Empowering Youth Through Parks and Recreation
By Cina Makres | Posted on November 25, 2024
New NRPA resources reveal guidance around promoting positive youth development by integrating elements of career exploration and community service into youth mentoring programs.
Sowing Seeds of Stewardship: Cultivating Youth Conservation Leaders in Taos, New Mexico
By Darien Fernandez | Posted on November 20, 2024
The three-person staff at Taos Land Trust would not be able to care for Rio Fernando Park without the help of a seasonal crew of youth and young adults, ages 14-25.
From Creation to Care: The Need for Ongoing and Additional Funding to Operate and Maintain Parks
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on November 14, 2024
Despite significant benefits, parks often face critical challenges when it comes to funding for their ongoing operations and maintenance. However, ongoing and additional funding is imperative to ensure that parks remain safe, accessible and beneficial to all.
Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163
By Cort Jones | Posted on November 8, 2024
On this Open Space Radio x GovLove collab episode, recorded live at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, we discuss environmental resilience with Bernita Reese, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks, Ali Rhodes, director of City of Boulder Parks & Recreation, and Michele White. senior program manager at NRPA.
NRPA Board Member Rebecca Armstrong Reflects on NRPA’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan
By Rebecca Armstrong | Posted on November 5, 2024
This blog post highlights thoughts on NRPA's new strategic plan from Rebecca Armstrong, member of the NRPA board of directors.
Trees for All
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on October 28, 2024
In an increasingly urbanized world, the role of nature within our communities has never been more important. The need to integrate trees and green spaces is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the health and well-being of residents.
NRPA Youth Sports Equity Grants: Transforming Communities Through Inclusive Athletics
By Brian McFadden | Posted on October 25, 2024
Many park and recreation agencies grapple with the challenge of providing equal access to youth sports, especially to under-resourced populations. Recognizing this crucial gap, the NRPA has stepped forward with a trio of innovative grant opportunities.
Sixth Annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz Celebrates Pollinators Across the Country
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on October 23, 2024
This September, NRPA’s sixth annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz was a celebration of nature, community and the vital role parks play in protecting biodiversity.
Empowering At-Risk Youth Through Workforce Development in Recreation
By Chris Allen | Posted on October 22, 2024
Investing in at-risk youth through workforce development in recreation is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for building stronger communities.
National Substance Use Prevention Month: Providing Safe Spaces for Youth in Asheville
By Angel Redmond | Posted on October 17, 2024
Asheville, North Carolina, is integrating more intentional one-on-one and group mentoring activities into existing afterschool, sports, environmental and outdoor education, and arts and culture programs through NRPA’s Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Substance Misuse grant.
NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre Shares Reflections on New Strategic Plan
By Jesús Aguirre | Posted on October 15, 2024
NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre shares what he appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2029 strategic plan, which was unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.
Southern California Site Visit Reflections: Older Adult Programming Can Change Lives
By Cara Myers, Natalia Ospina, Colleen Pittard and Jennifer Ward | Posted on October 4, 2024
NRPA staff members recently visited park and recreation agencies in Southern California that are making massive impacts with their Supporting Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) grants.
Exciting Updates to the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Program
By Elizabeth Gonzales | Posted on October 3, 2024
NRPA is proud to announce new material for the AFO certification program was recently released on October 1. This includes the AFO Manual (8th edition), course PowerPoint, exam, and a new course offering — the AFO Blended Learning Course.
Former NRPA Board Chair Shares Reflections on New Strategic Plan
By Carolyn McKnight Fredd, CPRP | Posted on October 2, 2024
Former NRPA Board Chair Carolyn McKnight Fredd, CPRP, shares what she appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2030 plan, which will be unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.
From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on October 1, 2024
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, the operations coordinator at Douglasville Parks and Recreation in Georgia. Tune in to hear about her 2023 NRPA Annual Conference experience and what she's looking forward to in 2024!
Continuing the Journey: The Seven Dimensions of Well-Being in Parks and Recreation
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on September 27, 2024
To better support park and recreation professionals as they advance the seven dimensions of well-being, we’ve created a set of new resources to help contextualize each dimension with sample strategies and examples from the field.
Recreation as a Gateway to Youth Workforce Development
By Thennie Freeman | Posted on September 26, 2024
As the director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Thennie Freeman has a unique perspective on how youth programs can serve as a bridge to the District's workforce system.
Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on September 24, 2024
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Danielle Hunter, chief of D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation's Roving Leaders Program. Tune in to learn how this program is making an impact on youth in the nation's capital.