Each year, NRPA hosts its Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest. But before one story makes the cover of the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, countless submissions remind us just how powerful this work truly is.

With submissions now open for this year’s Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest, this episode of Open Space Radio looks back at a few stories from last year that stayed with us. From older adults building connections through a simple walking program to children strengthening literacy skills by reading to horses, these stories capture what parks and recreation does best: create spaces where people connect and grow.

Tune in to hear our conversations with:

• Shannon Barrett, CPRP, recreation coordinator for City of Kerman (California), Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and participants from the Walk With Ease program, who share how a simple walking initiative has built a tight-knit, supportive community.
• Danielle Bachelder, CPRP, senior parks manager for Broward County (Florida) Parks and Recreation, and a young participant in the Pony Tales program, who discuss how a literacy-based initiative that invites children to read to horses is making an impact on children, families and the horses alike.

Both stories may seem simple on the surface. But as the team reflects in this episode, simple ideas often create the most meaningful impact.

Listen below to hear the full episode. You’ll learn:

• How simple programs can create transformational impact across generations
• Why effective leadership, care and passion are often the keys to program success
• How partnerships expand access and broaden community reach
• The importance of starting small and building over time
• How storytelling helps elevate the power of parks and recreation
• And more

If your agency has a story that reflects “The Power Of” parks and recreation, share your photo and story by March 13 for a chance to be featured in the cover story of the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine.

Listen to the episode for the full story.

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

Pictured (left to right):

• Coach Kurt and two young skateboarders from City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks PlayLA program. Photo by Michael Howard, courtesy of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. (2025 Winning Photo)
• Participants of City of Kerman’s Walk With Ease program, left to right: Catalina Escamilla, Maria Rivas, Lupita Cardenas, Bertha Pacheco, Shannon Barrett, Simarjeet Kaur. Photo by Jeanna Burdine-Slaven, courtesy of City of Kerman, Parks Recreation and Community Services.
• Isabella Mangum reads to a horse named Cash at Tradewinds Park and Stables as part of the Pony Tales Program. Photo by Katherine Garces, courtesy of Broward County Parks and Recreation.

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:

Outdoor play builds confidence, leadership skills and social networks. At BCI Burke, they design outdoor spaces that support movement, opportunity and connection, helping park and recreation professionals create environments where more girls feel encouraged to step in, play hard and lead the game.

Learn more at bciburke.com

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