Five Summer Hiring Tips for Park and Rec. Agencies
By Hayley Herzing | Posted on May 24, 2018
Summer can be the busiest time of year for park and recreation agencies, which means more job openings to fill. But seasonal hiring can be a challenge, as most agencies need to execute their hiring decisions quickly to get staff trained. These five tips will help you create a smooth and easy seasonal hiring process.
Mayor Hillary Schieve on Why Parks and Recreation is Vital to a Thriving Reno — Episode 013
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 27, 2017
Reno is aiming to be a leader in outdoor recreation in order to attract new business and improve overall quality of life.
New National Poll Finds Widespread Opposition to NPS Fee Increases
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on December 22, 2017
Results of a new poll found that 68 percent of respondents were opposed to the raise in fees.
Congress is Heading Home for the Holidays
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on December 21, 2017
After an eventful December, Congress is heading home for the holidays with plenty of work left to be done in D.C. after the New Year.
How the Tax Reform Bill Affects Parks and Recreation
By Kevin O'Hara | Posted on December 20, 2017
For the first time since 1986 Congress has passed a significant tax reform bill (House Vote 224-201, Senate Vote 51-48) and is expected to be signed by President Trump. What does this all mean for park and recreation agencies?
President’s Action to Revoke National Monument Status is a Bad Idea
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on December 14, 2017
There may be good reasons to alter the boundaries of certain national monuments, but the wholesale reductions announced for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante are not reasonable modifications.
9 Minutes with 9-Year-Old Kedar on How to Save Pollinators — Episode 012
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 11, 2017
How a 9-year-old is saving pollinators with an app, a board game and endless enthusiasm.
Americans’ View on the Role of Parks in Natural Disaster Prevention
By Melissa May | Posted on December 7, 2017
While we may never be 100 percent guarded against the forces of nature, there are many steps that our local and federal government can take to mitigate loss and increase our safety.
Clarksville Bounces Back with Park Champion Event at CDBG-funded Valleybrook Park
By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on December 7, 2017
Valleybrook Park received a huge revitalization, including new playgrounds, restrooms, a pavilion and more, thanks to a $477,000 federal CDBG Disaster Resilience grant.
UPDATED: Tax Reform and Federal Budget
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on December 5, 2017
As everyone begins their Holiday preparations, Congress is hard at work in two principal areas with deadlines fast approaching.
Community Members Transform Contaminated Land into Oasis
By Roseann Bongiovanni | Posted on November 30, 2017
Roseann Bongiovanni of Chelsea, Massachusetts' GreenRoots shares how they use community engagement to make improvements that benefit all.
10 Commandments of Resumes
By Michael Biedenstein | Posted on November 28, 2017
As we head into winter and winter breaks, it’s a fantastic opportunity to take a look at your resume to make sure it’s ready for the New Year and potential spring and summer internships and job opportunities. But how do you stand out among your qualified peers?
5 Healthy Out-of-School Time Myths Busted — Episode 011
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on November 27, 2017
In today’s episode, we chat with Ava DeBovis and Daniel Hatcher from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to bust some out-of-school time myths.
How to Get Parents to Buy into Safety
By Michelle Chopin, ePACT Network | Posted on November 27, 2017
Park and recreation staff often have to deal with emergency situations in their programs throughout the year. Here are some tips on how to handle them more effectively.
Proposal to Double or Triple Daily Entrance Fees at National Parks — A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on November 17, 2017
The Department of Interior recently issued notice they will significantly raise daily entrance fees for 17 iconic national parks and has requested public comment.
You Came, You Saw, You Conferenced
By Melissa May | Posted on November 17, 2017
As our work lives return to normal following the 2017 NRPA Annual Conference, we would like to take a moment to share some of the feedback you passed on to us about your experience in New Orleans. Thank you for sharing your opinions!
Parks and Rec: Joining the Fight Against Diabetes
By Heather Williams | Posted on November 16, 2017
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. As part of this nationwide initiative, NRPA is calling attention to the role parks and rec plays in keeping people active and healthy, even those affected by diabetes.
