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The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast

Welcome to “The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast,” presented by The National Association of Park Foundations. Join us as we delve into the world of parks and recreation, bringing you engaging conversations with influential individuals who have made a significant impact in this field.

In each episode, we sit down with park advocates, community leaders, and experts who share their personal stories and insights, offering a unique perspective on the importance of parks and the role they play in our communities. From discussing innovative funding solutions to addressing challenges in distressed areas, our guests shed light on the transformative power of parks and the vital role played by park foundations.

Hosted by The National Association of Park Foundations, this podcast aims to inspire and educate listeners about the incredible work being done to support and enhance parks and recreation spaces across the nation. We believe in the power of parks to bring communities together, foster wellness, and create lasting memories.

Tune in to “The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast” to hear firsthand accounts, success stories, and valuable insights from those at the forefront of the parks and recreation movement. Whether you’re a park enthusiast, a community leader, or simply curious about the positive impact of parks, this podcast is for you.

Join us as we explore the world of parks and recreation, sharing stories that will inspire, inform, and ignite a passion for the preservation and development of these cherished spaces.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Copyright: © Kevin Korenthal

Latest Episodes:

The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast | Chad Smith, City of Oxford, Ohio Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a summer job in a state park turns into a career dedicated to parks, conservation and community?

In this episode of The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast, NAPF Executive Director Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE, sits down with Chad Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Oxford, Ohio, and a member of the NAPF Board of Directors.

Chad shares the winding path that took him from Ohio State Parks to nonprofit conservation, county parks and ultimately back home to lead Parks and Recreation in Oxford. Along the way, he developed experience in park management, fundraising, public-private partnerships, sponsorships and launching a park foundation.

Kevin and Chad also discuss:

• Oxford's growing park system and 12-mile Oxford Area Trail System

• Plans for a new community recreation center

• The role of master planning in determining what's next for a park system

• Why professional networks and organizations like NAPF and NRPA matter

• What Chad learned from helping launch a park foundation

• Why park philanthropy is increasingly important as public budgets tighten

• How park foundations can help agencies turn major community projects into reality

Chad also shares why he believes having a resource like NAPF "in your corner" can make a difference, even for experienced park and recreation professionals.

If your community is considering starting or strengthening a park foundation, this conversation offers a park director's perspective on why the partnership matters.

Learn more about the National Association of Park Foundations at thenapf.org.

Subscribe to the NAPF YouTube channel and like, comment and share this episode to help more park and recreation professionals discover The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast.

#ParkFoundations #ParksAndRecreation #ParkPhilanthropy #PublicPrivatePartnerships #CommunityParks #NAPF

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🎙️ The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast | Featuring James Goalder (Bloomerang) Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

What if your donor database could actually drive your fundraising instead of just storing names?

In this episode, Kevin Korenthal sits down with James Goalder, Partnership Manager at Bloomerang, to unpack what modern donor management should look like for park foundations and nonprofits that are serious about growth.

From simplifying CRM systems to unlocking hidden donor potential, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can put to work immediately.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why most nonprofit CRMs fail and how simplicity changes everything
The power of combining donor and volunteer data into one strategy
How to identify untapped major donors already in your database
What a real donor experience looks like (and where most organizations fall short)
How AI-powered reporting is changing the game for small teams
Lessons from Bloomerang’s nationwide “secret shopper” donor test

🔍 Key Takeaway:

Most organizations are sitting on far more fundraising potential than they realize. The difference comes down to how well you understand, track, and engage your supporters. As James explains, the right tools make that not only possible, but scalable.

🚀 Bonus Insight:

James shares how Bloomerang evolved from a simple CRM into a full fundraising and engagement platform, including volunteer tracking, event management, and donor intelligence all in one place.

🎯 Perfect For:

Park foundations and “friends of” groups
Nonprofit leaders and fundraisers
Boards looking to grow donor engagement
Anyone frustrated with clunky, underused databases

👉 Explore more from the National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF):

If you're looking to start or grow a park foundation, NAPF provides the tools, training, and guidance to help you succeed.

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Marithza Ross On The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Foundation: A Park’s People Podcast, we sit down with Marithza Ross, Executive Director of the St. Johns County Park Foundation in Florida. Marithza brings a unique perspective to park philanthropy, having transitioned from a successful career in television news and public relations to nonprofit leadership.

