103 episodes

Check out new episodes here: https://soundcloud.com/lets-talk-parks

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

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 29 Ratings

Check out new episodes here: https://soundcloud.com/lets-talk-parks

    Exciting News! [And Where to Find the Podcast!]

    Exciting News! [And Where to Find the Podcast!]

    Hello everyone! We have exciting news - we are bringing the Let's Talk Parks podcast BACK, this time with the support from BerryDunn! My hope is that you continue to feel inspired and motivated to make a difference in your communities by listening to these stories. 

    I'm personally both excited and relieved for this support so I can focus on having amazing conversations with Parks & Recreation professionals like yourself. I think you'll hear in the first episode (releasing 9/15) that we now have capacity for greater creativity and storytelling.  

    A couple of things to know: 


    You can find new episodes by searching for "Let's Talk Parks with BerryDunn" or directly:  https://soundcloud.com/lets-talk-parks
    While we won't have a weekly rhythm to our podcasts anymore, I highly recommend subscribing to the new podcast feed to stay up to date
    Let's Talk Parks social media accounts will no longer be updated but you can find all podcast updates over on LinkedIn by following BerryDunn or myself.

    I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my former podcast co-host, friend and colleague Marissa Moravec - she's the epitome of a passionate parks and recreation professional, and I can't wait until she makes an appearance on future episodes!

    Thanks for your continued support through the evolution of the podcast.  

    Until next time, Let's Talk Parks! - Becky

    • 3 min
    Can we LOWER the bar yet?

    Can we LOWER the bar yet?

    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!

    • 14 min
    Challenging "Best Practices" in Parks & Recreation

    Challenging "Best Practices" in Parks & Recreation

    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/

    • 34 min
    [100th episode!] Inclusive Play by Design with Jill Moore

    [100th episode!] Inclusive Play by Design with Jill Moore

    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

    • 40 min
    Programming for Hybrid Nature Experiences

    Programming for Hybrid Nature Experiences

    Did your agency pivot to virtual programs during the height of the pandemic?  Are you still using those programs today?  On this episode, Nate Bibat, Senior Naturalist at the Dunes Nature Center, comes on the Let's Talk Parks show to share how his organization was able to quickly pivot to online environmental education programs.  He shares the various tools and methods they used for the hundreds of students in their programs - including making videos on YouTube, launching a podcast, creating virtual tours on Google Earth, and so much more!  He also talks about how him and his team made those online programs more accessible for those with hearing or visual impairments.  Tune in to learn how these programs continue to evolve into hybrid learning experiences, where online pre-visits serve as a helpful way to introduce students and teachers to the content before they travel on-site.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evzYMOQ-0jo

    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 Nate on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielbibat/

    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/

    • 53 min
    Making Your Playgrounds More Inclusive and Inviting For All

    Making Your Playgrounds More Inclusive and Inviting For All

    In this episode, Dustin Graham and I talk about the risks and rewards of intentional playground design. We talk about how we can make our playgrounds more inviting, and share some examples of different parks across the country that have used their cultural heritage as part of their community space design.  While the audio version will give you a taste of this topic, you’ll want to head over to the video to SEE these parks and truly experience them for yourself!  https://youtu.be/-Z8spRYJtGQ

    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 Dustin on LinkedIn --> https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-wants-to-build-your-playground/

    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/

    • 52 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
29 Ratings

29 Ratings

Amanda D'Agostino ,

Everything I wanted (and need) in a Parks Podcast

This podcast is great for people of all backgrounds. I am a current student and wanted to know more about what other professionals are doing. It gives you a great idea of the wide range of positions and ideas in the field of Parks and Recreation. I've learned so much by listening!

AliM1979 ,

Parks, Parks, Park!

All parks, all the time! We need this podcast, now more than ever. Kudos to Becky and team for highlighting incredible work happening in parks and recreation agencies across the country. Listen in for ideas or inspiration-I typically get both.

ksgrosh ,

Thank you!

As I started working a Parks+Rec job during COVID and its relative isolation, this podcast has helped me connect with others in the field and given me a sense of community. Thanks for the diversity of content and being a wonderful resource!

Top Podcasts In Business

REAL AF with Andy Frisella
Andy Frisella #100to0
The Dough
Lemonada Media
The Ramsey Show
Ramsey Network
Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin
Money News Network
The Money Mondays
Dan Fleyshman
Most Innovative Companies
Fast Company