3 Easy Ways to Get Kids to Keep a 6-Foot Distance
By Meghan Fitzgerald | Posted on July 30, 2020
Tinkergarten has designed easy ways to teach kids — from babies to elementary schoolers — how to physically distance effectively through a child-development lens and in a way they can understand and implement
Evaluating Your Progress in the Time of COVID-19
By Lauren Redmore | Posted on July 30, 2020
To reduce unwanted contact with community members during COVID-19 and ensure safety comes first, NRPA’s evaluation team has compiled some ideas for low-risk evaluation and assessment activities that can help agencies in their efforts to continue to serve constituents across the country.
Looking Forward: NRPA’s Strategic Plan with Kristine Stratton — Episode 070
By Roxanne Sutton and Cort Jones | Posted on July 28, 2020
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re speaking with NRPA President and CEO Kristine Stratton about what NRPA wants to achieve in the months and years ahead and how we’re going to get there.
Park and Recreation Industry Partners Step Up During COVID-19
By Michelle Dellner | Posted on July 27, 2020
The park and recreation community as a whole is filled with committed, generous and caring people, so it’s no surprise that many NRPA advertising partners have also answered the call to step out of the normal scope of their work and lend a hand to their local communities during COVID-19.
COVID Courts: Documenting the Impact of the Pandemic on Recreation Spaces
By Jordan Henson | Posted on July 24, 2020
As a recreation professional and hobbyist photographer, Jordan Henson of Montgomery County Recreation used the time when many of the rims on basketball hoops at his local courts had been removed as an opportunity for work and play.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: July 22-24 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on July 24, 2020
In the latest NRPA Parks Snapshot, we found that three in four park and recreation agencies report receiving additional funding from a variety of sources to support their response to the pandemic and mitigate the impact of budget cuts and revenue shortfalls.
Celebrating Latino Conservation Week 2020
By Jessica Godinez | Posted on July 24, 2020
Latino Conservation Week began in 2014 as an initiative of Hispanic Access Foundation to support the Latino community getting outdoors and participating in activities to protect our natural resources.
Building Better Communities Through Water and Nature-Based Play — August Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on July 23, 2020
On this bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we're diving deeper into one of the features of the August issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, "Restoring Nature's Playground."
Happy Birthday, Ada! How Parks and Recreation Is Celebrating Access and Inclusion and the Americans with Disabilities Act
By John McGovern | Posted on July 23, 2020
In a way, this most unusual summer is the 30th birthday of the ADA. So how are park and recreation agencies celebrating this aspect of diversity?
Parks Aren’t Public Unless Black Kids Belong
By Sianna Simmons-Afari | Posted on July 23, 2020
Reckoning with racial exclusion in parks and spaces for play.
Women’s Roller Derby Has a COVID-19 Plan. It Is Awesome.
By Allison Colman | Posted on July 20, 2020
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), led by an international team of public health professionals including Bubble Wrath, Trauma, BG Smack (derby names) and others, has put together one of the most comprehensive return-to-play plans in sports.
July Is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
By Lauren Kiefert | Posted on July 16, 2020
As park and recreation leaders and community members, it’s vital to recognize and acknowledge inequities and work towards advancing access to mental health care and positive mental health outcomes for all.
Pollinator BioBlitz in 2019 Informs Future Plans for Atwood Dam
By Grace Trimble | Posted on July 16, 2020
Last year during NRPA’s Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, Grace Trimble hosted a BioBlitz at a newly established pollinator habitat at Atwood Dam in Mineral City, Ohio.
Park Specialist Saves Dog’s Life
By Jodie Delsere | Posted on July 15, 2020
Thanks to John Phelps, a park specialist for Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Harley the dog will live to play another day.
New Resource Available to Help Park and Recreation Professionals Diversify Funding Streams
By Allison Colman | Posted on July 15, 2020
As we continue to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on park and recreation agency budgets across the nation, one thing has become increasingly clear — the need to diversify sources of revenue and financial support has never been greater.
Breaking Down Barriers with Abundant Life Adventure Club — Episode 069
By Roxanne Sutton and Cort Jones | Posted on July 14, 2020
On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Kim and Claude Walker — the founders of the Nashville-based Abundant Life Adventure Club.
Re-Opening: The Big Picture and Practical Realities for Afterschool
By Ursula Helminski | Posted on July 10, 2020
This year, out-of-school time programs will be relied on more than ever to support continued learning, build social connections, provide nutritious snacks and meals, get kids moving, and address the trauma and mental health challenges from COVID-19.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: July 8-10 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on July 10, 2020
In the latest Parks Snapshot, we look at how park and recreation agencies are ensuring their indoor facilities are safe for visitors and staff, as well as what plans are in place in the event of a positive case of COVID-19 at programs and facilities or among staff.
It Will Take Community to Design Safe, Equitable Parks
By Colby Takeda | Posted on July 9, 2020
As cities re-open or expand pedestrian space for the long haul, we have a chance to rethink public park design.
Greener Parks for Health: Ensuring Equitable Access to Inclusive and Resilient Green Spaces
By Karl Schrass | Posted on July 9, 2020
This Park and Recreation Month, as we celebrate the essential work park and recreation professionals do to help create communities that are vibrant, healthy and strong, we should also look to the future and ask ourselves, “What changes should be made in order for our society to be more equitable and just?”
Staying at Home, Staying Engaged: Connecting Young and Old When We Can’t Be Together
By Emily Patrick | Posted on July 8, 2020
In a time of physical distancing and stay-at-home orders, when social isolation is a grave reality for so many, communities are faced with the pressing challenge of building cross-age connections from afar.
New Signage Tools Available to Support Safe Playground Use
By Allison Colman | Posted on July 7, 2020
In collaboration with local public health and government officials, and with new playground reopening guidance available from KABOOM! and NRPA, agencies are reopening thoughtfully and with additional safety measures in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.
Communication with Stakeholders and the Public About Recreational Fields
By James Bergdoll, CSFM; Michael Goatley, Ph.D; Pamela Sherratt; and Sports Turf Managers Association | Posted on July 2, 2020
The demand for using sports fields and recreational areas, in general, will soon grow exponentially as the phases of re-opening the country progress. Here's how you can communicate your plan for field maintenance practices to both your organization’s leadership as well as the end-user.