She shares the highs and hurdles of her first year in the role—revitalizing a board, creating a strong organizational foundation, engaging diverse communities across 42 miles of coastline, and building a brand that puts Parks and Recreation at the center of local identity.

Listen in to learn:

How her media and PR experience shapes her leadership style
The early steps she took to strengthen board governance
What it takes to communicate across rural, urban, and coastal communities
Why telling stories (not just asking for donations) is the key to long-term support
How support from NAPF helped accelerate her momentum

This episode is full of real-world insight, inspiration, and takeaways for anyone leading or supporting a local park foundation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Evers On The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

🎙 Welcome to The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast! 🎙

The National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF) presents The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast, where experts in park philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and fundraising share strategies for building and sustaining park foundations. Hosted by Kevin Korenthal, Executive Director of NAPF, the podcast offers insights and real-world experiences from leaders across the parks and recreation space.

🚨 Now streaming on every major podcast platform! The Foundation podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and more. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to stay informed about the latest trends in park philanthropy.

🌟 This episode features guest Tom Evers, former Executive Director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. The discussion explores:

✅ The critical role of parks foundations in securing funding outside of tax revenues

✅ How philanthropy extends beyond grants and donations to foster lasting relationships

✅ Strategies for engaging communities and creating long-term financial sustainability

💡 The conversation also highlights the Build a Foundation Training, an essential four-week course designed for park professionals and nonprofit leaders. The program provides the tools needed to establish, grow, and sustain a successful park foundation.

🔗 More information and registration details are available at https://www.the-napf.org/establishing-advancing-a-park-foundation.

Now, let’s begin the discussion with Tom Evers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Wynns On The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

🎧 Season 3 is here!

Kicking off the new season of The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast, host Kevin Korenthal welcomes Joe Wynns, a true pioneer in the field of parks and recreation. Joe shares his incredible journey—from growing up in segregated South Carolina to a remarkable career leading a major metropolitan parks agency.

In this episode, you'll hear Joe's take on:

✅ Turning challenges into opportunities.

✅ How parks can transform communities.

✅ The critical role of park foundations in driving change and securing resources.

Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a fascinating conversation about making a difference through parks and recreation.

🎙️ Available now on all major podcast platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast – Ashley Owens on Racket Sports and Parks Growth Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

In the final episode of 2024, NAPF executive director, Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE chats with Ashley Owens, co-founder of Court Reserve, about the explosive growth of racket sports like pickleball and how parks and recreation departments are adapting to meet demand.

Ashley shares stories of how data-driven decisions are helping communities advocate for funding, save courts, and create inclusive spaces for all ages. From pickleball's rise in popularity to tennis’s enduring impact, this conversation highlights the vital role of technology and community in sports development.

✨ Key Takeaways:

How Court Reserve software is empowering municipalities.
Strategies to attract youth to racket sports.
The impact of parks and recreation on community well-being.

Listen in for actionable insights and inspiration from leaders in the parks and recreation industry.

Subscribe, rate, and share to support the mission of NAPF!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On The Foundation: 2024 NAPF Lehman Awards Presented By Greenfields Outdoor Fitness Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

🎧 The Foundation: A Park’s People Podcast – Special Episode 🌳🏆 Lehman Awards 2024

Welcome to a special episode of The Foundation: A Park’s People Podcast. This one’s a little different from our usual deep dives! In this special recording, we take you behind the scenes of the Lehman Awards 2024, celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact among park foundations across the U.S.

Join us as we share the highlights from the Lehman Awards breakfast, where industry leaders gathered to honor creative projects, discuss strategic partnerships, and explore the role of foundations in strengthening communities through public parks and recreation.

✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Keynote Address 🗣️ by Ron Layman, a founding member of NAPF, reflecting on the organization’s 10-year journey and its mission to bridge public services and private philanthropy.
Panel Discussions 👥 featuring:
Amy Lewandowski 🏞 from Arlington Heights Park District, on using park foundations to build inclusive public spaces.
Matt Rosebrock 🏕, Vice-Chair of NAPF, on aligning missions and partnerships to fund meaningful community programs.
Tim Hurd 💡, CEO of Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, on developing a statewide foundation and maximizing grants.
Award Ceremony 🏅 celebrating outstanding park initiatives, including:
Somerville Parks Foundation 🎤 – Karaoke fundraiser for green spaces.
One Arroyo Parks Foundation 🌄 – Restoring trails and reopening historic bridges in Pasadena.
Charleston Parks Conservancy 🧸 – Hosting the annual Teddy Bear Picnic to engage families and promote environmental education.

