Reciproci-TEA: City of Pflugerville’s First BioBlitz
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on August 8, 2024
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.
Sustainability in Practice: A Collaborative Approach to Environmental Resilience
By Steph Whyte | Posted on August 7, 2024
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.
Promoting Healthy Aging Through Tai Chi — Episode 158
By Cara Myers and Cort Jones | Posted on August 6, 2024
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.
See You in Atlanta at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference!
By Jamiah Flagg, CPRP | Posted on August 5, 2024
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.
Why the Words We Use Matter
By Tiff Cunin | Posted on August 2, 2024
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.
Cutting Time Without Cutting Corners
By ePACT Network | Posted on August 1, 2024
ePACT Network shares how Prince William County (Virginia) improved experiences by streamlining everyday processes.
Catch Me at Conference
By Megan Keul, CPRP | Posted on July 29, 2024
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.
“Where You Belong” Online: Increasing Web Equity and Accessibility for All
By Kaitlyn Kaufman | Posted on July 24, 2024
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.
Inclusive Adventures: Building Belonging Through Adaptive Recreation — Episode 157
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on July 23, 2024
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.
Decarbonization and the Role of Local Park Agencies
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on July 22, 2024
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.
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?"
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.