The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

Henry County’s Parks & Rec Dream Team: Mentorship, Midnight Hoops & More!

Step inside The Rec Room with Henry County, GA’s powerhouse Parks & Recreation team! 💪🏻 From the Watering Can Mentorship Program (teaching teens life skills beyond sports) to midnight basketball, pickleball, archery, and even acting classes, discover how this department builds community while setting the gold standard in Parks & Rec.

Why Parks & Rec Is an Essential Health Service: Dr. Medeiros on Leadership & Innovation

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Medeiros, Superintendent of Bristol, Connecticut, and incoming NRPA Board Chair, to explore how Parks & Recreation is transforming from “the fun department” into a critical health and wellness provider. 🏥

Young Pros in Parks & Rec: Intern-to-Leader Journeys & Lessons

From internships and summer camps to leading special events, meet the next generation of Parks & Recreation leaders making a difference in Henry County! 🌳

In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show (Young Professionals Network), Craig LeBlanc sits down with Paige, Kara, Kaylin, and Dr. Zach Graham to talk about:

• Their unconventional paths into Parks & Rec (from theater kids to OT doctors!)

• How summer camps, after-school programs, and events shape the community

• Behind-the-scenes of major events like Haunted Trails, Hot Summer Fest, and Rec & Roll

• The supportive, family-like culture that keeps this team thriving

• Advice for students & young professionals considering Parks & Rec as a career

Parks & Rec: The Key to Community Health

Is Parks & Recreation just “nice to have,” or is it truly ESSENTIAL? 🎙️ In this Leadership Series episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with veteran director Seve Ghose to uncover how Parks & Rec serves as a critical provider of preventative health, wellness, and emergency services for communities nationwide. 🌳🏥

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:

WHY PARKS & REC? TOP 10 REASONS YOU SHOULD BE IN THIS INDUSTRY 

In a heartfelt and insightful Episode 213 of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, Craig LeBlanc “the doorman” — takes a powerful step back to reflect on a question he’s asked over 500 Parks and Rec professionals during the past year:

“Why do you do what you do?”

What resulted is the first version of a living list: The Top 10 Reasons You Should Be in Parks and Recreation. This isn’t just Craig’s opinion—it’s a culmination of voices from across the country. Here’s a quick dive into the highlights:

🏙 Build Culture

Parks and Rec expresses a community’s heartbeat. Through festivals, programs, and public spaces, the department helps define who we are and how we come together.

🌿 Celebrate the Beauty

Parks professionals don’t just maintain landscapes—they preserve nature, plant century-old oaks, and create peaceful spaces in the heart of urban life.

🎉 Be the Celebration

From Fourth of July parades to holiday festivals, Parks and Rec departments plan and host the moments that become lifelong memories for families.

👥 Love the People

This industry attracts servant-hearted leaders who show up on weekends and holidays—not for fame or fortune, but for their community. “The people” came up in almost every interview.

💛 Serve the Underserved

Whether it's kids with no transportation, seniors in need of community, or the differently abled, Parks and Rec asks: Who are we leaving out? And then steps in to bridge the gap.

🌍 Make an Impact

Your work echoes in your community. Unlike many jobs, this one leaves you knowing you truly made a difference—every single day.

🌱 Leave a Legacy

From a playground that lasts generations to master plans for future development, Parks and Rec professionals think long-term. As Craig put it: “Plant a tree you’ll never sit under.”

🫱🏻‍🫲🏻 Build Community

It’s about more than facilities—it’s about connection. Parks and Rec creates spaces where people meet, grow, and belong.

🌐 Join the Network

There’s no other industry like it. From national conferences to local meetups, Parks and Rec is one giant, collaborative, open-source community of professionals helping each other grow.

🔥 Who You Become

Leadership, adaptability, grace under pressure—this field transforms you. From day one, you're thrown into real challenges, and through them, you grow into someone remarkable.

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!

🌱 Top 10 Reasons You Should Be in Parks & Rec 

Offers a powerful reminder of what makes this field more than just a job. It’s a calling. It’s community. It’s culture. And it’s the legacy we leave behind.

Whether you’re a seasoned director, a rising young professional, or someone just discovering this path, this episode is an invitation to reflect on your own “why”—and to be proud of the impact you make every single day.

📺 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