Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part I) — Episode 148

On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what it takes to protect them. Teresa’s commitment to creating outdoor experiences that speak to culture, environmental responsibility and inclusion is something to be admired, and she is a staunch advocate for bringing underrepresented communities into the conversation and the work. Teresa has led various organizations and initiatives that support this work, such as The Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, the African American National Park Event and the Outdoorist Oath, to name a few. We were so thrilled to have the privilege of talking with Teresa to learn more about her determination to make a difference in the work of diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. And, as 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and the Wilderness Act, Teresa has created a campaign encouraging everyone to get outdoors, doing whatever they enjoy, between now and July. Be sure to share photos of you and your community getting outside on social media using #CivilRightsAct60 – the photos will be turned into a collage of the country celebrating and honoring the anniversaries.  Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Teresa and how her work may support your efforts to build more equitable, inclusive spaces and programs in your community. You’ll also learn: ·       How Teresa’s work in this space began with a call to the National Park Service to tell them, “you have a diversity problem” ·       How to have difficult conversations and get out of your comfort zone ·       Why partnerships are key to pushing diversity, equity and inclusion work forward ·       How to spend time outdoors (however works for you!) and be aware of your environmental impact ·       And much more! Related Links: ·       Follow Teresa on Instagram ·       Connect with Teresa on LinkedIn ·       In Solidarity Project ·       Outdoor Diversity Alliance ·       The Outdoorist Oath ·       The Outdoorist Oath on Instagram ·       Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge 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 to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

March is Women’s History Month, and this year’s theme celebrates women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. This year we are honoring women who lead change in their field, and today’s episode does just that. There are so many women who are leaders in parks and recreation and bringing positive change to their communities, and today we’re excited to talk with two women who are leading the way in Juneau, Alaska. Our guests today are Amanda Lovejoy, a recreation coordinator at the Zach Gordon Youth Center for City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation, and Lauren Anderson is the Treadwell Arena Manager for Juneau Parks & Recreation. Between having a primarily women-led team, facilitating programs that foster inclusion and belonging, and ensuring that every member of the Juneau community feels welcome, Juneau Parks & Recreation is doing some incredible work. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about this unique community and how Amanda and Lauren are truly building a space where you belong. You’ll also learn: How Juneau Parks & Recreation is providing opportunities for girls, women, and trans and nonbinary youth in the community How the “Weaving Our Pride” project is bringing the community together and celebrating Indigenous communities in Juneau How Juneau’s Gender Support Group and Mindfulness Matters programs are making an impact Why Juneau is such a unique community, and what challenges and opportunities that presents And much more! Related Links: City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation Weaving Our Pride Website Weaving Our Pride Facebook Group Zach Gordon Youth Center Facebook Page   This episode of Open Space Radio is brought to you by support from CivicPlus. CivicPlus’ recreation management solution is the only comprehensive activity, facility, membership, staff and point-of-sale management solution designed exclusively for municipal parks and recreation departments by former local government parks and recreation leaders. Municipal recreation departments that choose CivicPlus increase department revenue from online transactions while fostering positive civic experiences. Learn more at www.civicplus.com. 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 to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

We know the importance of partnerships in parks and recreation, and on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving into an exciting partnership between NRPA and Bobcat. As part of this partnership, Bobcat has extended five grants, each worth $50,000, to support five park improvement projects across the country. Today, we’re excited to learn more about one of these projects taking place in San Antonio, Texas. We were thrilled to speak with Caryn Odenbach, brand and experience specialist at Bobcat; Kristen Hansen, deputy director of parks and recreation at San Antonio River Authority; and Ayanna Williams, NRPA director of community and environmental resilience. Tune in to the full episode below to learn how this park improvement project will expand park access, build environmental resilience, engage the community and create a sense of belonging in the San Antonio community. You’ll also learn: How NRPA and Bobcat are working together to advance resilient park access in communities across the country How this partnership is improving and preserving Trueheart Ranch Park Why San Antonio will benefit from this grant and project How the community is being engaged throughout the project Why public-private partnerships are so important in parks and recreation And more! Related Links: Trueheart Ranch Park San Antonio River Authority Bobcat Company NRPA and Bobcat Partnership Builds Resilient Park Access: City of Stonecrest, Georgia Auburndale Park's Trail Revitalization with Bobcat and NRPA   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 to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

