Explore every episode of the podcast Open Space Radio
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRPA Annual Conference Tips for First-Time Attendees — Episode 160 | 03 Sep 2024 | 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/. | |||
| From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159 | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:56:15 | |
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:
Related Links:
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. | |||
| Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150 | 23 Jan 2024 | 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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| Imposter Syndrome Is Real — Episode 149 | 09 Jan 2024 | 00:47:12 | |
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:
Resources Discussed on this Episode:
Connect with Gabby: | |||
| Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part I) — Episode 148 | 05 Dec 2023 | 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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| We’re Stronger Together — Episode 147 | 21 Nov 2023 | 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! | |||
| Entering the Next Era of Open Space Radio — Episode 146 | 07 Nov 2023 | 01:09:30 | |
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! | |||
| Preparing the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders in Parks and Recreation — Episode 145 | 24 Oct 2023 | 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:
Related Links: | |||
| How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144 | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:43:17 | |
How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144
It’s another exciting day here on Open Space Radio because I get to introduce you to our other new co-host on the show! If you follow NRPA on social media, you likely already know Christina High. Christina is NRPA’s marketing coordinator and is the brilliant person behind all the fun, inspiring and educational content you see throughout NRPA’s social media channels.
A big welcome to Christina as our other new co-host!
Our guest today is someone who Christina and I have both been a fan of when it comes to producing really valuable, easy-to-digest content as it relates to sustainability and just being more environmentally conscious overall.
Kenny Barnes is the program and outreach coordinator for Sustainability Matters, a grassroots environmental nonprofit based in Virginia, dedicated to cultivating community through conservation and making sustainability fun, realistic and inclusive for all.
We have been very excited about this episode for a while now, and hope you enjoy it. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn some simple sustainability tips and how to effectively communicate sustainability efforts with your community. You’ll also learn:
· Why sustainability and promoting a more eco-conscious lifestyle is so critical · How Sustainability Matters educates the public in a way that is easy to understand and digest · Emerging trends and new approaches to sustainability · Tips for park and recreation professionals looking to raise community awareness and educate folx on the importance of sustainable solutions · What you should consider if you’re thinking, “my park and recreation agency should really be thinking more about sustainability” and much more!
Related Links: · Sustainability Matters Website · Sustainability Matters on Instagram · Sustainability Matters on YouTube · Sustainability Matters on Facebook · Sustainability Matters on TikTok
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| Paving the Way for Girls and Women in Sports with DiDi Haračić — Episode 143 | 26 Sep 2023 | 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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| A Listen Back at 2023 So Far — Episode 142 | 12 Sep 2023 | 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. | |||
| How Las Vegas Is Leading the Way in Technology and Recreation — Episode 141 | 29 Aug 2023 | 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. | |||
| Promoting Healthy Aging Through Tai Chi — Episode 158 | 06 Aug 2024 | 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:
Related Links: | |||
| Advancing Resilient Park Access in Lynnwood, Washington — Episode 140 | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:31:08 | |
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Lynnwood, Washington, with a few of my colleagues to visit the Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, who was recently awarded one of NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grants. Our trip consisted of visiting local parks, meeting with members of the community who are collaborating with the department, meeting with the mayor, attending a community “Meet Me at the Park” event, and learning more about Lynnwood’s ParksLove project, which is in the works thanks to NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grant. This grant is dedicated to advancing community-driven, systems-level strategies for equitable park access that improves the environmental resilience and health of communities. This grant supports park and recreation professionals in partnership with leaders from community-based organizations. Lynnwood is one of six communities nationwide selected to advance equitable park access. Tune in to the full episode below to learn how the Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department plans to use this grant as an opportunity to complete a community-driven, comprehensive Park & Trail Capital Project Plan and prioritization project centering equity in its park system planning. The department also is creating a park capital prioritization framework tool to evaluate and score all future possible park capital projects by creating equity, resiliency, inclusive and health indexes. You’ll hear from Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Deputy Director Sarah Olson, MPA, CPRP, as well as NRPA Director of Community and Environmental Resilience Ayanna Williams. We discuss:
Related Links: · City of Lynnwood ParksLove Project · Press Release: NRPA Announces More Than $2.5 Million in Funding to Support Equitable Access to Parks | |||
| Where Community Grows in Columbus, Ohio — Episode 139 | 11 Jul 2023 | 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:
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| Where Community Grows in Glenwood Springs, Colorado — July Bonus Episode | 22 Jun 2023 | 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:
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| Celebrating Pride Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 138 | 13 Jun 2023 | 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:
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| How the NRPA Young Professional Network Is Amplifying the Voices of the Next Generation — Episode 137 | 30 May 2023 | 00:36:59 | |
If you are an NRPA member, you may know that NRPA provides exclusive member networks to support your professional needs and development. These networks, ranging from Aquatics, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Armed Forces, Leadership Development, and more, are an opportunity to collaborate and connect with like-minded professionals from across the county.
