Open Space Radio: Parks and Recreation Trends

On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what it takes to protect them. Teresa’s commitment to creating outdoor experiences that speak to culture, environmental responsibility and inclusion is something to be admired, and she is a staunch advocate for bringing underrepresented communities into the conversation and the work. Teresa has led various organizations and initiatives that support this work, such as The Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, the African American National Park Event and the Outdoorist Oath, to name a few. We were so thrilled to have the privilege of talking with Teresa to learn more about her determination to make a difference in the work of diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. And, as 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and the Wilderness Act, Teresa has created a campaign encouraging everyone to get outdoors, doing whatever they enjoy, between now and July. Be sure to share photos of you and your community getting outside on social media using #CivilRightsAct60 – the photos will be turned into a collage of the country celebrating and honoring the anniversaries.  Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Teresa and how her work may support your efforts to build more equitable, inclusive spaces and programs in your community. You’ll also learn: ·       How Teresa’s work in this space began with a call to the National Park Service to tell them, “you have a diversity problem” ·       How to have difficult conversations and get out of your comfort zone ·       Why partnerships are key to pushing diversity, equity and inclusion work forward ·       How to spend time outdoors (however works for you!) and be aware of your environmental impact ·       And much more! Related Links: ·       Follow Teresa on Instagram ·       Connect with Teresa on LinkedIn ·       In Solidarity Project ·       Outdoor Diversity Alliance ·       The Outdoorist Oath ·       The Outdoorist Oath on Instagram ·       Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge 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.

March is Women’s History Month, and this year’s theme celebrates women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. This year we are honoring women who lead change in their field, and today’s episode does just that. There are so many women who are leaders in parks and recreation and bringing positive change to their communities, and today we’re excited to talk with two women who are leading the way in Juneau, Alaska. Our guests today are Amanda Lovejoy, a recreation coordinator at the Zach Gordon Youth Center for City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation, and Lauren Anderson is the Treadwell Arena Manager for Juneau Parks & Recreation. Between having a primarily women-led team, facilitating programs that foster inclusion and belonging, and ensuring that every member of the Juneau community feels welcome, Juneau Parks & Recreation is doing some incredible work. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about this unique community and how Amanda and Lauren are truly building a space where you belong. You’ll also learn: How Juneau Parks & Recreation is providing opportunities for girls, women, and trans and nonbinary youth in the community How the “Weaving Our Pride” project is bringing the community together and celebrating Indigenous communities in Juneau How Juneau’s Gender Support Group and Mindfulness Matters programs are making an impact Why Juneau is such a unique community, and what challenges and opportunities that presents And much more! Related Links: City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation Weaving Our Pride Website Weaving Our Pride Facebook Group Zach Gordon Youth Center Facebook Page   This episode of Open Space Radio is brought to you by support from CivicPlus. CivicPlus’ recreation management solution is the only comprehensive activity, facility, membership, staff and point-of-sale management solution designed exclusively for municipal parks and recreation departments by former local government parks and recreation leaders. Municipal recreation departments that choose CivicPlus increase department revenue from online transactions while fostering positive civic experiences. Learn more at www.civicplus.com. 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.

We know the importance of partnerships in parks and recreation, and on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving into an exciting partnership between NRPA and Bobcat. As part of this partnership, Bobcat has extended five grants, each worth $50,000, to support five park improvement projects across the country. Today, we’re excited to learn more about one of these projects taking place in San Antonio, Texas. We were thrilled to speak with Caryn Odenbach, brand and experience specialist at Bobcat; Kristen Hansen, deputy director of parks and recreation at San Antonio River Authority; and Ayanna Williams, NRPA director of community and environmental resilience. Tune in to the full episode below to learn how this park improvement project will expand park access, build environmental resilience, engage the community and create a sense of belonging in the San Antonio community. You’ll also learn: How NRPA and Bobcat are working together to advance resilient park access in communities across the country How this partnership is improving and preserving Trueheart Ranch Park Why San Antonio will benefit from this grant and project How the community is being engaged throughout the project Why public-private partnerships are so important in parks and recreation And more! Related Links: Trueheart Ranch Park San Antonio River Authority Bobcat Company NRPA and Bobcat Partnership Builds Resilient Park Access: City of Stonecrest, Georgia Auburndale Park's Trail Revitalization with Bobcat and NRPA   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  

