The National Recreation and Parks Association

For the past three years, Jason McCray has dedicated more than 16 hours of his life each fall to volunteering at the NRPA Annual Conference.

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Kimberly Zygmant, the assistant director for Layton City (Utah) Parks and Recreation, shares how speed networking at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference created an environment where everyone had a space to contribute and be heard.

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Zachary Lambert, the community recreation and events manager for Gorham (Maine) Parks and Recreation, shares his rewarding experience at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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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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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.

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On this Open Space Radio x GovLove collab episode, recorded live at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, we discuss environmental resilience with Bernita Reese, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks, Ali Rhodes, director of City of Boulder Parks & Recreation, and Michele White. senior program manager at NRPA.

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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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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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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!

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We’re counting down the days until we dive into the NRPA Annual Conference Opening Reception on Tuesday, October 8. Hosted by Georgia Aquarium and sponsored by GameTime, the largest park and recreation party of the year promises valuable networking opportunities, fun, food, music and of course – the sights and sounds of amazing aquatic life.

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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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Haley Colucci, CPRP, the marketing & communications manager for Oak Brook Park District, shares why she feels the NRPA Annual Conference is second to none.

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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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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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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're sharing some of the best NRPA Annual Conference tips for first-time attendees, from experienced attendees. Tune in to prepare for Atlanta this October 8-10!

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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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Atuya Cornwell, CPRE, the director of parks and recreation for the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, shares his experience attending 15 straight NRPA Annual Conferences.

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Michelle Stout, CPRP, ACSM CPT, recreation manager for Apex Park and Recreation District, shares about her first NRPA Annual Conference experience in 2023 and what she's looking forward to this year.

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