As you may know, January is National Mentoring Month, and all month long, NRPA has been sharing content around how mentoring through parks and recreation is helping youth develop positive connections with trusted and caring adults, which we know can support their long-term success. National Mentoring Month is an annual opportunity to spread awareness of the power of mentoring. It serves as a reminder of the critical role park and recreation professionals play in providing youth development and youth mentoring services in local communities across the country. We were thrilled to have a conversation with three individuals who have a lot of experience when it comes to the power of mentoring: Katlin Okamoto, director of Coach-Mentor Training at U.S. Soccer Foundation; Char Barnes, a park and recreation professional who previously worked in Columbus, Ohio; and Kent Hunt, NRPA’s program manager of health. These three shared some wonderful insight on mentoring, and while they all shared from different perspectives, it all boiled down to one thing: Mentoring is essential, and park and recreation professionals are likely already serving as mentors in their communities, whether they realize it or not. Tune in to our full conversation below to hear from Katlin, Char and Kent. You’ll also learn: How mentoring changes the lives of youth and adults What it means to have a “mentoring mindset” How to embrace and implement a mentoring mindset approach in your programs Advice for starting a mentoring program in your community Resources available to support your mentoring programs And much more! Additional Resources: NRPA’s Mentoring Resources Contact NRPA’s Mentoring Team Contact U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Coach-Mentor Training Program Blog Post: Three Strategies to Engage Mentors to Support Youth Development Blog Post: Engaging Families Leads to Profound Impacts for Youth in Mentoring Programs Blog Post: Elevating the Spirit of Service in Youth

Season two of Open Space Radio begins today! For the next year, we will focus on conversations around the 2024 NRPA annual theme, “Where You Belong,” and we’re so excited to kick off this season with a wonderful conversation.   On today’s episode, we’re joined by Gabby Vera, CPRP, the regional park superintendent for Maricopa County (Arizona) Parks and Recreation. Between her session at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference and her Open Space blog post, titled, “You’ve Got This” — which explored practical strategies to boost self-confidence, overcome imposter syndrome and thrive in your leadership journey — we knew we wanted to have a conversation with Gabby on the podcast.  Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about Gabby’s career journey as a park and recreation professional, as well as strategies she’s used to overcome imposter syndrome. You’ll also learn:  What imposter syndrome is and how it can show up in your life or career  How to create psychologically safe spaces that encourage staff to take on new challenges and ask for help  How to view challenges as opportunities to grow and learn new skills  How to support colleagues, acknowledge them for stepping up and celebrate their successes And much more!  Resources Discussed on this Episode: Book Recommendation: The Imposter Cure: You are not a fraud, you deserve success, you can believe in yourself  Book Recommendation: The Imposter Syndrome Workbook  Book Recommendation: Own Your Greatness: Overcome Imposter Syndrome   Book Recommendation: Type Talk: The 16 Personality Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work  American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Mentorship Program  Connect with Gabby: Email Gabby  Connect with Gabby on LinkedIn 

Back in October at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, there was a session that really piqued our interest – so much so, that we wanted to turn it into a two-part podcast episode, with today’s episode being part one (and part two coming in Spring 2024!). The session, “Neurodiversity and Inclusive Workplaces: Insights from Park and Recreation Professionals,” explored the individual strengths neurodiverse professionals bring to their work and the strategies and accommodations that have helped them succeed, as well as ways to find workplace champions and allies. The presenters also offered suggestions for how organizations can better support and include neurodiverse individuals in the field in a number of ways, and we’re excited to chat with two of the presenters on the show today: Kande Jones, the Development Director for Mulvane Recreation Commission in Kansas, and Dave McDaniel, the Operations Coordinator for City of Mobile Parks and Recreation in Alabama. Tune in to our conversation below to hear from Kande and Dave as they share their experience as neurodivergent individuals and how it relates to their careers in parks and recreation. You’ll also learn: How a career in parks and recreation can contribute to a positive working environment for neurodivergent individuals Some of the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in the workplace (and solutions!) How leaders, coworkers and peers can create a culture of belonging and safety for neurodivergent staff What it meant to Kande and Dave to have the opportunity to discuss neurodiversity at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, and much more!

It is our next to last episode of 2023, and we’re so thrilled to chat with our guest today, as she is someone who we’ve been hoping to get on the podcast for a while, someone who is a true leader in the profession, and someone who a lot of our listeners may know.   Dr. Tiffany Johnson — or Dr. J., as she’s known in many circles — is not only one of the most stylish park and recreation professionals out there, but she also is an expert and an innovator when it comes to change management, professional development, strategic planning and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.  Among her many accomplishments, Tiffany is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, she sits on NRPA’s Conference Program Committee, she’s the past-president of the National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society, and she has more than 17 years of full-time professional experience in parks and recreation – now serving as the Deputy Director of Aging and Disability Services for the City of Seattle.     Tune in to our full conversation as we chat with Tiffany about her extensive career, why she feels we are stronger when we all come together, and so much more. You’ll also learn: How Tiffany is supporting Seattle’s aging and disabled populations through her work How park and recreation agencies can take themselves to the next level through community engagement, change management and customer service Tips for submitting education sessions for the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference (the deadline is quickly approaching!) How we can support park and recreation professionals from underrepresented communities Tips for networking, mentoring and building relationships, and more! Want to hear more from Tiffany? Check out her recent episode on the RecLess Podcast here!

