Many park and recreation agencies are working towards strengthening their environmental sustainability practices to help make their parks safer and more resilient. Making sure your constituents and community partners are included in this process can strengthen the outcomes and ensure the approach is supported by the entire community. However, this work can be challenging for agencies faced with limited resources and capacity.  

This past June, NRPA launched the first-of-its-kind Sustainability in Practice program focused on agencies below the top 100 populated cities to support building their capacity to do this work. Ten rural and suburban park agencies from across the country teamed up with local community-based organizations for eight engaging learning sessions with experts and their peers to develop and strengthen their environmental sustainability plans and practices.  

 

Location	Park and Recreation Agency	Community-Based Organization
Ashland, Wisconsin	City of Ashland Parks and Recreation	Superior Rivers Watershed Association
Brookings, South Dakota	City of Brookings, South Dakota	South Dakota State University Extension
Charles County, Maryland	Charles County Recreation, Parks, & Tourism	Resilience Authority of Charles County Maryland, Inc.
Fauquier County, Virginia	Fauquier County Parks and Recreation	Clifton Institute
Gastonia, North Carolina	City of Gastonia Parks and Recreation	Keep Gastonia Beautiful
Lewisville, Texas	Lewisville Parks and Recreation	Texas Master Naturalists - Elm Fork Chapter
Missouri City, Texas	Missouri City Parks and Recreation	Missouri City Green
Napa, California	City of Napa	Napa Parks and Recreation Foundation
Panama City, Florida	City of Panama City - Quality of Life Department	St Andrews & St Joseph Bays Estuary Program (SASJBEP)
Waukegan, Illinois	Waukegan Park District	Waukegan Parks Foundation

Halfway through the program, participants have explored cost-effective methods for increasing energy efficiency, incorporating green infrastructure, assessing community and environmental needs, and further developing partnerships that advance their strategies and community efforts. “The topics have been so helpful and relevant to projects we are tackling right now; with great practical tools I can use immediately,” says one participating park professional.  

A highlight of the program has been the interactive, peer-led approach to learning. “I love hearing what other communities are doing. The breakout rooms are always incredibly helpful and great information is exchanged,” notes another participant. With the unique opportunity to workshop ideas at the early stages of planning, alongside a partner community organization and peers, park agencies benefit from diverse perspectives and are supported with real-time, constructive feedback and guidance. Several participants have already connected outside of sessions to share insight and support advancements in their environmental sustainability efforts.   

Participating agencies and community partners are also supported by NRPA with additional training, certificates and resources to help build their capacity to plan and implement environmental sustainability efforts in their communities.   

"As a participant in the Sustainability in Practice program through NRPA, I have had the opportunity to learn instrumental information for our agency both at the policy level and for practical application. The program has offered a unique opportunity to learn directly from presenters and other agencies on their work to help advance our local sustainability planning efforts," says Ali Koenig of City of Napa.

The next cohort of the Sustainability in Practice program will begin in January 2025, and the application period will open this September. Click here to learn more. 

Recognizing the need for park and recreation professionals to understand where they are in their environmental sustainability journeys, NRPA also is excited to offer a Sustainability in Practice Pre-Conference Workshop at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta this October. In partnership with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and experienced park professionals, NRPA will facilitate a live, 2.5-hour session that will help attendees identify key areas to advance community-driven sustainability actions and share essential tools to support the assessment process. Secure your spot in this Pre-Conference Workshop by clicking this link here. 

Steph Whyte (she/they) is a program manager at NRPA.