The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Storytelling in Parks & Rec with Cameron Levis

In this inspiring episode of the Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Cameron Levis, Parks & Recreation professional and author of the children’s book "Home is Where Your Park Is".

How Henry County Parks & Rec Builds the Future

In this episode of the Daily Parks & Rec Show, Leadership Series, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Jonathon Penn (JP), Executive Director of Henry County, Georgia Parks & Recreation.

From assembling an "Avengers-like" leadership team to building internship pipelines and mentorship programs like the Watering Can Project, JP reveals how his team is creating a thriving Parks & Rec culture that invests in both staff and community.

Boston Parks & Rec: Why Green Spaces Matter

In this inspiring episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Josh Altidor, General Superintendent for the City of Boston and award-winning horticulturist originally from Haiti. 🌎

Why Parks & Recreation is More Than Mowing Fields

Why choose a career in Parks & Recreation? 🌳 In this powerful episode, host Craig LeBlanc “The DoorMan” unveils an inspiring new industry promo video — packed with real stories from directors, coaches, and professionals across the country. From shaping communities to creating legacies, this episode is all about why Parks & Rec is not just a career, it’s a calling.

How Mentorship Shaped Careers in Parks & Rec

🎙️ In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show Leadership Series, Craig LeBlanc sits down with Aaron Davis, Director of Recreation & Parks for the City of Mebane, NC.

Aaron shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a small Illinois town, working his first jobs in sports and maintenance, to becoming a passionate leader in Parks & Recreation. He reveals the mentors who shaped his career, leadership lessons learned along the way, and why Parks & Rec is not just a career—but a calling.

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:

Shelley Russi on Officiating, Coaching & Building Better Communities

In this episode of Youth Sports Mastery, host Aaron Locks sits down with longtime NCAA and WNBA official Shelley Russi to dive deep into the world of youth sports, officiating, and community building.

Shelley shares her journey from growing up in Alameda’s parks, officiating 20+ NCAA seasons, to creating Refology—a philosophy that teaches refereeing as leadership and life skills. Together, they explore:

✅ How officiating shapes character and leadership in kids

✅ The shortage of referees and innovative solutions to train the next generation

✅ The role of CYO, Parks & Rec, and nonprofits in making sports fun, fair, and accessible

✅ How parents, coaches, and officials can work together to rebuild trust and respect in youth sports

Whether you’re a coach, parent, rec professional, or young athlete, this conversation is packed with insights on keeping youth sports meaningful, safe, and community driven.

⚽ 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 CONFERENCE 2025 RECAP: 3 DAYS OF INSPIRATION, INNOVATION & IMPACT

BUILD TOGETHER, PLAY TOGETHER

The Parks & Recreation community came together in Orlando, Florida for the highly anticipated NRPA Conference 2025—and what an unforgettable three days it was! From powerhouse keynotes to hands-on learning and the countless connections made, this year’s conference proved once again why it’s the premier event for our field.

The Daily Parks and Rec Show was on the ground capturing the voices, the stories, and the momentum shaping the future of Parks & Rec. Here’s a look back at each inspiring day:

✨ Day 1: Energy in Motion

The conference kicked off with an electric opening session that set the tone for the week. Leaders, innovators, and emerging voices filled the halls, reminding us why Parks & Rec is at the heart of strong communities.

🌳 From bold keynote addresses to dynamic breakout sessions, Day 1 was all about big ideas and fresh inspiration. Attendees left buzzing with motivation, ready to bring home new strategies and perspectives.

💡 Day 2: Building Momentum

If Day 1 was about energy, Day 2 was about action and momentum.

💪 Attendees dove into thought-provoking sessions, hands-on learning, and powerful networking opportunities. Whether it was discussions on innovation, leadership, or community impact, the common theme was clear: the Parks & Rec field is leveling up.

🎥 Our team captured on-the-ground conversations with professionals from across the country, highlighting the creativity and resilience driving this movement forward.

🌟 Day 3: Closing with Impact

The final day brought it all together.

From game-changing takeaways to the inspiring connections forged, Day 3 closed out the conference on a high note. The Parks & Rec community left Orlando not just motivated, but equipped—with the tools, stories, and relationships to continue making a difference back home.

💡 As one attendee put it, “This isn’t just a conference—it’s a reminder of why we do what we do.”

🎥 The Daily Parks and Rec Show Highlights

Throughout all three days, The Daily Parks and Rec Show was there to capture:

✔️ Exclusive interviews with Parks & Rec leaders

✔️ Behind-the-scenes moments from the conference floor

✔️ Top takeaways shaping the future of our field

Missed something? Don’t worry—we’ll be rolling out full recaps, highlight reels, and featured conversations in the days ahead.

👉 What’s Next

While #NRPAConference2025 has come to a close, the conversations don’t stop here. Stay tuned as The Daily Parks and Rec Show continues to share stories, insights, and leadership lessons that keep the spirit of the conference alive all year long.

Because together, we’re not just talking about the Power of Parks—we’re living it. 🌳💡

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 Big Picture: What NRPA 2025 Showed Us

Three days in Orlando proved one thing: the Parks & Recreation community is stronger, bolder, and more innovative than ever.

From inspiring keynotes to hallway conversations, every moment of NRPA Conference 2025 reminded us that Parks & Rec is more than programs and facilities—it’s about people, connection, and impact.

The Daily Parks and Rec Show was honored to be on the ground, capturing the voices and stories that will ripple far beyond the conference walls. Whether it was a director sharing new approaches to equity, a first-time attendee finding their professional home, or a veteran leader reflecting on decades of service, the message was clear:

👉 Parks & Rec isn’t just a profession—it’s a movement.

As we look ahead, let’s carry this momentum back to our communities. Because the Power of Parks isn’t just what we heard about in Orlando—it’s what we live every day in the work we do. 🌳💡

⚽ Why Shelley Russi’s Message Matters

Shelley Russi’s story is more than just about officiating—it’s about using sports as a tool to shape stronger communities. From her early days in Alameda’s parks to her decades of NCAA and WNBA experience, Shelley has seen firsthand how the lessons of refereeing extend far beyond the court.

Her philosophy, Refology, reframes officiating as leadership—teaching young people resilience, confidence, and the value of fairness. At a time when youth sports face challenges like a referee shortage and growing tensions between parents, coaches, and officials, her message couldn’t be more timely.

👉 The takeaway? When coaches, parents, referees, and rec professionals work together, youth sports become more than competition—they become a foundation for character, trust, and community.

Shelley reminds us that the true win isn’t just in the scoreboard—it’s in building better kids, better teams, and better communities. 🏀🌟

📺 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