The NRPA Annual Conference: A Treasure Trove of Ideas and Networking Opportunities
By Hayley Herzing | Posted on June 5, 2023
Addie Weaver, a Senior Recreation Supervisor at Washington Township RecPlex, recently shared her experiences at the NRPA Annual Conference and how they have influenced her ability to make an impact in her community.
Celebrating and Growing Our Public Sector Workforce
By Sara Agate, MPH, Esq. | Posted on May 31, 2023
Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated the first week of May since 1985, honors the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees.
How the NRPA Young Professional Network Is Amplifying the Voices of the Next Generation — Episode 137
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 30, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with the co-chairs of the NRPA Young Professional Network's publications committee, Rachel Smith, CPRP, operations manager at James City County Parks and Recreation in Virginia, and Colton Patak, program supervisor at City of Mason in Ohio.
Developing Leaders at the NRPA Annual Conference: Maria Cepeda’s Story of Growth and Empowerment
By Hayley Herzing | Posted on May 10, 2023
Experiences at the NRPA Annual Conference have allowed Maria Cepeda, the special events and facility coordinator at Huntersville Parks and Recreation in North Carolina, to show up as a leader in many aspects of her career.
The Importance of Data Visualization and Storytelling in Parks and Recreation
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on May 4, 2023
While data collection and analysis are certainly important, we must also be intentional and thoughtful in how we present and tell our stories using data.
A Doomscroll Break: Parks and Recreation on Social Media — Episode 135
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 2, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with NRPA Marketing Coordinator Christina High about all things social media, why your agency should be using it, and how parks and recreation can be a positive corner of the internet.
How to Build a Culture of Safety — May Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 27, 2023
On the May bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we dive deeper into one of this month's feature stories with Dr. William Ramos, a member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and associate professor at Indiana University School of Public Health, and Nichole Bohner, the aquatics division manager for City of Round Rock, Texas, Parks and Recreation.
4 Video Creation Tips to Engage Your Parks Community
By Doug Scott | Posted on April 12, 2023
Video marketing can be a great way to promote your community’s parks and programming. Use these four tips to create engaging video content for your audience.
The Future of Work
By Sara Agate, MPH, Esq. | Posted on March 24, 2023
Sara Agate shares findings an predictions that could spark a new way of thinking and adapting when it comes to solving workforce problems in the public sector, e.g., parks and recreation.
Three Tips for Working With Your Local City Council
By Laura Tobler | Posted on March 23, 2023
It can often seem that your city council is a mystical being that makes choices for you. Here are some tips for how to successfully work with your local city council.
Field of Nightmares: Helping You Rest Easy About Your Event
By Josh Taylor, CMP, CPRP | Posted on March 15, 2023
Josh Taylor, the events manager for City of Trussville, Alabama, shares how your events can be transformed from the source of your insomnia into community traditions.
Finding Purpose With Morale, Welfare and Recreation
By Gregory M. Dunn | Posted on March 8, 2023
Gregory M. Dunn, a recreation specialist for City of Murphy, Texas, shares about the opportunities with morale, welfare and recreation, also known as armed forces recreation.
Improving the Youth Sports Experience
By Charnon Barnes | Posted on March 2, 2023
As park and recreation professionals, many of us interact with young people in our facilities and programs. Whether it’s through soccer, basketball or other physical activity programs, we all want to provide the best experiences for youth.
How Lifeguarding Provided a Foundation for a First Responder — March Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 23, 2023
The March issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on this bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s articles, “From Lifeguard to First Responder” with Cole Munsey and Craig Pattenaude of Cosumnes Community Services District.
CAPRA Volunteers: Together We Grow Parks and Recreation — Episode 128
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 7, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with 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, about their experience serving as CAPRA volunteers.
Parks and Recreation Workforce Development Trends and Opportunities — February Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 26, 2023
The February issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’ll be diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories with Tim Herd, CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society.
Is Being a CAPRA Review Team Member Right for Me?
By Sharon Bousquet, CPRE, CPSI | Posted on December 7, 2022
As a CAPRA volunteer since 2013, Sharon Bousquet has been able to travel to all different parts of the country, meet some outstanding professionals in our field, learn hundreds of new ways to accomplish goals, and help other agencies through the CAPRA process.
What Does It Mean To Be a CAPRA Volunteer?
By Bob Bierscheid | Posted on December 2, 2022
Bob Bierscheid, the retired director of Saint Paul (Minnesota) Parks and Recreation. shares why participation in the CAPRA process has been one of the highlights of his 50-plus professional years.