Did you know that 2025 is the 60th anniversary of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)? We’ll be observing the occasion throughout the year, and you may start to see our brand new NRPA 60th logo appearing on our website, social media channels or emails. This post kicks off our year-long blog series about some major NRPA milestones and impact decade by decade (and how they continue today), starting with our founding in the 1960s.
The 1960s were a decade of active social and political change in the United States, with many seeking ways to improve quality of life for individuals and communities. On August 14, 1965, five organizations — the National Recreation Association, the American Recreation Society, the National Conference on State Parks, American Institute of Park Executives, and its affiliate, American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums — merged to create the National Recreation and Park Association, uniting around the common interests of parks, recreation and conservation.
This new organization sought to ensure that “every child shall have a place to play in safety and that everyone should have opportunities to make the best and most satisfying use of free time.” NRPA got to work advocating for issues of local and national concern, training professionals in the field, hosting national convenings, and providing resources to support park and recreation operations. In its earliest years, NRPA introduced two offerings that still serve the field today: Parks & Recreation magazine and the National Awards Program.
1966: Parks & Recreation magazine debuts
“Pre-Teenagers Help Improve Their City.” “Specifications for a Maintenance Specialist.” “Recreation in Space.” These are just three of the feature articles in the first issue of Parks & Recreation magazine. Launched in January 1966, this new magazine was one of the first major offerings from NRPA, combining four existing publications — Recreation (previously called The Playground and first published in 1908), American Recreation Journal, Planning and Civic Comment, and another publication also called Parks and Recreation. By 1969, it had reached 30,000 subscribers and continues to thrive today, supported by some advertisers who have been sponsors since the first issue!
Throughout the decades, cover stories have included national issues like the global energy crisis, recreation in correctional facilities and healthcare reform, as well as a range of local and state issues. This award-winning magazine remains both a current reflection and historical record of the programs, operations, legislation and trends that have driven the profession.
Speaking of trends, the annual trends issue has been a popular feature since the very beginning. Wondering what innovations were #trending in 1966? That year, the magazine profiled a swimming pool/ice skating rink combo, a darkened zoo building to watch nocturnal animals, and a spa-turned-performing arts center; the latest trends issue shows us what’s buzzing in 2025. Don’t forget to check out Parks & Recreation magazine each month for the latest in the field!
1968: National Awards Program celebrates professionals
As NRPA settled into its new identity, recognizing professional contributions to the field became a priority. In 1968, NRPA adopted a National Awards Program, featuring five award categories for individuals: Literary, Humanitarian, Voluntary Service, Student and Distinguished Professional. These awards joined the agency-level National Gold Medal Award Program, first given in 1966 by The Sports Foundation, Inc., and later administered by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA), both in partnership with NRPA.
The Robert W. Crawford Hall of Fame Award was added in 1987, posthumously recognizing lifetime contributions to the park and recreation movement. To date, 44 inductees have entered the Hall of Fame, most recently H. Douglas Sessoms, a key contributor to the establishment of both AAPRA and NRPA. NRPA continues to celebrate member agencies through Innovation Awards and the Gold Medal program and individual members through Spotlight Awards, 30 under 30 and Scholarships & Fellowships.
Since 1966, NRPA and its affiliates have recognized the accomplishments of more than 2,000 individuals and more than 500 agencies via these award programs. Is yours one of them? Recently an agency contacted NRPA to excitedly share that they had found a Gold Medal award in a rarely accessed closet — who knows what treasures might be hiding at your agency! And, if you haven’t (yet) gotten an award, now is a great time to highlight the work being done in your community. Nominate your agency, a colleague or even yourself for an NRPA award!
According to its original Constitution, NRPA’s purpose includes the “development of recreation and park systems and programs designed so that all the people of America may live enriched lives, find greater enjoyment and happiness and have better mental health, greater physical vitality and deeper moral strength.” Such a goal remains as important as ever today, and with the help of our 62,000+ members, NRPA is committed to continuing the mission it established nearly 60 years ago.
Karen Carter (she/her) is NRPA's Librarian.