I was recently pulling some of the Open Space Radio statistics for a presentation to NRPA staff, and while I was presenting, I kept thinking to myself, “The numbers are great, it’s important to track these kinds of metrics. But also, we have had some truly remarkable guests and amazing conversations over the course of this show, and you can’t really put that through quantitative analysis.” So, it inspired me to do a little 2023 so far recap episode. Throughout this episode, I’m featuring little nuggets from a few episodes we’ve released so far this year until August. We’ve released a lot more episodes than the ones featured here, so if something in this episode doesn’t resonate, be sure to check out all of our previous episodes. However, these are just a few from this year that have resonated with me and continue to replay in my head. I also know not everyone gets a chance to listen to every single episode (but for those of you who do – thank you!), so I thought this would also be a jam-packed opportunity for you to get a bunch of good stuff in one less-than-an-hour package. We're also in autumn mode now, so enjoy the photo of fall foliage :)  I hope you find a little inspiration in one of these clips and I encourage you to go back and listen to the full episodes, which are all linked below. I can’t wait to continue sharing these stories of the impact that parks and recreation is having across the country for the remainder of this year and into the future. We have some exciting things lined up, and I can’t wait to bring you along!  Tune in to the full episode to hear clips from: Vicky Stott (she/her), senior program officer for racial equity and community engagement at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, who discusses how racial healing is connected to love, cherishing and respecting humanity, and acknowledging others’ lived experiences. Listen to the full episode 127 here. Will “Akuna” Robinson (he/him), who was the first Black man to complete the triple crown of hiking. We discuss his beginnings in outdoor recreation to heal from PTSD from his previous military experience and how we can continue breaking down barriers so everyone can experience the power of outside. Listen to the full episode 129 here. Cal Dobbs (he/they), a queer transgender ultra marathoner and long-distance hiker who recently ran across the country — from California to Florida — fighting for the inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare. Bonus: Cal will also be joining us at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas, Oct 10-12, discussing youth sports equity! Listen to the full episode 132 here. Mike Cimprich (he/him), the city arborist for Marion Parks and Recreation in Iowa, who was honored with Merrell’s Changing Nature of Work Award for his critical work in the city of Marion after the 2020 Central Severe Weather-Derecho, known as the “costliest thunderstorm event in U.S. history.” Listen to the full episode 134 here. Daniel Hatcher (he/him), the senior director of strategic partnerships at Alliance for a Healthier Generation, who discusses why park and recreation professionals are critical to physical, mental, and social-emotional health – and the overall health and well-being of our communities. Listen to the full episode 136 here. Laine Fabijanic, the community and therapeutic recreation supervisor for City of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, who is leading a therapeutic recreation program that is bringing recreational opportunities to all members of the community, regardless of their ability, to increase quality of life for all. Listen to the full July bonus episode here. Kelly Messer, PE, a project manager for Columbus Recreation and Parks, who discusses how an entire community of supportive skateboarders, and community members alike, led to the completion of the Tuttle Park Skatepark and overall park improvements. Listen to the full episode 139 here. Sarah Olson, deputy director of Lynnwood (Washington) Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, who discusses a community-driven, comprehensive park and trail capital project plan and prioritization project that the department is utilizing to center equity in its park system planning. Listen to the full episode 140 here. This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Niagara Water. This Summer, Niagara Water is providing communities across Texas, California, and Georgia with a chance to upgrade their local park to the outdoor space of their dreams. 9 parks are nominated. 3 will be selected to receive a $75,000 refresh. Support your favorite park daily through September 18th at NiagaraPerkYourPark.com. Niagara Water. Now that’s refreshing.

