and programs in your community. You’ll also learn:

· How Teresa’s work in this space began with a call to the National Park Service to tell them, “you have a diversity problem”

· How to have difficult conversations and get out of your comfort zone

· Why partnerships are key to pushing diversity, equity and inclusion work forward

· How to spend time outdoors (however works for you!) and be aware of your environmental impact

· And much more!

Related Links:

· Follow Teresa on Instagram

· Connect with Teresa on LinkedIn

· In Solidarity Project

· Outdoor Diversity Alliance

· The Outdoorist Oath

· The Outdoorist Oath on Instagram

· Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge

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March is Women’s History Month, and this year’s theme celebrates women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. This year we are honoring women who lead change in their field, and today’s episode does just that. There are so many women who are leaders in parks and recreation and bringing positive change to their communities, and today we’re excited to talk with two women who are leading the way in Juneau, Alaska.

Our guests today are Amanda Lovejoy, a recreation coordinator at the Zach Gordon Youth Center for City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation, and Lauren Anderson is the Treadwell Arena Manager for Juneau Parks & Recreation.

Between having a primarily women-led team, facilitating programs that foster inclusion and belonging, and ensuring that every member of the Juneau community feels welcome, Juneau Parks & Recreation is doing some incredible work.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about this unique community and how Amanda and Lauren are truly building a space where you belong. You’ll also learn:

How Juneau Parks & Recreation is providing opportunities for girls, women, and trans and nonbinary youth in the community
How the “Weaving Our Pride” project is bringing the community together and celebrating Indigenous communities in Juneau
How Juneau’s Gender Support Group and Mindfulness Matters programs are making an impact
Why Juneau is such a unique community, and what challenges and opportunities that presents
And much more!

Related Links:

City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation
Weaving Our Pride Website
Weaving Our Pride Facebook Group
Zach Gordon Youth Center Facebook Page

This episode of Open Space Radio is brought to you by support from CivicPlus. CivicPlus’ recreation management solution is the only comprehensive activity, facility, membership, staff and point-of-sale management solution designed exclusively for municipal parks and recreation departments by former local government parks and recreation leaders. Municipal recreation departments that choose CivicPlus increase department revenue from online transactions while fostering positive civic experiences. Learn more at www.civicplus.com.

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We know the importance of partnerships in parks and recreation, and on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving into an exciting partnership between NRPA and Bobcat. As part of this partnership, Bobcat has extended five grants, each worth $50,000, to support five park improvement projects across the country. Today, we’re excited to learn more about one of these projects taking place in San Antonio, Texas.

We were thrilled to speak with Caryn Odenbach, brand and experience specialist at Bobcat; Kristen Hansen, deputy director of parks and recreation at San Antonio River Authority; and Ayanna Williams, NRPA director of community and environmental resilience.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn how this park improvement project will expand park access, build environmental resilience, engage the community and create a sense of belonging in the San Antonio community.

You’ll also learn:

How NRPA and Bobcat are working together to advance resilient park access in communities across the country
How this partnership is improving and preserving Trueheart Ranch Park
Why San Antonio will benefit from this grant and project
How the community is being engaged throughout the project
Why public-private partnerships are so important in parks and recreation
And more!

Related Links:

Trueheart Ranch Park
San Antonio River Authority
Bobcat Company
NRPA and Bobcat Partnership Builds Resilient Park Access: City of Stonecrest, Georgia
Auburndale Park's Trail Revitalization with Bobcat and NRPA

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As you may know, January is National Mentoring Month, and all month long, NRPA has been sharing content around how mentoring through parks and recreation is helping youth develop positive connections with trusted and caring adults, which we know can support their long-term success.

National Mentoring Month is an annual opportunity to spread awareness of the power of mentoring. It serves as a reminder of the critical role park and recreation professionals play in providing youth development and youth mentoring services in local communities across the country.

We were thrilled to have a conversation with three individuals who have a lot of experience when it comes to the power of mentoring: Katlin Okamoto, director of Coach-Mentor Training at U.S. Soccer Foundation; Char Barnes, a park and recreation professional who previously worked in Columbus, Ohio; and Kent Hunt, NRPA’s program manager of health.

These three shared some wonderful insight on mentoring, and while they all shared from different perspectives, it all boiled down to one thing: Mentoring is essential, and park and recreation professionals are likely already serving as mentors in their communities, whether they realize it or not.

Tune in to our full conversation below to hear from Katlin, Char and Kent. You’ll also learn:

How mentoring changes the lives of youth and adults
What it means to have a “mentoring mindset”
How to embrace and implement a mentoring mindset approach in your programs
Advice for starting a mentoring program in your community
Resources available to support your mentoring programs
And much more!

Additional Resources:

NRPA’s Mentoring Resources
Contact NRPA’s Mentoring Team
Contact U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Coach-Mentor Training Program
Blog Post: Three Strategies to Engage Mentors to Support Youth Development
Blog Post: Engaging Families Leads to Profound Impacts for Youth in Mentoring Programs
Blog Post: Elevating the Spirit of Service in Youth

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Season two of Open Space Radio begins today! For the next year, we will focus on conversations around the 2024 NRPA annual theme, “Where You Belong,” and we’re so excited to kick off this season with a wonderful conversation.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Gabby Vera, CPRP, the regional park superintendent for Maricopa County (Arizona) Parks and Recreation. Between her session at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference and her Open Space blog post, titled, “You’ve Got This” — which explored practical strategies to boost self-confidence, overcome imposter syndrome and thrive in your leadership journey — we knew we wanted to have a conversation with Gabby on the podcast.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Gabby’s career journey as a park and recreation professional, as well as strategies she’s used to overcome imposter syndrome. You’ll also learn:

What imposter syndrome is and how it can show up in your life or career
How to create psychologically safe spaces that encourage staff to take on new challenges and ask for help
How to view challenges as opportunities to grow and learn new skills
How to support colleagues, acknowledge them for stepping up and celebrate their successes
And much more!

Resources Discussed on this Episode:

Book Recommendation: The Imposter Cure: You are not a fraud, you deserve success, you can believe in yourself
Book Recommendation: The Imposter Syndrome Workbook
Book Recommendation: Own Your Greatness: Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Book Recommendation: Type Talk: The 16 Personality Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work
American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Mentorship Program

Connect with Gabby:

Email Gabby
Connect with Gabby on LinkedIn

Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life

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Back in October at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, there was a session that really piqued our interest – so much so, that we wanted to turn it into a two-part podcast episode, with today’s episode being part one (and part two coming in Spring 2024!).

The session, “Neurodiversity and Inclusive Workplaces: Insights from Park and Recreation Professionals,” explored the individual strengths neurodiverse professionals bring to their work and the strategies and accommodations that have helped them succeed, as well as ways to find workplace champions and allies.

The presenters also offered suggestions for how organizations can better support and include neurodiverse individuals in the field in a number of ways, and we’re excited to chat with two of the presenters on the show today: Kande Jones, the Development Director for Mulvane Recreation Commission in Kansas, and Dave McDaniel, the Operations Coordinator for City of Mobile Parks and Recreation in Alabama.

How a career in parks and recreation can contribute to a positive working environment for neurodivergent individuals
Some of the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in the workplace (and solutions!)
How leaders, coworkers and peers can create a culture of belonging and safety for neurodivergent staff
What it meant to Kande and Dave to have the opportunity to discuss neurodiversity at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, and much more!

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It is our next to last episode of 2023, and we’re so thrilled to chat with our guest today, as she is someone who we’ve been hoping to get on the podcast for a while, someone who is a true leader in the profession, and someone who a lot of our listeners may know.

Dr. Tiffany Johnson — or Dr. J., as she’s known in many circles — is not only one of the most stylish park and recreation professionals out there, but she also is an expert and an innovator when it comes to change management, professional development, strategic planning and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Among her many accomplishments, Tiffany is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, she sits on NRPA’s Conference Program Committee, she’s the past-president of the National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society, and she has more than 17 years of full-time professional experience in parks and recreation – now serving as the Deputy Director of Aging and Disability Services for the City of Seattle.

Tune in to our full conversation as we chat with Tiffany about her extensive career, why she feels we are stronger when we all come together, and so much more. You’ll also learn:

How Tiffany is supporting Seattle’s aging and disabled populations through her work
How park and recreation agencies can take themselves to the next level through community engagement, change management and customer service
Tips for submitting education sessions for the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference (the deadline is quickly approaching!)
How we can support park and recreation professionals from underrepresented communities
Tips for networking, mentoring and building relationships, and more!

Want to hear more from Tiffany? Check out her recent episode on the RecLess Podcast here!

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I’m really excited for today’s episode because I am joined by my colleagues and new co-hosts, Christina High, NRPA’s marketing specialist, and Cara Myers, NRPA’s marketing and engagement manager. I’m really looking forward to this new era of Open Space Radio, and as many of you know, it’s been a while since I’ve had co-hosts.

So, we thought it would be fun to sit down together for an episode and discuss what we’re looking forward to, what you can expect on the show in future episodes, and share some of our experiences and takeaways from the NRPA Annual Conference a few weeks ago.

And, before we jump into the episode below, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shoutout to Roxanne Sutton, who is the Open Space Radio host emeritus and original creator of this podcast – I’m so grateful that Roxanne brought me onto the show back in 2017 and not only showed me the ropes, but also helped create such a good foundation for what the show is today.

Tune in to our full conversation below to hear what we’re planning for this next era of Open Space Radio (including asking for more feedback from you, the listener!). You’ll also learn:

· Why Christina and Cara are excited to join Open Space Radio

· What we enjoyed about the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference

· What we’re excited about when it comes to the future of parks and recreation

· Topics we’re excited to explore on future episodes of the podcast

· How we’re planning to be more intentional about the content and stories we share, ensuring the podcast is what YOU want it to be

· Our answers to listener-submitted questions, and much more!

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Earlier this month I joined nearly 9,000 other people who are passionate about parks and recreation in Dallas at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference. It was a week full of inspiration, networking and fun — and for me, a chance to celebrate not only all the good work happening in local parks and recreation, but also see the culmination of my NRPA colleagues’ hard work in putting on what was a truly incredible event.

One of my biggest highlights of the week was connecting with Chris Bass, CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation for Douglasville, Georgia, and the incoming Board President of the National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society (NRPEMS), and Thamara Velasco, CYSA, a recreation assistant in Douglasville, chair for public relations for NRPEMS and recipient of NRPA’s Young Professional Fellowship.

I really enjoyed our conversation about all the good work going on in Douglasville — who was a National Gold Medal Award Finalist this year — as well as the important work Chris and Thamara are doing to connect and support diverse and underrepresented park and recreation professionals as part of the NRPEMS.

This was truly one of my favorite parts of this year’s conference, and it was such a joy to sit down with Chris and Thamara to learn more about them and soak in some of the passion they have for parks and recreation – I was inspired after this conversation, and I hope you are too.

Tune in to our full conversation below. You’ll learn:

How NRPEMS is building community for park and recreation professionals of diverse cultures and backgrounds
Why it’s important to have a network focused on diverse professionals in our industry
How NRPEMS has been beneficial for Chris and Thamara in their careers
What being part of NRPEMS and being park and recreation professionals serving their community means to Chris and Thamara
How to get involved with the NRPEMS, and much more!

Related Links:

NRPEMS website
Follow NRPEMS on Instagram
Follow NRPEMS on Facebook
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
Connect with Thamara on LinkedIn

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How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144

It’s another exciting day here on Open Space Radio because I get to introduce you to our other new co-host on the show! If you follow NRPA on social media, you likely already know Christina High. Christina is NRPA’s marketing coordinator and is the brilliant person behind all the fun, inspiring and educational content you see throughout NRPA’s social media channels.

A big welcome to Christina as our other new co-host!

Our guest today is someone who Christina and I have both been a fan of when it comes to producing really valuable, easy-to-digest content as it relates to sustainability and just being more environmentally conscious overall.

Kenny Barnes is the program and outreach coordinator for Sustainability Matters, a grassroots environmental nonprofit based in Virginia, dedicated to cultivating community through conservation and making sustainability fun, realistic and inclusive for all.

We have been very excited about this episode for a while now, and hope you enjoy it. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn some simple sustainability tips and how to effectively communicate sustainability efforts with your community. You’ll also learn:

· Why sustainability and promoting a more eco-conscious lifestyle is so critical

· How Sustainability Matters educates the public in a way that is easy to understand and digest

· Emerging trends and new approaches to sustainability

· Tips for park and recreation professionals looking to raise community awareness and educate folx on the importance of sustainable solutions

· What you should consider if you’re thinking, “my park and recreation agency should really be thinking more about sustainability” and much more!

Related Links:

· Sustainability Matters Website

· Sustainability Matters on Instagram

· Sustainability Matters on YouTube

· Sustainability Matters on Facebook

· Sustainability Matters on TikTok

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I am very excited for today’s episode for a couple of reasons. First, if you’ve been listening to the show for a while, you know I haven’t always been a solo host. Well, we have some exciting things happening and I’m very pleased to announce that one of my future co-hosts is making her debut on the podcast today.

Cara Myers is NRPA’s marketing and engagement manager, and she joined the NRPA team recently, coming to us from the marketing team at City of Aurora Parks and Recreation in Colorado. So, a big welcome to Cara as one of our new Open Space Radio hosts!

I am also very excited to welcome today’s guest, DiDi Haračić. DiDi is a professional soccer player (or footballer, depending on where you’re tuning in from) and is the goalkeeper for Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.

DiDi’s professional career began in 2011, and she has since played professionally in the U.S., internationally, and with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Women’s National Team.

She joined Angel City FC in 2022, when she was named the club’s most valuable player and supporters’ player of the year. Aside from soccer, she is a very talented artist and photographer – and seems like just a generally cool individual.

Cara and I have been fans of Angel City and DiDi since binging the entire Angel City documentary on HBO, so we highly recommend watching that, if you haven’t already.

Tune in below to learn more about DiDi and her journey to becoming a professional soccer player. You’ll also learn:

The progress that has been made regarding women’s equity in sports and the challenges that still remain
How participation in sports and other recreational activities shaped DiDi growing up
How sports can teach various life skills and have a positive impact on a person’s self-confidence
How representation in sports at all levels breaks down gender stereotypes and promotes gender equity
Proactive steps park and recreation agencies can take to ensure equal opportunities and support for girls and women at all levels of competition, and much more!

Social Media:

Follow DiDi on Instagram

Follow Angel City on Instagram

Follow NRPA on Instagram

Follow Open Space Radio on Instagram

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I was recently pulling some of the Open Space Radio statistics for a presentation to NRPA staff, and while I was presenting, I kept thinking to myself, “The numbers are great, it’s important to track these kinds of metrics. But also, we have had some truly remarkable guests and amazing conversations over the course of this show, and you can’t really put that through quantitative analysis.”

So, it inspired me to do a little 2023 so far recap episode. Throughout this episode, I’m featuring little nuggets from a few episodes we’ve released so far this year until August. We’ve released a lot more episodes than the ones featured here, so if something in this episode doesn’t resonate, be sure to check out all of our previous episodes. However, these are just a few from this year that have resonated with me and continue to replay in my head.

I also know not everyone gets a chance to listen to every single episode (but for those of you who do – thank you!), so I thought this would also be a jam-packed opportunity for you to get a bunch of good stuff in one less-than-an-hour package. We're also in autumn mode now, so enjoy the photo of fall foliage :)

I hope you find a little inspiration in one of these clips and I encourage you to go back and listen to the full episodes, which are all linked below. I can’t wait to continue sharing these stories of the impact that parks and recreation is having across the country for the remainder of this year and into the future. We have some exciting things lined up, and I can’t wait to bring you along!

Tune in to the full episode to hear clips from:

Vicky Stott (she/her), senior program officer for racial equity and community engagement at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, who discusses how racial healing is connected to love, cherishing and respecting humanity, and acknowledging others’ lived experiences. Listen to the full episode 127 here.
Will “Akuna” Robinson (he/him), who was the first Black man to complete the triple crown of hiking. We discuss his beginnings in outdoor recreation to heal from PTSD from his previous military experience and how we can continue breaking down barriers so everyone can experience the power of outside. Listen to the full episode 129 here.
Cal Dobbs (he/they), a queer transgender ultra marathoner and long-distance hiker who recently ran across the country — from California to Florida — fighting for the inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare. Bonus: Cal will also be joining us at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas, Oct 10-12, discussing youth sports equity! Listen to the full episode 132 here.
Mike Cimprich (he/him), the city arborist for Marion Parks and Recreation in Iowa, who was honored with Merrell’s Changing Nature of Work Award for his critical work in the city of Marion after the 2020 Central Severe Weather-Derecho, known as the “costliest thunderstorm event in U.S. history.” Listen to the full episode 134 here.
Daniel Hatcher (he/him), the senior director of strategic partnerships at Alliance for a Healthier Generation, who discusses why park and recreation professionals are critical to physical, mental, and social-emotional health – and the overall health and well-being of our communities. Listen to the full episode 136 here.
Laine Fabijanic, the community and therapeutic recreation supervisor for City of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, who is leading a therapeutic recreation program that is bringing recreational opportunities to all members of the community, regardless of their ability, to increase quality of life for all. Listen to the full July bonus episode here.
Kelly Messer, PE, a project manager for Columbus Recreation and Parks, who discusses how an entire community of supportive skateboarders, and community members alike, led to the completion of the Tuttle Park Skatepark and overall park improvements. Listen to the full episode 139 here.
Sarah Olson, deputy director of Lynnwood (Washington) Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, who discusses a community-driven, comprehensive park and trail capital project plan and prioritization project that the department is utilizing to center equity in its park system planning. Listen to the full episode 140 here.

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Niagara Water. This Summer, Niagara Water is providing communities across Texas, California, and Georgia with a chance to upgrade their local park to the outdoor space of their dreams. 9 parks are nominated. 3 will be selected to receive a $75,000 refresh. Support your favorite park daily through September 18th at NiagaraPerkYourPark.com. Niagara Water. Now that’s refreshing.

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On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we are diving into the dynamic world where recreation and technology intersect.

The Las Vegas Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs department has always been at the forefront of innovative ideas, and today's episode is all about one of their latest projects — the Becker Technology Center and Recreation Park. I’m excited to be joined by some incredible individuals who've been driving this innovative space forward.

My guests today from Las Vegas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs are Priscilla Scott, a recreation coordinator; Phillip Payne, a recreation leader; and Jasmine Barrett, a recreation leader. They are joining me today from the Becker Technology Center – and specifically from their very cool podcast studio, which I’m a bit envious of.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn about the center and how it’s benefiting members of the community when it comes to bringing together the energy of play and the endless possibilities of technology.

You’ll also learn:

How the Becker Technology Center will increase access to technology, recreation and learning opportunities for the community
How the center bridges the gap between traditional recreational activities and modern digital engagement
How the center is contributing to youth development in Las Vegas
How the team has taken concerns around technology contributing to a sedentary lifestyle into account to promote a healthy balance
How they are ensuring the center is accessible and user-friendly for individuals of all ages, abilities and tech proficiency levels, and much more!

Listener note: The audio at the beginning of this episode may be a bit choppy, but listening at a slightly faster speed on your preferred podcast player tends to help.

This episode of Open Space Radio is brought to you by support from our partners at the Bobcat Company.

To the passionate visionaries taking on ambitious challenges everyday with Bobcat equipment. The parks maintenance technicians turning playgrounds into community spaces. The program coordinators turning recreation programs into limitless futures. The park development planners keeping pace with shrinking resources and a growing world. And, all those who push through to accomplish more than anyone dared dream of. Bobcat is proud to support park and recreation professionals across the country. Learn more at Bobcat.com.

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I recently had the opportunity to travel to Lynnwood, Washington, with a few of my colleagues to visit the Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, who was recently awarded one of NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grants.

Our trip consisted of visiting local parks, meeting with members of the community who are collaborating with the department, meeting with the mayor, attending a community “Meet Me at the Park” event, and learning more about Lynnwood’s ParksLove project, which is in the works thanks to NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grant.

This grant is dedicated to advancing community-driven, systems-level strategies for equitable park access that improves the environmental resilience and health of communities. This grant supports park and recreation professionals in partnership with leaders from community-based organizations. Lynnwood is one of six communities nationwide selected to advance equitable park access.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn how the Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department plans to use this grant as an opportunity to complete a community-driven, comprehensive Park & Trail Capital Project Plan and prioritization project centering equity in its park system planning. The department also is creating a park capital prioritization framework tool to evaluate and score all future possible park capital projects by creating equity, resiliency, inclusive and health indexes.

You’ll hear from Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Deputy Director Sarah Olson, MPA, CPRP, as well as NRPA Director of Community and Environmental Resilience Ayanna Williams. We discuss:

What resilient park access means
How the ParksLove project is addressing equitable access to parks and recreation in Lynnwood
How members of the community have been brought along throughout the process
How this project supports NRPA’s goals of building more resilient communities, and much more!

Related Links:

· City of Lynnwood ParksLove Project

· Press Release: NRPA Announces More Than $2.5 Million in Funding to Support Equitable Access to Parks

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It is officially Park and Recreation Month, and it already has been so exciting to see how park and recreation agencies and communities across the country have been celebrating. We’re not even halfway through the month and we have already seen so many amazing stories highlighting how parks and recreation truly is “Where Community Grows.”

On today’s episode, I wanted to highlight one of the wonderful submissions from our annual Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest. One of the photos that was submitted pictured a few smiling skateboarders enjoying time together at the Tuttle Park Skatepark in Columbus, Ohio.

If you’ve listened to the show before, you know I have a love of skateboarding and the community that it builds, so of course I wanted to talk with the folks who submitted this photo.

I’m excited to welcome two members of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department staff to the show today: Kerry Francis, chief of communications, and Kelly Messer, PE, a project manager. We discuss not only more about this skatepark but also all the good work happening in Columbus.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn:

How Columbus Recreation and Parks contributes to the health, well-being and overall quality of life for everyone in the Columbus community
How an entire community of support led to the completion of the Tuttle Park Skatepark project
How Columbus Recreation and Parks is creating high-quality, safe and inclusive spaces for the community
How Columbus Recreation and Parks is ensuring that everyone in the community can benefit from the experiences, spaces and programs it provides, and much more!

Related:

Park and Recreation Month: Where Community Grows

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It may still be June, but it is officially Park and Recreation Month in our hearts, as the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine was released today. As you may know, each year NRPA hosts a cover contest leading up to July, with the winner being featured on the July issue of the magazine.

If you’ve seen this month’s cover (also pictured on this page), you will notice a smiling young boy in adaptive climbing gear scaling a climbing wall. We are so grateful that Joe Van Wyk, the marketing coordinator for City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation in Colorado, captured this moment and submitted this photo of Isaac Alonso, which captured all of our hearts immediately.

Once we learned the story behind the photo, we knew we had found our winner.

I am so thrilled to be joined on today’s episode by Laine Fabijanic, the community and therapeutic recreation supervisor for City of Glenwood Springs. Laine has been instrumental in building the community’s therapeutic recreation program, and is doing some really incredible work when it comes to providing access to recreational opportunities for all, despite their perceived or actual limitations.

Laine has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist since 1998, and over the years she has worked across the country and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley in Western Colorado in clinical settings, outdoor adventure and community recreation.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Laine and the impact she is making, as well as how this program is helping Isaac, the boy in the photo, and so many others. You’ll also learn:

The unique challenges that children with disabilities face when it comes to recreational activities and how therapeutic recreation addresses them
How Glenwood Springs’ climbing program adapts the climbing experience to meet the needs of each climber
Why Laine has loved watching Isaac participate in this program and how his family has been involved
How community engagement is at the center of this program
The importance of meeting the specific needs of all members of your community, and much more!

Related Links:

Park and Recreation Month
City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation

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It is officially Pride Month – a time to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. And while we are thrilled to celebrate Pride Month this year, the reality is that our LGBTQ+ friends, family, colleagues and community members have been under attack.

In fact, just last week, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. after a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country. So far in 2023, more than 525 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced and more than 75 signed into law as of the time of this recording – the worst year on record. Be sure to check out Human Rights Campaign’s Impact Report, which shows the real-life impact of this legislation across the country, as well as their guidebook, which provides guidance for navigating states with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. There are also ways you can make your voice heard on this important issue, and I’ll be sure to link to all of these in the blog post that goes along with this episode.

And while the attacks continue, the fight for equal rights continues. As park and recreation professionals, you have the power to lead this charge through building inclusive, safe spaces, supporting your LGBTQ+ staff and community members, and creating a culture of belonging.

On today’s episode, we’re looking back at some of our previous episodes discussing LGBTQ+ inclusion in parks and recreation. If you haven’t listened to the full episodes from each of these clips you’re about to hear, I encourage you to check them out and consider what role you play in this mission. Together, we can inspire change, embrace our differences, and create a world where EVERYBODY benefits from the power of parks and recreation.

Tune in to the full episode to hear from:

Cal Dobbs (he/they), a queer transgender ultra marathoner and long-distance hiker who is running across America — from California to Florida — fighting for the inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare.
Peyton Daisy O’Connor (they/she) a past parks and recreation director for Buncombe County, North Carolina, who produced a formal inclusion policy for trans kids, based on their own lived experience.
Chris Mosier (he/him), a trailblazing athlete, coach and the founder of TransAthlete.com. Chris is a six-time member of Team USA, and in 2015 he became the first openly transgender man to represent the United States in international competition.
Jason Shriner (he/him), a past marketing manager for City of Manassas Park in Virginia, who discusses how his agency was re-evaluating policies and spaces to ensure they were inclusive for LGBTQ+ people and the ways they were partnering with local LGBTQ+ advocacy and sports groups.

Related Links:

Human Rights Campaign: National State of Emergency for LGBTQ Americans
Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation Doesn't Reflect Parks and Recreation's Values
Episode 132 with Cal Dobbs
Episode 94 with Peyton Daisy O'Connor
Episode 92 with Chris Mosier
Episode 41 with Jason Shriner

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If you are an NRPA member, you may know that NRPA provides exclusive member networks to support your professional needs and development. These networks, ranging from Aquatics, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Armed Forces, Leadership Development, and more, are an opportunity to collaborate and connect with like-minded professionals from across the county.

One of these networks, which is highly engaged and doing a lot of amazing work in the profession, is the Young Professional Network, or YPN. The YPN serves NRPA members who are students and young professionals under the age of 35.

I’m thrilled to be joined today by the co-chairs of the YPN’s publications committee to discuss how they’re working to lift up the voices and experiences of young professionals. Joining me is Rachel Smith, a certified park and recreation professional and the operations manager at James City County Parks and Recreation in Virginia, and Colton Patak, the program supervisor at City of Mason in Ohio.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn how Colton and Rachel are helping amplify the voices and experiences of young park and recreation professionals. You’ll also learn:

Why being part of the YPN is so beneficial for young park and recreation professionals
Why it’s so important for professionals — especially young professionals — to share their stories, experiences, challenges and successes with their peers
What types of topics the YPN Publications Committee is interested in exploring for future publications
How being part of the YPN has been valuable for Rachel and Colton, and why you should join (and a lot more)!

Related Resources:

YPN on Facebook
YPN on LinkedIn
YPN Connect Community
Email Rachel
Email Colton

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The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Leading the Way to Health and Well-Being: How Armed Forces Recreation Fosters Healthy Military Communities.”

The article, written by Allison Colman, NRPA’s director of health, and Alex Reynolds, Parks & Recreation magazine’s associate editor, highlights how park and recreation professionals working within military communities share the same goal as their peers in local agencies — to support their community’s health, well-being and quality of life through recreation.

I’m thrilled to be joined by two of the professionals highlighted in the article, Shandy Scott, the business and recreation branch chief for the Air Force Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs in San Antonio, Texas, and Lisa Sexauer, director of fleet readiness for Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about the work Scott and Sexauer are doing to keep military families in their respective branches healthy and active through parks and recreation. You’ll also learn:

The role that Armed Forces Recreation/MWR professionals play in the military and communities
What benefits MWR provides for service members, families, and communities
Current challenges impacting Armed Forces Recreation/MWR divisions and professionals and how they are being addressed
How Armed Forces Recreation/MWR and municipal park and recreation departments can partner to address and promote the health and well-being of all people
How Armed Forces Recreation/MWR is centering equity and shifting to a deeper focus on mental health and well-being in its efforts, and much more!

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We are just a few weeks away from NRPA’s Family Health & Fitness Day, which is taking place on Saturday, June 10. Family Health & Fitness Day is an annual celebration that promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy.

I’m thrilled to be talking more about Family Health & Fitness Day on today’s episode, as well as all the ways parks and recreation provides accessible, close-to-home health and wellness opportunities in communities across the country.

Joining me is Cina Makres, a program specialist on NRPA’s health team, who is leading up NRPA’s Family Health & Fitness Day efforts this year, as well as Daniel Hatcher, the senior director of strategic partnerships at Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Tune in as we discuss how you can join in on the Family Health & Fitness Day celebrations in your community, as well as why parks and recreation is so well-positioned to build healthier communities. You’ll also learn:

Why Family Health & Fitness Day is a great opportunity to build awareness around the health and well-being benefits of the spaces and programs your agency manages
Why partnerships are critical to building healthier communities and how you can leverage them on Family Health & Fitness Day
How you can use the Family Health & Fitness Day Toolkit to assist with your marketing and promotions efforts
What other resources are available (see below!) to help you communicate the importance of parks and recreation as it pertains to overall health
Ideas for celebrating Family Health & Fitness Day with your own family (or chosen family), and much more!

Additional Resources Discussed in this Episode:

Download the Family Health & Fitness Day Toolkit
Blog Post: Join Us for Family Health & Fitness Day on Saturday, June 10!
Register Your Family Health & Fitness Day Event with NRPA
NRPA’s Family Health & Fitness Day Informational Webinar
Community Wellness Hubs Toolkit
Blue Star Families + Healthier Generation Nature BINGO
Alliance for a Healthier Generation: Ways to Keep Active Together
Kohl’s Healthy at Home
Let’s Move in Libraries
Kentucky Youth Tobacco Control Workshop
Food Research and Action Center

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If you’ve been following NRPA on social media, you may already be familiar with my guest today via some very fun, informational, and engaging Instagram reels that have been gracing your feeds for the last few months.

Today I am so excited to be joined by my colleague and the amazing person behind all of NRPA’s social media content, Christina High. Christina joined the team as our marketing coordinator in 2022, and she has been doing some really amazing work ever since when it comes to rethinking our social strategy, what kind of social content we’re producing, and continuing to build an engaged social media community.

