The Top Park and Rec Stories of 2015
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 29, 2015
In 2015, parks and recreation continued to serve their communities to the fullest—providing them safe places to get healthy, enjoy nature and come together.
The Heartwarming Truth Behind Those Big Numbers
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 22, 2015
In our annual report, we highlight the accomplishments made by NRPA members through our partnerships and programs. This report shows the collective impact parks and recreation makes across the country.
A Win for LWCF and more in the Congressional Spending Package
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on December 18, 2015
Congress passed its year-end spending package—keeping the government funded through September 30, 2016. We’ve pulled the highlights that impact parks and recreation.
Maintenance Management School: Not Just Another Training Class
By William (David) McGaughey | Posted on December 10, 2015
Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Manager William (David) McGuaghey, shares how NRPA's Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School has impacted his career.
Good News for Walking and Biking
By Dave Tyahla | Posted on December 8, 2015
Recently, Congress approved a five-year reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Act (MAP-21). The new law is known as the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.
5 Things We Learned from the Economic Impact of Local Parks Study
By Kevin Roth,Melissa May | Posted on November 24, 2015
NRPA recently released the results of the first economic impact study capturing the nationwide contribution that thousands of local and regional parks make to the U.S. economy.
#ThankAParkRecPro
By Lauren Hoffmann | Posted on November 23, 2015
NRPA started a tradition with our Thanksgiving-themed blog posts that we hope you look forward to just as much as you do that special pie or side dish at your Thanksgiving feast!
5 Tips for Using the NRPA Career Center
By Hayley MacDonell Herzing | Posted on November 19, 2015
Has your agency started to think about hiring and filling open positions? We've put together five tips to help you make the best use of the NRPA Career Center.
2016 Spending Package Offers Opportunity to Boost Parks and Recreation
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on November 19, 2015
Sequestration has wreaked havoc on state and local budgets and has threatened important investments in parks and recreation that keep Americans healthy and protect the integrity of our air, land and water.
NRPA’s Efforts to Save the Monarch Butterfly Receive National Recognition
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on November 16, 2015
NRPA has been accepted into the Monarch Joint Venture, a partnership of national and regional organizations, universities, and governmental agencies all working to protect and conserve the monarch.
Update on LWCF and Active Transportation
By Dave Tyahla | Posted on November 6, 2015
Recently, action has been taken involving two of NRPA’s policy priorities – the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and continued federal funding for active transportation options.
Tales From a Park and Rec Kid
By Dirk Richwine, CPRE | Posted on October 23, 2015
There is something about being a “park and rec kid” that many of those experiences stick with you as you get older and continue through your life.
What Happens in Vegas Doesn't Always Stay in Vegas
By Melissa May | Posted on October 14, 2015
More than 1,200 people evaluated, ranked and commented on their experience at the NRPA Annual Conference in an online survey. Here are some of the highlights.
No Action Taken on CNR and LWCF — What Does This Mean?
By David Tyahla | Posted on October 1, 2015
Learn more about the status regarding Child Nutrition Reauthorization and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
What the Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Walking Means for Parks and Recreation
By Rachel Banner, MPH | Posted on September 11, 2015
Living an active lifestyle is one of the steps people can take to improve their health. The U.S. Surgeon General recently released a Call to Action on Walking and Walkable Communities titled Step it Up!
7 Life Hacks for the 2015 NRPA Annual Conference
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 4, 2015
Here are seven things that helped attendees navigate the NRPA Annual Conference like a pro.
The Community Action Poverty Simulation as an Educational Resource
By Heidi Lucas | Posted on September 2, 2015
One powerful educational tool that can be used to start conversations about poverty is the Community Action Poverty Simulation.
NC2NV: Arizona State University
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on August 27, 2015
The Young Professional Network organized a virtual “road trip” out West, making “stops” at COAPRT accredited schools. The final stop was at Arizona State University.
Making Healthy Foods the New Comfort Foods
By Michelle Martinez;Brian Kates | Posted on August 24, 2015
Colorado Springs Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services shared how receiving a Healthy Out-of-School Time grant from NRPA and the Walmart Foundation has impacted their community.
Overtime Changes and What They Mean for Parks and Recreation
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on August 21, 2015
Learn about the recent update to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) overtime regulations and what it means for parks and recreation.
7 Ways to Make Your Parks Millennial Friendly
By Scott Hornick | Posted on August 17, 2015
It is important to look at what’s important to millennials, and from there we can see what they think makes a great park and recreation experience.
Top Tips from a Conference Newbie and Pro
By Jay Tryon, CPRP | Posted on August 17, 2015
The NRPA Annual Conference is quickly approaching and the Young Professional Network (YPN) is very excited to bring you another blog to help you get ready for the event.
