Advancing Community Health and Well-Being — A Greater Role for Parks and Recreation in 2021
By Allison Colman | Posted on December 29, 2020
In 2021, park and recreation professionals should focus efforts in these areas as we recover from the pandemic and other challenges, so we can ensure all people can thrive.
2020 Reflections and Looking Ahead to 2021 — Episode 081
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 29, 2020
On our final episode of Open Space Radio of the year, we’re looking back at some of the conversations we’ve had on the podcast, discussing the lessons we’ve learned, and looking ahead at some of our hopes and goals for 2021.
Maximizing Meal Distribution During the Holidays and COVID-19
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on December 23, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has extended all child nutrition COVID-19 waivers through the 2020-2021 school year, set to expire June 30, 2021. While these waivers are beneficial to meal programs, there are some additional practices that can help maximize meal service.
Emerging Trends in Parks and Recreation — January Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 17, 2020
On the January bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re replaying the full session of our “Emerging Trends in Parks and Recreation” Coffee Talk from the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience (NRPA Virtual) this past October.
How Farmers Markets Benefit the Whole Community — Episode 80
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 15, 2020
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're discussing how the farmers markets are helping farmers earn fair prices for the fruits of their labor, increasing access to fresh, local produce for consumers, and helping communities regain a figurative “town square.”
How to Make Your Outdoor Gyms Appealing to Everyone
By Allison Abel | Posted on December 14, 2020
Outdoor gyms are unique in their ability to promote activity in parks in such a way that appeals to a wide variety of demographics. What do they hold for the often-passive park visitors, and how can we design them to get the highest return on our investment on the space?
Expanding Recreational Opportunities to Underinvested Communities
By Eduardo Tamez Zamarripa | Posted on December 7, 2020
This past October, the newly formed Black Players for Change — comprised of more than 170 MLS players, coaches and staff — announced a new endeavor to remove systemic barriers to the sport of soccer for Black youth.
Two New Resources to Support Park and Recreation Professionals in the Fight Against Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
By Lauren Kiefert | Posted on December 4, 2020
NRPA is proud to announce the release of two new resources addressing stigma and prevention efforts related to substance use and mental health disorders.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: Special Edition December Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on December 4, 2020
In the latest NRPA Parks Snapshot, we learned that 7 in 10 park and recreation leaders envision their agency supporting post-pandemic community mental health and well-being in some way.
COVID-19: Remaining Vigilant this Winter
By Allison Colman (she/her) | Posted on December 2, 2020
The promising news of an effective coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine these past few weeks has been encouraging to all, but with the unsettling rise in COVID-19 cases recently, it is important that we remain vigilant.
Reflection and the Path Forward: Highlights from My First NRPA Annual Conference
By Tiff Cunin (they/them) | Posted on December 2, 2020
Tiff Cunin, NRPA's senior program manager for health, reflects on what they learned at their very first NRPA Annual Conference.
5 Tips for Submitting a Successful Session Proposal
By Kelly Moffett | Posted on December 1, 2020
NRPA is now accepting proposals for the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference in Nashville, TN, September 21-23, 2021. To help you with your proposal, here are five tips for submitting a successful education session proposal.
How Every Kid Outdoors is Increasing Access to Parks — Episode 079
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 1, 2020
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Jayni Rasmussen, the senior campaign representative for the Outdoors Alliance for Kids and Youth, or OAK, to talk about the Every Kid Outdoors park pass program.