Recognizing the power that social media has nowadays, and how there are many ways park and recreation agencies and professionals can be using social media to their advantage, I’m really excited for our listeners to get some of Christina’s insight today.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Christina and how she’s using social media to highlight the power of parks and recreation. You’ll also learn:

How parks and recreation can be a positive corner of the internet/social media
Why social media is such a valuable tool for park and recreation agencies to use in their awareness, education and marketing efforts
Things to consider when creating a social media plan or strategy
What kinds of trends are performing best on the various social media platforms
Tips for ensuring your social media posts are inclusive and accessible
How to build an engaged community on social media, and much more!

Additional Resources:

Follow NRPA on Instagram
Follow NRPA on Facebook
Follow NRPA on LinkedIn
Follow NRPA on Twitter
Follow NRPA on (our BRAND NEW) TikTok

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The May issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into the feature article, “Building a Culture of Safety for Aquatic Facilities,” by Stephanie Shook, CPRP, the senior product manager of aquatics and instructors for the American Red Cross.

I’m so thrilled to be joined on the show by two individuals who were highlighted in the article:

· Dr. William Ramos, a member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and associate professor at Indiana University School of Public Health

· Nichole Bohner, the aquatics division manager for City of Round Rock, Texas, Parks and Recreation.

They each share their experience when it comes to building a culture of safety — something that is of the utmost importance at aquatic facilities and the wide range of other park and recreation offerings.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn how you can create a culture of safety in your community. You’ll also learn:

What a “culture of safety” really means
Why leadership being present is critical to a culture of safety
The importance of communication and employee engagement
Challenges to building a culture of safety
Intentional steps to building a culture of safety, and much more!

Additional Resources:

American Red Cross Training Services
Round Rock Parks and Recreation: Lifeguards

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All month long, NRPA has been sharing ways that parks and recreation is a climate hero in celebration of Earth Month. Whether it’s increasing biodiversity, managing millions of acres of open space, providing nature-based programming or responding to weather-related disasters, park and recreation professionals are on the front lines of creating a more sustainable future in communities across the country.

I’m so thrilled today to be joined by Regina Hill, the CSR marketing manager for Merrell, who NRPA is proud to partner with on our Earth Month campaign, among many other things, as well as Mike Cimprich, the city arborist for the Marion Parks and Recreation Department in Iowa.

Mike was honored with Merrell’s Changing Nature of Work Award for his critical work in the city of Marion after the 2020 Central Severe Weather-Derecho, known as the “costliest thunderstorm event in U.S. history” – causing widespread power outages, damage to homes, businesses, powerlines and trees. In fact, 40 percent of the city’s public trees were lost in this storm

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Mike and his team’s efforts, how Merrell is honoring and supporting these efforts, and the important work that happens as a result of partnerships. You’ll also learn:

What Earth Month means to both City of Marion and Merrell
How Mike and his team stepped up to help their community during an uncertain time
Why Merrell is excited about supporting Mike, as well as other park and recreation professionals across the country
What the future of environmental resilience looks like in Marion, Iowa
How we all play a role in sustainability efforts, whether through planting trees or marketing efforts (or whatever your specialty is!)
What continues to drive Mike and Regina to do this important work, and much more!

This episode is sponsored by Merrell’s "Good things come to those who hike" campaign. The real magic of hiking is about the moments that happen along the way. Each hike, another discovery. Another moment that we can share, remember and relive as we move through our lives. Those are the good things that come to those who hike. Visit www.Merrell.com and start discovering your #goodthings when hiking.

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April is Earth Month, and all month long, NRPA is celebrating the ways that parks and recreation is a climate hero. I encourage you to check out some of the top ways that park and recreation professionals are creating healthier, more sustainable communities and tackling the world’s toughest climate issues.

On today’s episode, we take a look back at a few episodes from the past year, in which my guests talked about climate solutions, sustainability, and all things protecting and preserving nature and the spaces that do so much for us.

Tune in to the full episode below to hear clips from these previous episodes (and I encourage you to listen to each full episode, as well):

On one of our most recent episodes, episode 131, I spoke with Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, director of Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, to discuss how she's leading with equity, as well as L.A. County's recently adopted 30x30 plan to address climate change and conserve 30 percent of lands and coastal waters by 2030
On episode 124, I was joined by staff from City of Detroit Parks and Recreation: Jac Kyle, a manager I for nature programming, and Rachel Felder, a naturalist, to learn more how partnerships are helping advance their work, fight environmental injustices, and create a new generation of environmental stewards in Detroit.
On episode 122, I was joined by Maneula Barón, a Colombian-American sustainability activist, artist and founder of The Girl Gone Green, an inclusive community that fosters social and environmental change and encourages people to live more consciously. We discussed where to start with your own environmental programming at your agency, as well as how to effectively communicate environmental issues through the lens of others.
On episode 112, I was joined by Jad Daley, CEO of American Forests, to discuss how trees play a critical role in building environmental resilience, cooling our neighborhoods, and improving the health of our communities. We discuss why trees in urban areas are so important and the various roles that trees play when it comes to our health, in terms of reducing heat, filtering air pollution and more.
And finally, we take it all the way back the 2022 April bonus episode, when I talked with my colleague, Ayanna Williams, NRPA’s director of community and environmental resilience, about all things Earth Day. We discussed ways park and recreation professionals are building more resilient communities, ways to ensure decision-makers prioritize environmental justice beyond Earth Month or Earth Day, and more.

Related Links:

NRPA Earth Month
Five Ways Parks and Recreation Is a Climate Hero

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Attacks targeting LGBTQ+ rights, and especially the rights of transgender youth, are currently taking place in state legislatures across the country. With bans on gender-affirming care for trans youth and the country’s first drag ban, numbers of anti-trans bills were recently introduced, with an alarming number of bills advancing in states across the country.

Many of these bills also are aimed at preventing transgender youth from participating in sports in ways that align with the gender with which they identify. These recent attacks on the trans community is an attack on human rights, and an attack on our mission to build inclusive, equitable communities where everyone can feel safe, feel like they belong, and ultimately, thrive.

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome someone who is taking their advocacy for trans rights across the country. Cal Dobbs is a queer transgender ultra marathoner and long-distance hiker who is running across America — from California to Florida — to fight for inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare. What was once a childhood dream to run across the country is now a reality for Cal, but for something way bigger than they had ever imagined.

Cal also is the first known trans person to achieve the triple crown of hiking – that is, they thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail – so they are no stranger to extended adventures.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Cal’s story, how you can follow their run, and how park and recreation professionals can support this important mission. You’ll also learn:

· How Cal’s relationship with physical activity and outdoor recreation began

· What inspired Cal’s dream to run across the country

· How Cal plans to make transformative connections with people across geographic, political and ideological lines in order to make lasting change

· What kind of impact anti-trans legislation has on the trans community, as well as society as a whole

· How park and recreation professionals can ensure they are building safe, inclusive communities where no one is excluded or required to face additional rules or scrutiny to full participate, regardless of gender.

· The importance of community care, and so much more!

Related Links:

Cal’s Website
Follow Cal on Instagram
Subscribe to Cal's YouTube Page
Become a Member of Cal’s Patreon
Support Cal’s Run and Documentary
Contribute to Equality Arizona Fundraiser
Outside Magazine: Cal “Starburst“ Dobbs Becomes the First Reported Publicly Trans Triple Crowner

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Los Angeles County is doing some big things and the department of parks and recreation is continuing to make an impact when it comes to equity, environmental resilience and the health and well-being of its community members.

I’m thrilled to be joined today by Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, who has worked for Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation for more than a decade and was appointed as director of the department in 2020 — becoming the first woman and first person of color to lead the department. What’s more, Norma now leads the same department that made such an impact on her in her youth.

Norma has been a true community leader in advancing the department’s mission, which I’m excited to talk about today. We’re also going to discuss LA’s 2022 Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+) Final Report, which was recently adopted as the county’s 30x30 plan — which is the goal of conserving 30 percent of lands and coastal waters by 2030 to address climate change.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Norma and the good work that’s happening in Los Angeles County. You’ll also learn:

How Norma’s career in parks and recreation began
The historical barriers when it comes to serving the most vulnerable populations in Los Angeles County
How Norma and her staff are intentionally centering their work in equity and anti-racism
How the 2022 PNA+ Final Report was adopted as L.A. County’s 30x30 plan to address climate change
Some of the opportunities and challenges when it comes to achieving the 30x30 goal of conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030
Why this work means so much to Norma, and so much more!

Related Links:

Los Angeles County Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+) Final Report
Open Space blog post: Conservation Reimagined: Los Angeles County’s 30x30 Plan
Parks & Recreation magazine: Los Angeles County’s Parks Needs Assessment Plus

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The March issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s articles, “From Lifeguard to First Responder.”

I’m joined today by the author, Craig Pattenaude, the marketing and communication specialist for Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) Parks and Recreation, as well as Cole Munsey, who Craig highlights in his article.

I’m thrilled to welcome them both to the show to learn about Cole’s journey and how a job as a lifeguard propelled him into a career as a first responder, as he recently graduated from the Cosumnes CSD Fire Department intern program.

Tune in to the full conversation below to learn more about Cole’s journey and why serving as a lifeguard was so beneficial in preparing him for his future career. You’ll also learn:

How a traumatic family experience motivated Cole to become a “helper”
How serving as a lifeguarding reinforced Cole’s desire to help others and inspired him to pursue a career as a firefighter
What skills Cole learned as a lifeguard that he continues to use today
What inspired Craig to connect with Cole to help share his story
How Cosumnes CSD is working with staff to help develop their skills for either an extended career in parks and recreation or other areas of the community
How Cole and Craig have been impacted personally by this work, and much more!

· Instagram video highlighting Cole's story (produced by Craig!)

· Cosumnes CSD website

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Parks and recreation is vital to community health and well-being. Local park and recreation agencies connect every member of the community to essential programs, services and spaces that enhance quality of life. And, local parks and recreation provides so many opportunities for experiencing the benefits of physical activity.

According to the guidance from the Community Services Preventive Task Force, park and recreation and public health professionals play a role in ensuring all community members have equitable opportunities to get active. The Active Parks! Increasing Physical Activity Through Parks, Trails, and Greenways recommendation states that combining 1) essential infrastructure improvements with 2) additional activities — like structured programming, community engagement, access enhancements and more — can increase the use of parks, trails and greenways for physical activity.

To support park and recreation and public health professionals in advancing this recommendation, NRPA developed the Active Parks! Implementation Guide. The guide includes a step-by-step process professionals can follow to equitably increase physical activity, plus case studies, sample actions and more. The guide also supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Active People, Healthy NationSM initiative, which aims to help 27 million people become more physically active by 2027.

We are so excited to have worked with CDC on this new resource, and I was thrilled to learn more on today’s episode in my conversation with Ken Rose, who leads CDC’s Physical Activity and Health branch and oversees national efforts to increase physical activity. Tune in to our conversation below to learn:

Why partnerships between public health and parks and recreation is critical to increasing physical activity and advancing health equity in communities
The origins of the Active Parks! Implementation Guide and what inspired this movement
Key considerations for park and recreation professionals interested in using the guide
Why Ken believes the guide will transform physical activity in communities
How park and recreation professionals can join the Active People, Healthy NationSM movement, and much more!

Related links: * Active Parks! Implementation Guide: Increasing Physical Activity Through Parks, Trails and Greenways * Active People, Healthy NationSM * Blog Post: Activating Parks, Trails and Greenways for Physical Activity * Active Parks! Increasing Physical Activity Through Parks, Trails, and Greenways recommendation

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I am so excited for today’s episode because I’m talking with someone I have been eager to connect with since NRPA’s partnership with Merrell began. If you visit today’s guest’s website, the words “Nothing But Good Vibes” might be the first thing you notice. And, if you’re following him on social media, you are sure to pick up on some of those good vibes, as well.

Will “Akuna” Robinson is one of Merrell’s ambassadors, and his outdoor recreation journey began in 2016 when he attempted to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail to help with PTSD from his previous military service.

Akuna says that he fell hard for hiking, nature and the community that surrounds the trails. His journey has evolved into sharing the healing power of nature with veterans, people of color, and everyone who does not fit the stereotype of being “outdoorsy.”

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Akuna’s journey to healing and community-building through hiking. We also discuss some of the findings from Merrell’s Inclusivity in the Outdoors Report and how they relate to his own experience of spending time outside. You’ll also learn:

How Akuna’s journey of sharing the healing power of nature began
The message he tries to leave behind wherever he goes
Perceptions of inclusion and safety in the outdoors within the Black community
How we can continue to break down barriers so that everyone can experience the power of outside
How Akuna hopes to inspire other Black people who are considering outdoor recreation
Akuna’s favorite ways to get outside, and so much more!

Related Links

Merrell Inclusivity in the Outdoors Report
Akunahikes.com
Follow Akuna on Instagram
Follow Akuna on Facebook

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NRPA's Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), is the only national accreditation of park and recreation agencies and is a valuable measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. Achieving CAPRA accreditation is the best way to demonstrate that your agency and your staff provide your community with the highest level of service.

But, there is one thing that this program cannot do without – it’s dedicated volunteers. CAPRA volunteers have the opportunity to review, visit and mentor agencies and solidify personal recognition of the defined standards of excellence that accredited park and recreation agencies are held accountable to.

CAPRA volunteers also become part of a broader network of professionals who understand the benefits of accreditation for park and recreation agencies and are trained to bring back these standards to their own agencies.

As we look ahead to NRPA’s CAPRA volunteer acquisition campaign coming up in March, I’m excited to welcome two individuals to the show today to discuss their experience being a CAPRA volunteer. Joining me is Rod Tarullo, the director of parks, recreation and golf for City of Golden, Colorado, and Christi Giles-Reed, the community program coordinator for City of Dallas, Texas.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn why adding “CAPRA volunteer” to your resume may be your next move, as well as how serving as a volunteer can strengthen your skills and experience as a park and recreation professional. You’ll also learn:

How being CAPRA volunteers has impacted Rod and Christi professionally and personally
How serving as a volunteer will benefit your own agency and agencies across the county
Tips on how to become a CAPRA volunteer
The benefits of accreditation for park and recreation agencies
Rod and Christi’s favorite stories from their time serving as CAPRA volunteers, and much more!

Related Links:

Apply to Become a CAPRA Volunteer
Blog Post: Is Being a CAPRA Review Team Member Right for Me?
Blog Post: What Does It Mean To Be a CAPRA Volunteer?
Parks & Recreation magazine: CAPRA Volunteering: Preparing the Next Generation of Accreditation Leaders
Learn more about CAPRA
CAPRA FAQs

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The February issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’ll be diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Workforce Development Trends and Opportunities in Parks and Recreation.”

To foster the next generation of park and recreation professionals in our beloved field, workforce development is an area that cannot be overlooked. We’re talking with the author of the article today to discuss some of the trends and opportunities on the horizon when it comes to recruiting and retaining staff.

I’m thrilled to welcome Tim Herd, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, to the show today.

Tim previously joined us on the podcast a few years ago to talk about Park and Recreation Professionals Day, which began with the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, and now takes place each July during Park and Recreation Month.

Tune in to the full episode to learn how Tim began his career in parks and recreation, as well as some of the things he’s noticing on the workforce development front. You’ll also learn:

Why workforce development is so critical for parks and recreation
Ways parks and recreation can better promote itself as a viable, sustainable career choice?
Trends in colleges/universities offering majors related to parks and recreation
How perceptions about a career in parks and recreation can be shifted
Creative ways for recruiting future employees and retaining current employees, and much more!

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Today, January 17, is National Day of Racial Healing - a call to action for racial healing for all people. Launched in 2017, this day originated as part of the WK Kellogg Foundation’s national Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation efforts.

As we at NRPA continue to center equity in all that we do, I’m looking forward to this conversation today as we learn how racial healing can advance racial equity, as well as how park and recreation professionals can support racial healing in their communities.

I’m thrilled to welcome Vicky Stott, the senior program officer for racial equity and community engagement at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she is responsible for developing and coordinating strategic grantmaking activities aimed at addressing racial equity, community engagement, and nurturing opportunities for positive systemic change for historically marginalized communities and vulnerable children.

We are also joined by an Open Space Radio regular, NRPA Vice President of Education and Chief Equity Officer Autumn Saxton-Ross, who is, and has been, doing some really impactful work in supporting park and recreation professionals (and NRPA staff) on their journeys to advancing equitable outcomes in their communities.

Tune in to the full episode below to hear the conversation. You’ll learn:

How to define racial healing
How racial healing supports and advances racial equity
How park and recreation professionals can support racial healing in their communities
How self-care contributes to racial healing and the idea that “we must fortify ourselves to fortify others”
How to find available resources to bring racial healing to your communities and organizations, and so much more!

Related Links:

DayOfRacialHealing.org — explore National Day of Racial Healing events near you, as well as access resources for engaging children, engaging in professional settings, and engaging policymakers

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Here at NRPA, we are big proponents of continuous learning and professional development. On today’s episode, we discuss a comprehensive and unique professional development program focusing on proven revenue management and development techniques for park and recreation professionals.

Revenue Development and Management School is an annual program taking place at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, in partnership with the National Training Center at Oglebay, and it is targeted towards agencies that rely on generating revenues, such as organizations associated with state or local parks, recreation, leisure services, military recreation and other nonprofits.

This year’s school takes place March 12-17, and registration is now open.

I’m thrilled to welcome three individuals to the show today who play integral roles in this Revenue Development and Management School. Joining me today are:

Bill Tschirhart, the Chief of Administration for Five Rivers MetroParks (Ohio) and Chair of the 2023 Revenue Development and Management School
Debbie Woodbury, the Regional Program Director with the City of Alexandria (Virginia), and the Founder of The Meritology Institute, who is serving as this year’s Revenue Development and Management School Extern
Matt Carusona, this year’s Revenue Development and Management School director

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Revenue Development and Management School and all the benefits it provides park and recreation professionals. You’ll also learn:

The importance of revenue development and management in moving the field of parks and recreation forward
Advice for first-time attendees or professionals considering attending Revenue Development and Management School
Strategies for creating more sustainable funding
The importance of continuing education, networking and collaboration
How partnerships play a role in the funding and revenue conversation
Why you should attend Revenue Development and Management School, and much more!

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The January issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Maureen Neumann, NRPA’s Senior Health Program Manager, to discuss her feature article, “Celebrating Seven Years of Advancing Health Equity.”

In her article, Maureen highlights winners of the RWJF-NRPA Award for Health Equity from the last seven years. Since 2016, this award has been presented annually, and recognizes park and recreation professionals who have worked to reduce health disparities and advance systems-level change in their communities to achieve health equity.

I’m excited to chat with Maureen today to learn more about some of the winners, and specifically how partnerships played a key part in each of the winners’ success.

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As you may have learned on our last episode, NRPA’s Resilient Park Access program supports the advancement of community-driven, systems-level strategies for equitable park access that improve the environmental resilience and health of communities.

The grant funding also provides ongoing peer learning and coaching, professional development and access to networks of like-minded park and recreation professionals throughout the country. Six park and recreation agencies from across the country received this grant, and funding for each project is made possible by support from The JPB Foundation.

One agency that is learning from NRPA's grantee cohort and resources and working to advance equitable access and resilient systems change is the Department of Parks and Recreation in Toledo, Ohio. Toledo is in a moment of transition and opportunity. The department is capitalizing on this moment to prioritize community and equity in their plans to build more parks. Not only that, but they are also building community ownership and stewardship of these spaces, connecting children to nature through nature play amenities, and diversifying the department’s funding to make it more resilient into the future. 

I’m thrilled to be joined today by Karen Ranney Wolkins, the commissioner for City of Toledo Department of Parks and Recreation and Community Enrichment. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about this project and how learning from NRPA’s Resilient Park Access program is helping make it possible. You’ll also learn:

How this project is addressing inequities in Toledo and will enhance park equity and access to nature
How City of Toledo is partnering with community-based organizations to support programming
How the city is engaging community members and ensuring they are part of this process
How City of Toledo is diversifying funding to make this project a reality
How the city is measuring success and much more!

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NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grant program supports the advancement of community-driven, systems-level strategies for equitable park access that improve the environmental resilience and health of communities. The grant funding also provides ongoing peer learning and coaching, professional development and access to networks of like-minded park and recreation professionals throughout the country.

On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m joined by staff from City of Detroit Parks and Recreation, which was one of seven agencies that received this grant. To increase access to nature and make it more equitably available to all, the City of Detroit will identify and build pocket parks in high-need areas and engage the community on programming and stewardship of the project through workforce development.

I’m thrilled to welcome Jac Kyle, a manager I for nature programming at City of Detroit Parks and Recreation, and Rachel Felder, a naturalist for City of Detroit Parks and Recreation, to learn more about the impactful work they are doing in their community.

Tune in to learn more about how their work will help increase equitable access to nature in Detroit. You’ll also learn:

What inequities exist in Detroit as far as access to nature
What types of programming will make Detroit neighborhoods more equitable
How City of Detroit is collaborating with community-based organizations and community leaders
How City of Detroit Parks and Recreation is navigating challenges with existing policies and practices
What other agencies should consider when working to advance equity in their own communities
Why this work is so gratifying for Jac and Rachel, and so much more!

Related Links:

Detroit Parks and Recreation on Twitter
Detroit Parks and Recreation on Instagram
Detroit Parks and Recreation on Facebook
Detroit Outdoors on Twitter
Detroit Outdoors on Instagram
Detroit Outdoors on Facebook

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by DaySmart Recreation. Grow with your community and simplify operations with the facility management solution that's helping streamline scheduling, registration, payment processing, and community engagement. With DaySmart Recreation's mobile-friendly solution, your staff and members can find important information from wherever they are. Learn more about DaySmart Recreation at daysmartrecreation.com/nrpa.

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When most people think of the outdoors, their associations are primarily positive. Happiness, relaxation and calmness all come to mind. Even as issues of social injustice and racial inequality increasingly impacted many over the past few years, communities have sought a form of escape in the outdoors.

Outdoor leader Merrell exists to share the simple power of being outside. Knowing the globally recognized benefits of being outside, Merrell conducted a study of cross-cultural perceptions and experiences in the outdoors to better understand how race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and income affect how welcome people feel outside. The brand believes the trail is for everyone – inspiring the drive behind the study to make the outdoors inclusive and welcoming to all.

The study – Inclusivity in the Outdoors Report – unveils that despite the globally recognized benefits of being outside, not everyone’s associations fit the positive narrative. Revealing “a tale of two outdoors,” the study shows more people getting outside overall and that positive sentiment has increased. Respondents across the globe indicate a 4 percent increase in feeling happy or alive and a 2 percent increase in feeling thankful when outside.*

Key Findings

The six main takeaways from Merrell’s global outdoors audit are:

Conflicting emotions exist when outside across the globe
Indigenous communities face barriers to being in their natural homes
Communities of color still feel cautious about the safety of outdoor spaces
Women have growing concerns regarding safety and continue to be underrepresented
Income impacts outdoor participation
LGBTQ+ people are left out despite a desire to participate

The Inclusivity in the Outdoors Report showcases there are still barriers to overcome. It is important to address the obstacles that those who identify as Woman, Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ people, and those with lower incomes encounter to ensure everyone feels welcome outside while helping decrease the associations that do not fit within the positive narrative. Merrell is calling for industry leaders — including local park and recreation professionals — to help.

Actions You Can Take

Expand representation in marketing.
Commit to getting youth outside as early as possible to instill a lifelong love of the outdoors and increase a sense of ownership and belonging.
NRPA members are encouraged to leverage the Equity in Practice Resource Library which offers a set of vetted and carefully curated articles, books, technical resources, podcasts, videos and webinars.
Fund green spaces in urban areas to improve recreational areas closer to home.
Address both physical and perceived access issues for underserved communities. Establish and leverage partnerships, provide transportation, reduce, subsidize or eliminate admission fees, and provide access to lower-cost or refurbished products.
Redefine and reimagine outdoors.

The outdoors is everywhere and for everyone. And, outdoor experiences are as diverse as the communities who enjoy them. When we expand upon our perception of the outdoors, we help make it more inclusive for those who have different experiences. Think beyond camping and hiking. Backyards and front yards, playgrounds, city parks, kids walking to school, taking the dog for a walk, sitting outside and watching wildlife, going to get coffee/pizza, gardening, bicycling, and commuters enjoying fresh air as they walk to work. The outdoors is ubiquitous, and it’s up to us to help all feel welcome.

The Trail Ahead

In partnership with Merrell, the National Recreation and Park Association is working to increase access to green spaces and bring park improvement projects to life in communities hit hardest by park funding inequities. The journey toward inclusivity in the outdoors means supporting diversity, representation, education and awareness.

The trail is for everybody regardless of size, gender, race or ability. We all need to work together to create a welcoming environment in the outdoors not only because it’s the right thing to do, but it’s imperative to continue the protection and conservation of the natural environment that sustains us all. The more people we can inspire and welcome to the outdoors, the more people will learn to enjoy, respect and work hard to conserve our natural spaces.

This episode is sponsored by Merrell, and the above text was written by Merrell CSR Marketing Manager Regina Hill.

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It has been some time since our last episode, and I’m so thrilled to be back today with someone who is sure to inspire you to live a more sustainable, waste-free life, while encouraging your community to do the same – and it’s perfect timing as this episode is being released on America Recycles Day, which recognizes the importance and impact of recycling.

Manuela Barón is a Colombian-American sustainability activist, artist and founder of The Girl Gone Green, which is an inclusive community that fosters social and environmental change and encourages people to live more consciously.

Manuela also is an ambassador for our partners at Merrell, and she is doing some really impactful work to educate and bring awareness to environmental issues and more sustainable lifestyles.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Manuela, ways you can live more sustainably, and the importance of building community. You’ll also learn:

What inspired Manuela to start “The Girl Gone Green” and how she’s using her platform to inspire others to live sustainably
How to navigate challenges that arise when doing environmental advocacy work
Where to start with your own environmental programming at your agency
What to consider when building a community/network of support for environmental work
How we can all use our own circles of influence to start the conversation and more this important work forward, and much more!

Related Links:

Follow @thegirlgonegreen on Instagram
The Girl Gone Green on YouTube
The Girl Gone Green on TikTok

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Merrell ReTread - because every great journey deserves a sequel. Our partners at Merrell launched a new recycle and resale platform to give shoes a second shot at adventure and prevent them from ending up in landfills. Visit ReTread.Merrell.com to give back your well-loved shoes and get $20 off your next order.

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The October issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s episode, I’m joined by two of my colleagues to discuss this month’s feature story, “NRPA’s Equity in Practice Initiative.”

We recently launched this program at the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference, and it is not your typical diversity training – NRPA’s Equity in Practice resources and tools are designed to help you take the next step in integrating equity into your park and recreation programs and respond to your community’s specific needs.

And who better to chat with about this program than the individuals who are bringing this program to life? I’m thrilled to welcome Autumn Saxton-Ross, NRPA Vice President of Education and Chief Equity Officer, and Philip Silva, NRPA Director of Learning, to the show today.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about the Equity in Practice program, what led to the creation of this initiative, and how park and recreation professionals can benefit from each piece of the program. You’ll also learn:

Why it was important to ensure diversity in the types of Equity in Practice offerings
What differentiates Equity in Practice from traditional DEI training or learning opportunities
What we mean by “in practice”
Tips for digesting information and implementing the things you learn
How NRPA members can begin participating in the various Equity in Practice programs, and much more!

Related Links:

Equity in Practice Certificate Program
Equity in Practice Learning Events
Equity in Practice Resource Library
NRPA’s Equity Pillar

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National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from September 15 through October 15 each year, is a time to celebrate the history, culture, heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This year’s theme is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” and on today’s episode, we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a park and recreation professional who is playing an integral role when it comes to honoring Hispanic Heritage Month within parks and recreation.

I am thrilled to welcome Edwin Rivera-Guzman to the show today. Edwin is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, the manager for Recreation and Leisure Solutions, LLC, a Ph.D. student at Clemson University’s School of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Management, and the assistant social media manager for the Maryland-National Capitol Park and Planning Commission.

And, as we begin the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference in Phoenix, a city with a very large Hispanic population and culture, the timing couldn’t be any more perfect for this conversation.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Edwin and all the work he’s doing to lift up Hispanic Heritage Month in parks and recreation. You’ll also learn:

An overview and history of Hispanic Heritage Month
Ways park and recreation professionals can participate and celebrate this year
How NRPA Annual Conference attendees can honor Hispanic Heritage Month while in Phoenix
Why it’s important to celebrate cultural heritage months, such as Hispanic Heritage Month?
What drives Edwin to do the work he’s so passionate about, and much more!

Related Links:

Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Professionals in Parks and Recreation Facebook Group
Contact Edwin

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I am so excited for today’s episode for a few reasons: 1.) We’re officially a week away from the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference. And 2.) I’m joined today by someone who has been a big part of NRPA and this podcast, and is not only one of my favorite guests, he’s also someone I’m proud to call a friend.

Neelay Bhatt is an expert when it comes to innovation, inclusion, and helping park and recreation agencies stay on top of trends in the field. Neelay recently launched his new endeavor, Next Practice Partners, along with a stellar team of individuals committed to addressing the inclusion and innovation gap. Next Practice Partners will be helping agencies prepare for what’s next through planning, training, and technology services, and there’s no one better to be leading this mission than Neelay.

He'll also be emceeing our Best of the Best ceremony, which is taking place on Wednesday evening at the conference and is one of the best events of the year celebrating park and recreation professionals.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn:

How Neelay began in the field and how he’s been able to build such strong relationships with park and recreation professionals and agencies
The importance of being on the pulse of upcoming trends in parks and recreation (and what next practices to be aware of)
How Next Practice Partners will help park and recreation professionals and agencies
How to avoid the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset
How we can always find common ground with someone different than us, and much more!

Related Links:

Next Practice Partners, LLC
Follow Next Practice Partners on LinkedIn
Follow Next Practice Partners on Facebook
Follow Next Practice Partners on Twitter
Connect with Neelay on LinkedIn
Email Neelay

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It’s hard to believe September is already here and in just a couple weeks, park and recreation professionals from across the country will gather in Phoenix, Arizona, at the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference. If you’ve been fortunate enough to experience this conference in the past, you know that this is the premier event for park and recreation professionals seeking to grow their network, check out some of the latest and greatest products and services, and take advantage of top-tier learning opportunities.

