Open Space Radio (National Recreation and Park Association)
Explore every episode of Open Space Radio
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Feb 2022 | Coffee Talk Replay: Breaking Down Barriers to Outdoor Recreation — Episode 108 | 00:37:18 | |
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:
Additional Resources: | |||
| 29 Nov 2022 | Increasing Access to Nature in The Motor City — Episode 124 | 00:47:44 | |
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:
Related Links:
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. | |||
| 25 Feb 2019 | Is This the End of Recycling? — Episode 034 | 00:27:37 | |
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 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. | |||
| 14 May 2024 | Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part 2) — Episode 154 | 00:59:14 | |
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
Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! | |||
| 22 Dec 2022 | RWJF-NRPA Award for Health Equity Celebrates Seven Years of Success — January Bonus Episode | 00:25:32 | |
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. | |||
| 03 Jun 2020 | #PodcastBlackout — Black Lives Matter | 00:01:09 | |
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:
Black Lives Matter. | |||
| 15 Jul 2019 | What’s Your Funniest Moment on the Job? — Episode 044 | 00:21:46 | |
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! | |||
| 28 Sep 2021 | On a Mission to End Playspace Inequity for Good — Episode 099 | 00:32:59 | |
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:
To learn more about KABOOM!, click here. | |||
| 17 Oct 2017 | Drones in Parks: Part 3. Opportunities, Innovative Uses and the Future — Episode 008 | 00:19:07 | |
In this third and final installment of our series on drones in parks, we speak with Rich Dolesh, NRPA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives on the future of drones in parks. In part one, we looked at local, state and federal policies as well as resources for land managers. In part two, we spoke with a park director and how her agency has handled drones in their parks system.
In today’s episode we cover:
The takeaway from our series on drones? The use of drones in a park depends on the context. While there is no “one-size-fits-all policy” for drones in parks, there should be room to make a safe place for everyone. Park managers and drone users alike are going to have to stay nimble in a constantly changing regulatory environment and it’s beneficial for parks and recreation to work with the drone community when developing their policies. As always, we want to hear how this trend continues to affect the field. Share your stories in the comments or email me at rsutton@nrpa.org. | |||
| 23 Nov 2021 | How Unlikely Hikers Is Creating Community and Belonging Outside — Episode 103 | 00:47:11 | |
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:
Related Links: | |||
| 14 Jan 2020 | The Future of Adaptive Programming — Episode 057 | 00:13:11 | |
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: | |||
| 18 Sep 2018 | Universal Recreation: Meh or Magnificent? — Episode 026 | 00:23:12 | |
In our 25th episode, we invited you to send us your ideas for future podcast episodes. Lucky for us, Jessica Cannaday, CPRP, Marketing and Communications Manager with Oak Brook Park District, sent in an idea to cover universal recreation. Universal recreation is the philosophy driving Oak Brook Park District – the idea that park and recreation facilities and programs should be open and welcome to all. In addition to an inclusive family locker room and specialty programming, the department just opened a universal playground last month. In our conversation, we chat about why universal recreation is important and how it can improve all aspects of parks and recreation. Resources mentioned in the show:
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| 23 Apr 2020 | The Importance of Collaboration During COVID-19 — May Bonus Episode | 00:24:38 | |
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. | |||
| 26 Oct 2021 | Coffee Talk Replay: Continuing to Center Equity in All We Do — Episode 101 | 00:41:14 | |
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:
Resources discussed in this episode: | |||
| 25 Jun 2020 | How We’re Celebrating YOU This July — July Bonus Episode | 00:20:50 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 20 Oct 2020 | How to Center Equity in All That We Do — Episode 076 | 00:32:50 | |
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:
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| 15 Jun 2021 | Why the Essence of Equity-Centered Work Is Organizational Change — Episode 093 | 00:58:03 | |
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:
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| 20 Sep 2022 | Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Parks and Rec — Episode 121 | 00:27:17 | |
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:
Related Links: | |||
| 29 Oct 2020 | Park and Rec Planning in a New Era with David Barth — November Bonus Episode | 00:31:26 | |
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:
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| 22 Jan 2018 | How the Rise of Technology Could Help Us Reclaim Our Paradise — Episode 015 | 00:14:58 | |