On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we are diving into the dynamic world where recreation and technology intersect.  The Las Vegas Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs department has always been at the forefront of innovative ideas, and today's episode is all about one of their latest projects — the Becker Technology Center and Recreation Park. I’m excited to be joined by some incredible individuals who've been driving this innovative space forward. My guests today from Las Vegas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs are Priscilla Scott, a recreation coordinator; Phillip Payne, a recreation leader; and Jasmine Barrett, a recreation leader. They are joining me today from the Becker Technology Center – and specifically from their very cool podcast studio, which I’m a bit envious of. Tune in to the full episode below to learn about the center and how it’s benefiting members of the community when it comes to bringing together the energy of play and the endless possibilities of technology.  You’ll also learn: How the Becker Technology Center will increase access to technology, recreation and learning opportunities for the community How the center bridges the gap between traditional recreational activities and modern digital engagement How the center is contributing to youth development in Las Vegas How the team has taken concerns around technology contributing to a sedentary lifestyle  into account to promote a healthy balance How they are ensuring the center is accessible and user-friendly for individuals of all ages, abilities and tech proficiency levels, and much more! Listener note: The audio at the beginning of this episode may be a bit choppy, but listening at a slightly faster speed on your preferred podcast player tends to help. This episode of Open Space Radio is brought to you by support from our partners at the Bobcat Company. To the passionate visionaries taking on ambitious challenges everyday with Bobcat equipment. The parks maintenance technicians turning playgrounds into community spaces. The program coordinators turning recreation programs into limitless futures. The park development planners keeping pace with shrinking resources and a growing world. And, all those who push through to accomplish more than anyone dared dream of. Bobcat is proud to support park and recreation professionals across the country. Learn more at Bobcat.com.

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Lynnwood, Washington, with a few of my colleagues to visit the Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, who was recently awarded one of NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grants. Our trip consisted of visiting local parks, meeting with members of the community who are collaborating with the department, meeting with the mayor, attending a community “Meet Me at the Park” event, and learning more about Lynnwood’s ParksLove project, which is in the works thanks to NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grant. This grant is dedicated to advancing community-driven, systems-level strategies for equitable park access that improves the environmental resilience and health of communities. This grant supports park and recreation professionals in partnership with leaders from community-based organizations. Lynnwood is one of six communities nationwide selected to advance equitable park access. Tune in to the full episode below to learn how the Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department plans to use this grant as an opportunity to complete a community-driven, comprehensive Park & Trail Capital Project Plan and prioritization project centering equity in its park system planning. The department also is creating a park capital prioritization framework tool to evaluate and score all future possible park capital projects by creating equity, resiliency, inclusive and health indexes. You’ll hear from Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Deputy Director Sarah Olson, MPA, CPRP, as well as NRPA Director of Community and Environmental Resilience Ayanna Williams. We discuss: What resilient park access means How the ParksLove project is addressing equitable access to parks and recreation in Lynnwood How members of the community have been brought along throughout the process How this project supports NRPA’s goals of building more resilient communities, and much more! Related Links: ·       City of Lynnwood ParksLove Project ·       Press Release: NRPA Announces More Than $2.5 Million in Funding to Support Equitable Access to Parks

It is officially Park and Recreation Month, and it already has been so exciting to see how park and recreation agencies and communities across the country have been celebrating. We’re not even halfway through the month and we have already seen so many amazing stories highlighting how parks and recreation truly is “Where Community Grows.” On today’s episode, I wanted to highlight one of the wonderful submissions from our annual Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest. One of the photos that was submitted pictured a few smiling skateboarders enjoying time together at the Tuttle Park Skatepark in Columbus, Ohio. If you’ve listened to the show before, you know I have a love of skateboarding and the community that it builds, so of course I wanted to talk with the folks who submitted this photo. I’m excited to welcome two members of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department staff to the show today: Kerry Francis, chief of communications, and Kelly Messer, PE, a project manager. We discuss not only more about this skatepark but also all the good work happening in Columbus. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn: How Columbus Recreation and Parks contributes to the health, well-being and overall quality of life for everyone in the Columbus community How an entire community of support led to the completion of the Tuttle Park Skatepark project How Columbus Recreation and Parks is creating high-quality, safe and inclusive spaces for the community How Columbus Recreation and Parks is ensuring that everyone in the community can benefit from the experiences, spaces and programs it provides, and much more! Related: Park and Recreation Month: Where Community Grows

