Open Space Radio

CAPRA accreditation sets the national standard for excellence in parks and recreation and agencies that go through the process are really committing to operating at the highest level across everything they do. From strengthening day-to-day operations to helping agencies plan for the future, CAPRA accreditation plays an important role in delivering the best possible services to our communities. On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we explore how CAPRA accreditation is shaping park and recreation agencies, leadership and communities across the country. We also dive into how the newly reimagined 2027 CAPRA standards are helping make accreditation more adaptable and accessible for agencies of all sizes. Joining us for the conversation are three leaders with deep experience in the CAPRA process: Janet Bartnik, director of parks and recreation for Prince William County, Virginia, and member of the CAPRA standards reimagination team (and currently serving as deputy chief transformation officer for the Prince William County Transformation Management Office) Chris Bass, director of parks and recreation for DeKalb County, Georgia, and former CAPRA Commission chair Ray Bivens, director of recreation and parks for St. Mary's County, Maryland, and current CAPRA Commission chair Together, they share insights on what CAPRA accreditation looks like in practice, how it shapes agency culture and leadership, and why it should be viewed as more than just a checklist or designation. Tune in to the full episode below to learn: How CAPRA accreditation helps agencies build a culture of continuous improvement Why the updated 2027 standards are designed to be more flexible and adaptable for agencies of all types The unexpected benefits of accreditation, from staff development to recruitment and retention How accredited agencies use CAPRA standards in their day-to-day operations, not just during accreditation reviews And much more! Ready to experience the power of CAPRA? Check out The Power of CAPRA Accreditation to access a helpful toolkit so you can make the case for CAPRA within your organization. And, from May 20 through July 31, 2026, agencies beginning the CAPRA accreditation process will receive a waived application fee — a $130 value. To qualify, agencies must submit their CAPRA application and complete the checkout process by July 31, 2026. This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke Outdoor play creates opportunities for connection, creativity and growth. At BCI Burke, they design play environments that inspire exploration and support the high standards park and recreation professionals strive for — including CAPRA accreditation — helping create spaces where everyone feels welcome to move, play and belong. Learn more at bciburke.com

Each year, NRPA hosts its Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest. But before one story makes the cover of the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, countless submissions remind us just how powerful this work truly is. With submissions now open for this year's Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest, this episode of Open Space Radio looks back at a few stories from last year that stayed with us. From older adults building connections through a simple walking program to children strengthening literacy skills by reading to horses, these stories capture what parks and recreation does best: create spaces where people connect and grow. Tune in to hear our conversations with: Shannon Barrett, CPRP, recreation coordinator for City of Kerman (California), Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and participants from the Walk With Ease program, who share how a simple walking initiative has built a tight-knit, supportive community. Danielle Bachelder, CPRP, senior parks manager for Broward County (Florida) Parks and Recreation, and a young participant in the Pony Tales program, who discuss how a literacy-based initiative that invites children to read to horses is making an impact on children, families and the horses alike. Both stories may seem simple on the surface. But as the team reflects in this episode, simple ideas often create the most meaningful impact. Listen below to hear the full episode. You'll learn: How simple programs can create transformational impact across generations Why effective leadership, care and passion are often the keys to program success How partnerships expand access and broaden community reach The importance of starting small and building over time How storytelling helps elevate the power of parks and recreation And more If your agency has a story that reflects "The Power Of" parks and recreation, share your photo and story by March 13 for a chance to be featured in the cover story of the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine. Pictured: Isabella Mangum reads to a horse named Cash at Tradewinds Park and Stables as part of the Pony Tales Program. Photo by Katherine Garces, courtesy of Broward County Parks and Recreation. This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by BCI Burke: Outdoor play builds confidence, leadership skills and social networks. At BCI Burke, they design outdoor spaces that support movement, opportunity and connection, helping park and recreation professionals create environments where more girls feel encouraged to step in, play hard and lead the game. Learn more at bciburke.com Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.

