The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast

The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast

Welcome to "The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast," presented by The National Association of Park Foundations. Join us as we delve into the world of parks and recreation, bringing you engaging conversations with influential individuals who have made a significant impact in this field. In each episode, we sit down with park advocates, community leaders, and experts who share their personal stories and insights, offering a unique perspective on the importance of parks and the role they play in our communities. From discussing innovative funding solutions to addressing challenges in distressed areas, our guests shed light on the transformative power of parks and the vital role played by park foundations. Hosted by The National Association of Park Foundations, this podcast aims to inspire and educate listeners about the incredible work being done to support and enhance parks and recreation spaces across the nation. We believe in the power of parks to bring communities together, foster wellness, and create lasting memories. Tune in to "The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast" to hear firsthand accounts, success stories, and valuable insights from those at the forefront of the parks and recreation movement. Whether you're a park enthusiast, a community leader, or simply curious about the positive impact of parks, this podcast is for you. Join us as we explore the world of parks and recreation, sharing stories that will inspire, inform, and ignite a passion for the preservation and development of these cherished spaces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

August 5, 2025 β€’ 23 mins

ο»ΏIn this episode of The Foundation: A Park’s People Podcast, we sit down with Marithza Ross, Executive Director of the St. Johns County Park Foundation in Florida. Marithza brings a unique perspective to park philanthropy, having transitioned from a successful career in television news and public relations to nonprofit leadership.

She shares the highs and hurdles of her first year in the roleβ€”revitalizing a board, creating a strong ...

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πŸŽ™ Welcome to The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast! πŸŽ™


The National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF) presents The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast, where experts in park philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and fundraising share strategies for building and sustaining park foundations. Hosted by Kevin Korenthal, Executive Director of NAPF, the podcast offers insights and real-world experiences from leaders across the par...

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🎧 Season 3 is here!

Kicking off the new season of The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast, host Kevin Korenthal welcomes Joe Wynns, a true pioneer in the field of parks and recreation. Joe shares his incredible journeyβ€”from growing up in segregated South Carolina to a remarkable career leading a major metropolitan parks agency.


In this episode, you'll hear Joe's take on:

βœ… Turning challenges into opportunities.

βœ… How parks can tran...

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In the final episode of 2024, NAPF executive director, Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE chats with Ashley Owens, co-founder of Court Reserve, about the explosive growth of racket sports like pickleball and how parks and recreation departments are adapting to meet demand.


Ashley shares stories of how data-driven decisions are helping communities advocate for funding, save courts, and create inclusive spaces for all ages. From pickleball's...

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🎧 The Foundation: A Park’s People Podcast – Special Episode πŸŒ³πŸ† Lehman Awards 2024

Welcome to a special episode of The Foundation: A Park’s People Podcast. This one’s a little different from our usual deep dives! In this special recording, we take you behind the scenes of the Lehman Awards 2024, celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact among park foundations across the U.S.


Join us as we share the highlights from the Lehm...

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Debbie Trueblood, MSW, FASAE, IOM, CAE, the incoming chairperson for the National Association of Park Foundations (NAPF). With over 23 years of experience in associations and a deep passion for parks and recreation, Debbie shares her vision for the future of NAPF, the power of local park foundations, and how they can impact communities across the country. Learn how her extensive backgroun...

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In the latest episode of the Informal podcast, executive director Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE and Matt Rosebrock, who is also the incoming vice chair of the National Association of Park Foundation (NAPF), discuss their experiences at the US Open and their ongoing collaboration with the USTA. They emphasize the importance of community tennis associations (CTAs) and outline NAPF's initiatives, including board development and fundraising ...

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In this episode of The Foundation: A Parks' People Podcast, Kevin chats with Steve Love, Executive Director of the H.A.R.D. Foundation about the importance of strategic planning for park foundations. Steve shares his experiences working with the National Association of Park Foundations to develop a strategic plan that engages board members, stakeholders, and the community. They also discuss how technology has streamlined the planni...

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Welcome to the latest episode of "The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast," presented by the National Association of Park Foundations. In this engaging session, our host Kevin Korenthal, the Executive Director of the National Association of Park Foundations, sits down with Dr. Nathan Schaumleffel, an esteemed associate professor of political science at Indiana State University and chief consultant for the National Association of Par...

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Hey there, YouTube family! 🌟 Welcome to an exhilarating new episode of The Foundation, the podcast where parks and recreation meet passion and purpose! Today, we’re thrilled to kick off Season 2 with an extraordinary guest, Lori Berkis-Nelson, the dynamic Executive Director of the Rockford Park District Foundation. Join your host, Kevin Korenthal, Executive Director of the National Association of Park Foundations, as they dive int...

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Welcome to another enlightening episode of "The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast"! Join your host, Kevin Korenthal, as he sits down with Rosemary Cameron to delve into her remarkable career in park and recreation. In this engaging conversation, Rosemary unfolds the story of her journey, tracing its roots and acknowledging the influential figures who shaped her path. Together, they explore the transformative changes initiated by R...

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Welcome to "The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast" presented by the National Association of Park Foundations. In this episode, join your host and executive director of the National Association of Park Foundations, Kevin Korenthal, as he sits down with his former Parks and Recreation director, Rick Gould. Get ready to dive into a captivating conversation about the winding path that led Rick into the world of parks and recreation, t...

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Welcome to the Foundation, a Parks People Podcast, brought to you by the National Association of Park Foundations. I'm Kevin Korenthal, your host, and the Executive Director of the National Association of Park Foundations. We're excited to have Sam Mendelsohn, the President and CEO of Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, as our guest today.


Greenfields Outdoor Fitness has been a pioneer in reshaping outdoor fitness equipment to ensure a...

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Welcome to the Parks People Podcast! In this episode, Kevin Korenthal, Executive Director of the National Association of Park Foundations, introduces our guest, Joy Kubler. Joy, a landscape architect, shares her journey of transforming poorly attended and ineffective public meetings into dynamic, engaging, and inclusive gatherings. Discover how Joy's innovative approach focuses on going where the community already gathers, empoweri...

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πŸŽ™οΈ Step into the World of Parks and Recreation with "The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast"!


🌳 Welcome, dear listeners, to a delightful podcast that will take you behind the scenes of the parks and recreation world. I'm your host, Kevin Korenthal, and I'm thrilled to guide you through intriguing conversations that revolve around the heartwarming tales of park foundations, community engagement, and more.


🏞️ Let's take a mo...

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Welcome to another episode of The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast. I'm your host, Kevin Korenthal, the executive director of the National Association of Park Foundations. Today, we have a special guest, Donald Ortale, who served as my predecessor in this role.


During our conversation, Donald and I delve into the significant role and benefits of park foundations in supporting park agencies and districts. Donald shares his pers...

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NAPF Executive Director, Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE, recently had the privilege of sitting down for an engaging interview with Ron Lehman, a true legend in the field of parks and recreation. Ron's contributions to the industry are remarkable, from pioneering recreational activities at the Channahon Park District to playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the People for Channahon Parks Foundation. His passion and dedication late...

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