Help Were Losing Our Parks 410

Help! We're Losing Our Parks! — Episode 030

By Cort Jones | Posted on December 21, 2018

Even though parks and open space are vital to every community, many parks are being converted to non-park uses. In some cases, the conversions of these parks are for other valuable public purposes, such as schools or roads, but the net effect is the same — the parks are lost.

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Reimagining the Civic Commons 410

Can We Transform Parks for Everyone?

By Carol Coletta | Posted on December 6, 2018

Investment in civic assets that creates social and economic change is urgently needed, and Value Capture in the Commons offers tools for parks leaders across the country to consider how the value from public asset investment can benefit us all.

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A Trail Runs Through It 410

A Trail Runs Through It!

By Melissa Chotiner | Posted on December 4, 2018

Montgomery Parks and Pepco breathe new life into unused open space under utility transmission lines to create trails in Maryland.

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Wellness Resolution 410

Jump-Start Your Wellness Resolution

By Daniel W. Hatcher, MPH | Posted on December 3, 2018

Holiday celebrations can make healthy choices less than easy, but here are eight ideas to help you get started on your wellness resolutions - BEFORE the new year!

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Youth Mentoring 410

Investing in the Future of Our Young People: Tell Congress to Fund Youth Mentoring Programs

By Kate Clabaugh | Posted on November 29, 2018

Evaluations of mentoring programs report significant increases among youth in self-confidence, self-efficacy and a positive attitude about their futures.

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10 min walk learning series 410

Advancing Park Access and Quality Through Community Engagement

By Jared Mummert | Posted on November 27, 2018

Learn more about the speakers for the 10-Minute Walk Learning Series live Q&A session on December 5.

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boston green infrastructure 410

Innovative Community Engagement in Beantown

By Allison Perlman | Posted on November 26, 2018

NRPA's Green Stormwater Infrastructure Community Outreach and Education Grant Program, supported by Southwest Airlines, allowed the city of Boston to develop and test an innovative engagement strategy around green stormwater infrastructure.

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pollinators and pie 410

Have Another Slice of Pumpkin Pie and Thank a Pollinator

By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on November 20, 2018

We would lose scores of other delicious and essential things without pollinators, but their job is so much bigger than making food.

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go purple opioid awareness 410

Going Purple to Raise Awareness about the Opioid Epidemic in Your Community

By Michele R. Potter, CPRP | Posted on November 19, 2018

The city of Gaithersburg, Maryland, joined the Maryland Municipal League and other local municipalities in the “Go Purple” movement to raise awareness about substance use and the opioid crisis.

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diabetes awareness month 410

Increasing Diabetes Awareness Through Parks and Rec

By Lesha Spencer-Brown MPH, CPH | Posted on November 16, 2018

November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes — the seventh leading cause of death in the country — and its impact on millions of Americans.

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stacy hammond 410

Sharing, Learning and Playing at the NRPA Annual Conference

By Stacey Hammond, M.Ed | Posted on November 16, 2018

A presenter from the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference shares their experience and encourages you to submit your education session ideas for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore!

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Tiny House Mecklenburg 410

The Tiny Sensory House

By Karla Gray, M.Ed., LRT/CTRS | Posted on November 15, 2018

With their 2017 Meet Me at the Park play spaces grant, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proved that the best things really do come in small (or, tiny) packages.

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Physical Activity Guidelines 410

Second Edition of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Released

By Cassie Pais | Posted on November 14, 2018

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide science-based guidance to help all people ages 3 years and older improve their immediate and long-term health through regular physical activity.

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national rural health day 410

Parks & Rec Promote National Rural Health Day

By Rachel Banner | Posted on November 14, 2018

November 15 is National Rural Health Day — an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural.”

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midterm election update 410

Takeaways from the 2018 Midterm Elections

By Kyle Simpson | Posted on November 7, 2018

It's the day after the midterm elections, and NRPA's Public Policy Team is crunching the numbers and consuming lots of coffee.

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NRPA Conservation Advisory Panel

Meet the Newest Members of NRPA’s Conservation Advisory Panel

By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on November 7, 2018

The panel provides feedback and subject matter expertise for NRPA’s conservation programs and initiatives and serves as a sounding board for new ideas and practices that help to provide guidance to the NRPA staff.

