Open Space Radio

Latest Episodes:

Looking Forward: NRPA's Strategic Plan with Kristine Stratton — Episode 070 Jul 28, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode of Open Space Radio, we are looking at where NRPA is going in the next three years and beyond. Like any organization or group, every few years we must assess where we've been, where we are and where we want to go. Over the past several years, NRPA has centered our strategic plans around our three pillars: health and wellness, social equity and conservation. Now, we're building upon that very solid base and looking to launch a movement.

And before you tune us out because the words "strategic plan" sound dull, we can assure you that what NRPA has planned for the future — and our guest today — is anything but! Today, we're speaking with NRPA President and CEO Kristine Stratton about what NRPA wants to achieve in the months and years ahead and how we're going to get there. Kristine has just completed her first full year with NRPA — a year that has turned out a bit differently than any of us could have imagined.

We check-in with Kristine and see how things are going during this unprecedented time, and dive into NRPA's recently released 2021-2023 strategic plan. Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

3:02: Why this process important and worth celebrating/talking about.
5:09: The strategic plan's five strategic goals that, in essence, build upon our three pillars of health and wellness, social equity and conservation:
- Build a movement
- Ensure access for all
- Advance community health and well-being
- Build community resiliency
- Prepare the profession for the future
9:21: Why building a movement is critical to moving our vision forward and how people can get involved.
13:14: How COVID-19 has challenged our strategic plan.
16:54: How NRPA is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do.
22:16: What differences we will see in NRPA and the profession if we achieve the goals we've laid out in the strategic plan.
And more.

Learn more about NRPA's Strategic Plan here.

Building Better Communities Through Water and Nature-Based Play — August Bonus Episode Jul 23, 2020

Show notes

The August issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today's bonus episode, we're diving deeper into one of this month's feature stories, "Restoring Nature's Playground." We're thrilled to be joined by the two authors, Patti Sterling, the grants coordinator for Town of Bel Air, Maryland, and Akosua Cook, a park planner for the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, to talk about the importance of water and nature-based amenities in their local parks and the projects they have put in place to raise awareness and education. We're also joined by Carrie Williams, president of American Water Charitable Foundation, who has supported these projects through the Building Better Communities Grant program.

Patti and Akosua have been instrumental in implementing these water play and nature-based amenities in their communities through the Chesapeake Sensory Plaza in the Town of Bel Air and "The Spring" in Chattanooga. Tune in to the full episode below to hear our conversation with them about how these projects have gone, how they are creating educational play experiences, and how they are providing opportunities for future environmental stewards.

Other topics we discuss on the episode include:

The benefits of water and nature-based amenities in raising awareness and educating the public about natural resources, as well as fostering new generations of environmental stewards.
Challenges that may arise with similar projects.
The importance of community engagement.
How park and recreation professionals can pursue similar nature-based or water play projects.
Tips on applying for grants to support your projects.
And more.

Breaking Down Barriers with Abundant Life Adventure Club — Episode 069 Jul 14, 2020

Show notes

On today's episode of Open Space Radio, we're thrilled to be joined by Dr. Kim and Claude Walker — the founders of the Nashville-based Abundant Life Adventure Club, which is an outdoor adventure company breaking down barriers to the outdoors so that everyone can enjoy the wellness benefits of parks and open spaces.

The mission of the Abundant Life Adventure Club is one that we're excited to dive into on the episode today — to empower people of color to spend time in nature to inspire wellness, abundant living and connection. Dr. Kim and Claude join us to discuss the inspiration behind starting Abundant Life Adventure Club, which started when they both lost a combined 140 pounds in 2017 and were looking for ways to continue their active lifestyle and add some variety — things that outdoor recreation provided.

We also discuss how they are part of the first generation of people of color to have full access to the parks and outdoor spaces around them, and how that has impacted their relationship with the outdoors — and how they are providing opportunities for other people of color to experience the benefits of outdoor recreation, as well as mindfulness activities, such as yoga and meditation.

