The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

How Sports Shaped a Parks & Rec Leader: Desmond Timmons’ Journey

From the basketball courts of Georgia to leading 11,000 acres at F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Desmond Timmons has lived a life fueled by perseverance, leadership, and community service. 🌳🏀

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show Leadership Series, host Craig LeBlanc dives deep into Desmond’s powerful story:

✔️ Lessons from athletics that shaped his leadership style

✔️ The importance of being coachable in sports, work, and life

✔️ How recreation changes lives—from internships to military MWR in Iraq

✔️ Managing stress in high-pressure environments

✔️ Why recreation is more than a job—it’s a calling

How Parks & Rec Saved a Town After a Tornado 🌪️

What does it take to run a thriving Parks & Rec department — from lifeguards and aquatics to skate parks, mentorship, and even disaster recovery? 🌳

In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Doug Damery, Director of Parks & Recreation in Normal, Illinois. Doug shares his journey from a small-town kid to leading a department of 30+ staff, plus how his community bounced back after an F4 tornado leveled his home and destroyed local parks.

Growing Leaders: Building Young Entrepreneurs Through Parks & Rec

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, we launch our brand-new Growing Leaders series with special guest David L. Howard Jr. 🌟

From inspiring youth entrepreneurship through the Children’s Entrepreneur Market to creating innovative programs like kids’ fishing tournaments, esports, and family nights out—David shares how parks and recreation can shape future leaders at every age.

The Power of Parks: How Collinsville Rebuilt a Community Asset

What does it take to rebuild a Parks & Rec department from the ground up? 🌳⚒️

In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Superintendent Jared Chestnut and Director Kimberly Caughran from Collinsville, Illinois. Together, they share the inspiring journey of transforming neglected parks, outdated playgrounds, and underfunded programs into thriving community spaces.

How Military Parks & Rec Supports Our Troops with John Prue

What does MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) mean for our military and their families? In this powerful episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with John Prue, MWR Program Analyst and member of the NRPA Board of Directors, to explore the critical role of recreation in supporting quality of life for service members worldwide.

From fitness centers and esports to internships and overseas deployments, John shares stories and insights from 34 years in military recreation, and why morale can make the difference between readiness and risk.

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:

 🏅 How Youth Sports Shape Character, Community & Leadership

In this episode of Youth Sports Mastery with an engaging conversation between hosts Craig LeBlanc and Aaron Locks, joined by special guest Zoya Lehrer—a parent of three young athletes and founder of the youth sports logistics app Orgo.

While most conversations in parks and recreation come from coaches, athletes, and administrators, this episode highlighted a voice often missing: the parent’s perspective.

Zoya shared her unique journey—immigrating from Ukraine, growing up without access to organized sports, and later discovering their value as a parent. With three daughters balancing soccer, swimming, lacrosse, dance, and more, she has firsthand experience with the logistics, pressures, and rewards of today’s youth sports landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Local Sports: Children thrive when they can play with friends in their own communities. Local programs build lasting friendships for both kids and parents.

• Why Parents Say “Yes” (and “No”): Balancing multiple sports, schoolwork, and family life requires setting limits, teaching accountability, and sometimes learning to decline new opportunities.

• Soft Skills Through Sports: Zoya emphasized how athletics build resilience, confidence, teamwork, and communication—skills she noticed were missing in her own childhood but vital for her kids.

• The Pressure to Specialize: While clubs often push for year-round commitment, Zoya believes strongly in multi-sport participation, letting kids discover joy across different activities.

• Coaching & Community: Great coaches communicate clearly, model positive behavior, and create a safe, fun environment. Parents, too, can strengthen the experience by volunteering, cheering for all players, and even stepping into coaching roles.

The conversation also touched on Zoya’s tech solution, Orgo, a mobile app designed to simplify scheduling, carpools, and team logistics—helping parents and kids better manage the fast-paced world of youth sports.

“We live on a high frequency,” Zoya shared. “We sign up for the busyness, not the chaos. With the right tools and support, families can keep the joy in 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.

NRPA 2025 CONVENTION KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK

BUILD TOGETHER, PLAY TOGETHER

It’s almost time—the NRPA 2025 Annual Conference is heading to Orlando, Florida from September 15–18 at the Orange County Convention Center. As the largest gathering of parks and recreation professionals in the world, this event promises three days of learning, networking, and inspiration that you won’t want to miss.