Technology has changed the way we do pretty much everything in our daily lives. With technology-based transportation and convenience services such as Uber, Lyft, ZipCar, Instacart for groceries and Amazon for basically everything else, the ways people are getting around cities is changing drastically. These services dramatically reduce the need for people to use their personal vehicles, and this could mean a change in the future of land use in urban areas. In today’s episode, we chat with NRPA’s Vice President of Urban and Government Affairs, Kevin O’Hara, about how this shift in how people are getting around cities is causing the use of parking lots to decline, and how that land can be used in other, more environmentally friendly ways. He explains that this transition into a “ride-sharing economy,” coupled with a complete waste of urban space, provides a huge opportunity for increased land use for parks and recreation in dense urban areas. Converting these unused asphalt parking lots into parks, green spaces or urban farms is a way that we can not only brighten our communities and cities, but our future as well. Many people view their favorite parks as their “paradise.” This could be our opportunity to reclaim that paradise. | |||
| 13 Nov 2017 | Why 3 National Orgs Came Together to Promote Proximity to Parks — Episode 010 | 00:20:27 | |
On October 10, 2017, the Trust for Public Land (TPL), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) came together to launch a campaign called 10-Minute Walk. The 10 Minute Walk campaign concept is simple — every should have access to parks within a 10-minute walk of where they live, work and play. To date, over 140 mayors have signed on to the 10-Minute Walk campaign. They’ve signed on because they recognize that proximity and accessibility to parks is important and the benefits are almost too innumerable to count. This campaign has a big goal and it’s not one that could be accomplished by one organization alone. That’s why three have come together to make this happen. In today’s podcast, we chat with TPL’s Adrian Benepe, ULI’s Rachel McCleary and NRPA’s Kevin O’Hara about how this campaign came to be, why a 10-minute walk and more. | |||
| 18 May 2021 | It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See Ya Later! — Episode 091 | 00:21:48 | |
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:
If you want to stay in touch with Roxanne, be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter. | |||
| 22 Sep 2020 | The Great American Outdoors Act is Law, Part II – Episode 074 | 00:20:04 | |
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:
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| 21 Jul 2022 | How Parks and Recreation Can Support People Experiencing Homelessness – August Bonus Episode | 00:46:13 | |
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:
Additional Resources:
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| 18 Mar 2021 | The Importance of Amplifying Contemporary Indigenous Voices — April Bonus Episode | 00:54:40 | |
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:
Other resources discussed in this episode: | |||
| 15 Aug 2017 | Americans Are Staying Put and It’s Affecting All of Us — Episode 003 | 00:16:18 | |
This week on Open Space Radio we’re talking about American Mobility — or the rate at which Americans are packing up and moving to find more opportunity elsewhere. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article by Janet Adamy and Paul Overberg, the U.S. is the least mobile since mobility measurements were first taken at the end of World War II. Mobility levels have even fallen by almost half since their most recent peak in 1985. According to economists, there are several reason rural residents aren’t moving such as cost of housing, fear of losing sense of community and support, state-level job licensing and cultural differences. This article drove a lot of discussion at NRPA, so we spoke with a few staff members to get their take on what this lack of mobility means for the U.S. and, specifically, for parks and recreation. Kevin Roth, NRPA’s Vice President of Research discusses how the lack of mobility can limit the employment pool for park and recreation agencies in larger cities. Kevin O’Hara, NRPA’s Vice President for Urban and Government Affairs shares how Americans need something to bring them together again and how parks and rec can help us find the things we have in common over our differences. Lastly, Gina Mullins-Cohen, NRPA’s Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Publications shares how we should feel empowered to enact change no matter where we are. | |||
| 22 Jun 2023 | Where Community Grows in Glenwood Springs, Colorado — July Bonus Episode | 00:35:00 | |
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:
Related Links: | |||
| 12 Oct 2021 | Out-of-School Time Programs: Essential for Health and Well-Being — Episode 100 | 00:46:25 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 17 Feb 2022 | Advancing Access to Mountain Biking in Bristol — March Bonus Episode | 00:37:19 | |
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:
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| 21 Jun 2022 | Paving the Way for Gender Equity in Youth Sports – Episode 115 | 00:43:38 | |
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:
Related:
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. | |||
| 29 Dec 2020 | 2020 Reflections and Looking Ahead to 2021 — Episode 081 | 00:26:56 | |
