The National Recreation and Parks Association

The three-person staff at Taos Land Trust would not be able to care for Rio Fernando Park without the help of a seasonal crew of youth and young adults, ages 14-25.

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Despite significant benefits, parks often face critical challenges when it comes to funding for their ongoing operations and maintenance. However, ongoing and additional funding is imperative to ensure that parks remain safe, accessible and beneficial to all.

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On this Open Space Radio x GovLove collab episode, recorded live at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, we discuss environmental resilience with Bernita Reese, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks, Ali Rhodes, director of City of Boulder Parks & Recreation, and Michele White. senior program manager at NRPA.

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This blog post highlights thoughts on NRPA's new strategic plan from Rebecca Armstrong, member of the NRPA board of directors.

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In an increasingly urbanized world, the role of nature within our communities has never been more important. The need to integrate trees and green spaces is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the health and well-being of residents.

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Many park and recreation agencies grapple with the challenge of providing equal access to youth sports, especially to under-resourced populations. Recognizing this crucial gap, the NRPA has stepped forward with a trio of innovative grant opportunities.

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This September, NRPA’s sixth annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz was a celebration of nature, community and the vital role parks play in protecting biodiversity.

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Investing in at-risk youth through workforce development in recreation is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for building stronger communities.

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Asheville, North Carolina, is integrating more intentional one-on-one and group mentoring activities into existing afterschool, sports, environmental and outdoor education, and arts and culture programs through NRPA’s Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Substance Misuse grant.

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NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre shares what he appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2029 strategic plan, which was unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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NRPA staff members recently visited park and recreation agencies in Southern California that are making massive impacts with their Supporting Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) grants.

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NRPA is proud to announce new material for the AFO certification program was recently released on October 1. This includes the AFO Manual (8th edition), course PowerPoint, exam, and a new course offering — the AFO Blended Learning Course.

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Former NRPA Board Chair Carolyn McKnight Fredd, CPRP, shares what she appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2030 plan, which will be unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, the operations coordinator at Douglasville Parks and Recreation in Georgia. Tune in to hear about her 2023 NRPA Annual Conference experience and what she's looking forward to in 2024!

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To better support park and recreation professionals as they advance the seven dimensions of well-being, we’ve created a set of new resources to help contextualize each dimension with sample strategies and examples from the field.

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As the director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Thennie Freeman has a unique perspective on how youth programs can serve as a bridge to the District's workforce system.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Danielle Hunter, chief of D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation's Roving Leaders Program. Tune in to learn how this program is making an impact on youth in the nation's capital.

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We’re counting down the days until we dive into the NRPA Annual Conference Opening Reception on Tuesday, October 8. Hosted by Georgia Aquarium and sponsored by GameTime, the largest park and recreation party of the year promises valuable networking opportunities, fun, food, music and of course – the sights and sounds of amazing aquatic life.

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A diversity, equity and inclusion lens must be present in your youth sports programs and coaching styles to ensure equitable access and positive youth development through sports participation. 

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By supporting the creation and expansion of green spaces, the OurCounty Plan demonstrates Los Angeles County’s commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive county.

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Haley Colucci, CPRP, the marketing & communications manager for Oak Brook Park District, shares why she feels the NRPA Annual Conference is second to none.

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NRPA is excited to share the Local Farmers Market Promotion Toolkit for park and recreation agencies. This toolkit supports agencies as they work with local partners to promote farmers markets and increase equitable food access solutions.

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By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion alongside social and emotional learning, NRPA is using the power of parks and recreation to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth athletes.

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Sometimes it's challenging to know where to even start with diversity, equity and inclusion work. We're pleased to introduce a game-changing resource to assist in this work: the Equity Quick Guides.

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Hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods and other extreme weather events have become far too common. Are you and your agency prepared? September is Disaster Preparedness Month — the perfect time to prepare for disaster response and recovery.

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Coaches play a crucial role in the lives of athletes, both on and off the field, starting at a young age. Yet less than one third of the country’s six million coaches have been trained in helping kids thrive; most coach training is focused on winning games.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're sharing some of the best NRPA Annual Conference tips for first-time attendees, from experienced attendees. Tune in to prepare for Atlanta this October 8-10!