One of these networks, which is highly engaged and doing a lot of amazing work in the profession, is the Young Professional Network, or YPN. The YPN serves NRPA members who are students and young professionals under the age of 35.
I’m thrilled to be joined today by the co-chairs of the YPN’s publications committee to discuss how they’re working to lift up the voices and experiences of young professionals. Joining me is Rachel Smith, a certified park and recreation professional and the operations manager at James City County Parks and Recreation in Virginia, and Colton Patak, the program supervisor at City of Mason in Ohio.
Tune in to our full conversation below to learn how Colton and Rachel are helping amplify the voices and experiences of young park and recreation professionals. You’ll also learn:
Related Resources: | |||
| Prioritizing the Health and Well-Being of Our Military Communities — June Bonus Episode | 25 May 2023 | 00:40:18 | |
The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Leading the Way to Health and Well-Being: How Armed Forces Recreation Fosters Healthy Military Communities.” The article, written by Allison Colman, NRPA’s director of health, and Alex Reynolds, Parks & Recreation magazine’s associate editor, highlights how park and recreation professionals working within military communities share the same goal as their peers in local agencies — to support their community’s health, well-being and quality of life through recreation. I’m thrilled to be joined by two of the professionals highlighted in the article, Shandy Scott, the business and recreation branch chief for the Air Force Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs in San Antonio, Texas, and Lisa Sexauer, director of fleet readiness for Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about the work Scott and Sexauer are doing to keep military families in their respective branches healthy and active through parks and recreation. You’ll also learn:
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| Celebrating How Parks and Recreation Keeps Communities Healthy and Connected — Episode 136 | 16 May 2023 | 00:32:42 | |
We are just a few weeks away from NRPA’s Family Health & Fitness Day, which is taking place on Saturday, June 10. Family Health & Fitness Day is an annual celebration that promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy. I’m thrilled to be talking more about Family Health & Fitness Day on today’s episode, as well as all the ways parks and recreation provides accessible, close-to-home health and wellness opportunities in communities across the country. Joining me is Cina Makres, a program specialist on NRPA’s health team, who is leading up NRPA’s Family Health & Fitness Day efforts this year, as well as Daniel Hatcher, the senior director of strategic partnerships at Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Tune in as we discuss how you can join in on the Family Health & Fitness Day celebrations in your community, as well as why parks and recreation is so well-positioned to build healthier communities. You’ll also learn:
Additional Resources Discussed in this Episode:
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| A Doomscroll Break: Parks and Recreation on Social Media — Episode 135 | 02 May 2023 | 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: | |||
| How to Build a Culture of Safety — May Bonus Episode | 27 Apr 2023 | 00:47:55 | |
The May issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into the feature article, “Building a Culture of Safety for Aquatic Facilities,” by Stephanie Shook, CPRP, the senior product manager of aquatics and instructors for the American Red Cross.
I’m so thrilled to be joined on the show by two individuals who were highlighted in the article: · Dr. William Ramos, a member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and associate professor at Indiana University School of Public Health · Nichole Bohner, the aquatics division manager for City of Round Rock, Texas, Parks and Recreation.
