summer camp

Five Summer Hiring Tips for Park and Rec. Agencies

By Hayley Herzing | Posted on May 24, 2018

Summer can be the busiest time of year for park and recreation agencies, which means more job openings to fill. But seasonal hiring can be a challenge, as most agencies need to execute their hiring decisions quickly to get staff trained. These five tips will help you create a smooth and easy seasonal hiring process.

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blog reno mayor 410

Mayor Hillary Schieve on Why Parks and Recreation is Vital to a Thriving Reno — Episode 013

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 27, 2017

Reno is aiming to be a leader in outdoor recreation in order to attract new business and improve overall quality of life.

Listen Now

blog nps poll 410

New National Poll Finds Widespread Opposition to NPS Fee Increases

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on December 22, 2017

Results of a new poll found that 68 percent of respondents were opposed to the raise in fees.

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blog eoy budget holidays 410

Congress is Heading Home for the Holidays

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on December 21, 2017

After an eventful December, Congress is heading home for the holidays with plenty of work left to be done in D.C. after the New Year.

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tax blog 410

How the Tax Reform Bill Affects Parks and Recreation

By Kevin O'Hara | Posted on December 20, 2017

For the first time since 1986 Congress has passed a significant tax reform bill (House Vote 224-201, Senate Vote 51-48) and is expected to be signed by President Trump. What does this all mean for park and recreation agencies?

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blog bears ears 410

President’s Action to Revoke National Monument Status is a Bad Idea

By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on December 14, 2017

There may be good reasons to alter the boundaries of certain national monuments, but the wholesale reductions announced for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante are not reasonable modifications.

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blog kedar podcast 410

9 Minutes with 9-Year-Old Kedar on How to Save Pollinators — Episode 012

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 11, 2017

How a 9-year-old is saving pollinators with an app, a board game and endless enthusiasm.

Listen Now

blog climate resilience 410

Americans’ View on the Role of Parks in Natural Disaster Prevention

By Melissa May | Posted on December 7, 2017

While we may never be 100 percent guarded against the forces of nature, there are many steps that our local and federal government can take to mitigate loss and increase our safety.

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blog hud park champ 410

Clarksville Bounces Back with Park Champion Event at CDBG-funded Valleybrook Park

By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on December 6, 2017

Valleybrook Park received a huge revitalization, including new playgrounds, restrooms, a pavilion and more, thanks to a $477,000 federal CDBG Disaster Resilience grant.

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tax reform blog 410

UPDATED: Tax Reform and Federal Budget

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on December 5, 2017

As everyone begins their Holiday preparations, Congress is hard at work in two principal areas with deadlines fast approaching.

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blog greenroots 410

Community Members Transform Contaminated Land into Oasis

By Roseann Bongiovanni | Posted on November 30, 2017

Roseann Bongiovanni of Chelsea, Massachusetts' GreenRoots shares how they use community engagement to make improvements that benefit all.

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blog resume 410

10 Commandments of Resumes

By Michael Biedenstein | Posted on November 28, 2017

As we head into winter and winter breaks, it’s a fantastic opportunity to take a look at your resume to make sure it’s ready for the New Year and potential spring and summer internships and job opportunities. But how do you stand out among your qualified peers?

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blog healthy ost 410

5 Healthy Out-of-School Time Myths Busted — Episode 011

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on November 27, 2017

In today’s episode, we chat with Ava DeBovis and Daniel Hatcher from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to bust some out-of-school time myths.

Listen Now

blog safety 410

How to Get Parents to Buy into Safety

By Michelle Chopin, ePACT Network | Posted on November 27, 2017

Park and recreation staff often have to deal with emergency situations in their programs throughout the year. Here are some tips on how to handle them more effectively.

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blog national parks 410

Proposal to Double or Triple Daily Entrance Fees at National Parks — A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on November 17, 2017

The Department of Interior recently issued notice they will significantly raise daily entrance fees for 17 iconic national parks and has requested public comment.

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blog conference wrap up 2017 410

You Came, You Saw, You Conferenced

By Melissa May | Posted on November 17, 2017

As our work lives return to normal following the 2017 NRPA Annual Conference, we would like to take a moment to share some of the feedback you passed on to us about your experience in New Orleans. Thank you for sharing your opinions!

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blog diabetes month 410

Parks and Rec: Joining the Fight Against Diabetes

By Heather Williams | Posted on November 16, 2017

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. As part of this nationwide initiative, NRPA is calling attention to the role parks and rec plays in keeping people active and healthy, even those affected by diabetes.