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:
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:
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! | |||
| 22 Nov 2022 | The State of Inclusivity in the Outdoors — Episode 123 | 00:25:18 | |
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:
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
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. | |||
| 25 Aug 2020 | Celebrating Three Years of Open Space Radio — Episode 072 | 00:24:16 | |
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:
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! | |||
| 08 Oct 2019 | What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self? — Episode 50 | 00:13:40 | |
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:
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! | |||
| 21 Feb 2023 | Advancing Physical Activity and Health Equity Through Active Parks! — Episode 130 | 00:32:29 | |
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:
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| 18 Apr 2023 | Celebrating Earth Month with Merrell and Marion, Iowa — Episode 134 | 00:36:48 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 10 Aug 2021 | Our Park and Recreation Community Poem: Everything Around You… — Episode 097 | 00:07:16 | |
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 The trees, All day bison, coyotes, swans, eagles This is your place. A sanctuary Everything around you is A day like today Though rain may fall, Everything around you Days like today Everything around you is history O, in my soul I am nine years old O, in my soul I am fifteen. Everything around you is a bridge—connecting you Everything around you is home. Everything around you is a story This. Is. Your. Place. To live A Community Poem compiled by Kwame Alexander | |||
| 24 Sep 2020 | Why Conversations About Racial Equity Matter for Parks and Recreation — October Bonus Episode | 00:34:28 | |
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:
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| 05 Dec 2023 | Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part I) — Episode 148 | 01:14:06 | |
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. 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:
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| 29 Aug 2023 | How Las Vegas Is Leading the Way in Technology and Recreation — Episode 141 | 00:52:37 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 21 Apr 2022 | Making Water Safety More Inclusive in Prince George’s County, Maryland — May Bonus Episode | 00:37:50 | |
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:
Related Links and Resources:
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. | |||
| 18 Jan 2022 | Shaping the Future With Next Practices in Parks and Recreation — Episode 107 | 00:48:20 | |
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:
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| 20 Aug 2017 | How Cities and Local Parks are Celebrating the American Solar Eclipse — Episode 004 | 00:18:28 | |
For the first time in 26 years, all of the US will be treated to some form of an eclipse on Monday, August 21, with a large portion being able to view a total eclipse. Of course, parks of all types – national, state and local parks – are prime places to gather with community members and visitors to view this once-in-a-lifetime event. I had the opportunity to chat with representatives from two agencies. I spoke to Chris Terpak-Malm, naturalist and historian for Fairfax County Park Authority who shared how the eclipse is the perfect opportunity to get children and adults interested in the natural sciences. I also spoke to Pam Spencer, Public Information Officer for the city of Paducah in Kentucky. She talks about how their city is expecting 100,000 to 500,000 visitors and their role as the disseminator of safety information for their citizens and visitors. | |||
| 20 Jan 2022 | Celebrating Parks & Recreation’s 30 Under 30 — February Bonus Episode | 00:41:47 | |
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:
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| 26 Feb 2018 | Parks and Recreation in a Digital World — Episode 017 | 00:17:59 | |
On today’s episode, we’re discussing a new research report titled “From Green Space to Digital Place.” The report takes a look at smart city strategies and how cities are capitalizing on technological advances. When cities are looking at their budgets and identifying key areas for investment, parks and recreation are often put on the back-burner even though they are such an essential element to a thriving community. This report looks at the public interest in park and recreation services, and that the public is ready for a digital shift in how facilities and services are managed, communicated and accessed. Today’s guests are from the companies that published this research, Paysafe and Amilia. Paysafe is a leading provider of payment solutions that connects businesses to consumers around the world, and Amilia is a Montreal-based software company whose mission is to empower communities by bringing their parks and recreation services online. We’re also speaking with the Town of Montreal West Recreation and Cultural Services Department, who has recently transitioned to a digital platform for registration and payment for their programs and services.
