Let's Talk Parks Podcast: Stories of Purpose-Driven Parks and Recreation Professionals

Link to donate to the CPRA fundraiser for Parks & Recreation Professionals who lost their home in the Marshall Fire: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTM1NDI1 Throughout the podcast, we've asked a consistent question: How can we raise the bar to make a positive difference in the communities in which we work?  But collectively as we've all reached the end of our ropes, we're all really, stinkin' tired.  And I'm starting to reject the idea of constantly needing MORE and BETTER.  What if we allowed ourselves to be okay, just this once, being RIGHT HERE.  And what if we allowed ourselves to lower the bar so that we could breathe, take up new hobbies, and be present with our families?  What if we rejected the notion that the next role, the next agency, the next version of myself would make me *THAT* much happier.  What if we STOPPED assigning so much worth as a human to our job title?  There is so much more to us than WHAT we do - so I'm going to spend more time figuring how WHO I AM. I'm letting go of the things that don't light me up, in hopes of making more space and allowing more goodness to enter my life.  I hope you do too.  This episode I get a little passionate as you might be able to tell, but I hope it gives you the courage you need to stop doing the things that don't light you up.  You do amazing things, I love you, and until next time... Let's Talk Parks!

There are so many phrases thrown around in the field of Parks and Recreation, but "best practice," may be one that we finally retire. In this episode, Marissa sits down with Jason Elissalde to talk about why that term can be detrimental to our success.  Thank you to our sponsor, Landscape Structures for sponsoring this episode.  Learn more, find a playground consultant, and earn CEUs by visiting playlsi.com.  Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Jason on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-elissalde-cprp-323556124/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LinkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

In this episode, Becky sits down with Jill Moore, Inclusive Play Specialist at Landscape Structures, to discuss what a playground really means to be inclusive.  We talk about the definition of accessible versus inclusive (and why they're so different!).  Jill opened my eyes to our need to involve people of all backgrounds and abilities to the table when it comes to planning and designing our parks.  There is so much to learn when designing our parks to be safe spaces for our children to take risks and grow as human beings. I am so excited to share this episode with you!  A big thank you to Landscape Structures for sponsoring this video! https://youtu.be/1LXaKddy0E4  Thank you to our sponsor, Landscape Structures for sponsoring this episode.  Learn more, find a playground consultant, and earn CEUs by visiting playlsi.com.  Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LinkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/ Sponsorships: off for this

This is a quick preview to a new upcoming series on the podcast about how to make our parks and playgrounds more inclusive and innovative. I can't wait to share these new interviews with you soon! Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LinkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

In this episode, Marissa and Becky talk about how imposter syndrome has impacted them throughout their careers.  If you think that you've suffered from this, be sure to tune in for how this might affect your work within the parks and recreation field. This episode was inspired by Jai Cole from Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission who had a recent session at NRPA about this topic. Here is the link to the recent article about imposter syndrome from HBR magazine and some strategies for reducing this phenomenon in the workplace - and finally, the link to the Brene Brown podcast which dives deeper into this topic with the authors from the article. Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LinkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

The answer is yes! Marissa went through middle school, high school, and college assuming that she would never need to get in front of a crowd to present information. She was totally wrong and gets on the mic during this episode to explain the times you may be faced with public speaking and what you can do to overcome that hurdle.  Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LinkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

The field of parks and recreation is very seasonal. But so are you!  In this episode, Becky talks about how to embrace the season of your career wherever you are.  Whether you've been feeling burnt out or in need of a change, hopefully you find a bit of peace in knowing that it's all a part of your rich and unique career experience. :) Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LInkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

So many agencies rely on the mailed recreation guides to get out seasonal information to their residents.  But as budgets change, you may want to consider alternatives that can save you money and time.  Be sure to tune in to hear five creative alternatives and ideas to the mailed recreation guide.   Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LInkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

With the help of over 20 women in parks and recreation, we’ve compiled an awesome list of tips and advice for those who may be attending conference for the 1st (or 100th) time.  In this episode, Marissa and Becky go over these tips, focusing on three primary areas – networking, planning ahead, and taking action. While this year will look different, especially if you're attending virtually, it will certainly be memorable. Try to make the most of it! Thank you so much to the Women in Parks & Recreation Facebook Group for contributing to this list. Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LInkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

Maintaining our parks and facilities is at the core of providing quality experiences for our community members.  In many of our parks and recreation agencies, we need to "take care of what we have" before building new amenities.  But oftentimes, the most important details fall through the cracks. The system for communicating, tracking, and analyzing the productivity of our maintenance in our parks just isn't up to par.  The solutions are either too big, too expensive, or don't fit the needs for our agencies.  And then along came Productive Parks, a maintenance management software specifically designed for Parks and Recreation Agencies.  If you've ever wondered about the future of maintenance in our field, take a listen and learn how Productive Parks can change the game for you.   A big thank you to Productive Parks for sponsoring this episode!  The support of our sponsors help to continue to bring value to parks and recreation professionals like you. To Learn More --> www.productiveparks.com

Marissa sits down with Kate Darcangelis from What the Rec to discuss all things active adults, or as many refer to them as: seniors. Marissa and Kate are both passionate about working with this age group and hope to encourage young and seasoned professionals to give this age group a try.  There are so many benefits to working with this age group, so take a listen! Learn more about Kate from What the Rec -->> https://whattherecofficial.com/  Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LInkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