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blog 10minwalk 410

Why 3 National Orgs Came Together to Promote Proximity to Parks — Episode 010

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on November 13, 2017

On October 10, 2017, the Trust for Public Land (TPL), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) came together to launch a campaign called 10-Minute Walk.

Listen Now

Lauren Belle Blog

What to Expect as a First-Time Speaker at the NRPA Annual Conference

By Lauren Belle | Posted on November 7, 2017

As a first-time speaker at 2017 NRPA Annual Conference in New Orleans I learned what it takes to make an impact on the audience and how rewarding it can be.

Learn More

blog congress budget 410

Hey Congress, If the Budget Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It

By Public Policy Team | Posted on November 2, 2017

Congress has passed the FY2018 budget framework, but spending levels for individual programs have not been finalized.

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blog jessica pettitt 410

Are You Annoying? And Other Fun Tidbits to Have Conversations that Matter: Interview with Jessica Pettitt — Episode 009

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 30, 2017

Difficult conversations can lead to great opportunities to learn and grow.

Listen Now

blog older adults 410

Is Healthy Aging a Major Priority for Your Agency?

By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on October 27, 2017

Why should we place a priority on serving older adults? Several reasons!

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Blog Teaser

Looking to Get More Involved with the Profession? Here’s How

By Tom Crosley | Posted on October 27, 2017

Looking to become more involved in the profession? Speaking at the NRPA Annual Conference is a great way to inspire your fellow park and recreation professionals and make a name for yourself. Here are some tips to get you started.

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blog phit act 410

Tax Reform Debate Opens a Window of Opportunity to Get the PHIT Act Done

By Kate Sims | Posted on October 26, 2017

Tax reform is a logical piece of legislation where the language of the PHIT Act can be included.

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blog positive strides 410

Combining Therapy with Nature and Walking is a Winning Combination

By Jennifer Udler, LCSW-C | Posted on October 24, 2017

Clinical Social Worker Jennifer Udler, LCSW-C shares how she discovered the benefits of combining walking, therapy and nature together to help those with mental illness.

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blog amazon hq2 410 2

Amazon HQ2 – Will Parks and Public Spaces Be the Determining Factor?

By Rachel Banner | Posted on October 20, 2017

Yesterday was the official deadline for cities to compete for the new Amazon Headquarters. Will parks and rec play a role?

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blog solutions health oct 410

Simple Solutions to Common Park and Recreation Problems

By Maureen Acquino | Posted on October 18, 2017

NRPA Annual Conference sessions led by some of the best park and recreation professionals in the field highlighted some answers to common issues.

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blog episode 006 drones

Drones in Parks: Part 3. Opportunities, Innovative Uses and the Future — Episode 008

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 17, 2017

In this third and final installment of our series on drones in parks, we speak with Rich Dolesh, NRPA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives on the future of drones in parks.

Listen Now

blog park rec issues 410 2

Parks and Recreation’s Big Picture Issues

By Tim Herd, CPRE | Posted on October 10, 2017

Despite the many benefits of parks and recreation, our field has many hurdles to overcome both from internal and external forces if we are to reach our full potential.

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blog episode 006 drones

Drones in Parks: Part 2. To Fly or Not to Fly: How Park Managers Manage Drones — Episode 007

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 2, 2017

In this episode of Open Space Radio, we continue our three-part series on drones in parks. In the second segment, I speak with Evie Kirkwood, Director of St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana.

Listen Now

blog sept afterschool 410

Afterschool Funding Saved

By Allison Colman and Kate Sims | Posted on September 21, 2017

Thanks to great efforts on Capitol Hill and local advocacy efforts from out-of-school time (OST) providers like yourself all summer long, congress voted just last week to restore the funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Center program.

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blog irma 410

Parks and Rec: Contributing Before the Storm…and After

By Samuel R. Metott, CPRE and NRPA Editors | Posted on September 20, 2017

The recent natural disasters – from Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria to wildfires, earthquakes, power outages and more – have brought devastation to millions of people. Within every disaster though, bright lights appear. Many of these bright lights are our public service employees – park and recreation employees among them.

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blog sept conservation research 410

The Latest Conservation Research All in One Place

By Kevin Roth, PhD, and Teresa L. Penbrooke, PhDc | Posted on September 19, 2017

There are many important and valuable research articles published each year related to parks and recreation. NRPA contracted with North Carolina State University’s Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Department to review recently published papers focused on park and recreation’s role in conservation and resiliency.