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| 23 Feb 2023 | How Lifeguarding Provided a Foundation for a First Responder — March Bonus Episode | 00:35:00 | |
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:
Related: · Instagram video highlighting Cole's story (produced by Craig!) | |||
| 06 Aug 2024 | Promoting Healthy Aging Through Tai Chi — Episode 158 | 01:03:10 | |
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:
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| 10 May 2022 | Coffee Talk Replay: How Inclusive Recreation Helps Ignacio Gallegos Find Purpose in Life — Episode 113 | 00:20:25 | |
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:
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! | |||
| 04 May 2021 | Coffee Talk Replay: Preparing for the Impacts of Climate Change — Episode 090 | 00:25:52 | |
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:
Other resources that may be of interest: | |||
| 25 Feb 2020 | Cultivating a New Generation of Diverse Environmental Leaders — Episode 060 | 00:33:19 | |
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: | |||
| 03 Jun 2019 | How Accessibility Is Impacting Fitness Trends — Episode 040 | 00:23:01 | |
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: | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | We’re Stronger Together — Episode 147 | 00:43:47 | |
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:
Want to hear more from Tiffany? Check out her recent episode on the RecLess Podcast here! | |||
| 04 Jan 2022 | Harnessing Our Power to Create Space and Positive Change — Episode 106 | 00:44:20 | |
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:
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| 08 Sep 2020 | The Great American Outdoors Act Is Law, Part I — Episode 073 | 00:20:40 | |
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:
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| 09 Apr 2024 | Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153 | 00:43:28 | |
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: · Connect with Teresa on LinkedIn · The Outdoorist Oath on Instagram · Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge 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. | |||
| 24 Oct 2023 | Preparing the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders in Parks and Recreation — Episode 145 | 00:41:54 | |
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:
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| 20 Sep 2019 | Welcome to Baltimore! — Episode 049 | 00:20:41 | |
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: NRPA Annual Conference Mobile App Workshops, Off-Site Institutes and Local Host Activities Insider's Tips for Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference | |||
| 14 Jul 2020 | Breaking Down Barriers with Abundant Life Adventure Club — Episode 069 | 00:44:52 | |
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:
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! | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162 | 00:35:17 | |
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:
Related: 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. | |||
| 17 Mar 2022 | Celebrating Earth Day with Parks and Recreation — April Bonus Episode | 00:34:49 | |
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:
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| 23 Jul 2024 | Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157 | 00:38:15 | |
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:
Learn More:
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. | |||
| 30 Oct 2017 | Are You Annoying? And Other Fun Tidbits to Have Conversations that Matter: Interview with Jessica Pettitt — Episode 009 | 00:26:35 | |
We’ve all been there. All of a sudden, a normal conversation takes a difficult turn and we find ourselves at a loss. Do we fight? Do we leave the conversation all together and avoid the offending person for as long as possible? These conversations are hard and it’s easy to just avoid them or walk away. However, we’re missing out on some prime growing and learning opportunities when we avoid instead of engage. On today’s podcast, I chat with Social Justice Educator and Wednesday Keynote from the 2017 NRPA Annual Conference Jessica Pettitt. She shares:
You can learn more from Jessica by visiting her website where you can check out some self-assessments and buy her book Good Enough Now. | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161 | 00:30:22 | |
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:
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| 23 Jan 2024 | Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150 | 01:08:29 | |
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:
Additional Resources:
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| 21 Dec 2021 | The Year in Review: A Listen Back at Your Favorite Episodes of 2021 — Episode 105 | 00:35:12 | |
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:
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| 23 Jul 2020 | Building Better Communities Through Water and Nature-Based Play — August Bonus Episode | 00:36:20 | |