What to Expect at NRPA 2025

• Hundreds of Education Sessions: From aquatics to finance, programming to facilities, every professional will find content tailored to their specialty. Many sessions also offer CEU credits.

• Over 500 Exhibitors: The Exhibit Hall showcases the latest in playground design, turf and field tech, aquatics innovations, robotics, smart city solutions, adaptive sports, and more.

• Interactive Features:

    ✔️ Speed Sessions in the Exhibit Hall with CEUs

    ✔️ EXPOdition Scavenger Hunt & Daily Door Prizes

    ✔️ Cash giveaway at Toro’s booth

    ✔️ Adaptive sports demos and a Pickleball Zone

• Keynote Speaker: Opening General Session features Amy Purdy, Paralympian, author, and world-class speaker, alongside NRPA President & CEO Kristine Stratton and incoming Board Chair Dr. Joshua T. Medeiros, Ed.D, CPRE.

• Networking Opportunities: Coffee breaks, receptions, and social events designed to help you expand your professional network beyond your home city.

The Daily Parks and Rec Show Coverage

This year, The Daily Parks and Rec Show will be on-site in Orlando with more than 30 live interviews scheduled with industry leaders, innovators, and emerging voices. Guests include:

• Aaron Locks, National Academy of Athletics

• David Ramirez, OutdoorLink (Smart Cities Partner)

• Dr. Joshua T. Medeiros, NRPA Board Chair

• Thomas White, Deputy Administrator of Recreation at Henry County

• Megan Keul, Award Winning Parks and Recreation and Communications Professional

• Gabby Vera, Parks & Rec Director, Lake Havasu City

• Cindy King, Incoming President, NC Parks & Rec Association

  …and many more!

These interviews will highlight everything from smart city tech to essential services advocacy, youth sports, and the future of facilities maintenance.

Why NRPA Matters

As Craig reminds us, “Your network is going to be so powerful for you when you’re facing issues back home. Don’t just sit with the people you came with—make it a goal to meet someone new at every session or meal.”

The NRPA Annual Conference isn’t just about sessions and exhibits—it’s about strengthening our shared mission, equipping ourselves with new tools, and building lasting connections that help our communities thrive.

📌 Tip for Attendees: Pace yourself! With so much to see and do, plan your schedule in advance, but leave room for the unexpected conversations and opportunities that make NRPA unforgettable.

🎥 If you can’t make it to Orlando, follow The Daily Parks and Rec Show for live coverage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes highlights all week long.

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.

🤝🏻 NRPA 2025 Convention

NRPA 2025 is set to be an unforgettable week—but the story doesn’t stop in Orlando. The Daily Parks and Rec Show will be there every step of the way, capturing the voices, ideas, and energy that make this conference the heartbeat of our profession.

With 30+ live interviews scheduled, Craig LeBlanc will bring you front-row access to leaders, innovators, and emerging voices—even if you can’t be in the room. From the Exhibit Hall floor to breakout sessions and networking events, we’ll spotlight the people and ideas shaping the future of Parks and Recreation.

📌 Why follow our coverage?

• 🎙️ Exclusive interviews with directors, award winners, and vendors

• 🎥 Behind-the-scenes looks at NRPA’s biggest moments

• 💡 Practical insights you can take back to your department

• 🌎 A digital hub connecting you to the wider Parks and Rec network

⚽ Youth Sports Mastery with Zoya Lehrer

Hosts Craig LeBlanc and Aaron Locks sat down with Zoya Lehrer—a parent of three multi-sport athletes and founder of the youth sports logistics app Orgo, for a powerful conversation on the realities of raising young athletes.

Zoya brought a valuable parent’s perspective, highlighting both the joys and challenges families face in the world of youth sports, from managing packed schedules to navigating the growing pressure for kids to specialize early.

She also introduced Orgo, her innovative mobile app that helps families stay organized with scheduling, carpools, and team logistics—empowering kids to build responsibility along the way.

🏆 Why This Matters

This conversation underscored what makes youth sports such a transformative experience: it’s not just about competition, but about community, growth, and preparing kids with skills for life.

📺 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