Why 3 National Orgs Came Together to Promote Proximity to Parks — Episode 010
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on November 13, 2017
On October 10, 2017, the Trust for Public Land (TPL), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) came together to launch a campaign called 10-Minute Walk.
What to Expect as a First-Time Speaker at the NRPA Annual Conference
By Lauren Belle | Posted on November 8, 2017
As a first-time speaker at 2017 NRPA Annual Conference in New Orleans I learned what it takes to make an impact on the audience and how rewarding it can be.
Hey Congress, If the Budget Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It
By Public Policy Team | Posted on November 2, 2017
Congress has passed the FY2018 budget framework, but spending levels for individual programs have not been finalized.
Are You Annoying? And Other Fun Tidbits to Have Conversations that Matter: Interview with Jessica Pettitt — Episode 009
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 30, 2017
Difficult conversations can lead to great opportunities to learn and grow.
Is Healthy Aging a Major Priority for Your Agency?
By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on October 27, 2017
Why should we place a priority on serving older adults? Several reasons!
Looking to Get More Involved with the Profession? Here’s How
By Tom Crosley | Posted on October 27, 2017
Looking to become more involved in the profession? Speaking at the NRPA Annual Conference is a great way to inspire your fellow park and recreation professionals and make a name for yourself. Here are some tips to get you started.
Tax Reform Debate Opens a Window of Opportunity to Get the PHIT Act Done
By Kate Sims | Posted on October 26, 2017
Tax reform is a logical piece of legislation where the language of the PHIT Act can be included.
Combining Therapy with Nature and Walking is a Winning Combination
By Jennifer Udler, LCSW-C | Posted on October 24, 2017
Clinical Social Worker Jennifer Udler, LCSW-C shares how she discovered the benefits of combining walking, therapy and nature together to help those with mental illness.
Amazon HQ2 – Will Parks and Public Spaces Be the Determining Factor?
By Rachel Banner | Posted on October 20, 2017
Yesterday was the official deadline for cities to compete for the new Amazon Headquarters. Will parks and rec play a role?
Simple Solutions to Common Park and Recreation Problems
By Maureen Acquino | Posted on October 18, 2017
NRPA Annual Conference sessions led by some of the best park and recreation professionals in the field highlighted some answers to common issues.
Drones in Parks: Part 3. Opportunities, Innovative Uses and the Future — Episode 008
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 17, 2017
In this third and final installment of our series on drones in parks, we speak with Rich Dolesh, NRPA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives on the future of drones in parks.
Parks and Recreation’s Big Picture Issues
By Tim Herd, CPRE | Posted on October 10, 2017
Despite the many benefits of parks and recreation, our field has many hurdles to overcome both from internal and external forces if we are to reach our full potential.
Drones in Parks: Part 2. To Fly or Not to Fly: How Park Managers Manage Drones — Episode 007
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 2, 2017
In this episode of Open Space Radio, we continue our three-part series on drones in parks. In the second segment, I speak with Evie Kirkwood, Director of St. Joseph County Parks in Indiana.
Afterschool Funding Saved
By Allison Colman and Kate Sims | Posted on September 21, 2017
Thanks to great efforts on Capitol Hill and local advocacy efforts from out-of-school time (OST) providers like yourself all summer long, congress voted just last week to restore the funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Center program.
Parks and Rec: Contributing Before the Storm…and After
By Samuel R. Metott, CPRE and NRPA Editors | Posted on September 20, 2017
The recent natural disasters – from Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria to wildfires, earthquakes, power outages and more – have brought devastation to millions of people. Within every disaster though, bright lights appear. Many of these bright lights are our public service employees – park and recreation employees among them.
