Open Space Radio

Hosted by National Recreation and Park Association

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May 2026

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Open Space Radio is a podcast for park and recreation professionals and outdoor advocates that aims to share inspiring and engaging stories about community, connection, and the impact of local parks and recreation. New episodes are released every other Tuesday. Open Space Radio is the official podcast of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) — Because everyone deserves a great park.

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June 16, 2026Episode 18054 min

The Power of Leading With Empathy — Episode 179

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore what it means to lead with empathy and why people-centered leadership can have a lasting impact on our teams and our communities as a whole. Joining us for the conversation is Shannon Harris, CPRE, CPO, executive director of the Carson Valley Swim Center and past president of the Nevada Recreation& Parks Society. Throughout her career, Shannon has built a reputation as a thoughtful, compassionate leader. Someone who shows up, listens, builds trust, and creates opportunities for others to grow and thrive. After spending some time with her at the Nevada Recreation & Parks Society Annual Conference, as well as this conversation, it's extremely clear that Shannon prioritizes her people, relationships and continuous growth. And, on this episode, she shares lessons learned from leading intergenerational teams, creating supportive workplace cultures and empowering others to discover their own leadership potential. So whether you're leading an organization, managing a team or just looking for ways to make a positive impact in your community, Shannon's insights are a powerful reminder that leadership starts with recognizing the humanity in others (and in ourselves). Tune in to the full episode to learn: Why showing up and being present are foundational leadership skills. How empathy and active listening help build trust and create healthier workplace cultures. Ways leaders can use policies and organizational culture to demonstrate care and support for staff. The importance of empowering employees at every level to see themselves as leaders, regardless of their title. How kindness, vulnerability and community partnerships can create spaces where people feel valued and supported. And much more! This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke Play brings people together through connection, creativity and growth. At BCI Burke, they design outdoor recreation environments that inspire exploration and support the work of parks and recreation professionals — including the next generation of leaders shaping the future of play. Together, we're creating spaces where everyone feels welcome to move, play and belong. Learn more at bciburke.com

May 26, 2026Episode 17945 min

The Power of CAPRA Accreditation — Episode 178

CAPRA accreditation sets the national standard for excellence in parks and recreation and agencies that go through the process are really committing to operating at the highest level across everything they do. From strengthening day-to-day operations to helping agencies plan for the future, CAPRA accreditation plays an important role in delivering the best possible services to our communities. On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we explore how CAPRA accreditation is shaping park and recreation agencies, leadership and communities across the country. We also dive into how the newly reimagined 2027 CAPRA standards are helping make accreditation more adaptable and accessible for agencies of all sizes. Joining us for the conversation are three leaders with deep experience in the CAPRA process: Janet Bartnik, director of parks and recreation for Prince William County, Virginia, and member of the CAPRA standards reimagination team (and currently serving as deputy chief transformation officer for the Prince William County Transformation Management Office) Chris Bass, director of parks and recreation for DeKalb County, Georgia, and former CAPRA Commission chair Ray Bivens, director of recreation and parks for St. Mary's County, Maryland, and current CAPRA Commission chair Together, they share insights on what CAPRA accreditation looks like in practice, how it shapes agency culture and leadership, and why it should be viewed as more than just a checklist or designation. Tune in to the full episode below to learn: How CAPRA accreditation helps agencies build a culture of continuous improvement Why the updated 2027 standards are designed to be more flexible and adaptable for agencies of all types The unexpected benefits of accreditation, from staff development to recruitment and retention How accredited agencies use CAPRA standards in their day-to-day operations, not just during accreditation reviews And much more! Ready to experience the power of CAPRA? Check out The Power of CAPRA Accreditation to access a helpful toolkit so you can make the case for CAPRA within your organization. And, from May 20 through July 31, 2026, agencies beginning the CAPRA accreditation process will receive a waived application fee — a $130 value. To qualify, agencies must submit their CAPRA application and complete the checkout process by July 31, 2026. This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke Outdoor play creates opportunities for connection, creativity and growth. At BCI Burke, they design play environments that inspire exploration and support the high standards park and recreation professionals strive for — including CAPRA accreditation — helping create spaces where everyone feels welcome to move, play and belong. Learn more at bciburke.com

