Honoring Native American Heritage Month — Episode 173

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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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.

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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 and share some tips to help you feel informed and ready to make the most of your time in Orlando.

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Reflections From the MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit — Episode 170

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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Centering Community and Connection at Anacostia Park — Episode 169

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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Introducing Guardians of Greenspaces — Episode 168

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we share a collaboration with NRPA's newest podcast, Guardians of Greenspaces.

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Celebrating Women’s History Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 167

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating the incredible women in parks and recreation who are shaping the profession and making a difference in their communities.

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Youth Sports: If She Can See It, She Can Be It — Episode 166

On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the critical role that parks and recreation plays in advancing sports opportunities for all youth — especially girls.

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Mentoring: A Positive Impact for All — Episode 165

On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring the power of mentoring with mentors and youth mentees from programs in Mesa, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; and Monroe County, Michigan.

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Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Inspiring Park and Recreation Stories — Episode 164

On our final Open Space Radio episode of the year, we're reflecting on our memories from 2024 and listening back to some of our favorite conversations.

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Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163

On this Open Space Radio x GovLove collab episode, recorded live at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, we discuss environmental resilience with Bernita Reese, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks, Ali Rhodes, director of City of Boulder Parks & Recreation, and Michele White. senior program manager at NRPA.

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From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, the operations coordinator at Douglasville Parks and Recreation in Georgia. Tune in to hear about her 2023 NRPA Annual Conference experience and what she's looking forward to in 2024!

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Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Danielle Hunter, chief of D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation's Roving Leaders Program. Tune in to learn how this program is making an impact on youth in the nation's capital.

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NRPA Annual Conference Tips for First-Time Attendees — Episode 160

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're sharing some of the best NRPA Annual Conference tips for first-time attendees, from experienced attendees. Tune in to prepare for Atlanta this October 8-10!

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From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with José Gonzáles, the founder of Latino Outdoors, an organization working to bridge the gap and create more inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences and opportunities for Latino communities.

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Promoting Healthy Aging Through Tai Chi — Episode 158

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring one of the most popular programs in NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks portfolio: Tai Chi.

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Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we learn about the Charlottesville (Virginia) Adaptive Recreation Department from Caitlin Marcotte, the operations specialist IV adaptive manager, and Sarah Kyriacopoulos, a program participant and member of the Charlottesville community.

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Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156

On today's episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with this year's Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest winner, Rachel Kohler, a recreation coordinator for cultural arts and community engagement for The Majestic Theatre, part of Corvallis Parks & Recreation in Oregon.

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Celebrating Pride: The Power of Partnership and Allyship — Episode 155

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature and build a sense of belonging.

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Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part 2) — Episode 154

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Tammy Schwab, manager of education and outreach for the resource management division of Fairfax County Park Authority, and John McGovern, principal-in-charge for The WT Group, LLC Accessibility Practice.

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Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153

On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what it takes to protect them.

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Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're chatting with are Amanda Lovejoy, a recreation coordinator at the Zach Gordon Youth Center for City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation, and Lauren Anderson is the Treadwell Arena Manager for Juneau Parks & Recreation.

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Having Fun and Doing the Right Thing in San Antonio — Episode 151

On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring an exciting partnership between NRPA, Bobcat Company and the San Antonio River Authority that is advancing resilient park access.

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Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150

On the latest Open Space Radio episode, we talk about the power of mentoring with Katlin Okamoto, director of Coach-Mentor Training at U.S. Soccer Foundation; Char Barnes, a park and recreation professional who previously worked in Columbus, Ohio; and Kent Hunt, NRPA’s program manager of health.

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Imposter Syndrome Is Real — Episode 149

On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, Gabby Vera, CPRP, the regional park superintendent for Maricopa County (Arizona) Parks and Recreation, shares strategies she's used to overcome imposter syndrome and more!

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