Confessions of a Former Parks and Rec Kid
By Ava Young | Posted on August 14, 2015
I was a major Parks and Rec kid. Today, I work at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation reliving the glory days of my summer recreation past every day.
Jim Peterson: NRPA's First Program Chair
By Sonia Myrick | Posted on August 13, 2015
NRPA interviewed Jim Peterson, NRPA's first program chair.
Robert Toalson: NRPA's 24th President
By Sonia Myrick | Posted on August 13, 2015
NRPA interviewed Robert Toalson, NRPA's 24th president.
Tony Mobley: The Youngest NRPA President
By Sonia Myrick | Posted on August 12, 2015
NRPA interviewed Tony Mobley, the youngest NRPA president.
R. Dean Tice: NRPA's Most-Traveled Executive Director
By Sonia Myrick | Posted on August 11, 2015
NRPA interviewed R. Dean Tice, NRPA's most-traveled executive director.
50 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your NRPA Membership
By Hayley MacDonell,Lauren Hoffmann | Posted on August 10, 2015
As part of NRPA's 50th Anniversary, we challenged ourselves to come up with a list of 50 ways members can get engaged and take full advantage of NRPA membership.
It's More Than a Meal
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on July 30, 2015
Short-sighted thinking about child hunger threatens the health, wellness and academic success of our children.
Parks and Rec Ending Summer Learning Loss One Meal at a Time
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on July 29, 2015
Thanks to the work of park and recreation employees across the country, millions of kids who receive summer meals will return from summer vacation healthier and better prepared for school.
Moves Made in the Senate on LWCF
By Dave Tyahla | Posted on July 27, 2015
The Energy and Natural Resources Committee introduced a broad, 350-page energy reform bill which included permanent reauthorization of the LWCF.
Three Best Practices for Parks
By Barbara Heller | Posted on July 17, 2015
Today city residents are looking for a more social experience from parks, with formal programming like yoga, movie nights and lawn games.
4 Easy Ways to Celebrate Park and Recreation Month
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on July 10, 2015
For parks and recreation, the most wonderful time of the year is upon us. Here are just some of the ways you can celebrate Park and Recreation Month in July!
Inherit the Earth, or Borrow it from our Children?
By Paul Gilbert, Executive Director of NOVA Parks | Posted on June 30, 2015
By taking a more proactive role in environmental protection, parks and recreation can serve our communities better, and our world.
Flip the Switch on Screen Time: Eight Tips
By Daniel Hatcher | Posted on June 23, 2015
Limiting screen time in your park and recreation summer and out-of-school time programs ensures that if screen time is used, it is balanced with physical activity time.
Staying a Top Workplace
By Martin Dease | Posted on June 19, 2015
NRPA being awarded the title of Top Workplace means even more to us because it is based solely on employee surveys.
The Power of Many
By Michele White | Posted on June 19, 2015
When a network of 50,000 park and recreation professionals came together along with our supplier community, big things happened for a park.
The 17 Goals of the United Nations Parks and Recreation Should Know
By Jimmy O'Connor | Posted on June 17, 2015
The United Nations spent the last three years identifying the most pressing issues affecting the planet; in particular, the human element of the planet.
Five Tips to Get Your Member of Congress to Visit Your Community
By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on June 16, 2015
NRPA recently sat down with two Congressional staffers to for some tips on getting the attention of federal elected officials.
NC2NV: Texas State University
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on June 8, 2015
The Young Professional Network organized a virtual “road trip” out West, making “stops” at COAPRT accredited schools. This blog focuses on the Texas State University.
Free Milkweed Plants and Grant Opportunities for Monarch Habitat Restoration
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on June 5, 2015
Monarch butterfly conservation resources are available, and your park and recreation agency should look for opportunities to utilize them to expand efforts in conservation, education and research.
Why 50,000 is a Great Number for Parks and Recreation
By Lauren Hoffmann | Posted on June 3, 2015
NRPA reached 50,000 park and recreation members in our 50th year.
5 Things to Do in Your Parks and Recreation this Memorial Day and Summer
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 22, 2015
Memorial Day means a lot of things to a lot of different people. For parks and recreation, it can mean a weekend filled with parades, events and pool openings.
How to Prepare Now for Your Career Five Years from Now
By Troy Houtman, CPRE | Posted on May 21, 2015
To fuel my desire to learn about being a park and recreation director, I attended the NRPA Directors School five years ago.
Finding Your Next Park & Rec Employee is Easy
By Morgan Rothermel | Posted on May 18, 2015
Hiring your next park and recreation employee can take a lot of time, energy and resources but it doesn’t have to if you have one simple tool.