April 21, 2026Episode 17848 min

The Power of Understanding the World Around Us — Episode 177

Each Earth Month, we're reminded of the important role parks and recreation plays in building more resilient communities and connecting people to nature. A key piece of helping that connection grow is through curiosity, learning and a deeper awareness of the world around us. On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Erica Flocke, parks and recreation director for the City of Wimberley, Texas, to talk about how the Texas Master Naturalist program has shaped the way she sees her work and her community. After reading Erica's recent article in Parks & Recreation magazine, we wanted to dig deeper and explore how learning about our local ecosystems can strengthen community connection and transform everyday park experiences into something more meaningful. Whether you're looking to grow as a professional or simply deepen your connection to the parks in your community, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is learning to notice what's already there. And bonus! Christina also shared their experience completing the Virginia Master Naturalist program and Cort may have been inspired to sign up based on this conversation. Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Erica's work and how the Master Naturalist program helps people see parks not just as beautiful spaces, but as living ecosystems worth understanding and protecting. You'll also learn: Why curiosity is at the heart of this program (you don't need a background in something like environmental education to get started!) How small moments of education can spark stewardship and turn visitors into advocates for the places they love Why this type of learning is valuable professional development for park and recreation professionals at any stage of their career How engaged volunteers can strengthen your work and expand your department's impact in meaningful ways The power of bringing people together across generations through a shared appreciation of nature And much more! Additional Resources: Parks & Recreation magazine: The Naturalist Advantage NRPA's environmental resilience resources Tip: Most U.S. states have a version of a Master Naturalist program. To find one in your state, search something like: "[your state] Master Naturalist program." This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke. Swing into play this season with the Burke Spring Playground Sale. Save up to 40% on select playground designs and stretch your budget further while bringing more movement, inclusion and lasting value to your community. Learn more at bciburke.com/sale

March 3, 2026Episode 1771 hr 9 min

The Power of Your Stories: Inside the Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest — Episode 176

Each year, NRPA hosts its Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest. But before one story makes the cover of the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, countless submissions remind us just how powerful this work truly is. With submissions now open for this year's Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest, this episode of Open Space Radio looks back at a few stories from last year that stayed with us. From older adults building connections through a simple walking program to children strengthening literacy skills by reading to horses, these stories capture what parks and recreation does best: create spaces where people connect and grow. Tune in to hear our conversations with: Shannon Barrett, CPRP, recreation coordinator for City of Kerman (California), Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and participants from the Walk With Ease program, who share how a simple walking initiative has built a tight-knit, supportive community. Danielle Bachelder, CPRP, senior parks manager for Broward County (Florida) Parks and Recreation, and a young participant in the Pony Tales program, who discuss how a literacy-based initiative that invites children to read to horses is making an impact on children, families and the horses alike. Both stories may seem simple on the surface. But as the team reflects in this episode, simple ideas often create the most meaningful impact. Listen below to hear the full episode. You'll learn: How simple programs can create transformational impact across generations Why effective leadership, care and passion are often the keys to program success How partnerships expand access and broaden community reach The importance of starting small and building over time How storytelling helps elevate the power of parks and recreation And more If your agency has a story that reflects "The Power Of" parks and recreation, share your photo and story by March 13 for a chance to be featured in the cover story of the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine. Pictured: Isabella Mangum reads to a horse named Cash at Tradewinds Park and Stables as part of the Pony Tales Program. Photo by Katherine Garces, courtesy of Broward County Parks and Recreation. This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke: Outdoor play builds confidence, leadership skills and social networks. At BCI Burke, they design outdoor spaces that support movement, opportunity and connection, helping park and recreation professionals create environments where more girls feel encouraged to step in, play hard and lead the game. Learn more at bciburke.com Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.

