Roxanne and Cort’s New Year’s Resolutions — Episode 056
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 31, 2019
It's New Year's Eve, and on this episode of Open Space Radio, we're reflecting on the past year and sharing some of our resolutions and mantras that will keep us motivated in 2020.
Diving Deeper Into the 2020 Park and Rec Trends — January Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 26, 2019
To kick off our monthly bonus episodes of Open Space Radio, we're chatting with Rich Dolesh, NRPA's Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and author of "Top Trends in Parks and Recreation 2020" - the highly anticipated article in the January issue of Parks & Recreation magazine.
Partnering to Deliver Education in Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
By Mercedes Santoro and Clement Lau | Posted on December 23, 2019
In the summer of 2019, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation partnered with the Natural History Museum of L.A. County, as well as the Department of Beaches and Harbors and the Department of Public Works, to offer ESTEAM camps at 17 county parks, serving over 900 children.
Wow Your Community with an Epic Fireworks Display — Episode 055
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 17, 2019
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with John Prue, Installation Program Director at Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR), Naval Station Great Lakes, and Wynn Cramer of Melrose Pyrotechnics about the things a park and recreation agency should consider when putting on a fireworks display.
Substance Use in Parks and Recreation: We Can’t Do Nothing
By Allison Colman | Posted on December 5, 2019
With so many factors shaping this crisis, a multi-faceted approach is needed to address it, including a comprehensive approach from local government and community-based institutions, like parks and recreation.
What Is Your Park and Recreation Life Hack? — Episode 054
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 3, 2019
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with attendees at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference to learn their park and recreation life hacks — the tips and techniques that help get them through their day-to-day work.
Healthy Recipes for Your Thanksgiving Table
By Maureen Acquino | Posted on November 25, 2019
As you nourish your souls with good company this year, we’re excited to put our Commit to Health Foods of the Month recipes and resources to good use and help you spend time nourishing your bodies with healthy, delicious foods!
A Message to First-Time Speakers
By Attiyya Atkins | Posted on November 22, 2019
From never speaking in public to believing they can change the world, this first-time presenter shares their experience speaking at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference and why you should submit a proposal to speak in 2020 in Orlando!
Creating Sustainability in Your Park and Rec Programs
By Maureen Acquino | Posted on November 21, 2019
Using these tips is the perfect way to help your program stay strong after a particular funding opportunity has ended.
Facilitate, Collaborate and Listen at the 2020 #NRPAConference
By Daniel W. Hatcher, MPH | Posted on November 20, 2019
The deadline to submit an education session proposal for the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference is coming up and it’s easy to get caught up in self-doubt. Here are some tips for if you're wondering what you’d present or letting the fear of public speaking hold you back.
Animated Videos Explore Key Components of Park Improvement Projects
By Jennifer Fulcher-Nguyen | Posted on November 20, 2019
These animated videos provide helpful hints for creating successful plans, developing partnerships, ensuring funding, engaging the community, incorporating the right components for your community and sharing the meaningful stories about your park improvement project.
Serving Our Nation's Capital: A Chat with DCDPR's Delano Hunter — Episode 053
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on November 19, 2019
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we sit down with Delano Hunter, director of D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, to find out about the innovative programs and partnerships that are helping them better serve all members of the D.C. community.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Bringing Renewal and Sustainability to Memphis Park
By Amy Collier | Posted on November 14, 2019
As a Great Urban Parks Campaign grantee, the City of Memphis Division of Parks and Neighborhoods is transforming an 11-acre green space into a needed and desired opportunity for neighborhood gathering space and physical activity.
Highlighting the "Power of Rural"
By Maureen Acquino | Posted on November 13, 2019
National Rural Health Day is Thursday, November 21 — a day to highlight the “Power of Rural,” showcasing the unique assets and needs of rural communities.
Don’t Wait! Take the Jump in Your Career Now! — Episode 052
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on November 5, 2019
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Sue Yerkes, Director of Grandview Parks & Recreation, about how some insightful kids in her family motivated her to advance in her career, as well as inspire others to do the same.
Training the Field to Implement Green Infrastructure
By Cort Jones | Posted on November 1, 2019
Determining how to implement and maintain a green infrastructure project in your park may seem a little daunting, but with the right network, resources and education, anything is possible.
