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.

Open Space Radio: Parks and Recreation Trends
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Podcast Overview
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.
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Publishing Since
7/31/2017
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Recent Episodes

June 16, 2026
The Power of Leading With Empathy — Episode 179
Host Shannon Harris, CPRE, CPO, shares how leading with empathy builds trust and empowers intergenerational teams for lasting community impact in this interview.

May 26, 2026
The Power of CAPRA Accreditation — Episode 178
Open Space Radio hosts Janet Bartnik, Chris Bass, and Ray Bivens discuss how CAPRA accreditation elevates park and recreation agencies, leadership, and communities through improved operations and adaptable standards.

April 21, 2026
The Power of Understanding the World Around Us — Episode 177
<p class="MsoNormal">Each Earth Month, we're reminded of the important role parks and recreation plays in building more resilient communities and connecting people to nature. A key piece of helping that connection grow is through curiosity, learning and a deeper awareness of the world around us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Erica Flocke, parks and recreation director for the City of Wimberley, Texas, to talk about how the Texas Master Naturalist program has shaped the way she sees her work and her community.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After reading <a href= "https://parksandrecmag.mydigitalpublication.com/articles/the-naturalist-advantage"> Erica's recent article in Parks & Recreation magazine</a>, we wanted to dig deeper and explore how learning about our local ecosystems can strengthen community connection and transform everyday park experiences into something more meaningful.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Whether you're looking to grow as a professional or simply deepen your connection to the parks in your community, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is learning to notice what's already there. And bonus! Christina also shared their experience completing the Virginia Master Naturalist program and Cort may have been inspired to sign up based on this conversation.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Erica's work and how the Master Naturalist program helps people see parks not just as beautiful spaces, but as living ecosystems worth understanding and protecting. You'll also learn:</p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Why curiosity is at the heart of this program (you don't need a background in something like environmental education to get started!)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">How small moments of education can spark stewardship and turn visitors into advocates for the places they love</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Why this type of learning is valuable professional development for park and recreation professionals at any stage of their career</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">How engaged volunteers can strengthen your work and expand your department's impact in meaningful ways</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">The power of bringing people together across generations through a shared appreciation of nature</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style= "mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">And much more!</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Additional Resources:</strong></p> <ul> <li class="MsoNormal"><span style= "font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> <span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style= "font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><a href="https://parksandrecmag.mydigitalpublication.com/articles/the-naturalist-advantage">Parks & Recreation <span style="font-style: normal;">magazine: The Naturalist Advantage</span></a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><a href= "https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/environmental-resilience/"> NRPA's environmental resilience resources</a></li> <li class="MsoNormal"><!-- [if !supportLists]-->Tip: Most U.S. states have a version of a Master Naturalist program. To find one in your state, search something like: "[your state] Master Naturalist program."</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke. </strong></p> <p>Swing into play this season with the Burke Spring Playground Sale. Save up to 40% on select playground designs and stretch your budget further while bringing more movement, inclusion and lasting value to your community.</p> <p>Learn more at <a href= "https://www.bciburke.com/resources/sale-playgrounds" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">bciburke.com/sale</a></p>
218 total episodes available with 4 transcripts
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Open Space Radio: Parks and Recreation Trends?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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