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
How to Center Equity in All That We Do — Episode 076
With NRPA’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, we made a commitment to centering equity in all that we do. And we talked about this with our president and CEO, Kristine Stratton, on episode 70. The vital imp…
How Action Sports Can Build More Equitable Communities — Episode 075
We talk a lot about how important physical activity is, and we know this has been especially true throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, when people have taken to their local parks to not only maintain th…
Why Conversations About Racial Equity Matter for Parks and Recreation — October Bonus Episode
On this month’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into the cover story of the October issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, “Glenn Harris: An Advocate for Racial Equity and Socia…
The Great American Outdoors Act is Law, Part II – Episode 074
On our previous episode of Open Space Radio, which was part one of our Great American Outdoors Act coverage, we spoke with Happy Haynes, the executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation, about …
The Great American Outdoors Act Is Law, Part I — Episode 073
Last month, we witnessed history as the Great American Outdoors Act was officially signed into law. This legislation will definitively fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). LWCF is …
Celebrating Three Years of Open Space Radio — Episode 072
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating our birthday! We started Open Space Radio a little over three years ago, and while many of you may have heard us talk about the early days of fi…
How to Embrace Change and Lead During Challenging Times — September Bonus Episode
The September issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on this month’s bonus episode, we’re diving deeper into the cover story, “Going Above and Beyond,” by NRPA’s executive editor, Vitis…
How a BioBlitz Can Help Your Conservation Efforts — Episode 071
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we are talking about BioBlitzes. And the only thing more fun than saying “BioBlitz” may be actually participating in one. A BioBlitz is an event where your commun…
Looking Forward: NRPA’s Strategic Plan with Kristine Stratton — Episode 070
On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we are looking at where NRPA is going in the next three years and beyond. Like any organization or group, every few years we must assess where we’ve been, wher…
Building Better Communities Through Water and Nature-Based Play — August Bonus Episode
The August issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Restoring Nature’s Playground.” We’re thrilled…
Breaking Down Barriers with Abundant Life Adventure Club — Episode 069
On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Kim and Claude Walker — the founders of the Nashville-based Abundant Life Adventure Club, which is an outdoor adventure comp…
How Are You Safely and Creatively Engaging Your Community This Summer? — Episode 068
Today’s episode of Open Space Radio is all about what park and recreation professionals have been doing to creatively and safely engage their communities in the past few months and their plans for th…
How We’re Celebrating YOU This July — July Bonus Episode
The July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio we’re diving deeper into the cover story, “Celebrating YOU This July.” As you know, we usual…
Addressing the Stigma Associated with Substance Use Disorder — Episode 067
We’re in a time where many people are having tough conversations with friends, family, loved ones and colleagues. We’re living through a global pandemic, an economic crisis, a fight for racial equity…
#PodcastBlackout — Black Lives Matter
Open Space Radio condemns all forms of racism and violence. We mourn the loss of all those whose lives have ended as a result of senseless brutality. As part of the #podcastblackout, we stand firmly …
Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness in L.A. During COVID-19 — June Bonus Episode
The June 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, “Homelessness and the Global…
Why We’re Celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals This July — Episode 066
Every day, in communities across the country, the people of parks and recreation are providing essential services and making their communities better places to live, work and play. This July, for Par…
Parks and Recreation’s Next Generation — Episode 065
We often get to have conversations with park and recreation professionals who are doing incredible work in their communities. Many times, the guests who are gracious enough to join us on Open Space R…
The Importance of Collaboration During COVID-19 — May Bonus Episode
The May 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 the feature articles, “Collaboration in the Time of Pandemic…
Safely Celebrate Earth Day with Parks and Recreation — Episode 064
Earth Day is a time when people all over the world promote the importance of environmental awareness, and it serves as a reminder that anyone can take small steps to protect the environment. This yea…