Weekly Parks and Rec

DPRS Media Co. LLC is the official media production arm of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, a storytelling-driven platform dedicated to elevating voices in the Parks & Recreation and Youth Sports communities. We create compelling content that educates, entertains, and empowers professionals, athletes, and local leaders alike.

Through our growing podcast network, livestream shows, community-based video series, and documentary-style storytelling, DPRS Media is redefining how impactful stories are told at the intersection of community, recreation, and youth development.

Our Mission

To provide high-quality media production that strengthens community impact, showcases leadership in parks and rec, and builds lasting partnerships with brands aligned with youth, health, education, and positive development.

New Episodes on our YouTube Channel!

How Nonprofits Help Cities Build Better Parks with Josh Stutz & Giles Garrison

In this Leadership Series of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, we sit down with Josh Stutz, Executive Director of Friends of the James River Park, and Giles Garrison, Programs & Operations Manager for Richmond, VA Parks & Rec. Together, they explore how nonprofit and government partnerships are transforming public spaces, advancing equity, and protecting natural resources.

Teamwork, Leadership & Laughs: Henry County, GA’s Parks & Rec Powerhouse

In this fun, heartfelt, and eye-opening episode of The Rec Room Podcast, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with the entire leadership team of Henry County, Georgia Parks and Rec - the squad they call "The Avengers of Recreation."

From Podcast to Media Powerhouse

In this landmark episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, Craig LeBlanc delivers exciting updates about the evolution of the show into DPRS Media Company, the first full-scale media company dedicated to the Parks and Recreation industry. From an electrifying commercial reveal to new podcast launches and the origin story behind this inspiring mission, this episode is a must-watch for every Parks and Rec professional!

Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation: How to Build Parks for EVERYONE

What does it really take to make parks and recreation inclusive for everyone, regardless of ability? In this powerful episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, Seve Ghose, one of the most respected minds in Parks & Rec, joins Craig LeBlanc to break down the true meaning of adaptive and inclusive programming. From his 30+ years of experience, personal connection as a father, and mentoring future leaders, Seve shares word-for-word examples and proven strategies to create facilities and programs that welcome all.

From Mower to Parks Director: Chad Dyson’s Inspiring Career in Parks & Rec

In this powerful episode of the Leadership Series, host Craig LeBlanc welcomes Chad Dyson, Director of Davenport, Iowa’s Parks & Recreation, for a deep, candid, and inspiring conversation about his 25-year journey in the industry.

Smarter Parks with Government Window

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Doug Wade from Government Window to explore how their no-cost, no-contract payment platform is helping Parks & Rec departments across the country streamline operations.

🌳 Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Parks and Rec Month in Your City

The Daily Parks and Rec Show – July Edition

Hello, Parks and Rec Enthusiasts!

July is officially Parks and Recreation Month, a nationwide celebration dedicated to recognizing the vital role that parks, open spaces, and recreation programs play in creating vibrant, healthy communities. This month is more than just an acknowledgment; it’s a call to action to get involved, get outside, and show some love to the parks and programs that make our cities better.

Whether you're a nature lover, a fitness fanatic, or someone who just enjoys a picnic in the shade, there are countless ways to participate. To help you make the most of this special month, we’ve put together our Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Parks and Rec Month in Your City.

🌞 1. Join a Local Park Event or Community Program

Your city’s Parks and Recreation Department likely has a full lineup of events this July — from fun runs and yoga in the park to movie nights and live music. These events are designed to bring communities together, promote wellness, and showcase local talent and culture.

💡 Tip: Check your local parks and rec website or community board for upcoming events, and bring a friend or the whole family along. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water bottle!

🧹 2. Volunteer for a Park Clean-Up or Beautification Project

Want to make an impact? Lend a hand during a park clean-up day or join a tree planting or garden maintenance project. Parks thrive thanks to the collective efforts of staff and volunteers, and this is a great way to give back.

Not only does volunteering help improve your community, but it also connects you with other like-minded people who care about green spaces just as much as you do.

🌱 Volunteer Ideas:

• Litter collection walks

• Trail or playground maintenance

• Community garden care

• Painting park benches or murals

📸 3. Share Your Park Story or Memory Online

Every park has a story — and so do you! Whether it's your child’s first bike ride, a romantic picnic, or your favorite weekend hiking trail, sharing your park experiences can inspire others to explore and appreciate their local green spaces.

🎯 How to Participate:

Post your favorite photo or memory on social media using hashtags like #ParksAndRecMonth and #MyParkStory. Be sure to tag your city’s Parks and Rec Department and The Daily Parks and Rec Show — we might feature your story!

🧘 4. Try a New Outdoor Activity

This month is the perfect excuse to try something new and get moving. Parks offer more than just green space — they’re hubs for recreation, adventure, and wellness. If you’ve been meaning to get active, there’s no better time than now.

🔥 Ideas to Get You Moving:

• Attend a free fitness class in the park (like Zumba, Tai Chi, or HIIT)

• Try paddleboarding or kayaking at a local lake

• Plan a weekend camping trip under the stars

• Join a stargazing night or a nature walk

• Explore a new hiking or biking trail

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 5. Plan a Family or Neighborhood Park Day

Sometimes the simplest way to celebrate is the most fun. Gather your friends, neighbors, or family for a park day! Pack a picnic, bring some outdoor games, and enjoy time in the fresh air.

