We’re Stronger Together — Episode 147
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on November 21, 2023
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Dr. Tiffany Johnson, CPRP, the deputy director of aging and disability services for City of Seattle, about her extensive career, the power of networking and more.
You’ve Got This!
By Gabby Vera, CPRP | Posted on October 27, 2023
Gabby Vera, CPRP, the regional park superintendent for Maricopa County Parks and Recreation, shares practical strategies to boost self-confidence, overcome imposter syndrome, and thrive in your leadership journey.
Preparing the Next Generation of Diverse Leaders in Parks and Recreation — Episode 145
By Cort Jones | Posted on October 24, 2023
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're discussing the good work of the National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society with Chris Bass, CPRP, and Thamara Velasco, CYSA.
Supporting Staff Well-Being
By Daniel Hatcher and Allison Colman | Posted on October 19, 2023
We explored the topic of staff well-being at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference. Here are a few of the creative ideas to support staff well-being that attendees shared.
Get the Most Out of the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference
By Amanda Hersey | Posted on September 27, 2023
It’s almost conference time! We’ve filled the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference schedule with inspirational education sessions, networking opportunities, celebrations and time to check out the latest products for our field.
Sneak Peek: 2023 NRPA Annual Conference Exhibit Hall
By Ruth Wheeler | Posted on September 25, 2023
Every year, nearly 500 partners and vendors set up booths and interactive exhibits, giving you an inside look at the latest products for our field. One of these amazing exhibitors is PlayCore, an organization that helps build stronger communities by advancing play and recreation in outdoor spaces.
Youth Sports Equity Takes Center Stage at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference
By Nelly Musselman and Teresa Morrissey | Posted on September 13, 2023
Access to youth sports is taking center stage at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, taking place October 10-12 in Dallas. Learn more about the Day Two Panel, "The Ball Is in Our Court: Leveraging the Power of Parks and Recreation to Advance Youth Sports Equity."
The Power of Connection: Juan Carlos Acevedo's Story of Finding Community at the NRPA Annual Conference
By Michael Biedenstein, CPRP, AFO | Posted on June 27, 2023
For Juan Carlos Acevedo, the superintendent of marketing and communications at the Wheeling Park District, the NRPA Annual Conference has been a pivotal experience toward building more diverse, equitable and inclusive park and recreation systems.
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.
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.
Ensuring Equitable Access to Parks Through Systems Change
By Justin Taylor | Posted on November 8, 2022
NRPA and Children and Nature Network partnered to dive into the importance of systems change perspectives and application with a workshop for NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grantee cohort prior to the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Parks and Rec — Episode 121
By Cort Jones | Posted on September 20, 2022
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Edwin Rivera-Guzman, CPRP, to discuss Hispanic Heritage Month and how park and recreation professionals can celebrate in their communities.
Creating a Safe Space for Youth and Teens — Episode 119
By Cort Jones | Posted on September 6, 2022
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Sydney Elliott, MBA, CPRP, the youth and business coordinator for City of DeSoto Parks & Recreation, to discuss the importance of engaging teens in park and recreation programming.
Providing Opportunities for Those Who Think Differently — September Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on August 18, 2022
On the September bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we're chatting with 2022 NRPA Annual Conference speaker, Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned scientist, animal behaviorist, advocate for autism and author.
On a Mission to Make Aquatics More Equitable — Episode 118
By Cort Jones | Posted on August 16, 2022
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Kate Connell, CPRP, the aquatics program supervisor for Iowa City Parks and Recreation and creator of Equitable Aquatics. She is also a recipient of the 2022 NRPA Young Professional Fellowship!
How Phoenix Is Honoring the Life of Lori Piestewa — July Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on June 16, 2022
On the July bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we're diving deeper into the story behind our Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest and discussing how Phoenix is honoring Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to her lose her life in combat while serving in the U.S. military.
Coffee Talk Replay: How Inclusive Recreation Helps Ignacio Gallegos Find Purpose in Life — Episode 113
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 10, 2022
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're replaying a Coffee Talk from the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference, when we talked with Ignacio Gallegos about the impact the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association in Illinois has had on his life, along with his grandmother, Leticia DeLaFuente.
The Park and Recreation Movement in Mexico and Beyond — Episode 104
By Cort Jones | Posted on December 7, 2021
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re replaying one of our Coffee Talks from the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference with Luis Romahn, president, CEO and founder of Parques de México and the National Association of Parks and Recreation Mexico.