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
On a Mission to Make Aquatics More Equitable — Episode 118
We are just about a month away from the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, and on today’s episode of Open Space Radio, I’m thrilled to be joined by one of this year’s recipients of the …
How Parks and Recreation Can Support People Experiencing Homelessness – August Bonus Episode
The August issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, titled, “Homelessness: How …
Celebrating Latino Conservation Week — Episode 117
As you likely know, we are currently celebrating Park and Recreation Month here at NRPA and at park and recreation departments across the country throughout the month of July. And there’s also a spec…
How to Rise Up for Parks and Recreation This July — Episode 116
It is officially our favorite month of the year here on Open Space Radio, and I’m so excited to celebrate Park and Recreation Month throughout July. Today’s episode is a short one, and you’re stuck w…
Paving the Way for Gender Equity in Youth Sports – Episode 115
Research shows that when children play sports, they increase their chances to grow up healthy, build friendships, and develop skills like teamwork and respect. And while 94 percent of park and recrea…
How Phoenix Is Honoring the Life of Lori Piestewa — July Bonus Episode
As we officially begin our Park and Recreation Month celebrations with the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, I’m thrilled to be joined on today’s bonus episode by a few of the people involve…
How Mentoring Supports Youth Impacted by the Opioid Epidemic – Episode 114
West Lafayette’s Mission to Make Wellness More Inclusive – June Bonus Episode
Coffee Talk Replay: How Inclusive Recreation Helps Ignacio Gallegos Find Purpose in Life — Episode 113
Making Water Safety More Inclusive in Prince George’s County, Maryland — May Bonus Episode
How Parks Play a Role in Tree Equity — Episode 112
On today’s episode, I’m excited talk about something that plays a critical role in building environmental resilience, cooling our neighborhoods, and improving the health of our communities: trees. Tr…
Celebrating Women in Parks and Recreation — Episode 111
Celebrating Earth Day with Parks and Recreation — April Bonus Episode
Morale, Welfare and Recreation: Serving Those Who Serve — Episode 110
With around 65,000 people around the world supporting the quality of life for United States Armed Forces personnel and their families, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (or MWR) — a.k.a. Armed Forces Re…
Building Community Through Access to Skateparks — Episode 109
Regular listeners of the show know that I have a love for skateboarding, and, as many NRPA members and park and recreation professionals have been inquiring about the benefits of bringing skateparks …
Advancing Access to Mountain Biking in Bristol — March Bonus Episode
Coffee Talk Replay: Breaking Down Barriers to Outdoor Recreation — Episode 108
If you’ve been listening to the show for a while now, or if you joined us at the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference, you may be familiar with today’s guests. On today’s episode, we’re replaying my Coffee Ta…
Celebrating Parks & Recreation’s 30 Under 30 — February Bonus Episode
The February issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and I’m excited to finally be back with a bonus episode since we had taken a break on bonus episodes over the last few months. And, the r…
Shaping the Future With Next Practices in Parks and Recreation — Episode 107
I am so excited for today’s episode for a few reasons. One, I’m always excited when I get to have a wonderful conversation for an episode of Open Space Radio. Two, I really enjoy learning about the i…
Harnessing Our Power to Create Space and Positive Change — Episode 106
We are back for a new year of amazing stories and I can’t wait for all the conversations taking place this year on Open Space Radio! To kick off 2022, I’m thrilled to welcome someone who is making so…