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pet peeves sign 410

What Are Your Park and Rec Pet Peeves? — Episode 029

By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on November 6, 2018

On our 25th episode, we asked you to let us know some of the things that you deal with in your career in parks and recreation that really annoy you, and you answered the call.

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Active Parks Healthy Cities 410

Active Parks, Healthy Cities

By Catherine Nagel | Posted on November 5, 2018

With 80 percent of U.S. residents living in urban areas, neighborhood parks offer a unique opportunity to be a part of the solution to America's activity deficit.

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GUPC 2018 Grantees

Announcing the 2018 Great Urban Parks Campaign Grantees

By Jenny Cox | Posted on November 2, 2018

The 10 selected grantees demonstrate their commitment to ensuring green stormwater infrastructure projects not only address local environmental issues, but also provide the community a sense of ownership over the project.

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Hayes with Rep Heck

Making Billy Ray's Dream a Reality

By Kyle Simpson | Posted on October 25, 2018

When Billy Ray Shirley III was killed by gun violence in his community, his mother promised to make his dream of a community center a reality.

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us communities blog 410

How to Increase Your Park & Recreation Department's Purchasing Power

By Sarah Mallon | Posted on October 23, 2018

Cooperative purchasing, which combines the requirements of public entities and access to leading suppliers, can be the key to making the most of parks and recreation resources.

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aaron hipp 410

Does Our Built Environment Impact Our Health Behaviors? — Episode 028

By Cort Jones | Posted on October 22, 2018

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk about how our public built environments impact health behaviors such as physical activity and recreation, and the environment where we spend most of our time, such as work, school and sleep, has an effect on our leisure time physical activity.

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conference speakers blog 410

Position Yourself as a "Go-To" Resource

By Tom Crosley | Posted on October 22, 2018

Becoming a speaker is a wonderful way to give back to the profession. Submit your session proposals by Friday, November 30, 2018 for a chance to win a free full-package registration to the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.

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CPRP blog 410

Four Secrets to Help You Pass Your CPRP Exam

By Kate Connell, CPRP | Posted on October 19, 2018

If you've been considering becoming a CPRP, check out these tips to assist you in your studies (hint: they're from someone who recently took the exam!).

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Andrew Lance 410

Small Town Department, Big Time Marketing

By Andrew Lance | Posted on October 17, 2018

Awareness in your city or town can be a big problem, especially if you are a smaller department, but here are some tips and tricks to help you improve your social media presence.

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Monte Vista 410

A Safe Place to Be: Monte Vista Kids Connection Fills Rural Role

By Maureen Acquino | Posted on October 16, 2018

Monte Vista Kids Connection was one of ten rural park and recreation agencies who received grant funds from the Walmart Foundation and NRPA to increase access to healthy food and nutrition education in their out-of-school-time programs.

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Screen Free Week 410

Give the Screens a Rest

By Rinny Yourman | Posted on October 16, 2018

This fall is the perfect time for local parks, recreation departments and nature centers to plan ahead for Screen-Free Week 2019.

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healthy aging walking 410

World Arthritis Day 2018: Increasing Awareness Parks and Recreation Style

By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on October 12, 2018

Today is World Arthritis Day. People around the world are encouraged to to work towards increasing awareness about arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. NRPA is accepting applications for a grant opportunity which trains local park and recreation staff as instructors to offer an evidence-based physical activity program in their community.

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frac 410

Afterschool Suppers Annual Report Calls for Increasing Afterschool Program Funding

By Megan Phillippi | Posted on October 10, 2018

This week, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) released the annual Afterschool Suppers: A Snapshot of Participation report.

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opioid epidemic practical toolkit 410

The Release of The Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit

By Lindsey Kearney | Posted on October 9, 2018

The role parks and recreation agencies can play in the prevention of opioid overdose is key, especially with the number of youth enrolled in out of school time programs.

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Whats Next for LWCF 410

What's Next for LWCF?

By Kyle Simpson | Posted on October 5, 2018

As the end of the September has come and gone, so has the deadline to reauthorize the Land and Water Conversation Fund.

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Greening of Detroit 410

The Greening of Detroit

By Monica Tabares | Posted on October 3, 2018

How the city of Detroit is using its Green Stormwater Infrastructure Community Outreach and Education Grant from NRPA and Southwest Airlines.

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Health and Wellness Team 410

Welcome to Parks: A Health and Wellness Solution!

By Kellie May | Posted on October 3, 2018

An overview of NRPA's Health and Wellness Team and their initiatives and priorities.

