Live / Innovation in Action: The Future of Play, Recreation, and Outdoor Spaces Feat. The RecLess Podcast Hosts

As a founding board member in 1995, past president, past treasurer, current secretary and president elect of the International Play Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (IPEMA) and long-term active American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) representative, over the past 34 years, Tom has been involved in all aspects of the play industry. He served from 2002-2004 on the Advisory Board for the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS). He served from 2002-2004 on the Advisory Board for the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS).

For over a decade, he actively served in the (Access Board) Recreation Access Advisory Committee and Regulatory Negotiation meetings and additionally served on the advisory panel for the Access Board’s on-line Technical Assistance and Training for Play Area Accessibility. Tom served for over 15 years on the Board for the International Playground Contractor’s Association (NPCAI), and is a founding steering committee member and active leader on the U.S. Coalition for Play. Tom is one of few recipients of the coveted Joe L. Frost Play Research Collection National Play Advocate Award in April 2008.

Additionally, over the past five years, Tom has led Dr. Stuart Brown’s National Institute for Play (NIFP) Board and is the project co-leader of the first known on-line database of scientific and academic research creating a cohesive picture about the proven scientific benefits of play. He is currently serving as the President of NIFP.

Tom received Auburn University’s School of Industrial and Graphic Design Distinguished Service Award for his leadership teaching ten design studios over the past twelve years. Finally, Tom serves on the Canadian Standards Association Children’s Playspaces & Equipment Z614 committee and is representing the United States on the ISO TC83 Playground Equipment committee.

Tom is a passionate play advocate and enjoys the many fun opportunities he has created at his “Boneyard” to play outdoors with family and friends of all ages.

Jay Tryon is the Deputy Director for the City of Concord Parks and Recreation.  In this role he manages multiple divisions within one of the fastest growing cities in North Carolina.  He also assists with the development of several new parks and renovation projects through the city’s 60-million-dollar Bond projects.  Prior to this role he served as the Superintendent of Community Recreation for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation in North Carolina.  He was responsible for the overall management of all the county’s traditional recreation centers, senior centers as well as Sports and Fitness programming.  He previously served as the Director of Parks & Recreation for the Town of Indian Trail.  While in Indian Trail he helped build a department known for providing top notch programming and facilities that lead the way with innovative amenities in the region. Jay is a member of NCRPA and NRPA and previously served on the Conference Program Committee and the CAPRA Commission for six years.  He currently attends a variety of state conferences as a presenter and always enjoys the ability to present at the National Conference.  In 2023 the RecLess podcast was created based a thought of creating a platform to connect Park and Recreation professionals around the country.  Today Jay is one of the co-hosts of this podcast that aims to bring awareness to the industry and discuss trends and leadership topics with like-minded professionals.

Shane received his undergraduate degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Sports, Fitness and Leisure Management, with Minors in Design and History, where he was a football player and student assistant coach. He also holds a master’s degree from Western Illinois University in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration, where he was a Graduate Assistant in the Campus Recreation Department.

A former State, Regional, and National Young Professional of the Year Award winner, he is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional with over 22 years of industry experience. He currently serves on the Texas Recreation and Park Society Board of Directors and previously served on the NRPA Program Committee for 13 years. He was instrumental in creating NRPA’s Young Professional Network and served as the first Chair-Elect and Chair of the network when it started back in 2010. During his time in the industry, he has also served on various boards and committees at the state and national level and presented at multiple state and national conferences. Shane is a co-host of the popular Parks and Recreation Podcast, RecLess with former AAPRA Externs Tom Venniro and Jay Tryon. He previously worked for the cities of Arlington, Fort Worth, Missouri City, and Hutto before moving to Pflugerville in 2019 with his wife of 26 years, Hannah, and their 4 kids to become the Director of Parks and Recreation.

Tom Venniro, CPRP, is a parks and recreation practitioner, leader, and speaker known for advancing organizational culture, community impact, and resource management. Since 2014, he has served as Director of Hilton-Parma Parks & Recreation in Hilton, New York, where he leads organizational operations and strategic initiatives while fostering a culture of excellence, servant leadership, and a strong service-driven brand identity.

A nationally recognized presenter, writer, podcast host, mentor, and adjunct lecturer, Tom has helped agencies and professionals strengthen engagement, optimize resources, and implement practical solutions to everyday challenges in the field. He is passionate about empowering others through storytelling, professional development, and leadership guidance that elevates both people and organizations.

Tom has received state and national recognition for his leadership, advocacy, and contributions to the profession.

He lives in Hilton, NY with his wife Melissa and their three children, Jack, Amelia, and Maisie. Outside of work, Tom is a Disney World enthusiast and an avid home cook.