The Texas Energy Crisis: How Parks and Recreation Meet the Moment
By Dan McCarthy | Posted on February 24, 2021
President Joe Biden has declared a federal emergency in Texas as the state starts to recover from the recent disastrous winter weather event and subsequent overwhelming of the state’s energy grid, and park and recreation professionals in the state are answering the call to support their communities and keep them safe.
Why the Fight for Access to Playgrounds is a Racial Justice Issue
By Kevin Paul | Posted on February 24, 2021
Playgrounds have always been a racial justice issue, so let’s treat them like one.
Creating a Space for Women in Parks and Recreation — Episode 085
By Roxanne Sutton and Cort Jones | Posted on February 23, 2021
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're talking with the three women who created the "Women in Parks and Recreation” Facebook group, which is made up of more than 8,000 women working in the park and recreation profession.
Building ‘An Equal Future’ with TEDxCollegePark — March Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on February 18, 2021
On the March bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re joined by Neelay Bhatt, vice president of PROS Consulting, and Roslyn Johnson, director of Baltimore County Recreation and Parks, to talk about TEDxCollegePark’s event, ‘An Equal Future,’ which is taking place virtually on March 19.
GameTime’s 2021 Park and Playground Trends
By Kent Callison | Posted on February 12, 2021
These trends from GameTime indicate the industry's direction in the upcoming year while simultaneously calling attention to innovations from 2020.
How Parks and Recreation Plays a Role in COVID-Impacted Youth Sports
By Jon Solomon | Posted on February 10, 2021
Quality, community-based sports will be more important than ever during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Park and recreation departments have a greater opportunity to market their role in this area given the likely desire by parents for more local and affordable sports offerings.
The Best Things in Life Are Free
By David Sabgir, MD, FACC | Posted on February 10, 2021
In celebration of February being Heart Health Month, Walk with a Doc has teamed up with Fresh Avocados – Love One Today® to offer a brand new, virtual Grand Canyon Adventure. This virtual event will last two weeks and is free to participate in!
Creating Opportunities for Underserved Youth in Louisville — Episode 084
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on February 9, 2021
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're talking with staff from Jefferson Memorial Forest and the Urban Conservation Corps at YouthBuild Louisville about the work they're doing to foster equity and address systemic racism in the outdoor spaces in their city.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: February 2-5 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on February 5, 2021
Park and recreation professionals continue to play a vital role in the community when it comes to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and vaccination distribution. In the latest Parks Snapshot, we learned that nearly 4 in 5 park and recreation agencies across the country are supporting these efforts, among others.
Kids Just Want to Have Fun
By Lynn Pinoniemi | Posted on February 1, 2021
When people pass by a community park sprouting colorful, inviting play structures, they might recall the fun, carefree days of childhood and smile. Park and recreation professionals go beyond just those memories.
Serving the Better Angels of Our Nature
By Daniel L. Dustin, Ph.D. | Posted on January 27, 2021
Daniel L. Dustin, Ph.D., a professor of outdoor recreation studies at the University of Utah, shares some of the principal lessons he has learned during his 43-year tenure in higher education.
Coffee Talk Replay: Park Equity and Racial Justice — Episode 083
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on January 26, 2021
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're replaying one of our Coffee Talks from the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience (NRPA Virtual), "Park Equity and Racial Justice," featuring Glenn Harris of Race Forward and NRPA's Vice President of Education and Chief Equity Officer Autumn Saxton-Ross.
Celebrating Parks and Recreation’s Inaugural 30 Under 30 — February Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on January 21, 2021
On the February bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re joined by Michael Biedenstein, past chair of the NRPA Young Professional Network, and Hayley Herzing, NRPA’s senior member of membership, to talk about the inaugural 30 Under 30 program, which recognizes the 30 best and brightest park and recreation professionals under 30 years old.
Play and Recreation Spaces — Vital Places in Our Communities
By Sarah Lisiecki | Posted on January 15, 2021
Play, playgrounds and recreation areas remain crucial to both personal and community development and we need more of them. With a new year upon us, let’s plan to explore even more and advocate for the spaces that are always there for us.
How a Group of Teens Is Bringing a Skatepark To Their Community — Episode 082
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on January 12, 2021
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by three teenagers who saw a need in their community for a safe, legal place to participate in their favorite activity - skateboarding. They took it upon themselves to start a grassroots movement to create a skatepark, and the results will inspire you!
January is National Mentoring Month!
By Lauren Kiefert | Posted on January 8, 2021
January is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the value and impact that mentors have on our youth.
Intergenerational Nutrition: Community Members of All Ages Can Join the Fun!
By Dr. Danielle Hollar | Posted on January 8, 2021
What types of intergenerational fun can be had that promotes good nutrition and healthy eating? Here are some ideas to help get the creative juices flowing!
Good News in Parks – A Show that Celebrates YOU
By Anne-Marie Spencer | Posted on January 6, 2021
Anne-Marie Spencer of PlayCore shares how the show "Good News: in Parks" is bringing park and recreation professionals together, sharing good news and offering an opportunity to learn from one another.