The Latest Conservation Research All in One Place
By Kevin Roth, PhD, and Teresa L. Penbrooke, PhDc | Posted on September 19, 2017
There are many important and valuable research articles published each year related to parks and recreation. NRPA contracted with North Carolina State University’s Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Department to review recently published papers focused on park and recreation’s role in conservation and resiliency.
Drones in Parks: Part 1. Policy, Drone Zones and Resources for Land Managers — Episode 006
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 18, 2017
Part one of a three-part series to tackle this topic by interviewing experts in the field with three different perspectives.
Greening Gary, IN from the Ground Up through Community Engagement
By Angela Larsen | Posted on September 15, 2017
The Alliance for the Great Lakes worked with community members in Gary to create meaningful Green Infrastructure projects that matter to them.
Are You Good Enough Now?
By Jessica Pettitt | Posted on September 8, 2017
The Wednesday Keynote for the NRPA Annual Conference in New Orleans, Jessica Pettitt, shares how we can start having conversations that matter by (re)claiming our responsibility for who and how we show up in our relationships.
Why Staying on Top of Park and Rec Trends is Important (and How to Do It)
By Michael Kalvort, CPRE | Posted on September 8, 2017
Michael J. Kalvort, CPRE, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Virginia Beach, shares how staying on top of park and recreation trends allows him and his department to best serve their community.
Harvey and How We Can Help — Episode 005
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 1, 2017
This week we’re discussing what’s been on top of all of our minds over the past week or so — hurricane Harvey and the devastating destruction it’s wrought on Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf Shore.
5 Ways You Can Help Victims of Hurricane Harvey
By Barbara Tulipane | Posted on August 31, 2017
The appeals to help support victims of hurricane Harvey in Texas and beyond can be heard everywhere. The need is great now and it won’t go away once the rains and floodwaters subside.
Employee Engagement Boosts Community Cohesion
By Kellie May | Posted on August 22, 2017
In June, NRPA partnered with the Citi Foundation to host Global Community Day service projects at local park and recreation agencies in nine cities across the country. Citi employees, their family members and community volunteers participated in park maintenance/beautification, and other projects that helped revitalize local park spaces.
How Cities and Local Parks are Celebrating the American Solar Eclipse — Episode 004
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 20, 2017
For the first time in 26 years, all of the US will be treated to some form of an eclipse on Monday, August 21, with a large portion being able to view a total eclipse.
Arthritis: A Leading Contributor to Poor Health Among Older Adults
By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on August 18, 2017
Nearly one in three older adults suffer from arthritis. Learn how NRPA, with the support of the CDC, is disseminating and increasing sustainable supports for evidence-based physical activity programs designed to help people with arthritis.
Making Sense of Charlottesville Through Local Leadership
By Leon T. Andrews, Jr. | Posted on August 17, 2017
NRPA Chair-Elect Leon Andrews writes about the importance of local leadership in standing up for equity.
Mount Airy Parks & Recreation Showcases a Community Above and Beyond The Andy Griffith Show
By Kate Sims and Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on August 15, 2017
Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) participated in a park champion event in Mt. Airy, NC where the importance of USDA meal programs — and parks and recreation's role in providing meals to youth — was demonstrated.
Americans Are Staying Put and It’s Affecting All of Us — Episode 003
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 15, 2017
NRPA staff members share their opinions about a recent Wall Street Journal article that explores how Americans are staying put even though moving might bring them more opportunity.
Advice from an NRPA Annual Conference Newbie
By Sheila Runnels | Posted on August 14, 2017
2016 conference newbie, Sheila Runnels, shares her advice for those attending the NRPA Annual Conference for the first time.
Hot Topics: Pokémon Go is Back in the News, Recreation Fees and Cool Streets — Episode 002
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 7, 2017
Today’s episode covers three trending topics that have been in the news lately — Pokémon Go and augmented reality games in parks, recreation fees for public land use and cool streets.
Base Salaries for 5 Park and Recreation Positions
By Kevin Roth | Posted on August 4, 2017
Whether you are recruiting a new member for your team or you are looking for the next step in your career, having compensation data in your hands helps you make informed decisions.