Upcoming Opportunity – October 22:

Interested in launching or advancing a park foundation? Check out our upcoming training course, “Establishing and Advancing a Park Foundation.” Visit the-napf.org/events for details!

📲 Join the Conversation:

This episode is a change of pace for us, and we’d love to know what you think! 🎧 Share your thoughts, favorite moments, or questions on social media, and use the hashtags below to keep the conversation going.

🔗 Stay Connected with NAPF:

Website: the-napf.org

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Listen On Your Favorite Podcast App:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-foundation-a-parks-people-podcast/id1712559495

https://open.spotify.com/show/1SFJhCvKkFAKHeJ3ipR6HR?utm

https://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Parks-People-Podcast/dp/B0CCK9HW8K?utm

https://shows.acast.com/the-foundation-a-parks-people-podcast

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-foundation-a-parks-peo-126095557/

#NAPFAwards 🏆 #ParksAndRecreation 🌳 #ParkFoundation 🏞 #GreenSpacesMatter 🌿 #CommunityImpact 🤝 #LeadershipInParks 👥 #EnvironmentalStewardship 🌱 #InclusivePlaygrounds 🛝 #TeddyBearPicnic 🧸 #TrailRestoration 🥾 #KaraokeForACause 🎤 #OutdoorFitness 💪 #PublicParksForAll 🏕 #NAPF2024 🚀 #FoundationSuccess 🏅 #PartnershipForParks 🤝

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Incoming NAPF Chair, Debbie Trueblood On The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast Sep 08, 2024

Show notes

Join us for an insightful conversation with Debbie Trueblood, MSW, FASAE, IOM, CAE, the incoming chairperson for the National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF). With over 23 years of experience in associations and a deep passion for parks and recreation, Debbie shares her vision for the future of NAPF, the power of local park foundations, and how they can impact communities across the country. Learn how her extensive background in diversity, equity, and inclusion will shape her leadership and how NAPF plans to grow member engagement and collaboration. Don’t miss this episode full of inspiration and actionable insights!

#ParkFoundations #NAPF #CommunityImpact #DEILeadership #ParksAndRecreation #Podcast #LeadershipInAction #NonprofitLeadership #ParksForAll #OutdoorCommunity #MSW #FASAE #IOM #CAE

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The Foundation On Location At The U.S. Open of Tennis Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Informal podcast, executive director Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE and Matt Rosebrock, who is also the incoming vice chair of the National Association of Park Foundation (NAPF), discuss their experiences at the US Open and their ongoing collaboration with the USTA. They emphasize the importance of community tennis associations (CTAs) and outline NAPF's initiatives, including board development and fundraising training, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of CTAs, which operate similarly to park foundations. The conversation highlights plans for nationwide expansion and the significance of private funding for sustaining these organizations. As they promote the Parks People podcast, Kevin and Matt encourage listeners to follow and share the podcast, emphasizing its availability on multiple platforms. Action items include expanding NAPF’s role in supporting CTAs and continuing annual fundraising training programs.

#FoundationOnLocation #USOpenTennis #CommunityTennis #NAPF #ParksAndRec #TennisForAll #FundraisingTraining #BoardDevelopment #PrivateFunding #ParksPeoplePodcast #TennisCommunity #USTACollab #NationwideExpansion #CTASupport #NonprofitLeadership #ParkFoundations #TennisInParks

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The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast – Strategic Planning for Park Foundations Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Foundation: A Parks' People Podcast, Kevin chats with Steve Love, Executive Director of the H.A.R.D. Foundation about the importance of strategic planning for park foundations. Steve shares his experiences working with the National Association of Park Foundations to develop a strategic plan that engages board members, stakeholders, and the community. They also discuss how technology has streamlined the planning process and the critical role of board members in building a culture of philanthropy. Whether you're involved in a park foundation or interested in nonprofit leadership, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to help your organization thrive.

If you are interested in learning more about the NAPF’s Strategic Planning services, please email us at info@the-napf.org.

Please don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel!

#ParksAndRec #ParksandRecreation #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning #FundraisingTips #BoardTraining #CommunityBuilding #Philanthropy #Podcast #ParkFoundations #LeadershipDevelopment #VolunteerBoards #NonprofitManagement #PublicParks #CommunityEngagement #DigitalCollaboration

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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