Take Your New Year’s Resolutions to Your Parks and Rec!
By Allison Colman | Posted on December 29, 2016
The end of the year is a great time to make a plan and work towards a healthier and happier 2017 and perhaps this year you’ll consider something new! Why not think about setting resolutions that you can achieve in your local parks and rec?
Your Top Park and Rec Stories of 2016
By Catrina Belt | Posted on December 28, 2016
Before we head into the new year, let’s look back on the stories that mattered the most to you. Here are the top stories from the field in 2016.
What Americans Think About Walking to Parks
By Melissa May | Posted on December 22, 2016
Those boots are made for walkin’, but can they get you to your local park or recreation center?
Holiday Inspiration
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 20, 2016
While some people are reflecting on the negatives of the past year, parks and recreation has many positive reflections to offer from this past year.
Getting To Know Rep. Tom Price
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on December 16, 2016
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) is slated to be the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) — here's how that might affect parks and rec.
Buckle Up. Latest on the Make-Up of the New Trump Administration
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on December 15, 2016
The transition efforts for President-elect Trump’s administration are well underway, and many questions remain as to what type of administration we can expect to see on our priority issues.
The Public Agrees: Parks and Recreation Are Vital to Healthy Communities
By Kevin Roth | Posted on December 12, 2016
Recently released NRPA data finds that the American public wholeheartedly agrees that health and wellness should be a priority of their park and recreation agencies and strongly support actions consistent with this message.
29: Number of Times Americans Visit Their Local Parks Annually
By Daniel Espada | Posted on December 8, 2016
Among the top-level findings in the engagement survey is the fact that Americans visit their local parks and recreation facilities an average of 29 times per year.
What You Had to Say About the 2016 NRPA Annual Conference
By Melissa May | Posted on December 2, 2016
Year after year, we here at NRPA continue to learn, grow and improve using the feedback we receive from our Annual Conference Attendee Survey. This year is no different. Here is what you said.
Bringing Nature to Kids in Urban Environments
By Robert Carmona | Posted on December 1, 2016
This summer my staff and I were lucky enough to pilot NRPA’s Wildlife Explorers program at a few of our sites in Miami Dade County.
Who Participates in Summer Park and Rec Programs?
By Melissa May | Posted on November 30, 2016
The NRPA Research Team released the results of the Americans’ Engagement with Parks survey in October at this year’s NRPA Annual Conference in St. Louis.
Overtime Rule Delayed Indefinitely
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on November 29, 2016
A federal judge in Texas issued a temporary injunction against the Obama administration’s looming overtime rule. In short, this means that employers across the country will no longer be responsible for complying with the overtime rule.
5 Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season
By Allison Colman | Posted on November 18, 2016
You may be thinking, “How can I make this holiday season a little bit healthier?” Don’t worry, NRPA has got you covered. Check out these five tips.
What the 2016 Election Means for Conservation and Green Infrastructure in the 115th Congress
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on November 16, 2016
President-elect Donald J. Trump has outlined an ambitious agenda for his first 100 days covering issues focused primarily on immigration, national defense, job creation and security, and infrastructure.
People Celebrate Park Funding and Equal Access L.A. County Measure A
By Robert García and Cesar De La Vega | Posted on November 15, 2016
People across Los Angeles County are celebrating the recent passage of Measure A, the Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches Protection Measure of 2016. Measure A is expected to generate approximately $94 million per year for local parks, beaches and green space areas, replacing previous voter-approved park funds that were running out.
What the 2016 Election Means for Workplaces in the 115th Congress
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on November 14, 2016
Now that the November elections are behind us, we can dive further into President-elect Trump’s ideas to update the tax code, overturn certain workplace regulations, and empower families. Below you’ll find a quick overview of President-elect Trump’s plans to increase wages, lower taxes, and cut through red tape.