January is National Mentoring Month — a time to celebrate the transformative power of mentorship and spotlight the essential role park and recreation professionals play in fostering youth development in communities across the country. On our first episode of 2026, we chat with JaCory Bazell, CPRP, CYSA, CPO, the center supervisor at Bloomfield-Gilead Recreation Center in Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, to explore how mentoring takes shape in his community. Through the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department, JaCory leads two youth mentoring programs: a teen media program focused on topics such as photography and videography, as well as leadership skills and teamwork, and Macon Ambitious Young Men, a group mentoring program that prioritizes holistic youth development. What began with just a handful of participants has grown over nearly five years into programs that equip more than 100 young people with real-world skills, confidence and meaningful connections. As JaCory shares, mentorship isn't just about teaching, it's about showing up consistently, advocating for youth, and creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported and empowered to thrive. We're also joined by Olivia Peterson a program manager at NRPA on our youth mentoring team. Olivia reflects on how park and recreation agencies are uniquely positioned to integrate mentorship into everyday programs and interactions, from workforce development and sports to after-school and community events. Olivia also shares the importance of adults investing in young people's well-being and growth, as well as some helpful resources from NRPA. Listen to the full episode to hear how mentorship is shaping futures in Macon-Bibb County and what it means for communities everywhere. You'll also learn: How mentorship relationships built through consistent support make a difference. How even small beginnings can grow into long-lasting impact. How parks and recreation naturally supports youth development and helps young people build confidence, belonging and leadership. How mentors who show up through the good times and bad times help youth build resilience and trust. How self-care, shared leadership and community backing help sustain mentoring efforts. Helpful Mentoring Month Resources National Mentoring Month — NRPA: Learn more about the month-long celebration and access resources to support your youth mentoring programs. NRPA's Youth Mentoring Framework offers a 16-week curriculum of sample topics and activities that can be used in 1:1 or group settings. Other resources such as Career Pathways Through Youth Mentoring and Community Service Through Youth Mentoring offer best practices and ideas for local programs. NRPA's Building Local Partnerships to Support Youth in Parks and Recreation resource offers strategies and case studies for connecting youth to services to support their overall mental health and well-being. NRPA's Amplifying Youth Voice in Parks and Recreation resource equips park and recreation professionals with practical strategies to embed youth voice in programs. NRPA's Mentoring Through Youth Sports guide aims to help weave mentoring into all youth sports programs. MENTOR's Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ highlights six evidence-based standards that are intended to be applicable for any type of mentoring program. The National Mentoring Resource Center is the nation's premier source of training, technical assistance, tools, research summaries and other information for youth mentoring programs. This season of Open Space Radio is sponsored by: For more than 105 years, BCI Burke has worked alongside park and recreation professionals to design outdoor environments that support well-being, inclusion and Play That Moves You®. That focus aligns closely with NRPA and the purpose of Open Space Radio — sharing insights and stories that strengthen parks, recreation and open spaces in communities everywhere. BCI Burke approaches play and movement with intention, believing that connection, learning and community all thrive outside. Through Open Space Radio, Burke is proud to support the sharing of ideas and experiences across the parks and recreation field. Thanks to BCI Burke for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to Play That Moves You®.

Halloween is here, and Open Space Radio is celebrating with one of our most hauntingly fun episodes yet. In this special episode, we sit around the virtual campfire to share a few eerie tales from park and recreation professionals. From ghostly encounters in historic parks to strange happenings at community events, this episode is packed with stories that remind us how our parks come alive (and sometimes come back to life) after dark. Halloween Celebrations Across the Country Before diving into the stories, we highlight some of the incredible ways communities are celebrating Halloween this year. In Denton, Texas, for example, the city celebrates all 31 days of October with more than 300 events and 30 placemaking experiences, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors downtown. Cobb County Parks in Georgia brings the scares with its ever-growing haunted house event, which has expanded into a seven-day attraction boasting 17,000 square feet of spine-tingling fun. And in Rutland, Vermont, a legendary Halloween parade continues its decades-long tradition of bringing the community together. True (and Truly Spooky) Stories From the Field The stories that follow are first-hand accounts from professionals who have experienced things that defy easy explanation: The Whistling at the Senior Center: In Wyoming, Michigan, a staff member setting up for an event alone on a Saturday heard whistling echoing through the darkened building, even though every door was locked. Elise's Watchful Spirit: At Farrel–McWhirter Park in Redmond, Washington, longtime staff have grown accustomed to the lingering presence of the park's original owner, Mrs. Elise Farrel–McWhirter. From flickering lights to the scent of pipe tobacco wafting through empty rooms, her spirit seems to remain as she lovingly watches over the land she donated more than a century ago. The Fire Pit at Great Pond: In Maine, a routine maintenance check took a terrifying turn when a park and recreation professional found himself face-to-face with a family of baby skunks and a very protective mother. This suspenseful (and slightly comedic) tale proves that not all scares are supernatural! The Ghost in the Mist: During a New Year's Eve event in Belfast, Maine, a director captured what appeared to be a face (and a specific finger) in a mysterious mist that appeared during a community bonfire. The photo, still a topic of conversation at city hall, left her with chills that haven't quite faded. This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by the American Sports Builders Association:The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) brings together the experts who design, build, and supply the sports facilities that bring communities to life. Their members are dedicated to creating safe, high-quality places where people can play, compete, and connect. Whether you're planning a brand-new facility or upgrading an existing one — indoors or out — ASBA has the resources to help you Build It Right. Visit sportsbuilders.org to find a Certified Builder or explore their Construction and Maintenance Manuals packed with expert guidance for every type of sports facility.

