Open Space Radio

Latest Episodes:

Welcome to Baltimore! — Episode 049 Sep 20, 2019

Show notes

Today's episode is a special edition of Open Space Radio — we're diving behind the scenes of the upcoming 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, which is happening September 24-26. We're releasing this episode a little earlier than we typically do, in hopes that those of you who are attending can tune in as you fly, drive or hike your way to Baltimore. For those of you who are unable to attend, we still have some great tips that you can apply to other conferences (and hopefully a future NRPA Annual Conference).

We're joined by Amanda Hersey, NRPA's Director of Conferences aka the mastermind behind the event, and Matt Brubaker, NRPA's Director of Marketing, who is the guru behind promoting the conference and responsible for sharing the many great things the conference has to offer.

Amanda and Matt share some valuable insider tips on making the most of your time at the conference, things that are new to the conference this year and the events that you won't want to miss (like Cal Ripken Jr.'s keynote speech or the NRPA Opening Reception sponsored by GameTime).

We also chat about the things we're all looking forward to this year in Baltimore, but one thing is certain: We can't wait to see thousands of park and recreation professionals together in Charm City to learn, network and be inspired.

Tune in to the episode below to make sure you don't miss out on anything at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference! And, be sure to stop by the Open Space Radio booth (#1519) in the exhibit hall to say hi, answer some questions on the microphone and get some pretty sweet Open Space Radio swag!

More Information:

2019 NRPA Annual Conference

Keynote Speakers

NRPA Annual Conference Mobile App

Workshops, Off-Site Institutes and Local Host Activities

Networking Events

Insider's Tips for Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference

NRPA Conference Facebook Live Streaming Times

NRPA Live

Digital Marketing: It's All About the Data — Episode 048 Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

There's a chance you've been scrolling through your social media outlet of choice, doing some online shopping or reading your favorite email newsletter, when you see an advertisement for something that seems like it's speaking directly to you. You're wondering how the all-knowing internet knows you need this thing — but it does. And you do.

That's digital marketing.

Digital marketing is any marketing that is done on a digital channel, such as, social media, mobile apps, email, websites, search engines — and even podcasts.

Digital marketing can be a useful tool for park and recreation agencies that want to promote their programs, special events and other offerings to a broader audience. Letting your community know about the things you offer can be exciting — and increase the impact your agency makes — but it can also be a little overwhelming, whether you're new to marketing or not, because there are just so many programs and services out there.

On today's episode, we're joined by Stephen Gendreau, Director of Advertising and Media Operations for ACTIVE Network. ACTIVE Network — which provides digital marketing services, as well as event and participation management — is one of our partners for this year's Parks Build Community renovation of Catherine Street Park in Baltimore, Maryland.

We chat with Stephen about what digital marketing means for parks and recreation, as well as the most important thing you need for your digital marketing efforts to succeed (hint: it's data).

Key takeaways from this episode:

Data and understanding your audience are essential to a successful digital marketing campaign and will help you deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time.
Pixels — such as Google Analytics or other analytics services — on your website can help you understand who is visiting your site and who is interested in specific offerings.
Meeting your community where they are online (social media, search engines, etc.) can help you engage with audiences that are typically harder to reach.
Don't get complacent in your marketing efforts — just because something worked this time, doesn't necessarily mean it will work in the future, and vice versa.
Use the data you collect — rather than feelings or observations — to make your marketing decisions

To learn more about how to build and execute effective park and recreation marketing and communication campaigns that will help you better connect with your community, check out the NRPA Marketing and Communications Certificate. And, if you're going to be at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, be sure to attend the Marketing Certificate Program pre-conference workshop!

Programming for the Young and Young-at-Heart — Episode 047 Aug 29, 2019

Show notes

In this episode we are taking on some listener requests for more podcasts on park and recreation programming (P.S. we'd love to hear your requests for episodes, so email Roxanne or Cort with your ideas!).

Today, we're looking at intergenerational programming – what it is, how it's working in the field and how it's impacting those who participate in the programs. We interviewed three people in order to collect these different perspectives and you'll likely notice that our mics and audio sound a bit different interview to interview as they were done in different locations.

First, you'll hear from Emily Patrick of Generations United. She is dedicated to promoting and educating people about the benefits of intergenerational programs.

Second, you'll hear from Candice Holbrook from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Waterfront in Burlington, Vermont where she manages intergenerational programming.

Third, you'll hear from Martha Ahmed, an older adult who participates in intergenerational programming in Burlington.

Some key takeaways from this episode:

Interactions between older adults and youth can provide mental and emotional health benefits to both groups and help with loneliness and isolation.
Intergenerational programs can involve older adults serving youth, youth serving older adults, multiple generations working together to serve others, and an organization providing services to both groups at the same time.
You can start intergenerational with the resources you have now — perhaps by combining activities between two existing programs.
The intergenerational experience truly makes a positive impact on those involved.

