The National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) award-winning Parks & Recreation magazine is distributed to more than 60,000 people via print and digital magazines and helps park and recreation professionals serve the public by providing cutting-edge content, exclusive research, innovative “case-study” solutions and commentary from high-profile government and civic leaders within the fields of health, conservation and equity. Parks & Recreation magazine is in the unique position of bringing NRPA members together, while providing a much-needed voice to a field where the workers devote countless hours ensuring kids of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds have safe places to gather, play and make memories. The magazine is considered one of the best in the industry with 92 percent of readers saying it is the leading publication in the field of parks and recreation.
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Monthly Magazine
NRPA is excited to share that Parks & Recreation magazine will transition to be fully digital by 2026. In 2025, we will be phasing in the digital-first approach. We will offer our regular monthly ezine (12 issues), of which five editions and one special supplement will be printed. NRPA members who currently receive a print edition of Parks & Recreation magazine will receive the monthly digital format (ezine) and the five print editions before the full transition in 2026. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes, please reach out to our Customer Service team at customerService@nrpa.org.
Magazine Staff
Clarissa García joined NRPA in January 2023 in the role of Chief Communications and Engagement Officer. She comes to the organization from the American Heart Association (AHA) where she spent 18 years in a variety of roles. Most recently Clarissa led patient awareness and education campaigns overseeing the marketing and communications strategy, in addition to overall program development. These efforts resulted in improved diagnosis and treatment for patients and their families. In her early years at AHA, Clarissa led the organization’s national grassroots advocacy program, building campaigns that led to the successful passage of federal legislation benefitting heart and stroke patients. Clarissa lives in the Memphis, Tennessee, area with her husband, two kids and their golden retriever.
Vitisia “Vi” Paynich, executive editor of Parks & Recreation magazine and director of print and online content, has been covering the field of parks and recreation as a freelance writer for Parks & Recreation magazine since 2016. As an editor, writer, blogger and director of content, Vi has been working in digital and print publishing for more than 20 years. In July 2004, she joined the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA), a nonprofit serving the direct response marketing industry, as editor-in-chief to launch its monthly publication. After serving seven years on the magazine, Vi transitioned into the content manager role at ERA — leading the educational programming for its annual conferences. She also oversaw editorial for ERA’s blog, e-newsletter and other digital projects. Prior to that, she worked as an editor for both B2B and consumer magazines. Vi earned a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism from California State University at Long Beach.
Lindsay Collins, managing editor of Parks & Recreation magazine, joined NRPA in March 2018 as the board liaison before joining the magazine staff in April 2019. Prior to NRPA, Lindsay worked for the Federal Protective Service, where she provided support for the explosive detection canine training program. Before moving to Virginia, Lindsay attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she received a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and political science. Lindsay currently lives in Warrenton, Virginia, where she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her dog Romeo and practicing photography.
Alexandra “Alex” Reynolds, associate editor of Parks & Recreation magazine, joined NRPA in March 2023. Before joining NRPA, Alex worked as a communications specialist for the Village of Lake in the Hills, a northern Illinois municipality, where she promoted park and recreation programs. She also served as a communications specialist for Texas A&M Forest Service and supported efforts to advance the conservation of natural resources. Alex received a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and literary studies from Roanoke College and a master’s degree in creative writing from Hollins University.
Chris Brummett, production coordinator of Parks & Recreation magazine, joined NRPA in December 2022. Previously, Chris was a production coordinator for Mob Scene helping to produce promotional and behind-the-scenes content. He also served as the assistant editor of the arts and entertainment section of the DailyER at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in advertising and public relations and a minor in English.
Products
If you are interested in having Parks & Recreation feature one of your company's products, please send a hi-res image and description of no more than 100 words to advertising@nrpa.org.
Parks & Recreation Magazine Advisory Board
Parks & Recreation magazine regularly works with our Advisory Board — an expansive, nationwide alliance that includes high-level entrepreneurs, park and recreation professionals, architects and academics — to make each issue as thoughtful, informative and useful for NRPA members as possible. These partners lend their time, voice and insights to keep Parks & Recreation at the cutting edge of news and trends affecting our field. Below, meet the members.