The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

July 27, 2025

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 EPISODE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

From Parks to Prestige: Tyler Little’s Journey to Bluejack National

Tyler Little’s Parks & Rec roots led him to one of the most prestigious golf communities in America: Bluejack National, designed by none other than Tiger Woods. In this inspiring episode, Tyler shares how his decade in public service shaped his private sector leadership, the power of servant leadership, and why Parks & Rec is a launchpad for young professionals.

Building Community Through Therapeutic Recreation

In this powerful Leadership Series episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Cynthia Crawford, Director of Parks and Recreation in Rialto, California. 

Kevin Patterson on Youth, Sports & Community Impact

How does a football player become a Parks & Rec leader? Meet Kevin Patterson (KP)—Deputy Admin of Athletics at Henry County Parks & Rec and co-host of The Rec Room Podcast. In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, Kevin shares how coaching, community, and culture shaped his career in public service.

How Henry County Handles Parks, Events & Burnout Like Pros with Bryan Dixon

What happens when Parks and Rec never sleeps? Bryan Dixon, Deputy Administrator of Henry County, GA, joins us straight from the beach to talk burnout, work-life balance, and the unseen hustle behind major events and facility maintenance.

From Teen Lifeguard to Department Leader: Eunice’s Parks & Rec Journey

In this inspiring episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc dives into Eunice’s journey from 15-year-old lifeguard to department head by age 24.

Eunice shares how she helped shape a newly formed department from the ground up, why culture and branding matter in Parks & Rec, and her passion for using photography to tell powerful community stories.

Why Parks & Rec Is More Than a Job: Donte Watson’s Life Mission

In this powerful episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, we sit down with Donte Watson, Parks & Rec Director from Santa Rosa, California. With over 25 years of service, Donte shares his inspiring journey, from growing up in Oakland’s recreation centers to leading a department with a $26 million budget and over 180,000 residents. 

Mentorship & Arts in Parks and Rec with Shannon Elsey

In this inspiring episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Shannon Elsey, Executive Director of Oakbrook Terrace Park District in Illinois, for a powerful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and creating lasting community impact through Parks and Rec.

From Therapeutic Rec to Parks Director: Karen O'Donnell's Journey in Parks & Rec Leadership

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Karen O'Donnell, Director of Parks and Recreation for Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

From her start in therapeutic recreation to leading innovative programs like regenerative agriculture, urban forestry, and community-led gardening, Karen shares her powerful leadership journey. Discover how she’s mentoring future leaders, managing million-dollar capital projects, and redefining public service—one goat parade at a time.

Why Parks & Rec Needs Its Own Media Company (And We’re Building It)

In this special solo episode, host Craig LeBlanc shares a powerful update on the evolution of The Daily Parks and Rec Show into DPRS Media Co. — the first media company created by and for the Parks and Rec community! 🌳🎤

BIG CHANGES AND BIGGER GOALS: WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE DAILY PARKS AND REC SHOW

The Daily Parks and Rec Show (DPRS) is hitting our stride, with 200th episode milestone—with a clear mission: to amplify the voices of parks and recreation professionals nationwide. Craig LeBlanc, host and founder, recently shared exciting updates about what’s next for DPRS Media Co.

A Growing Network of Shows

What started as a single podcast is now a full-scale media company with five dynamic platforms under the DPRS umbrella:

  • Leadership in Parks and Rec (Mon–Thu): Spotlights on directors, superintendents, and visionaries leading public spaces.

  • Facilities Maintenance Show (Mon–Thu): A deep dive into the crews and craftsmanship behind every clean, safe, and functional park.

  • Youth Sports Mastery (Thurs): Hosted by Aaron Locks, bringing insights from 40+ years of youth sports expertise to coaches, parents, and rec leaders.

  • Young Professionals Network (YPN) (Fri): Highlighting students, interns, mentors, and early-career professionals building the future of the industry.

  • The Rec Room (2nd Wednesday each month): Co-hosted with the Henry County Parks and Rec team, pulling back the curtain on what makes a thriving, family-like department culture.

More Content, Faster Delivery

With a seven-person (and growing) production team, DPRS is leveraging AI tools and adding new editors to cut turnaround time on interviews, highlight reels, and YouTube episodes. The goal? To deliver polished content within 7 days—or even 48 hours—so departments can share their stories quickly.

New Shows on the Horizon

Craig teased two major shows in development:

  • Urban Forestry in Parks and Rec – A deep dive into the arborists and crews managing thousands of public trees, from greenways to right-of-ways.

  • State Parks Spotlight – Highlighting park rangers and managers who balance conservation, tourism, and economic impact (like Georgia’s FD Roosevelt State Park, which draws up to 600,000 annual visitors).

Future concepts include series on therapeutic recreation, aquatics, AI and robotics in park operations, and more.

Engaging the Community

Beyond its shows, DPRS is strengthening ties with the parks and rec community by:

  • Expanding internship opportunities through LSU’s School of Journalism and Communications.

  • Partnering with state associations (like Kentucky, Louisiana, TRAPS, Alabama, and upcoming Northeast and NRPA events).

  • Inviting professionals to contribute articles (500–1,000 words) on topics like urban forestry, project management, or stakeholder engagement for The Weekly Parks and Rec Post.