What the 2016 Election Means for Healthcare in the 115th Congress
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on November 14, 2016
Now that the November elections are behind us, we can look a little further into President-elect Trump’s healthcare plans and dive into his ideas about keeping Americans healthy. Below, you’ll find a quick overview of President-elect Trump’s plans for the ACA and healthcare integration during the next administration. This note only scratches the surface of what issues may arise during the upcoming Congress, but it’s clear that park and recreation agencies’ preventative health efforts will continue to play a critical role as the next administration works to provide better care at a lower cost for all Americans.
A Park Superintendent, NRPA Board Member and Immigrant’s Take on the Election Results
By Jesús Aguirre | Posted on November 14, 2016
Many of us awoke on Wednesday with some sense of bewilderment about the national election results. As an immigrant to this country from Mexico, as the father of two teen-aged boys and of a daughter with significant special needs, I continue to struggle with understanding how to reconcile the results of a campaign that very overtly brought hateful, racist, misogynist, nationalist, and xenophobic language into our daily existence. On a personal level, I continue to struggle with that.
What You Need to Know about the Election and Park and Rec
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on November 4, 2016
After nearly two years of speeches, interviews, town halls, primaries and caucuses, Americans of all stripes will soon participate in our grand democratic tradition and cast their votes for President, Congress, and various local candidates and referenda. For many Americans, the days remaining before we head to the polls must seem like an eternity and can’t come soon enough. But, for the NRPA Public Policy Team, this is our Super Bowl which – in the case of electing a President – only occurs once every four years.
EPA Environmental Justice Action Agenda: Major Steps Forward, and Opportunities for More
By Robert García | Posted on November 4, 2016
Robert García, NRPA Board Member, Founding Director and Counsel of The City Project, and guest writer Marianne Engelman Lado, Clinical Professor of Law at Yale Law School and Senior Staff Attorney at Earthjustice, share their insight and expertise on the impact of the EPA’s EJ 2020 Action Agenda on civil rights and environmental justice.
Four Things I Learned Being a Conference Speaker
By Kirsten Barnes | Posted on November 3, 2016
Speaking has offered me an opportunity to attend conferences that might otherwise not have received budget approval, and it has given me an opportunity to meet some amazing people who have become mentors and lifelong friends. What I didn’t anticipate was how the process of writing a session proposal, preparing to present and connecting with my peers would truly impact me as a professional.
What Community Resilience is All About
By Roland Richardson | Posted on November 3, 2016
Across the country, park and recreation agencies play a critical role in fostering the type of community cohesion that is necessary for building resilient communities.
Q&A: What is Wildlife Explorers?
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on November 2, 2016
Not having staff with environmental expertise or experience is a real challenge facing park agencies. But we all know that engaging kids in nature is vital for the future sustainability of planet. So NRPA worked with partners to create a truly accessible nature program that addresses some of these key barriers – Wildlife Explorers was born.
Make the Case for Environmental Education
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on October 26, 2016
Today, NRPA members are joining education advocates and families around the country and asking Congress to provide the highest level of funding possible for better schools, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming, and hands-on, environmental education at park and recreation agencies.
Top 5 Education Session Submission Secrets
By Tom Crosley | Posted on October 25, 2016
Now is the time for you to submit your ideas for an education session for the 2016 NRPA Annual Conference. Here are five tips for submitting a successful education session proposal.
Conference Reflections: It’s About Building Community
By Kirk W. Kincannon, CPRP | Posted on October 21, 2016
Kirk W. Kincannon, CPRP, AAPRA, Executive Director of the Fairfax County Park Authority, reflects on his time spent at the 2016 NRPA Annual Conference and how the lessons learned can be brought home to make a positive transformation in our communities.
Conservation and Volunteer Lessons Learned from Seattle Parks and Recreation
By Roland Richardson | Posted on October 3, 2016
In August, the NRPA conservation team took a trip to the rainy city to meet with staff from Seattle Parks and Recreation, and tour several of the city’s most iconic parks.
