Features
The Right Tools for the Job
Engage your community and teach them about the importance of parks and recreation with new America's Backyard Tool Kits from NRPA.
Additional Articles
Water—The Lifeblood of Parks and Recreation
A look at aquatics facilities and discounts on safety providers
NRF Spotlight
As part of an ongoing series on the National Recreation Foundation, Parks & Recreation highlights grant recipients for the foundation’s program benefitting at-risk youths. This month features programs from Illinois, San Francisco, New York, Texas, and Connecticut.
Did City Ballfield Permits Favor Religious Schools?
Field permit assignment system for public v. Catholic schools questioned
Grand History Trail—York County, Pennsylvania
The concept of the Grand History Trail, a long-distance trail linking significant historic locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, was conceived by Don Gogniat, former vice-chair of the York County Rail Trail Authority. While not a “done deal” yet, the trail planning has gained national organizational supporters and significant regional and local support.
A Case Study of Playground Accessibility
The universal attractiveness of universally accessible play environments
Playing It Too Safe?
What's lost in the debate about whether or not playgrounds can be too safe is whether kids are even getting enough unstructured playtime outside at all.
Our Brand Promise
America's Backyard material kits will combine national branding with local messages to build a grassroots campaign for parks across the country.
Networking—What is the Real Meaning?
Connecting with your professional peers can come in a variety of forms, all of which can help you move forward in your career.
Chris Nunes
Chris Nunes, who serves as chair of the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional Committee, shares his advice for prospective CPRP candidates.
Gold Rush
As the 2012 London Olympic Games begin, an untold number of the 529 U.S. athletes learned their sport in public and military recreation programs. Some past, future, and current Olympic athletes with roots in public recreation programs reflect on their journeys and how public and military recreation has helped guide their careers.
Cunningham Park, Joplin, Missouri
Even a violent tornado, record-breaking in its destruction, isn't enough to smother this midwestern community's dedication to providing safe places for families to gather and play.
Parks Build Community Project Takes Shape in Los Angeles
In conjunction with the annual Congress meeting this October in Anaheim, California, NRPA and its partners are joining community organizers in nearby LA to bring an exciting new park to a neighborhood in need of a safe place to play.
A Visionary Honored
The City of Portland, Oregon, honors former Director of Parks and Recreation Charles Jordan with a community center bearing his legacy both in name and existence.
The Long Slog
Economic curveballs have affected everyone in the past few years, and parks and recreation agencies certainly aren't immune. Fortunately, the light at the end of the tunnel may be closer than you realize.
Should Parks and Recreation Care about Climate Change?
Climate change will impact parks just when we need them most.
Aiken, South Carolina
The parks, recreation, and tourism department in this southern gem of a town provides its citizens with world-class performing arts as well as more traditional activities.
Congressional Caucuses Help Our Cause
Congressional members often ally into groups known as caucuses to work together for a common goal. Many caucuses are directly related to parks and recreation and can help you with your agency's current issues. Here's what you need to know.