Open Space for Parks and Recreation: October 2018 | Official NRPA Blog

Making Billy Ray's Dream a Reality

By Kyle Simpson | Posted on October 25, 2018

When Billy Ray Shirley III was killed by gun violence in his community, his mother promised to make his dream of a community center a reality.

How to Increase Your Park & Recreation Department's Purchasing Power

By Sarah Mallon | Posted on October 23, 2018

Cooperative purchasing, which combines the requirements of public entities and access to leading suppliers, can be the key to making the most of parks and recreation resources.

Does Our Built Environment Impact Our Health Behaviors? — Episode 028

By Cort Jones | Posted on October 22, 2018

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk about how our public built environments impact health behaviors such as physical activity and recreation, and the environment where we spend most of our time, such as work, school and sleep, has an effect on our leisure time physical activity.

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Position Yourself as a "Go-To" Resource

By Tom Crosley | Posted on October 22, 2018

Becoming a speaker is a wonderful way to give back to the profession. Submit your session proposals by Friday, November 30, 2018 for a chance to win a free full-package registration to the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.

Four Secrets to Help You Pass Your CPRP Exam

By Kate Connell, CPRP | Posted on October 19, 2018

If you've been considering becoming a CPRP, check out these tips to assist you in your studies (hint: they're from someone who recently took the exam!).

Small Town Department, Big Time Marketing

By Andrew Lance | Posted on October 17, 2018

Awareness in your city or town can be a big problem, especially if you are a smaller department, but here are some tips and tricks to help you improve your social media presence.

A Safe Place to Be: Monte Vista Kids Connection Fills Rural Role

By Maureen Acquino | Posted on October 16, 2018

Monte Vista Kids Connection was one of ten rural park and recreation agencies who received grant funds from the Walmart Foundation and NRPA to increase access to healthy food and nutrition education in their out-of-school-time programs.

Give the Screens a Rest

By Rinny Yourman | Posted on October 16, 2018

This fall is the perfect time for local parks, recreation departments and nature centers to plan ahead for Screen-Free Week 2019.

World Arthritis Day 2018: Increasing Awareness Parks and Recreation Style

By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on October 12, 2018

Today is World Arthritis Day. People around the world are encouraged to to work towards increasing awareness about arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. NRPA is accepting applications for a grant opportunity which trains local park and recreation staff as instructors to offer an evidence-based physical activity program in their community.

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Afterschool Suppers Annual Report Calls for Increasing Afterschool Program Funding

By Megan Phillippi | Posted on October 10, 2018

This week, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) released the annual Afterschool Suppers: A Snapshot of Participation report.

The Release of The Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit

By Lindsey Kearney | Posted on October 9, 2018

The role parks and recreation agencies can play in the prevention of opioid overdose is key, especially with the number of youth enrolled in out of school time programs.