Prevention Fund Protected in Latest Healthcare Repeal Vote
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on August 1, 2017
Park and recreation agencies nationwide are working to prevent and manage symptoms related to chronic diseases locally, but we know this work would not be possible without the support from the PPHF and the CDC.
Why the World’s First Ultra-Accessible Waterpark is the Coolest - Episode 001
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on July 31, 2017
Today’s episode is a cool topic — literally and figuratively — we’re talking about the world’s first ultra-accessible waterpark: Morgan’s Inspiration Island.
NRPA Launches Podcast: Open Space Radio
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on July 31, 2017
Open Space Radio is your go to Podcast for learning about the latest trends and news in parks and recreation. This episode covers what you can expect to hear from us each week.
Building Relationships to Foster Engagement in the Environment
By Rosie Santos | Posted on July 28, 2017
The NRPA Great Urban Parks Campaign Community Engagement grant program offered us an opportunity to pilot a work study program to arm young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to address real issues in our community.
Meet the NRPA Health and Wellness Team
By NRPA Health and Wellness Team | Posted on July 27, 2017
NRPA’s Health and Wellness Team works with local park and recreation agencies to provide tools, resources and technical assistance to help improve access to healthy foods and increase opportunities for people to be physically active in their communities.
Federal Funding Sustained for Arthritis Program
By Kate Sims and Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on July 26, 2017
Last week, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Funding Bill for FY18, which includes $11 million for the CDC’s Arthritis Program.
Save the Date: October 6 is Visit a Park Day!
By Brian Bevacqua, CPRP, AFO | Posted on July 26, 2017
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Young Professional Network is pleased to announce that Visit a Park Day will be Friday, October 6, 2017.
The Art and Science of Building Community Through Fun
By Alvin A. Galang, MPH | Posted on July 24, 2017
Alvin Galang, MPH explains how the NRPA Annual Conference helps him "Build Community Through Fun."
New Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Visits D.C. Rec Center
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on July 24, 2017
NRPA and the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) were honored to host the new Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center on Thursday, July 20 to see summer meals in action.
Let’s Go For a Walk
By Megan Harrington | Posted on July 21, 2017
Megan Harrington, Recreation Supervisor with the City of Mexico Parks and Recreation Department, shares how partnerships helped them create a thriving walking program.
Parks and Recreation: Partners in Public Health
By Zarnaaz Bashir, MPH and Kellie May, MTA | Posted on July 19, 2017
While parks have been around for well over a century, the notion that parks improve public health only gained recognition within the last decade.
New York Street Games and the Power of Play
By Dr. Howell Wechsler | Posted on July 18, 2017
It’s National Parks and Recreation Month, which always makes me wax nostalgic about the center of my childhood existence: PLAY.
Let’s Pass a Law to Fund Urban Greenspaces
By Rep. Nanette Barragán | Posted on July 17, 2017
This guest post by Rep. Nanette Barragán highlights the importance of urban greenspace and the work we all do every day to promote parks and recreation.
Play On to Protect Programming at Parks
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on July 6, 2017
As we kick off this year’s Park and Recreation Month, NRPA wants to ensure that Members of Congress and their staff understand the critical importance of federal funding that supports out-of-school time programming
Get Your Play On!
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on June 30, 2017
July is Park and Recreation Month and it is finally here!
A Thank You to Park and Rec Professionals
By Heidi Ham | Posted on June 27, 2017
Heidi Ham, National AfterSchool Association (NAA) Vice President of Programs and Strategy shares her story of growing up in afterschool park and recreation programs and offers professionals a thank you gift from NAA.
Senate Healthcare Repeal Bill Released: Park and Rec Priorities Fare Worse than in House Bill
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on June 22, 2017
Today the Senate released its healthcare repeal bill, the details of which are deeply troubling for park and recreation priorities.