Other topics we discuss on this episode include:

Why this mission is so important to Dr. Kim and Claude.
How their relationship with Nashville Metro Parks and Recreation developed and evolved into maxing out space for programs.
The benefits of a club model, and how park and recreation departments can use this model — either by partnering with local clubs or forming their own.
How park and recreation professionals can start something similar or partner with an organization like Abundant Life Adventure Club.
What the future holds for Abundant Life Adventure Club, and more.

Tune in to the full episode below, and if you'd like to learn more about Abundant Life Adventure Club or the people behind this wonderful mission, check out their website, follow them on Instagram or send them an email!

How Are You Safely and Creatively Engaging Your Community This Summer? — Episode 068 Jun 30, 2020

Show notes

Today's episode of Open Space Radio is all about what park and recreation professionals have been doing to creatively and safely engage their communities in the past few months and their plans for the summer ahead. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many park and recreation agencies have had to come up with innovative ways to not only implement virtual programming options, but also make sure the people in their communities continue to have access to essential items like food, shelter, proper healthcare, social connection and the benefits of nature.

With major events like Park and Recreation Month and the Fourth of July right around the corner, we reached out to our followers on Instagram to learn about some of the creative ways park and recreation professionals are safely engaging the people they serve. One great idea came from The Summit in Grand Prairie, Texas, where staff put on a parking lot parade for the older adults in their community to drive through — complete with motivational signs, gift bags, and Roxanne's personal favorite, staff performing choreographed dances!

A few of our listeners sent in audio clips of what they're doing in their own communities, so be sure to tune in to the full episode below to hear from:

Rachel Robertson – Recreation Supervisor, North Highlands Recreation and Park District in California
Lindsay Labas – Marketing Director, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation in Indiana
Anthony Iracki – Recreation Supervisor, Whitefish Bay Recreation in Wisconsin, and
Robert Lloyd – Recreation Programmer, Loudoun Valley Community Center in Virginia

Thanks to these park and recreation heroes for sharing how they're continuing to provide opportunities for their communities to experience the many benefits of parks and recreation, even during a time like this. Tune in to learn:

How agencies are using social media to stay connected with their communities;
How agencies are providing digital programs and virtual recreation centers including everything from cooking classes to virtual fitness classes to art classes and more;
How agencies have had to pivot from traditional marketing and communications approaches to digital platforms; and
How agencies are assigning a theme to specific days of the week so participants in virtual programs know what to expect on certain days, and more!

And, as part of NRPA's upcoming Park and Recreation Month celebration, make sure you're following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram throughout the month of July as we'll be recognizing other park and recreation heroes who are making an impact in their communities — and be sure to share your own park and recreation story using #WeAreParksAndRec.

Another way that cities across the world are showing their appreciation for park and recreation professionals is by #GoingGreenForParks. Today, June 30, World Urban Parks encourages park and recreation agencies to light up their civic and iconic spaces and places green at sunset to thank the professionals who are helping communities remain active, healthy and connected during COVID-19.

How We're Celebrating YOU This July — July Bonus Episode Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

The July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today's bonus episode of Open Space Radio we're diving deeper into the cover story, "Celebrating YOU This July." As you know, we usually interview the author or the subjects of the magazine article for our bonus episode each month, but in today's case, the author is already with us! Cort Jones, NRPA Communications Manager and fellow cohost of this podcast, is our guest today as he is the author of the July cover story and project manager for NRPA's Park and Recreation Month.

Park and Recreation Month is a favorite for both of us, as Cort and I have both had the pleasure of managing the campaign in previous years. While a lot of our work at NRPA consists of finding stories from the park and recreation field, the month of July is when we get to celebrate all the good work that park and recreation professionals are doing in their communities.

This year for Park and Recreation Month, we are shifting the narrative of parks and recreation and redefining the field as an essential, vital necessity by sharing how park and recreation professionals — full of passion for their communities — represent a diverse group of professionals who are confronting our most pressing health, environmental and social challenges. Recently we have seen park and recreation professionals step into various essential roles to provide services for their communities, and throughout July, we're going to be telling the stories of those selfless, passionate and essential professionals who are the heroes the world needs now more than ever.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

How we came up with the theme "We Are Parks and Recreation"
How we're celebrating park and recreation professionals this July
Ways you can get involved in the celebration

Learn more about Park and Recreation Month and make sure you're following NRPA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram throughout the month of July to celebrate with us — and share your own park and recreation story using #WeAreParksAndRec.