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Becky 410

What Does It Take to Raise the Bar in Parks and Rec? — Episode 027

By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 2, 2018

In this episode of Open Space Radio, we caught up with Becky Dunlap from the "Becky Talks Parks" podcast at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference.

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CTE Briefing

Mixing Work and Play: Building Awareness for Career and Tech Ed Opportunities in Parks and Rec

By Megan Phillippi | Posted on September 21, 2018

Afterschool and summer learning programs, including those offered by local parks and rec agencies, are well positioned to support youth in developing the in-demand skills and competencies sought by employers.

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Sec Zinke 410

Secretary Zinke Announces LWCF Allocations

By Kyle Simpson | Posted on September 21, 2018

Secretary Ryan Zinke announced this year’s Land and Water Conservation Fund allocations this week at Acadiana Park Nature Station in Louisiana.

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OSR26 universal recreation blog 410

Universal Recreation: Meh or Magnificent? — Episode 026

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 18, 2018

In this episode, we chat about why universal recreation is important and how it can improve all aspects of parks and recreation.

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LWCF Blog

Historic Day for the Land and Water Conservation Fund!

By Kyle Simpson | Posted on September 14, 2018

The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources passed legislation that would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conversation Fund.

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Neuro Splash Shannon

Removing Barriers Through Aqua Fitness Programming

By Shauna Lewallen, CPRP | Posted on September 14, 2018

Neuro-Splash has become more than just exercise, for some participants it’s become a support network and given a new outlook on life

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Dockless Bikes 410

The Dockless Invasion

By Kyle Simpson | Posted on September 12, 2018

The dockless bike and scooter revolution is making a play to enter many metropolitan areas and may be headed to your city next.

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Gender Pronouns 410

New for Conference — Sport Your Personal Gender Pronoun!

By Allison Colman | Posted on September 10, 2018

A gender pronoun reflects who a person is, how they identify and how they would like to be referred to by others.

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Commit to Health Tunica 410

This Delta Community Uses Nutrition to Strengthen the Next Generation

By Allison Colman | Posted on September 7, 2018

In Tunica, Mississippi, community leaders and organizations are working together to make changes that will provide better food access and improve health across the community.

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monarch success 410

Monarch Success!

By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on September 4, 2018

We are seeing the fruits of our labor in our NRPA pollinator garden — monarch caterpillars!

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Why We Love Park And Rec Pros 410

Celebrating Our 25th Episode: Why We Love Park & Rec Pros — Episode 025

By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 4, 2018

To celebrate the 25th episode of Open Space Radio, we're discussing the things we love about park and recreation professionals.

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Farm Bill 410

2018 Farm Bill Update: Tell Your Members of Congress That You Love LAMP!

By Megan Phillippi | Posted on August 29, 2018

The House and Senate are currently working to reconcile the differences in each of their versions of the 2018 Farm Bill to pass a final, unified bill before the September 30 deadline.

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Conservation Sessions Blog 410

Conservation Sessions at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference

By Michele White | Posted on August 28, 2018

To help you plan, we’ve put together a list of some of the stellar conservation-focused education sessions offered at the NRPA Annual Conference.

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Commit to Health Kansas Chanute

Cornfields and Commit to Health: My Reaction to Rural Recreation and Nutrition

By Audrey Fox | Posted on August 23, 2018

This summer, NRPA staff conducted site visits to rural grant recipients to see what Commit to Health funding and resources look like in action.

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Older Adults 410

Parks and Recreation: Impacting the Lives of Older Adults Across the Country

By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on August 21, 2018

At a time when the older adult population is growing at such a rapid rate, it’s no surprise that park and recreation agencies are playing their part to serve the needs and desires of this growing population.

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Risk Play Podcast 410

How Risk Play Can Benefit Kids — Episode 024

By Cort Jones | Posted on August 20, 2018

Unstructured, hands-on, risk play is making a comeback, and it can teach kids lessons and skills that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.

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Park Access 410

Taking Park Access for Granted and Resources to Help

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 14, 2018

Check out this preview of all the sessions at the upcoming NRPA Annual Conference that can help agencies improve park access.

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Understanding Equity in Parks and Recreation 410

Understanding Equity in Parks and Recreation

By Jared Mummert | Posted on August 14, 2018

What is “social equity” and what does it mean for your park agency?

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Free the Beach 410

Free the Beach!

