: Chris Pratt (Andy Dwyer) was promoted to a series regular, and the season concluded with the pivotal introduction of state auditors Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) and Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe). This also marked the departure of Mark Brendanawicz (Paul Schneider).
: Features a classic clash of personalities when Leslie tries to prove she can be "one of the guys" on Ron's annual hunting trip.
: They moved away from making Leslie appear "ditzy" or a female version of Michael Scott, instead emphasizing her competence, intelligence, and immense likability. Parks and Recreation - Season 2
: Leslie accidentally becomes a local hero and then a target of controversy after "marrying" two male penguins at the zoo.
: A central goal since the premiere, Leslie Knope finally succeeds in having the dangerous construction pit filled with dirt to create "Lot 49," a temporary park space. : Chris Pratt (Andy Dwyer) was promoted to
: The high-stakes finale where the Pawnee government is shut down due to a budget crisis, bringing in Ben and Chris for the first time.
: The scripts shifted from being Leslie-centric to highlighting the entire department, particularly fleshing out the personalities of Ron Swanson and Tom Haverford . : They moved away from making Leslie appear
: Establishes the office dynamic of teasing Jerry Gergich and introduces the recurring character Perd Hapley.