The National Recreation and Parks Association

Rebecca Ortiz, the athletics and rentals coordinator for City of Irving (Texas) Parks and Recreation Department, explores the question many park and recreation professionals receive: "Is working in parks and recreation like the show?"

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Eric López, CPRE, the district superintendent for City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department, shares how the NRPA Annual Conference has played a critical role in some of his most important professional decisions since attending for the first time in 2018.

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Have you ever wondered about the power you hold in parks and recreation, and how you can use that power as a catalyst for moving towards greater equity in your community? If so, I think you are ready to apply for NRPA’s Equity in Practice Certificate Program!

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On today's episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with this year's Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest winner, Rachel Kohler, a recreation coordinator for cultural arts and community engagement for The Majestic Theatre, part of Corvallis Parks & Recreation in Oregon.

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In the era of climate change and environmental degradation, the concept of a "just transition" has gained prominence. One notable example is the transformation of oil fields into parks and open space where and when appropriate as determined through a stakeholder engagement process.

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Through the Youth Sports Equity Grant Program, NRPA and Musco Lighting are excited to partner with local park and recreation agencies to increase equitable access to youth sports, especially for youth of color, girls, LGBTQ+ youth, youth from low-income homes and youth with disabilities.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature and build a sense of belonging.

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Starting a teen leadership program is a chance to equip the next generation with skills, confidence and a sense of responsibility. Here are five practical tips to help you create a successful teen leadership program.

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Jay Tryon, CPRP, the deputy director for City of Concord Parks & Recreation, shares how NRPA's various volunteer opportunities have impacted his career.

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The final blog post in this series highlights the transformative impact of parks and recreation on the physical, mental and social well-being of the valued older adults in our communities.

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Tim Herd, CPRE, CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, reflects on a provoking thought exercise with his counterparts from other states in which they attempted to develop an alternate term for “recreation and parks.”

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Despite agency challenges such as navigating budget constraints, managing facility issues, addressing the remaining impacts of COVID-19 and promoting engagement across various communities, park and recreation agencies uphold their commitment to providing meaningful support and programming for community members of all ages.

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The Supporting Older Adults Through Parks and Recreation report highlights briefly how park and recreation professionals dealt with the lingering impacts of COVID-19 on older adults’ participation.

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By restoring damaged landscapes, providing valuable green spaces, and fostering environmental education and awareness, parks can play a significant role in healing the land and building more sustainable and resilient communities.

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Hannah Rathje's recent transition into the community recreation supervisor position introduced her to a game-changing resource: the "Legacy Binder.”

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Learn more about NRPA's recently-released Supporting Older Adults Through Parks and Recreation report.

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This May, we are recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and the ways in which parks and recreation promotes mental health and well-being. Excitingly, in June, we will continue to lift up the power of parks and recreation in promoting community wellness as we celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day!

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Tammy Schwab, manager of education and outreach for the resource management division of Fairfax County Park Authority, and John McGovern, principal-in-charge for The WT Group, LLC Accessibility Practice.

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