By Robert García | Posted on August 14, 2018

The City Project, GreenLatinos and California LULAC oppose an unfair settlement agreement and support equal access to the California coast.

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NRPA Conference Once Its Over 410

Making the Most of Your NRPA Annual Conference Experience Once It’s Over

By Katherine Stokke | Posted on August 10, 2018

Find out what one conference attendee does to stymie the post-conference letdown.

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PHIT Act Blog 410

Congress Is Getting PHIT, Thanks to You!

By Megan Phillippi | Posted on August 2, 2018

Passage of the PHIT Act in the House represents an increased support for physical activity as a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle.

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Pool Safely Blog 410

Learn How to Pool Safely!

By Elizabeth Gonzales | Posted on August 1, 2018

Pool Safely is a national public education campaign that works with partners around the country to reduce child drownings and entrapment in swimming pools and spas.

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PK 410

Parks and Rec Brings the Fun — Episode 023

By Cort Jones | Posted on July 31, 2018

Peter Kageyama, one of the keynote speakers at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference, discusses why he loves parks.

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NRPA Conference Health and Wellness Sessions 410

Our Hand-Picked Health and Wellness Sessions at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference

By Maureen Acquino | Posted on July 25, 2018

Here are our top choices for sessions that will help you engage your community, partners and stakeholders in your health and wellness offerings.

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park champion event

Show Congress What Summer at Home Looks Like

By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on July 24, 2018

If you have an exciting summer program, ribbon cutting, park dedication or special summer event, don’t forget to invite your members of Congress.

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Tualatin Riverkeepers 410

Green Jobs Training Program Incorporates Green Infrastructure into Year Three of Program

By Ruby Buchholtz | Posted on July 19, 2018

Tualatin Riverkeepers is a community-based organization working to protect and restore Oregon’s Tualatin River system.

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susan mong blog 410

Reflecting on My First Year as a Newbie in the World of Parks and Recreation

By Susan Mong | Posted on July 17, 2018

Susan Mong, Finance Analyst for Johnson County Park and Recreation District, on the things that stood out in her first year working in parks and recreation.

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Eureka Mobile Library 410

National Summer Learning Day: The Critical Role of Parks and Rec in Summer Nutrition and Learning

By Megan Phillippi | Posted on July 12, 2018

July 12 was National Summer Learning Day!

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Protecting Health Information 410

How to Protect Health Information in Your Recreation Organization

By ePACT Network | Posted on July 11, 2018

Health information is considered personally identifiable information, and can have negative consequences if it’s used or managed improperly.

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tick 410

How to Prevent Ticks and Still Enjoy the Outdoors

By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on July 9, 2018

Ticks are an outdoor hazard with perhaps one of the highest yuck factors of any biting or stinging insect in nature.

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PRMonthLogo2018 Web 410

Celebrating "A Lifetime of Discovery!" — Episode 022

By Cort Jones | Posted on June 29, 2018

July is Park and Recreation Month! On this episode, we chat with the Waukegan Park District in Illinois about how they're celebrating and all the great events they have planned.

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Dawn Thompson 410

NRPA Annual Conference — Don’t Just Attend — Experience ALL It Has to Offer!

By Dawn Thompson, CPRP, RA | Posted on June 25, 2018

Here are some tips on making the most of your time at the NRPA Annual Conference.

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Community Garden Tips 410

Five Tips for Getting Your Community Garden Growing

By Karen Weeks | Posted on June 21, 2018

Community gardens are a wonderful way to not only green up the neighborhood, but also to bring neighbors together.

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Advocating for Green Infrastructure 410

Advocating for Green Infrastructure in the Water Resources Development Act

By Kyle Simpson | Posted on June 19, 2018

NRPA will work over the summer to encourage passage of the Senate version of the WRDA bill and ask the House and Senate to include green infrastructure in their final package.

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Park Champion blog 410

Kicking Off Summer Park Champion-Style in the Big Orange

By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on June 18, 2018

East Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs kicked off their summer meal program and second-annual Park Champion event with a bang and a bouncy house in Rowley Park.

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Bridgeport Hill Briefing 410

NRPA Advocates for Water Safety & Drowning Prevention on Capitol Hill

By Megan Phillippi | Posted on June 14, 2018

As pools and open-water recreation areas kick into full swing this summer, access to water safety education is critical to prevent deaths due to drowning.