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 September 2024, Christina attended the second annual Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit at the North Laurel Community Center. As the only known state-level summit of its kind in the field of parks and recreation, this gathering is a testament to the intentional and sustained effort to center representation and inclusion across the profession, and we've been eager to share the voices and stories that came out of the summit! The summit first began in 2023, sparked by a recognized need within Maryland's park and recreation departments to better support and engage the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As Noah Callahan from Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks explained, it all started with a gap that was quickly filled by forming a committee, engaging with community members, and building momentum for a first-of-its-kind statewide event. That first summit left a lasting impression, especially on attendees like Jaimie Wilder from Howard County Recreation & Parks. The welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful programming, and sense of solidarity stayed with them long after the event ended. So, when the second summit came around, it was clear this was becoming something special. It wasn't just a one-off, but a catalyst for real change. The 2024 summit expanded on the foundation built the year prior. With both 101 and 201 breakout session tracks, attendees were able to engage with a variety of topics including allyship, inclusive policy, indigenous inclusion, programming strategies and historical context. As Ashlyn Thompson, inclusion and community outreach specialist for Montgomery Parks, shared, the summit was intentionally planned to meet people where they are — whether just starting their inclusion journey or deepening their understanding. Kindness, joy and a strong willingness to learn was felt throughout the summit. That spirit, combined with deeply personal storytelling and education, created a space that was not only informative but transformative. Tune in to the full episode to learn more about this special event and how it's impacting the culture throughout parks and recreation in Maryland. You'll also learn: How the MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit is a model of how to build welcoming spaces through education and collaboration How connecting with speakers and organizations already doing work in your community — such as at Pride events — can make your inclusion efforts more authentic and impactful How this event led to new programs like "Robinson Rainbows" and influenced internal policies and workplace culture in meaningful ways How you can get started or deepen your organization's journey as it relates to this work And much more! Additional Resources: MRPA 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit Webpage and Resources from 2024 NRPA Resource Library

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 park and recreation maintenance lens. Hosted by Rukmini Kalamangalam, a program specialist on NRPA's community and environmental resilience team, Guardians of Greenspaces uplifts voices of experts in the field and will drop weekly for the next 10 weeks. We recently caught up with Rukmini to learn more about this new podcast and how it will bring value to maintenance staff working in the conservation and environmental resilience space. Tune in below to learn: Some of NRPA's priorities as they relate to environmental resilience What prompted the creation of Guardians of Greenspaces What listeners can expect to learn on future episodes Interesting things Rukmini has learned hosting the podcast (like why people might not like tall grass) How you could win a $50 gift card to the NRPA retail store for listening Plus, you'll hear the very first episode of Guardians of Greenspaces focused on staff engagement at the San Antonio River Authority! Additional Resources: NRPA's Environmental Resilience Pillar NRPA's Earth Month Resources

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 more than just fairness; it's about giving girls the opportunities and support they need to succeed, both on and off the field. Participation in sports is linked to increased self-esteem, better academic performance and higher career aspirations for girls. Sports also have the power to build confidence, foster leadership skills and create lifelong connections. However, girls often face barriers that prevent them from participating and staying engaged. This episode brings together leaders from various organizations to discuss strategies for making sports more inclusive and empowering for young girls. Tune in to the full episode below to hear from experts in this space who are making a huge impact, including: Teresa Morrissey, Senior Program Manager at NRPA Kelsey Moore, Director of Social & Community Impact at Nike Jillian Green Loughran, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport Julia Lankford, Director of Operations at Laureus USA Sport for Good Atlanta You'll learn about the importance of engaging girls in youth sports, as well as: The key role parks and recreation plays in providing accessible, affordable and high-quality sports opportunities (they reach more than 40 million youth annually!) Why collaboration and partnerships are key to advancing girls' participation in sports Strategies to break down barriers preventing girls from participating and staying in sports How coaches – specifically women coaches – play such a critical role in advancing this work How your park and recreation agency can be part of this movement and get more girls in the game And much more! By investing in inclusive sports programming, training coaches and fostering partnerships, park and recreation agencies can help ensure that every girl who wants to play has the opportunity to do so. Thank you to our guests for their insights and dedication to advancing gender equity in sports. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Open Space Radio and share it with others who are passionate about the power of sports to change lives. Resources Discussed on this Episode: NRPA Youth Sports Framework Play to Lead Report: The Generational Impact of Sports on Women's Leadership Nike Coaching Girls Guide: How to Get (and Keep) Girls Playing – Strategies for Engaging & Retaining Girls in Sport Body Confident Sport Coaching HER Nike Super Bowl Ad: So Win. Center for Healing and Justice through Sport Laureus USA Sport for Good Atlanta Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA. Your gift will support our storytelling efforts and our mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental resilience efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

