NRPA Parks Snapshot: May 27-29 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on May 29, 2020
In this week's Parks Snapshot survey, we explored the increased usage of parks and trails compared to this time last year.
May 27 Is Thank A Hunger Hero Day
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on May 26, 2020
Across the country, park and recreation professionals have stepped in to ensure that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, kids and families are able to still receive healthy, free meals - thank them today!
NRPA Parks Snapshot: May 20-22 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on May 22, 2020
In this week's Parks Snapshot survey, we looked at the status of a few additional facility types: recreation centers, senior centers and indoor gyms.
CDC Offers Guidance on Summer Youth Programs During COVID-19
By Maureen Neumann and Lauren Kiefert | Posted on May 21, 2020
While the decision regarding summer youth programs is an agency by agency decision and should be made in collaboration with local health officials to ensure state and local guidelines are followed, CDC has provided guidance to help make an informed choice.
Staying Socially Connected While Physical Distancing: Parks and Recreation Continues to Make its Mark on Older Adults
By Lesha Spencer-Brown, MPH, CPH | Posted on May 21, 2020
May is Older Americans Month, and there have been so many great stories showcasing the great ways park and recreation senior services staff have been continuing to make their mark on older adults in communities across the country, even during a pandemic.
Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness in L.A. During COVID-19 — June Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 21, 2020
On this month’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with AP Diaz, Executive Officer & Chief of Staff at L.A. City Department of Recreation and Parks, about how he and his staff are supporting people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why We’re Celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals This July — Episode 066
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 19, 2020
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Tim Herd, CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society, to talk about two very important upcoming celebrations: Park and Recreation Professionals Day and Park and Recreation Month.
Virtual Interviewing and Onboarding Best Practices
By Hayley Herzing | Posted on May 18, 2020
If you have never hired an employee virtually, interviewing and onboarding may be a new challenge to tackle - here are some helpful tips.
Introducing the Greener Parks for Health Webinar Series
By Jenny Cox | Posted on May 18, 2020
NRPA is equipping park and recreation professionals with the tools and knowledge to advocate for and institutionalize green infrastructure in park systems to address climate impacts, improve community well-being and advance equitable outcomes for all.
Child Meal Waivers Extended Through Summer
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on May 15, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has extended three nationwide waivers from their original expiration date of May 31 to a new date of August 31, 2020.
Older Americans Month: Volunteer for 60+ Activity Center in Oregon Advocates for Seniors
By Jennifer Fulcher-Nguyen | Posted on May 15, 2020
Bryn McCornack’s involvement at the Newport Parks and Recreation Department’s 60+ Activity Center in Oregon has evolved from class participant to volunteer to advocate.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: May 13-15 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on May 15, 2020
In this week's Parks Snapshot survey we saw a large increase in the number of park and recreation agencies that have made decisions regarding their swimming pools.
New COVID-19 Research Supports Time Spent Outdoors – How Will This Influence Local Parks and Recreation?
By Allison Colman | Posted on May 14, 2020
This research is pointing to some good news for parks and recreation, while also providing an opportunity for strengthening our advocacy efforts and assessing future implications and plans.
Triage, Transition, Transformation
By Jane H. Adams | Posted on May 14, 2020
These three words have stuck with Jane H. Adams, the executive director of the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration, as she believes they can provide a framework as we navigate this world in the midst of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Honoring National Water Safety Month in New Ways
By Aleatha Ezra | Posted on May 14, 2020
This year, we are going to need to think a little differently about how we can help people become more "water aware" during National Water Safety Month.
Park and Recreation Professionals Are Essential — and We Have Permission to Dream
By J.J. Lillibridge | Posted on May 13, 2020
On Monday, March 16, J.J. Lillibridge went into work at the Georgetown Recreation Center to find what is usually a packed parking lot with only 8-10 cars. When Tuesday rolled around, he was deemed an essential employee.
How Parks and Recreation Can Create Safer Swimmers
By Cesar Valdes | Posted on May 13, 2020
As the impacts of COVID-19 are slowly making their way into aquatics, we need to look for different ways to keep our communities safe in and out of the water.
Finding Your Unicorns
By Jason Elissalde | Posted on May 12, 2020
Your “perfect” employee is not as mythical as you might believe. Here are five easy tricks to find them.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: May 6-8 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on May 8, 2020
In this week's Parks Snapshot survey, we take a look at some of the most common expense cutting measures, including hiring freezes and reducing discretionary purchases of supplies and outside services.
Lights, Camera, Action…Coronavirus?
By Jason Lang | Posted on May 7, 2020
The East Goshen Township (PA) Department of Parks and Recreation's "SE Pennsylvania Teen Filmmakers Showcase" was planned and ready for another successful year. Learn how they quickly changed plans to offer an opportunity for teens in the community to get creative while staying at home due to COVID-19.
Older Americans Month: Recreation Coordinator Considers Senior Center Patrons Her Family
By Jennifer Fulcher-Nguyen | Posted on May 7, 2020
Even though Price Rotary Senior Center had to shut down to keep older adults safe during the COVID–19 pandemic, Lynn Hoy continues to keep in touch with those who come to her center.
Alternative Methods for Pain Management
By Maureen Acquino and Lauren Kiefert | Posted on May 6, 2020
In the final part of our Substance Use in Parks in Recreation blog series, we explore alternative pain management options and how park and recreation professionals can help.
Parks and Recreation’s Next Generation — Episode 065
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 5, 2020
On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we’re joined by Mary Elise Conzelmann and Sean Fitzpatrick, two inspiring students who are pursuing their degrees in fields related to parks and recreation and will be graduating this year.
Parks and Recreation and Libraries Working Together During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Noah Lenstra | Posted on May 1, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic creates a new normal in communities across the country, park and recreation agencies and public libraries have deepened their partnership to ensure they're serving every member of the community.
NRPA Parks Snapshot: April 29 - May 1 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on May 1, 2020
Park and recreation leaders are developing plans for the reopening of their facilities and programs as conditions permit, with most expected to follow a phased opening strategy. In this Parks Snapshot, we explore the most commonly cited amenities and program offerings anticipated to be part of the first phase of reopening.