![Parks and Rec Show 410 Parks and Rec Show 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Parks-and-Rec-Show-410.jpg)
Parks and Recreation: Is It Like the Show?
By Rebecca Ortiz | Posted on July 17, 2024
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?"
![Eric Lopez 410 Eric Lopez 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Eric%20Lopez-410.png)
My Story at the NRPA Annual Conference: Where You Belong and Where You Grow
By Eric López, CPRE | Posted on July 16, 2024
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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Beyond Green Spaces: Parks as Catalysts for Equity and Inclusion
By Tiff Cunin | Posted on July 10, 2024
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!
![Ep156 410 Ep156 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Ep156-410.jpg)
Fostering Belonging Through Community Theater — Episode 156
By Cara Myers and Cort Jones | Posted on July 9, 2024
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.
![Baldwin Hills 410 Baldwin Hills 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Baldwin-Hills-410.jpg)
Transforming Oil Fields Into Parks: A Cornerstone of Just Transition
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on June 27, 2024
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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Creating a Brighter Future Through Equitable Access to Youth Sports
By Teresa Morrissey and Maureen Neumann | Posted on June 26, 2024
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.
![Ep155 410 Ep155 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Ep155-410.jpg)
Celebrating Pride: The Power of Partnership and Allyship — Episode 155
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on June 25, 2024
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.
![Teen Leadership 410 Teen Leadership 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Teen-Leadership-410.jpg)
5 Tips for Building a Teen Leadership Program
By Cassie Paddock, CPRP | Posted on June 18, 2024
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.
![Jay Tryon headshot 410 Jay Tryon headshot 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Jay-Tryon-headshot-410.jpg)
Are You Taking Advantage of NRPA’s Volunteer Opportunities?
By Jay Tryon, CPRP | Posted on June 7, 2024
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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Transforming the Lives of Older Adults Through Park and Recreation Programs
By Allie Ziegler | Posted on June 3, 2024
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.
![LifeLibertyPursuitOfRecreation 410 LifeLibertyPursuitOfRecreation 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/LifeLibertyPursuitOfRecreation-410.jpg)
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Recreation
By Tim Herd, CPRE | Posted on May 30, 2024
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.”
![OlderAdultsBlog 3 410 OlderAdultsBlog 3 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/OlderAdultsBlog-3-410.jpg)
Parks and Recreation Stays Committed in its Support of Older Adults
By Allie Ziegler | Posted on May 24, 2024
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.
![OlderAdultsBlog 2 410 OlderAdultsBlog 2 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/OlderAdultsBlog-2-410.jpg)
A Post-Pandemic Increase in Older Adult Programming
By Allie Ziegler | Posted on May 21, 2024
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.
![Earvin Magic Johnson Recreation Area 2 Earvin Magic Johnson Recreation Area 2](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Earvin-Magic-Johnson-Recreation-Area-2.jpg)
The Healing Power of Parks: Regenerating Landscapes and Communities
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on May 17, 2024
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.
![LegacyBinder 410 LegacyBinder 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/LegacyBinder-410.jpg)
Legacy Binders: Empowering Employees for Success
By Hannah Rathje | Posted on May 16, 2024
Hannah Rathje's recent transition into the community recreation supervisor position introduced her to a game-changing resource: the "Legacy Binder.”
![OlderAdultsBlog 1 410 OlderAdultsBlog 1 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/OlderAdultsBlog-1-410.jpg)
Benefits of Older Adult Programming at Parks and Recreation
By Allie Ziegler | Posted on May 16, 2024
Learn more about NRPA's recently-released Supporting Older Adults Through Parks and Recreation report.
![FHFD3_2024_410 FHFD3_2024_410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/FHFD3_2024_410.png)
The Vital Role of Parks and Recreation in Enhancing Family Health & Well-Being
By Cina Makres | Posted on May 15, 2024
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!
![410x410 Graphic for Website Episode 154 410x410 Graphic for Website Episode 154](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/410x410-Graphic-for-Website-Episode-154.jpg)
Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part 2) — Episode 154
By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on May 14, 2024
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.
![Community of Practice410 Community of Practice410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Community%20of%20Practice410.png)
NRPA Launches Workforce Development Community of Practice
By Barbara Kapustin | Posted on May 10, 2024
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.
![32 1 32 1](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/32%201.jpg)
Why Parks and Greenspaces are Integral to our Mental Health
By Charissa Hipp | Posted on May 8, 2024
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.
