Why the Essence of Equity-Centered Work Is Organizational Change — Episode 093
By Cort Jones | Posted on June 15, 2021
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we’re joined by Mickey Fearn, who has been a park and recreation professional for more than 50 years, to discuss his extensive career in equity-related work.
The Importance of Community-Based Workforce Development
By Ayanna Williams | Posted on June 11, 2021
NRPA recently developed two resources to help you explore what workforce development is, what it can be for the field of parks and recreation, and how we can reflect on developing or renovating equitable community-based workforce development programs. Learn about and access the resources here.
Are We Building People — or Just Running Programs?
By Tim Herd, CPRE | Posted on June 7, 2021
Tim Herd, CPRE, CEO of Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, believes that we can't merely insist that parks and recreation is essential, we must intentionally demonstrate it — and prove it!
Why We Should Applaud Naomi Osaka's Mental Health Decision
By Allison Colman and Teresa Morrissey | Posted on June 3, 2021
Naomi Osaka, one of the world’s greatest tennis players, was thrust into the spotlight this past weekend during the French Open — not for her 125 mph serve, but for her decision to withdraw from the competition to prioritize her mental health and well-being.
Why Training Park and Recreation Coaches on Social and Emotional Skills is Important
By Jon Solomon | Posted on June 2, 2021
Coaches play a vital role in creating a positive sports experience for youth. In addition to keeping kids safe on the field, coaches and other adults in a child’s life significantly impact a child’s social and emotional development.
Creating a Culture of Transgender Inclusion in Sports — Episode 092
By Cort Jones (he/him) and Roxanne Sutton (she/her) | Posted on June 1, 2021
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Chris Mosier (he/him), a trailblazing athlete, coach and the founder of TransAthlete.com, to discuss transgender inclusion in sports and how park and recreation professionals can take action on more inclusive policies.
BioBlitz: Making Nature More Equitable
By Katie Boughal | Posted on May 27, 2021
The Delores Fenwick Nature Center serves the City of Pearland, Texas, a small community just south of Houston. Here's how its staff are planning to make their future BioBlitz events more equitable.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: May 18-21 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on May 21, 2021
In the latest Parks Snapshot survey, we learned that many more summer offerings and events will be available to communities across the country in 2021, with most agencies delivering a robust set of summer events and amenities.
Caring for the Mental Well-Being of Our Staff and Communities — June Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 20, 2021
The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Mental Health Care in a Pandemic.”
Past, Present and Future with New York City Parks and Hill International
By Joseph Pooler | Posted on May 19, 2021
Since 2007, Hill International, Inc. has managed hundreds of construction contracts for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to help build, enhance, restore and protect the Big Apple’s parks and public spaces.
It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See Ya Later! — Episode 091
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 18, 2021
Today's episode of Open Space Radio is a bittersweet one, as we bid farewell to one of our co-hosts, Roxanne Sutton, before she embarks on a new adventure.
Age-Inclusive Play for Siblings Young and Old
By Miracle® Recreation | Posted on May 17, 2021
As kids grow and develop, they play in different ways and have different abilities and limitations. For this reason, playground equipment is often designed with a specific age group in mind so it can keep kids interested and maximize safety. Age-inclusive playgrounds have equipment and features for all age groups of kids.
The 2021 Chlorine Shortage: Be Smart, But Don’t Panic
By Rudy Stankowitz | Posted on May 17, 2021
The chlorine shortage that has been reported recently may cause some headaches for aquatics professionals, but shouldn’t lead to major disruptions. Stock up on needed supplies without overbuying and your summer should be just fine.
How Park and Recreation Agencies Can Empower Coaches in the Return to Play
By Jon Solomon | Posted on May 12, 2021
Here are best practices from the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program on how park and recreation agencies can support coaches in ensuring youth safely return to play.
Park Improvements That Won’t Break Your Community’s Budget
By Little Tikes Commercial | Posted on May 11, 2021
Here are seven cost-effective ways you can improve your parks and playgrounds from Little Tikes Commercial.
How to Onboard New Volunteers Safely and Efficiently This Summer
By Background Investigation Bureau | Posted on May 6, 2021
Background Investigation Bureau, the exclusive background screening provider of NRPA, provides what you need to know to be efficient in your on-boarding practices and keep your community safe.
Coffee Talk Replay: Preparing for the Impacts of Climate Change — Episode 090
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 4, 2021
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're replaying one of our Coffee Talks from last year's NRPA Virtual, when we were joined by Kenny Weigandt from Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Oregon, and John DiSpaldo, a regional preparedness liaison for FEMA, to discuss being prepared for disasters due to a changing climate.
How Mindfulness Can Improve Your Family’s Health
By Shea Pease | Posted on May 3, 2021
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on what you’re sensing and feeling in the present moment, without passing any judgment or allowing interruptions. BOKS, a free physical activity program for kids and families, has just launched a new Mindfulness & Movement Flows resource designed to take the planning out of mindfulness activities.