What ‘GOMESA’ Means for the Future of LWCF
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on June 19, 2017
The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act or “GOMESA” was passed a little over 10 years ago in 2006. The measure includes a mandate that a portion of the overall revenues go to the State Assistance program.
NRPA Conference Behind the Scenes: Building the Education Schedule
By Lucky D’Ascanio | Posted on June 15, 2017
As a member of the NRPA Conference Program Committee, the team of NRPA members who review the conference education session proposals, I invite you for a behind the scenes look at the remarkable process that results in an amazing product.
rEvolution of Play
By Lisa Annis, Cre8Play | Posted on June 14, 2017
In honor of Park and Recreation Month, we asked Cre8Play to share some of the lessons learned from a recent TEDx event.
How Parks and Rec can Address Arthritis in Rural America
By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on June 2, 2017
Residents of rural communities, especially minority and low-income residents, tend to report higher prevalence of chronic conditions (for example arthritis, diabetes and heart disease), poorer health, and little to no physical activity compared to residents of urban communities.
Healthy Greenspaces, Clean Water, Community Pride
By Jennifer Cox | Posted on May 31, 2017
Green stormwater infrastructure offers a hopeful solution to both environmental and social challenges when implemented in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
FY18 Budget Request: The Fine Print Is Out and It’s Not Good for Parks and Rec
By David Tyahla | Posted on May 30, 2017
The full details of President Trump’s budget request for FY18 were released last week, which, if enacted, would mark a devastating divestment in programs critical to parks and recreation across the nation.
Only 52% Of Adults View Local Parks as Nature
By Kevin Roth | Posted on May 25, 2017
A recently released comprehensive study takes a closer look at how Americans connect with nature. The Nature of Americans report combines data to better understand their sentiment of nature, outdoor activities, perceived benefits, and more.
’Tis the Season (10 Tips for Water Safety)
By Brad Anderson, AFOI | Posted on May 24, 2017
AFO Instructor Brad Anderson shares 10 water safety tips for keeping patrons safe at your pools this summer.
Swimming and Autism: Strategies and Tips
By Cindy Freedman | Posted on May 19, 2017
This summer, it’s likely that many park and recreation facilities, aquatic centers and summer camps will be accommodating children with autism and various sensory challenges. Learn how to improve safety, communication and knowledge to better accommodate these families in our facilities and programs.
Combined-Built-Environment Features Are Now a Recommended Strategy to Get Communities Active
By Rachel Banner | Posted on May 18, 2017
The Community Preventive Services Task Force announced a new recommendation designed to increase physical activity though built-environment approaches that combine transportation-system interventions with land use and environmental design. This recommendation directly supports NRPA's Safe Routes to Parks initiative.
NRPA’s Health Team Attends ‘Building a Healthier Future’ Summit
By Allison Colman and Kate Sims | Posted on May 17, 2017
Last week, NRPA’s Health and Wellness Department attended the Partnership for a Healthier America’s (PHA) 2017 Building a Healthier Future Summit in Washington, DC. This annual event brings together nonprofits, government agencies, academic institutions and corporations that are all committed to ending childhood obesity.
Defend Our National Monuments, Diversity and Inclusion
By Robert García and Daniel Rossman | Posted on May 16, 2017
We, the people, must raise our voices to defend the health of our neighborhoods and the future of our children. We must insist on more parks and greater access to healthy outdoor activity, along with protection for all our public lands and waters — including national monuments.
All Roads Lead to...a Park
By Chris Brusatte | Posted on May 15, 2017
Since the dawn of humanity, it seems, people have enjoyed the beauty, tranquility and serenity that natural parks offer. We all share the love of the outdoors, for recreation and for a respite from the busy world that invades most of our daily lives. Nature and recreation are treasures to cherish.
Changing Behaviors and Attitudes One Older Adult at a Time
By Matt Saviello, CPRP, CYSA | Posted on May 12, 2017
May is Arthritis Awareness and Older Americans Month. Parks and Recreation play a major role in helping to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis (and other chronic diseases) among older adults in their communities. Here is one example of how the City of Tualatin, Oregon is doing just that.