![Mental Health Feature Image Mental Health Feature Image](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Mental%20Health%20Feature%20Image.png)
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on May 1, 2024
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.
![Tiffany 1 410 Tiffany 1 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Tiffany%201%20410.png)
Embracing Opportunities for Growth
By Tiffany Johnson, Ph.D., CPRP | Posted on April 26, 2024
Dr. Tiffany Johnson writes about the importance of volunteering and the great potential for growth because of it.
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Volunteering Cultivates Community and Belonging
By Edward Matthews, MLS, CPRP, AFO | Posted on April 26, 2024
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.
![Older Americans Blog Photo410 Older Americans Blog Photo410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Older%20Americans%20Blog%20Photo410.png)
Help Older Adults Get Moving With Five Strategies From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report
By Katrina Piercy, Alison Vaux-Bjerke, Malorie Polster and Bianca Macias | Posted on April 24, 2024
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.
![Volunteer Week Blog Feature Image Volunteer Week Blog Feature Image](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Volunteer%20Week%20Blog%20Feature%20Image.png)
Celebrating National Volunteer Week
By Michael J. Kalvort, CPRE | Posted on April 23, 2024
Michael Kalvort explores the importance of volunteering and lists some ways to get involved right away.
![615 NRPA Conference 2023 Dallas 615 NRPA Conference 2023 Dallas](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/615%20NRPA%20Conference%202023%20Dallas.png)
Networking Strategies for Advancing Your Career in Parks and Recreation
By Rachel Smith, MBA, CPRP | Posted on April 17, 2024
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.
![Niagara410410 Niagara410410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Niagara410410.png)
NRPA Niagara Refresh Project Impacts Youth Across the Country
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on April 10, 2024
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.
![410x410 Graphic for Website Episode 153 410x410 Graphic for Website Episode 153](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/410x410-Graphic-for-Website-Episode-153.jpg)
Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on April 9, 2024
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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This Earth Month Let’s Celebrate Park and Recreation Professionals as Climate Heroes
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on April 4, 2024
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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Revitalizing Houghton Park: A Community-Led Transformation
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on March 22, 2024
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.
![YPN Web YPN Web](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/YPN%20Web.png)
The Growing Influence of Young Professionals in Parks and Recreation
By Colton Patak | Posted on March 20, 2024
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.
![PP Web PP Web](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/PP%20Web.png)
Funding Available: Community Change Grants Program
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on March 18, 2024
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.
![MMC 2 MMC 2](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/MMC%202.png)
NRPA Announces Million Coaches Challenge Grant to Champion Positive Youth Development
By Allison Colman and Teresa Morrissey | Posted on March 15, 2024
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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Park and Recreation Stories: Your Story Starts Here
By Cara Myers | Posted on March 13, 2024
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.
![410x410 Graphic for Website Episode 152 410x410 Graphic for Website Episode 152](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/410x410-Graphic-for-Website---Episode-152.jpg)
Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on March 12, 2024
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.
![summerseasonalblog1web summerseasonalblog1web](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/summerseasonalblog1web.png)
Benefits of Summer Jobs With Parks and Recreation
By Alexandra Ziegler | Posted on March 8, 2024
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.
![summerseasonalblog2web summerseasonalblog2web](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/summerseasonalblog2web.png)
Recruiting Summer Talent at Parks and Recreation
By Alexandra Ziegler | Posted on March 7, 2024
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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Facilitating Inclusion in Parks and Recreation: Part 3 — Implementing Support to Facilitate Inclusion
By Jennifer Ward | Posted on March 6, 2024
In part three of this blog series, we will discuss some common supports for facilitating inclusion in parks and recreation.
![Park web Park web](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Park%20web.png)
Federal Earmarks Process — How to Win Funding for Local Park Initiatives
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on March 5, 2024
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.
![DFC_PullApartInfographic 05 Web DFC_PullApartInfographic 05 Web](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/DFC_PullApartInfographic-05%20Web.png)
Park and Recreation Professionals: Here’s how you can help prevent youth substance use in your communities
By Karen Voetsch | Posted on March 5, 2024
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.
![BobcatBlogImageWeb BobcatBlogImageWeb](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/BobcatBlogImageWeb.png)
Yadkin River Park: A Community Dream Turned Reality
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on February 29, 2024
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.