And, speaking of learning opportunities, I’m thrilled to be joined today by one of this year’s education session presenters, Sydney Elliott, MBA, CPRP. Sydney is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional and the youth and business coordinator for City of DeSoto Parks & Recreation in Texas. Sydney will be presenting on teen engagement at this year’s conference, and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn more about her work and get a preview of her session on today’s episode.

Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Sydney, how her career in parks and recreation began, and get a preview of her upcoming session. You’ll also learn:

Some of the biggest challenges to engaging youth, specifically teens, in park and recreation programming
Creative ways Sydney is engaging youth and teens in her community
Why creating safe spaces for youth and teens is critical to their development
The importance of partnerships in helping teen engagement programs thrive
What Sydney is most looking forward to the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference, and much more!

Related Links:

Connect with Sydney on LinkedIn
Follow Sydney (aka @therecgirl) on Instagram
DeSoto Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook
DeSoto Parks & Recreation on Instagram
DeSoto Teen Council on Instagram

This episode of Open Space Radio is brought to you by support from Niagara Water. This Summer, Niagara Water is providing communities across Texas and Florida with a chance to upgrade their local park to the outdoor space of their dreams. 10 parks are nominated. 3 will be selected to win a $75,000 refresh. Vote daily for your favorite park through September 12 at NiagaraPerkYourPark.com. Niagara Water. Now that’s refreshing.

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The September issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Dr. Temple Grandin on the Importance of Outdoor Play.”

On this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, world-renowned scientist, animal behaviorist, advocate for autism and author. She has appeared on television shows such as 20/20, 48 Hours, CNN’s Larry King Live, PrimeTime Live, 60 Minutes, the Today Show and more.

In 2010, Time Magazine named Dr. Grandin one of the 100 most influential people. She has also played a key role in designing play equipment and recreational spaces that are more inclusive for people with autism and others with different minds.

And, if you’re planning to join us at the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference in Phoenix this September 20-22, you will have the opportunity to hear Dr. Grandin speak at the Best of the Best ceremony.

Tune in to hear our full conversation and learn more about Dr. Grandin. You’ll also learn:

The impact that nature and outdoor play had on Dr. Grandin from a young age
Current barriers to play and recreation for individuals with autism and others who think differently
How Dr. Grandin’s collaboration with Play & Park Structures is one of the first to address the needs of neurodivergent individuals and those with different minds who have different play needs and styles
How park and recreation agencies can make their offerings more inclusive for every member of their community
Why Dr. Grandin is excited to speak with park and recreation professionals at the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference, and more!

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We are just about a month away from the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, and on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m thrilled to be joined by one of this year’s recipients of the NRPA Young Professional Fellowship.

The Young Professional Fellowship provides an opportunity to explore the operation of NRPA and its governing bodies at the NRPA Annual Conference. Participants meet with mentors, are recognized at the Best of the Best ceremony and more. A primary focus of the program is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts in the field of parks and recreation.

Today’s guest is also someone I have been meaning to invite to the show for a while now – Kate Connell.

Kate is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, and the Aquatics Program Supervisor for Iowa City Parks & Recreation. She is an advocate for equity in recreational water use and has assisted in providing free swimming lessons, safety education and accessible pool events. She leads training and conversations on equitable aquatics, staff training and humanness through leadership – and she does a whole lot of other cool things that we discuss on today’s episode.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Kate and how she’s helping to build more inclusive, equitable communities through aquatics. You’ll also learn:

How the Equitable Aquatics community that Kate created is providing connection, training, guidance and resources for aquatics professionals
How Kate felt when she was notified about receiving NRPA’s Young Professional Fellowship and what she is looking forward to at the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference
Words of wisdom for first-time conference attendees and presenters
What drives Kate to continue pushing so that everyone can experience the power of aquatics and parks and recreation
The three Ps of inclusive aquatics: Personnel, Programming and Policies — and much more!

Related links:

Iowa City Parks and Recreation
Equitable Aquatics Facebook Group
Equitable Aquatics Facebook Page
Equitable Aquatics on Instagram

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The August issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, titled, “Homelessness: How Can I Help?”

The article explores how homelessness continues to be a serious social and public health issue in the U.S., and how park and recreation agencies are increasingly helping to support their community members who are experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

I’m thrilled to welcome the authors of the article, Austin Barrett, NRPA’s evaluation manager, and Allison Colman, NRPA’s director of health, to today’s episode. And, we are honored to be joined by a leader in the field whose department has been providing essential services for people experiencing homelessness for years now, Greg White, the director of City of Decatur, Georgia’s Active Living Division.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about how park and recreation professionals can be part of the solution to this issue. You’ll also learn:

Statistics on how homelessness is an increasingly serious social and public health issue in the U.S.
Ways park and recreation professionals can provide support to people experiencing homelessness, even if it’s outside of their core responsibilities
What types of resources Greg and his staff at Decatur Active Living Division are providing people experiencing homelessness
How intentional partnerships, relationships and trust are central to this work
The importance of Community Wellness Hubs in supporting this work
How we can break down the stigma surrounding homelessness, and much more!

Additional Resources:

Parks and Recreation: Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
Community Wellness Hubs
Blog Post: Solutions to Homelessness — The Role of Parks and Recreation
Blog Post: Understanding Homelessness: The Extent, Causes and Local Solutions
City of Decatur Active Living
S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Local Assistance for People Experiencing Homelessness
HUD Exchange: Point-in-Time Count and Housing Inventory Count
HUD Exchange: Homelessness Assistance Programs by State

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As you likely know, we are currently celebrating Park and Recreation Month here at NRPA and at park and recreation departments across the country throughout the month of July. And there’s also a special week that takes place in July that we are big fans of — Latino Conservation Week, which is taking place now through July 24.

Launched in 2014, Latino Conservation Week is an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation and was created to support the Latino community getting outdoors and participating in activities to protect our natural resources. During this week, community, non-profit, faith-based, and government organizations and agencies hold events throughout the country. From hiking and camping to community roundtables and film screenings, these activities promote conservation efforts in their community and provide an opportunity for Latinos to show their support for permanently protecting our land, water and air.

On today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Michelle Ramirez, the public outreach specialist for Montgomery Parks (part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission), to talk about some of the exciting things they have planned for Latino Conservation Week in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn the history behind Latino Conservation Week, how Montgomery Parks is celebrating, and why this week is so special to Michelle. You’ll also learn:

Why this week’s celebration is important to the community in Montgomery County
Why it was critical for Montgomery Parks to ensure their events were accessible, regardless of someone’s financial situation
What lessons Michelle has learned in coordinating Latino Conservation Week events
How your park and recreation can participate in Latino Conservation Week
How to make sure the things we learn during this week continue to be applied throughout the year, and much more!

Related links:

Montgomery Parks: Celebrate Latino Conservation Week 2022
Latino Conservation Week webpage
Montgomery Parks on Facebook
Montgomery Parks on Twitter
Montgomery Parks on Instagram
Montgomery Parks on YouTube

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Merrell.

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It is officially our favorite month of the year here on Open Space Radio, and I’m so excited to celebrate Park and Recreation Month throughout July. Today’s episode is a short one, and you’re stuck with just me for a few minutes, but I wanted to take the opportunity to share some of the ways you can join in the Park and Recreation Month celebrations with us at NRPA.

Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — that maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.

This year’s theme, “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation,” focuses on bringing awareness to how important it is to rise up and support our field, because every day, park and recreation professionals rise up for their communities in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. So, all month long, NRPA will be highlighting the amazing impact that park and recreation professionals are having on their communities – so right off the bat, make sure you’re following NRPA on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn) to catch some of these amazing stories.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn how you can get involved in Park and Recreation Month this July, including:

Downloading the Park and Recreation Month Toolkit, which includes the official logo, graphics, a really amazing poster, sample messaging, social media posts and much more
Using the Park and Recreation Month Proclamation template so your local government can officially recognize July as Park and Recreation Month in your community
Hosting a Park and Recreation Professionals Day celebration on Friday, July 15
Signing up for NRPA’s advocacy alerts so you'll be the first to know about critical legislation and how to make your voice heard in Congress
Donating $10 or more to NRPA during July and receive a We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation sticker
Checking out the winning photo and story from this year’s Park and Recreation Month cover contest
Posting your Park and Recreation Month photos on social media using #RiseUpJuly

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by ACTIVENetwork. ACTIVENetwork rises up for park and recreation departments throughout North America with a powerful all-in-one software solution that enables parks and rec departments to run smoothly so they can focus on what matters most: their community. Learn more about how ACTIVENet can power your community at activenetwork.com/nrpa.

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Research shows that when children play sports, they increase their chances to grow up healthy, build friendships, and develop skills like teamwork and respect. And while 94 percent of park and recreation agencies offer youth sports, there are significant disparities in who has access to and benefits from sports participation.

This June as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX — the landmark piece of federal legislation prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education settings — we should reflect on the many achievements of girls and women in sports. And today, we’re doing just that with some incredible guests.

Joining me on today’s episode is 10-year-old Evangeline Iarossi of Tampa, Florida. Evangeline was tired of having her softball practices canceled because of the inequities that existed between girls and boys sports, and her Little League complex has multiple baseball fields but only one softball field. What was a frustrating, unfair situation inspired Evangeline to reach out to Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, writing a letter requesting that girls have the same opportunity as boys to participate in sports.

I’m also joined by two of the women who responded to Evangeline’s request very quickly and started coming up with a plan to make her wishes a reality. I’m thrilled to welcome Heather Wolf-Erickson, the Athletics, Aquatics and Special Facilities Manager for City of Tampa Parks and Recreation (the first woman in this role in Tampa), as well as Sherisha Hills, the director for City of Tampa Parks and Recreation.

Tune in below to learn more about how Tampa is responding to Evangeline’s letter and building on the work they are already doing to center gender equity in sports and all their other offerings. You’ll also learn:

What issue Evangeline noticed in her community and what she included in her letter to Mayor Castor
Why Evangeline’s story resonated with Heather and Sherisha
How the City of Tampa is responding and supporting Evangeline’s mission
What future plans City of Tampa Parks and Recreation has for gender equity
How other park and recreation professionals can ensure their sports programs are equitable and inclusive, and much more!

Related:

City of Tampa Parks and Recreation
@notthe1800s on Instagram
Email Evangeline’s nonprofit
Blog post: Tampa Athletics Director Heather Wolf-Erickson Fights for the Full Promise of Title IX

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by NIC Outdoors. You know the outdoors, now get to know the new NIC Outdoors plus US eDirect. NIC Outdoors is the only outdoor recreation technology and services provider exclusively focused on government. With over 30 years of experience in providing secure licensing, reservation, and digital and payment solutions for local, state, and federal agencies, NIC Outdoors serves the people who serve the people with one platform for all outdoor recreation experiences. Learn more about NIC Outdoors.

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As we officially begin our Park and Recreation Month celebrations with the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, I’m thrilled to be joined on today’s bonus episode by a few of the people involved with the event highlighted in this month’s cover story. Our cover this month, which is the winner of our annual Park and Recreation Month cover contest, is a photo that was taken during the tribal dedication of the Ocotillo Ramada at Phoenix's Piestewa Peak.

Formerly known as Squaw Peak, the City of Phoenix renamed the mountain Piestewa Peak, in honor of Lori Piestewa, who lost her life in the Iraq War in 2003. Lori, a member of the Hopi tribe, was the first Native American woman to her lose her life in combat while serving in the U.S. military.

I’m honored to be joined today by two members of her family, her mother Percy and son Brandon Whiterock, as well as Cynthia Aguilar, the director of City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation. Tune in to the full conversation below to learn more about Lori, this dedication, and how this space is providing inclusive recreational opportunities for the community. You’ll also learn:

How this dedication to honor Lori’s life came together
What it means for Lori’s family to be able to honor her life in this way
Why it was critical to ensure Piestewa Peak is accessible
How Phoenix is making sure that the benefits of parks and recreation are inclusive for all people, regardless of their race, age, ability or identity
How the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is working with tribal communities to ensure they have a seat at the table and their voices are heard, and more!

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This podcast episode is supported by Grant # 2020-JY-FX-0002 awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, a component of the Office of Justice Programs at U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice. While we have talked a lot about the COVID-19 pandemic on the show, and how that has been impacting communities, there also is another crisis that is impacting our communities and continuing to grow – the opioid epidemic. According to recent data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, more than 107,600 people died from drug overdoses last year, with more than 71,000 being opioid-related.

NRPA recognizes the impact substance misuse has on local park and recreation agencies and their communities, and to address this issue, we are supporting local agencies in their efforts to pilot a mentorship program for youth impacted by the opioid epidemic. One of these agencies is the park and recreation department in Berwick, Maine, which was recently awarded a grant that will help start a youth mentoring program that will prevent, reduce and address opioid misuse among youth in the Berwick community through evidence-based mentoring practices.

I’m so excited to be joined by three individuals who are playing a key role in this program: Angela O’Connor, the director of parks and recreation for City of Berwick; Patrice Baker, the director of prevention programs at Pinetree Institute; and Chief Bob MacKenzie, the police chief for Kennebunk Police Department.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about how Angela, Patrice and Robert came together to bring this program to their community. You’ll also learn:

What issues they noticed in their community that led then to apply for this grant
What goals they are hoping to accomplish with this program
How have their own experiences contributed to working on solutions to address the opioid crisis in thei community
Why partnerships are so important, especially in work of this nature
How they are breaking down stigma and opening up more conversations across the community around substance use disorder
How park and recreation professionals can start a program like this in their community and address issues like substance use disorder and the importance of youth mentoring, and more!

Related Resources:

Mentoring in Parks and Rec
Parks and Recreation: Addressing Stigma Associated with Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
NRPA Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Language Guide
NRPA Equity Language Guide

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The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories titled, “Making Wellness More Inclusive.” The story highlights a new inclusive wellness center that is part of the parks and recreation department in West Lafayette, Indiana, and today I’m joined by two individuals who were critical to its design. Today’s guests are Brent Ross, the Sports, Recreation and Entertainment Practice Leader for Perkins&Will, and Dylan Fischer, a project architect and associate with Perkins&Will, which is a global design practice with a goal of designing places that make a positive difference in the world.

Tune in to learn more about how inclusion was at the forefront when considering the design of this space, as well as what excites Brent and Dylan about this project. You’ll also learn:

What to consider when planning for inclusive spaces and facilities
Why community engagement was important for this project, especially getting input from community members who have been under-represented in community outreach efforts
How inclusive locker rooms and restrooms are ensuring the privacy and safety of all individuals who use them
How concerns about certain inclusive features were addressed from an educational standpoint
What lessons were learned and key takeaways for park and recreation professionals seeking to create more inclusive spaces, and much more!

Related Links:

West Lafayette Wellness Center
Perkins&Will

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In the spirit of registration opening yesterday for the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference, I wanted to replay one of our Coffee Talks from last year’s conference, when I had the opportunity to talk with Ignacio Gallegos and his grandmother, Leticia DeLaFuente. Ignacio has been a participant in the programs through Fox Valley Special Recreation Association in Illinois for the last 11 years, which he says has helped him find purpose in life. Ignacio, who was born blind, shares how the programs at Fox Valley have made him feel included, helped him participate in activities with his peers, and learn something that we have all become widely familiar with over the past few years – how to use Zoom and build connections virtually.

I hope you enjoy this conversation – and be sure to stick around until the end when Ignacio performs his favorite karaoke song, which is one of his most loved programs to participate in. And, if you enjoy this Coffee Talk, I hope you’ll join us at the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference, taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, this September 20-22. Register today at www.nrpa.org/conference.

Tune in below to learn:

What kinds of programs have improved Ignacio’s quality of life the most
What skills Ignacio has developed through the programs at Fox Valley Special Recreation
How Leticia feels witnessing her grandson thrive and immerse himself in these programs
The importance of connection and a sense of belonging
How the staff at Fox Valley Special Recreation have made their way into Leticia and Ignacio’s hearts, and much more!

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Issuu – the ideal solution to bring your park and recreation program guides to life! Issuu works seamlessly with digital tools you already use, like Canva, Dropbox or InDesign, and allows you to easily create a flipbook with interactive elements and embed it on your park and rec agency’s website or share via email and social media. You’ll also save on printing costs – some park and rec agencies have saved over $50,000 per year by taking their program guides digital with Issuu! Get started today and get 30% off annual plans – visit www.issuu.com/go/parks. The promo code is already applied!

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The May issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Recognizing Water Safety Month.” In celebration of May being National Water Safety Month, the article explores best practices for safety in and around the water, with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. On today’s show, I am joined by the author of the article, Tara Eggleston Stewart, CPRE, division chief for aquatics and athletic facilities for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Tara has been in the aquatics profession since she was 15 years old, and as she has grown in the profession, she has always relied on her passion for aquatics and making a difference to drive her interests and growth, versus focusing on how she might be perceived by a profession where few people looked like her or had a similar background. Aside from her work at Maryland-National Capital, Tara has also served on NRPA’s Aquatics Network, the American Red Cross’ National Training Services, the Association of Aquatic Professionals, and Diversity in Aquatics.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Tara, how she got into the field of parks and recreation, and why making water safety programs more equitable and inclusive is so important. You’ll also learn:

Why drowning is a national public health crisis that disproportionately impacts communities of color and people with disabilities
How park and recreation professionals play a role in ending the drowning crisis
How M-NCPPC is fostering and supporting the development of a “water-well” community through its various programs and partnerships
How M-NCPPC’s new Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center was designed with accessibility in mind
How agencies can hire and retain qualified and diverse lifeguarding staff
How to engage our communities in critical conversations and activities around water safety during National Water Safety month and beyond, and much more!

Related Links and Resources:

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation – Prince George’s County, Maryland
Aquatics at M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation
Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center Virtual Grand Opening (video)
May is National Water Safety Month
NRPA Aquatics Resources
American Red Cross Lifeguard & Water Safety Training
The Association of Aquatic Professionals
Diversity in Aquatics

Pictured: An aquatics staff member from Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s (M-NCPPC) Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County, Maryland, provides swim lessons to a child at a Make A Splash event at the Sports and Learning Complex. Photo by Cassi Hayden.

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On today’s episode, I’m excited talk about something that plays a critical role in building environmental resilience, cooling our neighborhoods, and improving the health of our communities: trees. Trees are critical infrastructure, but due to decades of redlining and other discriminatory policies, there are fewer trees in low-income communities and communities of color.

Which is why I am thrilled to talk about tree equity with today’s guest, Jad Daley, president and CEO of American Forests. Jad leads American Forests’ strategic vision and serves as its “chief engagement officer” in building diverse partnerships to advance its mission to create healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large natural landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. He also is directly involved in the organization’s programmatic work, such as forest-climate science, policy development and communication.

Jad has a long history of leadership issues related to climate change and equity, having co-founded the Forest-Climate Working Group and the 1t.org US Chapter, and establishing the first-ever climate change program at The Trust for Public Land, where he served as a vice president and held the endowed Martha Wyckoff Fellowship.

On this episode, we discuss why more trees in the places that need them most truly is a life-or-death issue, and why tree equity is a solution that requires all of us to take action. According to Jad, “I yearn for game-changing progress on the urgent challenges of climate change and social equity. I am inspired by my belief that trees can provide transformational impact in these areas, and the knowledge that we are doing work daily that can save lives and our climate, changing the trajectory of our nation.”

Tune in to learn more about tree equity, why urban trees and forests are so critical, and why this work means so much to Jad. You’ll also learn about:

How the Tree Equity Score tool can help park and recreation professional create tree equity in your cities and towns
Cities and park and recreation agencies that are making an impact when it comes to tree equity
Ways to keep these critical conversations going beyond Earth Day
Actions park and recreation professionals can take today to ensure our communities have equitable access to trees and green space, and more!

Related Links Discussed in this Episode:

American Forests website
Tree Equity Score
1t.org US Chapter
Forest-Climate Working Group
Follow American Forests on Twitter
Follow American Forests on Instagram
Follow American Forests on Facebook

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Sensodyne. Sensodyne wants to nourish and strengthen your teeth with every brush. Their new toothpaste, Sensodyne Nourish, contains natural mint and essential oils and prevents tooth sensitivity pain when used twice a day. Plus, the tube and carton are recyclable.

Sensodyne is also on a mission to nourish the planet. As part of their Acts of Nourish challenge, NRPA is collaborating with them, as well as local park and recreation professionals, to revitalize parks and outdoor spaces across the country. You can participate by submitting your own act of nourish, and potentially win $10,000 along with some other awesome eco-friendly prizes! It’s a great way to do some good and get rewarded.

You can enter the challenge and learn more about our park projects by visiting actsofnourish.com.

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As we wrap up Women’s History Month, I wanted to revisit an episode we released around this time last year, with three women who created quite a force in the world of parks and recreation – a group known as Women in Parks and Recreation, or WiPaR, which started as a Facebook group for women in the field to come together and share their ideas, struggles and triumphs. It has now grown into a 501©3 nonprofit charitable organization with a go al of strengthening women in the field through networking, collaboration and learning. On this episode, you’ll be hearing from the three founding members of Women in Parks and Recreation:

Lakita Watson, an NRPA board member, former executive director of the Richland County Recreation Commission (South Carolina) and CEO of WiPaR;
Katy Keller, director of Town of Pittsboro Parks and Recreation (North Carolina) and the vice president of programs for WiPaR; and
Melanie Scoggins, business development and retention manager at Town of Leesburg (Virginia) and founding board member of WiPaR

I hope you enjoy this conversation as we discuss their experiences, as well as the inspiration behind creating this group (and now full-fledged organization). I encourage listeners to check out their newly launched website at WIPAR.org. AND, Lakita will be joining NRPA for an online learning opportunity this Thursday, March 31, to discuss the WiPAR community and the unique challenges and amazing triumphs of women in the field.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

The importance of women having their own space to collaborate on ideas related to our field.
Some of the ways they are sharing the “mental load” of invisible work that women take on in their personal and professional lives.
What their experiences have been working through a pandemic and what challenges have been unique to women.
What advice they would give young women in the field of parks and recreation.
Some of their favorite stories and ideas that have come from the Women in Parks and Recreation Facebook group, and more!

This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by The Toro Company. Introducing the all-new Toro Workman UTX, a no-nonsense, four-wheel drive utility vehicle built to stand up to the toughest tests without compromising performance. With standard commercial-grade components, the highest payload in its class and a proprietary speed control system, it’s designed for the rigors of a long work week. For more information on the Workman UTX, visit Toro.com/UTX or contact your local Toro Distributor. Toro…Count on it

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The April issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode we’re diving into one of this month’s feature stories, “Celebrating Earth Day.” which explores how park and recreation professionals across the country are bringing Earth Day events to their communities during the month of April and on Earth Day, which takes place on April 22 – and, this year is the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. Joining me on today’s episode is the author of the article, NRPA Director of Community and Environmental Resilience Ayanna Williams. Prior to joining NRPA a little less than a year ago, Ayanna was the Healthy Cities Director at The Nature Conservancy in Georgia, and she also served as the Director of Community Building with Park Pride for more than a decade.

Throughout Ayanna’s career, she has cultivated a broad perspective and deep understanding of environmental resilience, building and maintaining relationships, and engaging in work that depends on diverse local partnerships and the support of national institutions.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Ayanna and what led her to a career in the community building and environmental conservation space. You’ll also learn:

How local park and recreation agencies are celebrating Earth Day in their communities as a day of action for the planet
How agencies are using creative solutions to address challenges with hosting Earth Day celebrations
What Ayanna would focus on if she were planning an Earth Day event in her community
What we can all do beyond Earth Day to ensure environmental justice is a priority to those with decision-making power
What gives Ayanna hope for the future of our communities and planet (and why there’s no downside to hope)
And much more!

Related Links:

Park.Change. Tool
Exploring the Climate.Park.Change. Toolkit (Webinar on April 14, 2022)
Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz
NRPA Green Stormwater Infrastructure Certificate Program

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With around 65,000 people around the world supporting the quality of life for United States Armed Forces personnel and their families, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (or MWR) — a.k.a. Armed Forces Recreation — is a network of park and recreation professionals who serve in the military and offer everything you would see at a traditional, community-based park and recreation agency. It also is a sector of the park and recreation world that provides a lot of civilian career opportunities for students and young professionals looking to get into the field – and, as one of NRPA’s active member networks is the Armed Forces Recreation Network, I’m looking forward to chatting about a topic we haven’t covered much on today’s episode.

Joining me today are three individuals who are making huge impacts within their respective branches of the military when it comes to recreation and all the benefits it provides those who serve.

I’m thrilled to welcome John Prue, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program analyst for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and incoming chair of the NRPA Armed Forces Recreation Network; Caité Kendrick, the recreation program manager at IMCOM Readiness for the U.S. Army; and Kiersten Warren, the outdoor recreation business manager for Air Force Services.

Tune in to the full episode below as we discuss all things Armed Forces Recreation/MWR and what led each of them to a career in this field. You’ll also learn:

How access to recreational opportunities are having a positive impact on those who serve in the Navy, Army, Air Force and more
The similarities and unique differences between MWR installations and traditional, community-based local park and recreation agencies
Why MWR is essential for the physical and mental health of those serving in the military, as well as their families
What career opportunities in MWR are available (even for civilians!) and how you can learn more
Why NRPA members should join the Armed Forces Recreation Network, and much more!

Additional Resources:

NRPA Armed Forces Recreation Network
Navy MWR website
Air Force Outdoor Recreation website
Army MWR website
Careers in MWR via USAJOBS

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Regular listeners of the show know that I have a love for skateboarding, and, as many NRPA members and park and recreation professionals have been inquiring about the benefits of bringing skateparks to their communities, I’m excited for today’s episode. And, I believe you’re going to get a lot out of it if you’re one of those professionals advocating for a skatepark at your agency. On today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Alec Beck, the manager of public education for The Skatepark Project, formerly known as the Tony Hawk Foundation, as well as Cecely Todacheenie, a local skateboarder from Gallup, New Mexico, who was a strong advocate and youth ambassador for a skatepark project in her community.

Cecely, who is a member of the Navajo Nation and co-owner of Enchantment Skate Shop with her husband, Jeremy, developed a love for skateboarding after finding it was a positive outlet for dealing with a traumatic event in her life. When she noticed a need in her community for a safe, accessible space to participate in this activity she loves, she worked with City of Gallup officials, as well as Alec and The Skatepark Project, to make the Gallup Skatepark — a free, public skatepark for skateboarding, roller skating, biking and more — a reality.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about The Skatepark Project and why the Gallup Skatepark and other skateparks across the country are such powerful tools for building community. You’ll also learn:

How The Skatepark Project is bringing more skateparks to local communities
How Cecely engaged her community and advocated for the Gallup Skatepark
How skateparks can be a catalyst for equity and inclusion in a community
The importance of breaking down the stigma associated with skateboarding and skateparks
What steps a park and recreation agency should take when considering building a skatepark
What skateboarding means to Cecely and Alec, and much more!

Related Links

The Skatepark Project
Resources from The Skatepark Project
The Skatepark Project on Instagram
Cecely Todacheenie on Instagram
Push To Heal (short film)
Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Rodeo (part of the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, which will include the Inter-Tribal Skate Jam in 2022!)
Email the Skatepark Project

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The March issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, titled, “Blazing a Trail in Bristol, Connecticut.” The story highlights a mountain bike pump track in Bristol that became a reality thanks to the advocacy of community members, buy-in from the local park and recreation department, and funding from NRPA’s Youth Sports and Play grant. I’m thrilled to be joined today by some key players in this project that is helping provide increased access to recreational opportunities – joining me are Dr. Josh Medeiros, an NRPA board member and the superintendent of Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services; Brian Archibald, a teacher and member of the Bristol community and founder of Bike Bristol; and Brian’s son, Lance, who is an avid mountain biker.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn the inspiration behind this project, how it came to fruition, and how the bike pump track is advancing equitable access to mountain biking in Bristol. You’ll also learn:

How mountain biking provided Lance an opportunity to find his “thing” when traditional team sports did not interest him
The importance of bringing youth to the decision-making table and listening to their voices
The importance of listening to community members and saying “yes” when you can
What challenges arose due to COVID-19 and how NRPA’s Youth Sports and Play grant helped make the track a reality
How a space like a bike pump track is benefitting the broader community, and much more!

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If you’ve been listening to the show for a while now, or if you joined us at the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference, you may be familiar with today’s guests. On today’s episode, we’re replaying my Coffee Talk from the conference with Dr. Kim and Claude Walker, the founders of Abundant Life Adventure Club.

Abundant Life Adventure Club is an outdoor adventure company whose membership and adventures help Black people who want to live an active lifestyle by providing a variety of organized, curated outdoor experiences with certified guides. The mission of the Abundant life Adventure Club is to empower Black people to spend time in nature to inspire wellness, abundant living and connection, and they were named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies” in 2021 by USA Today.

Tune in to our conversation below to learn more about Dr. Kim and Claude, what inspired them to create Abundant Life Adventure Club, and how the club has grown since the last time we spoke. You’ll also learn:

How being part of the first generation of Black people to have full access to parks and outdoor spaces have impacted Dr. Kim and Claude’s relationships with the outdoors
The types of experiences Abundant Life Adventure Club provides its members in terms of physical activity, adventure, mental well-being and mindfulness
How Dr. Kim and Claude built a community and provided opportunities when people needed them most, also while working additional essential jobs
The ways Abundant Life Adventure Club has worked with Nashville Metro Parks and Recreation and other agencies
How park and recreation professionals can build partnerships with organizations like Abundant Life Adventure Club, and more!

Additional Resources:

Abundant Life Adventure Club website
Abundant Life Adventure Club on Instagram
Abundant Life Adventure Club on Facebook

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The February issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and I’m excited to finally be back with a bonus episode since we had taken a break on bonus episodes over the last few months. And, the reason I’m so excited about it is that we are celebrating the second annual 30 Under 30!

Parks & Recreation magazine’s 30 Under 30 honors the top young park and recreation professionals who serve as everyday superheroes in their respective communities, and while you can read about all 30 of these incredible professionals in the article, I’m honored to welcome two of this year’s honorees to the show today, as well as Michael Biedenstein, NRPA’s volunteer and awards manager (who also helped us kick off this awesome program last year before he came on board as a member of the NRPA staff).

Joining us today is Rosie Santos, a manager for Strong Consulting at the Mayerson Academy, where she coaches and consults with park and recreation professionals, as well as neighborhood leaders and other community changemakers on how to bring out the best in themselves, their teams and their organizations. In her previous role, Rosie served as the conservation and parks manager for Great Parks of Hamilton County in Ohio.