Resources mentioned in this episode and related resources:

Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront: Recreation and Nutrition Drop-In Programs

eSports at the Rec Center? — Episode 046 Aug 12, 2019

Show notes

Three million dollars. That's how much Kyle Giersdorf just won at the Fortnite World Cup — a video game competition held at the Arthur Ashe tennis stadium in New York. That's right. He won $3 million playing video games in a place typically reserved for the US Open.

eSports, or video game competitions, isn't new, but it is a growing trend. So much so that eSports is starting to make a space for itself in the world of parks and recreation. Durango Parks and Recreation in Colorado, for example, has included large-scale, competitive video gaming in its draft master plan.

Cort and I had the opportunity to chat about eSports with Neelay Bhatt — Vice President at PROS Consulting, NRPA board member, and an established thought leader in the field of parks and recreation. Our conversation stemmed from the speed session Neelay will be presenting this year at the NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore titled, "eSports 101: Just What the Heck Is eSports and Why/How Should My Agency Participate in It?"

In this episode we discuss what eSports is, its impact on parks and recreation and the potential opportunities it presents.

Tips for Advancing in the Field of Parks and Recreation — Episode 045 Aug 05, 2019

Show notes

I think it's fair to say that many times when people enter a career field, they do so with intentions of advancing in that career and continuing to progress, learn and grow. Of course, there are those moments of complacency that can creep up, and often we're so busy with the work at hand that we don't even think about the next steps in our career. Sometimes it's just that taking that step toward your own professional development seems like a daunting task – especially if you don't know where to start.

On today's episode, we're joined by two people who know a thing or two about advancing in the field of parks and recreation. Joining us are Michael Kalvort, CPRE, the Recreation Services Director for City of Boca Raton, Florida, and Hayley Herzing, NRPA's Senior Manager of Membership.

Michael discusses some of the steps he took early in his career that set him up to be where he is today, including the importance of:

saying 'yes' to everything you can;
certification;
networking;
mentorship;
being part of a state or national association; and
continuing to learn.

Hayley offers guidance on many of the resources NRPA provides to its members, such as:

What's Your Funniest Moment on the Job? — Episode 044 Jul 15, 2019

Show notes

It's no secret that working in parks and recreation comes with its share of unpredictable, funny moments. You must really be ready for anything — and many times these moments provide those deeply-satisfying laughs you can feel throughout your entire body (whether it's instantly or one of those "this will be funny when we look back on it" moments).

We've been asking you to share your funniest moments while on the job with us on our Instagram page, and the responses we've received are hilarious (we promise we've been laughing with you all). On this episode of Open Space Radio, we had the opportunity to chat with a few folks to get the full story behind their responses to our Instagram post.

On this episode you'll hear from:

Eryn Mann, Marketing Coordinator, Henrico County Recreation and Parks (Virginia)

Eryn shares about the time a traveling cat circus inquired about using one of their venues for a performance. Sadly, the request was not approved, but the Acro-Cats (and the Rock Cats — an all-cat rock band) appear to still be touring.

Eryn also shared a couple other funny moments with us — the time she was chased by a cow during a farm animal Halloween photo shoot (the cow has been known to chase people) and the time she found a tree in one of their parks fitted with custom-made pants. Fun fact: Eryn's only been with the department for two years — we have a feeling she's in for some more funny moments!

Nicole DiCicco, CPSI, Assistant Director, Dover Parks & Recreation (Massachusetts)

Nicole shares about the time there was an accident in a very large tube slide (think poo emoji). According to Nicole, "there isn't anything as funny as seeing two grown men having to squeeze into a (very stinky) tube slide AND one having to hold the other by the ankles to be able to reach the smeared mess to clean up!"

The mess was from the very top of the slide all the way to the bottom of what Nicole describes as "the tallest playground." This will most likely be a legendary story in Dover for years to come.

Stephanie Harden, Center Director, Warren Road Community Center and T. Garrett Gymnasium (Georgia)

Stephanie shares about the time that one of her summer campers was answering her phone. Although presumably embarrassing, Stephanie couldn't help but laugh when she walked over to her phone to find the summer camper say, "No worries, Miss Stephanie — I answered all your calls, took messages and told everyone you were in the restroom!"

As you can imagine, Augusta residents got a laugh — and according to Stephanie, everyone knows this summer camper and thought it was the funniest thing ever. You never really know what you're going to get working with kids!

And we couldn't let a "funniest moments" podcast end without sharing a few of our own funniest moments while on the job. Roxanne reflects on the time a person in a gorilla costume was chasing a person in a banana costume through the Starbucks that she worked at, and Cort talks about the time he was called "Curt Johnson" repeatedly on a live interview (Cort Jones, Curt Johnson, same thing).