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If you’re a youth-serving professional looking to develop or improve your skills, join us for the “Building Resilience Through Sport” workshop this October 7 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

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Atuya Cornwell, CPRE, the director of parks and recreation for the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, shares his experience attending 15 straight NRPA Annual Conferences.

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Michelle Stout, CPRP, ACSM CPT, recreation manager for Apex Park and Recreation District, shares about her first NRPA Annual Conference experience in 2023 and what she's looking forward to this year.

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Tyler Walker, a recreation program manager for the Township of Pine (Pennsylvania) Parks & Recreation Department, shares his NRPA Annual Conference experience as he prepares to join us for his fifth conference.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with José Gonzáles, the founder of Latino Outdoors, an organization working to bridge the gap and create more inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences and opportunities for Latino communities.

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In recent years, the growing impacts of climate change have galvanized youth across the globe to demand action and advocate for sustainable policies. In Los Angeles County, this movement has been embodied by the establishment of the Youth Climate Commission.

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On May 11, 2024, Johnson County Park and Recreation District cut the ribbon for the Art Nine Disc Golf Course, located at Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee, Kansas, and it is already getting very positive feedback.

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Jeff Achée, CPRP, the assistant director of parks and recreation for City of Pflugerville, Texas, shares how the NRPA Annual Conference has impacted his career and encourages you to join us in Atlanta this October 8-10.

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In September of 2023, the City of Pflugerville, Texas, and Monarch Sanctuary Project hosted a well-attended educational workshop called “Impacting Change: Gardening for our Native Pollinators" as part of its first BioBlitz.

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In June, NRPA launched the first-of-its-kind Sustainability in Practice program, a 16-week immersive, cohort-style program for park professionals with a vested interest in building equitable environmental resilience in their communities.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring one of the most popular programs in NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks portfolio: Tai Chi.

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Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, the recreation program coordinator at Douglasville (Georgia) Parks and Recreation, shares her experience from the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference and encourages you to join us at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta this October 8-10.

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We are excited to announce the release of the second edition of the NRPA Equity Language Guide. The revised guide provides an expanded glossary of terms, an updated resource list, general writing advice and tips on how to best use the guide.

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ePACT Network shares how Prince William County (Virginia) improved experiences by streamlining everyday processes.

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Megan Keul, CPRP, of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation in North Carolina, shares her experience at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference and her excitement for her first time presenting at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference this October 8-10.

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As of April 2024, the Department of Justice released updated regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This new rule requires all state and local government web and mobile content to meet certain Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Here's what you need to know.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we learn about the Charlottesville (Virginia) Adaptive Recreation Department from Caitlin Marcotte, the operations specialist IV adaptive manager, and Sarah Kyriacopoulos, a program participant and member of the Charlottesville community.

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Decarbonization is a critical component of global efforts to combat climate change and its associated impacts. Local park agencies, through their stewardship of parkland, promotion of sustainable practices, and engagement of communities, play an important role in advancing decarbonization at the local level.

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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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The Workforce Development CoP is a funded opportunity for rural agencies that currently provide workforce development programming through their out-of-school time (OST) services to youth (ages 14-21). The CoP will allow agencies to connect and learn from peers, problem-solve challenges, and receive assistance from cohort peers and industry experts.

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In our technology-driven world filled with constant demands and stimuli, it’s more important than ever to access the healing and restorative benefits of nature. Research shows that when we are in nature our brain behaves differently. Parks and greenspaces are more than just a place to recreate and play — they provide access to nature which has profound health benefits like lowering stress and preventing chronic illness.

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This May, we’re recognizing the 75th annual Mental Health Awareness Month. For the past 75 years, this national movement has highlighted the importance of eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering education and advocating for the well-being of those affected by mental illness.

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Dr. Tiffany Johnson writes about the importance of volunteering and the great potential for growth because of it.

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Volunteering is a cornerstone of promoting societal well-being, fostering connections, building communities and enriching lives. NRPA stands as a beacon, advocating for the significance of volunteering and offering avenues for individuals to improve their communities.