February 17, 2026Episode 1761 hr 1 min

The Power of Getting Girls in the Game — Episode 175

What does it take to increase the number of girls participating in sports? On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the obstacles, the breakthroughs, and how park and recreation professionals are at the center of it all. We know sports offer lifelong physical and mental health benefits, helping girls build strength, confidence and connections. But when it comes to getting more girls and women involved in sports, participation alone isn't the goal. The real work is creating environments where girls feel like they belong, and feel supported, safe and excited to stay in the game as they grow. And right now, as girls' and women's sports are gaining national attention, it's a pivotal moment to rethink how youth sports actually show up for girls in our communities. On this episode, we chat with two incredible local leaders who are putting these ideas into action in their communities: Sally Pennington, CPRE, director of parks and recreation in Eudora, Kansas, and Amy Tessier, recreation program supervisor in Twentynine Palms, California. We're also joined by Allison Colman, senior director of programs at NRPA, who helps lead our youth sports strategy and shares insight into NRPA's role in advancing this work nationwide. Tune in below to hear how you can be part of the movement to get more girls in sports. You'll also learn: What participation gaps between girls and boys still exist, even as girls' and women's sports gain national visibility How early experiences in youth sports can shape long-term confidence and retention What a systems-change approach looks like in parks and recreation, from coach recruitment and training to programming Why increasing women coaches and role models is critical to keeping girls engaged How local programs are creating ripple effects beyond the field And much more! Additional Resources Get Her in the Game NRPA Youth Sports Framework NRPA Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Report Level Up: Coaching Tools to Inspire, Connect, and Lead Through Sports Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA. Your gift will support our storytelling efforts and our mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental resilience efforts that enhance the quality of life for all. Give today at nrpa.org/donate. This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke: Outdoor play builds confidence, leadership skills and social networks. At BCI Burke, they design outdoor spaces that support movement, opportunity and connection, helping park and recreation professionals create environments where more girls feel encouraged to step in, play hard and lead the game. Learn more at bciburke.com Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.

January 27, 2026Episode 1751 hr 1 min

The Power of Mentorship in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia — Episode 174

January is National Mentoring Month — a time to celebrate the transformative power of mentorship and spotlight the essential role park and recreation professionals play in fostering youth development in communities across the country. On our first episode of 2026, we chat with JaCory Bazell, CPRP, CYSA, CPO, the center supervisor at Bloomfield-Gilead Recreation Center in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, to explore how mentoring takes shape in his community. Through the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department, JaCory leads two youth mentoring programs: a teen media program focused on topics such as photography and videography, as well as leadership skills and teamwork, and Macon Ambitious Young Men, a group mentoring program that prioritizes holistic youth development. What began with just a handful of participants has grown over nearly five years into programs that equip more than 100 young people with real-world skills, confidence and meaningful connections. As JaCory shares, mentorship isn't just about teaching, it's about showing up consistently, advocating for youth, and creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported and empowered to thrive. We're also joined by Olivia Peterson a program manager at NRPA on our youth mentoring team. Olivia reflects on how park and recreation agencies are uniquely positioned to integrate mentorship into everyday programs and interactions, from workforce development and sports to after-school and community events. Olivia also shares the importance of adults investing in young people's well-being and growth, as well as some helpful resources from NRPA. Listen to the full episode to hear how mentorship is shaping futures in Macon-Bibb County and what it means for communities everywhere. You'll also learn: How mentorship relationships built through consistent support make a difference. How even small beginnings can grow into long-lasting impact. How parks and recreation naturally supports youth development and helps young people build confidence, belonging and leadership. How mentors who show up through the good times and bad times help youth build resilience and trust. How self-care, shared leadership and community backing help sustain mentoring efforts. Helpful Mentoring Month Resources National Mentoring Month — NRPA: Learn more about the month-long celebration and access resources to support your youth mentoring programs. NRPA's Youth Mentoring Framework offers a 16-week curriculum of sample topics and activities that can be used in 1:1 or group settings. Other resources such as Career Pathways Through Youth Mentoring and Community Service Through Youth Mentoring offer best practices and ideas for local programs. NRPA's Building Local Partnerships to Support Youth in Parks and Recreation resource offers strategies and case studies for connecting youth to services to support their overall mental health and well-being. NRPA's Amplifying Youth Voice in Parks and Recreation resource equips park and recreation professionals with practical strategies to embed youth voice in programs. NRPA's Mentoring Through Youth Sports guide aims to help weave mentoring into all youth sports programs. MENTOR's Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ highlights six evidence-based standards that are intended to be applicable for any type of mentoring program. The National Mentoring Resource Center is the nation's premier source of training, technical assistance, tools, research summaries and other information for youth mentoring programs. This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by: For more than 105 years, BCI Burke has worked alongside park and recreation professionals to design outdoor environments that support well-being, inclusion and Play That Moves You®. That focus aligns closely with NRPA and the purpose of Open Space Radio — sharing insights and stories that strengthen parks, recreation and open spaces in communities everywhere. BCI Burke approaches play and movement with intention, believing that connection, learning and community all thrive outside. Through Open Space Radio, Burke is proud to support the sharing of ideas and experiences across the parks and recreation field. Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.