We’re also joined by Hashim Taylor, who recently began his new role as director of parks and recreation for City of Cedar Rapids in Iowa, where he leads the park and recreation staff by overseeing parks, recreation, forestry, golf, aquatics, Ushers Ferry, and administration for the department. In his previous roles, Hashim served as the recreation program manager for Prince William County and worked in the parks and recreation departments for City of Virginia Beach and City of Alexandria, Virginia.

Tune in to learn why Rosie and Hashim are so deserving of this award, as well as what being recognized as a 30 Under 30 recipient means to each of them. You’ll also learn:

What excites us about this year’s 30 Under 30 class
How Rosie and Hashim each got started in the park and recreation profession
The “why” behind each of their work and some career highlights
What the future of parks and recreation looks like to young professionals, and much more!

Related Links:

30 Under 30 for 2022
Mayerson Academy
City of Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation
NRPA Awards

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I am so excited for today’s episode for a few reasons. One, I’m always excited when I get to have a wonderful conversation for an episode of Open Space Radio. Two, I really enjoy learning about the innovative things happening in parks and recreation that are helping to create stronger, healthier, more resilient communities. And three, I’m joined by one of my all-time favorite guests of the show today, Neelay Bhatt.

Neelay is Vice President and Principal of PROS Consulting, and he recently published an article in Parks & Recreation magazine titled, “Next Practices for the Post-Pandemic 2020s.” While Neelay always seems to have his finger on the pulse of what’s coming up in parks and recreation, it was his distinction of the words “next practices,” as opposed to “best practices,” that inspired me to invite him on today’s episode.

This idea of reframing the use of the phrase “best practices” has been swirling around in my own head for a bit, and our friend Marissa Moravec of the Let’s Talk Parks podcast recently did an episode with Neelay’s colleague, Jason Elissalde, to talk about this and how best practices are rooted in the past and don’t leave much room for the idea that we can always do better.

On this episode, Neelay further explains some of the next practices to be aware of and the roles they will play in how park and recreation professionals serve their communities. Tune in to the full episode below to learn what the future of parks and recreation may look like in terms of programming, placemaking, financing and more. You’ll also learn:

The difference between park and recreation professionals providing an offering vs. an experience.
How park and recreation professionals can ensure they are prioritizing people and creating true belonging.
What sport may be coming to the U.S. and becoming part of your programming sooner than you think.
Why we should continue telling our park and recreation story at every opportunity.
How Neelay’s grandmother (Dadu) impacted his life and inspired him to be the person he is today, and so much more!

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We are back for a new year of amazing stories and I can’t wait for all the conversations taking place this year on Open Space Radio! To kick off 2022, I’m thrilled to welcome someone who is making some big waves in the outdoor recreation industry.

Dani Reyes-Acosta is a mountain athlete and storyteller rewriting the narrative of who plays outside and how we build community with others on this planet. Originally from Southern California, she has traveled through Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Andorra, Canada and the U.S. building her mountain craft since 2014, when she graduated from corporate life with a one-way ticket to South America.

A splitboarder, rock climber, mountain runner, and waterwoman, she has been featured in the Washington Post, She Explores, Women on the Road, the Los Angeles Times and regional publications throughout the American West.

Currently partnered with Protect Our Winters, Salomon, Suunto, Trail Butter, Anon Optics and Athletic Brewing, her mission is to inspire individual action and collective communion through self-care and self-determination found in the outdoors. She also works very closely with Latino Outdoors, whose vision is a world where all Latino communities enjoy nature as a safe, inclusive and welcoming place – a world where the outdoors is a place to share and celebrate stories, knowledge and culture, while growing leadership and an active community of Latino outdoor users, mentors and stewards.

Dani’s goal as a mountain athlete is to find the limits of her possible, searching for high peaks and ski lines that tell the story of Mother Earth's most impacted places.

Tune in to the episode below to learn more about Dani, how her love for the outdoors began, and the mission she is on as an athlete and storyteller exploring the human experience. You’ll also learn:

How has access to the outdoors has personally played a role in Dani’s life.
Why human-centered design is so critical when thinking of public spaces.
The importance of being a responsible steward of the land and how local park and recreation professionals can provide educational opportunities around environmental stewardship.
How park and recreation professionals can support both tourism and their local community members in their parks and programs.
How we can use our power to create space for those who have historically been underrepresented or left out of outdoor recreation conversations.
What Dani’s most proud of thus far in her work, and much more!

Related Links:

Follow Dani on Instagram
Connect with Dani on LinkedIn
Dani’s website
Protect Our Winters
Latino Outdoors

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It’s so hard to believe that we’re coming to the end of another year. And, with all the hope we had going into 2021 after a traumatic 2020, I think it’s safe to say that this was also a very difficult year. That’s not to say there weren’t a lot of positive things to happen this year, but I just wanted to start by acknowledging the fact that 2021 was hard — for me, for a lot of you, for us. But, if you’re still showing up, whatever that looks like at the moment, I see you and I applaud you. It’s not easy — and especially not in the work that many of you do. But, we made it through the year together.

It’s rare that I get on the podcast to just do a monologue — and honestly, it feels kind of strange not having a conversation with someone else for this episode — but I wanted to end the year with a huge thank you to you, our listeners, for going through this year with me and all of the wonderful guests who have shared their stories on the show this year. It was a year of some of the best conversations I’ve ever had the privilege of being a part of, a year of milestones, and also a bit of a bittersweet year as we said goodbye to my longtime cohost, colleague and friend, Roxanne Sutton, as she moved on from NRPA to, well, be the boss that she is! We still miss her endless wisdom on the podcast, though.

This year we released our 100th official episode, we surpassed 100,000 downloads of the show – which, I can’t thank you enough for continuing to listen that many times. We were also nominated by Blue Ridge Magazine for the Best of the Blue Ridge awards, which we’ll be finding out the results of in February – so another thank you to everyone who voted for the podcast!

All of those milestones are due to your continued support and the amazing individuals who have been open to sharing their experiences. So, today we’re listening back at some of the most popular episodes from this year. The things these folks shared on the podcast taught me so much this year on a deeply personal level, and I hope you feel the same.

Tune in to the full episode below as I reflect on each of these 13 most-downloaded episodes from 2021 and share inspiring messages from guests of each episode:

Creating Opportunities for Underserved Youth in Louisville — Episode 084
Creating a Space for Women in Parks and Recreation — Episode 085
One Year Later: COVID-19 and Parks and Recreation — Episode 086
The Importance of Amplifying Contemporary Indigenous Voices — April Bonus Episode
What Inclusion and Accessibility Mean to a Special Olympian — Episode 088
Creating a Culture of Transgender Inclusion in Sports — Episode 092
Fostering an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Environment in Parks and Recreation — Episode 094
Our Park and Recreation Story: How One Family Finds Peace in Parks — July Bonus Episode
The Genesis Project: How a Mother Is Keeping Her Son’s Spirit Alive — Episode 095
Leaving a Lasting Legacy in The Big Apple Through a Culture of Care — Episode 098
On a Mission to End Playspace Inequity for Good — Episode 099
Inspiring Others to Experience the Fullness of Their Humanity — Episode 102
How Unlikely Hikers Is Creating Community and Belonging Outside — Episode 103

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On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m excited to be replaying one of the Coffee Talks I hosted at the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference back in September. So, if you weren’t able to join us at the conference, I’m glad you’ll be able to hear this conversation today with Luis Romahn. Luis is the president, CEO and founder of Parques de México and the National Association of Parks and Recreation Mexico, also known as ANPR.

Luis has led ANPR for the last six years, offering its members professional development, networking and employment opportunities. He has been instrumental in shaping the profession in Mexico through research, standards, data and advocacy, and is doing great work to promote the value of parks and recreation in Mexico. Among his many accomplishments throughout his life, he is also the author of the book, “Building My Park – From Citizen Participation to the Administration of Public Space.”

Luis is also part of the Emerging Urban Leaders Cohort Program through the Salzburg Global Seminar and World Urban Parks, which is a program that provides spaces for emerging urban leaders to collectively advance critical urban parks work across the globe.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Luis and his journey to creating a park and recreation movement in Mexico and beyond. You’ll also learn:

What led Luis to pursue a career in parks and recreation
Why there was a need for creating a national association for park and recreation professionals in Mexico
How the profession is growing across Mexico and Latin America
How having a network of global park and recreation leaders is helping Luis and ANPR advance their work at home in Mexico
How park and recreation professionals in the U.S. can be helpful to Luis and his colleagues in Mexico as they continue to build this movement, and more!

Related Links:

National Association of Parks and Recreation Mexico (ANPR)
Parques de México
World Urban Parks

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Last week we celebrated National Take a Hike Day, and today on the show we’re continuing our celebrations of the Hike Your Turf campaign in partnership with our friends at Merrell. All month long, we’ve been discussing the importance of getting outside and the need for equitable access to parks, trails, green spaces and more.

On today’s episode, I’m so excited to welcome one of Merrell’s ambassadors to chat about her journey to becoming an outdoor leader, advocate and community builder. Jenny Bruso is the founder of Unlikely Hikers, which is an incredible community she created when she discovered a connection with nature, but found outdoor culture to be hostile to those who don’t fit the white, straight-size, cishet-normative, able-bodied mold.

Unlikely Hikers is a diverse, anti-racist, body-liberating outdoor community featuring the underrepresented outdoorsperson. I’m so grateful to Jenny for joining me on the show to discuss how this community is creating a sense of belonging for people who are often underrepresented or made to feel like they don't have a place in outdoor spaces.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Jenny and her inspiration behind creating Unlikely Hikers. You’ll also learn:

How Jenny reframes what it means to be “outdoorsy.”
How Unlikely Hikers is showing the diverse ways people are getting outside and creating space for the underrepresented outdoorsperson.
How the changing seasons are a great metaphor for the changes we go through in life.
The importance of honoring Indigenous communities and acknowledging the stolen lands we are recreating on.
How Jenny feels when she hears someone went on their first hike because of something they saw on Unlikely Hikers.
Why we should challenge the notion of “being our best selves” all the time and just do the best with what we’ve got, and a whole lot more good stuff!

Related Links:

Unlikely Hikers on Instagram
Jenny Bruso on Instagram
Jenny Bruso and Unlikely Hikers Website
Unlikely Hikers Podcast

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It’s hard to believe, but it is already November. One of my favorite things to do this time of year is get outside and take in all the beautiful fall foliage and crisp air here in Virginia, and I’m fortunate to have some great trails close to my home, which has really benefitted my physical and mental health. So, I’m thrilled that NRPA is once again partnering with Merrell for the Hike Your Turf campaign this month, which focuses on encouraging everyone to get outside and explore their local parks and trails, as well as the importance of equitable access to these spaces.

The campaign leads up to National Take a Hike Day on November 17, so be sure to share all the ways you’re celebrating on social media using #HikeYourTurf — Merrell will donate $1 to NRPA for every post using that hashtag, as well as $5 for every email signup on their website!

One way we’re celebrating this campaign is by welcoming today’s guest Mirna Valerio — one of Merrell’s ambassadors — to the podcast. Mirna was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and she is a former educator, cross-country coach, ultrarunner, obstacle course enthusiast, and author of A Beautiful Work in Progress.

Although she began running in high school, Mirna recommitted to the sport after a health scare in 2008. It was then that her love for running and all its attendant benefits were reignited. She soon started her blog Fatgirlrunning, about her experiences as a larger woman in a world of thinner athletes. Mirna's writing and athletic story have been featured in tons of publications, and in the viral REI-produced documentary short, The Mirnavator. She was also chosen as a 2018 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Mirna, her passion for running and the outdoors, and what compelled her to begin sharing her story, which has inspired so many. You’ll also learn:

How access to local parks and trails has personally benefitted Mirna’s life.
What she is most proud of among her many accomplishments.
How she unplugs and embraces self-care
How park and recreation professionals can “allow people to live, to experience, and to express the fullness of their humanity every time and all the time.”
Why you should #HikeYourTurf on November 17, and more!

Other Links:

Mirna's website
Follow Mirna on Instagram
Follow Mirna on Twitter
Follow Mirna on Facebook
Fatgirlrunning on Facebook
FATGIRLRUNNING Private Facebook Group

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Today, I’m excited to once again be sharing a replay of one of the Coffee Talks I hosted during the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference back in September. As you may know, last week NRPA released a new resource – the Equity Language Guide. We know that words matter and that language has the power to uplift as well as marginalize – but sometimes finding the “right” words to use can be difficult. The guide serves as a glossary of terms to help park and recreation professionals develop a common language around diversity, equity and inclusion. It also provides guidance to help people become familiar with terms they may not be aware of and best practices for making your writing accessible. I highly encourage you to download the guide and consider the ways you can begin using more inclusive language.

With that being said, I thought replaying my Coffee Talk with Autumn Saxton-Ross, NRPA’s vice president of education and chief equity officer would be relevant for today’s episode. We discussed Autumn’s first year with NRPA, how she’s been approaching NRPA’s equity work in the field of parks and recreation, and how NRPA is continuing to center equity in all that we do. Please note this conversation was recorded prior to the release of the Equity Language Guide, so Autumn describes it as an upcoming resource – but, you can access it here now.

You’ll also notice that Autumn and I ask listeners to share ideas in the “discussion forum” throughout the conversation – since the discussion forums were part of the original Coffee Talk at the conference, I’d invite you to leave your ideas in the comments below, share them with me on our Open Space Radio Instagram page, or email them to me at openspace@nrpa.org.

I hope you enjoy this conversation, and I hope it inspires you to continue to center equity in all that you do, as well. You’ll also learn:

How we can ensure that parks and recreation is accessible and inclusive for the whole
How NRPA is supporting its members in achieving more equitable outcomes in their communities.
Small, but impactful, ways you can begin implementing more equitable policies at your agency.
What resources and opportunities NRPA members can expect in the future.
How you can get involved in the conversations around developing equity-related resources for the field, and more!

Resources discussed in this episode:

NRPA Equity Language Guide
Equity in Parks and Recreation: A Historical Perspective (Story Map)
Other NRPA equity resources

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First, I want to take a moment to mention that today’s episode is episode 100 of Open Space Radio! We’ve technically released more than 100 if you include bonus episodes, but since this is “officially” episode 100, I just wanted to thank YOU for listening to the podcast every other week and continuing to show your support.

As you may know, a few weeks ago at the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference, I had the privilege of hosting Coffee Talks and having some really great conversations with some really great people about issues happening in parks and recreation. On today’s episode, I’m excited to share one of those Coffee Talks with you if you weren’t able to join us for the conference.

On this Coffee Talk, I was joined by three brilliant individuals to discuss the importance of out-of-school time (OST) programs and how they can continue to support equitable access to learning, community healing, and the health and well-being of youth as we enter the back-to-school transition.

My guests were Brodrick Clarke, vice president of programs at National Summer Learning Association; Daniel Hatcher, director of community partnerships at Alliance for a Healthier Generation; and NRPA’s own director of health, Allison Colman. This was a wonderful conversation and provided a lot of insight into how park and recreation professionals can continue to support kids and youth now that school is back in session.

Tune in below to hear the full replay of this Coffee Talk. You’ll also learn:

The ways in which the challenges of the last year and a half have impacted the social-emotional health of youth.
How OST providers are stepping up and providing solutions to support equitable access to opportunities for learning, healing and connection.
How park and recreation professionals can partner with other community-based providers to address many of the issues our youth are facing.
How NRPA is supporting its members who are providing OST programs in their communities.
How providers of OST programs helped support a safe, healthy back-to-school transition this fall, and more!

Also, be sure to check out all the great work going on (and available resources!) at Alliance for a Healthier Generation and National Summer Learning Association.

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One of the core elements of parks and recreation is not something super profound or complicated, but it is absolutely essential. When we get down to it, parks and recreation is about play. Play is an essential component of learning, development, creativity, connection, health and well-being, and so much more – and especially for kids.

But, the reality is that there is a long history of Black, Indigenous and people of color being systemically excluded from, or made to feel unwelcome, in spaces like parks and playgrounds – the primary places people go to play. This history has created barriers that have for many years denied kids in many communities the benefits of play, as well as perpetuated inequities in access to these spaces.

One organization that is working to end playspace inequity for good is KABOOM! KABOOM! unites with communities to build kid-designed playspaces that can spark joy and foster a sense of belonging for the kids who are often denied opportunities to thrive.

Being that KABOOM! and NRPA are very much aligned in centering equity in all we do, I’m so thrilled to welcome Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!, to the show today to chat a little bit about her passion for play, the importance of community engagement, and a whole lot of other great things going on with KABOOM!.

Tune in below to learn more about Lysa and KABOOM!, as well as:

KABOOM!’s thoughtful approach to community engagement.
The benefits that KABOOM!’s playspaces are providing in the communities they work with.
Why Lysa believes “Play is the currency of humanity.”
How KABOOM! is working with local park and recreation agencies on the ground in local communities.
How partnerships play a role in the impact KABOOM! is making, and more!

To learn more about KABOOM!, click here.

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When this episode airs, we will be exactly a week away from the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference, taking place both virtually and in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s going to be three dynamic days of learning, networking, inspiring conversation and so much more, and I can’t wait until things get started next Tuesday. In the meantime, I’m honored to chat with someone today who I have been meaning to invite on the podcast for a while now.

Mitchell Silver recently wrapped up a seven-year tenure as parks commissioner for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and he is an award-winning planner with more than 35 years of experience. And as of August, he is principal and vice president of urban planning for McAdams, where he is responsible for providing advisory services in urban planning, land-use, parks and public space planning with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Simply put, Silver is a community builder and internationally recognized leader who has made invaluable contributions to the field of parks and recreation, and I’m thrilled to welcome him today to chat about his career, and possibly get a sneak peek at his keynote presentation on day two of the NRPA Annual Conference next week.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Silver, his extensive career and the importance of creating a culture of care. You’ll also learn:

How Silver’s background in planning helped redefine NYC Parks, especially in service of equity.
Why he thinks parks are the heart of a city.
What he’s done right throughout his career, and what he may have done differently.
How he reassured his staff that the culture he created will continue beyond him serving as commissioner.
Why parks and recreation should be part of a city’s healthcare system, and more!

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Things have been very busy here at NRPA as we gear up for the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference coming up September 21-23. So busy, in fact, that we don’t have a new episode of Open Space Radio for you today, but I wanted to take the opportunity on our regularly scheduled release day to release a bonus episode just to give you a sneak peak of what I’ve been working on for conference.

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been recording some really incredible conversations for our Coffee Talks that will be taking place at the conference. These Coffee Talks will be airing each morning and evening during the conference on the virtual platform, and I’ll be talking with park and recreation professionals, program participants, community leaders, NRPA staff and more, about the important work and the incredible stories that happen in parks and recreation. So, here are the brilliant guests who will be joining me for Coffee Talks at this year’s conference:

Day One

Morning: Autumn Saxton-Ross, NRPA’s vice president of education and chief equity officer, will join me for the first Coffee Talk to discuss how her first year at NRPA has gone, what she’s been up to, and provide an update on how NRPA is continuing to center equity in all we do.
Evening: Ignacio Gallegos, a participant at Fox Valley Special Recreation Association in Illinois and his grandmother, Leticia DeLaFuente, will share how the programs at Fox Valley have made Ignacio, who was born blind, feel included, helped him participate and given him purpose in life.

Day Two

Morning: Jodie Adams, a parks director emeritus and past president of the NRPA BOD, will talk about an NRPA oral history project that we’ll be integrating into the podcast in the months ahead. We’ll be discussing the history of NRPA as an organization, lessons learned and some amazing stories from previous leaders.
Evening: Luis Romahn, the president, CEO and founder of Parques de México and the National Association of Parks and Recreation Mexico, will discuss all the great work he and his organization are doing to build a park and recreation movement in Mexico and areas of Latin America, and how professionals in the U.S. can support.

Day Three

Morning: Kim and Claude Walker of the Tennessee-based Abundant Life Adventure Club (who have also previously been guests of Open Space Radio) will be updating me on all the incredible things they’ve been up to and how they’re empowering Black people to spend time in nature to inspire wellness, abundant living and connection.
Evening: Brodrick Clarke, vice president of programs for National Summer Learning Association, Daniel Hatcher, director of community partnerships for Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and Allison Colman, NRPA’s director of health, join me for a conversation about the importance of out-of-school time programs and how they can continue to support equitable access to learning, community healing, and the health and well-being of youth.

I sincerely hope you will join us for the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference, whether in Nashville or virtually. And, I hope you’ll join me and the guests above for some great conversation each morning and evening on the virtual platform. So, be sure to head over to the conference webpage to register! But, if you aren’t able to join, don’t worry — some of these Coffee Talks also will be released throughout the year as episodes of the podcast!

As always, thank you for everything you do and thanks for your continued support of the show. I’ll be back in two weeks, and we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled stories that showcase how essential parks and recreation truly is. Talk to you then!

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Park and Recreation Month — which is obviously the best month in the park and recreation profession, just wrapped up at the end of July, and I’m excited to share one of the many things we did this year on today’s episode. This year for Park and Recreation Month, in partnership with New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander, we created a community poem — one poem compiled from many voices, about what parks and recreation means to people.

We asked members of the park and recreation community to submit original poems about parks and recreation, and Kwame took pieces from each poem and combined them into one single community poem, titled, “Everything Around You…” So, I thought it would be fun to unveil the poem on a special edition of the podcast today.

You can hear Kwame read the final community poem on this episode, as well as read the full text of the poem in the description. You also can see Kwame read the poem if you are planning to join us at the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference in Nashville this September.

Thank you to everyone who submitted to our community poem this July, and a huge thank you to Kwame Alexander for using his incredible talents to help bring everyone’s voices together into one beautiful collective message.

Everything Around You: Our Park and Recreation Story

You arrive
and everything around you
is green:

The trees,
the flowers,
the very soil that feeds
this planet
and that's just the start.

All day
everything around you
is performing
a classic symphony
of breathtaking outdoor beauty
grounded in the magnificence
of wild simplicity
in picturesque form:

bison, coyotes, swans, eagles
a mama duck prodding
her ducklings
a sunbathing frog
the Lady Slipper
anxious squirrels wrestling
for their fair share
of forbidden fruit.

This is your place.

A sanctuary
of hammockers
battered straw hats
picnic blankets
labradoodles and pugs
toddlers and mums
in blue and red frocks,
the gardener weeding
in mismatched socks.

Everything around you is
alive and well
and it occurs to you
that you're part
of something bigger
that when you step
into a park
it feels so good
to congregate
with family and friends
to walk
through woods
to take a pulse check—slow down, breathe clean air
to be one on one
with the sun
syncing
life's rhythm
inside
you.

A day like today
you simply can't stay inside.

Though rain may fall,
on the trail you'll glide.

Everything around you
is quiet and chill.

Days like today
you don't want to be still.

Everything around you is history
Days like today
will never grow old.

O, in my soul
I am a child again

I am nine years old
The paths are covered in brown leaves
They're crunchy!
The air smells beautiful.

O, in my soul
I am free again.

I am fifteen.
Running to baseball practice
a few minutes late again.
Coach smiles
pats my shoulder.
An osprey flies by
O look he has gone fishing.

Everything around you is a bridge—connecting you
to nature, to neighbors, to yourself.

Everything around you is home.
A place we've always dreamed about:
sustainable systems
supporting economies
crossing boundaries
solving problems
a sense of belonging
growing community
a sense of belonging.

Everything around you is a story
is a fallen tree
is a soaring heron
is a lazy river
is a drumbeat of dragonfly wings
is purple and blue hues
is a paintbrush palette of botanical shades
is mountain air, glass mirror lakes, and open skies
is the cold gray of the past year.
is heartbreak
is lockdown
is love
is nature anticipating
is tranquil peace
is poetic meditation
is no more class
is children playing in summer
is hiking
is heat
is hope
is family reunion.

This. Is. Your. Place.

To live
to learn
to work
to farm
to play
with everything
around you.

A Community Poem compiled by Kwame AlexanderFor the National Recreation and Park Association**August 2021

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With the rise in digital content, it’s easier than ever to deliver a targeted message to your intended audience. And, one type of digital content that I’m a particular fan of is podcasting, which continues to be a platform that is seeing tremendous growth. On today’s episode, you’ll meet the hosts of two other podcasts related to parks and recreation, as we discuss why we’re so passionate about podcasting, what listeners can gain from each one of our podcasts, and how easily accessible content and resources — like podcasts — are benefiting park and recreation professionals in their careers.

I’m joined today by Becky Dunlap, who is one of the hosts of the Let’s Talk Parks podcast, and Paul Gilbert, who hosts a podcast called Strategic Leadership with Paul Gilbert. While all three of our podcasts are different, our missions are very much aligned — to support park and recreation professionals, provide inspiration and lift up stories of the good work going on in the field.

Tune in below to learn about each one of our podcasts, as well as:

What park and recreation professionals can gain from listening to podcasts about our field.
How podcasts and other digital content are different from materials and resources that have been previously available.
How our three podcasts can help a wide range of park and recreation professionals, regardless of where they are in their careers.
How digital content has evolved and where it might be going in the future.
What moments have been meaningful for us as podcast hosts, and more!

To learn more and listen to Let’s Talk Parks and Strategic Leadership, visit:

Let’s Talk Parks
Strategic Leadership with Paul Gilbert

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The August issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s episode, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, titled, “A River Runs Through It.” The article explores the Tennessee RiverLine and the partners who worked to advance stewardship and equitable access to the 652-mile Tennessee River.

Joining me today is the author of the article, and previous guest of Open Space Radio, Kathleen Gibi, the executive director for Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful. Kathleen is also a member of Parks & Recreation magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board. We’re also joined by Brad Collett, the director of Tennessee RiverLine, to have a conversation about the good work that’s happening on the Tennessee River and in the surrounding communities.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about the Tennessee RiverLine’s vision of establishing a continuous system of paddling, hiking and biking trails that spans the route of the 652-mile Tennessee River. You’ll also learn:

Why so many people turned to the water during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How the Tennessee RiverLine can be used by visitors spending weeks exploring or those just taking day trips to enjoy a certain section of the river (think the water version of the Appalachian Trail).
How Tennessee RiverLine is ensuring all people have equitable access to the river and recreational opportunities it provides.
What a system like the Tennessee RiverLine means for all the communities along the river that it connects.
What efforts are being made to make sure people take pride in the river and help keep it clean, maintained and protected.
How partnerships have been critical in making this vision a reality, and more!

Learn more:

Tennessee RiverLine
Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful

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*Content note: In this episode, you will meet Jennifer Holmes, a mother who tragically lost her son, Genesis, in a drowning accident. This episode contains an emotional account of her traumatic experience, so please listen with care when you feel you are able to, as the content may be triggering for some listeners. If you are unable to listen but want to learn more, please visit the links below for more information on The Genesis Project.

We are just about at the halfway point of Park and Recreation Month, and it has been so inspiring to see how many people are embracing the theme of “Our Park and Recreation Story” and sharing their heartfelt stories, memories and experiences related to parks and recreation.

One story that caught our attention — and really moved a lot of us on NRPA staff — is that of Jennifer Holmes from Charleston County, South Carolina, and I’m honored to welcome her, as well as Gina Ellis-Strother, the chief administration officer for Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC), to the show today.

In 2014, Jennifer’s 13-year-old son, Genesis, tragically drowned in a local pond because he didn’t know how to swim. After Genesis’ drowning, the Genesis Project was established, which aims to raise funds to offer aquatic safety programs in rural areas of Charleston County, alongside CCPRC. Despite her grief and her own fear of water, Jennifer not only conquered her fears and learned to swim, she also volunteered with the Charleston County Parks Foundation to offer swim lessons and water safety instructions to rural areas of the community.

What’s more, when CCPRC opened the West County Aquatic Center in June 2019 in the same small town in which Genesis drowned, Jennifer was one of the lifeguards on duty. And, in keeping Genesis’ spirit alive, the pool at the aquatic center is now named, “The Genesis Pool.”

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about the incredible young man Genesis Holmes was, as well as how Jennifer has channeled her grief into ensuring other families in rural Charleston County don’t have to experience the same loss she and her family experienced. You’ll also learn:

How Jennifer’s faith and the support of her community gave her strength in a time of pain.
How The Genesis Project is raising awareness and providing education about swim lessons and water safety.
How CCPRC is addressing access to water safety resources and education in rural areas of Charleston County and meeting community members where they are.
How Jennifer felt when she conquered her own fear of water and received her lifeguard certification.
What the relationship between Jennifer and Gina has meant to each of them during this time, and more!

Additional Resources:

The Genesis Project
Charleston County Parks Foundation

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As we continue to lift up stories of inclusion in celebration of Pride Month, my colleagues Allison Colman, NRPA’s director of health, and Teresa Morrisey, a program manager on NRPA’s Park Access team, recently published a blog post on the Open Space blog titled, “A Pathway to Trans Inclusion in Youth Sports.” I highly recommend checking it out to learn more about building more inclusive environments where all people, regardless of their gender identity or expression, are welcomed, accepted and fully able to participate in park and recreation facilities and programming — including recreational sports. One of the individuals featured in the blog post was Peyton O’Conner, AICP, CPRE, CNP, CYSA (they/she), the parks and recreation director for Buncombe County in Asheville, North Carolina. I’m thrilled to welcome Peyton to the show today to have a conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion in parks and rec, as well as discuss the good work they’re doing in Buncombe County.

When NRPA released guidance on transgender inclusion in youth sports back in April, Peyton reached out in support, and expressed the need for expanding this guidance to adult recreational sports, as well. Peyton has been instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion in their community and in park and recreation programming, and has been on a mission to implement an inclusion policy for trans kids at their agency. And, as we’re also looking ahead to Park and Recreation Month in July and this year’s theme of “Our Park and Recreation Story,” I thought it would be a great opportunity for listeners to hear Peyton’s story, as well.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about how Peyton is using their own experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community to advocate for creating more inclusive spaces and programs in parks and recreation. You’ll also learn:

What compelled Peyton to reach out to NRPA when they first noticed the guidance on transgender inclusion in youth sports.
The importance of approaching conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion the same as any other anti-discrimination policy — based on a set of facts and not up for discussion or debate.
How Peyton’s agency realized they needed a formal inclusion policy for trans kids, and how their staff and community responded.
How park and recreation professionals can advocate for more inclusive policies in their own communities.
How small changes, like using individuals’ preferred pronouns and gender-neutral restrooms, can have a huge impact, and much more!