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As older adults continue to make up a growing share of the U.S. population, physical activity is a vital tool for helping them manage and improve their health. The Physical Activity Guidelines Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults (Midcourse Report) highlights what works to increase physical activity among older adults. Park and recreation professionals can use these five strategies from the Midcourse Report to help older adults in their communities get moving.

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Michael Kalvort explores the importance of volunteering and lists some ways to get involved right away.

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In the dynamic world of parks and recreation, building a robust network can be the key to unlocking exciting opportunities and advancing your career. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional looking for further challenges, strategic networking is an essential tool for success.

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In celebration of the Niagara 60th anniversary in 2023, Niagara Bottling and NRPA tested a new model — a supplementary investment in parks that had previously been supported by grants. This past year, eight parks across the United States have received funding from Niagara to refresh their outdoor play space.

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On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what it takes to protect them.

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April is Earth Month — the perfect time to engage community members in park cleanups and park improvement projects. Whether it’s planting trees or creating pollinator habitats, hosting outdoor activities to connect communities to nature, or fostering community engagement through environmental initiatives, park and recreation professionals are the driving force behind transformative change in our public spaces.

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Before receiving a park improvement grant from The Bobcat Company, community members removed the trash they could on their own—routinely bringing vehicles into the park and leaving with mattresses, tires, and other liftable debris. However, with backing from the partnership between Bobcat and NRPA, community members have been able to rely on BNRLT and Bobcat of Buffalo to facilitate the removal of dangerous and heavy debris.

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It’s important for young professionals to share their insights and ideas because they bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the industry and statistics show that the number of young professionals in parks and recreation is increasing, with a growing number of individuals under the age of 35 joining the field.

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The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Change Grant Program was announced and opened for applications in late 2023. The program will award roughly $2 billion in project funding for projects that provide meaningful improvements to the environmental, climate, and resilience conditions affecting disadvantaged communities.

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Through the Million Coaches Challenge, NRPA is partnering with leading national training providers to ensure park and recreation agencies have access to no-cost, high-quality training programs. These training opportunities focus on two key areas — social and emotional learning (SEL) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) — to complement and enhance existing training and ensure all people interacting with youth have essential skills to promote relationship building, leadership and teamwork, cultural humility, conflict resolution, unconscious bias, building understanding, and more.

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NRPA's new video-storytelling project, Park and Recreation Stories, aims to capture the memories and insights of park and recreation professionals, as well as commemorate significant events experienced by NRPA members, partners and advocates. The initiative promotes the voice of the people who have dedicated their lives to the field of parks and recreation for the purpose of creating strong, healthy and vibrant communities across this country.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're chatting with are Amanda Lovejoy, a recreation coordinator at the Zach Gordon Youth Center for City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation, and Lauren Anderson is the Treadwell Arena Manager for Juneau Parks & Recreation.

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Working for local parks and recreation during the summer offers a unique and rewarding experience. Employees get the chance to contribute to the well-being of their community by organizing and participating in various outdoor activities and events. Summer positions in the field can offer significant advantages, including skill development, monetary benefits and certifications.

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With summer being the busiest time for parks and recreation, valuable programs can suffer without the addition of summer seasonal staff. From summer camps and sports leagues to outdoor events, parks and recreation is an essential avenue for fostering a vibrant and engaged community. In September 2023, the NRPA Research team sought to capture the experiences park and recreation agencies had in hiring their summer seasonal staff by conducting a survey completed by agency directors.

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In part three of this blog series, we will discuss some common supports for facilitating inclusion in parks and recreation.

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Your NRPA Public Policy and Advocacy team is here to help you make sense of the new federal fiscal year appropriations process. Whether you submitted a request for funding last year or you’re reading about this opportunity for the first time, here’s all the information you’ll need to successfully submit a project request with your congressional representatives.

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More than 750 community coalitions across the country receive funding up to $125,000 per year to strengthen collaboration among local partners and create an infrastructure that reduces youth substance use.

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Thanks to Bobcat Company, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and Davidson County Parks and Recreation, a new family-friendly park is opening in Davidson County as a part of the growing revitalization of the area.

