The National Recreation and Parks Association

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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