This week on the podcast, Becky jumps on the mic to talk about how to best utilize your strengths and interests to do more of what you love in your job. While many of our roles in Parks and Recreation allows you to be a "Jack of all Trades" - there can be benefit and opportunities to specialize.  If you've been thinking of narrowing your focus in your career, take a listen and reflect on where this new perspective might be able to take you!  Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/  Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/  Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/  Connect with Marissa on LInkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

In collaboration with Cort Jones from Open Space Radio and Paul Gilbert from Strategic Leadership, this episode is about podcasts in the field of Parks & Recreation.  We talk about why we are so passionate about podcasting, the different types of resources in the field, and how this information sharing is truly raising the bar.   Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect with Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/ Connect with Marissa on LInkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

In this episode, Marissa and Becky share a preview of what's to come for the rest of 2021 - and how we see the field of Parks and Recreation adapting and raising the bar.   Join our weekly newsletter -->> https://letstalkparks.com/ Follow us on Instagram -->> https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_parks/ Connect on Becky on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-dunlap/  Connect with Marissa on LInkedIn--> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-moravec-cprp/

We're wrapping up season 3 with an episode about FUN. In this episode, Marissa and Becky discuss ten different ways to have more fun at work. Join our newsletter and follow us on Instagram for more content like this! Be back in August!

Marissa sat down with Corrine Daut, Recreation Coordinator at Raymore Parks and Recreation to discuss the challenges and advantages of hiring entry level staff...and sometimes their parents too.    This episode came about when Marissa was reading through a thread on the Women in Parks and Recreation Facebook page. The discussion was about interviewing and hiring seasonal staff after their parents had involved themselves in the application process. Even as younger professionals ourselves, we can sometimes have biases against other generations and what comes with them when they apply as our support staff. Not all interactions with parents of our staff has to be negative. It can be to the benefit of the staff member as well as the district for parents to get involved in the hiring process. 

It's in our DNA to want more influence. Especially as Parks & Recreation professionals, we want our voice to be heard.  We want our share our ideas, relay insights from our patrons, and be respected as a leader in our agencies.   Too often, we wait for a promotion or status to decide that we have *enough* power to influence.  But as Chris Dropinski points out in this week's episode, real power is something that is earned, not given. "Effective influencing is a skill and a very valuable one; power is not a skill, it is a result."   This means that TODAY we each have an opportunity to influence others.  In fact, we influence all the time.  Everything we do can cause a chain reaction - just imagine the impact you've already made. Knowing that you already have influence, the key now is to use it for good.  This week's episode is an in-depth conversation around how to influence without alienating others. Enjoy!   Meet Chris Dropinski: Her current role as co-owner and Senior Principal at GreenPlay, spanning 20 years, builds on a strong foundation of 24 years of Parks and Recreation administration with nearly half of that as Director of the City of Boulder, Colorado, Parks and Recreation Department.  Armed with a teaching degree in addition to her P&R Administration degree, Chris has passionately helped move our profession forward, taking advantage of opportunities to serve in leadership and faculty positions ranging from non-profits and foundations, to the NRPA Rocky Mountain Revenue and Management School, and the National Association of Park Foundations. As a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive, a fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, and experienced consultant she continues to help organizations remain relevant in our ever-changing environment.  Living in Colorado with her husband Mike is extraordinary, and motherhood has been the joy of her life.

When you work in local government, you are bound to run into complaints and less-than-positive feedback. That's just part of the territory as a Parks and Recreation professional. But if you're someone who truly cares, It can be hard not to personalize their comments. In this episode, I go over 6 tips around how to overcome public complaints so that you can use them as motivation and learning experiences.

In this episode, Marissa and Becky discuss how we have found success in moving ideas forward in the field of Parks and Rec.  We talk about the barriers of red tape, the surprising pros and cons of it, and how to move past it.  We hope this episode is useful if you've been wanting to make progress on an idea or program, but haven't made traction.  Sometimes just changing your mindset can give you new energy and perspectives to keep going. 

Today I want to talk about something that I think is really important, but I couldn't really find anyone talking about this at all. Its the idea that sometimes it's ok to be disengaged at work. As a supervisor, you never want your employees to disengage. But if you are a high achiever, intentionally disengaging can be a good thing. It can prevent you from burning out. It can prevent you from making irrational decisions.It can prevent you from resenting your job.  Engagement has to do with how motivated you are at work. Apparently only 13% of employees are engaged.  When you are engaged, you are excited to come to work. You are full of ideas, of energy, of enthusiasm. You are moving your organization forward. You are making valuable contributions. You are aware of the big picture, and you are motivated every day to help get your organization to a better place.   That means 87% of employees are disengaged. Many of our listeners are highly engaged employees. After all, they are listening to a podcast about the field. So knowing that you are usually really engaged, I want to recognize that we all have seasons of motivation, right? Some of us experience waves of energy and enthusiasm for our work on a weekly, monthly, or annual cycle. If you take time to notice your patterns, your moods, or your work output, you will find that it goes in cycles. You can't be ON all of the time. You are not a machine.  So knowing this, you can know that trying to be engaged ALL of the time is actually a recipe for burnout.