New Parks and Recreation Risk Assessment Tool, Now Available

(July 9, 2019)

NRPA Park Check evaluates an agency’s ability to provide quality park and recreation services to the public

Ashburn, Va. (July 9, 2019) — NRPA Park Check: Parks & Recreation Quality Risk Assessment Tool is now available from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This new online resource helps agency directors, political leaders and park advocates evaluate their agency’s ability to deliver quality park and recreation amenities and services to all members of the community in the future.  

“Park and recreation agencies, still reeling from the effects of the Great Recession, too often are the target for funding cuts,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of professional development, research and technology. “NRPA Park Check allows park and recreation agencies to gauge the risk they face to continue providing quality services to their communities.”

Five principles guide NRPA Park Check:

  • Consistent growth in the agency’s operations funding
  • Consistent growth in the agency’s full-time staffing
  • All residents can access a park within a 10-minute walk
  • Dedicated funding sources that support the agency’s operations budget
  • Meeting the standards set by NRPA’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA)

Using responses to eight questions, NRPA Park Check rates an agency’s ability to deliver quality park and recreation amenities and services to all members of a community in the future as being at “low,” “moderate” or “high” risk. Agencies that take the assessment receive a customized three-page report, which includes links to resources that an agency can use to reduce their risk profile.

To learn more about the NRPA Park Check, click here.

To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org. 

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About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.