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blog episode 006 drones

Drones in Parks: Part 1. Policy, Drone Zones and Resources for Land Managers — Episode 006

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 18, 2017

Part one of a three-part series to tackle this topic by interviewing experts in the field with three different perspectives.

Listen Now

blog gary sept

Greening Gary, IN from the Ground Up through Community Engagement

By Angela Larsen | Posted on September 15, 2017

The Alliance for the Great Lakes worked with community members in Gary to create meaningful Green Infrastructure projects that matter to them.

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blog jessica pettitt keynote

Are You Good Enough Now?

By Jessica Pettitt | Posted on September 8, 2017

The Wednesday Keynote for the NRPA Annual Conference in New Orleans, Jessica Pettitt, shares how we can start having conversations that matter by (re)claiming our responsibility for who and how we show up in our relationships.

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blog trends conference

Why Staying on Top of Park and Rec Trends is Important (and How to Do It)

By Michael Kalvort, CPRE | Posted on September 7, 2017

Michael J. Kalvort, CPRE, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Virginia Beach, shares how staying on top of park and recreation trends allows him and his department to best serve their community.

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blog harvey 410

Harvey and How We Can Help — Episode 005

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 1, 2017

This week we’re discussing what’s been on top of all of our minds over the past week or so — hurricane Harvey and the devastating destruction it’s wrought on Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf Shore.

Listen Now

blog harvey

5 Ways You Can Help Victims of Hurricane Harvey

By Barbara Tulipane | Posted on August 31, 2017

The appeals to help support victims of hurricane Harvey in Texas and beyond can be heard everywhere. The need is great now and it won’t go away once the rains and floodwaters subside.

Read More

CITI NRPA Global Community Day Info 410

Employee Engagement Boosts Community Cohesion

By Kellie May | Posted on August 22, 2017

In June, NRPA partnered with the Citi Foundation to host Global Community Day service projects at local park and recreation agencies in nine cities across the country. Citi employees, their family members and community volunteers participated in park maintenance/beautification, and other projects that helped revitalize local park spaces.

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blog episode 004 410

How Cities and Local Parks are Celebrating the American Solar Eclipse — Episode 004

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 20, 2017

For the first time in 26 years, all of the US will be treated to some form of an eclipse on Monday, August 21, with a large portion being able to view a total eclipse.

Listen Now

Arthritis Older Adults 410

Arthritis: A Leading Contributor to Poor Health Among Older Adults

By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on August 18, 2017

Nearly one in three older adults suffer from arthritis. Learn how NRPA, with the support of the CDC, is disseminating and increasing sustainable supports for evidence-based physical activity programs designed to help people with arthritis.

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blog aug charlottesville

Making Sense of Charlottesville Through Local Leadership

By Leon T. Andrews, Jr. | Posted on August 17, 2017

NRPA Chair-Elect Leon Andrews writes about the importance of local leadership in standing up for equity.

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blog aug park champ 410

Mount Airy Parks & Recreation Showcases a Community Above and Beyond The Andy Griffith Show

By Kate Sims and Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on August 15, 2017

Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) participated in a park champion event in Mt. Airy, NC where the importance of USDA meal programs — and parks and recreation's role in providing meals to youth — was demonstrated.

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blog osr 003 410

Americans Are Staying Put and It’s Affecting All of Us — Episode 003

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 15, 2017

NRPA staff members share their opinions about a recent Wall Street Journal article that explores how Americans are staying put even though moving might bring them more opportunity.

Listen Now

blog aug conference newbie

Advice from an NRPA Annual Conference Newbie

By Sheila Runnels | Posted on August 14, 2017

2016 conference newbie, Sheila Runnels, shares her advice for those attending the NRPA Annual Conference for the first time.

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blog podcast 002 pokemon go

Hot Topics: Pokémon Go is Back in the News, Recreation Fees and Cool Streets — Episode 002

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 7, 2017

Today’s episode covers three trending topics that have been in the news lately — Pokémon Go and augmented reality games in parks, recreation fees for public land use and cool streets.

Listen Now

blog aug salaries

Base Salaries for 5 Park and Recreation Positions

By Kevin Roth | Posted on August 4, 2017

Whether you are recruiting a new member for your team or you are looking for the next step in your career, having compensation data in your hands helps you make informed decisions.