Congress Is in Recess Until the Election: Now What?
By Dave Tyahla | Posted on September 30, 2016
With just two days left before a potential government shutdown, both the House and Senate approved a short-term spending package on September 28, known as a Continuing Resolution (CR), that will keep the federal government running on autopilot through December 9, 2016.
Coastal Justice Brings California Coastal Commission Closer to Serving All Californians
By Robert García | Posted on September 29, 2016
On Saturday, September 24, Governor Jerry Brown signed a coastal justice law that amends the California Coastal Act. This law explicitly requires compliance with and enforcement of civil rights and environmental justice laws.
Zika Update #3: Preventing the Spread of Zika through Mosquito Control
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on September 19, 2016
The Zika virus has begun to spread in the U.S. through transmission by mosquito bites. Browse recommendations for what you can do if Zika is suspected or confirmed in your local area.
Physical (In)Activity and the School Day
By Melissa May | Posted on September 12, 2016
As schools become increasingly focused on test performance, the amount of time devoted to in-school physical activities has declined or even been cut altogether.
Back in Session: Where does Congress Stand on Park and Recreation Issues
By Dave Tyahla | Posted on September 9, 2016
Congress returned from August recess this week and got to work on several important bills--an effort to fund a response to the Zika crisis, an energy reform package which includes permanent LWCF reauthorization, and legislation to keep the federal government funded, and operating, beyond September 30.
Creating Safe Routes to Parks Through National and Local Partnerships
By Rachel Banner | Posted on August 31, 2016
NRPA has worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote the Surgeon General’s Call to Action on Walking and Walkability. Through this work we created the Safe Routes to Parks initiative.
What Parks and Recreation Can Do About Equity
By Kevin O'Hara | Posted on August 22, 2016
Portland's city and parks department has recognized that addressing racial disparities is the single largest equity challenge facing their increasingly diverse city.
Support Each Other Through Trial
By Barbara Tulipane, CAE | Posted on August 18, 2016
Park and recreation departments are often at the heart of natural disasters. Recreation centers serve as shelters, parks serve as gathering places, and park and recreation employees and volunteers serve as aid workers, support staff and community leaders.
Pokémon Go a Hit in College Station, TX
By Gerry Logan, CPRE | Posted on August 10, 2016
Pokémon Go has been sweeping the nation as those who grew up playing the original version are congregating by the thousands to “Catch ‘Em All.” How has your agency has taken advantage of Pokémon Go?
From Inspiration to Action
By Kevin Roth | Posted on August 5, 2016
Whether catching a ballgame at a local stadium or viewing sports coverage on television, tens of millions of Americans will be watching athletic competition this August.
How to Rally the Troops
By Marla Collum | Posted on August 5, 2016
The Troops for Fitness program now offers a “how-to” guide that brings together a variety of feedback and approaches on topics such as how to recruit veterans and what classes have proven to be most popular and why.
Outlook Unclear for Policy Priorities as Congress Adjourns Until September
By David Tyahla | Posted on August 2, 2016
We’re in the heart of another hot and humid summer in Washington, DC. These conditions are sure to produce one thing — Congress leaving for its summer break.
Harnessing the Pokémon Go Phenomenon
By Linda Oakleaf | Posted on July 27, 2016
Pokémon Go. It’s been top of mind for park and recreation professionals since its launch recently. In case you’ve missed the finer details, here’s the gist.
Zika Update #2: Protection for Outdoor Workers
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on July 22, 2016
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted zika toolkits — information on how to prevent the Zika virus from being transmitted in outdoor settings.
Turning to Data to Power Parks and Rec
By Kevin Roth | Posted on July 19, 2016
Park and recreation professionals face difficult decisions on how to best serve their constituents tight fiscal restraints – all while delivering valuable services that meet the needs of all community members.
A Fresh Look for NRPA
By Matt Brubaker | Posted on July 18, 2016
Here's the blog announcement that you've been holding your breath for. The National Recreation and Park Association has official updated their logo!