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 12 hours!) about the power of parks and recreation? Thank you to everyone who joined us on the show to share their story this year and to everyone who tuned in to an episode. We truly love amplifying these stories through our platform and appreciate you trusting us with that! On today's episode, we're reflecting on some of our favorite moments from the year, as well as chatting about what we'll be up to in 2025 — like scaling back to monthly episodes to bring you even richer, more compelling stories packed with even more voices from the profession. Tune in to the full episode below to reflect on the year with us and listen to some powerful clips from the following episodes: Imposter Syndrome Is Real — Episode 149 Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150 Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152 Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153 Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156 Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157 From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159 Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161 From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162 Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163 Be sure to tune in to every episode here! Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to support not only our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

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, we're talking with someone who is local to the Atlanta area and might have some insider tips if you'll be joining us next week. Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, is the operations coordinator at Douglasville Parks and Recreation in Georgia, and after sharing a blog post with us about her 2023 conference experience, we knew we wanted to chat with her further since this year's conference is right in her backyard. We discussed what receiving NRPA's Diversity Scholarship in 2023 meant to her, how her conference experience motivated her to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, and the boost in confidence she feels with another year of experience under her belt. Tune in below to learn more about Jamiah, her conference tips and more. You'll also learn: What inspired Jamiah to get into the field of parks and recreation What Jamiah's 2023 NRPA Annual Conference experience meant to her What she's looking forward to at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference Tips for conference attendees and recommendations for first-time Atlanta visitors Why Jamiah feels like parks and recreation is where she belongs And much more! Related: Connect with Jamiah on LinkedIn Douglasville Parks and Recreation Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.

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 recreation conference you can attend — it's filled with tons of amazing opportunities to learn, build your network, and of course, have a little fun with your peers. As we get closer to the conference, we know there are probably some professionals out there who are attending for the first time and have a lot of questions. Cort recently posted on LinkedIn asking for previous attendees to share their best tips for first-timers, and the comments did not disappoint. So, we decided to turn them into today's episode of Open Space Radio! Every single tip shared was super valuable, and if you're attending the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference this October 8-10 for the first time, we encourage you to listen and keep some of these nuggets in mind while you're in Atlanta — and while you're packing! Tune in to the full episode below to hear all the tips and our reactions to each of them. If you prefer to read instead of listen, we've listed them below, as well. And, if you haven't already registered, there's still time. Visit conference.nrpa.org to register today and we hope to see you in Atlanta! Nichole Bohner, Aquatics Division Manager, City of Round Rock, Texas "Talk to everyone! When you're seated in the conference sessions, get to know those around you and exchange contacts." Nichole went on to say, "If you're lucky enough to travel to conference with coworkers, don't be afraid to broaden your horizons. Take every opportunity to broaden your network. You never know who you'll meet who is struggling with the same issues or has ideas that would help your operation." Sarah Olson, CPRP, Public Works Deputy Director of Engineering, Planning, and Development Servies, City of Kirkland, Washington "Go to a pre-conference event. It's a smaller crowd, a great way to get through registration when things are way less busy and a great way to start making new friends. Eric Lopez, CPRE, District Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, City of Fort Worth, Texas "Don't underestimate the power of night socials and lunchtime. A lot of great connections happen over informal conversations." "Take notes, review them later and plan to execute the things that resonated more. Going back to your leadership with actionable things you learned and takeaways will aid in enhancing their commitment in sending staff in future years." Lisa Shore, CPRP, CPSI, Anne Arundel County, Maryland "Leave room in your suitcase for all the cool stuff you'll bring home!" Jeanette Aiello, CPRE, Project and Operations Supervisor, Charter Township of Canton, Michigan "Attend at least one session in a topic area that is different than what you regularly work in. It can spark some interesting thoughts or possibly open you up to a new aspect of the field. Also, be willing to talk to the person sitting next to you. You'll likely want to get into your session 15 minutes prior and that opens you up to meeting some incredible professionals." Trista Taylor, CPRP, CPO, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director, Village of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin "Check out the schedule and try to have a backup plan for the sessions you want in case the room is full! If you arrive early, visit the app to get an idea of the layout. Last year was my first time and the experience was a shock to my system in a great way but can be overwhelming!" Anthony Iracki, MS, CPRP, CORE Professional Development Manager, PlayCore "Ask for business cards and take ownership of the connection. Send a LinkedIn request or a friendly email within a week of getting back from the conference." "Take advantage of the network meetings." Tom Venniro, CPRP, Director of Hilton-Parma Parks and Recreation, New York, and co-host of RecLess Podcast "Just show up. A lot of times, the introvert in me (and the fact that I feel I'm always go, go, go at home), tells me to go to conference and then get to that room and relax. Instead, seek out the social or if you are asked to join people at one or for a meal, say yes. You never know how any connection or conversation can impact you/others." "Don't sleep on the exhibit hall. For starters, it is huge! Plan in at least 4-5 hours over two days if you want to cover it all. The vendors are amazing and want to talk to you, but be intentional on stopping with limited times. Another fun tip, they all have swag and some years back I started looking for items my team back home might like and I bring them all back a swag care package and some candy as a thank you for holding it all down while I was away. I have also borrowed many ideas for our own swag." CivicPlus® Recreation Management is a proud sponsor of Open Space Radio. Join thousands of other local governments as you empower your staff and enable residents to self-service their needs through your department with our industry-leading software. With more time to focus on community activity programming and park and facility maintenance, staff can foster more significant resident engagement and improve the civic experience. Learn more at https://www.civicplus.com/recreation-management-software/.