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blog aug pphf

Prevention Fund Protected in Latest Healthcare Repeal Vote

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on August 1, 2017

Park and recreation agencies nationwide are working to prevent and manage symptoms related to chronic diseases locally, but we know this work would not be possible without the support from the PPHF and the CDC.

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blog podcast waterpark july 410

Why the World’s First Ultra-Accessible Waterpark is the Coolest - Episode 001

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on July 31, 2017

Today’s episode is a cool topic — literally and figuratively — we’re talking about the world’s first ultra-accessible waterpark: Morgan’s Inspiration Island.

Listen Now

Podcast Cover Open Space Radio

NRPA Launches Podcast: Open Space Radio

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on July 31, 2017

Open Space Radio is your go to Podcast for learning about the latest trends and news in parks and recreation. This episode covers what you can expect to hear from us each week.

Read More and Listen

blog july enviro GI 410

Building Relationships to Foster Engagement in the Environment

By Rosie Santos | Posted on July 28, 2017

The NRPA Great Urban Parks Campaign Community Engagement grant program offered us an opportunity to pilot a work study program to arm young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to address real issues in our community.

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HW team 410

Meet the NRPA Health and Wellness Team

By NRPA Health and Wellness Team | Posted on July 27, 2017

NRPA’s Health and Wellness Team works with local park and recreation agencies to provide tools, resources and technical assistance to help improve access to healthy foods and increase opportunities for people to be physically active in their communities.

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AOA photo contest JUNE 410

Federal Funding Sustained for Arthritis Program

By Kate Sims and Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on July 26, 2017

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Funding Bill for FY18, which includes $11 million for the CDC’s Arthritis Program.

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blog july VAPD

Save the Date: October 6 is Visit a Park Day!

By Brian Bevacqua, CPRP, AFO | Posted on July 26, 2017

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Young Professional Network is pleased to announce that Visit a Park Day will be Friday, October 6, 2017.

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blog july conference testimonial alvin

The Art and Science of Building Community Through Fun

By Alvin A. Galang, MPH | Posted on July 24, 2017

Alvin Galang, MPH explains how the NRPA Annual Conference helps him "Build Community Through Fun."

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blog july perdue

New Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Visits D.C. Rec Center

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on July 24, 2017

NRPA and the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) were honored to host the new Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center on Thursday, July 20 to see summer meals in action.

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blog july walking mexico mo2

Let’s Go For a Walk

By Megan Harrington | Posted on July 21, 2017

Megan Harrington, Recreation Supervisor with the City of Mexico Parks and Recreation Department, shares how partnerships helped them create a thriving walking program.

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blog july public health

Parks and Recreation: Partners in Public Health

By Zarnaaz Bashir, MPH and Kellie May, MTA | Posted on July 19, 2017

While parks have been around for well over a century, the notion that parks improve public health only gained recognition within the last decade.

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new york street games 410

New York Street Games and the Power of Play

By Dr. Howell Wechsler | Posted on July 18, 2017

It’s National Parks and Recreation Month, which always makes me wax nostalgic about the center of my childhood existence: PLAY.

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blog july barragan

Let’s Pass a Law to Fund Urban Greenspaces

By Rep. Nanette Barragán | Posted on July 17, 2017

This guest post by Rep. Nanette Barragán highlights the importance of urban greenspace and the work we all do every day to promote parks and recreation.

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blog july summer camp

Play On to Protect Programming at Parks

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on July 6, 2017

As we kick off this year’s Park and Recreation Month, NRPA wants to ensure that Members of Congress and their staff understand the critical importance of federal funding that supports out-of-school time programming

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PRM_july_blog

Get Your Play On!

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on June 30, 2017

July is Park and Recreation Month and it is finally here!

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blog june NAA

A Thank You to Park and Rec Professionals

By Heidi Ham | Posted on June 27, 2017

Heidi Ham, National AfterSchool Association (NAA) Vice President of Programs and Strategy shares her story of growing up in afterschool park and recreation programs and offers professionals a thank you gift from NAA.

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blog senate healthcare pphf

Senate Healthcare Repeal Bill Released: Park and Rec Priorities Fare Worse than in House Bill

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on June 22, 2017

Today the Senate released its healthcare repeal bill, the details of which are deeply troubling for park and recreation priorities.

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june gomesa blog

What ‘GOMESA’ Means for the Future of LWCF

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on June 19, 2017

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act or “GOMESA” was passed a little over 10 years ago in 2006. The measure includes a mandate that a portion of the overall revenues go to the State Assistance program.

