The Weekly Parks and Rec Post

NEW EPISODES ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Megan Keul on Mentorship, YPN & Shaping the Future

Megan shares her journey through the Young Professionals Network (YPN), the power of mentorship, and why building connections across communities is essential for the future of Parks & Recreation. From grassroots engagement to national leadership, her story is both inspiring and practical for anyone passionate about this field.

Inside the Culture That’s Redefining Parks & Recreation Leadership

In this episode of The Daily Parks & Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Jonathon Penn of Henry County, Georgia—a leader whose team is raising the bar for Parks & Recreation across the nation.

From embracing a “1% better every day” mindset, to revolutionary maintenance solutions (yes, goats!), to creating internship programs that turn students into future leaders, Henry County is setting the standard. 💡

Building Smarter Communities: OutdoorLink's Role in Parks & Rec

What happens when you bring the Internet of Things (IoT) into Parks & Recreation? 🌳🌐⚡

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with DJ Jennings, CEO of OutdoorLink, to explore how smart technology is transforming community spaces. From baseball fields and pickleball courts to splash pads and park security, OutdoorLink is solving real challenges while saving taxpayer dollars.

Creating A Legacy in Parks & Recreation with Atuya Cornwell

In this episode of The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc chats with Atuya Cornwell, Director of Parks & Recreation for Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Atuya shares his inspiring journey shaped by his Paralympian father, his 22+ years in the industry, and his vision for the future of Parks & Rec. From the power of sports and recreation to overcoming challenges with awesome sauce leadership, this conversation is packed with insight for professionals, students, and advocates alike.

Fighting Childhood Obesity Through Parks & Rec with Jason Jones

How can Parks and Recreation help solve today’s childhood obesity crisis? In this episode of the Leadership Series on The Daily Parks and Rec Show, host Craig LeBlanc sits down with Jason Jones of Central Michigan University to explore the intersection of health, wellness, and community recreation.

Jason shares insights from his work with F3 Nation and his research on childhood obesity, physical literacy, and community-driven health programs. Together, they discuss how Parks and Recreation can:

✔️ Build stronger, healthier communities

✔️ Provide essential support for families and youth

✔️ Offer flexible, adaptable services to meet evolving community needs

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:

THE EQUITY CHALLENGE: ENSURING PARKS ARE FOR EVERYONE

Parks are often called the “great equalizers” — open spaces where everyone, regardless of background, income, or ability, can come together. But in reality, achieving true equity in parks and recreation remains one of the field’s greatest challenges.

Across the country, agencies are working to close the gaps in access, safety, and inclusion — ensuring that every resident feels welcome in their local park. From designing accessible trails and playgrounds to addressing historical disinvestment in underserved neighborhoods, the movement toward equitable parks is reshaping how communities define recreation.

“Equity isn’t just about physical access,” 

“It’s about representation, belonging, and ensuring that every voice is heard in how public spaces are created and maintained.”

Efforts like community co-design, language-inclusive signage, and programming that reflects diverse cultures are helping bridge divides. Many departments are also collecting data to understand usage patterns and identify areas where systemic inequities persist.

Still, challenges remain — from limited funding to competing priorities. But as more professionals embrace the Equity in Parks & Recreation framework, it’s clear the field is moving toward a future where parks truly serve everyone.

🌳 Key Takeaway: Equity in parks isn’t a one-time goal — it’s an ongoing commitment to listen, adapt, and design with every community member in mind.

💡 What Can You Do?

• Conduct equity assessments for your facilities and programs.

• Partner with local organizations representing marginalized voices.

• Offer multilingual outreach and adaptive recreation options.

• Train staff in cultural competency and inclusive engagement.

As we continue the conversation on equitable access, let’s remember: a park is more than green space — it’s a reflection of the community it serves.

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.

🎤 Special Guests:

We've lined up some incredible guests in these episodes. Don’t miss out on their inspiring stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes perspectives!

🌳 A Shared Responsibility for Equity

As park and recreation professionals, we have both the privilege and the responsibility to shape spaces that reflect the full diversity of our communities. Equity isn’t achieved through one project or policy—it’s built through ongoing commitment, active listening, and intentional design that welcomes all. By continuing to champion inclusion, accessibility, and representation, we ensure that parks remain what they were always meant to be: shared spaces where everyone belongs, thrives, and feels seen.🌳

📣 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