
Supporting Staff Well-Being
By Daniel Hatcher and Allison Colman | Posted on October 19, 2023
We explored the topic of staff well-being at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference. Here are a few of the creative ideas to support staff well-being that attendees shared.

Proximity To Parks: An Opportunity for Action
By Catherine Tepper | Posted on October 17, 2023
In the latest edition of our Park Engagement Blog Series, we explore what proportion of U.S. residents live within walking distance from a local park or recreation facility.

How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144
By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on October 10, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Kenny Barnes, the program and outreach coordinator for Sustainability Matters, a grassroots environmental nonprofit dedicated to cultivating community through conservation and making sustainability fun, realistic and inclusive for all.

How Are People Getting to Their Local Parks?
By Catherine Tepper | Posted on October 6, 2023
In this blog post, we explore one component of the 2023 Engagement With Parks Report — how park users get from their homes to parks, playgrounds, open spaces or recreation centers.

Advancing Systems-Level Change Across Seven Dimensions of Well-Being
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on October 3, 2023
Community Wellness Hubs are designed to advance health and wellness across seven interdependent and interconnected dimensions of well-being — cultural, economic, emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical and social.

The NRPA Engagement With Parks Report: How It Began
By Catherine Tepper | Posted on September 29, 2023
In October 2023, NRPA will once again be releasing the annual Engagement With Parks Report. Here's a little background on how this critical report began.

Paving the Way for Girls and Women in Sports — Episode 143
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on September 26, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by DiDi Haračić, a professional soccer player and goalkeeper for Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month in Parks and Recreation
By Josue Pasillas, MPA | Posted on September 21, 2023
With a population where more than 50 percent of the individuals identify as Hispanic and/or Latino, the Waukegan Park District celebrates the diversity of the Latino community during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

New Coalition Ensures San Francisco's Park System Flourishes
By Jake Ramirez | Posted on September 21, 2023
The San Francisco Parks Alliance is launching two affiliate organizations to help achieve its mission of creating, sustaining and advocating for San Francisco’s parks and public spaces.

What Is a Training Grant and Why Should I Apply?
By Colleen Pittard | Posted on September 18, 2023
Training grants are grants that do not always provide funds, but instead provide training, coaching and technical assistance. Since 2016, NRPA has been offering instructor training grants for evidenced-based physical activity programs and we just opened applications for another round!

Youth Sports Equity Takes Center Stage at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference
By Nelly Musselman and Teresa Morrissey | Posted on September 13, 2023
Access to youth sports is taking center stage at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, taking place October 10-12 in Dallas. Learn more about the Day Two Panel, "The Ball Is in Our Court: Leveraging the Power of Parks and Recreation to Advance Youth Sports Equity."

A Listen Back at 2023 So Far — Episode 142
By Cort Jones | Posted on September 12, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we take a listen back at the wisdom and experience of some of our favorite guests from this year so far.

Celebrating and Protecting Biodiversity
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on September 5, 2023
Learn a few ways that park and recreation agencies celebrate and protect biodiversity, with specific examples of how the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation carries them out.

Beyond the Field: 3 Team Building Ideas for Youth Sports
By Korri Piper | Posted on August 28, 2023
Team building provides numerous benefits for youth sports teams, from improving performance to cultivating friendships. Get started with these three ideas.

Advancing Resilient Park Access in Lynnwood, Washington — Episode 140
By Cort Jones | Posted on August 8, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore how Lynnwood (Washington) Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department is advancing community-driven, systems-level strategies for equitable park access.

Advancing Equity Through the RCN Program
By Elyse Gentile | Posted on July 25, 2023
The Department of Transportation is offering grant funding for projects that increase multimodal access to recreation and park spaces, making park and recreation agencies the perfect applicants.

Local Partnerships Build Resilient Park Access
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on July 21, 2023
NRPA is partnering with Bobcat Company, a global compact equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, to advance our shared goals of building vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.

Elevate Community Health with National Farmers Market Week This August
By Liliana Ruiz Fischer | Posted on July 18, 2023
National Farmers Market Week is approaching! The 24th annual celebration takes place August 6 to 12, 2023, and highlights the vital role farmers markets play in the nation’s food system.