The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Career Growth & Leadership in Parks & Rec

In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show Leadership Series, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Jill Sellers, Parks & Recreation Director for China Grove, North Carolina. 🌳

From childhood playgrounds and risk-taking in early development to PhD research, festival planning, and small-town leadership, Jill shares her journey of shaping community life in a town of under 5,000 residents.

From Teen Counselor to County Parks Leader

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, we sit down with Ashika Lal, Parks Administrator for San Joaquin County, podcast host, and longtime Parks & Recreation professional.

Ashika shares her journey from a 17-year-old camp counselor to leading at the county level, her experiences running large-scale special events, and how podcasting gave her a platform to amplify unique voices. 🌟

Coaching, Community & Legacy with Jason Hendrix

In this episode of Leadership Series on The Daily Parks & Rec Show, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Jason Hendrix, Recreation Supervisor for the City of Mesa, AZ, to explore how Parks & Recreation goes far beyond fields and playgrounds—it's about building legacy, shaping young lives, and leading with purpose.

Pickleball, Parks & Rec, and Building Stronger Communities w/ Laree Mancour

Welcome to Youth Sports Mastery, powered by DPRS Media Co. and sponsored by the National Academy of Athletics (NAofA).

In this episode, host Aaron Locks is joined by pickleball instructor and community builder Laree Mancour to explore how the fastest-growing sport in America is transforming youth sports, recreation programs, and entire communities.

From Army Veteran to Park Leader with Shawn Settle

What does it take to lead a state park system and protect thousands of acres of natural beauty? 🏞️

In this episode of Leadership Series on The Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Shawn Settle, Park Manager at Tennessee State Parks, to explore his inspiring journey from 10 years in the Army to becoming a state park ranger and leader.

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:

THE ROLE OF PARKS IN BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES

When you think of a park, what comes to mind first? A playground? A walking trail? Maybe a quiet spot under the trees? Parks are all those things, but they’re also much more: they’re the heartbeat of communities.

In a world where people are often pulled toward screens and away from face-to-face interaction, parks provide something irreplaceable — a space where neighbors connect, families bond, and strangers become friends.

🏞 Parks as Common Ground

Unlike gyms or private clubs, parks are open to everyone. They level the playing field — literally and figuratively — by providing accessible spaces for recreation, relaxation, and gathering. Whether it’s a soccer match, a weekend picnic, or simply greeting others on a trail, these shared experiences foster a sense of belonging.

🧘 Parks and Well-Being

Research shows that time spent in nature improves mental health, lowers stress, and boosts physical wellness. When communities have healthy residents, they have stronger social bonds and fewer barriers to engagement. Parks give people a safe, affordable way to take care of their minds and bodies — together.

🎉 Parks as Community Builders

From concerts and farmers’ markets to volunteer clean-ups, parks are often where communities come together to celebrate, collaborate, and grow. These shared traditions and activities strengthen civic pride and help build trust among neighbors.

🌱 Parks for the Future

Perhaps most importantly, parks give the next generation a sense of stewardship. When children grow up playing, learning, and exploring outdoors, they carry forward an appreciation for both their environment and their community. That’s an investment in the long-term strength of any society.

✨  Bottom Line: Parks aren’t just green spaces — they’re social infrastructure. They connect us, heal us, and remind us that we’re part of something bigger. When communities invest in parks, they’re not just building playgrounds or trails. They’re building stronger, more connected communities.

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!

🌱 The Role of Parks in Building Stronger Communities

At their core, parks are more than open fields and shaded trails — they are the threads that weave communities together. From health and wellness to cultural connection and civic pride, these green spaces serve as a living reminder that strong communities don’t just happen; they are built, nurtured, and sustained in the everyday moments we share outdoors.

When we invest in parks, we invest in people. And when we gather in parks, we remind ourselves that we belong to something greater than ourselves — a community.

📣 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