The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Building Community Before Crisis with Thomas White & Craig LeBlanc

What happens when leadership is rooted in community, compassion, and prevention?

In this powerful episode from the GRPA Conference 2025, The Daily Parks and Rec Show sits down with Thomas White of Henry County, Georgia Parks & Recreation to explore one of the most impactful leadership journeys in the parks and recreation profession.

Thomas shares his remarkable transition from working in high-security corrections facilities to building community-centered Parks & Rec programs that prevent crises before they begin. From developing one of the strongest internship pipelines in the industry, to creating a family-centered workplace culture, this episode dives deep into what real leadership looks like in public service.

Why Communities Can’t Thrive Without Parks & Recreation

In this powerful episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, recorded live at the GRPA Conference 2025, we sit down with Holli Browder, Director of Columbus Parks & Recreation and former GRPA President, and Nick Clark, Operations Director of Teen Services for the City of Atlanta.

Together, they share inspiring career journeys, explain the life-changing impact of Parks & Recreation, and deliver a compelling case for why Parks & Rec is vital to health, safety, equity, and community connection.

How a Career in Parks & Rec Can Take You Anywhere

What does it really mean to build community through Parks & Recreation?

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, recorded live at the GRPA Annual Conference in Jekyll Island, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Crystal Dawson, Assistant City Manager and Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Doraville, Georgia.

Crystal shares her unconventional journey—from pre-med student to recreational therapist to city leadership—and explains why Parks & Recreation is both a calling and a limitless career path. This conversation dives into master planning, community engagement, leadership growth, and why listening to residents is the foundation of successful public spaces.

How Cities Pull Off Large-Scale Community Events

What does it really take to plan, set up, and execute 50+ special events a year for a thriving community?

Live from the GRPA Conference in Jekyll Island, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Kimberly Lindsay and Chris Helton of Peachtree City, Georgia to talk about their first-ever GRPA experience, their career paths into Parks and Recreation, and the behind-the-scenes work that makes community special events successful.

From July 4th celebrations and fall festivals to concert series, pop-up events, vendor partnerships, and weather challenges, this conversation highlights how parks and recreation professionals create meaningful moments that bring communities together.

How Young Professionals Can Succeed in Parks & Recreation

What does it really take to build a career in Parks & Recreation as a young professional?

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc brings together interns, early-career professionals, and emerging leaders for a powerful Young Professionals Network (YPN) roundtable discussion.

This episode dives into real career paths, internships, networking, personal branding, and the unconventional journeys that lead people into Parks & Recreation. From youth sports and special events to UX design, marketing, administration, and programming—this conversation highlights how the next generation is shaping the future of the industry.

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 Aaron Locks, CEO of the National Academy of Athletics, to 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

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.

Want to know more? Read the full article here: 👇🏻

HER SPORTS: THE VOICE OF WOMEN’S SPORT IN SAN DIEGO

Her Sports is creating a space where anyone can follow the women’s game and celebrate its impact on our community. By connecting fans, athletes, and institutions, we’re building a city-wide network that champions women’s sports, strengthens visibility for female athletes, and ensures their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated. At Her Sports San Diego, we’re on a mission to elevate the voice of women’s sports in our city. National media coverage of women’s athletics remains shockingly low at less than 15% overall and under 8% for professional sports. The numbers don’t lie- women’s athletics are underrepresented. We aim to change that by providing accessible, high-quality coverage of San Diego’s professional and collegiate women athletes.

THE ATHLETE’S COMMUTE PODCAST

Be Part of the Movement Elevating Women’s Sports

Join Her Sports San Diego as we amplify the voices, stories, and impact of women athletes across our city. Follow along, share the stories, and help us build a stronger, more visible future for women’s sports.

🔗 Explore Her Sports San Diego: https://hersportssd.substack.com/

HOW OUTDOORLINK HELPS PARKS DO MORE WITH LESS

Outdoorlink supports Parks & Recreation departments in managing today’s parks more efficiently by providing cellular-based remote device management technology. Designed for teams working with limited staff and tight budgets, the platform allows park professionals to monitor and control critical infrastructure without needing to be physically on site.

With real-time visibility over assets such as lighting, signage, gates, and other powered equipment, Outdoorlink helps reduce manual checks and speed up issue resolution. The result is more reliable daily operations, better use of existing resources, and greater confidence managing multiple facilities.

Why It Matters

Parks departments are being asked to manage more facilities, more technology, and more expectations with fewer resources. Outdoorlink helps meet that challenge by simplifying operations and reducing unnecessary site visits.

With Outdoorlink’s platform, park teams can:

• Monitor lighting and powered assets in real time

• Receive instant alerts when outages or issues occur

• Remotely turn systems on or off and reboot equipment

• Automate schedules based on local sunrise and sunset

• Manage multiple parks and facilities from one centralized dashboard

By reducing after site visits and manual inspections, Outdoorlink helps departments save time, control operational costs, and improve overall system reliability.

Outdoorlink’s cellular-based technology also removes the need for complex network infrastructure, making it easier to deploy across both urban and rural parks. The result is a more efficient, scalable approach to park operations that supports sustainability goals and long-term asset performance.

Discover how Outdoorlink simplifies monitoring, automation, and asset management—without complex networks or added staffing.

🔗 See How Outdoorlink Works: https://outdoorlink.com/

ON THE FRONTLINE: SPOTLIGHTING THE VOICES OF MILITARY RECREATION PROFESSIONAL

On the Front Line – The Military Rec Show expands The Daily Parks and Rec Show’s reach as a powerful addition to the DPRS Media Network, shining a spotlight on military recreation professionals serving armed forces communities around the world. Airing every Tuesday at 1:30 PM EST, the show focuses on the individuals who support millions of service members and their families across the Department of Defense under uniquely demanding conditions.