🧺 Family Park Day Ideas:

• Scavenger hunt for kids

• Lawn games like frisbee or cornhole

• Nature bingo or trail walks

• Storytime under the trees

You could even coordinate a potluck picnic or community BBQ with your neighbors. It’s a great way to strengthen bonds and celebrate the shared spaces we all enjoy.

🎉 Bonus Tip: Spread the Word!

Celebrate by being an ambassador for Parks and Rec Month. Encourage coworkers to take a walk during lunch breaks, invite friends to an outdoor yoga class, or simply share information about local programs. The more people who get involved, the stronger and more vibrant our park communities become.

Final Thoughts

Parks and Recreation Month isn’t just about fun in the sun—it’s about recognizing the spaces that make our cities livable and the people who work tirelessly to maintain them. This July, we invite you to celebrate in big and small ways. Whether you're joining a community event or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon at your favorite park, you're taking part in something powerful: building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

Thanks for reading and being part of The Daily Parks and Rec Show family. Stay active, stay connected, and don’t forget to share your stories!

🌿 Happy Parks and Recreation Month!

Youth Sports Mastery: Elevating the Next Generation of Athletes

Every Thursday, join us for a game-changing episode of Youth Sports Mastery, sponsored by the National Academy of Athletics and hosted by two powerhouses in the industry: Aaron Locks, CEO of the National Academy of Athletics, and Craig LeBlanc, founder of The Daily Parks and Rec Show. This dynamic duo brings you expert insights, tips, and strategies to help shape the future of youth sports.

This Show is for Anyone Who Cares About Kids, Community, and the Power of Play

The Rec Room Podcast

🎙️ The Rec Room Episode 2 Recap: Heart, Hustle, and Henry County’s Bold Vision for Parks and Recreation

In the second episode of The Rec Room, Craig LeBlanc returns with the passionate leadership team of Henry County, Georgia — a group affectionately dubbed “The Henrys.” With their signature blend of authenticity, grit, and community spirit, the team pulled back the curtain on what makes their Parks and Recreation department one of the most admired in the nation.

From the very start, listeners are reminded that Henry County’s Parks and Rec isn’t just a department — it’s a family. A family that’s working nights, weekends, and holidays, and still showing up with grace, grit, and purpose.

🔥 Meet the New Faces

This episode introduced two standout team members:

💡 Mentorship with Meaning: The Watering Can Program

One highlight was the deep dive into the Watering Can Mentorship Program, a homegrown initiative that teaches trade and life skills to local youth — from changing tires to building custom cornhole boards. The program started with an idea from an admin assistant and blossomed into a flagship initiative that now bonds teams, empowers teens, and builds lifelong community impact.

🏀 Midnight Hoops and Music Beats

Bull shared how Fairview Rec is turning heads by hosting midnight basketball, music and arts programs, conflict resolution classes, and even therapeutic archery sessions for veterans. By listening to the community, they’ve built a rec center where every person — from teens to seniors to veterans — feels seen and served.

📚 Ideas Welcome: Spanish Classes, Crochet, and Book Swaps

Kaseya, a rising staff member, pitched new community programs including a Spanish class, crochet workshops, bingo nights, and even an upcycled jewelry-making class. In Henry County, no matter your role — admin, supervisor, or intern — your ideas can become reality. And that’s how innovation happens.

🏆 Setting the Standard

Throughout the episode, the team reflected on how far they've come in the last five years:

• Dozens of presentations at state conferences

• Articles published in industry journals

• Events planned with military-level precision

• A culture of ownership, pride, and possibility

Their secret? Trust, communication, and a relentless drive to serve — not for recognition, but for impact.

💬 Final Takeaway

As Thomas White put it best: “I’d rather fail trying to be the best than succeed by not trying.” And that’s the heartbeat of Henry County Parks and Rec — a team that dreams big, serves hard, and always puts the community first.

📅 Don’t Miss the Next Episode!

The Rec Room airs every second Wednesday at 1:30 PM ET — featuring unfiltered, unscripted conversations with the people redefining what public service looks like in Parks and Rec.

In Case You Missed It

• Check out the first episode of The Rec Room Podcast ⬇️

  
  Watch Here

Upcoming Shows Schedule

Editor’s Page

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of The Weekly Parks and Rec Post! Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:

📺 Newly Uploaded Episodes on YouTube:

We’ve got fresh content now live on our channel! Catch the latest conversations, features, and community highlights—don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your fellow park lovers.

🎤 Special Guests:

We've lined up some incredible guests in these episodes. Don’t miss out on their inspiring stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes perspectives!

🌳 Top 5 Ways to Celebrate Parks and Rec Month in Your City:

From hosting a local park cleanup to joining a community fitness class, we’re sharing five fun and impactful ways you can honor Parks and Recreation Month in your own backyard. Don’t miss our tips to get involved, give back, and make the most of your community spaces!

🎙️ The Rec Room Episode 2 Recap: Heart, Hustle, and Henry County’s Bold Vision for Parks and Recreation
In the second episode of The Rec Room, Craig LeBlanc returns with the passionate leadership team of Henry County, Georgia — a group affectionately dubbed “The Henrys.” With their signature blend of authenticity, grit, and community spirit, the team pulled back the curtain on what makes their Parks and Recreation department one of the most admired in the nation.

📺 Catch All New Episodes:

Don’t forget to check out the latest episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show on our YouTube Channel for exciting updates and insights!