The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Inside Hillsborough County Parks & Rec: Building Community, Communication & Connection

In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Dave Ramirez from OutdoorLink sits down with Mikah Collins from Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, FL, one of the state’s most dynamic departments.

From his early days managing skate parks to leading community relations and sponsorship programs, Mikah shares how communication, creativity, and connection drive the future of Parks & Rec. 🌳

Empowering Urban Communities Through Parks with Cathie Schanz

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Dave Ramirez from OutdoorLink sits down with Cathie Schanz, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces for Hallandale Beach, Florida — a vibrant 4-square-mile city with 18 beautiful parks!

Cathie shares her 30-year journey in Parks & Rec — from Milwaukee to Florida — and how her small but mighty department continues to create thriving community spaces in a densely urban environment. 🌆

Why Parks & Rec Isn’t Just Essential — It’s VITAL

Live from the NRPA Conference 2025, we sit down with Steph Stephens, Executive Director of the California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS), and Cindy Bagley, CPRS President, for an inspiring conversation about the vital role Parks & Rec plays in every community.

From redefining “essential services” to highlighting how parks build belonging, connection, and economic value — this episode captures the heart and soul of California’s Parks & Recreation leaders.

Leading with Purpose: Aaron Browning on the Future of Parks & Rec

In this Leadership Series episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, recorded live at the NRPA Conference 2025 in Orlando, host Craig sits down with Aaron Browning, Deputy Director of Knoxville Parks and Recreation.

Aaron shares his inspiring journey from the U.S. Tennis Association to local government leadership, his insights on technology and AI in Parks & Rec, and powerful stories that show why parks and recreation is more than fun—it’s essential.

How Parks & Recreation Shapes the Future of Growing Cities

What does it take to lead with purpose, manage growth, and build connection through Parks & Recreation?

In this Leadership Series episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc chats with Bryan Myers and Dave Fair from Post Falls, Idaho, live at the 2025 NRPA Conference in Orlando, Florida

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.

Steve Ball Shows How Coaching with Character Creates Lifelong Impact

On this episode of Youth Sports Mastery with Aaron Locks, Napa Valley College Head Coach Steve Ball shares how youth sports can build not just better players, but better people. From rec leagues to college basketball, Coach Ball dives deep into leadership, failure, fun, and what truly defines success. Hear how he connects parks and rec values with college-level coaching and why patience, play, and purpose matter more than trophies.

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:

REIMAIGINING RECREATION: THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC SPACES

Public spaces have always been the heartbeat of a community—places where people gather to relax, play, learn, and connect. But as cities evolve and communities shift toward more inclusive and technology-driven lifestyles, parks and recreation departments across the country are looking ahead. The mission? To reimagine what recreation can be in a world where innovation and community needs constantly change.

Today, the future of public spaces is more dynamic, more connected, and more intentional than ever.

Smarter, Sustainable Parks

Tomorrow’s public spaces are going green—and smart. More cities are integrating solar-powered lighting, water-saving irrigation, and eco-friendly materials into park design. These upgrades reduce operational costs while promoting environmental stewardship.

Smart technology is also transforming maintenance and safety. From remote-controlled lighting systems to real-time monitoring of amenities, automation helps departments streamline operations and create safer, more reliable spaces for visitors.

Designing for Everyone

The future of recreation is inclusive by design. More parks are prioritizing ADA-compliant playgrounds, sensory-friendly zones, and universally accessible trails. Communities are also seeing the rise of intergenerational spaces that cater to families, seniors, teens, and people with special needs in one cohesive environment.

Public spaces are no longer “one-size-fits-all”—they are intentionally crafted to ensure everyone feels welcome and able to participate.

Hybrid Recreation: Digital Meets Physical

Technology isn’t replacing public spaces—it’s enhancing them. QR-coded trail markers, digital scavenger hunts, virtual fitness challenges, and interactive kiosks are helping parks reach new audiences and encourage engagement beyond the physical visit.

Hybrid recreation allows agencies to stay connected with the community anytime, anywhere.

Community-Driven Programming

As communities diversify, so do the types of recreation they seek. Innovative programming now reflects cultural traditions, health and wellness trends, and modern lifestyles—from outdoor yoga sessions to community gardens, e-sports leagues, and pop-up arts events in the park.

Engaging residents through surveys, social media, and listening sessions ensures programming aligns with what people actually want—not just what’s always been done.

Parks as Community Anchors

More park systems are stepping into a new role: community resilience hubs. During emergencies, public spaces and recreation centers transform into gathering points for resources, shelter, and support.

In everyday life, parks are becoming hubs for learning, wellness, connection, and civic pride—strengthening the social fabric of neighborhoods.

Looking Forward

Reimagining recreation means designing spaces that reflect the heart of the community while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow. As technology advances, sustainability becomes vital, and inclusion takes center stage, our parks evolve into more than playgrounds—they become platforms for connection, growth, and resilience.

The future of public spaces is bright, dynamic, and community-centered. And it’s already happening.

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.

🌳 A New Era for Public Spaces

As communities grow and lifestyles shift, parks and recreation departments are stepping boldly into a new era—one where innovation meets inclusivity, and public spaces become more than just green areas on a map. They’re becoming hubs of connection, resilience, wellness, and creativity.

Reimagining recreation isn’t just about upgrading amenities or adopting new technology. It’s about understanding what people need today and anticipating what they’ll value tomorrow. Whether it’s smarter infrastructure, more inclusive design, or hybrid programming that blends the digital and physical worlds, one thing is clear:

The future of public spaces is community-centered, sustainable, and endlessly evolving.

As we look ahead, one question inspires this transformation:

How can our parks not only serve the community—but strengthen it?

With every new trail, every accessible playground, and every innovative program, we inch closer to a future where our public spaces truly reflect the heart, identity, and dreams of the people who use them.

And that future is already taking shape—all around us.

📣 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