The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Building a Media Platform for Parks & Rec with Craig LeBlanc

Ever wondered how The Daily Parks and Rec Show run its live broadcasts so smoothly? 🎥

In this behind-the-scenes Leadership Series episode, host Craig LeBlanc takes you inside the control room to show exactly how the DPRS Media Co. team creates, manages, and streams professional-quality Parks and Recreation content using StreamYard.

How Curiosity and Persistence Shape Great Leaders with John Saintignon

In this inspiring Leadership Series episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with John Saintignon, former pro basketball player, international coach, and author of Shooting for the Impossible.

From playing under the wisdom of Coach John Wooden to leading teams across the globe, John shares powerful lessons about curiosity, persistence, and leadership that transforms lives — on and off the court.

How Jeff Edwards Built Tulsa’s River Parks into a Community Legacy

How does a former mobile DJ become the Executive Director of one of Tulsa’s most dynamic park systems? 🎧🌳

In this inspiring episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show – Leadership Series, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Jeff Edwards, CEO of the River Parks Authority, to explore his 22-year journey in Parks and Recreation, from student worker at the University of Oklahoma to leading an award-winning trail system serving over 1.5 million annual visitors.

How a Parks and Rec Kid Became a Community Leader with Stephen Defalco

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show - Leadership Series, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Stephen DeFalco, Director of Recreation and Parks for the Village of Palos Park, Illinois.

Stephen shares his inspiring journey from growing up as a Parks and Rec kid to finding his passion through community service, outdoor recreation, and leadership. 🌳⚽

Discover how he turned early challenges into opportunities, what it’s really like running special events, and how local recreation programs are shaping youth, seniors, and entire communities.

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.

The Doorman Opens the Door: Craig LeBlanc Gets the Spotlight

What happens when the founder becomes the guest?

In this episode, Aaron Locks flips the script and interviews Craig LeBlanc, creator of The Daily Parks and Rec Show and founder of DPRS Media Co.

Craig shares his journey — from electrician, athlete, and entrepreneur to building a media movement for Parks & Rec. They dive into leadership, youth sports, community building, and the mission behind it all.

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:

🦃 GRATITUDE IN EVERY PARK: A THANKSGIVING MESSAGE TO THE PARKS & REC COMMUNITY

As we gather with family, friends, and communities this Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of something we see every day in parks and recreation: gratitude grows where people connect.

Across the country, parks and recreation professionals are creating spaces where people can slow down, breathe, and appreciate the world around them. From quiet walking trails where families take post-turkey strolls, to bustling community centers hosting food drives and festive activities, your work makes Thanksgiving feel more meaningful for everyone.

🌳 Celebrating the Heart of Community

This season, we honor the teams who:

• Organize holiday fun runs, turkey trots, and volunteer events

• Prepare facilities for family gatherings and community feasts

• Keep parks clean and safe during the busiest travel week of the year

• Offer inclusive programming that ensures everyone has a place to belong

🙌 Stories of Giving Back

Parks & Rec departments nationwide have stepped up in inspiring ways this season:

• Some are hosting free Thanksgiving meals for seniors and families

• Others are partnering with local nonprofits to assemble holiday food baskets

• Many are opening outdoor spaces for mindfulness walks and gratitude-themed programs

These efforts reflect what Parks & Rec does best: meeting people where they are and lifting them up.

🌟 A Moment to Appreciate Your Impact

As you serve your communities this week, take a moment for yourself, too. Whether you’re working a shift at a special event or enjoying a well-deserved break, know this:

Your work changes live every day. Your passion builds stronger towns. Your leadership creates joy.

And for that, we are truly thankful.

🍂 From All of Us at The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

We’re grateful for a community of professionals who lead with heart, creativity, and purpose.

Thank you for all you do—this week and all year long.

Wishing you a warm, safe, and meaningful Thanksgiving!

— DPRS Media Co.

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.

🍁 Gratitude in Every Park: A Thanksgiving Message to the Parks & Rec Community

As Thanksgiving comes to a close, it’s a perfect moment to pause and reflect on what this week highlighted for all of us in Parks & Recreation: the power of community, the beauty of shared spaces, and the impact of people who care deeply about the work they do.

All week, parks, trails, recreation centers, and community programs have been alive with families reconnecting, volunteers giving their time, and staff making sure every visitor felt welcome. Even if the holiday rush is ending, the gratitude we saw in our communities doesn’t have to fade with it.

As we wrap up the season, let’s carry forward:

• Celebrating the wins, big and small

• Investing in meaningful community experiences

• Supporting one another as a strong Parks & Rec family

Thank you for being the heart of community life — today, this week, and every day after.

Here’s to closing the season with gratitude and stepping into the next with purpose and pride.

📣 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