Overly enthusiastic Indiana public official Leslie Knope manages to secure permission to convert an abandoned construction pit into a park for the community.

Leslie and her committee try to build support for the park project, while Tom uses some rather questionable recruiting tactics.

Leslie gets a newspaper reporter to do a story about her and the park idea, but becomes upset when she finds out that the reporter slept with Mark.

A casual get-together presents Leslie with a difficult ethical choice, helping her to create a tempest in a teapot.

Leslie attends a banquet honouring her mother, where she learns how to move ahead in the political arena.

Leslie's mum sets her up on a date but pretends it's a business meeting; Ann kicks Andy out of the house after she learns he kept his casts on longer than necessary; Leslie has the opportunity to hook up with Mark again, but turns him down.