The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

From Parks & Rec Leader to Media Builder with Randy Albarez

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Randy Albarez, longtime Parks & Recreation leader, 3x LRPA President, and now strategic partner with DPRS Media Co.

Randy shares his journey from being a Parks & Rec Director in Louisiana to building vendor partnerships, leading associations, and now helping grow a 24/7 media network dedicated to the Parks & Rec industry.

How Parks & Rec Impacts Lives with Johnathan Skinner

What makes Parks & Recreation an essential service? In this inspiring episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, Craig sits down with Johnathan Skinner, Community Services Director for Lake Elsinore, CA. From viral short-form videos to signature events like Mariachi Fest and Winterfest, Jonathan shares how Parks & Rec transforms communities, connects generations, and creates lifelong memories.

From Golf Greens to Power Grinds: Garrett James on Facility Maintenance & Leadership

In this episode of the Leadership Series on The Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Garrett James from Rayburn Electric Cooperative at the NRPA Conference 2025 in Orlando.

They dive deep into:

• The vital role of facilities maintenance in Parks & Recreation

• Garrett’s journey from golf course mechanics to managing 160+ acres in Texas

• How energy, sustainability, and landscaping science shape thriving campuses

• Why facilities crews are the unsung heroes of Parks & Rec

• The future of power demand with AI data centers and community resilience

From Parks & Rec Leader to Consultant: How Lisa Paradis Built a National Team at BerryDunn

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show at the NRPA Conference 2025, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Lisa Paradis, former Parks & Recreation Director turned consultant at BerryDunn. 🌳

Lisa shares her incredible journey from leading municipal recreation in Massachusetts to co-founding one of the fastest-growing consulting practices in the parks, recreation, and library space.

How Rec Technologies is Revolutionizing Parks & Rec

At the NRPA Conference 2025, Craig LeBlanc of The Daily Parks and Rec Show sits down with Courtney Sung, marketing leader at Rec Technologies, to explore how modern software and storytelling can elevate community recreation.

💡 From smart brevity in communication to frictionless online registrations, Courtney shares how technology is making recreation management simpler, more inclusive, and more effective.

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:

WHAT PARKS AND RECREATION CAN TEACH OTHER INDUSTRIES ABOUT COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

When most people think of Parks and Recreation, they picture playgrounds, sports fields, and summer camps. But behind every thriving park system is something deeper — a masterclass in community leadership that many industries could learn from.

At its heart, Parks and Recreation is about people, connecting them, serving them, and empowering them. Every program, event, and initiative is designed not just to entertain, but to build belonging. That kind of leadership doesn’t rely on profit margins or market share, it thrives on empathy, collaboration, and trust.

LISTENING BEFORE LEADING

Parks and Rec professionals are experts at community engagement. Before launching a new program or upgrading a facility, they gather feedback, host public meetings, and listen to what residents truly need. This grassroots approach ensures that every project has purpose and buy-in, a practice every organization could benefit from.

BUILDING INCLUSIVE SPACES

From adaptive sports programs to multicultural festivals, Parks and Rec departments lead with inclusion. They create spaces where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, feels welcome. In a world that’s increasingly divided, this focus on inclusivity offers a model for how businesses and institutions can foster stronger, more diverse communities.

LEADING WITH HEART

Unlike many industries driven by competition, Parks and Rec thrives on collaboration. Departments partner with schools, nonprofits, and local businesses to amplify their impact. This spirit of partnership of leading with heart rather than ego, reminds us that leadership is about lifting others, not standing above them.

RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY

Whether responding to natural disasters, public health challenges, or budget cuts, Parks and Rec leaders are masters of adaptability. They know how to do more with less — and how to turn obstacles into opportunities for innovation. That resilience is a hallmark of great leadership in any field.

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

Many Parks and Rec programs are designed to nurture young leaders, from youth advisory boards to volunteer mentorships. The goal isn’t just to provide recreation, but to plant seeds of service, teamwork, and civic pride. Other industries could take note: the best leaders don’t just manage, they mentor.

In an era where communities crave connection and authenticity, Parks and Recreation stand as a model of what leadership looks like when rooted in purpose. The next time you walk through your local park or see a recreation team in action, remember you’re witnessing community leadership at its finest.

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.

🌳 What Parks and Recreation Can Teach Other Industries About Community Leadership

From building inclusive programs to leading with empathy and adaptability, Parks and Recreation professionals are redefining what true community leadership looks like. Their approach proves that leadership isn’t just about policies or profits — it’s about people.

By listening first, collaborating widely, and creating spaces where everyone belongs, Parks and Rec departments set a standard every industry can learn from. Whether it’s nurturing young leaders or uniting diverse communities, their work reminds us that when we lead with heart, we lead for lasting impact.

👉🏻 Takeaway: Great leadership grows from the ground up, and no one cultivates it better than Parks and Recreation.

📣 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