What Americans Are Doing in Your Community This Summer
By Kevin Roth | Posted on July 6, 2016
Americans look to their local park and recreation agency to be the leading source of fun and exciting summertime events.
Tell Congress to #MoveOnZika So Parks and Rec Can Do Their Part
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on July 5, 2016
Park and recreation agencies will be critical in the effort to contain and prevent mosquito populations in many communities. We need you to tell Congress to #MoveOnZika.
Park Champions: Uniting Communities and Increasing Diversity
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on June 23, 2016
The city of Gaithersburg, MD took an innovative approach to participating in NRPA’s Park Champion initiative. A naturalization ceremony was incorporated into the Celebrate! Gaithersburg Festival.
How to Celebrate Park and Recreation Month at Your Agency
By Cathy Guerra | Posted on June 9, 2016
Park and Recreation Month helps park and rec agencies to share a unified message: the role of parks and recreation in health and wellness, conservation and social equity.
How to Help Children Receive Free Summer Meals
By Kellie May | Posted on June 8, 2016
With support from the Walmart Foundation, NRPA helped local park and rec agencies serve over 20 million meals to children in low-income communities.
How Americans Will Spend Their Time Outside This Summer
By Kevin Roth | Posted on June 6, 2016
NRPA asked 1,000 American adults about their favorite summertime outdoor activities. Virtually every answer they gave us are activities that happen at local public parks.
#GirlsAre Inspiring
By Daniel W. Hatcher,National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on May 26, 2016
The National Recreation and Park Association has joined the Alliance for a Healthier Generation (AHG) and the Clinton Foundation for the #GirlsAre Campaign.
Update on the Final Federal Regulations for Overtime Pay and Exempt Employee Status
By Dave Tyahla | Posted on May 24, 2016
The Obama administration recently released its highly anticipated final regulations and guidelines for the updated Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA).
Congress Gets the Ball Rolling on Zika Funding
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on May 20, 2016
NRPA continues to work with members of Congress on both sides of the isle to advocate for the highest level of funding possible for the Zika response.
Key Findings from Survey on Zika and Summer Outdoor Plans
By Kevin Roth | Posted on May 20, 2016
The Zika virus has been in the headlines over the past few months and it appears that one in four Americans are or will be changing their outdoor plans this summer as a result.
Join the Fight Against Arthritis
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on May 6, 2016
In an effort to improve the lives of the 53 million people suffering from Arthritis, NRPA is working partners and public health advocates to spread the word that May is National Arthritis Awareness Month.
Zika Virus Update: New Potential Northward Spread Feared
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on May 2, 2016
For the first time, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Zika virus has been found in a species of mosquito other than the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
7 Tips for Preventing Child Abuse at Summer Camps
By Editor | Posted on April 28, 2016
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and with planning for summer camps in full swing, now is a good time to think about how your camps can help spot and prevent child abuse.
One Step Closer to Making LWCF Permanent
By David Tyahla | Posted on April 25, 2016
Recently, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved a comprehensive energy reform package (S. 2012) which includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
“Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act” Not Worthy of the Name
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on April 22, 2016
The Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act will cut the number of kids parks and recreation agencies feed during the summer and impose costs on our summer meals programs.
Using Art to Connect Kids to Nature
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on April 18, 2016
The Get to Know program, an art contest that encourages kids to connect with nature, was founded in part with the support of internationally famous wildlife artist, Robert Bateman.
Diverse Field, Common Mission
By Kevin Roth | Posted on April 7, 2016
The 2016 NRPA Field Report is the most comprehensive resource of data and insights for park and recreation agencies in the United States.
5 Reasons to Hike with Your Kids
By Jessica Culverhouse | Posted on March 30, 2016
Make a pledge to take your child out to hike in a park on May 21 for National Park Trust’s Kids to Parks Day.
