The Growing Influence of Young Professionals in Parks and Recreation
By Colton Patak | Posted on March 20, 2024
It’s important for young professionals to share their insights and ideas because they bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the industry and statistics show that the number of young professionals in parks and recreation is increasing, with a growing number of individuals under the age of 35 joining the field.
Park and Recreation Stories: Your Story Starts Here
By Cara Myers | Posted on March 13, 2024
NRPA's new video-storytelling project, Park and Recreation Stories, aims to capture the memories and insights of park and recreation professionals, as well as commemorate significant events experienced by NRPA members, partners and advocates. The initiative promotes the voice of the people who have dedicated their lives to the field of parks and recreation for the purpose of creating strong, healthy and vibrant communities across this country.
Prioritizing the Health and Well-Being of Our Military Communities — June Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 25, 2023
On the June bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Leading the Way to Health and Well-Being: How Armed Forces Recreation Fosters Healthy Military Communities.”
How to Build a Culture of Safety — May Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 27, 2023
On the May bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we dive deeper into one of this month's feature stories with Dr. William Ramos, a member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and associate professor at Indiana University School of Public Health, and Nichole Bohner, the aquatics division manager for City of Round Rock, Texas, Parks and Recreation.
A Look Back: Environmental Attitudes 50 Years in the Making
By Lindsay Collins | Posted on April 17, 2023
In the April 1973 issue of Parks & Recreation magazine — 50 Earth Months ago — contributor Lloyd Barnhart authored an article titled, “Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Attitudes.” As the landscapes — literal and figurative — continue to change 50 years later, how are environmental attitudes and solutions changing with them?
How Lifeguarding Provided a Foundation for a First Responder — March Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 23, 2023
The March issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on this bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s articles, “From Lifeguard to First Responder” with Cole Munsey and Craig Pattenaude of Cosumnes Community Services District.
Parks and Recreation Workforce Development Trends and Opportunities — February Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 26, 2023
The February issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’ll be diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories with Tim Herd, CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society.
RWJF-NRPA Award for Health Equity Celebrates Seven Years of Success — January Bonus Episode
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on December 22, 2022
Maureen Neumann, NRPA Senior Health Program Manager, shares where some of the previous RWJF-NRPA Award for Health Equity winners are now and what winning the award meant to them.
Introducing NRPA’s Equity in Practice Program – October Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on September 29, 2022
On the October bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by NRPA Vice President of Education and Chief Equity Officer Autumn Saxton-Ross and NRPA Director of Learning Philip Silva to discuss NRPA's new Equity in Practice initiative.
Providing Opportunities for Those Who Think Differently — September Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on August 18, 2022
On the September bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we're chatting with 2022 NRPA Annual Conference speaker, Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-renowned scientist, animal behaviorist, advocate for autism and author.
West Lafayette’s Mission to Make Wellness More Inclusive – June Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 19, 2022
The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories titled, “Making Wellness More Inclusive.”
Making Water Safety More Inclusive in Prince George’s County, Maryland — May Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 21, 2022
On the May bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re talking about centering equity and inclusion in water safety programs with Tara Eggleston Stewart, CPRE, division chief for aquatics and athletic facilities for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Five Takeaways for Parks and Recreation from the Just Released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on March 16, 2022
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the United Nations has issued an updated report, which contains several implementable strategies to improve the climate resilience of people and nature that park and recreation professionals may find insightful.
Celebrating Parks & Recreation’s 30 Under 30 — February Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 20, 2022
On the February bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re having a conversation with two of this year's 30 Under 30, Rosie Santos and Hashim Taylor, as well as NRPA Volunteer and Awards Manager Michael Biedenstein.
Enhancing Stewardship and Access to the Tennessee River — August Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on July 15, 2021
The August issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, titled, “A River Runs Through It.”
Our Park and Recreation Story: How One Family Finds Peace in Parks — July Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on June 17, 2021
On the July bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we're chatting with Jenna Brinkman and Craig Pattenaude of Cosumnes Community Services District and David Phommavong, the father of the child in the cover photo of the July issue of Parks & Recreation magazine.
Caring for the Mental Well-Being of Our Staff and Communities — June Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 20, 2021
The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Mental Health Care in a Pandemic.”
Equity-Centered Planning Is About More Than Just Metrics — May Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on April 15, 2021
On the May bonus episode of the podcast, we’re talking with Clement Lau, AICP, a departmental facilities planner for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, about park and recreation planning with equity at the center.