Setting the Stage for Healthy Communities
By Jennifer Fulcher-Nguyen | Posted on October 31, 2019
Over the summer, NRPA visited three agencies to see how they are using transportation, farmers markets and intergenerational programming to improve access to healthy food.
Building Resilient Communities Through Volunteerism
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on October 30, 2019
Last year, NRPA partnered with Houston Parks and Recreation Department and Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department to host four volunteer events in each city to improve their local parks.
NRPA Hosts Parks, Green Infrastructure and Health Workshop
By Jenny Cox | Posted on October 29, 2019
NRPA and Williamette Partnership recently hosted a gathering in Washington, D.C., that brought green infrastructure, health, and equity professionals together to help advance green infrastructure in parks.
5 Secrets for Submitting a Successful Session Proposal
By Josh Yavelberg | Posted on October 28, 2019
NRPA is now accepting proposals for the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, October 27-29, 2020. Here are five secrets for submitting a successful education session proposal.
Meet Me at the Park Reaches More Than 1 Million Children and Families
By Jennifer Stromberg | Posted on October 23, 2019
In 2017, NRPA and Disney set a goal through the Meet Me at the Park Play Spaces grant program to improve access to inclusive play spaces for one million children and families. We are excited to announce that we reached this goal.
Providing Outdoor Recreation in the Big City — Episode 051
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 22, 2019
We sat down with Molly Gallant and Bob Wall of Baltimore City Recreation and Parks at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference to talk about the importance of outdoor recreation opportunities in urban environments.
Tackling Plastic Pollution and Improving a Community in Atlanta
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on October 16, 2019
Communities across the country are trying to keep their public places and waterways clean from litter and create healthy ecosystems — and the solutions can start right at home in our parks.
Know Where You Are to Determine Where You Should Go
By Melissa May | Posted on October 15, 2019
The benchmarking data found within NRPA Park Metrics helps assist your agency in determining how its budget, personnel, activities, facilities, policies and more currently compare to agencies across the nation.
NRPA’s Community Engagement Training: Delving Into Equity and Inclusion
By Jennifer Fulcher-Nguyen | Posted on October 10, 2019
On September 23, before the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference officially began, 36 professionals took part in a lively, engaging discussion on community engagement, inclusion and equity.
Ultra-Runners Join Monarch Butterflies on Their 2600 Mile Migration South to Mexico
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on October 10, 2019
Running the southern migration route of monarchs from Canada to southern Mexico is an attempt to bring international attention to the plight of the monarch butterfly, a species whose Eastern population has crashed more than 90 percent in the past 20 years.
Five Ways to Create an Inclusive, Equitable Safe Routes to Parks Initiative
By Margaux Mennesson | Posted on October 9, 2019
Improving safe park access requires thoughtful assessment and inclusion of strategies aimed at overcoming injustices in each stage of a community’s Safe Routes to Parks efforts.
What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self? — Episode 050
By Roxanne Sutton and Cort Jones | Posted on October 8, 2019
Since it’s our 50th episode of Open Space Radio and we’ve been reflecting on when we first started, we're using this episode to explore one of the questions we asked while we were in Baltimore at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference: What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Welcome to Baltimore! — Episode 049
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 20, 2019
Tune in on your way to Baltimore for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference to hear valuable insider tips on making the most of your time at conference, things that are new to the conference this year and the events that you won’t want to miss!
We’re Going Live at the NRPA Annual Conference!
By Audrey Fox | Posted on September 18, 2019
The best moments from the NRPA Annual Conference are coming to your newsfeed!
Learn How to Influence Public Policy at the 2019 NRPA Conference
By Kate Clabaugh | Posted on September 16, 2019
NRPA’s Public Policy Team is excited to share three opportunities for you to advocate on behalf of park and recreation policy priorities and influence your Members of Congress as part of the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.
Building Better Communities Through Water-Inspired Play Areas
By Michele White CAE, IOM | Posted on September 13, 2019
Since 2014, NRPA and the American Water Charitable Foundation have partnered to support 14 grants to communities throughout the country to support nature and water-inspired play spaces.