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NRPA is launching a new Sustainability in Practice program that aims to provide park professionals with examples, templates, skills, resources and new ways of thinking to achieve easy environmental wins and long-term strategic changes.

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The executive director of SoCal Adaptive Sports shares why municipalities and local park and recreation professionals have the power to level the playing field, creating greater societal inclusion.

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Emma Laux shares how a member of the Monon Community Center, part of Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, focuses on the "gold" lining during her cancer battle.

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NRPA has developed a new resource that offers five practices to support park and recreation professionals with centering community and culture that can be applied to any park and recreation program.

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On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring an exciting partnership between NRPA, Bobcat Company and the San Antonio River Authority that is advancing resilient park access.

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The Park Champions Initiative is a rallying call to individuals and communities to stand up for their local parks, from passionate community leaders to environmentally conscious citizens.

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In part two of our Inclusion in Parks and Recreation blog series, we explore how to facilitate inclusion at an organizational level by including self-advocates, creating an accessible environment, and implementing organizational and programmatic changes.

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On November 2, 2023, a few dozen warm-hearted people gathered on an unseasonably cold morning, just south of San Antonio, Texas, to celebrate the future of Trueheart Ranch Nature Park as part of NRPA's partnership with Bobcat Company.

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Join us in celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day®, an annual celebration hosted by the Women’s Sport Foundation to celebrate all the girls and women who play, coach or work in sports.

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Park and recreation agencies need to maintain relationships with community members to understand and meet their needs. Learn how text outreach can help.

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NRPA’s Healthy Aging Team has developed a resource, “Representation Matters: Strategies to Diversify Instructor Recruitment,” with eight strategies agencies can use to diversify instructor recruitment.

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Lunar New Year, a festive celebration deeply rooted in Asian cultures, holds immense significance and has become an integral part of global cultural diversity. Here are several reasons why park agencies should consider offering programs to celebrate Lunar New Year, which begins February 10.

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Celebrated on February 7, National Girls and Women in Sports Day® honors the achievements of girls and women in sports, while also acknowledging that we must continue to advocate for gender equity. Here are five ways your agency can create a culture of women coaching.

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NRPA has received $86,000 in grant funding to conduct a research project that will identify promising interventions and scale practices to promote social and intergenerational connectedness.

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NRPA staff recently attended the National Mentoring Summit to connect with other park and recreation professionals and learn from a range of mentoring experts. Here are some takeaways from the event.

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A solid communications strategy is vital for your park and recreation agency, zoo or nature center to engage the community. Get started with these three tips.

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On the latest Open Space Radio episode, we talk about the power of mentoring with Katlin Okamoto, director of Coach-Mentor Training at U.S. Soccer Foundation; Char Barnes, a park and recreation professional who previously worked in Columbus, Ohio; and Kent Hunt, NRPA’s program manager of health.

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The City of Auburn, Washington, was one of five recipients of a $50,000 Bobcat grant to support park improvement projects awarded as part of Bobcat’s 65th anniversary celebration in 2023.

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When working with vendors, Nikki Taylor, CPRP, has found that the key to a successful relationship is to actively engage in their programs and support them while they are working in your community and beyond.

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This year, we recognize the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on January 15, and we invite you to join us in strengthening communities nationwide through the integration of community service in youth mentoring programs.

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In part one of a series about facilitating inclusion for people with disabilities in parks and recreation, we explore the meaning of inclusion and why it matters.

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National Day of Racial Healing is January 16, 2024. Each year, hundreds of organizations observe and honor the day by creating experiences for people to connect, build relationships and bridge divides.

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On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, Gabby Vera, CPRP, the regional park superintendent for Maricopa County (Arizona) Parks and Recreation, shares strategies she's used to overcome imposter syndrome and more!

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Families play a crucial role in the overall success of youth in programs, helping to shape their behaviors, actions and choices.

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In 2024, park and recreation professionals can look forward to opportunities from NRPA to learn at their own pace and focus on areas most relevant to them.

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National Mentoring Month is an annual opportunity to spread awareness of the power of mentoring and serves as a reminder of the critical role park and recreation professionals play in providing youth development and youth mentoring services in local communities.

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