IPRA Rec Room
Welcome to the IPRA Rec Room, the fun and friendly podcast for parks and recreation pros! Join hosts Vince, Marissa, and Mark as they chat with industry leaders, share tips, and discuss the latest trends. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the field, our episodes are packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, great conversation, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in every month to stay connected with the vibrant parks and rec community in Illinois and beyond.
Episodes
In this episode of The Rec Room, hosts Vince Davis and Camilla Best dive into the exciting next chapter of IPRA's digital education strategy. Together, they unveil new opportunities for professional development through IPRA’s Learning Management System (LMS), discuss how it's designed to serve members at every stage of their career, and share what’s coming next as part of the statewide rollout.You’ll hear how the LMS will p...
In this episode of IPRA Rec Room, we sit down with Michael from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to discuss the critical intersection of mental health and the parks and recreation profession. Michael shares insights into the current mental health landscape, the unique stressors faced by professionals in our field, and how organizations can foster more supportive environments for both staff and community members.
We exp...
In this episode of IPRA Rec Room, we sit down with Erika Strojinc, Executive Director of the Buffalo Grove Park District and current Chair of the IPRA Board of Directors. Erika shares her path into the parks and recreation field, her leadership philosophy, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in today’s evolving professional landscape.
We also talk about social media, swap stories from the field, and even dive in...
Join us as we talk to LoriKay Paden, former IPRA Chair on this exciting new episode. We talk about her experience as a woman in parks and recreation, as well as how she has seen the field evolve through the years.
In this episode of IPRA Rec Room, we welcome the two newest trustees of the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation (IPRF), Anne Kiwala and Lacy Marinenko! As passionate leaders in the parks and recreation industry, Anne and Lacy share their journeys into the field, what inspired them to take on leadership roles, and their vision for IPRF’s future.
We discuss the vital role IPRF plays in supporting professionals through scholarships...
IPRA Rec Room - Episode 5: Behind the Keynote with Gregory Offner
In this special episode, we sit down with Gregory Offner, the highly anticipated keynote speaker for the 2025 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference. Known for his unique blend of captivating storytelling and real-world insights, Gregory shares a preview of the powerful messages he’ll deliver at the conference. We delve into his expertise on navigating change,...
oin us for Episode 4 of IPRA Rec Room as we chat with Lauren Raspanti, Director of Marketing and Community Engagement. Lauren shares her expert insights into planning and promoting successful events, building meaningful community connections, and using creative marketing strategies to highlight the value of parks and recreation. From innovative social media campaigns to event management, Lauren's expertise offers valuable takeaway...
Join us as we interview IPRA Executive Director Duane Smith about the future of education at IPRA, tips for taking advantage of everything the association has to offer, and how to further yourself in the field.
Move aside Pickleball, there is a new hot sport in town that may be a bit puzzling. Come join us and special Guest Andre Cobbs from the Elmhurst Park District as we talk about new trends in athletics. We cover everything from the hot-button issues of travel sports, the fun explosion of cup-in-hand kickball, to what has changed in the post-pandemic athletics landscape.
Join us for the debut episode of the IPRA Rec Room podcast, the official podcast of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association! Hosts Vince, Marissa, and Mark introduce themselves and share their passion for the parks and recreation field.
In this episode, we interview IPRA Executive Director Suzi Wirtz. Suzi discusses the impact of IPRA and the UnPlug Illinois initiative, which encourages everyone to enjoy the benefits of un...
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