The EduCurious Podcast: An Interview with Stephanie-Grace Bond Lutton: Director of Lake Wales Parks & Recreation

What does it really take to run a city, and why should educators, students, and community members care?🌐 Learn More: City of Lake Wales: https://www.lakewalesfl.govOverview:In this episode of The EduCurious Podcast, Dr. Amber Love Johnson sits down with Stephanie-Grace Bond Lutton, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Lake Wales, to explore how local government, education, and community life are deeply connected. Stephanie shares her journey growing up in Lake Wales, her experiences with the YMCA, and how those experiences shaped her approach to youth programming and community engagement.The conversation highlights the role of parks and recreation in supporting student growth, preventing summer learning loss, and providing meaningful opportunities for families and young people. Stephanie also offers insight into how city government operates behind the scenes, from maintaining public spaces to planning future developments like trail systems and community facilities.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how educators, students, and residents can get involved in their community, as well as the wide range of career pathways available in public service. This episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration, civic engagement, and creating spaces where communities can thrive.🔑 In This Episode:• How Parks & Recreation supports student development and learning beyond the classroom• The role of summer programs in preventing learning loss• Behind-the-scenes insight into how a city operates• The vision for Lake Wales’ expanding trail system and community spaces• Why community involvement and civic engagement matter more than ever• Career pathways for students in government, recreation, and public service• How educators can partner with local government for real-world learning experiencesChapters:00:00 Introduction00:23 Growing up in Lake Wales01:21 Lessons from the YMCA & STEM programming02:14 Summer learning & preventing learning loss02:49 Upcoming summer programs03:23 What a Parks & Rec Director actually does04:04 Future trail systems & city planning05:42 Impact on students & community06:17 Passion for community events06:37 Leadership lessons: listening & growth07:48 Growing up with a parent in city government08:29 How to get involved in your city09:45 Opportunities for teachers & students11:07 How city departments work together12:14 Youth Leadership & new Youth Advisory Board13:45 Future projects: parks, trails & facilities15:42 Transition from YMCA to city-run Rec Center17:57 Community partnerships (Little League, Boys & Girls Club)19:34 Career pathways for students20:41 Tourism & growth in Lake Wales22:22 How to stay informed23:00 Closing thoughts💡 Why This Episode Matters:If you're an educator, school leader, parent, or community member, this episode will shift how you think about learning spaces, student opportunities, and the role of local government in shaping the future.🔔 Stay Connected:👉 Subscribe for more conversations with innovative educators and leaders👉 Share this episode with someone passionate about education or community impact📢 Hashtags:#EduCurious #EducationPodcast #DrAmberLoveJohnson #CommunityLeadership #ParksAndRecreation #LocalGovernment #STEMEducation #YouthLeadership #LakeWales #CivicEngagement #EducationMatters #PublicService #UrbanPlanning #TeacherLife #CommunityImpactBe Social:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts?sub_confirmation=1 Website: https://educuriouspod.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edu.curious.podcasts/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@educuriouspods Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EduCuriousPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/49IJd6WG083nXhZeQWt2hk?si=300fba40fb83456c Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educurious-pods/id1798666772 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educuriouspod/