November 25, 2025Episode 17456 min

Honoring Native American Heritage Month — Episode 173

November is Native American Heritage Month — a time to honor and celebrate Native people in the United States. On this episode, we are resharing a conversation from 2021 with Stephanie Lozano, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation tribe and a tribal liaison for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, and Sara Sinclair, an oral historian of Cree-Ojibwa and German-Jewish ancestry, Columbia University professor and editor of How We Go Home: Voices from Indigenous North America. While this episode originally aired in 2021, there are still so many relevant pieces, from activating land acknowledgments to climate resiliency. Each second is impactful. We have also provided more current resources, external research and history, as well as stories from Parks & Recreation magazine for you to turn to below. Tune in to the episode below for 55 minutes of powerful history, examples of actions we can take, the importance of leading with curiosity and humility, and a whole lot more. We hope Sara and Stephanie inspire you to continue learning, just as they have done for us. Additional Resources: Design, Place and Indigenous Ways: Working with Local Communities (Parks & Recreation magazine, December 2016) Indigenous Peoples Day or Columbus Day: Lessons in Leadership and Risk-Taking (Parks & Recreation magazine, January 2020) Protecting the Land and Its History (Parks & Recreation magazine, December 2021) To Relate: Indigenous Views on Native American Historical Events in Texas (Parks & Recreation magazine, March 2022) https://illuminative.org/ https://voiceofwitness.org/ https://seedingsovereignty.org/ https://www.firstnations.org/ https://native-land.ca/ https://www.saraesinclair.com/ Sara Sinclair's Book Contributions: A Steady Brightness of Being: Truths, Wisdom and Love from Celebrated Indigenous VoicesTruths, Wisdom, and Love from Celebrated Indigenous Voices You Were Made for This World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People Who We Are: Four Questions for a Life and a Nation How We Go Home: Voices from Indigenous North America

October 28, 2025Episode 17330 min

An Open Space Radio Halloween: Spine-Chilling Tales from Parks and Recreation — Episode 172

Halloween is here, and Open Space Radio is celebrating with one of our most hauntingly fun episodes yet. In this special episode, we sit around the virtual campfire to share a few eerie tales from park and recreation professionals. From ghostly encounters in historic parks to strange happenings at community events, this episode is packed with stories that remind us how our parks come alive (and sometimes come back to life) after dark. Halloween Celebrations Across the Country Before diving into the stories, we highlight some of the incredible ways communities are celebrating Halloween this year. In Denton, Texas, for example, the city celebrates all 31 days of October with more than 300 events and 30 placemaking experiences, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors downtown. Cobb County Parks in Georgia brings the scares with its ever-growing haunted house event, which has expanded into a seven-day attraction boasting 17,000 square feet of spine-tingling fun. And in Rutland, Vermont, a legendary Halloween parade continues its decades-long tradition of bringing the community together. True (and Truly Spooky) Stories From the Field The stories that follow are first-hand accounts from professionals who have experienced things that defy easy explanation: The Whistling at the Senior Center: In Wyoming, Michigan, a staff member setting up for an event alone on a Saturday heard whistling echoing through the darkened building, even though every door was locked. Elise's Watchful Spirit: At Farrel–McWhirter Park in Redmond, Washington, longtime staff have grown accustomed to the lingering presence of the park's original owner, Mrs. Elise Farrel–McWhirter. From flickering lights to the scent of pipe tobacco wafting through empty rooms, her spirit seems to remain as she lovingly watches over the land she donated more than a century ago. The Fire Pit at Great Pond: In Maine, a routine maintenance check took a terrifying turn when a park and recreation professional found himself face-to-face with a family of baby skunks and a very protective mother. This suspenseful (and slightly comedic) tale proves that not all scares are supernatural! The Ghost in the Mist: During a New Year's Eve event in Belfast, Maine, a director captured what appeared to be a face (and a specific finger) in a mysterious mist that appeared during a community bonfire. The photo, still a topic of conversation at city hall, left her with chills that haven't quite faded. This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by the American Sports Builders Association:The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) brings together the experts who design, build, and supply the sports facilities that bring communities to life. Their members are dedicated to creating safe, high-quality places where people can play, compete, and connect. Whether you're planning a brand-new facility or upgrading an existing one — indoors or out — ASBA has the resources to help you Build It Right. Visit sportsbuilders.org to find a Certified Builder or explore their Construction and Maintenance Manuals packed with expert guidance for every type of sports facility.

