The Power of Mentorship in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia — Episode 174


By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on January 27, 2026

Episode174_410

Pictured: An aerial shot of Carolyn Crayton Park at sunset with a river, lush green trees and buildings in Macon, Georgia. Photo by Marcus Jones.

January is National Mentoring Month — a time to celebrate the transformative power of mentorship and spotlight the essential role park and recreation professionals play in fostering youth development in communities across the country.

On the first Open Space Radio episode of 2026, we chat with JaCory Bazell, CPRP, CYSA, CPO, the center supervisor at Bloomfield-Gilead Recreation Center in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, to explore how mentoring takes shape in his community. Through the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department, JaCory leads two youth mentoring programs: a teen media program focused on topics like photography and videography, as well as leadership skills and teamwork, and Macon Ambitious Young Men, a group mentoring program that prioritizes holistic youth development.

What began with just a handful of participants has grown over nearly five years into programs that equip more than 100 young people with real-world skills, confidence and meaningful connections. As JaCory shares, mentorship isn’t just about teaching, it’s about showing up consistently, advocating for youth, and creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported and empowered to thrive.

We’re also joined by Olivia Peterson, a program manager on NRPA's youth mentoring team. Olivia reflects on how park and recreation agencies are uniquely positioned to integrate mentorship into everyday programs and interactions, from workforce development and sports to after-school and community events. Olivia also shares the importance of adults investing in young people’s well-being and growth, as well as some helpful resources from NRPA.

Listen to the full episode below to hear how mentorship is shaping futures in Macon-Bibb County and what it means for communities everywhere. You’ll also learn:

  • How mentorship relationships built through consistent support make a difference.
  • How even small beginnings can grow into long-lasting impact.
  • How parks and recreation naturally supports youth development and helps young people build confidence, belonging and leadership.
  • How mentors who show up through the good times and bad times help youth build resilience and trust.
  • How self-care, shared leadership and community backing help sustain mentoring efforts.

Listen to the episode for the full story.

You can also listen on your preferred podcast streaming service here.

Helpful Mentoring Resources:

Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us!

If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA. Your gift will support our storytelling efforts and our mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental resilience efforts that enhance the quality of life for all. Give today at nrpa.org/donate.


This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by:
For more than 105 years, BCI Burke has worked alongside park and recreation professionals to design outdoor environments that support well-being, inclusion and Play That Moves You®. That focus aligns closely with NRPA and the purpose of Open Space Radio — sharing insights and stories that strengthen parks, recreation and open spaces in communities everywhere.

BCI Burke approaches play and movement with intention, believing that connection, learning and community all thrive outside. Through Open Space Radio, Burke is proud to support the sharing of ideas and experiences across the parks and recreation field.

Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.