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The July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, which not only means it’s time for a bonus episode, it also means that we’re only a few days away from July, and Park and Recreation Month is extremely close. As you may know, each year for Park and Recreation Month, we host a cover contest for the July issue of the magazine. Each year we receive so many incredible photos and stories illustrating how parks and recreation is impacting communities across the country, and this year was no different. While you’ll be seeing many of the submissions throughout Park and Recreation Month on NRPA’s social media, there was one photo and story that really stood out to our esteemed selection committee – and that’s the photo on the graphic for today’s episode, as well as on the cover of the July issue.

A great photo isn’t just a photo, though — it tells a story. I’m so thrilled to be joined by three individuals on the show today — who you can also read about in the July cover story — who all play a role in the story behind this year’s winning photo. Joining me are Jenna Brinkman, the public affairs manager for Cosumnes Community Services District (CSD) in Elk Grove, California; Craig Pattenaude, the marketing and communications specialist for Cosumnes CSD (who is the photographer who took the incredible photo); and David Phommavong, a member of the Elk Grove community and the father of the child in the photo, Khuan.

On today’s episode, they share the heartwarming story behind this photo and how Jenna and Craig’s team are helping David and his family find peace in what can be a painful world for Khuan, who was diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was 2 years old, as well as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing disorder.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn about how Cosumnes CSD is helping Khuan, and others, experience the world without barriers, as well as:

How photography has helped Cosumnes CSD better tell the stories of their diverse community, as well as the various offerings their district provides.
How connecting with David and Khuan made the staff at Cosumnes CSD feel about the important work they do.
How Cosumnes CSD’s parks are helping the Phommavong family “find bearing in life.”
Why parks and nature are some of the only places Khuan can find peace and not experience the physical pain that comes with sensory processing disorder.
What Jenna, Craig and David’s favorite park memories are, and more!

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In line with keeping equity at the center of all we do, NRPA recently released a suite of diversity, equity and inclusion resources for park and recreation professionals. NRPA’s mission of advancing parks, recreation and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people depends on equity being central to our work. An important piece of this – which is included in these DEI resources in the form of a very insightful story map — is understanding how our history brought us to the inequities in access to parks and recreation that still exist today. In fact, we estimate that as many as 100 million people (or 30 percent of the U.S. population) lack access to the lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits parks and recreation provides.

In considering how we work to close that gap, NRPA has been on a journey to strengthen our organizational culture and practices centered around equity. One individual who has played a big part in some of our NRPA all-staff conversations around this work is Mickey Fearn. Mickey has been a public servant — and parks, recreation and conservation professional — for over 50 years, and recently retired after seven years at North Carolina State University’s School of Natural Resources, where he taught about diversity and equity in parks and recreation. He previously served as the National Park Service’s Deputy Director from 2008-2013, and was a long-time employee of the City of Seattle, where he worked on social justice issues, access to nature and other critical work.

Tune in to the episode below to learn more about Mickey’s extensive career, why he’s so passionate about equity-related work, and why he loves the Stevie Wonder lyric, “I reach out for the part of me that lives in you.” You’ll also learn about:

Some of the defining moments of Mickey’s life and his obsession with learning how relationships work.
How he felt after attending the March on Washington in 1963 and witnessing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech.
How his perspective and experience working in innovation, community engagement and equity have given him a unique view of how systems need to change in order to serve everyone.
Why he feels “your job chooses you, you don’t choose your job.”
How park and recreation professionals play an important role in teaching about and celebrating differences among our community members, as well as the history of our communities.
The significance of celebrating Juneteenth (which is coming up on Saturday, June 19) and much more!

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Today is the first day of Pride Month, yet, as we kick off this month-long celebration designed to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community, we continue to see many states introducing harmful legislation aimed at preventing transgender youth from participating in sports. At NRPA, it’s our position that being recognized as the gender with which you identify is a basic human right. Meaning that for the purposes of recreational sports, youth should be allowed to participate in the gender with which they identify. Last month, NRPA published guidance to empower park and recreation professionals to build more inclusive sport environments that welcome all youth into programming. Today we look forward to building on this guidance through a conversation with someone who is doing incredible work in this space. 

We are thrilled to welcome Chris Mosier (he/him) to the podcast today. Chris is a trailblazing athlete, coach and the founder of TransAthlete.com. He is a six-time member of Team USA, and in 2015 he became the first openly transgender man to represent the United States in international competition. He was the catalyst for change for the International Olympic Committee policy on transgender athletes and has been called “the man who changed the Olympics” by the BBC and New York Magazine. He is also a two-time National Champion and the first transgender athlete to compete in the Olympic Trials in any sport in a category different than their sex assigned at birth. Chris is a go-to source for policy and information on transgender inclusion in sports, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the show today.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Chris’s story, what all of these ‘firsts’ mean to him, and why his motto is, “Be who you needed when you were younger.” You’ll also learn:

How we can apply the same principles used in changing the International Olympic Committee’s policy on trans athletes for adult and youth recreational sports.
Why Chris started Transathlete.com, a resource for students, athletes, coaches and administrators about trans inclusion in athletics.
What advice he would give to park and recreation professionals trying to create cultures of inclusion in their communities where everyone can thrive.
How to take action against recently proposed bills in many states that would prevent transgender youth from participating in sports.
Why we need to consider people and our facilities when implementing more inclusive policies.
What Chris has planned for Pride Month, and more!

Additional resources:

Transathlete website
Transathlete action items (to see state bills and take action)
Follow Chris on Instagram
Follow Chris on Twitter
Chris Mosier's website
NRPA: Supporting Transgender Inclusion in Youth Sports
NRPA Webinar: Transgender Inclusion in Sports: 101 (taking place June 17, 2021 at 3 p.m. EDT)

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The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’ll be diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Mental Health Care in a Pandemic.” In the article, Parks & Recreation’s Associate Editor Lindsay Hogeboom explored the ways park and recreation agencies have provided mental health services to their staff and their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be chatting with two individuals who were featured in the article to learn a little more about how their agencies have navigated supporting their communities during a difficult time, while also experiencing many of the same challenges their community members have been facing. Joining me today are Shelly Strasser, the director of recreation and community services for West Allis-West Milwaukee School District in Wisconsin, and Mike Shull, the general manager of City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in California.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn how Shelly and Mike are caring for the mental health of their staff members and community, as well as:

How their departments have been navigating the mental health challenges of COVID-19.
How staff at West Allis-West Milwaukee School District have partnered with a heroin/opiate community task force, as well as participated in a trauma-informed care task force.
How nearly 100 percent of the staff at City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks work on emergency response and have provided shelter for people experiencing homelessness throughout the pandemic.
What kinds of mental health resources have been provided to staff at both departments.
What lessons each of them will be taking away from the pandemic, and more!

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Today’s episode is a very bittersweet one, as we are bidding farewell to one-half of the Open Space Radio team. Roxanne Sutton, NRPA Director of Communications and the creative mind behind launching Open Space Radio, will be moving on and pursuing some really cool new adventures soon — but this, unfortunately, means she will no longer be co-hosting the podcast.

We won’t lie to you, neither one of us were looking forward to recording this one, but we were grateful to be able to chat on this episode and reflect back on how Roxanne started Open Space Radio from the ground up back in 2017, what she’s enjoyed about it, what experiences and lessons she’s taking with her, some of her favorite memories and more.

Tune in to the full episode below to hear our conversation and learn about:

The story of how Roxanne was tasked with launching Open Space Radio in 2017.
What conversations from over the years have moved her the most and continue to stick with her.
What life lessons she has learned through podcasting.
What words of advice she has for park and recreation professionals.
What she’s looking forward to most in this new chapter in her life, and more!

If you want to stay in touch with Roxanne, be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter.

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On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re re-releasing one of our Coffee Talks from last year’s NRPA Virtual, where we discussed the importance of park and recreation professionals being prepared for disasters due to a changing climate. We were joined by Kenny Weigandt from Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Oregon and John DiSpaldo, a regional preparedness liaison for FEMA to talk specifically about the wildfires that were impacting much of the western part of the country last year. We chose to release this episode today because it aligns well with a new tool NRPA just released.

We know there is an increase in the number of climate events we see each year — like wildfires, hurricanes, extreme wind events and more — and that increase is directly related to the impacts of climate change. We also know park and recreation professionals, as managers of a large percentage of our public lands, play a critical role in climate mitigation strategies. One of these solutions is a new tool called Climate.Park.Change., which was created by the design firm Sasaki in partnership with NRPA. This toolkit compiles data on how climate change is affecting park and recreation spaces and offers physical design and community engagement solutions to address climate impacts. The tool currently covers 10 intermountain west states, but the strategies can be applied throughout much of the country.

We encourage you to check out this tool after listening to our Coffee Talk. Tune in below to learn how climate change is impacting the work of park and recreation professionals in the western part of the country, as well as:

How the Willamalane Park and Recreation District responded to the wildfires in September 2020.
How park and recreation professionals play a role in disaster recovery efforts.
How FEMA works with local governments and park and recreation agencies in responding to and recovering from disasters.
Why it’s critical for park and recreation professionals to be prepared for disasters that take place due to a changing climate.
How the wildfires made Willamalane Park and Recreation District re-evaluate their disaster preparedness plans, and more!

Other resources that may be of interest:

New Toolkit to Assess Climate Threats and Park-Specific Strategies
Addressing Issues at the Intersection of Climate and Health — Episode 089
Climate for Health Ambassadors Training

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In celebration of April being Earth Month, and with Earth Day coming up on Thursday, we’re excited to be discussing a program focused on creating leaders for climate solutions. The program, Climate for Health, was founded by ecoAmerica and NRPA has partnered with them to bring the initiative to park and recreation professionals.

Climate for Health is a national initiative that offers tools, resources and communications to demonstrate visible climate leadership, and inspires health leaders to advocate for climate solutions. The training program we’re collaborating on will elevate the essential role park and recreation professionals play in dismantling climate and health disparities in order to build resilient communities where everyone thrives.

In this episode we welcome:

Cheryl Salazar, CPRP, Recreation Supervisor II for City of San Marcos, California, and participant in the first Climate for Health Ambassadors Training
Rebecca Rehr, director of Climate for Health at ecoAmerica,
Jenny Cox, program manager for NRPA

Tune in to the full episode below to learn what sparked Cheryl, Rebecca and Jenny’s passion for this work, as well as:

Why the Climate for Health Ambassador Training is an important piece of addressing issues at the intersection of climate and health.
How NRPA is committed to ensuring that park and recreation professionals are contributing to the overall resilience of their communities.
How the Climate for Health Ambassador Training is valuable for park and recreation professionals at all levels of experience, and why you should sign up.
Simple steps you can take today to reduce your climate impact, and more!

Other resources/information discussed in this episode:

Sign up for Climate for Health Ambassador Training
- On this website, we also have a suite of resources, including webinars, research and toolkits, for park and recreation professionals and partners to address inequitable climate-related health impacts through the power of parks and recreation.
NRPA conservation tools, resources and initiatives
EcoAmerica: MomentUs
EcoAmerica: Research
Climate for Health blog
Cheryl's blog post, "Supporting Youth-Led Climate Action in San Marcos, California
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate
Let's Talk Health & Climate

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The May issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “From Plans to Parks.” In this article, Clement Lau details how the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is implementing equity-focused park and recreation plans to ensure that communities with the highest need for parks are prioritized.

Clement Lau, AICP, is a departmental facilities planner for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to park planning. He’s worked in the field for over two decades, and regularly contributes his expertise to Parks & Recreation magazine and the Open Space blog, so we’re excited to finally welcome him to the podcast to talk about how keeping equity at the center of park planning will ensure park and recreation professionals are able to serve every member of their community.

Tune in below to learn about what sparked Clement’s passion for planning and why he wanted to pursue a career in the field, as well as:

How the Los Angeles County DPR creates plans with equity and implementation in mind, ensuring that the plans prioritize communities with the greatest need.
How the Los Angeles Countywide Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment’s 2016 findings were so compelling that the county board of supervisors decided to put a parks funding measure on the ballot, which passed with overwhelming support.
How strategic community partnerships have helped Los Angeles County DPR’s efforts to address the needs of six communities with the highest need for parks in Los Angeles County.
How Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park is “an oasis in a region lacking green space.”
Why the stories and experiences that take place in our parks and community spaces are more important than always focusing on data and metrics, and more!

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Today’s episode is airing on April 6, National Student-Athlete Day. While today’s guest is no longer a student, she has been an athlete for Special Olympics Minnesota for 19 years. Abby Hirsch, who was born with Down syndrome, competes in various sports, including basketball, bocce ball, bowling, downhill skiing, poly hockey, powerlifting, SOfit, swimming, and track and field. In addition to being a talented athlete, Abby’s list of accomplishments goes well beyond sports. She was a commencement speaker at a high school graduation, spoke on Capitol Hill, has emceed galas, has received numerous awards and is an active volunteer, coach and health and wellness ambassador.

Most recently, Abby even lent NRPA her voiceover talents for a video we’re producing on accessibility in parks and recreation. And did we mention she works Monday through Friday at Walgreens? To say she has an impressive resume is an understatement, and that’s why we’re thrilled to have her join us on the show today to talk about accessibility and inclusion in parks and recreation.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Abby’s story and what accessibility and inclusion mean to her, as well as:

How she got involved in Special Olympics and why she continues to play today.
How the COVID-19 pandemic affected her as an athlete and health and wellness ambassador.
What her favorite local parks mean to her.
Why she feels parks and recreation is important for all people, but especially those with disabilities.
How park and recreation professionals can make sure their spaces are welcoming and inclusive for all people, and more!

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A few months ago, we came across a post on LinkedIn that really pulled at our heartstrings and demonstrated how resilient a person can be when they have their mind set on a goal. The post chronicled the journey of one individual who went from experiencing homelessness to becoming the director of a park and recreation agency and a leader in his community, and we knew we wanted to connect with him to learn more about his story of adversity, resilience and how parks and recreation saved his life.

Today we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Samose Mays, the director of Bryan County Parks and Recreation in Georgia as well as the Georgia Recreation and Park Association district two commissioner. Dr. Mays is also a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, an Aquatic Facility Operator, a Certified Youth Sports Administrator, as well as a professor at Georgia Southern University. On top of all that, he is leading efforts to increase diverse representation within the park and recreation profession through the Minority Recreational Leadership Academy. But, it wasn’t an easy road for Dr. Mays to get to where he is today, and we’re so grateful he joined us to tell us more about his journey.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Dr. Mays’ journey and how he responded to adversity in order to pursue his dream of a career in parks and recreation, as well as:

What challenges he overcame while pursuing his goal.
How the resources at his local library and rec center helped him pursue his doctorate degree while he was experiencing homelessness.
How his lived experiences have helped him to identify and fill any potential gaps in the programming his agency provides.
How the Minority Recreational Leadership Academy is increasing diverse representation in the profession.
What being a professor at the same university he dropped out of twice means to him and what values he shares with his students.
How his story can serve as a valuable tool to break down the stigma associated with people experiencing homelessness, as well as other challenges people may face, and more!

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The April issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s cover stories, “Protecting the Land and Its History.” If you tuned in to last month’s bonus episode, then you’re probably just as excited as we are for tomorrow’s TEDxCollegePark event, “An Equal Future.” On today’s episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by one of the event speakers, as well as an individual who is doing vital work with Indigenous communities on-the-ground in Wisconsin, to discuss the importance of working with Indigenous communities in building “An Equal Future.”

Today, we’re welcoming Sara Sinclair, an oral historian of Cree-Ojibwa and German-Jewish ancestry, Columbia University professor and editor of How We Go Home: Voices from Indigenous North America, which is a book of first-person stories in the long and ongoing fight to protect the land, rights and life of Indigenous people in North America. Sara will be speaking on Friday, March 19 during “An Equal Future,” and we can’t wait for her presentation.

We’re also excited to welcome Stephanie Lozano, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation tribe — a federally recognized tribe with traditional territory across Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri — and tribal liaison for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, which works with the eleven federally recognized tribes located within Wisconsin to provide child welfare, support for families and other critical services.

Tune in to our conversation below to learn more about Sara and Stephanie and the importance of amplifying contemporary Indigenous voices to help change the narrative for future generations, as well as:

What real equity looks like from each of their perspectives and lived experiences.
The role of climate resiliency in discussing Indigenous people.
The history of Ho-Chunk Nation and the tribe’s participation in advocacy efforts.
How activism plays a role in addressing the needs of tribal communities.
What Deb Haaland’s confirmation as Secretary of the Department of the Interior will mean for the future of tribal consultation and where priorities lie.
How baking a cake can be used as a good metaphor for explaining equity, and more!

Other resources discussed in this episode:

“An Equal Future” from TEDxCollegePark
Voice of Witness
Illuminative

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When this episode airs on March 9, 2021, we will be two days away from the one-year anniversary of coronavirus (COVID-19) being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The past year has been filled with challenges, adaptations, pivots and so much more. We’re battling multiple health crises on top of economic pressures and racial injustices. And through it all, park and recreation professionals have come together in service of their communities, including taking on new roles and providing essential pandemic response services, while also continuing to deliver their already-life saving services and programs.

The work hasn’t been easy, and we know professionals are facing their own mental health issues while they continue to support equity, resiliency and health efforts for the people they serve. To chat about what the past year has meant to park and recreation professionals and to discuss where we go from here, we are thrilled to welcome Jesús Aguirre, NRPA Board Member and superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation. Jesús joined us almost exactly a year ago as we explored what effects COVID-19 was already having in parts of the country like Seattle as well as what we thought the year would bring. Also joining us is Allison Colman, NRPA’s Director of Health, who has led much of the COVID-19 response and content creation for NRPA.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn about the impact COVID-19 has had on parks and recreation from Jesús and Allison’s perspectives, as well as:

Some of the main challenges that park and recreation professionals have faced during the pandemic and how they’re trying to address them.
How COVID-19 has uncovered the disparities in our society, as well as in parks and recreation, and what kinds of guidance has been provided to reduce these disparities.
What kinds of opportunities have arisen due to the pandemic that could change the future of parks and recreation.
The stories of resilience that have stuck out to Jesús and Allison over the past year.
How the upcoming COVID-19 and Parks and Recreation: Response and Recovery report, along with the corresponding communications toolkit, COVID-19 and Parks and Recreation: Making the Case for the Future, will assist in educating decision-makers about the essential nature of parks and recreation, and more!

For more information about NRPA’s response to COVID-19, as well as available resources for park and recreation professionals, please see our Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) webpage.

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Women’s History Month starts next month, and we thought it would be a good time to tackle a topic that has been on our episode wish list for a while now — women in parks and recreation. Parks and recreation, like many professions, was once a male-dominated industry. Now, however, those figures seem like they may be shifting. When thinking about who to bring on the podcast to talk about women in the field of parks and recreation, there seemed to be an obvious choice.

Today we are welcoming three park and recreation professionals who wanted to create a community for women in the field to come together and share their ideas, struggles and triumphs — something that has become even more important throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining us are Lakita Watson, NRPA board member and executive director of the Richland County Recreation Commission (South Carolina); Katy Keller, Recreation Program Coordinator for Indian Trail Parks and Recreation (North Carolina); and Melanie White, Business Development and Retention Manager at Town of Leesburg (Virginia).

Tune in to the full episode below as we discuss their experiences as well as the inspiration behind the Facebook group they created, which now has more than 8,000 members — made up entirely of women in parks and recreation — as well as:

Why they feel it’s important for women to have their own space to collaborate on ideas related to our field.
Some of the ways they are sharing the “mental load” of invisible work that women take on in their personal and professional lives.
What their experiences have been working through a pandemic and what challenges have been unique to women.
What advice they would give young women in the field of parks and recreation.
Some of their favorite stories and ideas that have come from the Women in Parks and Recreation Facebook group, and more!

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The March issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re diving deeper into the feature story, “Ensuring ‘An Equal Future’ for All,” which introduces a new TEDxCollegePark virtual event that park and recreation professionals won’t want to miss. Many of us have seen a TED talk on one topic or another, and they have become a powerful way to use storytelling to provide a deeper understanding of an issue. TEDx events are independently organized TED events, and we’re excited to speak with two of our favorite guests of the podcast about their roles in TEDxCollegePark’s ‘An Equal Future’ coming up on March 19.

On today’s episode, we are thrilled to be joined by the author of this month’s feature story, Neelay Bhatt, who is the vice president and principal of PROS Consulting and curator for TEDxCollegePark. We’re also equally thrilled to be joined by Roslyn Johnson, director of Baltimore County Recreation and Parks. Roslyn is the co-organizer for ‘An Equal Future,’ and during this conversation we learn more about this highly inspirational and educational event.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about TEDxCollegePark’s ‘An Equal Future’ and why it is going to be such a valuable experience for park and recreation professionals, as well as:

What the theme ‘An Equal Future’ means
Who the inspirational presenters are that will be bringing this event to life
Why it was important to have park and recreation professionals involved behind-the-scenes
How they made this event as inclusive as possible by making it free to attend and available in multiple languages
How the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges, as well as opportunities
What Neelay and Roslyn are personally looking forward to most, and more!

To learn more and register for ‘An Equal Future,’ taking place on March 19, visit TEDxCollegePark.com.

Be sure to follow TEDxCollegePark on social media to stay up-to-date and learn more about the presenters:

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
TikTok

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As we’ve discussed before, the unfortunate reality about outdoor recreation is that not everyone has equitable access to these opportunities and there are people who don’t necessarily feel welcome or safe in certain spaces. And while we continue advocating for equity in parks and recreation, it’s important to recognize that there are many systemic barriers in place that need to be broken down if we want a future with truly equitable outcomes. We’re excited to be joined on the show today by three individuals who are doing their part to address inequities and systemic racism in the outdoor spaces in their city.

Today we are welcoming staff members of the Jefferson Memorial Forest in Louisville, Kentucky, which is the largest municipal urban forest in the U.S., as well as a staff member of the Urban Conservation Corps (UCC) at YouthBuild Louisville. We’re thrilled to be joined by JoCari Beattie, a community outreach specialist at Jefferson Memorial Forest; Dashaune Jones, the ECHO Mobile program lead at Jefferson Memorial Forest; and Kenyetta Johnson, a program assistant and focus area coordinator for UCC at YouthBuild Louisville. These three have been working tirelessly to provide opportunities for underserved youth to experience the outdoors and much more.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about JoCari, Dashaune and Kenyetta and the opportunities they’re creating for underserved youth in Louisville, as well as:

What equity in parks and recreation and access to these opportunities means to each of them personally.
How the ECHO Mobile program is meeting people where they are and bringing nature to youth who don’t have access to nature.
How the ECHO Mobile program has been impacted by COVID-19 and how it has been adapted.
How their work is addressing equity and systemic racism in the outdoor recreation space.
How park and recreation professionals can champion and foster equity in their communities and increase access to these kinds of opportunities, and more!

Additional Resources:

Jefferson Memorial Forest website
YouthBuild Louisville
Parks & Recreation magazine article, “Reflecting on Systemic Racism in Conservation”

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As we continue to work on centering equity in all that we do, and as the fight for racial justice and equity in the United States continues, we wanted to revisit a conversation we had last year about what equity in parks and recreation really means for today’s episode of the podcast. We were fortunate to have each one of the individuals you’ll hear from today on previous episodes of the podcast, and if you joined us at the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience (NRPA Virtual) last October, you may have already heard this conversation — however, it’s never a bad time for a refresher on how we can build healthier, more equitable communities, and with Black History Month coming up in February, we thought it was a good time to reflect on this conversation.

On today’s episode, we’re replaying our Coffee Talk, “Park Equity and Racial Justice” from NRPA Virtual, with Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward and last year’s NRPA Virtual keynote speaker, and Autumn Saxton-Ross, NRPA’s vice president of education and chief equity officer. We’ve already had the privilege of talking with Glenn on our October 2020 Bonus Episode, “Why Conversations About Racial Equity Matter for Parks and Recreation,” and Autumn on episode 76, “How to Center Equity in All That We Do” — and for this Coffee Talk, we were thrilled for them to come together to have a very powerful, insightful conversation.

Tune in below to hear Autumn and Glenn’s full conversation from their Coffee Talk at NRPA Virtual and learn:

What equity in parks and recreation looks like in practice.
How park and recreation professionals can work towards meaningful change in forming a more just and equitable world.
How we can take an objective look at the history of our parks and open spaces and apply that to creating a more equitable future.
How a park and recreation department can create a framework like Race Forward’s that supports implementing racial equity.
How park and recreation professionals can ensure racial equity is addressed in their agency’s master plans, and more!

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The February issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s episode, we’re diving deeper into this month’s cover story, “30 Under 30 for 2021.” We know from our work at NRPA that there are a lot of talented, passionate young professionals in the field of parks and recreation. These individuals truly serve as everyday superheroes in their communities and are continuing to make impacts that are not only felt on a local level, but are absolutely worthy of every bit of recognition on a national level, as well. We’re so excited to talk with our guests today to learn more about how we’re lifting these young professionals up and sharing the good work they do.

The NRPA Young Professional Network, or YPN, and Parks & Recreation magazine recently teamed up to launch the first-ever “30 Under 30” recognition program to honor 30 of the top young park and recreation professionals in the country. With a diverse group of nominees from 29 different states, one Canadian province and one U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, we’re going to assume that the selection process wasn’t easy. But, we’re thrilled to be joined by two people on the show today who worked to get this program moving.

Today we’re speaking with Michael Biedenstein, CPRP, AFO, a park program services division manager for St. Louis County Parks in Missouri and past chair of the NRPA YPN who, along with other leaders from the YPN, brought this great idea to NRPA. We’re also joined by Hayley Herzing, NRPA’s senior manager of membership, to learn about how NRPA has supported this program on a national level.

Tune in below to learn about the role that Michael and Hayley played in bringing the “30 Under 30” idea to life, as well as:

What — or, more appropriately, who — inspired the 30 Under 30 recognition program.
What qualities the selection committee was looking for when selecting the 30 individuals out of more than 100 nominations.
Why Michael and Hayley feel it’s important for parks and recreation as a profession to highlight and elevate young professionals.
What stories from this impressive group of young professionals have stood out to each of them.
How these young professionals’ stories make Michael and Hayley feel about the future of parks and recreation, and more!

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It is our first Open Space Radio episode of 2021, and we’re so excited for another year of great conversations on the podcast. To start the year, we’re thrilled to be talking with a group of inspiring teenagers from Lunenburg, Massachusetts, who decided to take a middle school project and turn it into something way bigger that would provide them, and others, a safe space to participate in their favorite activity — skateboarding. They realized that access to public recreational spaces was critical, and decided to take matters into their own hands to create a safe, legal place to skateboard through the Lunenburg Skatepark Project.

Our guests today, Mason Whitcomb, Aidan Moore and Griffin Caiozzo, along with their other teammates Aidan Swift and Chris Roy, noticed there weren’t any safe, legal places to skateboard in their community, and started a grassroots movement to build a permanent, concrete, public skate/BMX/scooter activity park on land donated by their town. Through a common interest in skateboarding and their school’s sponsored Genius Hour program — a movement that allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity in the classroom — they were able to come up with the plan for Lunenburg Skatepark, which is soon becoming a reality due to their persistence, creative problem solving, community engagement and innovative fundraising efforts.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn why physical activity through skateboarding is so important to Aidan, Griffin and Mason, and what life lessons they’ve learned throughout this process, as well as:

How they came up with the idea for Lunenburg Skatepark.
What their initial planning process looked like.
What kinds of fundraising activities were the most successful.
How they have engaged the community with the project.
What advice they would give park and recreation professionals who are thinking about a project like this for a community space.
What’s next for Lunenburg Skatepark, and more!

To learn more about Lunenburg Skatepark, stay updated on progress, spread the word or make a donation, visit:

Lunenburg Skatepark Official Website
Lunenburg Skatepark on Facebook
Lunenburg Skatepark on Instagram

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It’s hard to believe 2020 is almost over. This year has been challenging in so many ways, and on our final episode of the year, we’re looking back at some of the conversations we’ve had, discussing the lessons we’ve learned, and looking ahead at some of our hopes and goals for 2021.

This year, park and recreation professionals have been on the frontlines of a global pandemic, economic collapse, racial justice movement, climate disasters and more, and we are so grateful to play a small part in helping tell the stories of their truly impactful work:

From serving meals to hosting COVID-19 testing sites and staging sites for first responders.
From setting up temporary housing for those experiencing homelessness to helping those struggling with mental health and substance use issues.
From performing wellness checks on older adults to providing innovative ways for our youth to connect with their friends.
From having difficult conversations about institutionalized racism and historic inequities in our public spaces to committing to anti-racist practices, and so much more.

Park and recreation professionals have truly done it all this year, and our communities are so much better because of their essential work.

So, to all of our park and recreation professionals out there: THANK YOU! We’ve always known you were heroes, but this year just solidified that.

We also want to thank everyone who has joined us on the show as a guest, subscribed to the podcast, listened to an episode, sent us your ideas, connected with us on Instagram or simply spread the word about Open Space Radio to your friends and colleagues. We truly love producing this podcast for you, and it’s through your support that we are able to do so!

Tune in to the full episode below to hear us discuss:

Why we decided to add 12 new episodes to our schedule in 2020.
What events impacted the types of conversations we had this year.
How hearing our guests’ experiences impacted each of our own personal journeys.
The pros and cons of producing a podcast during COVID-19.
How we’ve learned to be adaptable and the importance of being gentle with ourselves.
Where we currently sit with the resolutions we set at the end of 2019 for 2020, our hopes and goals for 2021, and more!

And special thanks to those of you who sent us your ideas for future episodes – we love your ideas and can’t wait to explore them in 2021!

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The January 2021 issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and this month’s issue features the highly anticipated cover story, “Top Trends in Parks and Recreation 2021,” by Rich Dolesh, NRPA’s retired vice president of strategic initiatives and Parks & Recreation magazine’s editor at large. On today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re replaying the full session of our “Emerging Trends in Parks and Recreation” Coffee Talk from the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience (NRPA Virtual) this past October.

In this session, we had the opportunity to sit down with Rich, as well as Greg Weitzel, an NRPA board member and director of the Las Vegas Department of Parks and Recreation, and Brendan Daley, director of strategy and sustainability at the Chicago Park District, to talk about some of the trends park and recreation professionals will be seeing in near future — and some that we’re already seeing come to fruition.

