The National Recreation and Parks Association

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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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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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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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 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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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