Open Space Radio
Open Space Radio is a podcast for park and recreation professionals and outdoor advocates that aims to share inspiring and engaging stories about community, connection, and the impact of local parks and recreation. New episodes are released every other Tuesday. Open Space Radio is the official podcast of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) — Because everyone deserves a great park.
- Update frequency
- every 13 days
- Average duration
- 33 minutes
- Episodes
- 200
- Years Active
- 2017 - 2025
Reflections From the MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit — Episode170
This Pride Month, we are proud to spotlight the powerful work happening in Maryland to build more inclusive and welcoming park and recreation spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Way back in Septembe…
Centering Community and Connection at Anacostia Park — Episode 169
Earlier this spring, we had the chance to attend an incredible event in Washington, D.C., where we caught up with Akiima Price, co-founder and program advisor for Friends of Anacostia Park — an organ…
Introducing Guardians of Greenspaces — Episode 168
Happy Earth Month! On today’s episode, we’re excited to share a collaboration with NRPA’s new podcast, Guardians of Greenspaces.
Guardians of Greenspaces is a podcast focused on conservation from a …
Celebrating Women’s History Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 167
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating the incredible women in parks and recreation who are shaping the profession and making a difference in their communities.
Women have long played…
Youth Sports: If She Can See It, She Can Be It — Episode 166
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the critical role that parks and recreation plays in advancing sports opportunities for all youth — especially girls. Providing these opportunities is …
Mentoring: A Positive Impact for All — Episode 165
Pictured: Teen Leaders in the HYPE program at City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities participate in an exercise to overcome obstacles. Photo courtesy of Blythe Brown.
Did you know t…
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Inspiring Park and Recreation Stories — Episode 164
It’s our final episode of Open Space Radio for 2024! Did you know we released 15 episodes this year and talked with 27 amazing community leaders for a whopping 758 minutes of conversation (more than …
Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163
Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163
On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m excited to share our collab episode with GovLove Podcast, which we recorded live back in…
From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162
We are getting very excited to travel to Atlanta (in just one week!) to connect with thousands of our closest park and recreation friends at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. And on today’s episode, w…
Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161
On today’s episode, we welcome a superstar of out-of-school time programming! The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is making a huge impact on youth in the DC area through its weekly after…
NRPA Annual Conference Tips for First-Time Attendees — Episode 160
In less than 40 days, thousands of park and recreation professionals from across the country will gather in Atlanta for the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference. This is, without a doubt, the best park and re…
From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159
On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re excited to chat with someone very influential in the outdoor recreation industry who is doing a ton of good work to raise awareness about protecting our …
Promoting Healthy Aging Through Tai Chi — Episode 158
As you may know, May was Older Americans Month, and NRPA celebrated by sharing how older adult programs in parks and recreation are making a big impact in communities across the country. On today’s e…
Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157
As we continue to celebrate Park and Recreation Month, we’re excited to highlight a story that truly embodies our theme of “Where You Belong.” Today’s episode is all about ensuring opportunities to r…
Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156
Happy Park and Recreation Month! On today’s episode, we’re excited to bring you a story that truly embodies this year’s theme of “Where You Belong.” Each year, the NRPA team hosts a cover contest to …
Celebrating Pride: The Power of Partnership and Allyship — Episode 155
Happy Pride Month! On today’s episode we’re discussing an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature an…
Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part 2) — Episode 154
As you may recall, our final episode of 2023 was part one of our conversation around neurodiversity and parks and recreation. It was a wonderful conversation with Kande Jones, the Development Direct…
Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153
On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusia…
Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152
March is Women’s History Month, and this year’s theme celebrates women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. This year we are honoring women who lead change in their field, and today’s ep…
Having Fun and Doing the Right Thing in San Antonio — Episode 151
We know the importance of partnerships in parks and recreation, and on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving into an exciting partnership between NRPA and Bobcat. As part of this partners…