Tune in below to hear our full Coffee Talk with Rich, Greg and Brendan to learn:

How the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has accelerated trends that they have seen occurring or that they predict will take place.
What technology changes will increasingly influence parks and recreation, and why will they happen.
How climate change is having a greater impact on parks and recreation every year and what the greatest impacts are, as well as what is causing them to accelerate.
What new trends they see over the horizon and how will they affect parks and recreation in the future, and more!

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Over the past decade, there has been steady growth across the farmers market industry nationwide, with new farmers market locations popping up in communities of all shapes and sizes. And, many park and recreation professionals have seen this growth firsthand. With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic increasing barriers for access to healthy food for so many across the country, park and recreation professionals have been working hard to find ways to meet these needs.

One way to meet the needs of a community has been through farmers markets. And, whether an agency is hosting their own or partnering with a local market, farmers markets provide countless benefits. The Farmers Market Coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening farmers markets across the United States so that they can serve as community assets while providing real income opportunities for farmers.

The Farmers Market Coalition aims to benefit farmers, consumers and the community as a whole, and we’re thrilled to be joined on the show today by their Training and Technical Assistance Director Darlene Wolnik, to talk all about the great work they’re doing in building healthier communities through farmers markets. Darlene has been a national advocate and trainer for farmers markets for more than two decades. We’re also excited to be joined by Maureen Neumann, an NRPA program manager, to talk about NRPA’s work with the Farmers Market Coalition and how we’re assisting park and recreation professionals in this work.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn how the Farmers Market Coalition is helping farmers earn fair prices for the fruits of their labor, increasing access to fresh, local produce for consumers, and helping communities regain a figurative “town square,” as well as:

How the Farmers Market Coalition is supporting local farmers markets on the ground so they can meet the needs of their communities.
The type of guidance the Farmers Market Coalition has been providing local farmers markets throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to safely manage these spaces.
How farmers markets and parks and recreation are aligned in their missions.
How park and recreation professionals who work for an agency that may not have a farmers market can leverage partnerships to start one or assist with an existing local market.
How working with the Farmers Market Coalition has helped NRPA advance our strategic goals, and more!

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We have waxed poetic over the past several months about how critical it has been to get outdoors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and parks have proven to be the destination of choice for many people to get their necessary physical activity, recharge their mental health batteries and find a sense of community. And, with school systems adapting to the pandemic and distance learning being more prevalent, there’s an increasing need for our youth to have opportunities to engage with nature — and one program that has been assisting in providing outdoor access to our youth is Every Kid Outdoors.

Every Kid Outdoors allows fourth graders in the U.S. and their family members free access to over 2,000 federal lands and waters, which creates important connections and inspires a future generation of stewards for national parks and other public lands.

We’re thrilled to be joined on today’s episode by a previous colleague of ours, Jayni Rasmussen, to talk about the future of this program and how it’s been impacted by COVID-19. Jayni is the senior campaign representative for the Outdoors Alliance for Kids and Youth, or OAK, which is a national strategic partnership of organizations from diverse sectors with a common interest in connecting children, youth and families with the outdoors.

Tune in below to learn more about Jayni’s work with OAK and the benefits of the Every Kid Outdoors program, as well as:

How this program increases equitable access to the outdoors.
How this program has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How OAK’s Every Kid Outdoors in State Parks campaign aims to extend the pass program to all state and regional park systems with entrance fees and expand access to close-to-home parks.
How local park and recreation professionals can partner with federal agencies on Every Kid Outdoors and take advantage of resources.
Why the U.S. Department of the Interior extended the 2019-2020 Every Kid Outdoors pass program through the 2020-2021 school year to help families that couldn’t use their passes due to COVID-19.
How OAK’s work on Every Kid Outdoors has been pivoting during the pandemic to support park budgets, and more!

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The December issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re going to be diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, titled, “Biodiversity Lays the Pathway to Good Health.” The article explores how the COVID-19 pandemic could become the tipping point for connecting biodiversity with human health, and we’re thrilled to be joined by the author of the article and one of her colleagues to talk a little bit more about it.

Joining us on today’s episode are LaDonna Baertlein, the director of business development for Dig Studio, and Laurel Raines, a senior principal for Dig Studio — a company focused on landscape architecture, urban design and planning.

We know the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way we think about and use public spaces, but biodiverse landscapes are lesser-discussed aspects of healthy communities. We had the opportunity to chat with LaDonna and Laurel about what biodiversity is and why it’s so important in creating healthy communities, as well as what park and recreation professionals can do to increase biodiversity in the spaces their agencies manage.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

How park and recreation professionals can incorporate ecologically supportive landscapes into their existing park systems.
Why community engagement is critical for designing biodiverse landscapes, and who the key stakeholders are.
How location and regional climate can pose challenges to planning for biodiversity.
How investing in biodiversity in communities contributes to more equitable outcomes.
Why a public space should meet the specific needs of the community.
What the world looks like when we align the lens of public health and equity with biodiversity, and more!

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If you attended the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience (NRPA Virtual), you may have joined us for the Coffee Talk sessions that we hosted at the beginning and end of each day, when we had the opportunity to chat with park and recreation professionals, thought leaders, subject matter experts and NRPA staff about some of the most pressing issues that are impacting your work.

While each of these Coffee Talk sessions was inspiring and thought-provoking, we recognize that not everyone was able to attend NRPA Virtual and benefit from them. So, we’ll be releasing a few of them as Open Space Radio episodes, and we’re excited to share the first one with you on today’s episode!

For this Coffee Talk — the very first session of NRPA Virtual — we were honored to be joined by NRPA Director of Health Allison Colman, as well as Mercy Santoro, the deputy director of Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, to chat about community healing in the wake of trauma. This year, unfortunately, has been full of traumatic experiences for so many, and in this session (and now this episode) we unpacked some of those traumas, as well as discussed how we can support and care for those experiencing trauma.

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about how park and recreation professionals have been — and can continue — supporting the mental health and well-being of the people in the communities they serve, as well as:

Why trauma is one of the emerging areas that park and recreation professionals are more intentionally addressing.
Why it’s so important for park and recreation professionals to play a role in addressing how trauma impacts their communities.
How park and recreation professionals can assist in meeting the challenges associated with addressing trauma.
What resources are available to support critical work related to trauma.
How research on trauma-informed care can benefit park and recreation professionals who are on the front lines of issues related to trauma, and more!

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Today is November 3, 2020 – an important day for our country, our democracy, our values and our future. Today is Election Day! On this day — and over the last few weeks — millions of Americans will head to the polls to make their voices heard. And whether you mailed in your ballot, voted early or are still undecided as you listen to this episode, we know that our guests today are going to provide sage wisdom on all things elections, voting and why it’s important to advocate at the federal, state and local level.

We’re thrilled to be joined today by NRPA’s Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy Elvis Cordova and NRPA’s Senior Government Affairs Manager Kyle Simpson, to talk about some of NRPA’s key legislative priorities, how you can get involved in our advocacy efforts, and you guessed it — the importance of voting!

Tune in to the full episode below as Elvis and Kyle discuss NRPA’s public policy and advocacy team’s role in the organization and how they can assist in your agency’s advocacy efforts, as well as:

Why park and recreation professionals in many states should pay extra close attention to their ballots today.
Why, even though national elections are important, it is critical to get involved in elections at the state and local level
What legislative priorities NRPA will be communicating to the new members of the U.S. Congress in a few months.
How you can be a more involved advocate of parks and recreation.
How you can get all the election information you need for your state by texting VOTE4PARKS to 52286 (which will also keep you up to date on any legislative action items from NRPA), and more!

To learn more about federal policy and legislative issues impacting parks and recreation, visit NRPA’s advocacy webpage or email Elvis and Kyle at advocacy@nrpa.org

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On this bonus episode of the podcast, we’re going to be diving deeper into one of the feature stories from the November issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, titled, “A New Approach to Parks and Recreation System Planning.” In this article, the author — and our guest on today’s episode — writes about how today’s environment is shifting our thinking about the future of parks and recreation.

David Barth is no stranger to park and recreation planning. He is a registered landscape architect, certified planner and certified park and recreation professional who specializes in the planning, design and implementation of the public realm. He is an expert facilitator and strategic planner — he has developed park and recreation system master plans for over 80 communities, as well as led the planning and design of hundreds of parks and trails across the country.

He is also the Principal of Barth Associates, a firm specializing in parks and recreation system planning, and author of the new book, “Parks and Recreation System Planning: A New Approach for Creating Sustainable, Resilient Communities.” To put it lightly, he is a well-known name and expert in the profession.

Tune in below to learn what park and recreation system planning is and how Barth got started in this work over 30 years ago, as well as:

Why shifts in our society and the various socioeconomic and environmental issues we’re currently facing are causing a need for a new approach to parks and recreation system planning.
Why we should replace the traditional linear, narrowly defined parks and recreation system master planning process with a more cyclical, open-ended process.
How a thoughtful and nuanced decision-making framework gives park and recreation professionals the freedom and flexibility to respond to the issues in their communities.
How this new approach provides the opportunity for conversation and feedback among key stakeholders and decision-makers.
How this new approach will help park and recreation professionals better serve their communities, as well as meet their strategic goals.

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With NRPA’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, we made a commitment to centering equity in all that we do. And we talked about this with our president and CEO, Kristine Stratton, on episode 70. The vital importance of focusing on equity has been put into the spotlight, as this year has underscored the many systemic inequities that exist in our world. Whether through the lens of public health, criminal justice, climate change or who has safe, reliable access to a park in their community, equity is essential. And because it is so essential, NRPA established a leadership role central to this work and our efforts as an organization, and we’re so glad our guest today is officially part of the team.

Autumn Saxton-Ross joined NRPA as the vice president of education and chief equity officer in early September of this year. She is a true park and rec kid, and before coming on board at NRPA, she served as the mid-Atlantic regional director and equity, inclusion and diversity lead for NatureBridge, the largest residential environmental education partner of the National Park Service.

Autumn’s role at NRPA will increase our capacity and enable us to partner more holistically across the field, promote and scale up equity-centered practices, and ensure that our member engagement and educational programs are aligned and support our park and recreation professionals.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Autumn and her vision for NRPA and the field of parks and recreation, as well as:

How her past experience working with park and recreation professionals will help in this role.
What plans she has for park and recreation professionals who want to share information and support for others in the field who want to start addressing equity, inclusion and diversity issues.
How she plans to advance conversations that can lead to agencies implementing practices and policies that are centered in equity.
What NRPA Virtual attendees can look forward to in her Coffee Talk conversation with NRPA Virtual keynote speaker, Glenn Harris, on the evening of October 27 at 5:45 p.m. EDT, and more!

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We talk a lot about how important physical activity is, and we know this has been especially true throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, when people have taken to their local parks to not only maintain their physical well-being, but their mental well-being, as well. However, there is a form of physical activity that we don’t get to talk about as often: action sports.

Sports like skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding can be really great outlets for physical activity, but also tools for social connection and fostering creativity and self-expression. And, many park and recreation agencies are well-positioned to offer programming around action sports, as some already manage skateparks or beaches. There are also a lot of ways park and recreation professionals can collaborate with action sports organizations to offer action sports opportunities to members of their communities, opening the door for even more people to experience this style of play.

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re thrilled to be joined by Selema Masekela, a beloved commentator, journalist, host and Emmy nominated producer, best known for his work on VICE, E! Network, National Geographic, Red Bull Media House and the ESPN X Games, where he regularly worked with some of the best action sports athletes in the world. He is a relentlessly curious narrator of the human experience, and he thrives as a Black man who has historically been “the only” in the spaces of action sports and entertainment.

We caught up with Selema to learn how action sports and other forms of recreation have shaped who he is as a person, as well as:

How the COVID-19 pandemic has increased his appreciation for recreation and outdoor spaces.
How action sports can play a critical role in shaping youth, breaking down gender norms and fostering resilience.
How to break down the negative stigma surrounding skateparks and make an argument that parks should implement skateparks.
How action sports as a part of park and recreation programming — or partnering with action sports organizations (like Stoked, an organization that Selema co-founded which uses action sports and mentoring to close the opportunity gap) — can be used to build more equitable communities.
How you can use the tools you have to ensure our public spaces are places where people feel welcome, included and safe, and more!

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On this month’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into the cover story of the October issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, “Glenn Harris: An Advocate for Racial Equity and Social Justice.” In the article, NRPA’s executive editor, Vitisia Paynich, interviewed our keynote speaker for the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience, Glenn Harris. Glenn is the president of Race Forward, a national nonprofit racial justice organization based in New York and Oakland, California, and publisher of Colorlines, a daily news site where race matters.

Race Forward works to bring a systemic analysis and innovative approach to complex race issues that help people take action toward racial justice and true equity. We’re thrilled to be joined by Glenn on the show today to talk about his extensive experience working on racial and social justice issues and hope this conversation leaves you not only excited about his keynote presentation in October, but also inspired to have conversations about how park and recreation professionals can advance equitable practices in your own communities.

On October 27, 2020, Glenn will speak during the Opening General Session at NRPA Virtual, but for now, tune in below to learn more about him, as well as:

How COVID-19, natural disasters, economic turmoil and the massive social justice and civil rights movement happening right now are impacting Race Forward’s work.
How people can embrace struggle and find healthy ways to not only deal with that struggle, but also work towards meaningful change.
How to differentiate between diversity, equity and inclusion
How Race Forward’s framework supports implementing racial equity
How park and recreation professionals can have tough conversations and help build racial equity in their communities.
What NRPA virtual attendees can anticipate taking away from his highly anticipated keynote presentation in October, and more!

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On our previous episode of Open Space Radio, which was part one of our Great American Outdoors Act coverage, we spoke with Happy Haynes, the executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation, about what the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act meant for access to quality parks and recreation opportunities in her city and the country as a whole. On today’s episode — part two of our coverage — we’ll be speaking with two members of Congress who played integral roles in getting this historic piece of legislation passed and subsequently signed into law last month.

Today we’re talking with Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, who coauthored the Great American Outdoors Act and was part of a bipartisan group of senators who introduced it in March of this year, as well as Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, who also played a major role in the passage of this legislation. As you’ll hear from them in this episode, getting such strong bipartisan support in Congress on any type of legislation is a challenge, especially a once-in-a-generation conversation package like the Great American Outdoors Act. But, because of the advocacy and outreach from people like you — our listeners and NRPA members — the Great American Outdoors Act had support from both sides of the political aisle and is now officially law.

This landmark legislation also fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is the most important source of federal funding for park and recreation projects.

Tune in to the full episode to learn:

What local parks Senator Heinrich and Representative Fitzpatrick visit to get away from the stresses of Washington, D.C., and their favorite parks when they’re home in New Mexico and Pennsylvania, respectfully.
Why the Great American Outdoors Act is so important to each of them personally, as well as what it means for the entire country.
How the Great American Outdoors Act will benefit out local parks and ensure everyone has access to public spaces.
What’s next to make sure all people have access to public parks and recreation, and more!

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Last month, we witnessed history as the Great American Outdoors Act was officially signed into law. This legislation will definitively fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). LWCF is the most important source of federal funding to create and develop local parks, trails, boat launches, sports fields, and other recreation areas and park infrastructure that enrich our communities. Permanent full funding of LWCF has been a priority of NRPA’s for decades, and the passing of the Great American Outdoors Act is a huge win for every person in our country, as this critical funding advances our goal of ensuring everyone has access to the benefits of quality parks and recreation.

The Great American Outdoors Act had strong bipartisan support throughout the legislative process because it provides critical resources to local communities for parks, recreation and conservation initiatives. Thanks to the hard work of our Congressional champions, coalition partners, and the many stakeholders who advocated on behalf of parks and recreation, our goal of permanently funding LWCF is now a reality.

One of those strong advocates is Allegra “Happy” Haynes, the executive director of parks and recreation for the City and County of Denver. We’re thrilled to be joined by Happy today to talk about what this means for her community — and the country as a whole — for the first part in our double-header of Great American Outdoors Act episodes. Part two will be released on Tuesday, September 22, where we’ll explore how the Great American Outdoors Act was passed in Congress. In part two, we welcome two members of Congress who championed this legislation, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, to share their perspective.

Tune in to today’s full episode below to learn:

Why it’s so important that we make sure our voices are heard by our elected officials about these kinds of things.
Why the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act such a big deal for local parks and recreation.
What securing full and permanent funding of LWCF means for park and recreation projects in Denver.
What the future of advocating for parks and recreation looks like, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and more!

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating our birthday! We started Open Space Radio a little over three years ago, and while many of you may have heard us talk about the early days of finding our podcasting groove — with not a whole lot of podcasting experience to pull from — we like to invite you, our listeners, in every once in a while to reflect back on some of our favorite Open Space Radio moments from the past. And we’ve had a lot of favorite moments.

Three years later, we still feel so lucky to be able to share with you the conversations we get to have with park and recreation professionals and other incredible people who are truly improving the quality of life for the people in their communities. Since we recently celebrated our official third birthday, we thought it would be a good time to look back on our three most-downloaded episodes to date and share some of our thoughts, as well as give you a bit of a preview of a past episode you may have missed!

Tune in to the full episode below to listen to our reflections on the past three years and hear clips from these past episodes:

1:42: Episode 24, “How Risk Play Can Benefit Kids”
- On this episode, we spoke with Tom Norquist, president of the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) about how risk and adventure play is stepping back into the limelight and helping kids’ independence and creativity.
- We reflect on how this episode is still really relevant today – for one, because of the increased awareness we’re currently seeing around the need for outdoor recreation during the pandemic, and also because we recently worked with IPEMA on guidance for safely using playgrounds during the pandemic.
5:57: Episode 46, “Esports at the Rec Center?”
- On this episode, we spoke with Neelay Bhatt, vice president of PROS Consulting and past NRPA board member, about what esports are, their impact on parks and recreation and the potential opportunities they present.
- We reflect on how esports and virtual programming can bridge a gap and reach audiences that haven’t typically participated in traditional park and recreation offerings, and how esports are going to increase in popularity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
12:48: Episode 61: “How Park and Recreation Leaders are Addressing Coronavirus”
- On this episode, we talked with Jesús Aguirre, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation and NRPA board member, Brian Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metroparks, and Adriane Clutter, Division Chief at Montgomery County Recreation in Maryland, about how each of them was responding to COVID-19 at the time (March 10, 2020) in their respective areas of the country.
- We reflect on how the stats for this episode are so shocking to look at now compared to when we recorded the episode – for example, at the time of recording for this episode, there were only 432 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., compared to the more than 5 million current cases. We also discuss our admiration for how well park and recreation professionals have pivoted to serve their communities during such a challenging time (be sure to also listen to the May, June and September bonus episodes for more on this).

Thank you so much for your support and for listening to Open Space Radio over the years. We truly love being able to produce this podcast for you and can’t wait to see what the next three years bring! As always, if you have any ideas for future episodes, reach out! Send us an email at openspace@nrpa.org or connect with us on Instagram!

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The September issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on this month’s bonus episode, we’re diving deeper into the cover story, “Going Above and Beyond,” by NRPA’s executive editor, Vitisia Paynich. The story highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic and the fight for racial equity compelled the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks to mobilize and take action in order to continue to serve its community.

On today’s episode, we’re honored to be joined by the director of Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks and former NRPA board member, Roslyn Johnson, CPRP. Roslyn recently began her role as director in February of this year, which was a challenging time to begin any new venture. Johnson is also the first woman to ever lead the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks in this role, which is a huge deal!

We talk with Johnson about the challenges that came along with transitioning into a new role in a new department at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic taking hold in the U.S., as well as how her department is supporting the community in Baltimore County throughout the pandemic and the movement for racial justice and equity.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

6:04: How the department made sure social equity was considered when closing the areas or infrastructure it managed due to COVID-19.
12:38: How Johnson’s staff has served over a million meals since March 23.
20:37: How the department is working with the local school system to ensure kids have educational opportunities due to challenges with distance learning.
29:57: How Johnson helped facilitate tough conversations among her staff in the wake of the murder of George Floyd — among many other tragic instances of racism.
44:44: How the department is supporting protests taking place in their parks, as well as working with the police to make sure everyone remains safe during the protests.
49:45: How the “All Parks for All People” initiative and a $35 million bond referendum are helping expand equity in parks in Baltimore County, and more!

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we are talking about BioBlitzes. And the only thing more fun than saying “BioBlitz” may be actually participating in one. A BioBlitz is an event where your community can visit your park and identify the different wildlife species in that area. It provides an opportunity for people to understand and learn about the various species in that area, and also provides critical data and information to the staff who manage those lands.

As you encourage people in your community to get outside, stay active and connect with nature, a BioBlitz is the perfect opportunity to not only explore local parks, but also learn about the natural wonders around them. It can even be a COVID-19 safe activity as BioBlitzes can be structured to allow people to visit the park on their own. It may even inspire future generations of environmental stewards.

On today’s episode, we’re honored to be joined by the creator of the BioBlitz, Sam Droege. Droege is a Wildlife Biologist for Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland. We’re also excited to be joined by Brett Johnson, an Urban Biologist for the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.

We discuss how the BioBlitz came to be, what it looks like today, and how it is an important tool for creating ecologically beneficial habitat in local parks and for protecting species that are at risk. Droege shares how he has left the BioBlitz untrademarked and open for public use since its creation, and how local park and recreation professionals can use BioBlitzes for environmental conservation, community engagement and education. Johnson shares how these events have been beneficial in Dallas.

Tune in to the full episode below to hear our full conversation and learn:

How a BioBlitz helps land managers gain important insights about the species in their own parks and public spaces.
Tips for park and recreation agencies considering hosting a BioBlitz.
How using technology — such as mobile apps like iNaturalist — everyday people from all over the world can help inform the efforts to preserve and conserve threatened species.
The most interesting things Droege and Johnson have found during their own BioBlitzes.
The future of the BioBlitz, and more!

Interested in learning more about BioBlitzes? You can also sign up to host a Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz this September in your own community and receive tools to help you plan a virtual event with physical distancing in mind. If your agency signs up to host a BioBlitz during the month of September, not only will you be helping raise pollinator awareness, you will also be entered to win a $1,000 prize and one of three ScottsMiracle-Gro prize packs to help with your pollinator habitats or programs!

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On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we are looking at where NRPA is going in the next three years and beyond. Like any organization or group, every few years we must assess where we’ve been, where we are and where we want to go. Over the past several years, NRPA has centered our strategic plans around our three pillars: health and wellness, social equity and conservation. Now, we’re building upon that very solid base and looking to launch a movement.

And before you tune us out because the words “strategic plan” sound dull, we can assure you that what NRPA has planned for the future — and our guest today — is anything but! Today, we’re speaking with NRPA President and CEO Kristine Stratton about what NRPA wants to achieve in the months and years ahead and how we’re going to get there. Kristine has just completed her first full year with NRPA — a year that has turned out a bit differently than any of us could have imagined.

We check-in with Kristine and see how things are going during this unprecedented time, and dive into NRPA’s recently released 2021-2023 strategic plan. Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

3:02: Why this process important and worth celebrating/talking about.
5:09: The strategic plan’s five strategic goals that, in essence, build upon our three pillars of health and wellness, social equity and conservation:
- Build a movement
- Ensure access for all
- Advance community health and well-being
- Build community resiliency
- Prepare the profession for the future
9:21: Why building a movement is critical to moving our vision forward and how people can get involved.
13:14: How COVID-19 has challenged our strategic plan.
16:54: How NRPA is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do.
22:16: What differences we will see in NRPA and the profession if we achieve the goals we’ve laid out in the strategic plan.
And more.

Learn more about NRPA’s Strategic Plan here.

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The August issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Restoring Nature’s Playground.” We’re thrilled to be joined by the two authors, Patti Sterling, the grants coordinator for Town of Bel Air, Maryland, and Akosua Cook, a park planner for the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to talk about the importance of water and nature-based amenities in their local parks and the projects they have put in place to raise awareness and education. We’re also joined by Carrie Williams, president of American Water Charitable Foundation, who has supported these projects through the Building Better Communities Grant program.

Patti and Akosua have been instrumental in implementing these water play and nature-based amenities in their communities through the Chesapeake Sensory Plaza in the Town of Bel Air and “The Spring” in Chattanooga. Tune in to the full episode below to hear our conversation with them about how these projects have gone, how they are creating educational play experiences, and how they are providing opportunities for future environmental stewards.

Other topics we discuss on the episode include:

The benefits of water and nature-based amenities in raising awareness and educating the public about natural resources, as well as fostering new generations of environmental stewards.
Challenges that may arise with similar projects.
The importance of community engagement.
How park and recreation professionals can pursue similar nature-based or water play projects.
Tips on applying for grants to support your projects.
And more.

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On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Kim and Claude Walker — the founders of the Nashville-based Abundant Life Adventure Club, which is an outdoor adventure company breaking down barriers to the outdoors so that everyone can enjoy the wellness benefits of parks and open spaces.

The mission of the Abundant Life Adventure Club is one that we’re excited to dive into on the episode today — to empower people of color to spend time in nature to inspire wellness, abundant living and connection. Dr. Kim and Claude join us to discuss the inspiration behind starting Abundant Life Adventure Club, which started when they both lost a combined 140 pounds in 2017 and were looking for ways to continue their active lifestyle and add some variety — things that outdoor recreation provided.

We also discuss how they are part of the first generation of people of color to have full access to the parks and outdoor spaces around them, and how that has impacted their relationship with the outdoors — and how they are providing opportunities for other people of color to experience the benefits of outdoor recreation, as well as mindfulness activities, such as yoga and meditation.

Other topics we discuss on this episode include:

Why this mission is so important to Dr. Kim and Claude.
How their relationship with Nashville Metro Parks and Recreation developed and evolved into maxing out space for programs.
The benefits of a club model, and how park and recreation departments can use this model — either by partnering with local clubs or forming their own.
How park and recreation professionals can start something similar or partner with an organization like Abundant Life Adventure Club.
What the future holds for Abundant Life Adventure Club, and more.

Tune in to the full episode below, and if you’d like to learn more about Abundant Life Adventure Club or the people behind this wonderful mission, check out their website, follow them on Instagram or send them an email!

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Today’s episode of Open Space Radio is all about what park and recreation professionals have been doing to creatively and safely engage their communities in the past few months and their plans for the summer ahead. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many park and recreation agencies have had to come up with innovative ways to not only implement virtual programming options, but also make sure the people in their communities continue to have access to essential items like food, shelter, proper healthcare, social connection and the benefits of nature.

With major events like Park and Recreation Month and the Fourth of July right around the corner, we reached out to our followers on Instagram to learn about some of the creative ways park and recreation professionals are safely engaging the people they serve. One great idea came from The Summit in Grand Prairie, Texas, where staff put on a parking lot parade for the older adults in their community to drive through — complete with motivational signs, gift bags, and Roxanne’s personal favorite, staff performing choreographed dances!

A few of our listeners sent in audio clips of what they’re doing in their own communities, so be sure to tune in to the full episode below to hear from:

Rachel Robertson – Recreation Supervisor, North Highlands Recreation and Park District in California
Lindsay Labas – Marketing Director, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation in Indiana
Anthony Iracki – Recreation Supervisor, Whitefish Bay Recreation in Wisconsin, and
Robert Lloyd – Recreation Programmer, Loudoun Valley Community Center in Virginia

Thanks to these park and recreation heroes for sharing how they’re continuing to provide opportunities for their communities to experience the many benefits of parks and recreation, even during a time like this. Tune in to learn:

How agencies are using social media to stay connected with their communities;
How agencies are providing digital programs and virtual recreation centers including everything from cooking classes to virtual fitness classes to art classes and more;
How agencies have had to pivot from traditional marketing and communications approaches to digital platforms; and
How agencies are assigning a theme to specific days of the week so participants in virtual programs know what to expect on certain days, and more!

And, as part of NRPA’s upcoming Park and Recreation Month celebration, make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram throughout the month of July as we’ll be recognizing other park and recreation heroes who are making an impact in their communities — and be sure to share your own park and recreation story using #WeAreParksAndRec.

Another way that cities across the world are showing their appreciation for park and recreation professionals is by #GoingGreenForParks. Today, June 30, World Urban Parks encourages park and recreation agencies to light up their civic and iconic spaces and places green at sunset to thank the professionals who are helping communities remain active, healthy and connected during COVID-19.

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The July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio we’re diving deeper into the cover story, “Celebrating YOU This July.” As you know, we usually interview the author or the subjects of the magazine article for our bonus episode each month, but in today’s case, the author is already with us! Cort Jones, NRPA Communications Manager and fellow cohost of this podcast, is our guest today as he is the author of the July cover story and project manager for NRPA’s Park and Recreation Month.

Park and Recreation Month is a favorite for both of us, as Cort and I have both had the pleasure of managing the campaign in previous years. While a lot of our work at NRPA consists of finding stories from the park and recreation field, the month of July is when we get to celebrate all the good work that park and recreation professionals are doing in their communities.

This year for Park and Recreation Month, we are shifting the narrative of parks and recreation and redefining the field as an essential, vital necessity by sharing how park and recreation professionals — full of passion for their communities — represent a diverse group of professionals who are confronting our most pressing health, environmental and social challenges. Recently we have seen park and recreation professionals step into various essential roles to provide services for their communities, and throughout July, we’re going to be telling the stories of those selfless, passionate and essential professionals who are the heroes the world needs now more than ever.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

How we came up with the theme “We Are Parks and Recreation”
How we're celebrating park and recreation professionals this July
Ways you can get involved in the celebration

Learn more about Park and Recreation Month and make sure you’re following NRPA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram throughout the month of July to celebrate with us — and share your own park and recreation story using #WeAreParksAndRec.

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We’re in a time where many people are having tough conversations with friends, family, loved ones and colleagues. We’re living through a global pandemic, an economic crisis, a fight for racial equity — and it’s all happening at once.

Amidst all of this, there is another crisis that continues to exist — the opioid crisis and substance use disorder. According to Kaiser Health News, the COVID-19 pandemic may be making things worse as far as the opioid crisis, as treatments and resources have been disrupted for the people who need them most. And while talking about substance use disorder is critically important, conversations are often avoided because of the stigma associated with it.

