What does it really take to run a city, and why should educators, students, and community members care?
🌐 Learn More: City of Lake Wales: https://www.lakewalesfl.gov
Overview:
In this episode of The EduCurious Podcast, Dr. Amber Love Johnson sits down with Stephanie-Grace Bond Lutton, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Lake Wales, to explore how local government, education, and community life are deeply connected. Stephanie shares her journey growing up in Lake Wales, her experiences with the YMCA, and how those experiences shaped her approach to youth programming and community engagement.
The conversation highlights the role of parks and recreation in supporting student growth, preventing summer learning loss, and providing meaningful opportunities for families and young people. Stephanie also offers insight into how city government operates behind the scenes, from maintaining public spaces to planning future developments like trail systems and community facilities.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how educators, students, and residents can get involved in their community, as well as the wide range of career pathways available in public service. This episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration, civic engagement, and creating spaces where communities can thrive.
🔑 In This Episode:
• How Parks & Recreation supports student development and learning beyond the classroom
• The role of summer programs in preventing learning loss
• Behind-the-scenes insight into how a city operates
• The vision for Lake Wales’ expanding trail system and community spaces
• Why community involvement and civic engagement matter more than ever
• Career pathways for students in government, recreation, and public service
• How educators can partner with local government for real-world learning experiences
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Growing up in Lake Wales
01:21 Lessons from the YMCA & STEM programming
02:14 Summer learning & preventing learning loss
02:49 Upcoming summer programs
03:23 What a Parks & Rec Director actually does
04:04 Future trail systems & city planning
05:42 Impact on students & community
06:17 Passion for community events
06:37 Leadership lessons: listening & growth
07:48 Growing up with a parent in city government
08:29 How to get involved in your city
09:45 Opportunities for teachers & students
11:07 How city departments work together
12:14 Youth Leadership & new Youth Advisory Board
13:45 Future projects: parks, trails & facilities
15:42 Transition from YMCA to city-run Rec Center
17:57 Community partnerships (Little League, Boys & Girls Club)
19:34 Career pathways for students
20:41 Tourism & growth in Lake Wales
22:22 How to stay informed
23:00 Closing thoughts
💡 Why This Episode Matters:
If you're an educator, school leader, parent, or community member, this episode will shift how you think about learning spaces, student opportunities, and the role of local government in shaping the future.
🔔 Stay Connected:
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📢 Hashtags:
#EduCurious #EducationPodcast #DrAmberLoveJohnson #CommunityLeadership #ParksAndRecreation #LocalGovernment #STEMEducation #YouthLeadership #LakeWales #CivicEngagement #EducationMatters #PublicService #UrbanPlanning #TeacherLife #CommunityImpact
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