More Than Summer Fun: How Parks & Recreation Strengthens Youth Development

In Episode 9 of Inside Out-of-School Time, host Karin Wolfe dives into how parks and recreation programs play a powerful — and often overlooked — role in youth development. She’s joined by Chad Norton, deputy director of the Wellesley Recreation Department in Massachusetts. In Part 1 of the two-part conversation, Karin and Chad explore how recreation programs support social-emotional growth, behavioral development, and a comprehensive learning approach. Chad also shares how summer camps and recreation programs operate in the “in-between spaces” — before school, after school, on weekends, and during the summer — and why those moments are critical for building trust, connection, and essential life skills. This episode highlights the natural alignment between parks and recreation departments, OST programs, and 21st CCLC initiatives, setting the stage for deeper collaboration across systems that serve young people.