$170.6 Million to Support Outdoor Recreation through LWCF
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on September 11, 2019
The U.S. Department of the Interior recently released the annual apportionment for the Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program.
Parks + Green Infrastructure = Healthy Communities
By Jenny Cox | Posted on September 10, 2019
Parks themselves play a key role in disaster recovery when natural disasters strike, but when they implement green infrastructure they also function as spaces that mitigate the impacts of these disasters.
Digital Marketing: It’s All About the Data — Episode 048
By Cort Jones | Posted on September 10, 2019
Digital marketing can be a useful tool for park and recreation agencies that want to promote their programs, special events and other offerings to a broader audience, but it can be a little overwhelming if you don't know where to start.
How to Make the Most of Your Family’s Park Visit
By Ben Tejes | Posted on September 4, 2019
A park advocate shares the toolkit he and his wife put together to help maximize their park visits with their two young daughters.
Dogs’ Deaths Prompt Concern Over Toxic Algae Found in Public Recreation Ponds and Lakes
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on September 3, 2019
Tragic deaths of beloved dogs from suspected poisoning from blue-green algae have occurred recently in public recreational lakes and ponds in North Carolina, Texas and Georgia.
Programming for the Young and Young-at-Heart — Episode 047
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 29, 2019
Today, we’re looking at intergenerational programming – what it is, how it’s working in the field and how it’s impacting those who participate in the programs.
Summer Fresh Foods: Make Healthy Food Fun and Easy to Eat
By Jennifer Fulcher-Nguyen | Posted on August 28, 2019
We make enjoying healthy, summer-fresh foods easier with our Summer Fresh Foods resources.
Conservation Sessions at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on August 27, 2019
To help you plan for the upcoming NRPA Annual Conference, here are some of our “must see” conservation sessions that are sure to inspire ideas you can take back home with you.
Create Community Level Impact Through NRPA’s Referral Guide
By Stacey Hammond and Kenneth Cornelius | Posted on August 21, 2019
NRPA's new guide can be used by healthcare providers and community-based organizations in the development of referral processes to increase awareness of and participation in community-based programs and services.
Connecting Generations in Burlington, Vermont
By Lesha Spencer-Brown, MPH, CPH | Posted on August 16, 2019
Even in a picturesque city like Burlington, Vermont, food insecurity and social isolation are ongoing challenges.
How to Implement Farmers Markets and CSA Programs at Your Park & Rec Site
By Maureen Acquino | Posted on August 15, 2019
For years, park and recreation agencies have prioritized offering access to healthy foods and providing families with nutrition education. Farmers markets offer an avenue to continue providing these opportunities.
One Kid Helping Other Kids
By Cole Momcilovich | Posted on August 14, 2019
During the summer months and after school, over 15 million students across the country go hungry because they do not have access to nutritious meals. Cole Momcilovich created a mobile app to help.
eSports at the Rec Center? — Episode 046
By Roxanne Sutton and Cort Jones | Posted on August 12, 2019
eSports, or video game competitions, isn’t new, but it is a growing trend. So much so that eSports is starting to make a space for itself in the world of parks and recreation.
Addressing Equitable Park Access One Session at a Time
By Rachel Banner | Posted on August 8, 2019
We've picked a few equitable park access sessions that you won't want to miss at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.
Health and Wellness Sessions at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference
By Cassie Pais | Posted on August 8, 2019
These health and wellness education sessions at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore will leave you eager to make advancements back home.
Marketing Recipe for Success #Nailedit
By Katy Keller | Posted on August 7, 2019
Whether you're part of a marketing team or marketing is simply one of the many hats that you wear, you'll be able to get the latest marketing strategies in the Marketing Certificate Program pre-conference workshop.
Tips for Advancing in the Field of Parks and Recreation — Episode 045
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 5, 2019
Sometimes just taking that first step toward your own professional development seems like a daunting task – especially if you don’t know where to start.
Increasing Access to Local, Healthy Food in Berea, Kentucky
By Maureen Acquino | Posted on July 30, 2019
Programs such as Grow Appalachia, Berea Kids Eat and the Berea Farmers Market help increase access to local, healthy food by focusing on community development and education, as well as local economics.