September 9, 2025Episode 17240 min

The Insider's Guide to the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 171

On this very special episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss all things 2025 NRPA Annual Conference! It's hard to believe we'll be in Orlando with thousands of our friends, colleagues and peers in just a few days. If you'll be in Orlando, please come say hello to the Open Space team in the exhibit hall. We'll be posted up in the Open Space Lounge, which is booth #1272, right next to the NRPA Member Area. Come hang out for a few, grab some swag and even get on the mic! On today's episode, we have some very special guests who play a big role behind-the-scenes to make the NRPA Annual Conference come to life. They'll be giving you some practical takeaways so you feel informed, less overwhelmed, and excited to dive into everything the conference has to offer. Today we're so excited to welcome Jenna Kuklish, NRPA's education systems program specialist, and Michael Biedenstein, NRPA's Senior Manager of Membership. We chat about all the things you'll need to know before you arrive and some helpful tips for navigating the conference. Tune in below to learn: An overview of key conference highlights and can't-miss experiences Tips for creating a personalized schedule and not missing out on key session or events How to maximize your learning and get Continuing Education Units Practical tips for navigating the Orange County Convention Center and surrounding areas Insider tips from NRPA staff and attendees And much more! Helpful Links: NRPA Events App Exhibit Hall Highlights Full Education Session Schedule Networking Events in Orlando NRPA Network Meetings in Orlando (Including Conference 101: A Crash Course for New Attendees, taking place on Monday, September 15 at 5 p.m. in the Orange County Convention Center) Opening General Session and Day 2 General Session Shuttle Schedule 2025 NRPA Virtual Conference This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Xplor Recreation. Xplor Recreation's parks and recreation software helps municipalities and government organizations of all sizes connect with their community. Xplor Recreation makes managing operations, payment processing, membership management, and program coordination effortless. Are you heading to the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference? Xplor Recreation will be giving away iPad Airs to three lucky attendees through a randomized draw. Enter for your chance to win by going to https://xplor.ink/NRPA2025.

June 24, 2025Episode 17128 min

Reflections From the MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit — Episode170

This Pride Month, we are proud to spotlight the powerful work happening in Maryland to build more inclusive and welcoming park and recreation spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Way back in September 2024, Christina attended the second annual Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit at the North Laurel Community Center. As the only known state-level summit of its kind in the field of parks and recreation, this gathering is a testament to the intentional and sustained effort to center representation and inclusion across the profession, and we've been eager to share the voices and stories that came out of the summit! The summit first began in 2023, sparked by a recognized need within Maryland's park and recreation departments to better support and engage the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As Noah Callahan from Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks explained, it all started with a gap that was quickly filled by forming a committee, engaging with community members, and building momentum for a first-of-its-kind statewide event. That first summit left a lasting impression, especially on attendees like Jaimie Wilder from Howard County Recreation & Parks. The welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful programming, and sense of solidarity stayed with them long after the event ended. So, when the second summit came around, it was clear this was becoming something special. It wasn't just a one-off, but a catalyst for real change. The 2024 summit expanded on the foundation built the year prior. With both 101 and 201 breakout session tracks, attendees were able to engage with a variety of topics including allyship, inclusive policy, indigenous inclusion, programming strategies and historical context. As Ashlyn Thompson, inclusion and community outreach specialist for Montgomery Parks, shared, the summit was intentionally planned to meet people where they are — whether just starting their inclusion journey or deepening their understanding. Kindness, joy and a strong willingness to learn was felt throughout the summit. That spirit, combined with deeply personal storytelling and education, created a space that was not only informative but transformative. Tune in to the full episode to learn more about this special event and how it's impacting the culture throughout parks and recreation in Maryland. You'll also learn: How the MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit is a model of how to build welcoming spaces through education and collaboration How connecting with speakers and organizations already doing work in your community — such as at Pride events — can make your inclusion efforts more authentic and impactful How this event led to new programs like "Robinson Rainbows" and influenced internal policies and workplace culture in meaningful ways How you can get started or deepen your organization's journey as it relates to this work And much more! Additional Resources: MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit Webpage and Resources from 2024 NRPA Resource Library