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Conference blog teaser

NRPA Conference Behind the Scenes: Building the Education Schedule

By Lucky D’Ascanio | Posted on June 15, 2017

As a member of the NRPA Conference Program Committee, the team of NRPA members who review the conference education session proposals, I invite you for a behind the scenes look at the remarkable process that results in an amazing product.

Go Behind the Scenes

june blog play

rEvolution of Play

By Lisa Annis, Cre8Play | Posted on June 14, 2017

In honor of Park and Recreation Month, we asked Cre8Play to share some of the lessons learned from a recent TEDx event.

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june blog adults rural areas 410

How Parks and Rec can Address Arthritis in Rural America

By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on June 2, 2017

Residents of rural communities, especially minority and low-income residents, tend to report higher prevalence of chronic conditions (for example arthritis, diabetes and heart disease), poorer health, and little to no physical activity compared to residents of urban communities.

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May Blog Green Infrastructure_SW Grant 410 2

Healthy Greenspaces, Clean Water, Community Pride

By Jennifer Cox | Posted on May 31, 2017

Green stormwater infrastructure offers a hopeful solution to both environmental and social challenges when implemented in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

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May blog fy18 budget

FY18 Budget Request: The Fine Print Is Out and It’s Not Good for Parks and Rec

By David Tyahla | Posted on May 30, 2017

The full details of President Trump’s budget request for FY18 were released last week, which, if enacted, would mark a devastating divestment in programs critical to parks and recreation across the nation.

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May AmericansNature Blog 410

Only 52% Of Adults View Local Parks as Nature

By Kevin Roth | Posted on May 25, 2017

A recently released comprehensive study takes a closer look at how Americans connect with nature. The Nature of Americans report combines data to better understand their sentiment of nature, outdoor activities, perceived benefits, and more.

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May Water Safety Blog Anderson 410

’Tis the Season (10 Tips for Water Safety)

By Brad Anderson, AFOI | Posted on May 24, 2017

AFO Instructor Brad Anderson shares 10 water safety tips for keeping patrons safe at your pools this summer.

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May Water Safety2 blog

Swimming and Autism: Strategies and Tips

By Cindy Freedman | Posted on May 19, 2017

This summer, it’s likely that many park and recreation facilities, aquatic centers and summer camps will be accommodating children with autism and various sensory challenges. Learn how to improve safety, communication and knowledge to better accommodate these families in our facilities and programs.

Read more

Built Environment blog

Combined-Built-Environment Features Are Now a Recommended Strategy to Get Communities Active

By Rachel Banner | Posted on May 18, 2017

The Community Preventive Services Task Force announced a new recommendation designed to increase physical activity though built-environment approaches that combine transportation-system interventions with land use and environmental design. This recommendation directly supports NRPA's Safe Routes to Parks initiative.

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PHA Summit Blog 1

NRPA’s Health Team Attends ‘Building a Healthier Future’ Summit

By Allison Colman and Kate Sims | Posted on May 17, 2017

Last week, NRPA’s Health and Wellness Department attended the Partnership for a Healthier America’s (PHA) 2017 Building a Healthier Future Summit in Washington, DC. This annual event brings together nonprofits, government agencies, academic institutions and corporations that are all committed to ending childhood obesity.

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May robert garcia blog photo1

Defend Our National Monuments, Diversity and Inclusion

By Robert García and Daniel Rossman | Posted on May 16, 2017

We, the people, must raise our voices to defend the health of our neighborhoods and the future of our children. We must insist on more parks and greater access to healthy outdoor activity, along with protection for all our public lands and waters — including national monuments.

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May Park Bench Blog

All Roads Lead to...a Park

By Chris Brusatte | Posted on May 15, 2017

Since the dawn of humanity, it seems, people have enjoyed the beauty, tranquility and serenity that natural parks offer. We all share the love of the outdoors, for recreation and for a respite from the busy world that invades most of our daily lives. Nature and recreation are treasures to cherish.

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May Arthritis Blog

Changing Behaviors and Attitudes One Older Adult at a Time

By Matt Saviello, CPRP, CYSA | Posted on May 12, 2017

May is Arthritis Awareness and Older Americans Month. Parks and Recreation play a major role in helping to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis (and other chronic diseases) among older adults in their communities. Here is one example of how the City of Tualatin, Oregon is doing just that.

