Transforming Oil Fields into Parks: A Cornerstone of Just Transition
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on June 27, 2024
In the era of climate change and environmental degradation, the concept of a "just transition" has gained prominence. One notable example is the transformation of oil fields into parks and open space where and when appropriate as determined through a stakeholder engagement process.
Creating a Brighter Future Through Equitable Access to Youth Sports
By Teresa Morrissey and Maureen Neumann | Posted on June 26, 2024
Through the Youth Sports Equity Grant Program, NRPA and Musco Lighting are excited to partner with local park and recreation agencies to increase equitable access to youth sports, especially for youth of color, girls, LGBTQ+ youth, youth from low-income homes and youth with disabilities.
Celebrating Pride: The Power of Partnership and Allyship — Episode 155
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on June 25, 2024
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature and build a sense of belonging.
Transforming the Lives of Older Adults Through Park and Recreation Programs
By Allie Ziegler | Posted on June 3, 2024
The final blog post in this series highlights the transformative impact of parks and recreation on the physical, mental and social well-being of the valued older adults in our communities.
Parks and Recreation Stays Committed in its Support of Older Adults
By Allie Ziegler | Posted on May 24, 2024
Despite agency challenges such as navigating budget constraints, managing facility issues, addressing the remaining impacts of COVID-19 and promoting engagement across various communities, park and recreation agencies uphold their commitment to providing meaningful support and programming for community members of all ages.
A Post-Pandemic Increase in Older Adult Programming
By Allie Ziegler | Posted on May 21, 2024
The Supporting Older Adults Through Parks and Recreation report highlights briefly how park and recreation professionals dealt with the lingering impacts of COVID-19 on older adults’ participation.
The Healing Power of Parks: Regenerating Landscapes and Communities
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on May 17, 2024
By restoring damaged landscapes, providing valuable green spaces, and fostering environmental education and awareness, parks can play a significant role in healing the land and building more sustainable and resilient communities.
Benefits of Older Adult Programming at Parks and Recreation
By Allie Ziegler | Posted on May 16, 2024
Learn more about NRPA's recently-released Supporting Older Adults Through Parks and Recreation report.
The Vital Role of Parks and Recreation in Enhancing Family Health & Well-Being
By Cina Makres | Posted on May 15, 2024
This May, we are recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and the ways in which parks and recreation promotes mental health and well-being. Excitingly, in June, we will continue to lift up the power of parks and recreation in promoting community wellness as we celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day!
Building Belonging: Neurodivergent Perspectives in Parks and Recreation (Part 2) — Episode 154
By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on May 14, 2024
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Tammy Schwab, manager of education and outreach for the resource management division of Fairfax County Park Authority, and John McGovern, principal-in-charge for The WT Group, LLC Accessibility Practice.
Why Parks and Greenspaces are Integral to our Mental Health
By Charissa Hipp | Posted on May 8, 2024
In our technology-driven world filled with constant demands and stimuli, it’s more important than ever to access the healing and restorative benefits of nature. Research shows that when we are in nature our brain behaves differently. Parks and greenspaces are more than just a place to recreate and play — they provide access to nature which has profound health benefits like lowering stress and preventing chronic illness.
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on May 1, 2024
This May, we’re recognizing the 75th annual Mental Health Awareness Month. For the past 75 years, this national movement has highlighted the importance of eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering education and advocating for the well-being of those affected by mental illness.
Help Older Adults Get Moving With Five Strategies From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report
By Katrina Piercy, Alison Vaux-Bjerke, Malorie Polster and Bianca Macias | Posted on April 24, 2024
As older adults continue to make up a growing share of the U.S. population, physical activity is a vital tool for helping them manage and improve their health. The Physical Activity Guidelines Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults (Midcourse Report) highlights what works to increase physical activity among older adults. Park and recreation professionals can use these five strategies from the Midcourse Report to help older adults in their communities get moving.
Creating Space for Belonging in Juneau, Alaska — Episode 152
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on March 12, 2024
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're chatting with are Amanda Lovejoy, a recreation coordinator at the Zach Gordon Youth Center for City and Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation, and Lauren Anderson is the Treadwell Arena Manager for Juneau Parks & Recreation.
Facilitating Inclusion in Parks and Recreation: Part 3 — Implementing Support to Facilitate Inclusion
By Jennifer Ward | Posted on March 6, 2024
In part three of this blog series, we will discuss some common supports for facilitating inclusion in parks and recreation.
Park and Recreation Professionals: Here’s how you can help prevent youth substance use in your communities
By Karen Voetsch | Posted on March 5, 2024
More than 750 community coalitions across the country receive funding up to $125,000 per year to strengthen collaboration among local partners and create an infrastructure that reduces youth substance use.
Leveling the Playing Field
By Michael Rosenkrantz | Posted on February 21, 2024
The executive director of SoCal Adaptive Sports shares why municipalities and local park and recreation professionals have the power to level the playing field, creating greater societal inclusion.
Memories Are Important for Wellness, Too
By Emma Laux | Posted on February 15, 2024
Emma Laux shares how a member of the Monon Community Center, part of Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation, focuses on the "gold" lining during her cancer battle.