It’s our final episode of Open Space Radio for 2024! Did you know we released 15 episodes this year and talked with 27 amazing community leaders for a whopping 758 minutes of conversation (more than 12 hours!) about the power of parks and recreation?

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the show to share their story this year and to everyone who tuned in to an episode. We truly love amplifying these stories through our platform and appreciate you trusting us with that!

On today’s episode, we’re reflecting on some of our favorite moments from the year, as well as chatting about what we’ll be up to in 2025 — like scaling back to monthly episodes to bring you even richer, more compelling stories packed with even more voices from the profession.

Tune in to the full episode below to reflect on the year with us and listen to some powerful clips from the following episodes:

• Imposter Syndrome Is Real — Episode 149
• Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150
• Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152
• Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153
• Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156
• Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157
• From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159
• Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161
• From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162
• Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163

Be sure to tune in to every episode here!

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 support not only 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.

Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163

On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m excited to share our collab episode with GovLove Podcast, which we recorded live back in October at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

This was our first live episode recording — with an audience. So, besides the obvious nerves that came along with that, it was such a fun, enriching conversation and it definitely won’t be our last! I was honored to co-host this conversation alongside Ben Kittleson, manager at Raftelis and co-host/producer of GovLove. GovLove is a production of Engaging Local Government Leaders and is a podcast about local government with the goal of telling informative and unique stories about the work being done at the local level.

On this episode, we discuss the important environmental resilience work taking place in Columbus, Ohio, and Boulder, Colorado, as well as how NRPA’s Sustainability in Practice program equips park and recreation professionals to develop and implement community-driven sustainability practices. Joining us were the brilliant:

• Bernita Reese, director of recreation and parks for City of Columbus, Ohio
• Ali Rhodes, director of parks and recreation for the City of Boulder, Colorado
• Michele White, senior program manager for NRPA.

Tune in to learn how park and recreation professionals are essential in advancing climate solutions to build a healthy, resilient and equitable future. You’ll also learn:

• How you might already be doing this work, just not naming it explicitly
• Park-specific sustainability actions and planning principles to assist your efforts
• Strategies to enhance support from your community and local leadership
• Ways of embedding sustainability and resilience into your organization, as opposed to having it perceived as “another thing”
• And so much more!

I want to give a special shoutout and thanks to everyone who joined us for the live recording — we appreciate you showing up and supporting both of our shows and the important work we discussed. And for those about to listen for the first time, thank you for tuning in! I hope this transports you to the conference so you can feel a bit of the energy if you weren’t able to join us.

I hope you enjoy the episode, learn something new, and if you have any ideas for a topic we can discuss on a live recording at next year’s conference, send us an email at [email protected]!

Related Links:

•   NRPA’s Sustainability in Practice Program (Apply by November 15!)
•   Columbus Recreation and Parks
• City of Boulder Parks and Recreation
• GovLove Podcast

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 are getting very excited to travel to Atlanta (in just one week!) to connect with thousands of our closest park and recreation friends at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. And on today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who is local to the Atlanta area and might have some insider tips if you’ll be joining us next week.

Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, is the operations coordinator at Douglasville Parks and Recreation in Georgia, and after sharing a blog post with us about her 2023 conference experience, we knew we wanted to chat with her further since this year’s conference is right in her backyard.

We discussed what receiving NRPA’s Diversity Scholarship in 2023 meant to her, how her conference experience motivated her to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, and the boost in confidence she feels with another year of experience under her belt.

Tune in below to learn more about Jamiah, her conference tips and more. You’ll also learn:

• What inspired Jamiah to get into the field of parks and recreation
• What Jamiah’s 2023 NRPA Annual Conference experience meant to her
• What she’s looking forward to at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference
• Tips for conference attendees and recommendations for first-time Atlanta visitors
• Why Jamiah feels like parks and recreation is where she belongs
• And much more!

Related:

• Connect with Jamiah on LinkedIn
• Douglasville Parks and Recreation

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.

On today’s episode, we welcome a superstar of out-of-school time programming! The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is making a huge impact on youth in the DC area through its weekly after-school group mentoring program, Roving Leaders. Among countless initiatives and opportunities that are part of the program, top of mind this time of year is the fact that Roving Leaders visit with students in schools outside of program times. They are truly going the extra mile.  

 

DPR’s Roving Leaders program has been around since the 1950s, building relationships of trust with teens, youth, professionals, community leaders, and public and private sector organizations.

 

The mission of the program is to prevent, neutralize, and control hostile behavior in youth and youth groups through the development of positive relationships between teens/youth and outreach workers. Roving Leaders utilize recreation and leisure time activities as the intervening vehicles for redirecting antisocial and aggressive behaviors.

 

At the center of the program is Danielle Hunter, chief of the Roving Leaders. Danielle has been with DPR for more than 24 years, and her impact has certainly been felt across the city.

 

Tune in below to learn more about Danielle and this impactful program. You’ll also learn: 

• Ways the Roving Leaders are engaging youth in the community and the types of activities involved
• How the program is impacting youth in DC
• What qualifications or training Roving Leaders undergo to effectively mentor and support youth
• How the program and DPR are providing safe, culturally relevant and effective resources
• How NRPA’s Out-of-School Time Youth Mentoring Grant helped to expand access to this program
• What the future holds for the Roving Leaders Program and much more!

Related Links:

• DCDPR’s Roving Leaders
• Follow Roving Leaders on Instagram
• Follow DCDPR on Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• “Take advantage of the network meetings.” 

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Related Links:

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

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

If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

As you may know, 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:

• Why Tai Chi is such a beneficial activity for physical and mental health (and spiritual and social health) for older adults
• How the community in Martin County has embraced its Tai Chi program
• How to navigate barriers to older adult programming
• How findings from NRPA’s Supporting Older Adults through Parks and Recreation report can help inform your programming approach
• And much more!

 

Related Links:

• NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks Initiative
• NRPA’s Supporting Older Adults through Parks and Recreation Report
• Tai Chi for Health Institute
• Martin County Parks and Recreation Older Adult Programs

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:

• What adaptive recreation is and why it’s so important
• How Charlottesville Parks and Recreation is committed to serving the diverse needs of its community, especially its disabled population
• What types of adaptive recreation programs are available to the community (and there are a lot!)
• What programs Sarah enjoys and how they have benefitted her
• Why creating a sense of belonging really comes down to making space for building community
• And much more!

Learn More:

• Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Adaptive Recreation Department
• Contact Caitlin Marcotte
• Charlottesville Parks and Recreation on Facebook 
• Charlottesville Parks and Recreation on Instagram
• Charlottesville Parks and Recreation on X
• Charlottesville Parks and Recreation on YouTube

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.

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:

• How The Majestic Theatre approached its audition announcement to bring in people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities
• How staff ensured everyone felt safe, welcome and included throughout the production
• Why community theater is such a powerful way to build belonging and diversify an agency’s offerings
• What challenges arose during the production and how the team and cast navigated them
• Why this work is so meaningful to Rachel, and much more!

Related Links:

• Park and Recreation Month

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.

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:

• Grant Frailich, Founder of The Pride Tree
• Shelly Kopinski, Director of Programs, Get Outdoors Nevada
• Mihaela Genova, Volunteer Program Manager, Get Outdoors Nevada

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:

• How Get Outdoors Nevada provides outdoor experiences for those who have limited opportunities
• How The Pride Tree provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth
• How collaborating with community organizations can impact your work
• Why allyship is so essential
• And much more!

Additional Resources:

• The Pride Tree
• Get Outdoors Nevada
• Celebrating Pride Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 138