  • Exploring fun new features, like community-inspired comic strips, to bring a creative twist to the newsletter.

Celebrating 200 Episodes—and Looking Ahead

From “a single mic in a rec center” to a full-fledged media company, DPRS Media Co. has grown into a hub for the voices that keep America’s parks thriving. With new shows, expanded coverage, and a mission to champion parks and rec as an essential health and wellness service, Craig and his team are setting their sights on 300 episodes—and beyond.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to The Weekly Parks and Rec Post, catch new episodes daily on YouTube, and join the conversation as DPRS Media Co. continues to uplift, amplify, and celebrate the professionals shaping our parks and communities.

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

Whether you're a coach, parent, recreation professional, or youth sports enthusiast, Youth Sports Mastery offers practical insights, fresh ideas, and real stories that help you create fun, inclusive, and impactful sports programs. From coaching tips and parenting wisdom to managing in-house programs or outsourcing them, we dive into what really works to build healthy kids, strong communities, and a lifelong love of sports.

Tune in, get inspired, and help us keep the joy in youth sports alive

What You Can Expect:

Each week, Aaron and Craig dive into the essential topics that every youth sports coach, athlete, and parent needs to know to succeed in the world of youth athletics. Whether you're looking to improve your coaching skills, enhance an athlete’s performance, or learn about the latest trends in youth sports, Youth Sports Mastery is your go-to resource.

Key Topics:

  • Building Strong Athletic Foundations: Aaron and Craig discuss how to lay the groundwork for athletes at all levels, from youth beginners to aspiring professionals. They'll focus on physical conditioning, mental toughness, and the importance of fostering a love for the game.

  • Coaching Strategies for Success: Coaches, this segment is for you! Get practical advice on developing effective practice plans, creating a positive team culture, and motivating young athletes to perform at their best while maintaining fun and enjoyment.

  • Parent and Athlete Relationships: Youth sports are not just about the athletes—they're about the families supporting them. Aaron and Craig share ways parents can foster growth, confidence, and resilience in their young athletes while ensuring the experience remains positive and fulfilling.

  • Tackling the Mental Game: One of the most critical aspects of youth sports is the mental side. Aaron and Craig delve into how athletes can develop focus, discipline, and a winning mindset, teaching young athletes how to push through challenges and stay mentally strong on and off the field.

  • Injury Prevention and Recovery: Keeping athletes healthy is paramount. Learn from the experts on how to minimize the risk of injury through proper training techniques, recovery strategies, and maintaining peak physical condition.

    Our Guest

    Each week, we’re joined by an incredible lineup of guests, ranging from:

  • Sports Coaches

  • Professional Athletes

  • Youth Sports Program Managers

  • Parks & Rec Leaders

  • Sports Officials

These experts share their knowledge and experience, giving you access to a wide range of perspectives and solutions for youth sports.

Why You Should Tune In:

  • Expert Insights from Industry Leaders: With years of experience in both coaching and sports management, Aaron and Craig provide a wealth of knowledge on building athletic talent and achieving success in youth sports.

  • Practical, Actionable Tips: Whether you're a coach or a parent, every episode is filled with strategies you can implement immediately to make a difference in your athlete’s performance and development.

  • A Community of Support: This show is not just for listeners; it’s a platform for like-minded individuals to connect and share ideas, challenges, and successes. Through this community, we aim to create a supportive environment where youth athletes and those guiding them can thrive.

Join Us Each Thursday:

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Tune in every Thursday at 1:30 PM EST to Youth Sports Mastery and get the insights you need to help the next generation of athletes reach their full potential.

For Franchise Opportunities:

UPCOMING SHOWS SCHEDULE

EDITOR’S PAGE

FEATURE WRAP-UP

Thank you for reading!

Thanks for reading this week’s edition of The Weekly Parks and Rec Post! Here’s what’s new across The Daily Parks and Rec Show:

📺 Fresh Episodes Now Streaming

Catch the latest conversations and community highlights on our YouTube channel! New episodes feature insights from park leaders, facility experts, and youth sports advocates. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with fellow parks and rec pros.

🎤 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!

🎤 What’s New at DPRS Media Co.

We’ve officially passed 200 episodes and are rolling out big plans for 2025:

  • Launching two new shows: Urban Forestry in Parks and Rec and State Parks Spotlight, with more in development on therapeutic recreation, aquatics, and robotics in park operations.

  • Expanding our Weekly Parks and Rec Post newsletter with guest articles (500–1,000 words) from professionals like you.

  • Boosting production speed with new editors and AI tools to release finished episodes faster—our goal is within 7 days or less.

  • Growing our presence at state and national events (Kentucky, Louisiana, TRAPS, Alabama, NRPA, and beyond).

📺 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!

Don’t miss out on the latest shows!

Follow us on social media for more updates!

For inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at:

📞 : +1 225-229-6307

For Franchise Opportunities:

Aaron Locks (CEO of National Academy of Athletics)

📞: 866-90-SPORT / 707-527-2071

Our Sponsors:

📌 Louisiana Recreation and Parks Association

(225) 344-5001

📌 Aaron Locks (CEO of National Academy of Athletics)

866-90-SPORT / 707-527-2071