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:
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| 19 Nov 2019 | Serving Our Nation's Capital: A Chat with DCDPR's Delano Hunter — Episode 053 | 00:32:22 | |
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. | |||
| 21 May 2020 | Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness in L.A. During COVID-19 — June Bonus Episode | 00:42:13 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 09 Jan 2018 | Why Everyone in San Francisco Lives Within a 10-Minute Walk to a Park — Episode 014 | 00:13:26 | |
In today’s episode, we’re taking a look at a city and mayor who have done some incredible work when it comes to park access. The city is San Francisco, California. Unfortunately, since recording this podcast, we were saddened to hear that San Francisco’s Mayor Ed Lee tragically passed away unexpectedly. Mayor Lee was an extremely passionate advocate for San Francisco’s parks, and under his leadership, the city made park and recreation programs more accessible than ever to its citizens. In May 2017, Mayor Lee announced that San Francisco was the first and only city in the nation where 100 percent of the residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park. We recently had the privilege of speaking with San Francisco Recreation and Parks General Manager, Phil Ginsburg, about becoming the first city to achieve the goal of the 10-Minute Walk campaign — which is a testament to San Francisco’s great work and the legacy of Mayor Lee. Ginsburg says that this is one of the city’s proudest accomplishments, and that there may not be anything more important than ensuring that all of the city’s residents have access to green space and recreational opportunities. He says that the work is never done, however, and it is essential to focus on the quality of these parks — ensuring that all residents can enjoy inspiring parks with diverse recreational amenities that are clean, safe, fun and well programmed — instead of just the quantity. Ginsburg goes on to explain that high quality parks provide a wide range of benefits to people living in cities, which include:
Of course, all records were made to be broken, so Ginsburg invites all other cities and agencies to be part of the “100 Percent Club,” where all of their citizens live within a 10-minute walk to a park. To learn more about how you can help bring more great parks to your city and the communities that need them, check out the 10-Minute Walk Campaign. | |||
| 02 May 2023 | A Doomscroll Break: Parks and Recreation on Social Media — Episode 135 | 00:31:01 | |
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:
Additional Resources: | |||
| 14 Feb 2023 | On a Journey to Spread Good Vibes and the Healing Power of Nature — Episode 129 | 00:28:00 | |
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:
Related Links | |||
| 13 Jun 2023 | Celebrating Pride Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 138 | 00:24:57 | |
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:
Related Links: | |||
| 06 Oct 2020 | How Action Sports Can Build More Equitable Communities — Episode 075 | 00:30:07 | |
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:
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| 28 Jan 2020 | Turning Impossible Situations into Opportunities — Episode 058 | 00:51:43 | |
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: | |||
| 19 May 2020 | Why We’re Celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals This July — Episode 066 | 00:35:44 | |
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. | |||
| 20 Apr 2021 | Addressing Issues at the Intersection of Climate and Health — Episode 089 | 00:44:17 | |
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:
Tune in to the full episode below to learn what sparked Cheryl, Rebecca and Jenny’s passion for this work, as well as:
Other resources/information discussed in this episode:
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| 20 May 2021 | Caring for the Mental Well-Being of Our Staff and Communities — June Bonus Episode | 00:48:15 | |
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:
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| 15 Apr 2021 | Equity-Centered Planning Is About More Than Just Metrics — May Bonus Episode | 00:21:23 | |
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:
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| 07 Dec 2021 | The Park and Recreation Movement in Mexico and Beyond — Episode 104 | 00:34:10 | |
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:
Related Links: | |||
| 31 Jul 2017 | Why the World’s First Ultra-Accessible Waterpark is the Coolest - Episode 001 | 00:31:43 | |
In this episode we interview Ron Morander, General Manager for Morgan’s Wonderland and Morgan’s Inspiration Island. In addition to the unique features of this waterpark (which include air-powered, water-safe wheelchairs), we cover funding, reaction from the community and beyond, and advice for others who are looking to include ultra-accessible elements into their parks. | |||