‘Little’ but Mighty in Little Rock, a City with Big Solutions
By Allison Colman | Posted on July 25, 2019
In Little Rock, Arkansas — like so many other U.S. cities — one of the biggest challenges many residents face is having access to reliable, consistent and safe transportation.
Evaluating the Many Benefits of Green Infrastructure in Local Parks
By Kevin Brady | Posted on July 24, 2019
NRPA's Green Infrastructure Evaluation Framework encourages the collection of environmental, social, economic and health data that can realistically be measured without a ton of time, money or experience.
Self-Care at #NRPAConference: Five Practices
By Daniel W. Hatcher, MPH | Posted on July 22, 2019
It’s easy to get caught up in meetings, workshops and afterhours fun at a conference, not to mention trying to keep work running smoothly back home. Here are five self-care tips for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
El Cajon Plans Pocket Parks to Help ‘Underparked’ Areas
By Frank Carson | Posted on July 19, 2019
With a five percent increase in population in the past decade, the city of El Cajon, California, has become very diverse in a short period of time and residents are clamoring for more outdoor opportunities.
Libraries and Parks and Recreation Come Together to Tackle Food Insecurity
By Noah Lenstra | Posted on July 17, 2019
The new national toolkit released by the Collaborative Summer Library Program encourages libraries to become summer meal sites or partner with existing sites, such as park and recreation agencies.
What’s Your Funniest Moment on the Job? — Episode 044
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on July 15, 2019
Working in parks and recreation regularly provides those deeply-satisfying laughs you can feel throughout your entire body. On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with a few folks about their funniest stories from the field.
First Annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz — The Results Are In!
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on July 12, 2019
More than 40 park and recreation agencies from across 21 states participated in the first annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz.
Miami-Dade County Does ‘More with Less’ Thanks to Propane Mowers
By Jeremy Wishart | Posted on July 11, 2019
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces found that using commercial propane mowers instead of gasoline could increase crew productivity, as well as reduce fuel costs and emissions.
Five Cooperative Purchasing Best Practices to Follow
By Christine Gilbert | Posted on July 10, 2019
These five purchasing best practices will help your organization get the most out of a cooperative purchasing partnership.
Reaching the Summit at the NRPA Annual Conference
By Lindsay Labas, CPRP | Posted on July 9, 2019
You know that feeling you get when you summit a mountain after a long hike? That's the feeling Lindsay Labas gets at the NRPA Annual Conference.
Supreme Court Decides in Favor of Historic Cross on Park Property
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on July 8, 2019
In a recent landmark decision, the Supreme Court issued a highly anticipated ruling in the case of a large Latin cross, “Peace Cross,” located on park property in Bladensburg, Maryland.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
By Lauren Kiefert | Posted on July 2, 2019
Out-of-School Time programs provide a variety of protective factors that lower a child’s chance of experiencing Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Game On for Park and Recreation Month with SaulPaul — Episode 043
By Cort Jones | Posted on July 1, 2019
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we kicked off Park and Recreation Month with a conversation with SaulPaul, a musician with a message.
Trauma-Informed Care
By Lauren Kiefert | Posted on June 26, 2019
From an organizational perspective, Trauma-Informed Care emphasizes respecting and appropriately responding to the effects of trauma at all levels.
Chanute Recreation Commission Serves as Resilient Partner in Wake of Flooding
By Julie Aikens | Posted on June 25, 2019
Chanute Recreation Commission used its Increasing Access to Healthy Meals at Parks grant to create a space to serve as a community feeding center and shelter in the case of a community crisis or natural disaster.
No Butts About Cleaning up Cigarette Litter in Tennessee — Episode 042
By Cort Jones | Posted on June 24, 2019
On today's episode of Open Space Radio, we're chatting with Keep Tennessee Beautiful and Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful about how they're playing their part to clean up cigarette butt litter in their state.
Seattle Parks and Recreation’s “Rainbow Recreation” Program: Serving Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Older Adults
By Cheryl Brown | Posted on June 18, 2019
Seattle Parks and Recreation has a track record of working collaboratively with the community to make Seattle a more inclusive place to live.