They each share their experience when it comes to building a culture of safety — something that is of the utmost importance at aquatic facilities and the wide range of other park and recreation offerings.
Tune in to our full conversation below to learn how you can create a culture of safety in your community. You’ll also learn:
Additional Resources: | |||
| Celebrating Earth Month with Merrell and Marion, Iowa — Episode 134 | 18 Apr 2023 | 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. | |||
| Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157 | 23 Jul 2024 | 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. | |||
| Reflecting on Earth Month: A Look Back at Sustainability and Climate-Focused Episodes — Episode 133 | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:29:33 | |
April is Earth Month, and all month long, NRPA is celebrating the ways that parks and recreation is a climate hero. I encourage you to check out some of the top ways that park and recreation professionals are creating healthier, more sustainable communities and tackling the world’s toughest climate issues. On today’s episode, we take a look back at a few episodes from the past year, in which my guests talked about climate solutions, sustainability, and all things protecting and preserving nature and the spaces that do so much for us. Tune in to the full episode below to hear clips from these previous episodes (and I encourage you to listen to each full episode, as well):
Related Links:
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. | |||
| On a Cross-Country Mission to Advocate for Trans Rights — Episode 132 | 21 Mar 2023 | 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: | |||
| Continuing a Legacy of Service to Create a Better World — Episode 131 | 07 Mar 2023 | 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:
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| How Lifeguarding Provided a Foundation for a First Responder — March Bonus Episode | 23 Feb 2023 | 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!) | |||
| Advancing Physical Activity and Health Equity Through Active Parks! — Episode 130 | 21 Feb 2023 | 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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| On a Journey to Spread Good Vibes and the Healing Power of Nature — Episode 129 | 14 Feb 2023 | 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:
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| CAPRA Volunteers: Together We Grow Parks and Recreation — Episode 128 | 07 Feb 2023 | 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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| Parks and Recreation Workforce Development Trends and Opportunities — February Bonus Episode | 26 Jan 2023 | 00:38:05 | |
The February issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’ll be diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Workforce Development Trends and Opportunities in Parks and Recreation.” To foster the next generation of park and recreation professionals in our beloved field, workforce development is an area that cannot be overlooked. We’re talking with the author of the article today to discuss some of the trends and opportunities on the horizon when it comes to recruiting and retaining staff. I’m thrilled to welcome Tim Herd, the CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, to the show today. Tim previously joined us on the podcast a few years ago to talk about Park and Recreation Professionals Day, which began with the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, and now takes place each July during Park and Recreation Month. Tune in to the full episode to learn how Tim began his career in parks and recreation, as well as some of the things he’s noticing on the workforce development front. You’ll also learn:
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| Honoring National Day of Racial Healing — Episode 127 | 17 Jan 2023 | 00:55:59 | |
Today, January 17, is National Day of Racial Healing - a call to action for racial healing for all people. Launched in 2017, this day originated as part of the WK Kellogg Foundation’s national Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation efforts. As we at NRPA continue to center equity in all that we do, I’m looking forward to this conversation today as we learn how racial healing can advance racial equity, as well as how park and recreation professionals can support racial healing in their communities. I’m thrilled to welcome Vicky Stott, the senior program officer for racial equity and community engagement at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she is responsible for developing and coordinating strategic grantmaking activities aimed at addressing racial equity, community engagement, and nurturing opportunities for positive systemic change for historically marginalized communities and vulnerable children. We are also joined by an Open Space Radio regular, NRPA Vice President of Education and Chief Equity Officer Autumn Saxton-Ross, who is, and has been, doing some really impactful work in supporting park and recreation professionals (and NRPA staff) on their journeys to advancing equitable outcomes in their communities. Tune in to the full episode below to hear the conversation. You’ll learn:
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| An Inside Look at Revenue Development and Management School — Episode 126 | 10 Jan 2023 | 00:59:55 | |