Your #ParkVote Makes a Difference
By Morgan Rothermel | Posted on March 30, 2016
NRPA collaborated with The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN during Earth Month to create lasting impacts for 16 communities.
If You Invite Them, They Will Come
By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on March 25, 2016
NRPA is excited to build on the successes and lessons learned during the summer of Park Champion advocacy by expanding the initiative to a year-round movement.
New Federal Funding Opportunity: $15 million to Develop Urban Outdoor Recreation Spaces
By Dave Tyahla | Posted on March 11, 2016
The National Park Service (NPS) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) targets recreation spaces in urban communities.
Your Award-Winning Magazine (and More)
By NRPA MarComMag Team | Posted on March 10, 2016
NRPA recently won six awards, including the coveted Publisher's Choice Award for best overall entry, in the Association TRENDS 2015 All-Media Contest.
National Awards: A Great Way to Honor the Village
By Atuya O. Cornwell | Posted on March 1, 2016
Since receiving the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award, I have been able to share my story as a park and recreation professional with a larger audience.
Red and Blue Make...Green
By David Tyahla | Posted on February 26, 2016
One area that voters of all party or political affiliations continue to agree on is the value of local public parks and recreation service — and we have the numbers to prove it!
The PHIT Act: Making Fitness Part of Routine Healthcare
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on February 23, 2016
Prioritizing funds for physical activity can be a serious challenge for many Americans.
Infographic: 2 Years of Fostering Healthy Kids
By Kellie May | Posted on February 18, 2016
NRPA recently marked the two year anniversary of the Commit to Health campaign.
What the President’s Budget Means for Parks and Rec
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on February 12, 2016
NRPA’s Public Policy Team looked into the major provisions of the President’s budget, which, if enacted by Congress, would be mostly positive for NRPA members and the communities we serve.
How Much Do You Know About Your Agency’s Facilities?
By Kevin Roth | Posted on February 4, 2016
NRPA's Facility Market Reports offer park and recreation professionals key data and insights about the market served by their agency’s park and recreation facilities.
Make 2016 the Summer of Opportunity!
By Allison Colman | Posted on February 3, 2016
NRPA recently attended a meeting at USDA headquarters to explore innovative ideas in the fight against childhood hunger. Learn about some of the best strategies for parks and recreation.
Keeping California’s Beaches Open For All
By Robert García | Posted on February 1, 2016
California has the largest and most diverse system of state parks and cultural sites in the nation. For 40 years, the California Coastal Act has helped ensure beach access is open to all.
Ready, Set, Go Gold!
By Brenda Beales | Posted on January 26, 2016
Awards season is here and it’s time to get busy on that Gold Medal Award application!
Child Nutrition Reauthorization: The Senate’s Vision for Feeding Hungry Children
By Oliver Spurgeon III | Posted on January 26, 2016
The Senate Agriculture Committee recently introduced the Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act–better known as the Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR).
Improve Your Agency's Performance in Just 15 Minutes
By Kevin Roth | Posted on January 25, 2016
NRPA's Field Report is a comprehensive collection of detailed park and recreation agency data, presenting information about local and regional park agencies and state park systems in the United States.
10 Ways to Get Fit in Your Local Parks and Rec in 2016
By Allison Colman | Posted on January 22, 2016
The New Year’s Eve resolution made most—by 69 percent of people in 2015—was to get fit and healthy, lose weight, and keep the weight off.
5 Key Takeaways from Park Support Study
By Kevin Roth | Posted on January 19, 2016
NRPA's recent research report shows that Americans are passionate about their local parks.
How to Use the Economic Impact of Local Parks to Your Advantage
By Melissa May | Posted on January 15, 2016
NRPA's Economic Impact of Local Parks report details how public parks are economic engines to their communities.
Our Top 5 Park and Rec Predictions for 2016
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on January 4, 2016
Here are NRPA’s top five predictions for parks and recreation in 2016.