Creating a Safe Space for Youth and Teens — Episode 119

It’s hard to believe September is already here and in just a
couple weeks, park and recreation professionals from across the
country will gather in Phoenix, Arizona, at the 2022 NRPA Annual
Conference. If you’ve been fortunate enough to experience this
conference in the past, you know that this is the premier event
for park and recreation professionals seeking to grow their
network, check out some of the latest and greatest products and
services, and take advantage of top-tier learning opportunities.


And, speaking of learning opportunities, I’m thrilled to be
joined today by one of this year’s education session presenters,
Sydney Elliott, MBA, CPRP. Sydney is a Certified Park and
Recreation Professional and the youth and business coordinator
for City of DeSoto Parks & Recreation in Texas. Sydney will
be presenting on teen engagement at this year’s conference, and
I’m excited for the opportunity to learn more about her work and
get a preview of her session on today’s episode.


Tune in to our full conversation below to learn more about
Sydney, how her career in parks and recreation began, and get a
preview of her upcoming session. You’ll also learn:


Some of the biggest challenges to engaging youth,
specifically teens, in park and recreation programming

Creative ways Sydney is engaging youth and teens in her
community

Why creating safe spaces for youth and teens is critical to
their development

The importance of partnerships in helping teen engagement
programs thrive

What Sydney is most looking forward to the 2022 NRPA Annual
Conference, and much more!



Related Links:


Connect with Sydney on LinkedIn

Follow Sydney (aka @therecgirl) on Instagram

DeSoto Parks & Recreation Department on Facebook

DeSoto Parks & Recreation on Instagram

DeSoto Teen Council on Instagram



This episode of Open Space Radio is brought to you by support
from Niagara Water. This Summer, Niagara Water is providing
communities across Texas and Florida with a chance to upgrade
their local park to the outdoor space of their dreams. 10 parks
are nominated. 3 will be selected to win a $75,000 refresh. Vote
daily for your favorite park through September 12 at
NiagaraPerkYourPark.com. Niagara Water. Now that’s refreshing.