CPRE: A Certification to Help You Be Better
By John Roche, CPRE | Posted on January 17, 2025
A challenge to take the CPRE exam and "be better" in this field from John Roche, CPRE, the manager of recreation, parks & community services and the aquatics director for Crystal Springs Family Waterpark in Township of East Brunswick, New Jersey.
Mastering Essential Skills in Park and Recreation-Based Workforce Development
By Ron Schmidt | Posted on January 13, 2025
The City of Columbia, Missouri's career readiness program, aims to prepare Columbia’s youth for the workforce and for becoming productive, self-sufficient citizens by providing comprehensive services that include essential skill development.
Five Ways to Expand Accessibility in Outdoor Workforce Development
By Kailey White | Posted on December 19, 2024
Explore innovative strategies to make outdoor spaces and training more accessible, ensuring every youth has the opportunity to connect with nature, build valuable skills, and envision a career in the recreation industry.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Inspiring Park and Recreation Stories — Episode 164
By Cort Jones, Christina High, Cara Myers | Posted on December 17, 2024
On our final Open Space Radio episode of the year, we're reflecting on our memories from 2024 and listening back to some of our favorite conversations.
Three Wins for Community Health
By The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Sector Committee | Posted on December 11, 2024
Three Wins is a concept that provides free exercise classes at local parks to support individual and community health and gives kinesiology students an internship opportunity to polish their skills in exercise training.
Reflections on the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference: Insights, Inspiration and Connections
By Cara McLeod | Posted on December 5, 2024
Cara McLeod, the senior marketing communications analyst for City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, shares her experience at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.
Empowering Youth Through Parks and Recreation
By Cina Makres | Posted on November 25, 2024
New NRPA resources reveal guidance around promoting positive youth development by integrating elements of career exploration and community service into youth mentoring programs.
Sowing Seeds of Stewardship: Cultivating Youth Conservation Leaders in Taos, New Mexico
By Darien Fernandez | Posted on November 20, 2024
The three-person staff at Taos Land Trust would not be able to care for Rio Fernando Park without the help of a seasonal crew of youth and young adults, ages 14-25.
NRPA Board Member Rebecca Armstrong Reflects on NRPA’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan
By Rebecca Armstrong | Posted on November 5, 2024
This blog post highlights thoughts on NRPA's new strategic plan from Rebecca Armstrong, member of the NRPA board of directors.
Empowering At-Risk Youth Through Workforce Development in Recreation
By Chris Allen | Posted on October 22, 2024
Investing in at-risk youth through workforce development in recreation is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for building stronger communities.
NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre Shares Reflections on New Strategic Plan
By Jesús Aguirre | Posted on October 15, 2024
NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre shares what he appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2029 strategic plan, which was unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.
Exciting Updates to the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Program
By Elizabeth Gonzales | Posted on October 3, 2024
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.
From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on October 1, 2024
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!
Recreation as a Gateway to Youth Workforce Development
By Thennie Freeman | Posted on September 26, 2024
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.
Creating Positive Team Culture Through DEI-Focused Coaching
By Charissa Hipp and Rosa Riley | Posted on September 18, 2024
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.
The NRPA Annual Conference Is Second to None
By Haley Colucci, CPRP | Posted on September 12, 2024
Haley Colucci, CPRP, the marketing & communications manager for Oak Brook Park District, shares why she feels the NRPA Annual Conference is second to none.
Supporting Young Athletes By Prioritizing Youth Development
By Charissa Hipp and Rosa Riley | Posted on September 10, 2024
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.
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.