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 episode, we're excited to explore one of the most popular programs in NRPA's Healthy Aging in Parks portfolio: Tai Chi. Through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NRPA has been working with park and recreation agencies across the country for the last 11 years to increase the availability of and participation in the CDC's Arthritis Appropriate Evidence-Based Interventions, which are Active Living Every Day, Fit & Strong!, EnhanceFitness, Walk With Ease and Tai Chi, which was added to our portfolio in 2022 and has become the most sought-after program through NRPA's grant application process. As part of NRPA's Healthy Aging work, park and recreation agencies across the country have trained more than 1,000 instructors, offering more than 2,000 of the evidence-based interventions you mentioned to nearly 29,000 participants through 441 agencies. And while we're focusing on Tai Chi today, it's important to highlight that impact across all of these interventions, because it's pretty incredible. Our guests today know a little bit about Tai Chi and the benefits it provides: Patricia Lawson, a master trainer at the Tai Chi for Health Institute, Carol Briseno, a recreation coordinator at Martin County Parks and Recreation, and Colleen Pittard, a partnership manager at NRPA. Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about this impactful program. You'll also learn: Why Tai Chi is such a beneficial activity for physical and mental health (and spiritual and social health) for older adults How the community in Martin County has embraced its Tai Chi program How to navigate barriers to older adult programming How findings from NRPA's Supporting Older Adults through Parks and Recreation report can help inform your programming approach And much more! Related Links: NRPA's Healthy Aging in Parks Initiative NRPA's Supporting Older Adults through Parks and Recreation Report Tai Chi for Health Institute Martin County Parks and Recreation Older Adult Programs

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 find a cover photo and story for the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine that supports the year's theme, and this year's winner is a gem. Today we're joined by the winner, Rachel Kohler, a recreation coordinator for cultural arts and community engagement for The Majestic Theatre, part of Corvallis Parks & Recreation in Oregon. If you haven't read the story yet in the July issue, it's a wonderful piece that shares how community theater is fostering inclusion and belonging among its staff and participants. It's truly a testament to the power of intergenerational programming, bringing folx together with diverse identities and how we can all learn something from someone else, regardless of our differences. Tune in to the full conversation below to learn more about Rachel and why this story of The Majestic Theatre's production of "The Tempest" embodies the power of belonging — and why parks and recreation can be such an important catalyst for continuing to build belonging in communities. You'll also learn: How The Majestic Theatre approached its audition announcement to bring in people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities How staff ensured everyone felt safe, welcome and included throughout the production Why community theater is such a powerful way to build belonging and diversify an agency's offerings What challenges arose during the production and how the team and cast navigated them Why this work is so meaningful to Rachel, and much more! Related Links: Park and Recreation Month Have feedback about this episode or Open Space Radio overall? Share it with us! If you enjoyed this episode or learned something that might help you make a positive impact in your community, please consider donating to NRPA to not only support our storytelling efforts, but also our mission to advance parks, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all at nrpa.org/donate.