The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

How Henry County Is Transforming Parks & Rec

In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show’s The Rec Room Podcast, we step inside Henry County, Georgia’s Athletics Department to explore how their team is reshaping youth and adult sports programs, championing recreation over elitism, and striving to become the #1 athletic department in the country.

From youth sports and multi-sport advocacy to community engagement, leadership, and innovation, JP, KP, and Ayanna share powerful testimonies on why Parks & Rec is more than a job—it’s a calling.

NRPA Convention 2025 Orlando Update: Big Changes & Leadership Insights

In this episode of our Leadership Series, we dive into the latest announcements, trends, and leadership takeaways shaping the future of parks and recreation nationwide. From innovative community engagement strategies to what’s ahead for NRPA Conference 2025, this conversation is packed with insights for park leaders, recreation professionals, and advocates.

How Parks & Rec Improves Community Health with Jason Jones

Parks & Recreation isn’t just about green spaces—it’s about health, wellness, and transforming lives. 🌳✨

In this episode of the Leadership Series on The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Jason Jones, a longtime Parks & Rec leader, researcher, and wellness advocate. Jason shares how Parks & Rec departments are on the frontlines of:

• Preventing childhood obesity through community–clinic partnerships

• Creating inclusive programs that fight isolation for seniors & marginalized communities

• Building healthier, stronger, and more connected neighborhoods

• Using research & data to show that Parks & Rec is an essential service

Beast Hack’s Mission to Make Sports Accessible for All with Keaton Smith

What happens when a former college All-American takes his passion for baseball and creates a patented training system for kids and communities? ⚾

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show’s Leadership Series, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Keaton Smith, founder of Beast Hack, a Made-in-USA innovation revolutionizing how baseball, softball, and pickleball players learn the fundamentals.

How OutdoorLink is Powering Smart Parks & Cities with Dave Ramirez

How do you go from 32 years in Parks & Recreation to shaping the future of smart cities? 🌆⚡

In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Dave Ramirez, former Athletic Director of Hillsborough County, FL, and now with OutdoorLink—a company transforming the way cities manage lights, gates, outlets, fountains, and more.

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

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

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:

UNLEASHING CREATIVITY: TRANSFORMING PARKS AND RECREATION THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA BY THOMAS WHITE

Deputy Administrator of Recreation in Henry County Parks and Recreation

The human mind is a remarkable place, a complex web of thoughts, emotions, and imagination. Creativity sparks from within, igniting multiple areas of the brain to birth innovation. The Latin root of "creativity,” creare, means to create, to breathe life into an idea. Every day, often without realizing it, we give life to imagined concepts both minute and gargantuan. When faced with challenges or decisions, we instinctively tap into our imagination, our creative instincts, to find solutions.

Over the past few months, I have come to truly appreciate the power of creativity, especially when it’s used with purpose. Social media, in particular, has become a powerful platform for expression, giving us new ways to showcase our events, engage our community, and preserve the unique spirit of our department.

My mission is to channel creativity into something bigger: a stronger sense of belonging, a deeper appreciation for our parks, and a renewed passion for community engagement. I tell our story through dynamic short-form videos, striking visuals, and interactive content that inspires curiosity and connection.

We live in a digital world. Information spreads globally in an instant, and platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have become central to how we communicate and connect. With nearly 5.24 billion social media users worldwide, our potential reach has never been greater. On average, people spend over two hours a day scrolling. The challenge? Capturing their attention in a sea of content. The solution? Creative, meaningful storytelling.

By showcasing the real stories behind our programs like the joy on a child’s face during a fall festival or the behind-the-scenes hustle before an event like Nightmares at Nash, we are cutting through the noise. We are not just promoting events. We are creating emotional connections. We are sparking interest, excitement, and community pride.

Social media allows us to share real-time updates, promote new programs, and give our audience a front-row seat to the creativity that fuels our department. But beyond the logistics, it gives us a voice. A personality. A heartbeat.

Yes, creativity can be risky. It can challenge the norm and push boundaries. Sometimes, it is dismissed as impractical or “too much.” But we challenge that narrative. Creativity is a form of expression that deserves to be seen, respected, and celebrated.

At Henry County Parks and Recreation, we are not just planning events—we are crafting experiences. We are telling stories. We are bringing what others on imagine to life in ways that are bold and deeply human.

The future of Parks and Recreation is vibrant, dynamic, and full of potential, and social media is the canvas where we will paint that future. I am excited to lead the way, embracing innovation and honoring the creative spirit that lives within all of us. The world is literally at our fingertips, if only we dare to touch it.

UPCOMING SHOWS SCHEDULE

EDITOR’S PAGE

FEATURE WRAP UP 

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!

📲 Unleashing Creativity: Transforming Parks and Recreation Through Social Media

Creativity is more than just a spark—it’s the heartbeat of community connection. At Henry County Parks and Recreation, we’re using imagination, storytelling, and the power of social media to transform how people experience our parks and programs. Every post, photo, and video is an opportunity to inspire joy, strengthen belonging, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep exploring new ways to bring our stories to life—through bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and meaningful engagement. The future of Parks and Recreation isn’t just something we plan—it’s something we create together. 💡🌳

📣 Want to be part of the story?

Share how your favorite park has shaped your life or neighborhood. Your story might be featured in an upcoming edition of The Weekly Parks and Rec Post!

📺 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!

🤝 Want to Co-Create a Show with Us?

If you're a vendor or agency with deep expertise in a particular Parks and Rec field, DPRS wants to hear from you. Co-producing a show can elevate your visibility and serve the greater mission of educating and inspiring parks professionals across the country.

🔗 Get in touch with us via LinkedIn to explore collaboration ⬇️ www.linkedin.com/company/the-daily-parks-and-rec-show