The National Recreation and Parks Association

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.

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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.

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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.

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Starting a teen leadership program is a chance to equip the next generation with skills, confidence and a sense of responsibility. Here are five practical tips to help you create a successful teen leadership program.

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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.

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Tim Herd, CPRE, CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, reflects on a provoking thought exercise with his counterparts from other states in which they attempted to develop an alternate term for “recreation and parks.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Learn more about NRPA's recently-released Supporting Older Adults Through Parks and Recreation report.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what it takes to protect them.

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Before receiving a park improvement grant from The Bobcat Company, community members removed the trash they could on their own—routinely bringing vehicles into the park and leaving with mattresses, tires, and other liftable debris. However, with backing from the partnership between Bobcat and NRPA, community members have been able to rely on BNRLT and Bobcat of Buffalo to facilitate the removal of dangerous and heavy debris.

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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.

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In part three of this blog series, we will discuss some common supports for facilitating inclusion in parks and recreation.

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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.

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