NC2NV: University of Missouri
By Jason Young | Posted on May 15, 2015
The Young Professional Network organized a virtual “road trip” out West, making “stops” at COAPRT accredited schools. This blog focuses on the University of Missouri.
Five Park and Recreation Trends from the 2015 Field Report
By Lauren Hoffmann | Posted on May 12, 2015
PRORAGIS is a powerful tool to help you compare your agency to others. As part of our annual analysis of the data in PRORAGIS, we identified five trends that will impact the future of parks and recreation.
Can You Walk to Your Park?
By Allison Colman | Posted on April 30, 2015
Parks have the ability to bring together communities to experience a plethora of health and wellness activities! How are your community members getting to your parks?
This Young Professional Gets Real about the NRPA Annual Conference
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on April 28, 2015
Being a first-time attendee and a young professional at the NRPA Annual Conference could be a scary thing. This video interview gives you insight into what to expect.
Earth Day, Every Day
By Morgan Rothermel | Posted on April 22, 2015
Earth Day is the day dedicated to creating awareness for a healthier and more sustainable environment. So just how do park and recreation agencies participate in Earth Day every day?
50 Reasons to Attend the 2015 NRPA Annual Conference
By Matt Brubaker | Posted on April 21, 2015
The NRPA Annual Conference features hundreds of education sessions that covers topics including leadership and management, recreation programming, and much more.
5 Ways You Can Get Involved This Earth Week
By Morgan Rothermel | Posted on April 20, 2015
Parks play a huge role, every week to protect natural resources and encourage conservation practices. Learn five ways you can get involved during Earth Week.
You’ve Got NRPA Membership Now What?
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on April 19, 2015
The NRPA Young Professional Network (YPN) members have been in your shoes and put together a really helpful video that will help you get your membership and career started on the right foot.
5 Tips for Recruiting Your Next Park and Recreation Employee
By Martin Dease | Posted on April 16, 2015
Finding the right person to fit in with the culture at your organization is critical. Use these 5 tips to attract the right people.
NC2NV: Hitting the Road
By Editor | Posted on April 9, 2015
The Young Professional Network has organized a virtual “road trip” out West, making “stops” at COAPRT accredited schools.
Three Ways You Can Advocate for Summer Nutrition
By Jamie Nash, Kellie May | Posted on April 8, 2015
Providing a nutritious meal to hungry kids is an important way to ensure that they are able to reach their full potential both in and out of school.
My Story: What Being an NRPA Scholar Did for Me
By Rebecca Lackey | Posted on April 7, 2015
NRPA Student Member Rebecca Lackey shares her experience after receiving an NRPA Student Scholarship in 2014. Hint: Things are looking good for the future!
The Magic of Local Parks and Recreation
By Jessica Culverhouse | Posted on March 31, 2015
This Earth Month, NRPA is thrilled to collaborate with The Walt Disney Company on an expansion of our Parks Build Community initiative.
What the Heck is Snapchat?
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on March 25, 2015
Snapchat. With over 100 million users who are primarily ages 16-24, it could be a good platform to engage with this elusive audience.
Innovating for Health
By Samantha Bartram | Posted on March 20, 2015
Leaders at Miami-Dade County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS), shared concepts of place-making through strategic policies, programs and partnerships at NRPA’s first Innovation Lab.
March Madness and the Final Four of Parks and Recreation
By Michael Klitzing, CPRE | Posted on March 19, 2015
March Madness! It’s the time of year to apply for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, our very own version of the Final Four!
Recreating Like It’s 1985
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on March 6, 2015
NRPA's Park and Recreation Month marked 30 years of honoring parks and recreation in July. Here are some ideas for Park and Rec Month programming.
Playing in the Streets
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on March 2, 2015
In 2014, Kevin O’Hara continued his duties as serving as a member of the Open Streets Network of Champions by taking a trip to Guadalajara, Mexico to experience ViaRecreActiva.
Are You Committed?
By Kellie May | Posted on February 10, 2015
NRPA is committed to help improve the health and wellness of our nation’s youth by implementing a set of standards in out-of-school time programs at park and recreation sites across the country.
Four Tips for a Stellar National Awards Submission
By Brenda Beales;Roxanne Sutton | Posted on February 9, 2015
NRPA’s Awards team put together the top four tips for a stellar National Awards submission.
Five Tips to Help You Get Grant Funding
By Kellie May | Posted on February 4, 2015
NRPA is excited to announce the availability of $1.8 million to local park and recreation agencies to support their out-of-school time programs thanks to the Walmart Foundation.
Arlington, Virginia: Growing Fast, Lean, and Green
By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on January 13, 2015
Arlington County is balancing its size with its green building initiatives and its status as one of the fastest-growing areas in Virginia.