A Listen Back at 2023 So Far — Episode 142

I was recently pulling some of the Open Space Radio statistics
for a presentation to NRPA staff, and while I was presenting, I
kept thinking to myself, “The numbers are great, it’s important
to track these kinds of metrics. But also, we have had some truly
remarkable guests and amazing conversations over the course of
this show, and you can’t really put that through quantitative
analysis.”


So, it inspired me to do a little 2023 so far recap episode.
Throughout this episode, I’m featuring little nuggets from a few
episodes we’ve released so far this year until August. We’ve
released a lot more episodes than the ones featured here, so if
something in this episode doesn’t resonate, be sure to check out
all of our previous episodes. However, these are just a few from
this year that have resonated with me and continue to replay in
my head.


I also know not everyone gets a chance to listen to every single
episode (but for those of you who do – thank you!), so I thought
this would also be a jam-packed opportunity for you to get a
bunch of good stuff in one less-than-an-hour package. We're also
in autumn mode now, so enjoy the photo of fall foliage :) 


I hope you find a little inspiration in one of these clips and I
encourage you to go back and listen to the full episodes, which
are all linked below. I can’t wait to continue sharing these
stories of the impact that parks and recreation is having across
the country for the remainder of this year and into the future.
We have some exciting things lined up, and I can’t wait to bring
you along! 


Tune in to the full episode to hear clips from:



Vicky Stott (she/her), senior program officer for
racial equity and community engagement at the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation, who discusses how racial healing is
connected to love, cherishing and respecting humanity, and
acknowledging others’ lived experiences. Listen to the full
episode 127 here.


Will “Akuna” Robinson (he/him), who was the first Black
man to complete the triple crown of hiking. We discuss
his beginnings in outdoor recreation to heal from PTSD from his
previous military experience and how we can continue breaking
down barriers so everyone can experience the power of outside.
Listen to the full episode 129 here.


Cal Dobbs (he/they), a queer transgender ultra
marathoner and long-distance hiker who recently ran
across the country — from California to Florida — fighting for
the inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to
gender-affirming healthcare. Bonus: Cal will also be joining us
at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas, Oct 10-12,
discussing youth sports equity! Listen to the full episode 132
here.


Mike Cimprich (he/him), the city arborist for Marion
Parks and Recreation in Iowa, who was honored with
Merrell’s Changing Nature of Work Award for his
critical work in the city of Marion after the 2020 Central
Severe Weather-Derecho, known as the “costliest thunderstorm
event in U.S. history.” Listen to the full episode 134 here.


Daniel Hatcher (he/him), the senior director of
strategic partnerships at Alliance for a Healthier
Generation, who discusses why park and recreation
professionals are critical to physical, mental, and
social-emotional health – and the overall health and well-being
of our communities. Listen to the full episode 136 here.


Laine Fabijanic, the community and therapeutic
recreation supervisor for City of Glenwood Springs,
Colorado, who is leading a therapeutic recreation
program that is bringing recreational opportunities to all
members of the community, regardless of their ability, to
increase quality of life for all. Listen to the full July bonus
episode here.


Kelly Messer, PE, a project manager for Columbus
Recreation and Parks, who discusses how an entire
community of supportive skateboarders, and community members
alike, led to the completion of the Tuttle Park Skatepark and
overall park improvements. Listen to the full episode 139 here.


Sarah Olson, deputy director of Lynnwood (Washington)
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, who
discusses a community-driven, comprehensive park and trail
capital project plan and prioritization project that the
department is utilizing to center equity in its park system
planning. Listen to the full episode 140 here.



This episode of Open Space Radio is sponsored by Niagara Water.
This Summer, Niagara Water is providing communities across Texas,
California, and Georgia with a chance to upgrade their local park
to the outdoor space of their dreams. 9 parks are nominated. 3
will be selected to receive a $75,000 refresh. Support your
favorite park daily through September 18th at
NiagaraPerkYourPark.com. Niagara Water. Now that’s refreshing.