Cal Ripken, Jr. – An Inspirational Iron Man
By Matt Brubaker | Posted on June 17, 2019
There will be hundreds of captivating speakers at the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, but only one is a baseball legend.
Creating Equitable Access to Parks and Recreation: NRPA’s Community Engagement Resource Guide
By Jared Mummert | Posted on June 17, 2019
This resource guide is designed to provide park and recreation professionals the tools to conduct community engagement, with an emphasis on equity and inclusion.
Los Angeles County Using Technology to Advance Health and Wellness
By Clement Lau, AICP, DPPD | Posted on June 11, 2019
The L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation’s refreshed trails website and new mobile app promote the use of trails and informing the public of the value of stewardship, conservation and habitat restoration.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Finding Community in Parks and Recreation — Episode 041
By Roxanne Sutton and Cort Jones | Posted on June 10, 2019
In celebration of Pride Month, we're talking about LGBTQ+ inclusion in parks and recreation on the latest episode of Open Space Radio with Jason Shriner, marketing manager for the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation.
Pride in Parks: The Role of Parks in the Pride Movement and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
By Jared Mummert | Posted on June 6, 2019
It was at the Stonewall Inn in New York City that the gay pride movement was born — and right at the center of it all was a park.
Akron Is Widening the Success Gap — Sorry, Pawnee
By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on June 4, 2019
Akron Parks Week is right around the corner and recently got a special shout out from Jerry Gergich from NBC’s hit show Parks and Recreation — or is it Garry?
How Accessibility Is Impacting Fitness Trends — Episode 040
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on June 3, 2019
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we have an inspiring conversation with 2012 Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, Jennifer French, and Greenfields Outdoor Fitness CEO, Sam Mendelsohn.
What's Your Story?
By Daniel Espada | Posted on May 29, 2019
Story maps are a simple yet powerful way to inform, motivate and inspire people with any story you want to tell that involves a geographic component.
Vienna Community Center Connects Older Adults to the Community
By Lesha Spencer-Brown, MPH, CPH | Posted on May 24, 2019
NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks team recently visited the Vienna Community Center in Virginia to learn more about what they are doing to engage older adults in their community.
NYC Parks Celebrates Kids to Parks Day
By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on May 23, 2019
Thousands of park and recreation agencies celebrated Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 18, and many agencies made their events Park Champion events by inviting their members of Congress.
Connecting Communities Through Outdoor Play
By Maureen Acquino | Posted on May 22, 2019
This year, park and recreation agencies across the country had the opportunity to take advantage of the Connecting Communities Through Outdoor Play grant, thanks to support from the Target Corporation. Here's how Phoenix Parks and Recreation used their grant funding to improve their community.
Find Your Park and Recreation Unicorn
By Hayley Herzing | Posted on May 21, 2019
We know finding the right fit for your job openings can difficult, but what if I told you that you can find the perfect employee with all the qualities that you are looking for?
Answering Your Marketing and Communications Questions (And Whether or Not YOU Should Have a Podcast) — Episode 039
By Roxanne Sutton and Cort Jones | Posted on May 20, 2019
We're taking a deeper dive into some of the questions we received during a recent webinar alongside our friend, colleague and NRPA’s Senior Manager of Public Relations, Heather Williams.
Reducing Hunger Among Older Adults in Mount Vernon, New York
By Lesha Spencer-Brown, MPH, CPH | Posted on May 16, 2019
For many older adults in Mount Vernon, New York, the threat of hunger is a stark reality.
The 2019 NRPA Annual Conference Preview
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on May 13, 2019
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.
Meaningful Community Engagement: NRPA Resource and Conference Training
By Jared Mummert | Posted on May 10, 2019
We have created a Community Engagement Resource Guide to ensure that equitable and inclusive community engagement is incorporated throughout the planning, design, maintenance and activation of neighborhood parks and park-system plans.
Growing Food and Community: Garden for All Ages
By Kerstin Martin Ams | Posted on May 9, 2019
The Meadville Area Recreation Complex (MARC) Community Garden, entering its fifth season, is a gathering place for community members of all ages.
National Prevention Week
By Allison Colman, Cassie Pais and Lauren Kiefert | Posted on May 7, 2019
Each year for National Prevention Week, communities and organizations nationwide come together to raise awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health.
