The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

From Athlete to Advocate: Trevor Welcher on Parks & Rec Leadership

What does it take to turn passion into purpose?

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show – Leadership Series, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Trevor Welcher, Director of Thomson-McDuffie County Recreation in Georgia.

From his days as a Division I basketball captain to leading a thriving Parks and Recreation department, Trevor shares his inspiring journey of faith, leadership, and service. Hear how he transformed life lessons, family values, and resilience into a mission to serve his community through recreation and connection.

How Oak Park Hit $13M in Revenue with Maureen McCarthy

From 3,000 programs to 8,000 — and $13 million in program revenue — Oak Park’s recreation story is one of vision, innovation, and impact. 🌳

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show Leadership Series, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Maureen McCarthy, Deputy Director of Recreation for the Park District of Oak Park, Illinois.

Inside Henry County Parks & Rec: How Special Events Unite Communities

Step inside Henry County, Georgia Parks & Recreation — where creativity, community, and leadership come together to make every event unforgettable.

In this episode of The Rec Room, part of The Daily Parks and Rec Show Leadership Series, we go behind the scenes with Katrina Wagner, Donna, Paige, Dakota, and Thomas White as they share what it takes to plan special events that strengthen community bonds and inspire future leaders.

Jourdan Ziff on Building Women's Sports Media

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show’s Leadership Series, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Jourdan Ziff, co-founder of Her Sports, a mission-driven women’s digital sports media company amplifying female athletes' stories city by city. ⚽✨

From playing Division I soccer to traveling the world as a pro athlete in Finland, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Canada — Jourdan shares the real highs and challenges of life on and off the field. She opens up about what inspired her to build a platform where women’s sports finally get the coverage they deserve.

Inside DPRS Media Co: Building the Next Generation of Storytellers

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc shares an exciting announcement — the launch of Mass Communication Internships with DPRS Media Co., a one-of-a-kind opportunity for college students to gain real-world experience in digital media and community storytelling. 🎬

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.

Where Joy Meets Mastery: Coaching Kids the Right Way

On this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, Youth Sports Mastery host Aaron Locks teams up with internationally respected coach John Saintignon to unpack what really matters in youth sports.

From decades of coaching experience — spanning high school, college, and nine countries of pro basketball — Coach John reveals the secrets behind building confident, resilient young athletes.

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 UNSUNG LEADERSHIP PIPELINE: HOW PARKS TRAIN TOMORROW’S LEADERS

When we talk about leadership pipelines, most people picture corporate taining rooms, college programs, or high-level management tracks. But one of the strongest—and often overlooked—leadership incubators is right in our backyards: Parks and Recreation departments.

Across the country, parks teams are quietly shaping the next generation of leaders. From seasonal staff to interns to young recreation specialists, the training grounds for tomorrow’s managers, directors, and community builders start with everyday experiences that develop discipline, empathy, and problem-solving skills long before someone earns a title.

Where Leadership Begins: On the Front Lines

Leadership in parks and recreation often starts with the simplest assignments—supervising summer camp groups, managing a busy front desk, or coordinating a youth sports league. These frontline roles teach emerging leaders how to think on their feet, communicate clearly, mediate conflicts, and create safe, positive environments for families.

Every shift is a new test of adaptability. A field closure, a lost child, a scheduling conflict, an upset parent—staff learn to respond with calm confidence. These small moments compound into something powerful: leadership muscle.

Mentorship in Motion

What makes the Parks & Rec world unique is the mentorship embedded in its culture. Seasoned supervisors and directors take pride in guiding new professionals—sharing stories, offering advice, and modeling what servant leadership really looks like.

Many departments are now formalizing this through shadowing opportunities, leadership bootcamps, and growth-focused evaluations that help staff discover their strengths. This culture of mentorship ensures that the next generation doesn’t just inherit tasks—they inherit vision.

Programs That Plant Seeds Early

Internships, volunteer programs, and teen leadership councils are becoming essential tools for building a future-ready workforce. Teen volunteers learn responsibility and collaboration. College interns gain hands-on experience in event management, budget planning, maintenance operations, and community engagement. Seasonal hires get their first taste of public service and teamwork.

Every project is a seed planted. And over time, these seeds grow into professionals who already understand the mission: serve the community with heart, inclusivity, and excellence.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

As parks departments face increasing responsibilities—community wellness, public safety support, environmental stewardship, aging infrastructure—the need for strong leaders grows. Many agencies are seeing waves of retirements, making leadership development not just beneficial but essential.

By investing in leadership early, parks departments create a sustainable, diverse pipeline capable of carrying their mission forward. It ensures continuity, innovation, and resilience in the communities they serve.

Celebrating Today’s Staff, Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

The next time you visit a recreation center, watch a youth sports game, or walk through a revitalized park, remember: behind every successful program is a team in training. They might not have big titles yet, but they are learning, growing, and becoming the leaders who will shape the future of our communities.

In Parks & Rec, leadership isn’t just taught, it’s lived every day.

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.

🌿The Unsung Leadership Pipeline: How Parks Train Tomorrow’s Leaders

As communities continue to grow and evolve, so does the vital role of Parks and Recreation. The leadership pipeline being built today isn’t just about staffing—it's about shaping a future where public spaces thrive, programs inspire, and everyone feels included.

Across departments, we see a powerful truth: leadership isn’t confined to titles—it’s developed through service, supported by mentorship, and strengthened by real-world experience. From the first-time seasonal hire stepping onto a field to the intern planning their first community event, every role becomes a stepping stone toward long-term leadership.

The heart of Parks & Rec has always been people. And by investing in them early—through guidance, training, and opportunities to grow—we’re not just preparing tomorrow’s directors and superintendents. We’re building leaders who understand community at its core.

As we celebrate this unsung leadership pipeline, let’s continue recognizing, empowering, and uplifting the talent within our teams. Because the future of our parks depends not only on the spaces we build, but on the leaders we shape.

📣 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