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The Generation of NOW! Past, Present and Gen Z

By Stacy Lambert | Posted on March 7, 2025

Staff at the Mustang Park Recreation Center in Irving, Texas, are facilitating a wide range of opportunities that expand beyond the traditional set of programs.

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Wilmington's Green Jobs Program Empowers Youth Through Environmental Stewardship

By Martha C. Narvaez | Posted on March 5, 2025

Since 2011, the City of Wilmington (Delaware) Department of Parks and Recreation and the University of Delaware’s Water Resources Center have partnered to lead the city’s Green Jobs Program.

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Protecting Oak Trees: Battling the Goldspotted Oak Borer

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on March 4, 2025

The Goldspotted Oak Borer, an invasive beetle species, has caused the death of tens of thousands of oak trees across Southern California, threatening not only ecosystems but also the cultural and economic vitality tied to these iconic trees.

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60 Years of Impact: NRPA’s Beginnings

By Karen Carter | Posted on February 28, 2025

Did you know that 2025 is the 60th anniversary of NRPA? This post kicks off our year-long blog series about some major NRPA milestones and impact decade by decade (and how they continue today), starting with our founding in the 1960s.

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My CPRP Journey

By Sameera Luthman, CPRP | Posted on February 27, 2025

Sameera Luthman, director of marketing & communications for Naperville Park District, shares her journey to becoming a Certified Park and Recreation Professional and the importance of continuing to grow professionally.

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Have You Heard? NRPA’s Youth Sports Framework Just Launched!

By Rosa Riley | Posted on February 26, 2025

We hope you’re ready to dive into all the great content and resources NRPA's new Youth Sports Framework contains. Here are five things you can expect to find.

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Youth Sports: If She Can See It, She Can Be It — Episode 166

By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on February 25, 2025

On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the critical role that parks and recreation plays in advancing sports opportunities for all youth — especially girls.

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How the Outdoors Paves a Path for Youth Workforce Development

By Lestarya Molloy | Posted on February 19, 2025

When every organization and company creates not just jobs, but career pathways to make a meaningful difference, we tap into people's deepest reason for working.

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Response to Recent Executive Orders

NRPA’s Response to Recent Executive Orders

By Kristine Stratton | Posted on February 18, 2025

Read this message from NRPA President and CEO Kristine Stratton to learn how we're working to assess the impacts of recent White House executive orders and what they mean for the park and recreation field.

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NRPA Annual Conference: Bringing Together People and Ideas

By Zachary Lambert | Posted on February 13, 2025

Zachary Lambert, the community recreation and events manager for Gorham (Maine) Parks and Recreation, shares his rewarding experience at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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Event Management School Serves as “An Investment in Your Future and Your Community’s Future”

By Brittani Stickler | Posted on February 11, 2025

Attending Event Management School was a game-changer for Brittani Stickler, the special events and marketing programmer for the City of Wyoming (Michigan) Parks and Recreation Department.

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National Girls & Women in Sports Day 2025: Lead Her Forward

By Brian McFadden | Posted on January 31, 2025

On Wednesday, February 5, we celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a powerful reminder that girls and women belong in every aspect of sports. Here's how you can get involved.

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Parks in Action: Meeting Community Needs During Times of Crisis

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on January 29, 2025

From public health emergencies to natural disasters, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has demonstrated adaptability and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of L.A. County residents.

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Celebrating Youth Mentoring Success in Parks and Recreation

By Maureen Neumann | Posted on January 23, 2025

Park and recreation agencies are building youth mentoring into afterschool programs, sports programs, and as standalone mentoring programs, but the possibilities for integrating mentoring into parks and recreation programs are endless.

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The Maine Event: Innovative Approaches to Sustainability in Parks and Recreation

By Barbara Kapustin | Posted on January 22, 2025

Stretching across 30,843 square miles, the state of Maine is well known for its extensive coastline, tasty seafood and stunning national park. It's also among the few states that have state-wide recycling legislation.

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Mentoring: A Positive Impact for All — Episode 165

By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on January 21, 2025

On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring the power of mentoring with mentors and youth mentees from programs in Mesa, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; and Monroe County, Michigan.

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CPRE: A Certification to Help You Be Better

By John Roche, CPRE | Posted on January 17, 2025

A challenge to take the CPRE exam and "be better" in this field from John Roche, CPRE, the manager of recreation, parks & community services and the aquatics director for Crystal Springs Family Waterpark in Township of East Brunswick, New Jersey.

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Inspiring Youth Through Neil Postman’s 3 A’s

By Rebecca Ortiz | Posted on January 16, 2025

As park and recreation professionals, we must bring about curiosity, encourage critical thinking and inspire youth to be a part of the community so that they may desire to maintain and improve it.

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