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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.