Here at NRPA, we are big proponents of continuous learning and professional development. On today’s episode, we discuss a comprehensive and unique professional development program focusing on proven revenue management and development techniques for park and recreation professionals. Revenue Development and Management School is an annual program taking place at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, in partnership with the National Training Center at Oglebay, and it is targeted towards agencies that rely on generating revenues, such as organizations associated with state or local parks, recreation, leisure services, military recreation and other nonprofits. This year’s school takes place March 12-17, and registration is now open. I’m thrilled to welcome three individuals to the show today who play integral roles in this Revenue Development and Management School. Joining me today are:
Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Revenue Development and Management School and all the benefits it provides park and recreation professionals. You’ll also learn:
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| Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156 | 09 Jul 2024 | 00:32:03 | |
Happy Park and Recreation Month! On today’s episode, we’re excited to bring you a story that truly embodies this year’s theme of “Where You Belong.” Each year, the NRPA team hosts a cover contest to find a cover photo and story for the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine that supports the year’s theme, and this year’s winner is a gem. Today we’re joined by the winner, Rachel Kohler, a recreation coordinator for cultural arts and community engagement for The Majestic Theatre, part of Corvallis Parks & Recreation in Oregon. If you haven’t read the story yet in the July issue, it’s a wonderful piece that shares how community theater is fostering inclusion and belonging among its staff and participants. It’s truly a testament to the power of intergenerational programming, bringing folx together with diverse identities and how we can all learn something from someone else, regardless of our differences. Tune in to the full conversation below to learn more about Rachel and why this story of The Majestic Theatre’s production of “The Tempest” embodies the power of belonging — and why parks and recreation can be such an important catalyst for continuing to build belonging in communities. You’ll also learn:
Related Links: 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. | |||
| RWJF-NRPA Award for Health Equity Celebrates Seven Years of Success — January Bonus Episode | 22 Dec 2022 | 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. | |||
| Enhancing Resilient Park Access in Toledo, Ohio — Episode 125 | 13 Dec 2022 | 00:36:02 | |
As you may have learned on our last episode, NRPA’s Resilient Park Access program supports the advancement of community-driven, systems-level strategies for equitable park access that improve the environmental resilience and health of communities. The grant funding also provides ongoing peer learning and coaching, professional development and access to networks of like-minded park and recreation professionals throughout the country. Six park and recreation agencies from across the country received this grant, and funding for each project is made possible by support from The JPB Foundation. One agency that is learning from NRPA's grantee cohort and resources and working to advance equitable access and resilient systems change is the Department of Parks and Recreation in Toledo, Ohio. Toledo is in a moment of transition and opportunity. The department is capitalizing on this moment to prioritize community and equity in their plans to build more parks. Not only that, but they are also building community ownership and stewardship of these spaces, connecting children to nature through nature play amenities, and diversifying the department’s funding to make it more resilient into the future. I’m thrilled to be joined today by Karen Ranney Wolkins, the commissioner for City of Toledo Department of Parks and Recreation and Community Enrichment. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about this project and how learning from NRPA’s Resilient Park Access program is helping make it possible. You’ll also learn:
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| Increasing Access to Nature in The Motor City — Episode 124 | 29 Nov 2022 | 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. | |||
| The State of Inclusivity in the Outdoors — Episode 123 | 22 Nov 2022 | 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. | |||
| Creating a More Sustainable, Eco-Friendly World – Episode 122 | 15 Nov 2022 | 00:38:12 | |
It has been some time since our last episode, and I’m so thrilled to be back today with someone who is sure to inspire you to live a more sustainable, waste-free life, while encouraging your community to do the same – and it’s perfect timing as this episode is being released on America Recycles Day, which recognizes the importance and impact of recycling. Manuela Barón is a Colombian-American sustainability activist, artist and founder of The Girl Gone Green, which is an inclusive community that fosters social and environmental change and encourages people to live more consciously. Manuela also is an ambassador for our partners at Merrell, and she is doing some really impactful work to educate and bring awareness to environmental issues and more sustainable lifestyles. Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Manuela, ways you can live more sustainably, and the importance of building community. You’ll also learn:
