Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), issued the following statement regarding the environmental justice goals outlined in an executive order today by President Biden:

NRPA commends the Biden administration for its action that prioritizes a renewed commitment to the climate, ensuring healthy communities and environmental resilience for all. We are thrilled to learn of the establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice at the White House, to help coordinate efforts toward protecting vulnerable communities impacted by environmental injustice.

We must ensure all people benefit from spaces that are not only resilient and regenerative, but also transformative at the community level. Park and recreation professionals are one of the largest land managers in the nation and are key to climate change solutions. As leaders in building community resilience, park and recreation professionals connect community members to environmental programming, ensure healthy ecosystems, advocate for the benefits of nature and implement sustainability practices. These efforts must focus on redlined communities who are most impacted by poor environmental conditions and the effects of climate change. NRPA supports these efforts which invest in holistic community resiliency.

NRPA and our members stand ready to work with the Office of Environmental Justice to ensure all communities benefit from healthy spaces. We look forward to supporting the Biden administration and Congress to continue increasing equity outdoors.

To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.

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About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. To learn more about NRPA's pillar of conservation, visit nrpa.org/our-work/Three-Pillars/conservation. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.