Now On to the Senate: House Passes Healthcare Repeal Bill
By Kate Sims | Posted on May 4, 2017
Today the House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628) which repeals significant portions of the Affordable Care Act, including a full repeal of the Prevention and Public Health Fund.
NRPA Welcomes New Manager of Government Affairs Kate Sims
By Kate Sims | Posted on May 4, 2017
NRPA is proud to welcome Kate Sims, Government Affairs Manager, to our public policy team.
Federal Budget Avoids Drastic Cuts to Park and Rec Funding…For Now
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on May 4, 2017
After a third Continuing Resolution (CR) for FY2017 was put into place to fund the government through May 5, a bipartisan omnibus spending agreement was released on Monday that will now fund the government through the end of the fiscal year in September.
The 2017 NRPA Annual Conference Big Easy Preview
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on May 1, 2017
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.
Juggling Two Fiscal Years at Once
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on April 28, 2017
This week marks the third Continuing Resolution (CR) passed by Congress for Fiscal Year 2017 to continue funding the government, but only temporarily.
Dirt is a Good Thing
By Emily Hiatt, NRPA YPN | Posted on April 25, 2017
Take a live snake into an inner-city school or community center and you may clear the room. I have had this experience several times… but only on the first visit.
Newbies to Nature: Training Your Instructors
By Shannon Burton | Posted on April 14, 2017
Shannon Burton, Outdoor Programs Manager for the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, shares her advice for training nature program instructors.
The Buzz on Bees, Monarchs and Other Pollinators This Spring
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on April 6, 2017
If you were wondering about the status of the highly threatened monarch butterfly this past winter, the news is not good.
Review Your Agency’s Performance Against its Peers
By Kevin Roth | Posted on April 4, 2017
This week, we released the 2017 NRPA Agency Performance Review, our annual report summarizing the key findings and insights from Park Metrics. If this sounds familiar, it is because the Agency Performance Review is the new name for the NRPA Field Report.
How to Help Your Park Win $20,000
By Jenny Cox | Posted on March 31, 2017
For the third year, NRPA is collaborating with The Walt Disney Company, including Disney Citizenship, Disney|ABC Television Group and ESPN during Earth Month for the Meet Me at the Park initiative!
How Bringing Healthcare Providers and Parks Together Creates Healthier Communities
By Lesha Spencer-Brown and Rachael Habash | Posted on March 24, 2017
The last two decades have seen a big push for healthcare providers and health systems to collaborate with community-based organizations and businesses (like parks and recreation) through coalitions and city-wide health initiatives to address these barriers to improved health.
Trump’s First Budget Request and What It Means for Parks and Recreation
By Dave Tyahla | Posted on March 18, 2017
The Trump White House released its first federal budget request this week on Thursday, March 16 and key park and recreation policy priorities are identified to receive cuts and elimination.
The Role of Parks in Aging in Place
By Rachel Banner | Posted on March 17, 2017
Aging in place is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “the ability to live in one’s home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Parks and recreation is a vital part of creating an age friendly community.
Arthritis in America: The Role of Parks and Recreation
By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on March 10, 2017
On March 7, 2017, the CDC released Vital Signs: Arthritis in America highlighting the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis in America, along with activity limitations and measures than can be taken to combat arthritis.
Survey Results: Parks and the Homeless
By Kevin Roth | Posted on March 9, 2017
NRPA recently conducted a survey of urban park and recreation agency directors across the country on the topic of homelessness to gain an understanding of the views and actions of their departments and other local government agencies.
Celebrating 3 Years of Healthy Out-of-School Time
By Allison Colman and Ava DeBovis | Posted on March 7, 2017
In February 2014 NRPA launched Commit to Health, a campaign devoted to creating healthier out-of-school time (OST) programs in local parks and recreation.
Parks: A True Health Solution
By Kevin Roth | Posted on March 6, 2017
A research brief published earlier this year highlights that parks are a health solution not just an aspirational goal.
