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 the summer ahead. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many park and
recreation agencies have had to come up with innovative ways to
not only implement virtual programming options, but also make
sure the people in their communities continue to have access to
essential items like food, shelter, proper healthcare, social
connection and the benefits of nature.


With major events like Park and Recreation Month and the Fourth
of July right around the corner, we reached out to our followers
on Instagram to learn about some of the creative ways park and
recreation professionals are safely engaging the people they
serve. One great idea came from The Summit in Grand Prairie,
Texas, where staff put on a parking lot parade for the older
adults in their community to drive through — complete with
motivational signs, gift bags, and Roxanne’s personal favorite,
staff performing choreographed dances!


A few of our listeners sent in audio clips of what they’re doing
in their own communities, so be sure to tune in to the full
episode below to hear from:


Rachel Robertson – Recreation Supervisor, North Highlands
Recreation and Park District in California

Lindsay Labas – Marketing Director, Carmel Clay Parks &
Recreation in Indiana

Anthony Iracki – Recreation Supervisor, Whitefish Bay
Recreation in Wisconsin, and

Robert Lloyd – Recreation Programmer, Loudoun Valley
Community Center in Virginia



Thanks to these park and recreation heroes for sharing how
they’re continuing to provide opportunities for their communities
to experience the many benefits of parks and recreation, even
during a time like this. Tune in to learn:


How agencies are using social media to stay connected with
their communities;

How agencies are providing digital programs and virtual
recreation centers including everything from cooking classes to
virtual fitness classes to art classes and more;

How agencies have had to pivot from traditional marketing and
communications approaches to digital platforms; and

How agencies are assigning a theme to specific days of the
week so participants in virtual programs know what to expect on
certain days, and more!



And, as part of NRPA’s upcoming Park and Recreation Month
celebration, make sure you’re following us
on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram throughout
the month of July as we’ll be recognizing other park and
recreation heroes who are making an impact in their communities —
and be sure to share your own park and recreation story
using #WeAreParksAndRec.


Another way that cities across the world are showing their
appreciation for park and recreation professionals is by
#GoingGreenForParks. Today, June 30, World Urban
Parks encourages park and recreation agencies to light up their
civic and iconic spaces and places green at sunset to thank the
professionals who are helping communities remain active, healthy
and connected during COVID-19.