We also reminisce on a hilarious video that NRPA staff put together back in 2015 to celebrate Park and Recreation Month!

Tune in to the show to listen to hear the full story!

Game On for Park and Recreation Month with SaulPaul — Episode 043 Jul 01, 2019

Show notes

Happy Park and Recreation Month! Throughout July, we celebrate all of the great things that are happening in local parks and recreation centers nationwide. This year's theme for Park and Recreation Month is Game On, and we're excited to have some fun all month long!

On today's episode we're joined by SaulPaul, a musician with a message. SaulPaul was a keynote speaker at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference in Indianapolis, and he's back to help us celebrate Park and Recreation Month this year.

On this episode, we chat with SaulPaul about why he decided to spread his "Be the Change" message to local park and recreation departments, and the work that he's been doing in communities across the country to entertain, inspire and empower people. We also talk about why he feels parks and recreation is so vital to every community, as well as how he's celebrating Park and Recreation Month!

We also talk about the inspiration for the #ParkRecTwoStepChallenge, which is a video contest open throughout July encouraging people to get creative, active and have some fun! Tune in to the episode below to learn more — and find out how you can win weekly prizes and the chance to have SaulPaul come film the official Park Rec Two Step music video in your hometown!

Related Links:

Keep America Beautiful

Keep Tennessee Beautiful

Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful

To get your free cigarette litter stand, email Keep America Beautiful.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Finding Community in Parks and Recreation — Episode 041 Jun 10, 2019

Show notes

On today's episode of Open Space Radio, we're talking inclusion. And, in celebration of June being Pride Month, we're talking specifically about LGBTQ+ inclusion in parks and recreation.

In our research about LGBTQ+ issues and parks and recreation, we came across a blog by Jason Shriner, the marketing manager for the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation right here in Virginia. Jason's blog talks about some of his own experiences and how working in parks and recreation means being a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Since he was right in our backyard, we invited Jason over to NRPA headquarters to pick his brain about inclusion and talk a little more about that blog.

On this episode, Jason shares how he got into parks and recreation (spoiler: he and Roxanne share a deep-rooted love of baking), how his own journey has led him to being a leader in LGBTQ+ inclusion and why he thinks inclusion is so critical in parks and recreation.

He also shares a few things that the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation has done to ensure that its parks and facilities are more inclusive and welcoming to all, including:

Partnering with organizations like PFLAG (parents, families and friends of the LGBTQ+ community) and Team DC (an LGBTQ+ sports club in Washington, D.C.)
Offering LGBTQ+ specific programs like yoga and self-defense
Using gender-neutral and inclusive language in handbooks/policies
Replacing gender-specific, single-stall bathrooms with all-gender bathrooms
Adding sexual orientation and gender identity to agency's non-discrimination policy

These are just a few of the amazing things that Jason has helped facilitate at his agency, so be sure to tune in below to learn more, as well as hear some small changes that you can make in your parks and facilities to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome.

Additional resources:

NRPA's Parks for Inclusion

NRPA Webinar: Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Parks and Recreation

Jason's article from the June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine

Jason's blog that inspired this episode

City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation

PFLAG

Pride in Parks: The Role of Parks in the Pride Movement and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

How Accessibility Is Impacting Fitness Trends — Episode 040 Jun 03, 2019

Show notes

We have a lot of celebrations coming up this summer. Family Health and Fitness Day is this Saturday, June 8, Olympic Day is June 23, and the entire month of July is Park and Recreation Month! With all of these celebrations in mind, we wanted to highlight the ways in which parks and recreation are part of creating a culture of fitness, as well as making sure that everyone has access to fitness opportunities, regardless of their abilities.

Prepare to be inspired by today's episode. We're thrilled to be joined by Jennifer French, who has an amazing story of resilience after overcoming a snowboarding accident in 1998 in which she became a quadriplegic, to becoming a silver medalist representing Team USA at the 2012 Paralympic Games in sailing. We're also excited to have Sam Mendelsohn, CEO of Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, which has been a leader in accessible outdoor fitness equipment since 2007. Greenfields Outdoor Fitness is also the sponsor of Family Health & Fitness Day, Park and Recreation Month and NRPA's Parks Build Community.

Jennifer shares her story with us and explains the challenges she faced after her injury, as well as how she had to adapt to continue living an active lifestyle. She also talks about the things she does to stay fit now and gives some tips for others who may be in a similar situation.

Sam and Jennifer also talk about how they connected, and how Jennifer's story inspired Sam's work in creating accessible outdoor fitness equipment. Sam shares some of the trends he's seeing related to accessibility and physical fitness in parks and recreation. They both agree there's no one way to ensure that everyone in a community has the opportunity to get fit, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, and that getting the community involved is absolutely critical. No one knows the needs of a community more than the people living in that community.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Jennifer and Sam's inspiring work — it may even inspire you to go out there and get fit!

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