Open Space Radio: Parks and Recreation Trends

Open Space Radio covers trends in parks and recreation, shares news from the field, and interviews park and recreation professionals making a difference in their communities. Open Space Radio is the official podcast of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) — Because everyone deserves a great park.

Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153 04/09/2024

Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153 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: · · · · · · · Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? ! 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 . /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/30682893

Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152 03/12/2024

Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152 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: 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 . Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? ! 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 . /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/29972983

Having Fun and Doing the Right Thing in San Antonio — Episode 151 02/13/2024

Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150 01/23/2024

Imposter Syndrome Is Real — Episode 149 01/09/2024

Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part I) — Episode 148 12/05/2023

We’re Stronger Together — Episode 147 11/21/2023

Entering the Next Era of Open Space Radio — Episode 146 11/07/2023

Preparing the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders in Parks and Recreation — Episode 145 10/24/2023

Preparing the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders in Parks and Recreation — Episode 145 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: /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/28399118

How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144 10/10/2023

How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144 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: · · · · · /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/28263905

Paving the Way for Girls and Women in Sports with DiDi Haračić — Episode 143 09/26/2023

Paving the Way for Girls and Women in Sports with DiDi Haračić — Episode 143 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 , 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: /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/28138790

A Listen Back at 2023 So Far — Episode 142 09/12/2023

A Listen Back at 2023 So Far — Episode 142 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 . 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. . 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. . 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! . 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.” . 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. . 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. . 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. . 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. . 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 . Niagara Water. Now that’s refreshing. /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/28002801

How Las Vegas Is Leading the Way in Technology and Recreation — Episode 141 08/29/2023

How Las Vegas Is Leading the Way in Technology and Recreation — Episode 141 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 . /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/27871425

Advancing Resilient Park Access in Lynnwood, Washington — Episode 140 08/08/2023

Advancing Resilient Park Access in Lynnwood, Washington — Episode 140 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: · · /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/27685020

Where Community Grows in Columbus, Ohio — Episode 139 07/11/2023

Where Community Grows in Glenwood Springs, Colorado — July Bonus Episode 06/22/2023

Where Community Grows in Glenwood Springs, Colorado — July Bonus Episode 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: /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/27229173

Celebrating Pride Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 138 06/13/2023

Celebrating Pride Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 138 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 . 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: /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/27124491

How the NRPA Young Professional Network Is Amplifying the Voices of the Next Generation — Episode 137 05/30/2023

Prioritizing the Health and Well-Being of Our Military Communities — June Bonus Episode 05/25/2023

Celebrating How Parks and Recreation Keeps Communities Healthy and Connected — Episode 136 05/16/2023

A Doomscroll Break: Parks and Recreation on Social Media — Episode 135 05/02/2023

How to Build a Culture of Safety — May Bonus Episode 04/27/2023

Celebrating Earth Month with Merrell and Marion, Iowa — Episode 134 04/18/2023

Celebrating Earth Month with Merrell and Marion, Iowa — Episode 134 All month long, NRPA has been sharing ways that parks and recreation is a 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 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: What Earth Month means to both City of Marion and Merrell How Mike and his team stepped up to help their community during an uncertain time Why Merrell is excited about supporting Mike, as well as other park and recreation professionals across the country What the future of environmental resilience looks like in Marion, Iowa How we all play a role in sustainability efforts, whether through planting trees or marketing efforts (or whatever your specialty is!) What continues to drive Mike and Regina to do this important work, and much more! 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 and start discovering your #goodthings when hiking. /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/26566947

Reflecting on Earth Month: A Look Back at Sustainability and Climate-Focused Episodes — Episode 133 04/04/2023

Reflecting on Earth Month: A Look Back at Sustainability and Climate-Focused Episodes — Episode 133 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 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): On one of our most recent episodes, , I spoke with Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, director of Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, to discuss how she's leading with equity, as well as L.A. County's recently adopted 30x30 plan to address climate change and conserve 30 percent of lands and coastal waters by 2030 On , I was joined by staff from City of Detroit Parks and Recreation: Jac Kyle, a manager I for nature programming, and Rachel Felder, a naturalist, to learn more how partnerships are helping advance their work, fight environmental injustices, and create a new generation of environmental stewards in Detroit. On , I was joined by Maneula Barón, a Colombian-American sustainability activist, artist and founder of The Girl Gone Green, an inclusive community that fosters social and environmental change and encourages people to live more consciously. We discussed where to start with your own environmental programming at your agency, as well as how to effectively communicate environmental issues through the lens of others. On , I was joined by Jad Daley, CEO of American Forests, to discuss how trees play a critical role in building environmental resilience, cooling our neighborhoods, and improving the health of our communities. We discuss why trees in urban areas are so important and the various roles that trees play when it comes to our health, in terms of reducing heat, filtering air pollution and more. And finally, we take it all the way back the , when I talked with my colleague, Ayanna Williams, NRPA’s director of community and environmental resilience, about all things Earth Day. We discussed ways park and recreation professionals are building more resilient communities, ways to ensure decision-makers prioritize environmental justice beyond Earth Month or Earth Day, and more. 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 and start discovering your #goodthings when hiking. /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/26432997

On a Cross-Country Mission to Advocate for Trans Rights — Episode 132 03/21/2023

On a Cross-Country Mission to Advocate for Trans Rights — Episode 132 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: /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/26285949

Continuing a Legacy of Service to Create a Better World — Episode 131 03/07/2023

How Lifeguarding Provided a Foundation for a First Responder — March Bonus Episode 02/23/2023

Advancing Physical Activity and Health Equity Through Active Parks! — Episode 130 02/21/2023

Advancing Physical Activity and Health Equity Through Active Parks! — Episode 130 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 . 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: Why partnerships between public health and parks and recreation is critical to increasing physical activity and advancing health equity in communities The origins of the Active Parks! Implementation Guide and what inspired this movement Key considerations for park and recreation professionals interested in using the guide Why Ken believes the guide will transform physical activity in communities How park and recreation professionals can join the Active People, Healthy NationSM movement, and much more! Related links: /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/25987236

On a Journey to Spread Good Vibes and the Healing Power of Nature — Episode 129 02/14/2023

CAPRA Volunteers: Together We Grow Parks and Recreation — Episode 128 02/07/2023

CAPRA Volunteers: Together We Grow Parks and Recreation — Episode 128 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: How being CAPRA volunteers has impacted Rod and Christi professionally and personally How serving as a volunteer will benefit your own agency and agencies across the county Tips on how to become a CAPRA volunteer The benefits of accreditation for park and recreation agencies Rod and Christi’s favorite stories from their time serving as CAPRA volunteers, and much more! Related Links: /episode/index/show/nrpaopenspace/id/25844832

Open Space Radio: Parks and Recreation Trends

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