The National Recreation and Parks Association

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating the incredible women in parks and recreation who are shaping the profession and making a difference in their communities.

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By taking a proactive role in promoting health and well-being, park and recreation professionals can help create a healthier future for our communities.

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We hope you’re ready to dive into all the great content and resources NRPA's new Youth Sports Framework contains. Here are five things you can expect to find.

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When every organization and company creates not just jobs, but career pathways to make a meaningful difference, we tap into people's deepest reason for working.

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On Wednesday, February 5, we celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a powerful reminder that girls and women belong in every aspect of sports. Here's how you can get involved.

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From public health emergencies to natural disasters, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has demonstrated adaptability and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of L.A. County residents.

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Park and recreation agencies are building youth mentoring into afterschool programs, sports programs, and as standalone mentoring programs, but the possibilities for integrating mentoring into parks and recreation programs are endless.

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On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring the power of mentoring with mentors and youth mentees from programs in Mesa, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; and Monroe County, Michigan.

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As park and recreation professionals, we must bring about curiosity, encourage critical thinking and inspire youth to be a part of the community so that they may desire to maintain and improve it.

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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.

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In Dickinson, North Dakota, the Best Friends Mentoring Program has partnered with Dickinson Parks and Recreation to create a program for youth in 6th-8th grade.

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Clement Lau reflects on what he learned during a 2024 NRPA Annual Conference session about addressing park access challenges in an underserved area in Lewisville, Texas.

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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.

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Recycling in Philadelphia is more than managing waste — it's creating a more connected, sustainable urban ecosystem where discarded items have the potential for renewal and repurpose.

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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.

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NRPA has developed a Healthy Aging Framework to help park and recreation agencies leverage their strengths, relationships and resources to advance systems change approaches that support healthy aging.

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The National Physical Activity Plan is a set of policies, programs and initiatives to help support physical activity in all segments of the United States population. One of the 10 physical activity sectors covers Community Recreation, Fitness and Parks (CRFP) with five distinct strategies.

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New NRPA resources reveal guidance around promoting positive youth development by integrating elements of career exploration and community service into youth mentoring programs.

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