Many park and recreation agencies have started implementing educational and awareness programs around substance use disorder, and one of them is the City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Department in Florida. We’re honored to be joined on this episode by the deputy director, Pattie Roberts, who shares the story of how her son, Danny, died of a heroin overdose at only 22 years old and how it pushed her to act on the issue of substance use disorder in her community. We’re joined by Lauren Kiefert, an NRPA program specialist, to talk about how NRPA is supporting programs that raise awareness and address substance use disorder.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

What Roberts shared with the 19th Judicial Circuit Bar Association to raise awareness about opioid use
Why it’s so important to address stigma when educating about substance use disorder
What efforts Roberts and her staff are making to break down the stigma associated with substance use disorder
How Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation is engaging the public in conversations and programming around substance use disorder
What challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented in relation to the services Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation provides that focus on substance use disorder and mental health

To read more about the role park and recreation professionals can play in addressing substance use disorder, read these posts from the Substance Use in Parks and Recreation blog series:

Substance Use in Parks and Recreation: We Can’t Do Nothing
The Opposite of Addiction Is Not Sobriety, It’s Connection
The Naloxone Debate — To Carry or Not to Carry
Breaking Down the Stigma of Substance Use
Addressing Other Substances
Alternative Methods for Pain Management

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Open Space Radio condemns all forms of racism and violence. We mourn the loss of all those whose lives have ended as a result of senseless brutality. As part of the #podcastblackout, we stand firmly with all who seek justice and reform and are using our platform to protest the death of these people:

George Floyd
Eric Harris
Breonna Taylor
Ahmaud Arbery
Ezell Ford
Alton Sterling
Sean Bell
Trayvon Martin
Akai Gurley
Eric Garner
Terence Crutcher
Tamir Rice
Mike Brown
Freddie Gray
Alayna Stanley-Jones
Philando Castille
Rekia Boyd
James Clark
Antonio Martin
Walter Scott
Korryn Gaines
Sandra Bland
Elisha Stanley
Kimani Gray
Sam Dubose
Phillip White
Dontrae Hamilton
And all the other names that don’t make the news.

Black Lives Matter.

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The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Homelessness and the Global Pandemic,” which explores how the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) is supporting people experiencing homelessness, among other vulnerable populations, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joining us on the show is the author of the article, Executive Officer & Chief of Staff at L.A. City Department of Recreation and Parks, Anthony-Paul (AP) Diaz. We chat with Diaz about how he and his staff are handling the pandemic and all the challenges that come along with it, as well as how RAP has been providing essential community services during this time.

Diaz discusses how RAP serves as the mass-care shelter and welfare arm of the city of Los Angeles during emergencies and how that has been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the Los Angeles Times reported there were nearly 60,000 people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County, which means that a large population of people doesn’t have a home they can go to in order to shelter-in-place. RAP quickly adapted and transformed many of their recreation centers and park spaces into homeless shelters — providing cots, blankets, towels, food, health screenings and protection, as well as connections to various community services, like social services and healthcare.

Additionally, we discuss:

The transition plans RAP has put into place to ensure that people who are currently using the shelters receive proper attention and don’t fall through the cracks when the temporary shelters close
How RAP has set up more than 500 trailers to support individuals who may need to self-quarantine
The emergency childcare centers the city has set up
How the city will use their current momentum to provide better access to parks and open spaces when the first phases of re-opening begin
A heartwarming story of a how a father and son were reunited because of these new shelters

Tune in to the full episode below to hear more about the work Diaz and RAP are doing to ensure people in Los Angeles are safe, healthy and have access to essential services during this time.

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Every day, in communities across the country, the people of parks and recreation are providing essential services and making their communities better places to live, work and play. This July, for Park and Recreation Month, NRPA will be redefining the field of parks and recreation as a vital necessity by sharing how park and recreation professionals are frontline staff, confronting our most pressing health, environmental and social challenges — even now, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, park and recreation professionals are selflessly making sure the people in their communities are safe, healthy and have access to necessary services.

One way the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society (PRPS) has been celebrating this selfless work is through Park and Recreation Professionals Day, which will take place this year on July 17 – during Park and Recreation Month. This day, much like the entire month of July, celebrates the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the high-quality programs and facilities we desire and expect in our parks and public spaces. We’re thrilled to be joined on today’s episode by Tim Herd, CEO of PRPS, to learn more about the day, and how you can celebrate at your own agency this July.

Tim talks with us about why he thinks park and recreation professionals and the work they do are so essential, and we discuss our plans to celebrate that work through a nationwide Park and Recreation Professionals Day this July as part of our Park and Recreation Month festivities. Tim tells us about how the idea of a designated day to lift up the people who are working so hard in their communities came to him in the most appropriate setting – his local park!

He also shares an informative document that helps solidify why park and recreation professionals deserve to be celebrated. It’s called the “Recreation & Parks’ Internet of Things” and it highlights “how parks and recreation contribute to everything important” in a community.

And while we’re all excited about Park and Recreation Month and Park and Recreation Professionals Day coming up soon, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebrations may look different this year. We discuss how PRPS is adjusting its celebration and some of the things planned for July – including simply thanking a park and recreation professional for the important work they do.

Tim also shares some tips for an agency that may want to plan its own Park and Recreation Professionals Day this summer — his number one tip? Save the date.

Tune in to the full episode to hear why we can’t wait to celebrate YOU this July. And be sure to sign up on our Park and Recreation Month webpage to receive updates on all things Park and Recreation Month, as NRPA will be providing resources for Park and Recreation Professionals Day and the entire month very soon — so you’ll have everything you need to promote the celebration in your community.

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We often get to have conversations with park and recreation professionals who are doing incredible work in their communities. Many times, the guests who are gracious enough to join us on Open Space Radio are people who are already established in their careers. It’s not every day, though, that we get to chat with college students who are studying the field of parks and recreation and who will soon embark on the exciting journey of entering a new career in the field.

On today’s episode, we are thrilled to be joined by two inspiring students who are pursuing their degrees in fields related to parks and recreation and will be graduating this year. Joining us on the show today is Mary Elise Conzelmann, who received her bachelor’s degree in recreation management from Humboldt State University in 2019 and will be receiving a master’s degree in business management from Saint Mary’s College of California this May. We’re also excited to be joined by Sean Fitzpatrick, who will be receiving a bachelor’s degree in sports and recreation management from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire this May.

We recorded this episode in late March, and we discussed how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted each of their final academic years — both schools they attend have since transitioned to online classes for the remainder of the term.

Mary Elise and Sean also share why they each chose this path and the things they’re looking for in a future career in parks and recreation — not necessarily the specific role they’re looking for, but what they hope to be able to do in that role. They also give their thoughts on why parks and recreation is an essential community service.

Other topics we discuss on today’s episode include:

The things they’re doing to prepare for their future careers, such as internships, attending conferences and networking with current professionals
What park and recreation agencies should look for in prospective employees
What an employer should do to keep staff engaged
What someone should consider if they’re early in their college career or thinking of going to school in a field related to parks and recreation
Resources like the NRPA Young Professional Network Facebook Group, Women in Parks and Recreation Facebook Group and NRPA Connect

Connect with Mary Elise on LinkedIn

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn

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The May issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of the feature articles, “Collaboration in the Time of Pandemic.” We’re honored to be joined by the author, and executive director of NOVA Parks, Paul Gilbert, as well as Jane Rudolph, director of Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Kirk Kincannon, executive director of Fairfax County Park Authority.

On today’s episode, we talk with these three park and recreation leaders from the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., about their collaborative response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their three agencies, as well as other local agencies, have been collaborating for many years, but that existing relationship has been even more beneficial during this time. While each of them has navigated tough decisions related to public health and their parks systems, having each other’s support has been key.

We discuss the difficult decisions they’ve had to make as far as closing their parks and the tough conversations that happened prior to making that decision. Although most trails are still open, these agencies, along with others in the area, ultimately decided to close their parks and confront the situation from a public health perspective, hoping to slow the spread of COVID-19. And, in an area like Northern Virginia, where many of the parks and trails that these agencies manage intertwine, it was necessary to have a unified approach.

Their unified approach and collaboration have ensured simple, consistent messaging to the communities they serve, as well as consistent messaging to their staff — many of whom are still working, while maintaining proper physical distancing, to make sure that when the parks are cleared to open, they will be ready.

Tune in to learn how these three agencies have been supporting each other and their communities in a time filled with uncertainty, as well as what types of messaging have been most impactful for them and how this collaboration is helping them plan for the future.

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Earth Day is a time when people all over the world promote the importance of environmental awareness, and it serves as a reminder that anyone can take small steps to protect the environment. This year, on April 22, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

Earth Day has been a critical event since its inception in 1970 – in fact, in response to the very first Earth Day, landmark environmental laws like The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act were created, as well as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). And while this is an extremely important day, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the planned celebrations have had to go virtual.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by three dedicated and creative staff members of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department in Ohio to talk about the virtual Earth Day celebrations they have planned so their community can learn more about the environment around them and how to protect it. Joining us on the show from Columbus Recreation and Parks Department are:

Betty Blockinger, Volunteer Manager
Colleen Sharkey, Program Coordinator
Rosalie Herndon, Environmental Planner

We talk about what Earth Day means to each of them, as well as why it’s so important to celebrate. And, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, their department is hosting a 10-day virtual Earth Day celebration to help the people who live in Columbus explore all the things that live and grow around their homes and in the community’s parks through a fun, scavenger hunt-style activity — while being mindful of physical distancing guidelines and state and local ordinances.

Various things to search for will be posted on their department’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts from April 15-25, and community members can win prizes by posting photos of the things they find, tagging the department and using #VirtualEarthDayCbus. People are encouraged to use iNaturalist, a mobile app that can be used to observe and identify various species — everything from the rarest of butterflies to a common weed.

The observations made through iNaturalist also support the conservation community at large. All the observations are verified by a community of experts and go through a process of verification and ultimately end up as data for researchers and environmentalists from around the globe to use. Here’s a video of Colleen showing how easy it is to use!

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is also engaging their community during this time through:

Sharing gardening tips and other activities on their outdoor recreation program’s Instagram account
Get Active At Home: With fitness facilities closed, the department’s health and wellness team is posting workouts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to encourage residents to get off the couch and get moving at home. From low-intensity workouts to adaptive yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), there are a variety of workouts for all ages and fitness levels.
CAC Create at Home: While art classes at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center (CAC) are currently canceled, local artists are giving step-by-step instructions on creative arts projects via Facebook Live every Tuesday and Thursday at noon on the CAC Facebook page.

Thanks to Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and the important work of Betty, Colleen and Rosalie, the people who live in Columbus, Ohio, will be able to safely celebrate Earth Day — and regardless of where you live, this episode may give you ideas on how you can safely celebrate, as well!

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The year was 1870. It was only five years after the end of the Civil War, and it was the year that the California legislature proclaimed the inception of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This iconic park is affectionately known to San Franciscans as “Everybody’s Park,” and 150 years later, it is celebrating its sesquicentennial.

We originally recorded today’s episode a few months ago with Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, to talk about all the things that were planned in celebration of Golden Gate Park’s 150th birthday, which took place on April 4.

When we recorded that interview, no one could have predicted that things would look the way they do now with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. With Californians — along with most of the country — being asked to stay home and not gather in large groups to slow the spread, among other precautions, Phil and his team had to get creative in order to allow people to still be able to celebrate this monumental event.

Today’s episode starts off with the first part of our original interview, as Phil talks about the history of Golden Gate Park and some of the things that make it so special and unique. Fortunately, we were able to talk with Phil again yesterday to get an update on the celebration and how people can join in and pay tribute to this historic event, which you’ll hear in the last half of the episode.

To kick off the celebration starting on April 4, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department launched a virtual concert series that will bring some of the historic past outdoor concerts and performances held in the park to people everywhere to enjoy for free. New concerts will be available to view every week throughout the year at the Virtual Golden Gate Park, and the first performance was a Boz Scaggs concert from 2016. The San Francisco-based rock band, Metallica, even sent a special birthday message to the park.

Besides the legendary virtual concerts, the celebration’s website will continue to be updated with ways people can celebrate, including virtual tours, downloadable coloring books and more.

Please join us in wishing Golden Gate Park a Happy 150th Birthday!

Other resources related to this episode:

Golden Gate 150 Website
Celebrating 150 years of Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park’s 150th Birthday Party Dampened But Not Eclipsed By COVID-19
Golden Gate Park 150th Birthday celebration goes online during COVID-19 pandemic
Here’s How To Virtually Celebrate San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park’s 150th Birthday Today

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Disclaimer: Today’s episode was previously recorded and focuses on how parks can help save fireflies, which is the cover story of the April issue of Parks & Recreation magazine. We recognize some of the topics discussed on this episode are more difficult to implement at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we hope you find the topic interesting and that it will give you some ideas for the future. If nothing else, you'll learn some fascinating facts about fireflies! We also want you to know that NRPA is actively monitoring developments around the current COVID-19 pandemic and how it is impacting parks and recreation — head to our Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) web page for the most up-to-date information on our response, as well as resources from NRPA, health organizations and federal agencies

The April issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on this bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into the feature article, “Can Parks Help Save Fireflies?” We’re joined by the author, and editor-at-large for Parks & Recreation, Richard J. Dolesh, as well as Michele White, an NRPA conservation program manager, to talk about the current threat to the firefly species. And, whether you call them fireflies or lightning bugs, one thing is certain: they need our help.

There are about 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide, and approximately 170 species are found in the United States. Currently, the greatest threats to these species are loss of habitat, light pollution and the use of certain pesticides, but there are ways that parks can become more “firefly friendly” and help save the future of these species. On this episode, we discuss some current projects in parks around the country that are helping educate the public about fireflies, as well as some things that parks can do to help stifle the threat to the species, including:

Mowing grasslands and meadow habitat in rotational strips or a mosaic pattern (this is great for pollinators, too)
Creating more meadows and more edge habitat, and leaving a grass buffer strip around forest edges
Trying to create more moisture year-round, if possible.
Planting green infrastructure areas with pollinators and fireflies in mind
Leaving forested areas natural — allow for more leaf litter and leave downed trees in place, as this is where firefly larvae are typically found
Evaluating your outdoor lighting and reducing light-spread, if possible, in high-quality habitat areas

Of course, thinking of fireflies tends to bring a sense of nostalgia, so Rich and Michele each share some of their earliest memories and discuss how the joy of seeing fireflies is often a person’s first vivid memory of connecting with nature. And while the days of running around trying to catch fireflies in mason jars may be behind us (it is strongly advised against, nowadays), we talk about how there are still safe, responsible ways to appreciate our illuminated friends of the night. We also talk about how educating kids about fireflies can be a great catalyst for starting a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors and relationship with nature.

Other useful resources discussed in this episode:

NRPA’s Parks for Pollinators

Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz

International Dark Sky Association

Xerces Society

Conserving the Jewels of the Night

iNaturalist

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Disclaimer: Today’s episode was previously recorded and focuses on the importance of mentoring in parks and recreation. While we recognize some of the topics discussed on this episode are more difficult to implement at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage you to think of creative ways you can continue to connect with your community, while following all local, state and national ordinances and guidelines. NRPA is actively monitoring developments around the current COVID-19 pandemic and how it is impacting parks and recreation — head to our Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) web page for the most up-to-date information on our response, as well as resources from NRPA, health organizations and federal agencies

One in three young people in the U.S. reaches age 19 without a mentor of any kind. This includes the nine million at-risk youth who are missing the critical support and connections that mentoring can provide. But, park and recreation agencies are closing this gap by offering one-on-one and group youth mentoring programs and helping at-risk youth gain access to quality mentors.

To assist in this work, NRPA recently launched an initiative dedicated to developing and implementing a mentorship program for youth impacted by the opioid crisis in rural Central Appalachia. One community that has felt this crisis heavily is Elizabethton, Tennessee, where many people have been impacted in some way, either directly or indirectly through family and friends struggling with substance-use disorder. The impact of this crisis on the youth in Elizabethton was even recently covered in a New York Times article and includes perspectives from one of our guests today and the work she is doing. In places facing similar issues, park and recreation professionals often serve as mentors and the one caring adult for children who experience adversity and trauma in their households or community.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Kelly Kitchens, the program/special events coordinator for City of Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department, and Lauren Kiefert, an NRPA program specialist, to talk a little about NRPA’s Mentoring in Parks and Rec initiative and the critical work being done in Elizabethton.

We discuss what mentoring means to each of them and how mentorship has shaped the person they’ve each become. Other questions we tackle in this episode include:

What does a mentoring program need to look like in an area that has been hit hard by the opioid crisis — like Elizabethton?
Why is it important to implement mentoring programs into existing park and recreation offerings?
How do we ensure the importance of mentoring stays relevant?
What is the future of mentoring in parks and recreation?

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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has made its way to the U.S. and the number of people infected continues to rise, with at least 539 confirmed cases in the U.S. at the time of this recording (at the time this episode was published, numbers had been recalculated to 432 confirmed cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). As the gatekeepers of many of our nation’s public gathering spaces, park and recreation professionals are seeking answers to key questions as they prepare strategies around response and prevention in the coming days and weeks — especially in communities that are starting to document confirmed cases.

To help answer some of these questions, on today’s episode we’re joined by three park and recreation leaders from across the country who are actively addressing issues related to coronavirus:

Jesús Aguirre, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation and NRPA board member
Brian Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metroparks
Adriane Clutter, Division Chief

Each of the states where these three live and work are experiencing confirmed or potential cases of COVID-19. As of this recording, Washington State had 136 confirmed cases, the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region had nine confirmed cases, and in Ohio, there are four potential cases being investigated (three of those cases have been confirmed at the time of publishing this episode).

On this episode, we chat about:

The impact of COVID-19 so far in each of their communities
How they are handling communications to community members and dealing with misinformation and stigma surrounding this disease
How they are collaborating with state and local health officials as well as other nearby park and recreation departments
Preparations for the financial implications of COVID-19
Actions their agencies are taking to ensure they have proper staff coverage while keeping staff as safe as possible
The importance of creating talking points for staff to ensure everyone is on the same page when communicating with the public

Tune in to the episode below to hear our full conversation on how these three leaders are ensuring their communities stay healthy, well-informed and safe.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Health and Human Services: Information from Dr. Travis Gayles on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19
Parkways blog post with information about the impacts of COVID-19 on Seattle Parks and Recreation

Other helpful resources:

CDC’s webpage for the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for schools, which has good information that is adaptable for park and recreation agencies
Personal safety recommendations from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) resources on coronavirus

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The March issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on this bonus episode of Open Space Radio we’re diving deeper into one of the feature articles, “St. Louis: A Path Toward Equitable Design.” The article showcases the framework plan for the Chouteau Greenway in St. Louis — a $250 million greenway development. The public-private partnership spans 15 miles and 20 neighborhoods, with the goal of connecting communities and unifying different populations.

One person who has played an instrumental role in this project is Susan Trautman, CEO of Great Rivers Greenway, and we’re thrilled to chat with her on the show.

On this episode, we discuss how important it is that a public space like this connects diverse populations throughout the city, and the impact that this kind of project makes on the communities that it touches.

We also talk about the release of the Chouteau Greenway Framework Plan that was recently released in December 2019. The plan focuses on four main topics:

Alignment (feasibility of possible routes),
Design & Identity (look and feel of the greenway),
Economic Growth (the greenway as a catalyst for opportunity)
Equity (equitable outcomes in project and process)

Social equity remains at the forefront of Chouteau Greenway, as well as community engagement, and Great Rivers Greenway is currently reviewing submissions for the new name of the greenway. Due to the sensitive nature of the name “Chouteau,” which was the name of a slave owner in St. Louis, a large part of this project is soliciting a new name from the community — and they have over 1,000 submissions!

To learn more about this project and see what the future holds for the greenway, tune in to the episode below.

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Parks everywhere serve as a gateway to nature and the great outdoors. As stewards of these spaces, it’s our responsibility to cultivate the next generation of diverse environmental leaders that will utilize and protect these spaces for generations to come.

To assist park agencies with this important work, NRPA recently collaborated with renowned expert and author, Angelou Ezeilo, to host an interactive diversity workshop at our headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia, and we’re thrilled to have her join us on the show.

Angelou is the founder and CEO of Greening Youth Foundation, an organization that focuses on the recruitment and placement of thousands of youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds in careers in conservation and land management. Her book, Engage, Connect, Protect: Empowering Young Diverse Environmental Leaders, illustrates the lifelong pursuit of inclusion and equity in conservation and environmental stewardship.

On today’s episode, we chat with Angelou about her journey and the work she is doing to bridge the cultural divide and activate a new generation of environmental stewards, as well as why it’s so important to foster a love for this kind of mission.

We also chat about why culturally relevant curriculum is necessary to engage more diverse youth in environmental conservation, and how intentional and thoughtful partnerships can help park and recreation agencies work with diverse youth in their own communities.

We discuss why it’s important to have these discussions — even when they may make us feel uncomfortable or unsure. Talking is more important than not talking, and it gets easier the more we do it.

To learn more about Angelou’s inspiring work, tune in to the full episode below, and be sure to check out these resources, as well:

Greening Youth Foundation
Angelou’s website
The State of Diversity in Environmental Organizations: Mainstream NGOs, Foundations & Government Agencies (report)

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On today’s episode, we sit down with Kristine Stratton, NRPA President and CEO, and Neelay Bhatt, Vice President at PROS Consulting Inc, to discuss their presentation at the Agents of Change Summit this week. They’ll be in San Diego, California, sharing how park and recreation professionals are agents of change in their communities — particularly around how they influence and change health behaviors and how parks are a solution to many of our most pressing health and wellness challenges, like obesity, mental health issues and substance use.

They will be talking with public health professionals about why they need to be thinking about parks as a partner and solution, and how park and recreation professionals are already tackling many of these issues in their communities.

We talk about why it’s important to share the story of parks and recreation — and all the things that local park and recreation professionals provide in their communities — with various audiences and stakeholders, as well as how park and recreation professionals can ensure they aren’t only part of the conversation about these societal challenges, but leading it.

Tune in to the full episode below to hear other topics we discuss, such as:

How solutions to global problems start at the local level
How other countries are using parks and recreation to help solve many of these problems
How partnerships differ when it comes to public health issues
How park and recreation master planning can help in solving these problems

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Today’s episode is a deep dive into how one impossible situation can inspire multiple opportunities within a community. We hear from Jessica Patterson, Community Outreach Coordinator for Groton Parks and Recreation in Connecticut and Officer Heather McClelland, Community Policing Officer for the Groton Police Department. These are two truly inspirational people who came together from two different public agencies to create a network of support for Alzheimer’s Caregivers as well as a Cognitive Safety and Awareness Program for their community.

What started as a way for Jessica to cope with her mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s has turned into multiple programs and cross-department partnerships that are enriching an entire community and making it safer.

Tune into this episode to hear how this came to be and how “we are all in this together.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Today Show clip of Service Dog McDonald
Groton Parks and Recreation Website
Groton Police Department Website
Groton’s Cognitive Safety and Awareness Program
Alzheimer’s Association

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The February issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and we recently had the opportunity to chat with Jamie Sabbach about her article, “Leading With Courage,” for this month’s bonus episode. Jamie is the president and CEO of 110% Inc. and Amilia Consulting USA, and she joined us to talk about true courageous leadership, as well as explain why it is so important to the field of parks and recreation.

On this episode, Jamie expands on the idea that the term “leadership” is often confused with other words like “management,” and that there is a misrepresentation of authority figures as leaders simply because of the seats they occupy and the titles they hold. We talk about the idea that a person is sometimes seen as a leader based on their title, not necessarily their “leadership” qualities. And while this is true in many cases, it can also be said that someone doesn’t have to wait to be in a certain “position” to be a great leader.

We also chat about why good leadership is essential to the smart growth and sustainability of a park and recreation agency. In her article, Jamie says that leadership requires the ability to say things that are not necessarily the easiest or most popular. She mentions maintenance backlogs and deteriorating infrastructure being a concern for many park and recreation professionals across the country, and that it’s easier to appeal to those who are attracted to the novelty of growth and new development than to have the less popular and more difficult conversation telling people that they simply cannot have the bright, shiny object without contributing to its ongoing care and maintenance.

Jamie also shares some things that park and recreation professionals can do to make sure their voices are heard in the bigger conversations about some of the major challenges in the world today, such as homelessness, obesity and the opioid crisis.

What are your thoughts on how park and recreation professionals can be courageous leaders in their communities? Email us and let us know!

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On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re going back to the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, where we met with Julianne Mills, a program manager for Disabled Sports USA. Disabled Sports USA is a national leader in community-based adaptive sports, and has focused on one goal since 1967: To improve the lives of wounded warriors, youth and adults with disabilities by providing sports and recreation opportunities.

We chat with Julianne about why inclusive and adaptive programming is critical to ensuring all people have access to quality park and recreation offerings, as well as some examples of unique adaptive programming that she’s seen in her work (such as the Adaptive Cycling Center at Magnuson Park in Seattle, Washington, that has a fleet of over 200 adaptive bikes).

We also talk about ways that park and recreation professionals can implement more adaptive programming at their agencies. Julianne shares that the best way to get started is to make a commitment and know that it is possible. She also shares the mantra, “Do what you do best, and partner for the rest,” as a way to encourage park and recreation professionals to reach out to other organizations that can assist in these efforts, like your local chapter of Disabled Sports USA.

Julianne also shares the various resources available from Disabled Sports USA, like Adapt2Achieve, which contains free or low-cost training manuals, webinars and other educational resources that park and recreation professionals may find useful in advancing inclusive and adaptive programming.

Other useful resources discussed in this episode:

Find Your Local Chapter of Disabled Sports USA
Free advertising for adaptive sports/recreation events on the Disabled Sports USA event calendar
Find adaptive equipment
Learn more about adaptive sports
Get a free subscription to Challenge magazine
Adapt2Achieve Training Calendar
Microsoft Soundscape

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Since New Year’s Eve falls on the same Tuesday as the release of a new episode, we felt it would be fitting to reflect on the past year and share some of our resolutions moving into 2020.

On this episode, we discuss the ways we’re both going to make sure self-care is a priority in the new year. As much as it gets thrown around as a buzzword these days, it’s so important, and absolutely necessary in order to be our best selves. Whether it’s getting more sleep, exercise or water — or whatever it means to you — self-care should always be at the top of the list.

We also share some of our mantras for the new year, such as:

“Because I love myself enough to keep going.”
“Don’t feel guilty for doing what’s best for your body.”
“Eat lunch, don’t be a jerk.”

Tune in to the episode below to hear the inspiration behind these mantras and how they’re going to motivate us in 2020. We also talk about our excitement for the future of Open Space Radio, some new things we have in store and the ways we want to better connect with you (for starters, come say hi and follow us on Instagram)!

Thank you so much for your continued support of the show, and Happy New Year!

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Are you ready for a bonus episode of Open Space Radio? In addition to the episodes we release every other Tuesday morning, we are adding an extra episode each month that takes a deeper look at Parks & Recreation magazine’s feature article. Starting with the January 2020 issue of the magazine, you can now enjoy a bonus episode of Open Space Radio and expanded content on the magazine every month!

To kick it off, we are diving deeper into one of our most popular annual magazine articles, written by none other than NRPA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Rich Dolesh. This highly-anticipated article in Parks & Recreation magazine explores upcoming trends in the field and we're excited to chat with Rich on the show today.

On this episode we explore how one of the hottest topics of 2019 (check out eSports at the Rec Center? — Episode 046) is going to continue its momentum into the new decade. Not only is the Sports Emmy Awards going to have an awards category for outstanding eSports coverage, but we may also see a rise in demand for eSports coaches in parks and recreation.

Tune in below to hear about other technology that park and recreation professionals may start to see more of in 2020, like commercial drones (to deliver pizza to your park event) and micromobility devices that are faster, quieter and better able to navigate various types of terrain.

We also talk about:

How conservation efforts of park and recreation agencies are going to increase in 2020.
How agencies will ban Glyphosate — an herbicide that has links to negative impacts on human health and wildlife, despite the EPA declaring it safe earlier this year.
Green burials and human composting — which is exactly what it sounds like.
“The Mosquito” — a sonic disruptor device that emits a high-frequency noise that can only be heard by people ages 13-2.

Check out the full episode to hear Rich’s thoughts on all this and more.

Are you seeing these trends? We’d love to hear your personal experience. What else do you see popping up in parks and recreation in 2020? Email us your predictions to openspace@nrpa.org! You can even send us a voice memo with your story and we may play it in an upcoming episode.

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With the end of the year rapidly approaching, many cities and towns are gearing up for their annual celebrations to ring in the New Year. And while there are a lot of ways you can make your celebrations special, nothing quite brings it all together like a good fireworks display.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by two people who not only know a lot about putting on an epic fireworks display, they also take a lot of pride in it. They presented a session at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore on the anatomy of a great fireworks display, and recently had an article in the December issue of Parks & Recreation magazine — and we’re excited to chat with them on the show today.

We’re joined by John Prue, Installation Program Director at Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR), Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. John is also currently serving as the Chairperson for the NRPA Conference Program Committee, which is currently evaluating over 600 education session proposals that were submitted for the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference. He is also an elected member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA)

We’re also joined by John’s co-presenter from the conference, Wynn Cramer, an event producer with Melrose Pyrotechnics, a fireworks display company.

Tune in to the full episode below to hear us chat about the things park and recreation agencies should consider when deciding on a fireworks display at an event. We talk about everything from doing the initial research and using resources from organizations like the American Pyrotechnics Association, to finding the right vendor, to using music and narration to add another layer to your fireworks display.

We also discuss ways you can ensure people at your events aren’t negatively impacted if they suffer from conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or sensory sensitivities.

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A life hack is a clever tip or technique for accomplishing a familiar task more easily and efficiently. And, with so many park and recreation professionals having to wear multiple hats — sometimes in the course of a single day — anything that can efficiently simplify a task and save time is usually welcomed pretty warmly.

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re looking back at one of the questions that we asked attendees at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland: What is your park and recreation life hack?

With everything from duct tape and zip ties, to quotes from Michael Jordan and love, you’re sure to find some inspiration when you hear the life hacks of these people who were brave enough to get on the mic with us:

Elena Messenger, Therapeutic Recreation Programmer, Stafford County Parks and Recreation
Gabby Anglin, Recreation Coordinator, Victoria Parks and Recreation
Aaron Davis, Director, Mebane Recreation and Parks
Kristy Lintz, Recreation Program Specialist, Rapid City Parks and Recreation
Kasey Mahony, Cadillac District Supervisor, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Lisa Mansfield, Recreation Supervisor, City of Findlay Parks & Recreation
Nicole Moore, Recreation Programmer II, Stafford County Parks and Recreation
David Heath, Parks and Recreation Superintendent, Bullhead City

Do you have your own park and recreation life hack that you’d like to share with us? Send us an email at openspaceradio@nrpa.org and we’ll send you some stickers!

