The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast

In 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 role—revitalizing a board, creating a strong organizational foundation, engaging diverse communities across 42 miles of coastline, and building a brand that puts Parks and Recreation at the center of local identity.
Listen in to learn:
How her media and PR experience shapes her leadership style
The early steps she took to strengthen board governance
What it takes to communicate across rural, urban, and coastal communities
Why telling stories (not just asking for donations) is the key to long-term support
How support from NAPF helped accelerate her momentum
This episode is full of real-world insight, inspiration, and takeaways for anyone leading or supporting a local park foundation.
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🎙 Welcome to The Foundation: A Parks People Podcast! 🎙

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 parks and recreation space.

🚨 Now streaming on every major podcast platform! The Foundation podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and more. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to stay informed about the latest trends in park philanthropy.
🌟 This episode features guest Tom Evers, former Executive Director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. The discussion explores:

✅ The critical role of parks foundations in securing funding outside of tax revenues
✅ How philanthropy extends beyond grants and donations to foster lasting relationships
✅ Strategies for engaging communities and creating long-term financial sustainability

💡 The conversation also highlights the Build a Foundation Training, an essential four-week course designed for park professionals and nonprofit leaders. The program provides the tools needed to establish, grow, and sustain a successful park foundation.
🔗 More information and registration details are available at https://www.the-napf.org/establishing-advancing-a-park-foundation.

Now, let’s begin the discussion with Tom Evers.
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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 journey—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:
✅ Turning challenges into opportunities.
✅ How parks can transform communities.
✅ The critical role of park foundations in driving change and securing resources.

Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a fascinating conversation about making a difference through parks and recreation.
🎙️ Available now on all major podcast platforms.
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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 rise in popularity to tennis’s enduring impact, this conversation highlights the vital role of technology and community in sports development.

✨ Key Takeaways:
How Court Reserve software is empowering municipalities.
Strategies to attract youth to racket sports.
The impact of parks and recreation on community well-being.

Listen in for actionable insights and inspiration from leaders in the parks and recreation industry.
Subscribe, rate, and share to support the mission of NAPF!
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🎧 The Foundation: A Park’s People Podcast – Special Episode 🌳🏆 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 Lehman Awards breakfast, where industry leaders gathered to honor creative projects, discuss strategic partnerships, and explore the role of foundations in strengthening communities through public parks and recreation.

✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Keynote Address 🗣️ by Ron Layman, a founding member of NAPF, reflecting on the organization’s 10-year journey and its mission to bridge public services and private philanthropy.
Panel Discussions 👥 featuring:
Amy Lewandowski 🏞 from Arlington Heights Park District, on using park foundations to build inclusive public spaces.
Matt Rosebrock 🏕, Vice-Chair of NAPF, on aligning missions and partnerships to fund meaningful community programs.
Tim Hurd 💡, CEO of Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, on developing a statewide foundation and maximizing grants.
Award Ceremony 🏅 celebrating outstanding park initiatives, including:
Somerville Parks Foundation 🎤 – Karaoke fundraiser for green spaces.
One Arroyo Parks Foundation 🌄 – Restoring trails and reopening historic bridges in Pasadena.
Charleston Parks Conservancy 🧸 – Hosting the annual Teddy Bear Picnic to engage families and promote environmental education.

Upcoming Opportunity – October 22:
Interested in launching or advancing a park foundation? Check out our upcoming training course, “Establishing and Advancing a Park Foundation.” Visit the-napf.org/events for details!

📲 Join the Conversation:
This episode is a change of pace for us, and we’d love to know what you think! 🎧 Share your thoughts, favorite moments, or questions on social media, and use the hashtags below to keep the conversation going.

🔗 Stay Connected with NAPF:
Website: the-napf.org
Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Listen On Your Favorite Podcast App:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-foundation-a-parks-people-podcast/id1712559495

https://open.spotify.com/show/1SFJhCvKkFAKHeJ3ipR6HR?utm

https://www.amazon.com/Foundation-Parks-People-Podcast/dp/B0CCK9HW8K?utm

https://shows.acast.com/the-foundation-a-parks-people-podcast

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-foundation-a-parks-peo-126095557/

#NAPFAwards 🏆 #ParksAndRecreation 🌳 #ParkFoundation 🏞 #GreenSpacesMatter 🌿 #CommunityImpact 🤝 #LeadershipInParks 👥 #EnvironmentalStewardship 🌱 #InclusivePlaygrounds 🛝 #TeddyBearPicnic 🧸 #TrailRestoration 🥾 #KaraokeForACause 🎤 #OutdoorFitness 💪 #PublicParksForAll 🏕 #NAPF2024 🚀 #FoundationSuccess 🏅 #PartnershipForParks 🤝
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