The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

How AI is Transforming Parks & Rec 🤖

Artificial Intelligence isn’t the future—it’s happening NOW in Parks & Recreation. 🚀

In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Brian Dixon of Henry County Parks & Rec to explore how AI is changing the way we work, plan, and lead. From facility maintenance to turf management to everyday workflows, AI is a tool that can save time, cut costs, and empower teams.

Parks & Rec Goes Esports?! Henry County GA Builds a Gaming Revolution 🎮

Esports in Parks & Recreation?! 🤯 Yes, it’s happening—and Henry County, GA is leading the charge! In this must-watch episode of The Rec Room (Ep. 222), we pull back the curtain on one of the first Parks & Rec departments in the nation to create a cutting-edge esports facility inside a rec center.

From youth tournaments and scholarship opportunities to community-building through gaming, Henry County is rewriting the playbook for what Parks & Rec can be. Could esports really become the next big thing in community recreation? 👀

How Henry County Built Award-Winning Parks & Rec

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Donna Holder, a true Parks & Rec veteran with over 38 years of service at Henry County, Georgia Parks and Recreation. 💼🌳

Donna shares her journey from being a Parks & Rec kid to becoming a leader shaping community programs, special events, and therapeutic recreation. Discover the mentorship programs, special needs initiatives, vendor partnerships, and innovative events like drone shows that make Henry County one of the most decorated Parks & Rec departments in America.

How YPN Builds Confidence & Community with Rachel Smith & Craig LeBlanc

In this inspiring episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Rachel Smith, a leader in the Young Professionals Network (YPN), to explore her Parks & Rec journey—from art therapy beginnings to revitalizing Lynchburg’s Jackson Heights Art Studio. 🎨

Rachel shares how YPN shaped her career, why pottery reflects life’s lessons, and the importance of partnerships, mentorship, and creating joy in the community. 🌟

Innovating Parks & Rec: Equity, Trails & Green Spaces

In this inspiring episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, we sit down with Marcus Gallegos, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation for Lewisville, Texas, to explore his remarkable journey from the insurance industry to building thriving communities through parks, recreation, and innovation.

🌟 Marcus shares how he pivoted careers, opened a $20M Recreation & Aquatic Center in Roswell, NM, and now leads multiple divisions in Lewisville. From pioneering wildflower programs that save millions in maintenance costs 🌸 to championing the 10-Minute Walk to a Park initiative, Marcus is shaping the future of public spaces with sustainability, equity, and vision.

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:

 🏅 Youth Sports Truth Bombs: Burnout, Scholarships & Letting Kids Play

On this episode of Youth Sports Mastery, Aaron Locks (CEO of the National Academy of Athletics) sat down with V.J. Stanley Jr.—former college hockey coach, author, and youth sports consultant—to tackle some of the biggest misconceptions in youth sports today.

From “burnout” to the scholarship chase, this candid conversation brought clarity (and a little tough love) to parents, coaches, and rec leaders everywhere.

Is it really burnout?

V.J. Stanley challenged the common belief that kids are leaving sports because they’re “burned out.” Instead, he explained that the system itself is broken:

• Kids sit in classrooms for hours, stripped of gym and free play.

• Overcoaching and constant instruction steal the joy of the game.

• Pressure to specialize early creates frustration, not fulfillment.

“It’s not burnout—it’s a race to nowhere,” V.J. said. “We’ve created a system where kids can’t possibly succeed, so they stop wanting to try.”

The scholarship myth

One of the most powerful parts of the episode was the breakdown of athletic scholarships. V.J. explained that most families spend thousands chasing opportunities that never materialize.

• Fewer than 1% of athletes truly earn Division I scholarships.

• Recruiting videos and services rarely change outcomes—if your child is good enough, coaches already know.

• The most important sign? Direct, personal contact from a college coach.

Aaron emphasized that parents can’t make the journey amazing for their child—but they can absolutely ruin it by piling on pressure.

The case for chaos (and fun)

Both Aaron and V.J. agreed that the best way to keep kids in sports is to bring back the joy of play.

• Let kids make their own rules.

• Encourage older kids to mentor younger ones.

• Celebrate effort and fun over perfection.

The true cost of youth sports

Parents were also challenged to calculate what they’re really investing. Beyond uniforms and travel, the hours spent and the pressure added often far outweigh the return. Instead, Aaron and V.J. urged families to focus on recreation, fun, and life lessons—the real wins of youth sports.

⚽ Youth Sports Mastery is live every Thursday at 1:30 PM EST on The Daily Parks and Rec Show, powered by DPRS Media Co. and sponsored by the National Academy of Athletics.

👉 Watch this episode to hear the full breakdown of scholarships, the pitfalls of overcoaching, and how to reignite the joy of play.

SMART SOLUTIONS FOR PARKS: OUTDOORLINK’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES

This week, we’re highlighting Outdoorlink, a company that’s transforming the way Parks and Recreation departments manage their facilities. From field lights and water features to gates and electrical access, Outdoorlink’s smart technology helps communities save money, reduce staff workload, and deliver better experiences for residents—all with the tap of a phone.