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May Healthcare House Blog

Now On to the Senate: House Passes Healthcare Repeal Bill

By Kate Sims | Posted on May 4, 2017

Today the House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628) which repeals significant portions of the Affordable Care Act, including a full repeal of the Prevention and Public Health Fund.

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May Blog Kate Welcome

NRPA Welcomes New Manager of Government Affairs Kate Sims

By Kate Sims | Posted on May 4, 2017

NRPA is proud to welcome Kate Sims, Government Affairs Manager, to our public policy team.

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May budget blog

Federal Budget Avoids Drastic Cuts to Park and Rec Funding…For Now

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on May 3, 2017

After a third Continuing Resolution (CR) for FY2017 was put into place to fund the government through May 5, a bipartisan omnibus spending agreement was released on Monday that will now fund the government through the end of the fiscal year in September.

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Conference blog teaser

The 2017 NRPA Annual Conference Big Easy Preview

By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on April 30, 2017

Whether you are a repeat NRPA Annual Conference attendee or a newbie, you probably want to know a little more about the event before (or after) you register. Here is a preview to help you plan.

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April congress budget 2017 410

Juggling Two Fiscal Years at Once

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on April 28, 2017

This week marks the third Continuing Resolution (CR) passed by Congress for Fiscal Year 2017 to continue funding the government, but only temporarily.

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April Dirt Blog

Dirt is a Good Thing

By Emily Hiatt, NRPA YPN | Posted on April 25, 2017

Take a live snake into an inner-city school or community center and you may clear the room. I have had this experience several times… but only on the first visit.

Read More

April Newbies to Nature Blog 410

Newbies to Nature: Training Your Instructors

By Shannon Burton | Posted on April 14, 2017

Shannon Burton, Outdoor Programs Manager for the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, shares her advice for training nature program instructors.

Read More

Monarch

The Buzz on Bees, Monarchs and Other Pollinators This Spring

By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on April 6, 2017

If you were wondering about the status of the highly threatened monarch butterfly this past winter, the news is not good.

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2017 Agency Performance Review teaser

Review Your Agency’s Performance Against its Peers

By Kevin Roth | Posted on April 4, 2017

This week, we released the 2017 NRPA Agency Performance Review, our annual report summarizing the key findings and insights from Park Metrics. If this sounds familiar, it is because the Agency Performance Review is the new name for the NRPA Field Report.

Read more

2017 March Meet me at the park

How to Help Your Park Win $20,000

By Jenny Cox | Posted on March 31, 2017

For the third year, NRPA is collaborating with The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN during Earth Month for the Meet Me at the Park initiative!

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2017 March Walk in the Park

How Bringing Healthcare Providers and Parks Together Creates Healthier Communities

By Lesha Spencer-Brown and Rachael Habash | Posted on March 24, 2017

The last two decades have seen a big push for healthcare providers and health systems to collaborate with community-based organizations and businesses (like parks and recreation) through coalitions and city-wide health initiatives to address these barriers to improved health.

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2017 march presidential budget

Trump’s First Budget Request and What It Means for Parks and Recreation

By Dave Tyahla | Posted on March 18, 2017

The Trump White House released its first federal budget request this week on Thursday, March 16 and key park and recreation policy priorities are identified to receive cuts and elimination.

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2017 March Arthritis Rachel

The Role of Parks in Aging in Place

By Rachel Banner | Posted on March 17, 2017

Aging in place is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “the ability to live in one’s home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Parks and recreation is a vital part of creating an age friendly community.

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2017 March Arthritis

Arthritis in America: The Role of Parks and Recreation

By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on March 10, 2017

On March 7, 2017, the CDC released Vital Signs: Arthritis in America highlighting the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis in America, along with activity limitations and measures than can be taken to combat arthritis.

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2017 homeless survey

Survey Results: Parks and the Homeless

By Kevin Roth | Posted on March 9, 2017

NRPA recently conducted a survey of urban park and recreation agency directors across the country on the topic of homelessness to gain an understanding of the views and actions of their departments and other local government agencies.

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2017 March CTH 3 years

Celebrating 3 Years of Healthy Out-of-School Time

By Allison Colman and Ava DeBovis | Posted on March 7, 2017

In February 2014 NRPA launched Commit to Health, a campaign devoted to creating healthier out-of-school time (OST) programs in local parks and recreation.

