The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

April 05, 2026

DPRS Media Network is the official media production arm of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, a storytelling-driven platform dedicated to elevating voices in the Parks & Recreation and Youth Sports communities. We create compelling content that educates, entertains, and empowers professionals, athletes, and local leaders alike.

Through our growing podcast network, livestream shows, community-based video series, and documentary-style storytelling, DPRS Media is redefining how impactful stories are told at the intersection of community, recreation, and youth development.

OUR MISSION

To provide high-quality media production that strengthens community impact, showcases leadership in parks and rec, and builds lasting partnerships with brands aligned with youth, health, education, and positive development.

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

How to Build a Long-Term Career in Parks

What does it take to build a 35-year career in Parks & Recreation leadership?

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, we sit down with Tina Spallo, Deputy Director of Jackson County Parks + Rec (Missouri), to explore her journey from “park rat” and competitive athlete to leading one of the largest county park systems in the country.

From Ice Carving in Alaska to World Cup Planning in Texas

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show – Leadership Series, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Donnie Hayes, Director of Parks & Recreation for Missouri City, Texas, to unpack a career that spans California, Utah, Idaho, Alaska, Missouri, and Texas.

From managing a historic golf course after Hurricane Beryl to leading a department preparing for the 250th Anniversary of Independence and the 2026 World Cup, Donnie shares powerful leadership lessons, creative programming stories (including chainsaw carving classes!), and what it takes to rebuild trust and culture after organizational shifts.

The Next Generation of Parks & Rec Leadership Starts Here

What does the future of Parks & Recreation look like?

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, we sit down with Eric Henschel, Operations Supervisor for Wellington, Colorado, and the Incoming Chair of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) under NRPA.

Why Parks & Rec Is More Than Sports & Camps

In this episode of the YPN on The Daily Parks and Rec Show, Aidyn Tierney and Michael Morrow reflect on their DPRS internship experience, lessons learned, career goals for 2026, and what surprised them most about the Parks & Recreation industry.

From building a professional brand on LinkedIn to learning how to host live interviews, coordinate guests, and network across the country, this episode is packed with insights for college students, interns, and young professionals navigating their career paths.

How DPRS Is Scaling Parks & Rec Media Nationwide

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, our host Craig LeBlanc shares a powerful behind-the-scenes update on DPRS Media Network’s 2026 expansion, including new show launches, strategic partnerships, software upgrades, state conference appearances, and the road to 400 episodes.

🌐 From Smart Cities and Youth Sports to Military Recreation and Young Professionals, DPRS is building the first media company fully dedicated to the Parks & Recreation community.

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

Whether you're a coach, parent, recreation professional, or youth sports enthusiast, Youth Sports Mastery offers practical insights, fresh ideas, and real stories that help you create fun, inclusive, and impactful sports programs. From coaching tips and parenting wisdom to managing in-house programs or outsourcing them, we dive into what really works to build healthy kids, strong communities, and a lifelong love of sports.

Tune in, get inspired, and help us keep the joy in youth sports alive!

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.

Aaron Locks (CEO of National Academy of Athletics)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 866-90-SPORT / 707-527-2071

Website: http://www.NAofAFranchise.com

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

Vendor Spotlight: Youth Sports Mastery

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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

The Athlete’s Commute is a podcast from Her Sports that features candid conversations with guests on their way to training. Hosted by Jourdan Ziff, the show captures athletes and people contributing to the women’s sports movement in a relaxed, in between moment, creating space for authentic stories about their routines, careers, community ties, and life beyond the game.

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.

Vendor Spotlight: Smart Parks Forward: Lighting the Way to Smarter, Safer, and More Efficient Parks

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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.

At the helm of the show is host and content coordinator John Prue, whose nearly four decades of service in Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) with the United States Navy bring unparalleled depth and credibility to the podcast. John’s career includes leadership roles such as MWR Program Analyst for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, where he evaluated program effectiveness across 23 installations in nine states, and Installation Program Director at Naval Station Great Lakes—home to the Navy’s only boot camp.

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.

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

Vendor Spotlight: Voices of Military Recreation Professionals

parks-and-rec-post-newsletter-b90b18.beehiiv.com/p/vendor-spotlight-voices-of-military-recreation-professionals

🌟 Women Leading the Way in Parks & Recreation

Across the country—and around the world—women are shaping the future of parks and recreation in powerful, lasting ways. From executive leadership roles to frontline programming, they are driving innovation, building inclusive communities, and redefining what it means to lead in this essential field.

Breaking Barriers, Building Communities

Historically, parks and recreation have been a male-dominated industry, particularly in leadership positions. Today, that narrative is changing. Women are stepping into director, superintendent, and executive roles at an increasing rate—bringing fresh perspectives that prioritize community engagement, equity, and holistic wellness.

Their leadership is not just about representation—it’s about impact.

Women leaders are:

Championing inclusive programming for underserved populations
Expanding access to outdoor spaces for all ages and abilities
Leading sustainability and environmental stewardship initiatives
Creating safe, welcoming environments for diverse communities

Leading with Purpose and Empathy

One of the defining characteristics of women in parks and recreation leadership is their people-first approach. Whether it’s mentoring staff, engaging with community members, or collaborating with local organizations, women leaders often bring a strong sense of empathy and connection to their work.

Leading with Purpose and Empathy

Inspiring the Next Generation

Representation matters. As more women rise into leadership roles, they are inspiring the next generation of professionals to pursue careers in parks and recreation.

Young women entering the field now see possibilities that didn’t exist before:

Leadership pathways that are attainable
Mentorship opportunities from experienced professionals
A growing network of support and collaboration

Organizations are also stepping up by investing in leadership development programs, networking groups, and initiatives specifically designed to empower women in the industry.

The Future of Parks & Recreation is Inclusive

The future of parks and recreation depends on diverse voices, innovative thinking, and strong leadership. Women are not only contributing to that future—they are helping lead it.

As we celebrate the achievements of women in this field, we also recognize the importance of continuing to open doors, elevate voices, and create opportunities for those who will follow.

Because when women lead, communities thrive.

UPCOMING SHOWS SCHEDULE

OUR HOSTS

EDITOR’S PAGE

FEATURE WRAP UP

Thank you for reading!

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:

📣 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