More Than Just Lights

Outdoorlink offers a simple yet powerful system: remote controls for park facilities, from field lights to water features and gates. Instead of staff driving across town late at night to flip a switch—or worse, leaving expensive lights burning all weekend—parks can now manage everything from a phone app. The result? Lower electric bills, fewer staff hours wasted, and happier neighbors.

Built for Parks and Rec

One of Outdoorlink’s strengths is its deep understanding of the challenges faced by park professionals. Many on their team are former Parks and Rec directors themselves, bringing firsthand experience to the solutions they design. Their system is:

• Easy to install – even by on-staff electricians or maintenance teams.

• User-friendly – training takes minutes, not hours.

• Battle-tested – with over 80,000 units deployed in extreme environments, from deserts to snowy mountains.

Supporting the Mission of Parks and Rec

Beyond technology, the conversation highlighted something bigger: the culture of passion and service in Parks and Rec. Tasha Mayes shared how her perspective changed after working closely with professionals in the field—recognizing not only their dedication but also the leadership training culture that runs throughout the industry. From seasonal staff to seasoned directors, Parks and Rec is constantly shaping leaders and strengthening communities.

Why It Matters

Smart tools like Outdoorlink don’t just cut costs—they free up staff to focus on people, not just tasks. Instead of driving 20 miles to turn off a field light, Parks and Rec teams can spend that time running programs, connecting with residents, and improving community life.

“When you save Parks and Rec staff time, you give them more capacity to invest in their people. That’s the heart of this industry.” – Craig LeBlanc

▶️ Watch the full episode with Tasha Mayes of Outdoorlink on The Daily Parks and Rec Show: https://youtu.be/Tn1_Otacr1M

🔗 Learn more about Outdoorlink’s solutions: https://outdoorlink.com/

PARKS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE LEGACY

Our parks are more than just green spaces — they are living legacies we pass down to future generations. As our communities grow and face new environmental challenges, sustainability has become a vital part of parks and recreation. By embracing eco-friendly practices today, we ensure that tomorrow’s families can enjoy the same beauty, health, and connection to nature that we cherish.

♻️ Recycling and Waste Reduction

Many parks are now introducing more accessible recycling stations, composting programs, and educational signage to encourage responsible waste disposal. These small but powerful efforts reduce landfill waste and help keep our shared spaces clean.

🐝 Supporting Wildlife and Biodiversity

From pollinator gardens that attract bees and butterflies to restored habitats that protect native birds and small mammals, parks are essential for wildlife preservation. These initiatives not only safeguard biodiversity but also create unique opportunities for community members to learn about and connect with local ecosystems.

🌍 Green Practices for a Greener Future

Across the country, parks are implementing innovative sustainability measures, such as:

• Switching to electric maintenance equipment.

• Installing solar-powered lighting along trails.

• Using native plants that require less water and maintenance.

💡 How You Can Help

Community involvement is key to making these efforts successful. Whether it’s participating in a local park clean-up, planting trees, or simply being mindful of your own impact when visiting, every action makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that our parks remain thriving, welcoming spaces for generations to come.

✨ Let’s work hand-in-hand to preserve the beauty of our parks — because a greener today means a brighter tomorrow.

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!

⚽ Bringing the Fun Back to Youth Sports

The biggest takeaway from this episode of Youth Sports Mastery is simple: youth sports should be about joy, growth, and community—not pressure, false promises, or burnout.

Parents: Focus less on scholarships and more on supporting your child’s love of the game.

Coaches: Resist the urge to over-direct—create space for kids to learn, make mistakes, and grow.

Communities: Invest in recreation programs that keep kids active, included, and excited to play.

As Aaron Locks reminded us, “You can’t make the youth sports experience amazing for your child—but you can absolutely ruin it.”

Let’s flip the script: put fun first, trust the process, and build lasting memories that matter far beyond the scoreboard.

👉 Catch new episodes of Youth Sports Mastery every Thursday at 1:30 PM EST on The Daily Parks and Rec Show.

💡 Smart Solutions for Parks: Outdoorlink’s Role in Supporting Communities

Outdoorlink is more than a technology company—it’s a true partner for Parks and Recreation. By making everyday tasks like turning lights on and off simpler, faster, and more cost-effective, Outdoorlink helps staff focus on what matters most: serving people and strengthening communities. Their smart solutions save energy, reduce workload, and create safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone.

👉 Parks and Rec leaders: if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, scalable tool to make your facilities run smarter, Outdoorlink is worth a closer look.

👉🏻 Explore more at www.outdoorlink.com

🌱 Parks for Future Generations: Building a Sustainable Legacy

As our parks evolve, one truth remains clear: sustainability is not just about the present—it’s about the legacy we leave behind. From recycling stations and pollinator gardens to solar lighting and electric maintenance tools, these initiatives prove that every step toward greener practices has a lasting impact.

By working together as a community—through small actions like proper waste disposal, volunteering, or supporting eco-friendly programs—we ensure that our parks remain vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for generations to come.

✨ Because when we care for our parks today, we secure a healthier tomorrow.

📺 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