| 24 Aug 2021 | Don’t Miss Coffee Talks at the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference — Bonus Episode | 00:05:47 | |
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
Day Two
Day Three
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! | |||
| 21 Mar 2023 | On a Cross-Country Mission to Advocate for Trans Rights — Episode 132 | 00:54:40 | |
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: | |||
| 07 Mar 2023 | Continuing a Legacy of Service to Create a Better World — Episode 131 | 00:39:18 | |
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:
Related Links: | |||
| 07 Jan 2019 | Park Development Means Economic Development — Episode 031 | 00:28:09 | |
In this episode we are talking about the case — or really the many, MANY cases — for open space. While it would take several libraries to thoroughly go through all the reasons why open space is important, we went to the expert on land use policy and economic development issues. Ed McMahon is the senior resident fellow at the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Ed is a sought after thought leader and author on economic development and land use policies and trends. During the past 30 years, he has worked with more than 600 communities in all 50 states on a wide variety of land use and economic development issues. In this episode, Ed helps us answer questions like why placemaking is so important and why land developers should always invest in parks and open space. He also talks about why initiatives like the 10-Minute Walk Campaign – a joint initiative between NRPA, ULI and the Trust for Public Land (TPL) – are beneficial to all cities. Resources mentioned: | |||
| 21 Dec 2018 | Help! We're Losing Our Parks! — Episode 030 | 00:14:48 | |
On today’s episode, we’re talking about park conversions. In recent history, we’ve seen some pretty remarkable conversions of abandoned or unused commercial and industrial space — such as the internationally acclaimed High Line in New York City and The 606, a rails to trails conversion in Chicago — into vibrant public spaces. But the reverse is happening, too. Even though parks and open space are vital to every community, parks are being converted to non-park uses. In some cases, the conversions of these parks are for other valuable public purposes, such as schools or roads, but the net effect is the same — the parks are lost. Joining us on the show today are two experts on the issue of park conversions. Rich Dolesh, NRPA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, and Dr. James Kozlowski, an attorney and Associate Professor in the School of Recreation, Health and Tourism at George Mason University, share their experiences in cases where park land has been threatened by being converted into other uses. Fortunately, some of the cases that we discuss have a happy ending — the parks were saved. However, this is not always the case. Tune in to learn what you can do to try to save your beloved park if the threat of being developed for something else ever comes its way. It’s not an easy feat by any means, but it’s not as difficult as it may sound, either! | |||
| 10 Jun 2019 | LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Finding Community in Parks and Recreation — Episode 041 | 00:27:52 | |
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:
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 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 Pride in Parks: The Role of Parks in the Pride Movement and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community | |||
| 29 Sep 2022 | Introducing NRPA’s Equity in Practice Program – October Bonus Episode | 00:49:52 | |
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:
Related Links: | |||
| 11 Jul 2023 | Where Community Grows in Columbus, Ohio — Episode 139 | 00:36:17 | |
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:
Related: | |||
| 03 Dec 2019 | What Is Your Park and Recreation Life Hack? — Episode 054 | 00:09:08 | |
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:
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! | |||
| 28 May 2018 | Parks and Rec is Transforming the Lives of Older Adults (and Vice Versa) — Episode 020 | 00:09:33 | |
May is Older Americans Month and park and recreation agencies play a crucial role in serving older adult populations. According to NRPA’s 2018 Agency Performance Review, 41 percent of park and recreation agencies have one or more senior centers and 79 percent offer programs specifically designed for older adults. NRPA supports this work through our Healthy Aging in Parks initiative — part of which includes a grant program for evidence-based arthritis intervention programs which are funded with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These programs are remarkable. The individual grants are not large, but they are producing seriously impressive results as they allow agencies to provide new programming for their older adults. In this episode, we speak with Mr. Joe Trevino, a 93-year-old veteran, and Irma Yepez-Perez, a Senior Management Analyst at the City of Fresno PARCS department. What we learn from them is that community is vital to our health and wellbeing and that inspiration can be found everywhere. | |||
