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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.