![JPB Grant Blog Photo JPB Grant Blog Photo](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/JPB%20Grant%20Blog%20Photo.png)
NRPA Launches Sustainability in Practice Cohort Program
By Stephanie Whyte | Posted on February 22, 2024
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.
![Leveling the Playing Field 410 Leveling the Playing Field 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Leveling-the-Playing-Field-410.jpg)
Leveling the Playing Field
By Michael Rosenkrantz | Posted on February 21, 2024
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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Memories Are Important for Wellness, Too
By Emma Laux | Posted on February 15, 2024
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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Five Practices for Culturally Responsive Programs
By Liliana Ruiz Fischer, MPH | Posted on February 14, 2024
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.
![410x410 Graphic for Website Episode 151 410x410 Graphic for Website Episode 151](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/410x410-Graphic-for-Website---Episode-151.jpg)
Having Fun and Doing the Right Thing in San Antonio — Episode 151
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on February 13, 2024
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.
![PCI blog 2024 410 PCI blog 2024 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/PCI-blog-2024-410.jpg)
Park Champions Advocate for Vibrant Communities
By Dan McCarthy | Posted on February 12, 2024
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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Facilitating Inclusion in Parks and Recreation: Part 2 — How to Facilitate Inclusion at an Organizational Level
By Jennifer Ward | Posted on February 9, 2024
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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Planting a Sustainable Future at Trueheart Ranch Nature Park
By Austin Barrett and Miriam Lamoreaux | Posted on February 8, 2024
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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Strategies for Promoting Gender Equity in Youth Sports
By Nelson Musselman | Posted on February 7, 2024
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.
![Mogli_NRPA_SMS Connection_ Using Text Outreach to Build Relationships_Feature Mogli_NRPA_SMS Connection_ Using Text Outreach to Build Relationships_Feature](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/Mogli_NRPA_SMS%20Connection_%20Using%20Text%20Outreach%20to%20Build%20Relationships_Feature.jpg)
SMS Connection: Using Text Outreach to Build Relationships
By Christina Marmor | Posted on February 6, 2024
Park and recreation agencies need to maintain relationships with community members to understand and meet their needs. Learn how text outreach can help.
![New Resource Diversify Recruitment 410 New Resource Diversify Recruitment 410](https://res.cloudinary.com/nrpadev/image/upload/c_fill,f_auto,g_auto:faces,h_275,q_70,w_370/New-Resource-Diversify-Recruitment-410.jpg)
NRPA Offers Strategies for Inclusive Instructor Recruitment in Park and Recreation Programs
By Natalia Ospina | Posted on February 5, 2024
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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Celebrating Lunar New Year at Parks and Gardens
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on February 2, 2024
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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Lead Her Forward: Creating a Culture of Women Coaches
By Nelson Musselman | Posted on February 1, 2024
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 and RRF Foundation for Aging Join Forces to Empower Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation
By Natalia Ospina | Posted on January 31, 2024
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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Reflections from the 2024 National Mentoring Summit
By NRPA's Mentoring Team | Posted on January 30, 2024
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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3 Tips to Improve Your Agency's Supporter Communications
By Elissa K. Miller, M.Ed. | Posted on January 26, 2024
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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Make an Impact by Leading with a Mentoring Mindset — Episode 150
By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on January 23, 2024
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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Auburndale Park's Trail Revitalization with Bobcat and NRPA
By Charissa Hipp | Posted on January 18, 2024
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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Program Vendors and Recreation Professionals: A Vital Partnership
By Nikki Taylor, CPRP | Posted on January 17, 2024
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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Elevating the Spirit of Service in Youth
By Cina Makres | Posted on January 12, 2024
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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Facilitating Inclusion in Parks and Recreation: Part 1 — What is Inclusion and Why Does it Matter?
By Jennifer Ward | Posted on January 11, 2024
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: A Day for Community and Connection
By Kari Carlson | Posted on January 10, 2024
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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Imposter Syndrome Is Real — Episode 149
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on January 9, 2024
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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Engaging Families Leads to Profound Impacts for Youth in Mentoring Programs
By Kent Hunt, CPRP | Posted on January 5, 2024
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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A Personalized and Flexible Approach to Continuous Learning in 2024
By NRPA Professional Development Team | Posted on January 4, 2024
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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Three Strategies to Engage Mentors to Support Youth Development
By Olivia Peterson | Posted on January 2, 2024
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.