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Family Health and Fitness Day 410

Top Five Reasons to Celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day

By Heather Williams | Posted on June 8, 2018

June 9 was Family Health & Fitness Day!

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chicago summer meals 410

How Parks and Rec Served Over 85 Million Meals — Episode 021

By Cort Jones | Posted on June 5, 2018

As one of the largest providers of meals during out-of-school times, park and recreation agencies are making significant impacts in their communities.

Listen Now

Active Aging and the Outdoors

Active Aging & The Outdoors: Four Ways to Get Mobile

By Nicole Kennedy | Posted on May 29, 2018

Out of a truly unlimited series of possibilities, consider trying one of these fun, inexpensive activities to get up and moving.

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Older Adults Episode 020 blog 410

Parks and Rec is Transforming the Lives of Older Adults (and Vice Versa) — Episode 020

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 28, 2018

In this episode, we speak with Mr. Joe Trevino, a 93-year-old veteran, and Irma Yepez-Perez, a Senior Management Analyst at the City of Fresno PARCS department.

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blog FARM act 410

Ag-vocating for Parks and Recreation in the 2018 Farm Bill

By Wes King & Reana Kovalcik | Posted on May 24, 2018

Over the last decade, U.S. park and recreation agencies have helped catapult the farm-to-fork and local food movements from niche efforts to mainstream industries.

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Infrastructure Week 410

It's Time to Build

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on May 23, 2018

Infrastructure Week 2018 brought together infrastructure advocates from across the political spectrum to discuss the need for the country to address our infrastructure needs.

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healthy eating 410

Tips to Engage Older Americans in Better Nutrition and Active Living

By Ucheoma Akobundu, PhD, RD | Posted on May 17, 2018

Encourage older adults to reignite their nutrition routine by learning a new recipe, trying out new fruits and vegetables, taking a cooking class or food shopping in a new grocery store.

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Arthritis Awareness Month 410

National Arthritis Awareness Month: Arthritis Management through Parks and Recreation

By Lesha Spencer-Brown, MPH, CPH | Posted on May 16, 2018

Since 2013, NRPA has been working through local parks and recreation to help people with arthritis manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

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2018 Conference Teaser

The 2018 NRPA Annual Conference Preview

By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on May 11, 2018

Whether you are a repeat NRPA Annual Conference attendee or a newbie, you probably want to know a little more about the event before (or after) you register. Here is a preview to help you plan.

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Foxstone 410

Fairfax County’s Spy Park Featured at New Spy Museum

By Carol Ochs | Posted on May 9, 2018

Foxes have a reputation for stealth and cunning, but for many years, a far more dangerous predator was at work in Foxstone Park in Vienna, Virginia.

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The Great NRPA Owl Rescue   410

The Great NRPA Owl Rescue — Episode 019

By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 7, 2018

The story about a baby owl who fell from its nest and, after the heroic acts of Ted Mattingly, NRPA's resident hero and Director of Facilities and Administrative Services, was returned to safety.

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Older Americans Month

Older Americans Month 2018: Engage at Every Age

By Lesha Spencer-Brown, MPH, CPH | Posted on May 1, 2018

Since 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to their communities.

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Blog MMATP Green Machine 410

Your Favorite Actors Test Their Park Knowledge

By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on April 26, 2018

In their Green Machine Challenge, ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel and Disney XD are putting your favorite actors’ park knowledge to the test.

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National Park Rx Day

Prescribing Parks for Improved Health Outcomes: National Park Rx Day 2018

By Justin Cutler | Posted on April 25, 2018

On National Park Rx Day, Sunday, April 29, communities across the country will celebrate in local and national parks with events such as Walk with a Doc, Zumba in the Park and Tai Chi to recognize the impact parks have on our health, particularly in combating preventable disease.

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5 Activities for Teaching Kids About Conservation

Five Fun Activities for Teaching Kids About Conservation

By Karen Weeks | Posted on April 25, 2018

By teaching conservation through fun, hands-on activities, parents and teachers can introduce complex concepts in age-appropriate, easy-to-understand ways.

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Quick Start Guide 410

Park and Recreation Month Quick Start Guide

By Cort Jones | Posted on April 11, 2018

Here are five tips to get you started with Park and Recreation Month and celebrate "A Lifetime of Discovery" in July!

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STEM Fest 410

What Do Dream Parks Look Like to Kids? — Episode 018

By Cort Jones | Posted on April 9, 2018

We asked kids to design their dream park at the USA Science and Engineering Festival, and you're going to want to hear about some of these creations!

