National Initiatives
Transforming the lives of all people through parks and recreation.
NRPA has identified three key themes that encompass the essential services that park and recreation offer the public: play, health, and environmental stewardship & conservation.
Play: In response to a variety of social and environmental factors that have influenced the creation of the “Sedentary Generation” and the resulting necessity to prevent resulting chronic diseases and ensure the health of all Americans, NRPA has launched a variety of initiatives to bolster the value of play to ensure the public adopts lifelong habits that contribute to healthy lifestyles. Through NRPA’s vast network of parks and recreation agencies, play is the cornerstone to achieving personal and community health. Play not only resonates with all people, stimulating creativity and inspiration, it also strengthens intergenerational ties, solidifies a direct connection to nature, and promotes physical activity.
Of particular focus for NRPA is play and America's youth. Enabling outdoor play for America's youth in a safe, enjoyable play area is an NRPA priority. In addition to supporting the association’s responsibility for promoting children's rights to play in challenging, but safe environment, NRPA also commits to advocating for the health and social value that play provides to a child's physical and emotional development.
Health and Livability: Through grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and numerous funding entities, NRPA’s commitment to improving the nation’s health, combating obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, starts in public parks. NRPA is dedicated to advancing programs, through out its Park and Recreation system, that:
promote healthy and active lifestyles for all Americans, regardless of age
develop relevant and timely health education and research for both the field and the public,
advocate on the importance of well-being and fitness Federally and locally
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship: In light of growing urban populations and decreasing natural resources, the importance of early-life outdoor experience is one of the most important factors influencing young people’s life-long appreciation for and protection of nature. NRPA’s support of Park and Recreation Agency’s work on behalf of environmental conservation is multi-faceted:
development of sustainable conservation solutions that emphasize the integration of economic and environmental goals
programs that connect children to nature
advocacy on behalf of environmental issues, both Federally and locally
environmental stewardship ethics for communities
promoting green agendas for Park & Recreation Agencies nation-wide
Interested in working with NRPA to further health, play and environmental stewardship initiatives across the nation? Click here.