It may still be June, but it is officially Park and Recreation Month in our hearts, as the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine was released today. As you may know, each year NRPA hosts a cover contest leading up to July, with the winner being featured on the July issue of the magazine. If you’ve seen this month’s cover (also pictured on this page), you will notice a smiling young boy in adaptive climbing gear scaling a climbing wall. We are so grateful that Joe Van Wyk, the marketing coordinator for City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation in Colorado, captured this moment and submitted this photo of Isaac Alonso, which captured all of our hearts immediately. Once we learned the story behind the photo, we knew we had found our winner. I am so thrilled to be joined on today’s episode by Laine Fabijanic, the community and therapeutic recreation supervisor for City of Glenwood Springs. Laine has been instrumental in building the community’s therapeutic recreation program, and is doing some really incredible work when it comes to providing access to recreational opportunities for all, despite their perceived or actual limitations. Laine has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist since 1998, and over the years she has worked across the country and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley in Western Colorado in clinical settings, outdoor adventure and community recreation. Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Laine and the impact she is making, as well as how this program is helping Isaac, the boy in the photo, and so many others. You’ll also learn: The unique challenges that children with disabilities face when it comes to recreational activities and how therapeutic recreation addresses them How Glenwood Springs’ climbing program adapts the climbing experience to meet the needs of each climber Why Laine has loved watching Isaac participate in this program and how his family has been involved How community engagement is at the center of this program The importance of meeting the specific needs of all members of your community, and much more! Related Links: Park and Recreation Month City of Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation

It is officially Pride Month – a time to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. And while we are thrilled to celebrate Pride Month this year, the reality is that our LGBTQ+ friends, family, colleagues and community members have been under attack. In fact, just last week, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. after a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country. So far in 2023, more than 525 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced and more than 75 signed into law as of the time of this recording – the worst year on record. Be sure to check out Human Rights Campaign’s Impact Report, which shows the real-life impact of this legislation across the country, as well as their guidebook, which provides guidance for navigating states with anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. There are also ways you can make your voice heard on this important issue, and I’ll be sure to link to all of these in the blog post that goes along with this episode. And while the attacks continue, the fight for equal rights continues. As park and recreation professionals, you have the power to lead this charge through building inclusive, safe spaces, supporting your LGBTQ+ staff and community members, and creating a culture of belonging. On today’s episode, we’re looking back at some of our previous episodes discussing LGBTQ+ inclusion in parks and recreation. If you haven’t listened to the full episodes from each of these clips you’re about to hear, I encourage you to check them out and consider what role you play in this mission. Together, we can inspire change, embrace our differences, and create a world where EVERYBODY benefits from the power of parks and recreation. Tune in to the full episode to hear from: Cal Dobbs (he/they), a queer transgender ultra marathoner and long-distance hiker who is running across America — from California to Florida — fighting for the inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare. Peyton Daisy O’Connor (they/she) a past parks and recreation director for Buncombe County, North Carolina, who produced a formal inclusion policy for trans kids, based on their own lived experience. Chris Mosier (he/him), a trailblazing athlete, coach and the founder of TransAthlete.com. Chris is a six-time member of Team USA, and in 2015 he became the first openly transgender man to represent the United States in international competition. Jason Shriner (he/him), a past marketing manager for City of Manassas Park in Virginia, who discusses how his agency was re-evaluating policies and spaces to ensure they were inclusive for LGBTQ+ people and the ways they were partnering with local LGBTQ+ advocacy and sports groups. Related Links: Human Rights Campaign: National State of Emergency for LGBTQ Americans Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation Doesn't Reflect Parks and Recreation's Values Episode 132 with Cal Dobbs Episode 94 with Peyton Daisy O'Connor Episode 92 with Chris Mosier Episode 41 with Jason Shriner