I’m really excited for today’s episode because I am joined by my colleagues and new co-hosts, Christina High, NRPA’s marketing specialist, and Cara Myers, NRPA’s marketing and engagement manager. I’m really looking forward to this new era of Open Space Radio, and as many of you know, it’s been a while since I’ve had co-hosts. So, we thought it would be fun to sit down together for an episode and discuss what we’re looking forward to, what you can expect on the show in future episodes, and share some of our experiences and takeaways from the NRPA Annual Conference a few weeks ago. And, before we jump into the episode below, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shoutout to Roxanne Sutton, who is the Open Space Radio host emeritus and original creator of this podcast – I’m so grateful that Roxanne brought me onto the show back in 2017 and not only showed me the ropes, but also helped create such a good foundation for what the show is today. Tune in to our full conversation below to hear what we’re planning for this next era of Open Space Radio (including asking for more feedback from you, the listener!). You’ll also learn: ·        Why Christina and Cara are excited to join Open Space Radio ·        What we enjoyed about the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference ·        What we’re excited about when it comes to the future of parks and recreation ·        Topics we’re excited to explore on future episodes of the podcast ·        How we’re planning to be more intentional about the content and stories we share, ensuring the podcast is what YOU want it to be ·        Our answers to listener-submitted questions, and much more!

Earlier this month I joined nearly 9,000 other people who are passionate about parks and recreation in Dallas at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference. It was a week full of inspiration, networking and fun — and for me, a chance to celebrate not only all the good work happening in local parks and recreation, but also see the culmination of my NRPA colleagues’ hard work in putting on what was a truly incredible event.  One of my biggest highlights of the week was connecting with Chris Bass, CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation for Douglasville, Georgia, and the incoming Board President of the National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society (NRPEMS), and Thamara Velasco, CYSA, a recreation assistant in Douglasville, chair for public relations for NRPEMS and recipient of NRPA’s Young Professional Fellowship. I really enjoyed our conversation about all the good work going on in Douglasville — who was a National Gold Medal Award Finalist this year — as well as the important work Chris and Thamara are doing to connect and support diverse and underrepresented park and recreation professionals as part of the NRPEMS. This was truly one of my favorite parts of this year’s conference, and it was such a joy to sit down with Chris and Thamara to learn more about them and soak in some of the passion they have for parks and recreation – I was inspired after this conversation, and I hope you are too. Tune in to our full conversation below. You’ll learn: How NRPEMS is building community for park and recreation professionals of diverse cultures and backgrounds Why it’s important to have a network focused on diverse professionals in our industry How NRPEMS has been beneficial for Chris and Thamara in their careers What being part of NRPEMS and being park and recreation professionals serving their community means to Chris and Thamara How to get involved with the NRPEMS, and much more! Related Links: NRPEMS website Follow NRPEMS on Instagram Follow NRPEMS on Facebook Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Connect with Thamara on LinkedIn

How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144   It’s another exciting day here on Open Space Radio because I get to introduce you to our other new co-host on the show! If you follow NRPA on social media, you likely already know Christina High. Christina is NRPA’s marketing coordinator and is the brilliant person behind all the fun, inspiring and educational content you see throughout NRPA’s social media channels.   A big welcome to Christina as our other new co-host!   Our guest today is someone who Christina and I have both been a fan of when it comes to producing really valuable, easy-to-digest content as it relates to sustainability and just being more environmentally conscious overall.   Kenny Barnes is the program and outreach coordinator for Sustainability Matters, a grassroots environmental nonprofit based in Virginia, dedicated to cultivating community through conservation and making sustainability fun, realistic and inclusive for all.   We have been very excited about this episode for a while now, and hope you enjoy it. Tune in to our full conversation below to learn some simple sustainability tips and how to effectively communicate sustainability efforts with your community. You’ll also learn:   ·        Why sustainability and promoting a more eco-conscious lifestyle is so critical ·        How Sustainability Matters educates the public in a way that is easy to understand and digest ·        Emerging trends and new approaches to sustainability ·        Tips for park and recreation professionals looking to raise community awareness and educate folx on the importance of sustainable solutions ·        What you should consider if you’re thinking, “my park and recreation agency should really be thinking more about sustainability” and much more!   Related Links: ·        Sustainability Matters Website ·        Sustainability Matters on Instagram ·        Sustainability Matters on YouTube ·        Sustainability Matters on Facebook ·        Sustainability Matters on TikTok