Listen Now

Background Check

Avoid Gaps in your Background Screening: Five Things You Need to Know

By Background Investigation Bureau | Posted on April 4, 2018

With the summer fast approaching, it's a great time to review your screening policy!

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Los Angeles County DPR

Parks and Public Health: Working Together to Advance Health and Wellness

By Clement Lau, AICP | Posted on April 2, 2018

While the field of parks and recreation is often associated with fun and games, it should also be known for how it is advancing health and wellness.

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Afterschool Meals

Afterschool Meals: A Snapshot of Participation

By Clarissa Hayes | Posted on March 30, 2018

The Afterschool Nutrition Programs connect children to the food they need while also drawing them into a safe afterschool environment where they can learn, socialize and be active.

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Omnibus Spending Bill Passes

FY18 Omnibus Spending Bill Passes

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on March 23, 2018

Thanks to Congress for making local parks and recreation a priority.

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Outdoor Activities with Your Grandkids

Top Outdoor Educational Explorations to Pursue with Your Grandchildren

By Karen Weeks | Posted on March 22, 2018

Whether heading to the local park or enjoying an adventure in your own backyard, you can turn playtime into learning!

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Make Your Awards Submission Shine

How to Make Your Awards Submission Shine

By Cindi Wight, MR, CPRE | Posted on March 19, 2018

NRPA's Awards Committee Chair shares insight on what she looks for in an award-winning application.

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Innovation in Park Design Award

Win an Award and Recognition for Your Innovative Park Design!

By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on March 8, 2018

Does your agency manage a unique park or facility that embraces innovative technology, strategies or programs to improve your community? If so, we want you to apply for the Innovation in Park Design Award!

Read more

2017 Association Trends Awards 410

NRPA Celebrates Awards at Association Trends Salute to Association Excellence

By Audrey Fox | Posted on March 6, 2018

The National Recreation and Park Association was honored with six awards in the 2018 Association Trends All Media Contest.

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pool safely 410

Pool Safely Grant Opportunity and Free Resources

By Cassie Pais and Kate Clabaugh | Posted on March 6, 2018

The Pool Safely Campaign and the Pool Safely Grant Program offer funding and free resources to prevent drownings and drain entrapment in pools and spas.

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DFC Grants

Grant Opportunity to Fund Community Coalitions Preventing Substance Use Among Youth

By Cassie Pais and Kate Clabaugh | Posted on February 28, 2018

Our Commit to Health campaign continues to expand well beyond programming related to nutrition and physical activity.

Read more

conservation award blog

Do You Have What It Takes for the Innovation in Conservation Award? (Hint: You Just Might!)

By Lori Robertson | Posted on February 27, 2018

No matter if your agency serves a town of 500 or 500,000 — we want to hear from you.

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digital p r 410

Parks and Recreation in a Digital World — Episode 017

By Cort Jones | Posted on February 26, 2018

In this episode, we're taking a look at public interest and attitudes toward digital solutions for park and recreation services.

Listen Now

logo cprp 410

Thinking of Becoming a CPRP? Here Are Some Tips!

By Adam Sollace, CPRP | Posted on February 23, 2018

Passing the CPRP exam is no easy feat, but these five tips will help you prepare with confidence.

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anniston watermelon ball 410

What Innovation in Health Looks Like

By Robin Brothers | Posted on February 16, 2018

Anniston Parks and Recreation won the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association 2017 Innovative Program of the Year for their Commit to Health programs, and is excited for their shot at NRPA's Innovation in Health Award!

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us capitol 410

FY19 Presidential Budget Request: Deep Cuts to Park and Rec Priorities

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on February 13, 2018

The White House released its FY19 budget request yesterday, kicking off debate for the next budget cycle.

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inclusion blog teaser 410

Celebrate Inclusion this February

By Maureen Acquino | Posted on February 12, 2018

February gives us two great reasons to recognize and promote inclusion through parks and recreation — Black History Month and North American Inclusion Month.

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arthritis blog

NRPA Asks Congress to Invest in Arthritis

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on February 7, 2018

NRPA asks Congress to fund the CDC Arthritis Program at $16 million to continue its critical work to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis nationwide.