What sets On the Front Line apart is its blend of professional insight and personal storytelling. Each episode explores relevant industry topics, innovative programs, and best practices while also highlighting the real experiences, challenges, and perspectives of military recreation professionals, turning lived experience into meaningful education for the broader Parks & Recreation community.

Beyond his operational leadership, John has been a longtime advocate and contributor within the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), serving the organization for more than 30 years through conference leadership, presentations, published articles, and board service. Today, as Founder and CEO of JDP Services – Management Consulting, he continues to support and guide Parks and Recreation professionals nationwide.

For Parks & Recreation professionals seeking insight, inspiration, and perspective from one of the most specialized sectors of the field, On the Front Line – The Military Rec Show is essential listening.

A Woman’s Journey Through Parks and Recreation

By Paige Ferguson, Henry County Parks and Recreation

My story begins on a bright summer morning at my favorite local coffee shop, the unofficial campus for my second round of college life. After a four-year break from school, that café had become my classroom. I’d once dropped out after hopping between three universities and as many majors, unsure of what direction I wanted my life to take.

During my break from schooling, I worked at a gym. Eventually, I left that job to focus on returning to school. This time, I came with a plan. I enrolled in a business administration and data analytics program with a focus on digital marketing and advertising. (Yes, it’s a mouthful, but it looks great on a resume and was finally a degree that elicited some modicum of passion.) Once I’d finally settled back into the rhythm of college life, which, let’s be honest, takes a minute, I decided it was time to find work again, something that blended what I knew with what I was learning.

That’s where fate, or maybe caffeine, stepped in.

As I sipped on my iced latte, enjoying the busy energy of the café’s morning rush, I spotted a familiar face from my gym days. After a cheerful reunion and a few minutes of catching up, she mentioned that she’d been interning with Henry County Parks and Recreation. My curiosity perked up. Parks and Recreation? Like the TV show? She laughed and said it was even better in real life.

She wasn’t sure if they were hiring, but she kindly called her supervisor, a man named Thomas, who agreed to meet me. I had no idea at the time that this casual conversation over coffee would completely reshape the next year of my life.

A week later, I found myself walking into the Parks and Recreation office for what wasn’t technically an interview but definitely felt like one. Thomas had the kind of presence that makes you both nervous and inspired. He asked about my goals, what I wanted to do, and, of course, the classic “who do you want to be when you grow up?” question. He made no promises but said he’d make a few calls to see if any doors could open.

Not long after, one did.

Thomas called about a supervisor position in the Afterschool Program. It wasn’t what I expected, but he assured me it was the perfect way to get my foot in the door. Maybe it was his confidence, or his persuasive tone, but I decided to take the leap. I applied, interviewed, and was thrilled to get the job.

Working in the Afterschool Program turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The kids were hilarious, energetic, and occasionally wild; a daily class in patience and joy. It reminded me that leadership isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about connection, adaptability, and heart.

Over those five months, I often found myself in the Parks and Recreation office, helping with projects and learning the inner workings of the department. I even found myself dressed as a princess for the Henry County Christmas Festival, tiara and all. Something clicked. I suddenly “got it.” Parks and Recreation isn’t just about playgrounds and pavilions. It’s about people. It’s about community. It’s about creating the spaces, literal and emotional, where people come together.

In early 2025, a new opportunity opened: a role in rentals. I transitioned out of the Afterschool Program into giving tours and managing facility bookings. It was completely different, but just as fulfilling. Every booking came with a story: weddings, family reunions, retirement parties, all the little milestones that make life worth celebrating. As a bonus, I started working closely with the special events team.

Eventually, a full-time position opened as a special events assistant. By then, I’d seen enough behind the scenes to know this was where I wanted to be. I applied, got the job, and admittedly, had a moment of doubt, the “am I really ready for this?” panic we all know too well. But with the encouragement of my Henry County Parks and Recreation family, I said yes.

Notice the word family. That’s what this place is, a family. A group of people who believe in service, community, and in each other.

Since stepping into the full-time special events position, I’ve had the chance to see ideas turn into something real. I’ve watched events come to life, from empty fields transforming into bustling festivals to families gathering under twinkling lights, laughing and making memories. There’s something special about standing in the middle of all that and knowing you helped make it happen.

This job has also opened doors I never expected. I’ve been featured on podcasts, written articles like this one, and worked alongside some of the most creative and passionate people you could ever meet. Every project reminds me how lucky I am to be part of something that brings people together and gives back to the community.

Looking back, it’s still funny to think that it all started with a cup of coffee and a simple conversation. What began as a casual chat at my favorite café has turned into a career filled with purpose, connection, and gratitude. Sometimes, life really does have a way of brewing up the perfect blend when you least expect it.

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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:

🌳 A Woman’s Journey Through Parks and Recreation

In A Woman’s Journey Through Parks and Recreation, Paige Ferguson of Henry County Parks and Recreation shares how an unexpected coffee shop conversation led to a fulfilling career rooted in service and community. Her story highlights a non-linear path into Parks & Recreation—one shaped by curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to say yes to new opportunities.

A Woman’s Journey Through Parks… From afterschool programming to special events, Paige discovered that Parks & Recreation is ultimately about people—creating meaningful experiences, building connections, and strengthening communities. Her journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most rewarding careers begin in the most unexpected places.

📣 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!

🔗 https://youtube.com/@thedailyparksrec-q8l?si=48OpUSw63to_pZKw

🤝 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