As a special bonus for listening to this episode, you can get a discount on NRPA Live — the virtual version of the NRPA Annual Conference. By using the coupon code OPENSPACE, you’ll get 15 percent off the 18 full education session options that are available now!

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As a native Washingtonian, a park and rec kid, and a long history of serving the community, Delano Hunter is well suited for the role of director of D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DCDPR).

Delano says he’s honored and privileged to serve the city he loves alongside some of the people who shaped him growing up, and we were honored and privileged to have him join us at NRPA headquarters recently to talk about how DCDPR is finding ways to serve members of the D.C. community through innovative programming, special events and community partnerships.

We also discuss Delano’s path to a career in parks and recreation, and how there really isn’t one right/prescribed way to work in this field. Prior to joining DCDPR in 2018, Delano was the Chief Service Officer for Serve DC, a D.C. government agency dedicated to promoting service as an innovative, sustainable solution to pressing social challenges. Before that, he helped develop a mentoring program at Nike. While they may not have been directly related to parks and recreation at the time, these types of diverse backgrounds are what make parks and recreation capable of impacting lives on so many different levels.

Delano also touches on why it’s important for parks and recreation to be an extension of the education system, and why it’s critical to reach kids in out-of-school times. We discuss how partnerships with organizations like Aetna and Lululemon are helping DCDPR reach people of all ages in D.C. Delano also shares about his #30DaysofDPR campaign, where he went on a citywide tour of DCDPR’s 63 recreation facilities last January to highlight the programs, activities and people who make those centers so special.

Tune in to the episode below to learn about all the things DCDPR is doing (and they’re doing a lot of things) to help make the nation’s capital a better place to live.

Note: The morning we recorded this episode, we were saddened to learn about the passing of a great advocate for parks and recreation, Karla Kelley. Karla was a highly-involved member of NRPA, the Chief of Programs for the Bureau of Recreation for City of Baltimore Department of Recreation and Parks and worked for DCDPR for many years. Delano shares his memories of Karla, who was so loved in the parks and recreation community.

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Please note: This episode was recorded on the exhibit hall floor at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference, so you may hear some background noise - it's the sound of over 8,000 passionate park and recreation advocates.

“I do everything around here.”

“Do you think that’s fair?”

“I gotta go master the monkeys [bars].”

These wise quotes have been in the back of Sue Yerkes’s mind for much of her career. They have also been a staple in Sue’s efforts to help others take the jump to advance in their careers. You may be wondering which insightful philosophers are credited with these quotes. Aristotle? Emerson? Steve Jobs?

Try again. These inspiring quotes came from Sue’s nieces, nephews and own kids — who are all under the age of 6. And sometimes, it’s the innocent minds of children that remind us of the most valuable life lessons.

We had the chance to sit down with Sue, who is the director of Grandview Parks & Recreation in Missouri, at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, to find out about her journey into the field of parks and recreation and some of the “aha” moments she’s had along the way.

Tune in to the episode below to learn how Sue interpreted the advice from children in her family to not only advance in her own career, but also motivate and inspire others to do the same. She also shares her philosophy on how even though it may not always seem like the “right” time to do something, sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zones and “take the jump” in our careers.

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When people think of outdoor recreation, their first thought may not of an urban setting. On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re talking with two people who know a lot about the challenges of providing outdoor recreation opportunities in urban areas. When we were at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore last month, we had the chance to sit down with a few of the staff from our local host agency, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks.

Tune in below to hear our conversation with Molly Gallant, an outdoor recreation programmer (aka the park princess), and Bob Wall, the deputy director of Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, about programs they’ve implemented to make sure kids in the city of Baltimore have access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities close to home — like their youth fishing program, among others.

We talk about the importance of providing access to outdoor recreation opportunities — and park and recreation’s role as a mentor — in fostering future stewards of public lands. We also discuss the ways that outdoor recreation can break down barriers, the partnerships that have helped along the way, and what access to outdoor recreation opportunities means to Molly and Bob personally.

And, as a special bonus for listening to this episode, you can get a discount on NRPA Live — the virtual version of the NRPA Annual Conference. By using the coupon code OPENSPACE, you’ll get 15 percent off the 18 full education session options that are available now!

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Today’s episode of Open Space Radio is a special one because it is officially our 50th episode! It was hard to imagine having 50 episodes when we launched two years ago, but we’re here and we’re thriving. Open Space Radio has consistently been in the Apple charts for non-profit podcasts, and often in the top ten!

The timing of our 50th episode is pretty appropriate. We just got back from the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, and it was amazing to meet so many of our listeners and chat with those of you who have never even heard of the show. We were thrilled to get some of you on the mic, and we’re looking forward to sharing the great answers to six questions we asked people who stopped by the Open Space Radio booth.

So, thank you to everyone who visited us and thank you for listening — whether this is your 50th episode or your first — we really appreciate you tuning in.

And since it’s our 50th episode and we’ve been reflecting on when we first started, we thought it would be appropriate to use this episode to explore one of the questions we asked while we were in Baltimore: What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Tune in to the show below to hear the sage advice from the following people who were brave enough to get on the mic with us:

Stacie Anaya, Director, City of Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department
Anthony Iracki, MS, CPRP, Recreation Supervisor, Whitefish Bay Recreation
Brissa Ibarra, California State University, East Bay
Beeg Johnson, Recreation Director, City of Eagle Parks, Pathways & Recreation
Tony Phillips, Director, City of South Fulton Parks and Recreation
Donna Lindenmeier, Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Oklahoma State University
Gabriel Passos, Aquatics Recreation Programmer II, Stafford County Parks and Recreation
Jenny Cox, Conservation Program Manager, NRPA
Tom Ellis, CPRP, Parks Superintendent, Oro Valley Parks and Recreation

And of course, we couldn’t have a 50th episode celebration without sharing some of our own advice that we would tell our younger selves, like making sure to make yourself proud first and the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone.

To finish out our celebration, we have officially launched an Instagram just for the podcast. So be sure to follow us @openspaceradio and say hi, tell us your ideas for future episodes and tag us in photos of you listening to the podcast! You can also send feedback or episode ideas to openspace@nrpa.org, and we’ll send you an Open Space Radio sticker!

Again, a huge thank you to everyone who sat down with us at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference and thank you to everyone who has listened and helped us get to 50 episodes. We could not have done it without all our amazing past guests, listeners and colleagues at NRPA who support Open Space Radio!

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Today’s episode is a special edition of Open Space Radio — we’re diving behind the scenes of the upcoming 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, which is happening September 24-26. We’re releasing this episode a little earlier than we typically do, in hopes that those of you who are attending can tune in as you fly, drive or hike your way to Baltimore. For those of you who are unable to attend, we still have some great tips that you can apply to other conferences (and hopefully a future NRPA Annual Conference).

We’re joined by Amanda Hersey, NRPA’s Director of Conferences aka the mastermind behind the event, and Matt Brubaker, NRPA’s Director of Marketing, who is the guru behind promoting the conference and responsible for sharing the many great things the conference has to offer.

Amanda and Matt share some valuable insider tips on making the most of your time at the conference, things that are new to the conference this year and the events that you won’t want to miss (like Cal Ripken Jr.’s keynote speech or the NRPA Opening Reception sponsored by GameTime).

We also chat about the things we’re all looking forward to this year in Baltimore, but one thing is certain: We can’t wait to see thousands of park and recreation professionals together in Charm City to learn, network and be inspired.

Tune in to the episode below to make sure you don’t miss out on anything at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference! And, be sure to stop by the Open Space Radio booth (#1519) in the exhibit hall to say hi, answer some questions on the microphone and get some pretty sweet Open Space Radio swag!

More Information:

2019 NRPA Annual Conference

Keynote Speakers

NRPA Annual Conference Mobile App

Workshops, Off-Site Institutes and Local Host Activities

Networking Events

Insider's Tips for Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference

NRPA Conference Facebook Live Streaming Times

NRPA Live

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There’s a chance you’ve been scrolling through your social media outlet of choice, doing some online shopping or reading your favorite email newsletter, when you see an advertisement for something that seems like it’s speaking directly to you. You’re wondering how the all-knowing internet knows you need this thing — but it does. And you do.

That’s digital marketing.

Digital marketing is any marketing that is done on a digital channel, such as, social media, mobile apps, email, websites, search engines — and even podcasts.

Digital marketing can be a useful tool for park and recreation agencies that want to promote their programs, special events and other offerings to a broader audience. Letting your community know about the things you offer can be exciting — and increase the impact your agency makes — but it can also be a little overwhelming, whether you’re new to marketing or not, because there are just so many programs and services out there.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Stephen Gendreau, Director of Advertising and Media Operations for ACTIVE Network. ACTIVE Network — which provides digital marketing services, as well as event and participation management — is one of our partners for this year’s Parks Build Community renovation of Catherine Street Park in Baltimore, Maryland.

We chat with Stephen about what digital marketing means for parks and recreation, as well as the most important thing you need for your digital marketing efforts to succeed (hint: it’s data).

Key takeaways from this episode:

Data and understanding your audience are essential to a successful digital marketing campaign and will help you deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time.
Pixels — such as Google Analytics or other analytics services — on your website can help you understand who is visiting your site and who is interested in specific offerings.
Meeting your community where they are online (social media, search engines, etc.) can help you engage with audiences that are typically harder to reach.
Don’t get complacent in your marketing efforts — just because something worked this time, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work in the future, and vice versa.
Use the data you collect — rather than feelings or observations — to make your marketing decisions

To learn more about how to build and execute effective park and recreation marketing and communication campaigns that will help you better connect with your community, check out the NRPA Marketing and Communications Certificate. And, if you’re going to be at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, be sure to attend the Marketing Certificate Program pre-conference workshop!

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In this episode we are taking on some listener requests for more podcasts on park and recreation programming (P.S. we’d love to hear your requests for episodes, so email Roxanne or Cort with your ideas!).

Today, we’re looking at intergenerational programming – what it is, how it’s working in the field and how it’s impacting those who participate in the programs. We interviewed three people in order to collect these different perspectives and you’ll likely notice that our mics and audio sound a bit different interview to interview as they were done in different locations.

First, you’ll hear from Emily Patrick of Generations United. She is dedicated to promoting and educating people about the benefits of intergenerational programs.

Second, you’ll hear from Candice Holbrook from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront in Burlington, Vermont where she manages intergenerational programming.

Third, you’ll hear from Martha Ahmed, an older adult who participates in intergenerational programming in Burlington.

Some key takeaways from this episode:

Interactions between older adults and youth can provide mental and emotional health benefits to both groups and help with loneliness and isolation.
Intergenerational programs can involve older adults serving youth, youth serving older adults, multiple generations working together to serve others, and an organization providing services to both groups at the same time.
You can start intergenerational with the resources you have now — perhaps by combining activities between two existing programs.
The intergenerational experience truly makes a positive impact on those involved.

Resources mentioned in this episode and related resources:

NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks Initiative
- Healthy Aging in Parks Survey Results
Generations United Resource Library
- Intergenerational Program Database
- Generations United Programs of Distinction
- Creating an Age-Advantaged Community
- I Need You, You Need Me: The Young, the Old, and What We Can Achieve Together
- Young and Old Serving Together: Meeting Community Needs Through Intergenerational Partnerships
- Youth-Led Intergenerational Toolkit
- Generations United Podcast

Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront: Recreation and Nutrition Drop-In Programs

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Three million dollars. That’s how much Kyle Giersdorf just won at the Fortnite World Cup — a video game competition held at the Arthur Ashe tennis stadium in New York. That’s right. He won $3 million playing video games in a place typically reserved for the US Open.

eSports, or video game competitions, isn’t new, but it is a growing trend. So much so that eSports is starting to make a space for itself in the world of parks and recreation. Durango Parks and Recreation in Colorado, for example, has included large-scale, competitive video gaming in its draft master plan.

Cort and I had the opportunity to chat about eSports with Neelay Bhatt — Vice President at PROS Consulting, NRPA board member, and an established thought leader in the field of parks and recreation. Our conversation stemmed from the speed session Neelay will be presenting this year at the NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore titled, “eSports 101: Just What the Heck Is eSports and Why/How Should My Agency Participate in It?”

In this episode we discuss what eSports is, its impact on parks and recreation and the potential opportunities it presents.

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I think it’s fair to say that many times when people enter a career field, they do so with intentions of advancing in that career and continuing to progress, learn and grow. Of course, there are those moments of complacency that can creep up, and often we’re so busy with the work at hand that we don’t even think about the next steps in our career. Sometimes it’s just that taking that step toward your own professional development seems like a daunting task – especially if you don’t know where to start.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by two people who know a thing or two about advancing in the field of parks and recreation. Joining us are Michael Kalvort, CPRE, the Recreation Services Director for City of Boca Raton, Florida, and Hayley Herzing, NRPA’s Senior Manager of Membership.

Michael discusses some of the steps he took early in his career that set him up to be where he is today, including the importance of:

saying ‘yes’ to everything you can;
certification;
networking;
mentorship;
being part of a state or national association; and
continuing to learn.

Hayley offers guidance on many of the resources NRPA provides to its members, such as:

NRPA Connect;
the NRPA Annual Conference;
professional development opportunities;
certification opportunities;
Volunteer opportunities, and more

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It’s no secret that working in parks and recreation comes with its share of unpredictable, funny moments. You must really be ready for anything — and many times these moments provide those deeply-satisfying laughs you can feel throughout your entire body (whether it’s instantly or one of those “this will be funny when we look back on it” moments).

We’ve been asking you to share your funniest moments while on the job with us on our Instagram page, and the responses we’ve received are hilarious (we promise we’ve been laughing with you all). On this episode of Open Space Radio, we had the opportunity to chat with a few folks to get the full story behind their responses to our Instagram post.

On this episode you’ll hear from:

Eryn Mann, Marketing Coordinator, Henrico County Recreation and Parks (Virginia)

Eryn shares about the time a traveling cat circus inquired about using one of their venues for a performance. Sadly, the request was not approved, but the Acro-Cats (and the Rock Cats — an all-cat rock band) appear to still be touring.

Eryn also shared a couple other funny moments with us — the time she was chased by a cow during a farm animal Halloween photo shoot (the cow has been known to chase people) and the time she found a tree in one of their parks fitted with custom-made pants. Fun fact: Eryn’s only been with the department for two years — we have a feeling she’s in for some more funny moments!

Nicole DiCicco, CPSI, Assistant Director, Dover Parks & Recreation (Massachusetts)

Nicole shares about the time there was an accident in a very large tube slide (think poo emoji). According to Nicole, “there isn’t anything as funny as seeing two grown men having to squeeze into a (very stinky) tube slide AND one having to hold the other by the ankles to be able to reach the smeared mess to clean up!”

The mess was from the very top of the slide all the way to the bottom of what Nicole describes as “the tallest playground.” This will most likely be a legendary story in Dover for years to come.

Stephanie Harden, Center Director, Warren Road Community Center and T. Garrett Gymnasium (Georgia)

Stephanie shares about the time that one of her summer campers was answering her phone. Although presumably embarrassing, Stephanie couldn’t help but laugh when she walked over to her phone to find the summer camper say, “No worries, Miss Stephanie — I answered all your calls, took messages and told everyone you were in the restroom!”

As you can imagine, Augusta residents got a laugh — and according to Stephanie, everyone knows this summer camper and thought it was the funniest thing ever. You never really know what you’re going to get working with kids!

And we couldn’t let a “funniest moments” podcast end without sharing a few of our own funniest moments while on the job. Roxanne reflects on the time a person in a gorilla costume was chasing a person in a banana costume through the Starbucks that she worked at, and Cort talks about the time he was called “Curt Johnson” repeatedly on a live interview (Cort Jones, Curt Johnson, same thing).

We also reminisce on a hilarious video that NRPA staff put together back in 2015 to celebrate Park and Recreation Month!

Tune in to the show to listen to hear the full story!

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Happy Park and Recreation Month! Throughout July, we celebrate all of the great things that are happening in local parks and recreation centers nationwide. This year’s theme for Park and Recreation Month is Game On, and we’re excited to have some fun all month long!

On today's episode we’re joined by SaulPaul, a musician with a message. SaulPaul was a keynote speaker at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference in Indianapolis, and he’s back to help us celebrate Park and Recreation Month this year.

On this episode, we chat with SaulPaul about why he decided to spread his “Be the Change” message to local park and recreation departments, and the work that he’s been doing in communities across the country to entertain, inspire and empower people. We also talk about why he feels parks and recreation is so vital to every community, as well as how he’s celebrating Park and Recreation Month!

We also talk about the inspiration for the #ParkRecTwoStepChallenge, which is a video contest open throughout July encouraging people to get creative, active and have some fun! Tune in to the episode below to learn more — and find out how you can win weekly prizes and the chance to have SaulPaul come film the official Park Rec Two Step music video in your hometown!

Related Links:

Park and Recreation Month

#ParkRecTwoStepChallenge

SaulPaul’s website

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We’re talking about a gross topic on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, but fortunately I’m joined by a few people who are on a mission to clean things up. Today we’re talking about cigarette butt litter, and how both Keep Tennessee Beautiful and Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful are doing their part in their state to reduce the amount of cigarette butt litter, which contains really toxic chemicals that can be detrimental to the environment.

On today’s episode I’m joined by Missy Marshall, who is the executive director of Keep Tennessee Beautiful and serves on the board of directors for Keep America Beautiful (KAB). I’m also joined by Edmond McDavis III, affiliate services and training coordinator for Keep Tennessee Beautiful and Kathleen Gibi, Executive Director of Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful.

Keep Tennessee Beautiful is a KAB affiliate whose mission is to inspire and educate Tennesseans to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment, and Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful is the first KAB affiliate to focus solely on a river — the improvement, protection and preservation of the Tennessee River, specifically.

Part of improving, protecting and preserving the river is to educate people about the harm that cigarette butt litter can cause to waterways and provide safe ways to dispose of cigarette butts. Tune in to the episode below to learn about how KAB’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program is helping improve the Tennessee River and the communities along the river through the installation of cigarette butt litter stands that not only provide safe disposal, but also feature educational art on the outside.

You’ll also learn how to get your own free cigarette litter stand from Keep America Beautiful!

Related Links:

Keep America Beautiful

Keep Tennessee Beautiful

Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful

To get your free cigarette litter stand, email Keep America Beautiful.

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On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re talking inclusion. And, in celebration of June being Pride Month, we’re talking specifically about LGBTQ+ inclusion in parks and recreation.

In our research about LGBTQ+ issues and parks and recreation, we came across a blog by Jason Shriner, the marketing manager for the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation right here in Virginia. Jason’s blog talks about some of his own experiences and how working in parks and recreation means being a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Since he was right in our backyard, we invited Jason over to NRPA headquarters to pick his brain about inclusion and talk a little more about that blog.

On this episode, Jason shares how he got into parks and recreation (spoiler: he and Roxanne share a deep-rooted love of baking), how his own journey has led him to being a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion and why he thinks inclusion is so critical in parks and recreation.

He also shares a few things that the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation has done to ensure that its parks and facilities are more inclusive and welcoming to all, including:

Partnering with organizations like PFLAG (parents, families and friends of the LGBTQ+ community) and Team DC (an LGBTQ+ sports club in Washington, D.C.)
Offering LGBTQ+ specific programs like yoga and self-defense
Using gender-neutral and inclusive language in handbooks/policies
Replacing gender-specific, single-stall bathrooms with all-gender bathrooms
Adding sexual orientation and gender identity to agency’s non-discrimination policy

These are just a few of the amazing things that Jason has helped facilitate at his agency, so be sure to tune in below to learn more, as well as hear some small changes that you can make in your parks and facilities to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome.

Additional resources:

NRPA’s Parks for Inclusion

NRPA Webinar: Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Parks and Recreation

Jason's article from the June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine

Jason’s blog that inspired this episode

City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation

PFLAG

Pride in Parks: The Role of Parks in the Pride Movement and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

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We have a lot of celebrations coming up this summer. Family Health and Fitness Day is this Saturday, June 8, Olympic Day is June 23, and the entire month of July is Park and Recreation Month! With all of these celebrations in mind, we wanted to highlight the ways in which parks and recreation are part of creating a culture of fitness, as well as making sure that everyone has access to fitness opportunities, regardless of their abilities.

Prepare to be inspired by today’s episode. We’re thrilled to be joined by Jennifer French, who has an amazing story of resilience after overcoming a snowboarding accident in 1998 in which she became a quadriplegic, to becoming a silver medalist representing Team USA at the 2012 Paralympic Games in sailing. We’re also excited to have Sam Mendelsohn, CEO of Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, which has been a leader in accessible outdoor fitness equipment since 2007. Greenfields Outdoor Fitness is also the sponsor of Family Health & Fitness Day, Park and Recreation Month and NRPA’s Parks Build Community.

Jennifer shares her story with us and explains the challenges she faced after her injury, as well as how she had to adapt to continue living an active lifestyle. She also talks about the things she does to stay fit now and gives some tips for others who may be in a similar situation.

Sam and Jennifer also talk about how they connected, and how Jennifer’s story inspired Sam’s work in creating accessible outdoor fitness equipment. Sam shares some of the trends he’s seeing related to accessibility and physical fitness in parks and recreation. They both agree there’s no one way to ensure that everyone in a community has the opportunity to get fit, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, and that getting the community involved is absolutely critical. No one knows the needs of a community more than the people living in that community.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Jennifer and Sam’s inspiring work — it may even inspire you to go out there and get fit!

Related Links:

Family Health & Fitness Day

Park and Recreation Month

Parks Build Community

Olympic Day

Greenfields Outdoor Fitness

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This month, NRPA has been tackling all things related to marketing and communications. Our May issue of Parks & Recreation magazine was filled with articles and tips about branding your park and recreation agency, how to master Facebook ads, and the importance of raising awareness about the great work you do. We also hosted a webinar tackling the latest trends in media and public relations.

We got a lot of really great questions during that webinar and it sparked some really robust conversation, so we wanted to dedicate this episode of Open Space Radio to taking a deeper dive into some of those questions alongside our friend, colleague and NRPA’s Senior Manager of Public Relations, Heather Williams.

Tune in to the episode below to hear us discuss some common questions such as:

What content should I share on LinkedIn versus Facebook and Instagram?
With limited time and resources, do you feel a podcast is a good use of those resources?
Should I be concerned about copyright infringement when creating memes?
Is a Twitter profile like Denny’s effective?
How many times per day should I post on Facebook?
How do I get my marketing and communications team on board with a social media need?

Links to other resources we talk about in this episode:

Public Relations Trends and Tactics webinar
May issue of Parks & Recreation magazine
Article on copyright infringement and memes
Canva
Tagxedo
Denny's Twitter

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Today’s episode is slightly bittersweet. The exciting part is that we’re chatting with Barbara Tulipane, NRPA’s president and CEO, about the incredible 11 years she has spent helping transform NRPA into what it is today. But we can’t help being saddened that we’re having this discussion because of her upcoming retirement in June.

On this episode, we talk with Barbara about what she’s learned during her tenure as our fearless leader, as well as why she thinks that parks are one of the last places for tolerance. We also chat about parks and recreation being a cure for loneliness and depression, and whether or not Barbara thinks parks are going to save the world (spoiler: she absolutely thinks parks are going to save the world).

Barbara also shares stories about the incredible things she has seen during her time at NRPA that truly show the power of parks and recreation. Among them, she recalls the time that she was touring a recreation center when a young boy who had just been stabbed ran inside looking for help. The interesting thing — and one that proves the scope of parks and recreation — is that the boy was not stabbed in the park or recreation center. He ran to the recreation center because he knew that it was a safe place where he could get the help he needed.

This instance alone shows how when there is a need in the community, park and recreation professionals step up and fill that need, day-in and day-out. The same goes for Barbara. She stepped up and not only led NRPA in growing its membership substantially, but also helped it grow into the respected association it has become. There’s also a lot to be said about the culture that Barbara has fostered internally here at NRPA. Barbara encouraged robust conversations among people with sometimes opposing ideas, and she admits to loving when some of the younger staffers here challenged her (and challenge her we did).

Tune in to the show to hear Barbara reflect on the past 11 years as NRPA president and CEO, and please join us in wishing her the best in her retirement. She will truly be missed, but this isn’t goodbye, it’s just, “See ya later — in the park!”

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I know you know this feeling. You’re sitting at your desk, or out in the field, and you’re really in the zone. You’re on a deadline for something — and it’s coming up — but the juices are flowing and your productivity is on high.

Then it happens.

That dreaded reminder pops up and tells you that in 15 minutes you’ have to halt your momentum and go to another meeting.

But, instead of looking at meetings as a nuisance to our productive day, what if we could look at them as a time when the next great ideas are born? What if we look at it as a time to bring our collective goals and dreams to fruition?

On today's episode, we’re joined by Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom, who worked in local government for several years and is now a professional speaker and organizational development consultant who works with leaders who want to improve employee relationships and have more productive meetings.

We talk about the things that can make a meeting productive, and a space where not only great ideas come to life, but also where everyone's voice is heard. Among some of the things we discuss are:

Finding what the meeting's purpose is
How to design an interactive exercise at a meeting to shake things up a bit
The importance of starting and ending a meeting on time
Inviting the right people to your meeting

Tune in to find out a few simple things you can do to create more engaging, productive meetings. You can also find Sharon's free toolkit at www.sharonspeaks.com as well as a blog about meeting facilitation and design at http://sharonspeaks.com/category/meeting-facilitation/

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On today's episode, we're talking about playground design and how design that keeps a community’s spirit in mind benefits the community as a whole.

Our guest on the show is Todd Lehman, owner and "design guy" at Cre8Play. You may recognize Cre8Play from the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference, where they won Best in Show for their playground exhibit.

Todd seemed to have a passion for play in his blood (his father was a park and recreation director for many years and then sold playgrounds) and would cut out playground equipment from catalogs to design his own playgrounds when he was a child. It only made sense for Todd to go into a career where he could merge his passions for design and play in creating playground equipment that not only promotes physical activity, but also brings communities together.

Playgrounds and play spaces should reflect the communities around them - and in the age of customization, it's more doable now than ever. Check out the episode to hear about examples of communities that are implementing play spaces that reflect the area that surrounds them, as well as some pretty cool playgrounds that are replicas of the city they are in.

We also take a look at how agencies can get started on a project to implement more unique and inclusive play spaces.

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Five years ago, NRPA launched Commit to Health – a program that would grow to positively impact 500,000 youth annually through healthier eating and increased physical activity.

In today’s episode, we take a moment to celebrate this monumental achievement and look back at where we started and where we’re headed.

Commit to Health is NRPA’s program to implement healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA) standards in park and recreation out-of-school time programs. It goes beyond just eating right and exercise, though — it’s all about getting staff and youth to engage and learn about lifelong healthy habits while having fun.

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On today’s show, we’re talking about one of NRPA’s Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2019: The prediction that park and recreation recycling programs may soon end.

We’re joined by Brendan Daley, the Director of Strategy and Sustainability for the Chicago Park District, which is leading the way in recycling and other sustainability practices, and Rich Dolesh, NRPA’s Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, who made this bold prediction at the beginning of this year.

On this episode, we explore why there’s a sudden fear that park and recreation recycling programs might end, and how we even got into this mess in the first place. We also discuss things like:

The recent changes in recycling practices
What agencies can do when the waste they collect is either not recyclable or the cost of having it picked up is too expensive
What types of recycling are cost-effective and should continue
Things that agencies can do to educate the public regarding recycling
Simple things individuals can do to improve their recycling habits

The future of recycling in parks and recreation should not be taken lightly, and even with recent changes to many recycling practices, there are still things we can do to make sure that this critical conservation and sustainability effort continues. Tune in to the show to find out how.

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On today’s episode, we’re talking about the need for parks and recreation to adapt to younger generations and a changing society. We’re joined by Mark Foote, the aquatics superintendent for the City of Chandler Parks and Recreation in Arizona — who you may recognize from one of our past episodes, “What Are Your Park and Rec Pet Peeves?”

Mark discusses why he thinks it’s especially important in parks and recreation to be able to change the approach to certain things, like hiring, to attract and retain different generations — specifically Millennials and Gen Z. We also explore the current claims about a lifeguard shortage, and why Mark believes that there actually isn’t a lifeguard shortage, at all (he may just convince you, too).

Tune in below to find out what sparked Mark’s passion for parks and recreation, and what things have kept him engaged in this field since his very first aquatics job at the age of 17. You’ll also hear some simple things that his agency has done to attract and retain an incredible staff, as well as create the culture of a big, happy family.

You won't want to miss Mark’s thoughts on the “Chick-fil-A model” and how a few very small things can make all the difference in an organization’s culture.

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When Derwin Hannah moved from South Carolina to Baltimore, Maryland, 22 years ago, he couldn’t help but notice that things weren’t the way they should be. He noticed that the kids were playing in the street and that the local park, ABC Park, was being overrun with criminal activity and not being cared for. Derwin, who grew up in a large family of 10, wanted the kids in this Baltimore community to have the chance of experiencing the childhood that he had — a chance to play, a chance to feel a sense of belonging.

After Derwin and his wife, Denetria, hosted their son’s first birthday party at ABC Park, they decided to take it upon themselves to bring the park back to life and give this community the opportunity to have a safe space. As a volunteer (on top of his job as a truck driver), Derwin has gone to ABC Park twice a day for the past 17 years to care for the space and serve as a leader for the community. Changing the culture of this place didn’t come without obstacles, but through persistence, buy-in from the community, strategic partnerships and a lot of love, ABC Park is now home to movie nights for the community, an annual kickball game, and sports programs with about 250 participants.

The transformation that ABC Park has gone through under Derwin and his family’s care is incredible, but with very little funding, only so much can be done. Each year, in the host city of the NRPA Annual Conference, a park is selected to be rebuilt and revitalized as part of NRPA’s Parks Build Community project. This year, NRPA will work alongside Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and various top-rated park equipment manufacturers — who donate services and equipment — to make ABC Park a place that the members of this community can be even more proud of than they already are.

Check out the episode to learn more about Derwin’s journey in changing the face of ABC Park and hear the excitement in his voice when we talk about what he’s looking forward to with this year’s Parks Build Community project.

Click here to learn more about this year’s Parks Build Community project and watch a video from the groundbreaking ceremony.

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