
On a Cross-Country Mission to Advocate for Trans Rights — Episode 132
By Cort Jones | Posted on March 21, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're talking with Cal Dobbs (he/they), a transgender endurance athlete running across the country — from California to Florida — to fight for the inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare.

Continuing a Legacy of Service to Create a Better World — Episode 131
By Cort Jones | Posted on March 7, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, director of Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, to discuss how she's leading with equity, as well as L.A. County's recently adopted 30x30 plan.

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.

Advancing Physical Activity and Health Equity Through Active Parks! — Episode 130
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 21, 2023
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're discussing the Active Parks! Implementation Guide with Ken Rose, who leads CDC’s Physical Activity and Health branch and oversees national efforts to increase physical activity.

On a Journey to Spread Good Vibes and the Healing Power of Nature — Episode 129
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 14, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Merrell ambassador Will "Akuna" Robinson, about his outdoor recreation journey, which began in 2016 when he attempted to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail to help with PTSD from his previous military service.

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.

Honoring National Day of Racial Healing — Episode 127
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 17, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Vicky Stott, the senior program officer for racial equity and community engagement at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Autumn Saxton-Ross, NRPA Vice President of Education and Chief Equity Officer, about how racial healing can advance racial equity.

An Inside Look at Revenue Development and Management School — Episode 126
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 10, 2023
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Bill Tschirhart, Debbie Woodbury and Matt Carusona to discuss the upcoming Revenue Development and Management School, taking place March 12-17,

RWJF-NRPA Award for Health Equity Celebrates Seven Years of Success — January Bonus Episode
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on December 22, 2022
Maureen Neumann, NRPA Senior Health Program Manager, shares where some of the previous RWJF-NRPA Award for Health Equity winners are now and what winning the award meant to them.

Enhancing Resilient Park Access in Toledo, Ohio — Episode 125
By Cort Jones | Posted on December 13, 2022
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Karen Ranney Wolkins, the commissioner of parks and recreation and community enrichment for City of Toledo, Ohio, to discuss how the city is prioritizing community and equity in their plans to build more parks.

Increasing Access to Nature in The Motor City — Episode 124
By Cort Jones | Posted on November 29, 2022
On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m joined by staff from City of Detroit Parks and Recreation, which was one of seven agencies that received NRPA's Resilient Park Access grant.

The State of Inclusivity in the Outdoors: Six Ways You Can Help — Episode 123
By Regina Hill | Posted on November 22, 2022
Our partners at Merrell conducted a study of cross-cultural perceptions and experiences in the outdoors to better understand how race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and income affect how welcome people feel outside. Learn more about the report and hear from Merrell CSR Marketing Manager Regina Hill.

Creating a More Sustainable, Eco-Friendly World – Episode 122
By Cort Jones | Posted on November 15, 2022
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're celebrating America Recycles Day with Manuela Barón, a Colombian-American sustainability activist, artist and founder of The Girl Gone Green, an inclusive community that fosters social and environmental change and encourages people to live more consciously.

Introducing NRPA’s Equity in Practice Program – October Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on September 29, 2022
On the October bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by NRPA Vice President of Education and Chief Equity Officer Autumn Saxton-Ross and NRPA Director of Learning Philip Silva to discuss NRPA's new Equity in Practice initiative.

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.

On the Pulse of Innovation, Inclusion and Next Practices — Episode 120
By Cort Jones | Posted on September 13, 2022
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're talking with Neelay Bhatt, founder and CEO of Next Practice Partners — and this year's Best of the Best ceremony emcee — about innovation, inclusion and next practices in parks and recreation.

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.