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As park and recreation professionals prepare to immerse themselves in education, camaraderie and exploration at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta, NRPA is gearing up to share exciting news with the park and recreation field. The NRPA Board of Directors has been working with NRPA leaders and staff to develop a plan that will guide our work over the next five years. We strive to prepare park and recreation professionals to build and sustain healthy, equitable and resilient communities and will continue to do so while navigating current and future opportunities and challenges. NRPA seeks to offer park and recreation professionals strategies to advance a healthier and more resilient future for all.
As we move forward, NRPA will continue to support park and recreation professionals as they prioritize equity, wellness and climate resilience in all aspects of service delivery and tirelessly advocate for durable funding for park and recreation systems. Communities flourish when park and recreation professionals have the support they need to effectively serve their populations. Park and recreation systems rely on consistent support from local, state and federal governments, and well-funded systems can deliver powerful public health outcomes in communities nationwide. Join us in Atlanta for the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference Opening General Session to learn more about NRPA’s vision for the future of our field.
As we gather at the conference, embrace opportunities to explore expansive ideas, concepts and perspectives from park and recreation professionals across the country and our noteworthy keynote speakers. During the Opening General Session, Dan Buettner will share knowledge and insights gained throughout his career. An explorer, National Geographic Fellow, award-winning journalist and producer, Netflix host, and New York Times bestselling author, Buettner discovered and wrote about blue zone hotspots — the five places in the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives. I look forward to learning more about his work with communities and organizations to implement Blue Zones Projects in the United States. As park and recreation professionals, we share the same goal — to create healthy, connected communities for all. From this engaging keynote to all the exciting educational sessions, networking opportunities, special events, and exhibit hall booths and displays, the NRPA Annual Conference offers opportunities for every park and recreation professional to learn from industry experts, thought leaders and their colleagues in the field while exploring new ideas, designs and technologies.
I look forward to sharing more about NRPA’s vision for the future of the park and recreation field at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta from October 8-10. As park and recreation professionals join us in person and online, we will discuss how we can mobilize the power of parks and recreation to craft a more equitable and inclusive future where everyone can experience joy and belonging. Parks and recreation is “Where You Belong,” and I hope you will join me in bringing this message home to your communities.
Jesús Aguirre is Chair of the NRPA Board of Directors.