  If you are an NRPA member, you may know that NRPA provides exclusive member networks to support your professional needs and development. These networks, ranging from Aquatics, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Armed Forces, Leadership Development, and more, are an opportunity to collaborate and connect with like-minded professionals from across the county.   One of these networks, which is highly engaged and doing a lot of amazing work in the profession, is the Young Professional Network, or YPN. The YPN serves NRPA members who are students and young professionals under the age of 35.   I’m thrilled to be joined today by the co-chairs of the YPN’s publications committee to discuss how they’re working to lift up the voices and experiences of young professionals. Joining me is Rachel Smith, a certified park and recreation professional and the operations manager at James City County Parks and Recreation in Virginia, and Colton Patak, the program supervisor at City of Mason in Ohio.   Tune in to our full conversation below to learn how Colton and Rachel are helping amplify the voices and experiences of young park and recreation professionals. You’ll also learn: Why being part of the YPN is so beneficial for young park and recreation professionals Why it’s so important for professionals — especially young professionals — to share their stories, experiences, challenges and successes with their peers What types of topics the YPN Publications Committee is interested in exploring for future publications How being part of the YPN has been valuable for Rachel and Colton, and why you should join (and a lot more)! Related Resources: YPN on Facebook YPN on LinkedIn YPN Connect Community Email Rachel Email Colton

The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Leading the Way to Health and Well-Being: How Armed Forces Recreation Fosters Healthy Military Communities.” The article, written by Allison Colman, NRPA’s director of health, and Alex Reynolds, Parks & Recreation magazine’s associate editor, highlights how park and recreation professionals working within military communities share the same goal as their peers in local agencies — to support their community’s health, well-being and quality of life through recreation. I’m thrilled to be joined by two of the professionals highlighted in the article, Shandy Scott, the business and recreation branch chief for the Air Force Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs in San Antonio, Texas, and Lisa Sexauer, director of fleet readiness for Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about the work Scott and Sexauer are doing to keep military families in their respective branches healthy and active through parks and recreation. You’ll also learn: The role that Armed Forces Recreation/MWR professionals play in the military and communities What benefits MWR provides for service members, families, and communities Current challenges impacting Armed Forces Recreation/MWR divisions and professionals and how they are being addressed How Armed Forces Recreation/MWR and municipal park and recreation departments can partner to address and promote the health and well-being of all people How Armed Forces Recreation/MWR is centering equity and shifting to a deeper focus on mental health and well-being in its efforts, and much more!

We are just a few weeks away from NRPA’s Family Health & Fitness Day, which is taking place on Saturday, June 10. Family Health & Fitness Day is an annual celebration that promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities healthy. I’m thrilled to be talking more about Family Health & Fitness Day on today’s episode, as well as all the ways parks and recreation provides accessible, close-to-home health and wellness opportunities in communities across the country. Joining me is Cina Makres, a program specialist on NRPA’s health team, who is leading up NRPA’s Family Health & Fitness Day efforts this year, as well as Daniel Hatcher, the senior director of strategic partnerships at Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Tune in as we discuss how you can join in on the Family Health & Fitness Day celebrations in your community, as well as why parks and recreation is so well-positioned to build healthier communities. You’ll also learn: Why Family Health & Fitness Day is a great opportunity to build awareness around the health and well-being benefits of the spaces and programs your agency manages Why partnerships are critical to building healthier communities and how you can leverage them on Family Health & Fitness Day How you can use the Family Health & Fitness Day Toolkit to assist with your marketing and promotions efforts What other resources are available (see below!) to help you communicate the importance of parks and recreation as it pertains to overall health Ideas for celebrating Family Health & Fitness Day with your own family (or chosen family), and much more! Additional Resources Discussed in this Episode: Download the Family Health & Fitness Day Toolkit Blog Post: Join Us for Family Health & Fitness Day on Saturday, June 10! Register Your Family Health & Fitness Day Event with NRPA NRPA’s Family Health & Fitness Day Informational Webinar Community Wellness Hubs Toolkit Blue Star Families + Healthier Generation Nature BINGO Alliance for a Healthier Generation: Ways to Keep Active Together Kohl’s Healthy at Home Let’s Move in Libraries Kentucky Youth Tobacco Control Workshop Food Research and Action Center