Older Americans Month 2019: Connect, Create, Contribute
By Lesha Spencer-Brown, MPH, CPH | Posted on May 3, 2019
May is Older Americans Month, and we're celebrating the adults age 60 and older who are making a positive impact in communities across the country.
A Farewell Interview with Barbara Tulipane and How Parks Will Save the World — Episode 038
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 1, 2019
On this episode, we’re chatting with Barbara Tulipane, NRPA’s president and CEO, about the incredible 11 years she has spent helping transform NRPA into what it is today. But we can’t help being saddened that we’re having this discussion because of her upcoming retirement in June.
NRPA BioBlitz: How We Found 123 Species in Two Hours
By Michele White | Posted on April 29, 2019
We love pollinators here at NRPA and to celebrate Earth Week, we held a pollinator BioBlitz at our headquarters. Our BioBlitz, focused on pollinators and plants, took a snapshot of the pollinators that can be found here and the local flora that is available to support them.
Let NRPA Digital Badges Help You Stand Out
By Julie A. Boland, CPRE, CAE | Posted on April 24, 2019
Accredited Agencies, Certified professionals, Directors School Graduates and Spotlight Award-winners have already put in the time and effort to accomplish great things, but now they can add to that recognition with NRPA Digital Badges.
4 Vital Reasons You Should Be Screening Everyone, Even If They Don’t Work with Kids
By Background Investigation Bureau (BIB) | Posted on April 23, 2019
Background checks do more than protect people, they help protect other vulnerabilities in your organization, such as your resources and your reputation.
Turning "Ugh, Another Meeting?" into "Yay, Another Meeting!" — Episode 037
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 15, 2019
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're speaking with Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom about how staff meetings don't have to be a waste of valuable time and can be places where amazing ideas are born.
Summer Camp Safety Preparation Guide
By ePACT Network | Posted on April 10, 2019
Summer camps are some of the most popular programs for any park and recreation organization and it’s extremely important to be prepared for incidents that might come up throughout the course of a camp or activity.
7 Ways to Celebrate Earth Month at Your Local Park
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on April 8, 2019
Trees are blooming, people are sneezing — spring is in the air and April is here! As we thaw out from the winter months, its easy to see why April is the perfect time to celebrate Earth.
More Than a Meal
By Erika Tang | Posted on March 26, 2019
Lewisville Parks and Recreation in Texas is helping older adults age well and supports NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks Initiative in efforts to improve and maintain the health and wellness of older adults through parks and recreation.
Community-Minded Design with Todd Lehman — Episode 036
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on March 25, 2019
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Todd Lehman, Cre8Play's owner and "design guy," about the benefits of keeping a community's spirit in mind when designing play spaces.
Turn Your Passion into a Presentation
By Ben Johnson, CPRP | Posted on March 22, 2019
Presenting a Speed Session at the NRPA Annual Conference is a great professional development tool for the novice and experienced speaker alike.
Where Are Your Bees and Butterflies?
By Brett Johnson | Posted on March 21, 2019
The spring and summertime are the perfect times to plan pollinator-based BioBlitz events to document the current pollinators and plants species found in your parks.
A Park and Rec Program Created 500,000 Healthier Youth — Episode 035
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on March 18, 2019
In today’s episode, we take a moment to celebrate five years of Commit to Health and how we're making an impact nationwide.
FY20 Presidential Budget Request: Year Three of Eliminations and Deep Cuts to Park and Rec Priorities
By NRPA Public Policy | Posted on March 14, 2019
The White House released its FY20 budget request this week, kicking off debate for the next budget cycle.
President Signs Bill to Permanently Authorize LWCF
By NRPA Public Policy | Posted on March 12, 2019
LWCF reauthorization has passed Congress and was signed by the president today, and while this is a big win for our industry, the fight isn't over yet.
Five New Features to Celebrate NRPA Connect’s 5th Birthday
By Hayley Herzing | Posted on March 1, 2019
There are a lot of reasons to celebrate NRPA Connect's 5th birthday, but here are five new features that will help make it easier and more fun to network with fellow park and recreation professionals around the country.