Related Links: This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Merrell ReTread - because every great journey deserves a sequel. Our partners at Merrell launched a new recycle and resale platform to give shoes a second shot at adventure and prevent them from ending up in landfills. Visit ReTread.Merrell.com to give back your well-loved shoes and get $20 off your next order. | |||
| Introducing NRPA’s Equity in Practice Program – October Bonus Episode | 29 Sep 2022 | 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:
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| Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Parks and Rec — Episode 121 | 20 Sep 2022 | 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:
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| On the Pulse of Innovation, Inclusion and Next Practices — Episode 120 | 14 Sep 2022 | 00:40:12 | |
I am so excited for today’s episode for a few reasons: 1.) We’re officially a week away from the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference. And 2.) I’m joined today by someone who has been a big part of NRPA and this podcast, and is not only one of my favorite guests, he’s also someone I’m proud to call a friend. Neelay Bhatt is an expert when it comes to innovation, inclusion, and helping park and recreation agencies stay on top of trends in the field. Neelay recently launched his new endeavor, Next Practice Partners, along with a stellar team of individuals committed to addressing the inclusion and innovation gap. Next Practice Partners will be helping agencies prepare for what’s next through planning, training, and technology services, and there’s no one better to be leading this mission than Neelay. He'll also be emceeing our Best of the Best ceremony, which is taking place on Wednesday evening at the conference and is one of the best events of the year celebrating park and recreation professionals. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn:
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| Creating a Safe Space for Youth and Teens — Episode 119 | 06 Sep 2022 | 00:37:40 | |
It’s hard to believe September is already here and in just a couple weeks, park and recreation professionals from across the country will gather in Phoenix, Arizona, at the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference. If you’ve been fortunate enough to experience this conference in the past, you know that this is the premier event for park and recreation professionals seeking to grow their network, check out some of the latest and greatest products and services, and take advantage of top-tier learning opportunities. And, speaking of learning opportunities, I’m thrilled to be joined today by one of this year’s education session presenters, Sydney Elliott, MBA, CPRP. Sydney is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional and the youth and business coordinator for City of DeSoto Parks & Recreation in Texas. Sydney will be presenting on teen engagement at this year’s conference, and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn more about her work and get a preview of her session on today’s episode. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Sydney, how her career in parks and recreation began, and get a preview of her upcoming session. You’ll also learn:
Related Links:
This episode of Open Space Radio is brought to you by support from Niagara Water. This Summer, Niagara Water is providing communities across Texas and Florida with a chance to upgrade their local park to the outdoor space of their dreams. 10 parks are nominated. 3 will be selected to win a $75,000 refresh. Vote daily for your favorite park through September 12 at NiagaraPerkYourPark.com. Niagara Water. Now that’s refreshing. | |||
| Providing Opportunities for Those Who Think Differently — September Bonus Episode | 18 Aug 2022 | 00:42:06 | |
The September issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Dr. Temple Grandin on the Importance of Outdoor Play.” On this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, world-renowned scientist, animal behaviorist, advocate for autism and author. She has appeared on television shows such as 20/20, 48 Hours, CNN’s Larry King Live, PrimeTime Live, 60 Minutes, the Today Show and more. In 2010, Time Magazine named Dr. Grandin one of the 100 most influential people. She has also played a key role in designing play equipment and recreational spaces that are more inclusive for people with autism and others with different minds. And, if you’re planning to join us at the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference in Phoenix this September 20-22, you will have the opportunity to hear Dr. Grandin speak at the Best of the Best ceremony. Tune in to hear our full conversation and learn more about Dr. Grandin. You’ll also learn:
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| Celebrating Pride: The Power of Partnership and Allyship — Episode 155 | 25 Jun 2024 | 01:02:04 | |
Happy Pride Month! On today’s episode we’re discussing an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature and build a sense of belonging. We learned about this partnership when Mihaela Genova, Volunteer Program Manager for Get Outdoors Nevada, submitted a photo (pictured) featuring Angelique Burton, director of advocacy of The Pride Tree, contributing to her community by volunteering for public land maintenance activities at the National Wildlife Refuge outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. The event Burton volunteered for offered insight into how marginalized communities have historically been excluded from outdoor spaces. Events like this one, part of a partnership between Get Outdoors Nevada and The Pride Tree, illustrate the impact that can be made when groups come together for a common goal. We were thrilled to talk with a few individuals about this partnership to learn more:
Tune in below to learn about this important partnership and how it is supporting the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering connections between nature and community. You’ll also learn:
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| On a Mission to Make Aquatics More Equitable — Episode 118 | 16 Aug 2022 | 00:44:02 | |
We are just about a month away from the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, and on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m thrilled to be joined by one of this year’s recipients of the NRPA Young Professional Fellowship. The Young Professional Fellowship provides an opportunity to explore the operation of NRPA and its governing bodies at the NRPA Annual Conference. Participants meet with mentors, are recognized at the Best of the Best ceremony and more. A primary focus of the program is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts in the field of parks and recreation. Today’s guest is also someone I have been meaning to invite to the show for a while now – Kate Connell. Kate is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, and the Aquatics Program Supervisor for Iowa City Parks & Recreation. She is an advocate for equity in recreational water use and has assisted in providing free swimming lessons, safety education and accessible pool events. She leads training and conversations on equitable aquatics, staff training and humanness through leadership – and she does a whole lot of other cool things that we discuss on today’s episode. Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Kate and how she’s helping to build more inclusive, equitable communities through aquatics. You’ll also learn:
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| How Parks and Recreation Can Support People Experiencing Homelessness – August Bonus Episode | 21 Jul 2022 | 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:
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| Celebrating Latino Conservation Week — Episode 117 | 19 Jul 2022 | 00:26:16 | |
As you likely know, we are currently celebrating Park and Recreation Month here at NRPA and at park and recreation departments across the country throughout the month of July. And there’s also a special week that takes place in July that we are big fans of — Latino Conservation Week, which is taking place now through July 24. Launched in 2014, Latino Conservation Week is an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation and was created to support the Latino community getting outdoors and participating in activities to protect our natural resources. During this week, community, non-profit, faith-based, and government organizations and agencies hold events throughout the country. From hiking and camping to community roundtables and film screenings, these activities promote conservation efforts in their community and provide an opportunity for Latinos to show their support for permanently protecting our land, water and air. On today’s episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Michelle Ramirez, the public outreach specialist for Montgomery Parks (part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission), to talk about some of the exciting things they have planned for Latino Conservation Week in Montgomery County, Maryland. Tune in to the full episode below to learn the history behind Latino Conservation Week, how Montgomery Parks is celebrating, and why this week is so special to Michelle. You’ll also learn:
Related links:
This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Merrell. | |||
| How to Rise Up for Parks and Recreation This July — Episode 116 | 05 Jul 2022 | 00:07:59 | |
It is officially our favorite month of the year here on Open Space Radio, and I’m so excited to celebrate Park and Recreation Month throughout July. Today’s episode is a short one, and you’re stuck with just me for a few minutes, but I wanted to take the opportunity to share some of the ways you can join in the Park and Recreation Month celebrations with us at NRPA. Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — that maintain our country’s local, state and community parks. This year’s theme, “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation,” focuses on bringing awareness to how important it is to rise up and support our field, because every day, park and recreation professionals rise up for their communities in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. So, all month long, NRPA will be highlighting the amazing impact that park and recreation professionals are having on their communities – so right off the bat, make sure you’re following NRPA on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn) to catch some of these amazing stories. Tune in to the full episode below to learn how you can get involved in Park and Recreation Month this July, including:
This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by ACTIVENetwork. ACTIVENetwork rises up for park and recreation departments throughout North America with a powerful all-in-one software solution that enables parks and rec departments to run smoothly so they can focus on what matters most: their community. Learn more about how ACTIVENet can power your community at activenetwork.com/nrpa. | |||