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Trees for All

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on October 28, 2024

In an increasingly urbanized world, the role of nature within our communities has never been more important. The need to integrate trees and green spaces is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the health and well-being of residents.

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NRPA Youth Sports Equity Grants: Transforming Communities Through Inclusive Athletics

By Brian McFadden | Posted on October 25, 2024

Many park and recreation agencies grapple with the challenge of providing equal access to youth sports, especially to under-resourced populations. Recognizing this crucial gap, the NRPA has stepped forward with a trio of innovative grant opportunities.

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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.

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National Substance Use Prevention Month: Providing Safe Spaces for Youth in Asheville

By Angel Redmond | Posted on October 17, 2024

Asheville, North Carolina, is integrating more intentional one-on-one and group mentoring activities into existing afterschool, sports, environmental and outdoor education, and arts and culture programs through NRPA’s Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Substance Misuse grant.

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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.

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Southern California Site Visit Reflections: Older Adult Programming Can Change Lives

By Cara Myers, Natalia Ospina, Colleen Pittard and Jennifer Ward | Posted on October 4, 2024

NRPA staff members recently visited park and recreation agencies in Southern California that are making massive impacts with their Supporting Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) grants.

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Former NRPA Board Chair Shares Reflections on New Strategic Plan

By Carolyn McKnight Fredd, CPRP | Posted on October 2, 2024

Former NRPA Board Chair Carolyn McKnight Fredd, CPRP, shares what she appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2030 plan, which will be unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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Continuing the Journey: The Seven Dimensions of Well-Being in Parks and Recreation

By Maureen Neumann | Posted on September 27, 2024

To better support park and recreation professionals as they advance the seven dimensions of well-being, we’ve created a set of new resources to help contextualize each dimension with sample strategies and examples from the field.

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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.

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Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161

By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on September 24, 2024

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Danielle Hunter, chief of D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation's Roving Leaders Program. Tune in to learn how this program is making an impact on youth in the nation's capital.

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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. 

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Parks as a Cornerstone of Sustainability

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on September 13, 2024

By supporting the creation and expansion of green spaces, the OurCounty Plan demonstrates Los Angeles County’s commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive county.

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New Resources to Support Farmers Markets in Parks and Recreation

By Maureen Neumann | Posted on September 11, 2024

NRPA is excited to share the Local Farmers Market Promotion Toolkit for park and recreation agencies. This toolkit supports agencies as they work with local partners to promote farmers markets and increase equitable food access solutions.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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