Congress Passes the Natural Resources Management Act
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on February 28, 2019
Thanks in large part to the efforts of NRPA members, this package will permanently reauthorize LWCF and provide a guaranteed amount in funding for the state assistance program.
What’s Your Park Personality?
By Audrey Fox | Posted on February 27, 2019
Answer a few key questions and we’ll match you to your perfect park!
Walmart Foundation and NRPA: Partnering to Help Local Park and Recreation Agencies Commit to Health
By Maureen Acquino | Posted on February 26, 2019
Since 2010, grant funding from the Walmart Foundation has supported local park and recreation agencies in serving 90 million meals to nearly 5 million kids.
Be Recognized as the Champion You Are!
By Michael W. Klitzing, CPRE | Posted on February 26, 2019
Receiving national recognition fosters a sense of pride within your organization and helps build trust and credibility with your community leaders.
Is This the End of Recycling? — Episode 034
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 25, 2019
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're talking about one of NRPA’s top trends in parks and recreation for 2019 that is causing quite a stir.
The City of the Future Is Being Built in Cary, NC
By Hilary Bird | Posted on February 22, 2019
Cary, North Carolina's smart tech program has been very successful, and it’s paving the way for cities around the U.S. to implement similar programs.
The Community Concourse: Parks Serve as “Third Places” in NYC Neighborhoods
By Stephanie Cristino | Posted on February 22, 2019
Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the term “third place” refers to places where people spend time between home (first place) and work or school (second place).
RWJF-NRPA Award for Health Equity — A Win-Win!
By Becky Tuttle | Posted on February 19, 2019
As the 2018 recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)-National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Award for Health Equity, Becky Tuttle explains how the award has been valuable to her and her community!
A Victory for Coastal Justice
By Robert García | Posted on February 15, 2019
A 2018 article helped diversify support for coastal justice, and opposition to a proposed settlement between wealthy, beachfront private-property owners and the state officials that excluded the public at Hollister Ranch.
CPRP — It’s All About Mindset and Attitude!
By Kris Ammerman, CPRP | Posted on February 14, 2019
if you prepare for the CPRP exam like it’s an awesome opportunity to learn, grow, develop and gain a broader understanding of your profession and how to become a leader, you will probably enjoy studying for the exam as much as Kris Ammerman did.
Lifeguard Shortage? What Lifeguard Shortage? — Episode 033
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 11, 2019
On this episode of Open Space Radio, Mark Foote joins us to discuss the real need for parks and recreation to adapt to younger generations in order to attract and retain staff.
The Annual Monarch Counts Are In...And It's Not Looking Good
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on February 6, 2019
Much more needs to be done in order to conserve this critical species. Here are a few ways you can help immediately.
Five Ways to Improve Your Hiring Process
By Hayley Herzing | Posted on February 5, 2019
The hiring process isn't always an easy one, but following these five tips will ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible!
How One Man (And His Family) Changed the Culture of a Community — Episode 32
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 28, 2019
ABC Park in Baltimore, Maryland, is the site of our 2019 Parks Build Community project, but Derwin Hannah has been caring for the park as a volunteer for more than 17 years.
3 New Year’s Goals to Prepare Your Business for Emergencies
By ePACT Network | Posted on January 17, 2019
With so much going on day-to-day, it’s common for emergency preparedness in any organization to be pushed down the priority list, so the start of a new year is a great time to set workplace resolutions, goals, or intentions, just as you would for yourselves!
Predictions for Parks and Recreation’s Top Trends in 2019
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on January 16, 2019
One part good research, one part taking the pulse of NRPA members, one part blue-sky thinking, the Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2019 are here.
Saving the World One Park at a Time
By Stacie Anaya | Posted on January 15, 2019
In 2018, Lewisville Parks & Recreation Department (Texas) was one of 12 recipients of the 10-Minute Walk Technical Assistance and Planning Grant, and they're moving full-steam ahead into 2019.
Park Development Means Economic Development — Episode 031
By Roxanne Sutton and Cort Jones | Posted on January 7, 2019
In this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Ed McMahon, the senior resident fellow at the Urban Land Institute, about the importance of placemaking and why developers should invest in parks and open space.