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2017 March Park health

Parks: A True Health Solution

By Kevin Roth | Posted on March 6, 2017

A research brief published earlier this year highlights that parks are a health solution not just an aspirational goal.

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2017 March Wildlife Explorers

Gear Up for Earth Month with Wildlife Explorers

By Kim Tuong | Posted on March 4, 2017

March is the perfect time to start planning a nature discovery program for your out-of-school time youth. Recreation Programmer Kim Tuong has some great tips to get you started.

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2017 February Fellowship

An Application Away from Opportunity

By Anthony Iracki | Posted on March 2, 2017

Receiving an NRPA Fellowship proved to be one of the highlights of Anthony's career. In addition to being recognized for his work, the fellowship expanded Anthony's network and introduced him to new ideas.

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2017 Blog February Bumblee Bee

Trump Administration Halts Listing the Rusty Patched Bumblebee as an Endangered Species

By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on March 1, 2017

An Executive Order by President Trump restricting implementation of federal regulations froze the listing of the rusty patched bumblebee as an endangered species for 60 days.

Read More

2017 5 tips prm

5 Easy Ways You Can Get Started with Park and Recreation Month

Posted on February 24, 2017

Park and Recreation Month can seem overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve put together this quick start guide so you can easily celebrate the important role of parks and recreation this July.

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2017 February Valentines DC Update

A Valentine’s Day Greeting from Washington

By NRPA Public Policy | Posted on February 14, 2017

Here is the latest from Capitol Hill about the Trump Administration Cabinet and Congress.

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2017 February Live Updates From Hill

Live Updates from the Hill

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on February 14, 2017

Last Friday, we sat down with NRPA’s Public Policy team to do a Facebook Live broadcast about how the changes in Washington, D.C. will likely affect the field of parks and recreation.

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Becoming a Park Champion

By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on February 14, 2017

With the 115th Congress underway, it’s time to meet the legislators leading the Congressional committees handling the legislation that is most important to parks and recreation.

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2017 February Blog Awards

Embrace the Power of National Awards

By Michael W. Klitzing | Posted on February 10, 2017

Your park and recreation agency needs to be doing really great work to win a national award. That’s how it should be to be named one of the Best of the Best.

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2017 February KTPD 410

Bringing Kids to the Parks

By NRPA Staff and National Park Trust | Posted on February 1, 2017

On May 20, 2017, National Park Trust invites parks and students across the country to participate in the 7th annual Kids to Parks Day, a nationwide grassroots movement to celebrate America’s parks and public lands.

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2017 January Wildlife Explorers 3

6 Tips for Leading a Nature Discovery Program

By Serda Ozbenian | Posted on January 26, 2017

Many agencies are interested in introducing a nature discovery program to their community, but are unsure of how to begin. Here are some easy tips for agencies and leaders to get started.

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2017 January Career Center

Five Tips for Hiring in the New Year

By Hayley Herzing | Posted on January 23, 2017

It’s 2017 and time to make a resolution to revamp your hiring process. It is also the perfect time to assess your agency’s team and find new employees to fill in the gaps.

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Blog CPRP

The CPRP Connects All Majors to the Field

By Jeanette R. Aiello, CPRE | Posted on January 20, 2017

Regardless of your background, all park and recreation professionals can benefit from going through the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) process.

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2017 January Engagement 410

Parks and Rec: Still Fighting for Funding

By Kevin Roth | Posted on January 19, 2017

Research shows that Americans have a strong, unwavering support for park and recreation funding. Yet, most park and recreation agencies have to fight for every dollar and dime they receive.

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2017 January Predictions

NRPA’s Top 5 Predictions for Parks and Recreation in 2017

By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on January 13, 2017

We pulled out the old crystal ball and made the following predictions of what is likely to occur in the world of parks and recreation in 2017.

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2017 January Couple walking

There’s Another Way to Achieve an Active Lifestyle

By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on January 12, 2017

Many people who make resolutions to become and stay physically active. There's an alternative to the gym lifestyle, though.

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2017 January Congress

Our New Congress and What it Means for Parks and Rec

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on January 6, 2017

The 115th session of Congress kicked into high gear this week in Washington, and the wheels of government are starting to turn again. Here's what it means for us.

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2017 January Awards 410

7 Tips for an Awesome Award Application

By Jennifer Stromberg | Posted on January 4, 2017

Awards season has arrived at NRPA! This year, NRPA is offering 11 National Awards and seven Gold Medal Awards. Here are some tips for a stellar submission.

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