Addressing the Stigma Associated with Substance Use Disorder — Episode 067 Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

We're in a time where many people are having tough conversations with friends, family, loved ones and colleagues. We're living through a global pandemic, an economic crisis, a fight for racial equity — and it's all happening at once.

Amidst all of this, there is another crisis that continues to exist — the opioid crisis and substance use disorder. According to Kaiser Health News, the COVID-19 pandemic may be making things worse as far as the opioid crisis, as treatments and resources have been disrupted for the people who need them most. And while talking about substance use disorder is critically important, conversations are often avoided because of the stigma associated with it.

Many park and recreation agencies have started implementing educational and awareness programs around substance use disorder, and one of them is the City of Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation Department in Florida. We're honored to be joined on this episode by the deputy director, Pattie Roberts, who shares the story of how her son, Danny, died of a heroin overdose at only 22 years old and how it pushed her to act on the issue of substance use disorder in her community. We're joined by Lauren Kiefert, an NRPA program specialist, to talk about how NRPA is supporting programs that raise awareness and address substance use disorder.

Tune in to the full episode below to learn:

What Roberts shared with the 19th Judicial Circuit Bar Association to raise awareness about opioid use
Why it's so important to address stigma when educating about substance use disorder
What efforts Roberts and her staff are making to break down the stigma associated with substance use disorder
How Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation is engaging the public in conversations and programming around substance use disorder
What challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented in relation to the services Port St. Lucie Parks & Recreation provides that focus on substance use disorder and mental health

To read more about the role park and recreation professionals can play in addressing substance use disorder, read these posts from the Substance Use in Parks and Recreation blog series:

#PodcastBlackout — Black Lives Matter Jun 03, 2020

Show notes

Open Space Radio condemns all forms of racism and violence. We mourn the loss of all those whose lives have ended as a result of senseless brutality. As part of the #podcastblackout, we stand firmly with all who seek justice and reform and are using our platform to protest the death of these people:

George Floyd
Eric Harris
Breonna Taylor
Ahmaud Arbery
Ezell Ford
Alton Sterling
Sean Bell
Trayvon Martin
Akai Gurley
Eric Garner
Terence Crutcher
Tamir Rice
Mike Brown
Freddie Gray
Alayna Stanley-Jones
Philando Castille
Rekia Boyd
James Clark
Antonio Martin
Walter Scott
Korryn Gaines
Sandra Bland
Elisha Stanley
Kimani Gray
Sam Dubose
Phillip White
Dontrae Hamilton
And all the other names that don't make the news.

Black Lives Matter.

Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness in L.A. During COVID-19 — June Bonus Episode May 21, 2020

Show notes

The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today's bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we're diving deeper into one of this month's feature stories, "Homelessness and the Global Pandemic," which explores how the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) is supporting people experiencing homelessness, among other vulnerable populations, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joining us on the show is the author of the article, Executive Officer & Chief of Staff at L.A. City Department of Recreation and Parks, Anthony-Paul (AP) Diaz. We chat with Diaz about how he and his staff are handling the pandemic and all the challenges that come along with it, as well as how RAP has been providing essential community services during this time.

Diaz discusses how RAP serves as the mass-care shelter and welfare arm of the city of Los Angeles during emergencies and how that has been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the Los Angeles Times reported there were nearly 60,000 people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County, which means that a large population of people doesn't have a home they can go to in order to shelter-in-place. RAP quickly adapted and transformed many of their recreation centers and park spaces into homeless shelters — providing cots, blankets, towels, food, health screenings and protection, as well as connections to various community services, like social services and healthcare.

Additionally, we discuss:

The transition plans RAP has put into place to ensure that people who are currently using the shelters receive proper attention and don't fall through the cracks when the temporary shelters close
How RAP has set up more than 500 trailers to support individuals who may need to self-quarantine
The emergency childcare centers the city has set up
How the city will use their current momentum to provide better access to parks and open spaces when the first phases of re-opening begin
A heartwarming story of a how a father and son were reunited because of these new shelters

Tune in to the full episode below to hear more about the work Diaz and RAP are doing to ensure people in Los Angeles are safe, healthy and have access to essential services during this time.