Gear Up for Earth Month with Wildlife Explorers
By Kim Tuong | Posted on March 4, 2017
March is the perfect time to start planning a nature discovery program for your out-of-school time youth. Recreation Programmer Kim Tuong has some great tips to get you started.
An Application Away from Opportunity
By Anthony Iracki | Posted on March 2, 2017
Receiving an NRPA Fellowship proved to be one of the highlights of Anthony's career. In addition to being recognized for his work, the fellowship expanded Anthony's network and introduced him to new ideas.
Trump Administration Halts Listing the Rusty Patched Bumblebee as an Endangered Species
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on March 1, 2017
An Executive Order by President Trump restricting implementation of federal regulations froze the listing of the rusty patched bumblebee as an endangered species for 60 days.
5 Easy Ways You Can Get Started with Park and Recreation Month
Posted on February 24, 2017
Park and Recreation Month can seem overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve put together this quick start guide so you can easily celebrate the important role of parks and recreation this July.
A Valentine’s Day Greeting from Washington
By NRPA Public Policy | Posted on February 14, 2017
Here is the latest from Capitol Hill about the Trump Administration Cabinet and Congress.
Live Updates from the Hill
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on February 14, 2017
Last Friday, we sat down with NRPA’s Public Policy team to do a Facebook Live broadcast about how the changes in Washington, D.C. will likely affect the field of parks and recreation.
Becoming a Park Champion
By Jayni Rasmussen | Posted on February 14, 2017
With the 115th Congress underway, it’s time to meet the legislators leading the Congressional committees handling the legislation that is most important to parks and recreation.
Embrace the Power of National Awards
By Michael W. Klitzing | Posted on February 10, 2017
Your park and recreation agency needs to be doing really great work to win a national award. That’s how it should be to be named one of the Best of the Best.
Bringing Kids to the Parks
By NRPA Staff and National Park Trust | Posted on February 1, 2017
On May 20, 2017, National Park Trust invites parks and students across the country to participate in the 7th annual Kids to Parks Day, a nationwide grassroots movement to celebrate America’s parks and public lands.
6 Tips for Leading a Nature Discovery Program
By Serda Ozbenian | Posted on January 26, 2017
Many agencies are interested in introducing a nature discovery program to their community, but are unsure of how to begin. Here are some easy tips for agencies and leaders to get started.
Five Tips for Hiring in the New Year
By Hayley Herzing | Posted on January 23, 2017
It’s 2017 and time to make a resolution to revamp your hiring process. It is also the perfect time to assess your agency’s team and find new employees to fill in the gaps.
The CPRP Connects All Majors to the Field
By Jeanette R. Aiello, CPRE | Posted on January 20, 2017
Regardless of your background, all park and recreation professionals can benefit from going through the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) process.
Parks and Rec: Still Fighting for Funding
By Kevin Roth | Posted on January 19, 2017
Research shows that Americans have a strong, unwavering support for park and recreation funding. Yet, most park and recreation agencies have to fight for every dollar and dime they receive.
NRPA’s Top 5 Predictions for Parks and Recreation in 2017
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on January 13, 2017
We pulled out the old crystal ball and made the following predictions of what is likely to occur in the world of parks and recreation in 2017.
There’s Another Way to Achieve an Active Lifestyle
By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on January 12, 2017
Many people who make resolutions to become and stay physically active. There's an alternative to the gym lifestyle, though.
Our New Congress and What it Means for Parks and Rec
By NRPA Public Policy Team | Posted on January 6, 2017
The 115th session of Congress kicked into high gear this week in Washington, and the wheels of government are starting to turn again. Here's what it means for us.
7 Tips for an Awesome Award Application
By Jennifer Stromberg | Posted on January 4, 2017
Awards season has arrived at NRPA! This year, NRPA is offering 11 National Awards and seven Gold Medal Awards. Here are some tips for a stellar submission.