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dreamstime_s_87806227

10-Minute Walk: Opportunities

By Rachel Banner, MPH | Posted on February 6, 2018

At a time when our park and recreation budgets continue to be placed next to last in city budgets, we must champion mayors and city leaders that invest in parks and recreation.

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hearts 410

How to Improve Your Cardiovascular Health and #MoveWithHeart — Episode 016

By Cort Jones | Posted on February 5, 2018

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, yet it is largely preventable by taking certain steps.

Listen Now

CTHWalmart 410

Make 2018 the Year of Healthy Out-of-School Time!

By Allison Colman | Posted on February 2, 2018

Since 2014, over 300,000 children have gained access to healthier meals and snacks, additional opportunities to be physically active, evidence-based nutrition education and outdoor play through NRPA’s Commit to Health campaign.

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caphillblog 410

NRPA’s Board of Directors Take to Capitol Hill

By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on January 30, 2018

Thank you to NRPA’s Board of Directors for assisting us in moving our legislative agenda forward.

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wayfinding 410

Wayfinding: Navigation and Site Planning

By Brad Done | Posted on January 30, 2018

To give visitors the best experience possible, planners have recognized the importance of implementing systems that guide visitors through parks, historic sites and urban centers in a straight-forward manner.

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jobhopping 410

Answering the "Why?" — Job Hopping as a Young Professional

By Matt Pilger, MBA, CPRP | Posted on January 25, 2018

As young professionals it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages to moving positions, and when moving, know the “why?”

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blog aug park champ 410

Mount Airy Parks and Recreation Hosts Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

By Jayni Rasmussen and Chelsea Hodgkins | Posted on January 23, 2018

Mount Airy Parks and Rec invited the new chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Rep. Virginia Foxx, for Hero Day in the local Riverside Park.

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Government Reopen 410

Congress Ends Government Shutdown

By Kate Clabaugh | Posted on January 22, 2018

Today Congress passed a temporary spending agreement to end the shutdown and fund the government through February 8.

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parking lot 410

How the Rise of Technology Could Help Us Reclaim Our Paradise — Episode 015

By Cort Jones | Posted on January 22, 2018

A shift in how people are getting around cities could mean a change in the future of land use in urban areas.

Listen Now

CPRP Campaign 410x410

NRPA Certification: A Way Forward

By Nancy Desmond, CPRP | Posted on January 20, 2018

Nancy Desmond felt stuck in her career. Learn how the CPRP certification helped her change her career path for the better.

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Fun activities for retirees 410

Fun and Rewarding Group Activities for Retirees

By Karen Weeks | Posted on January 19, 2018

Many older adults don’t realize they have a wealth of information and activities waiting to be discovered in their own hometown.

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East Goshen 410

East Goshen Parks and Recreation Brings History to Life for Congressman Ryan Costello

By Jayni Rasmussen and Chelsea Hodgkins | Posted on January 17, 2018

On June 3, 2017, East Goshen Township Parks and Recreation brought history to life for 3,500 residents and elected officials, including Congressman Ryan Costello, at the East-West Goshen Bicentennial Celebration.

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50 Ways

50 Ways Parks and Recreation Pay Out Every Day

By Tim Herd, CPRE | Posted on January 16, 2018

Together, our park and recreation systems contribute expansively to a healthy economy, environment and society in at least 50 tangible ways.

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Bringing Inclusive Parks to Oklahoma: Mustang Hosts Senator James Lankford

By Jayni Rasmussen and Chelsea Hodgkins | Posted on January 11, 2018

In just two years, Lynly Grider, in collaboration with the Mustang Parks and Recreation Department, elected officials and community groups, designed, funded and built Brittany’s Play Adventure — Mustang’s first all-inclusive park.

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Keeping Healthy with Holiday-Themed Challenges

By Erin Hughes | Posted on January 10, 2018

Erin Hughes of the U.S. Marine Corps shares how MCCS Okinawa encouraged healthier behavior through a 12 Days of Christmas Food Log Challenge

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Why Everyone in San Francisco Lives Within a 10-Minute Walk to a Park — Episode 014

By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on January 8, 2018

San Francisco is the first and only city in the nation where 100 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park.

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Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2018

By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on January 8, 2018

Part tongue-in cheek musing and part fearless prognostication, here are NRPA’s Top Trends for 2018.

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Welcome Kyle Simpson

By NRPA Public Policy | Posted on January 4, 2018

NRPA is proud to welcome Kyle Simpson, Senior Government Affairs Manager, to our public policy team.

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