Why We're Celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals This July — Episode 066 May 19, 2020

Show notes

Every day, in communities across the country, the people of parks and recreation are providing essential services and making their communities better places to live, work and play. This July, for Park and Recreation Month, NRPA will be redefining the field of parks and recreation as a vital necessity by sharing how park and recreation professionals are frontline staff, confronting our most pressing health, environmental and social challenges — even now, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, park and recreation professionals are selflessly making sure the people in their communities are safe, healthy and have access to necessary services.

One way the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society (PRPS) has been celebrating this selfless work is through Park and Recreation Professionals Day, which will take place this year on July 17 – during Park and Recreation Month. This day, much like the entire month of July, celebrates the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the high-quality programs and facilities we desire and expect in our parks and public spaces. We're thrilled to be joined on today's episode by Tim Herd, CEO of PRPS, to learn more about the day, and how you can celebrate at your own agency this July.

Tim talks with us about why he thinks park and recreation professionals and the work they do are so essential, and we discuss our plans to celebrate that work through a nationwide Park and Recreation Professionals Day this July as part of our Park and Recreation Month festivities. Tim tells us about how the idea of a designated day to lift up the people who are working so hard in their communities came to him in the most appropriate setting – his local park!

He also shares an informative document that helps solidify why park and recreation professionals deserve to be celebrated. It's called the "Recreation & Parks' Internet of Things" and it highlights "how parks and recreation contribute to everything important" in a community.

And while we're all excited about Park and Recreation Month and Park and Recreation Professionals Day coming up soon, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebrations may look different this year. We discuss how PRPS is adjusting its celebration and some of the things planned for July – including simply thanking a park and recreation professional for the important work they do.

Tim also shares some tips for an agency that may want to plan its own Park and Recreation Professionals Day this summer — his number one tip? Save the date.

Tune in to the full episode to hear why we can't wait to celebrate YOU this July. And be sure to sign up on our Park and Recreation Month webpage to receive updates on all things Park and Recreation Month, as NRPA will be providing resources for Park and Recreation Professionals Day and the entire month very soon — so you'll have everything you need to promote the celebration in your community.

Parks and Recreation's Next Generation — Episode 065 May 05, 2020

Show notes

We often get to have conversations with park and recreation professionals who are doing incredible work in their communities. Many times, the guests who are gracious enough to join us on Open Space Radio are people who are already established in their careers. It's not every day, though, that we get to chat with college students who are studying the field of parks and recreation and who will soon embark on the exciting journey of entering a new career in the field.

On today's episode, we are thrilled to be joined by two inspiring students who are pursuing their degrees in fields related to parks and recreation and will be graduating this year. Joining us on the show today is Mary Elise Conzelmann, who received her bachelor's degree in recreation management from Humboldt State University in 2019 and will be receiving a master's degree in business management from Saint Mary's College of California this May. We're also excited to be joined by Sean Fitzpatrick, who will be receiving a bachelor's degree in sports and recreation management from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire this May.

We recorded this episode in late March, and we discussed how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted each of their final academic years — both schools they attend have since transitioned to online classes for the remainder of the term.

Mary Elise and Sean also share why they each chose this path and the things they're looking for in a future career in parks and recreation — not necessarily the specific role they're looking for, but what they hope to be able to do in that role. They also give their thoughts on why parks and recreation is an essential community service.

Other topics we discuss on today's episode include:

The things they're doing to prepare for their future careers, such as internships, attending conferences and networking with current professionals
What park and recreation agencies should look for in prospective employees
What an employer should do to keep staff engaged
What someone should consider if they're early in their college career or thinking of going to school in a field related to parks and recreation
Resources like the NRPA Young Professional Network Facebook Group, Women in Parks and Recreation Facebook Group and NRPA Connect

Connect with Mary Elise on LinkedIn

Connect with Sean on LinkedIn

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