Small Steps with Big Impact: An Introduction to NRPA’s Equity Quick Guides
By Autumn Saxton-Ross and Tiff Cunin | Posted on September 9, 2024
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.
Be Prepared to Respond and Protect Your Community During Natural Disasters
By Teresa L. Penbrooke, PhD, CPRE | Posted on September 6, 2024
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.
Game Changers: How Coaches Can Support Youth Beyond the Scoreboard
By Charissa Hipp and Rosa Riley | Posted on September 4, 2024
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.
NRPA Annual Conference Tips for First-Time Attendees — Episode 160
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on September 3, 2024
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!
Positive Sports Culture Starts with Coaches: FREE Training in Atlanta This October 7
By Rosa Riley | Posted on August 29, 2024
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.
The NRPA Annual Conference: Empowered by the Big Event and a Super Cool Mentee
By Atuya Cornwell, CPRE | Posted on August 28, 2024
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.
The NRPA Annual Conference: More Than Just an Event
By Michelle Stout, CPRP, ACSM CPT | Posted on August 26, 2024
Michelle Stout, CPRP, ACSM CPT, recreation manager for Apex Park and Recreation District, shares about her first NRPA Annual Conference experience in 2023 and what she's looking forward to this year.
Embracing Belonging at the NRPA Annual Conference
By Tyler Walker | Posted on August 21, 2024
Tyler Walker, a recreation program manager for the Township of Pine (Pennsylvania) Parks & Recreation Department, shares his NRPA Annual Conference experience as he prepares to join us for his fifth conference.
From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159
By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on August 20, 2024
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with José Gonzáles, the founder of Latino Outdoors, an organization working to bridge the gap and create more inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences and opportunities for Latino communities.
Elevating Youth Voices for a Sustainable Future
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on August 16, 2024
In recent years, the growing impacts of climate change have galvanized youth across the globe to demand action and advocate for sustainable policies. In Los Angeles County, this movement has been embodied by the establishment of the Youth Climate Commission.
An Artful Approach to Disc Golf
By David Markham | Posted on August 14, 2024
On May 11, 2024, Johnson County Park and Recreation District cut the ribbon for the Art Nine Disc Golf Course, located at Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee, Kansas, and it is already getting very positive feedback.
The NRPA Annual Conference: A Massive Career Impact
By Jeff Achée, CPRP | Posted on August 12, 2024
Jeff Achée, CPRP, the assistant director of parks and recreation for City of Pflugerville, Texas, shares how the NRPA Annual Conference has impacted his career and encourages you to join us in Atlanta this October 8-10.
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.