Podcasting: Parks and Rec’s Not-So-New (But Hot) Trend


By Katie Groke, MPA, CPRP | Posted on May 23, 2025

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Are you a podcast junkie? Do you find yourself lost in stories while driving your car or folding your laundry? Then, you are like all of us! Podcasting might be old news, but it seems to be booming in parks and recreation. And while it may not be the newest trend in parks and recreation, it’s certainly one of the most exciting and accessible tools we’re embracing across the country to connect with our communities, highlight our stories and elevate our field.

At Apex Park and Recreation District in Arvada, Colorado, our podcasting journey started like many good ideas in local government: with curiosity, collaboration and a dash of DIY spirit. We saw the potential of podcasting as a way to amplify voices within our district — from the passionate team members doing the work on the ground, to the community members whose lives are touched by what we do every day.

With no formal training and minimal equipment, we launched Apex Activated — our very own podcast. We taught ourselves to plan episodes, record quality audio, edit interviews and confidently publish. Mistakes were made, lessons were learned, and along the way, we found a deeper appreciation for storytelling and the powerful impact of simply sharing conversations.

Our biggest takeaway — everyone has a story, and sometimes we just have to ask so they can tell. We have interviewed people in our industry and outside of our industry, and it is amazing to hear about people’s experiences. Everyone has a story, and it is fascinating to hear how people show up to talk about their experiences. If you give them space to express their story, they run with it!  Of course, we always bring it back to parks and recreation, and it is cool to hear that everyone has an experience with their local parks and recreation provider.

There is no shortage of parks and recreation podcasts. I encourage you to take a listen and reflect on the many stories within our industry and support your parks and recreation friends making a go at it in the podcast studio (or conference room or closet, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves).

Here Are a Few Podcasts We Love and Recommend:

Do you know of (or host) another park and recreation podcast we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

Katie Groke, MPA, CPRP, is the director of community services for Apex Park and Recreation District.