| 22 Oct 2018 | Does Our Built Environment Impact Our Health Behaviors? — Episode 028 | 00:27:23 | |
On today's episode of Open Space Radio, we’re joined by Aaron Hipp, an Associate Professor of Community Health and Sustainability at NC State University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Aaron is currently conducting research on topics such as how, where, and why our public built environments impact health behaviors such as physical activity and recreation, and the effect of the environment where we spend most of our time, such as work, school and sleep, on leisure time physical activity. On the show, we discuss how, statistically, children and people of color have the lowest rates of physical activity as compared to other demographics, and this lack of physical activity has large implications on the health outcomes of communities of color. We examine why these disparities in physical activity exist between demographics, and how parks and improved accessibility to them can be used to close this gap. We also take a look at Aaron's work on a study through the Physical Activity Research Center (PARC), which is focused on understanding how parks are used by children in communities of color. The study focused on evaluating park use through observation, intercept surveys and community surveys. Aaron also gives some advice on how a time and resource limited agency can perform this type of research through:
Tune in to the episode to find out more! | |||
| 18 Feb 2021 | Building ‘An Equal Future’ with TEDxCollegePark — March Bonus Episode | 00:49:17 | |
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:
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: | |||
| 07 Apr 2020 | Celebrating 150 Years of Golden Gate Park, Virtually — Episode 063 | 00:25:04 | |
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:
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| 26 Sep 2023 | Paving the Way for Girls and Women in Sports with DiDi Haračić — Episode 143 | 00:29:52 | |
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:
Social Media: Follow Angel City on Instagram Follow Open Space Radio on Instagram
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| 12 Sep 2023 | A Listen Back at 2023 So Far — Episode 142 | 00:30:50 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 23 Feb 2021 | Creating a Space for Women in Parks and Recreation — Episode 085 | 00:47:58 | |
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:
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| 27 Feb 2020 | A Blueprint for Social Equity and Economic Prosperity — March Bonus Episode | 00:28:22 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 03 Sep 2024 | NRPA Annual Conference Tips for First-Time Attendees — Episode 160 | 00:27:33 | |
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
Sarah Olson, CPRP, Public Works Deputy Director of Engineering, Planning, and Development Servies, City of Kirkland, Washington
Eric Lopez, CPRE, District Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, City of Fort Worth, Texas
Lisa Shore, CPRP, CPSI, Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Jeanette Aiello, CPRE, Project and Operations Supervisor, Charter Township of Canton, Michigan
Trista Taylor, CPRP, CPO, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director, Village of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
Anthony Iracki, MS, CPRP, CORE Professional Development Manager, PlayCore
Tom Venniro, CPRP, Director of Hilton-Parma Parks and Recreation, New York, and co-host of RecLess Podcast
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/. | |||
| 02 Oct 2017 | Drones in Parks: Part 2. To Fly or Not to Fly: How Park Managers Manage Drones — Episode 007 | 00:13:19 | |
In today’s episode, we’re continuing our three-part series on drones in parks. In the second segment, I speak with Evie Kirkwood, Director of St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana about:
In part one, we looked at local, state and federal policies as well as resources for land managers. In part three, we’ll be looking at opportunities surrounding drones in parks and what may be in store for the future.
Since part one aired, we’ve received feedback from park professionals on their drone policies. Dan Garvy, MS, CPRP, Director of Parks & Recreation at the Lisle Park District in Illinois, shared their one-page fact sheet on their drones policy that they have available at the front desk of their rec center and on their website. They also train their front desk staff to be knowledgeable about the policy and provide it to the police department as well. Lisle has not seen a lot of drone usage yet, but they decided to stay ahead of the trend, so they are prepared. | |||
| 07 Feb 2023 | CAPRA Volunteers: Together We Grow Parks and Recreation — Episode 128 | 00:37:13 | |
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:
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