Open Space Radio – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

• “Talk to everyone! When you’re seated in the conference sessions, get to know those around you and exchange contacts.” 

• Nichole went on to say, “If you’re lucky enough to travel to conference with coworkers, don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons. Take every opportunity to broaden your network. You never know who you’ll meet who is struggling with the same issues or has ideas that would help your operation.” 

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

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

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

• “Don’t underestimate the power of night socials and lunchtime. A lot of great connections happen over informal conversations.” 

• “Take notes, review them later and plan to execute the things that resonated more. Going back to your leadership with actionable things you learned and takeaways will aid in enhancing their commitment in sending staff in future years.”  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• “Take advantage of the network meetings.” 

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

• “Just show up. A lot of times, the introvert in me (and the fact that I feel I’m always go, go, go at home), tells me to go to conference and then get to that room and relax. Instead, seek out the social or if you are asked to join people at one or for a meal, say yes. You never know how any connection or conversation can impact you/others.” 

• “Don’t sleep on the exhibit hall. For starters, it is huge! Plan in at least 4-5 hours over two days if you want to cover it all. The vendors are amazing and want to talk to you, but be intentional on stopping with limited times. Another fun tip, they all have swag and some years back I started looking for items my team back home might like and I bring them all back a swag care package and some candy as a thank you for holding it all down while I was away. I have also borrowed many ideas for our own swag.” 

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

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

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

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

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

Related Links:

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources:

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

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

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

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

• What imposter syndrome is and how it can show up in your life or career 

• How to create psychologically safe spaces that encourage staff to take on new challenges and ask for help 

• How to view challenges as opportunities to grow and learn new skills 

• How to support colleagues, acknowledge them for stepping up and celebrate their successes

• And much more! 

Resources Discussed on this Episode:

• Book Recommendation: The Imposter Cure: You are not a fraud, you deserve success, you can believe in yourself 

• Book Recommendation: The Imposter Syndrome Workbook 

• Book Recommendation: Own Your Greatness: Overcome Imposter Syndrome  

• Book Recommendation: Type Talk: The 16 Personality Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work 

• American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Mentorship Program 

Connect with Gabby:

• Email Gabby 

• Connect with Gabby on LinkedIn 

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

·        What we enjoyed about the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Links:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

·        Emerging trends and new approaches to sustainability

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

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

Related Links:

·        Sustainability Matters Website

·        Sustainability Matters on Instagram

·        Sustainability Matters on YouTube

·        Sustainability Matters on Facebook

·        Sustainability Matters on TikTok

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social Media:

Follow DiDi on Instagram

Follow Angel City on Instagram

Follow NRPA on Instagram

Follow Open Space Radio on Instagram