The National Recreation and Parks Association

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.

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What does it take to increase the number of girls participating in sports? On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore how park and recreation professionals are creating programs that build confidence, belonging and lifelong participation.

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On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're celebrating National Mentoring Month with JaCory Bazell, CPRP, CYSA, CPO, the center supervisor at Bloomfield-Gilead Recreation Center in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, and Olivia Peterson, a program manager at NRPA.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we reshare a conversation with Sara Sinclair and Stephanie Lozano filled with powerful history, examples of actions we can take, and the importance of leading with curiosity and humility.

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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.

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On this very special episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss all things 2025 NRPA Annual Conference and share some tips to help you feel informed and ready to make the most of your time in Orlando.

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As the only known state-level summit of its kind, this gathering is a testament to the intentional and sustained effort to ensure Maryland's park and recreation departments are welcoming to all.

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In this episode, water managers and park professionals share their insights on balancing recreation and water quality through the maintenance of natural water areas like ponds, reservoirs and rivers.

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In this episode, Kelli Ondracek, natural resources manager at the City of Houston, discusses the impact of riparian restoration and tree-based green infrastructure on water conservation.

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Listen in to hear how good cross departmental collaboration can be a solution to green stormwater infrastructure maintenance challenges!

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Learn the strategies one agency is using to save water while maintaining athletic fields — including implementing feedback and ideas from maintenance staff.

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From water reclamation to effluent water, learn how grey water reuse could help your agency save big and conserve potable water.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we recap our trip to NatureFest, a lively week-long celebration at Anacostia Park that provides a safe, engaging space for kids and their families to explore nature, have fun and create lasting memories during D.C. Public Schools’ Spring Break.

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Podcasting may not be the newest trend in parks and recreation, but it’s one of the most exciting and accessible tools to connect with our communities, highlight our stories and elevate our field.

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Shaundon Moore (Dekalb County, Georgia) and Dr. Viniece Jennings discuss how community engagement can be a solution to several park-based maintenance challenges.

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Lynn Fulton and Michael Sabin explore how smart irrigation supports maintenance staff in implementing water conservation in Denver.

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Karen Galt and Tyler Flynn from the City of Seattle discuss three types of water audits and the water savings they offer.

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In Snohomish County, Washington, native plants are having a big impact on water cost savings.

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