Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) issued the following statement:

After many months of pain, anticipation and heartbreak, this week's verdict in the murder of George Floyd is a step in the right direction for accountability, but it is just one step. We see, hear, and share the immense pain and suffering felt by our Black community members.

Over the past months, parks and public spaces have served as gathering places for protest and for healing. Parks and recreation must be the place in our communities where everyone can come together, be welcomed and thrive. While this is our goal, we acknowledge that it is not our reality. We, as park and recreation professionals and advocates, can and must do more.

Until each of us can thrive — no matter our race, gender identity, ability, or socioeconomic status — we cannot achieve our full potential as a profession, a country, or as humankind.

We are committed to do everything in our power to bring just and inclusive solutions forward, to place equity at the center of everything we do, and to make good on our role as essential community infrastructure by using the power of parks and recreation to help our communities heal and thrive.

About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.