Features
Trailblazers
Mountain bikers and park agencies often butt heads over illegally built trail systems, but some have found ways to collaborate and create exciting networks available to all.
Thinking Beyond the Borders
A recent roundtable discussion hosted by NRPA and the American Planning Association generated new ideas on the role parks play in shaping successful cities and how park and recreation professionals can contribute to solving urban problems.
Connecting Children and Families to Nature
Natural playscapes offer an organic alternative play environment to promote creativity and encourage the development of a conservation consciousness.
Additional Articles
Egg-Ceptional Ideas
An Easter egg hunt for people with intellectual disabilities offers collaborative opportunities for local agencies and brings the community together.
Changing Gears for the Trail Ahead
Parks & Recreation Magazine’s publisher talks about two feature articles in this month’s issues and how their implications can affect parks and recreation nationwide.
Unplugged Connections
NRPA’s chair of the board of directors gives his thoughts on how parks can renew spirits and how NRPA’s Congress can similarly rejuvenate park and recreation professionals.
Meet the Mayor: Knoxville, Tennessee’s Madeline Rogero
Knoxville, Tennessee’s Mayor Madeline Rogero is a dedicated supporter of her city’s parks and works with a variety of partners to ensure that Knoxvillians have access to the many natural resources the city provides.
Pow!-erful Fun
A comic-themed playground in Maryland invites children to use their imaginations and get creative during playtime.
Turf and Concussions: Maintenance for Safety’s Sake
Properly maintained artificial turf can greatly reduce the chances of concussions and other injuries for players in your park and recreation facilities.
Professional Development Planner
NRPA is dedicated to providing learning opportunities to advance the development of best practices and resources that make parks and recreation indispensable elements of American communities.
Member Spotlight: Daniel Sheridan
Daniel Sheridan, artistic director of the Davenport Junior theater and performing arts supervisor for Davenport Parks and Recreation in Iowa, shares his thoughts on the unique combination of arts and parks.
Staff Spotlight: Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro
Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, NRPA’s vice president of membership, professional development and research, looks back on her 10 years with NRPA as she prepares to move on to a new opportunity.
Summer Activity Planning is Easy With U.S. Family Guides
Check out NRPA’s latest benefit exclusively for Premier members.
CAPRA Updates
If your agency is accredited or in the process of becoming accredited by CAPRA, make sure you check out this timeline for the implementation of the new 2014 Standards.
Network Volunteers Needed
If you’re looking for a way to give back to your field, consider volunteering as a Network Leader.
NRPA Staff Celebrate Earth Week
NRPA staff celebrated Earth Day with a full week of activities geared at giving back to our natural environment.
PRORAGIS and Trails
Active transportation options, including trails, show strongly in PRORAGIS data, which ties in with recent research and legislative options promoting their significance and continued growth.
How Will You Celebrate OUT is IN?
July is Park and Recreation Month, and this year, going outside is in style.
Trails to Trails
The careful teamwork of three agencies connects trails and communities and increases family outdoor recreation opportunities.
Reflections on Working in Different Park Systems
Judy Weiss, CPRE, the director of Arizona’s Coconino County Parks and Recreation, shares her perspective on working in large and small park systems and the variety of challenges and opportunities presented by each.
Wait! Stop! Don’t Go!
Losing employees or afraid you might? Check out these tips for retaining your valuable team members.
Federal Flood-Control Immunity: Slippery When Wet
When a park visitor is injured at a flood-control lake, is the park protected by the Flood Control Act?
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Citizens with Disabilities
Parks and recreation in Utah’s Salt Lake County have developed an inclusive buddy pass system to promote active participation among community members with disabilities.
Young Adults and Trails: A Relationship that Continues to Develop and Grow
Trails are critical recreation outlets for young adults, so it’s important that park professionals and legislators alike continue to provide support for keeping these significant pathways open for all.
Connecting to Nature through Watchable Wildlife
Want to help connect kids to wildlife but don’t know how? Check out these five tips to help you turn an outdoor excursion into a wildlife-watching adventure.
Back To The Future
Lakeside at Prospect Park brings year-round recreation and increased access to green space to Brooklyn residents while restoring some original features of one of the area’s most-loved parks.
Frosty Competition
The Arctic Winter Games offer northern athletes a chance to contend for top honors and keep traditional sports alive.
Toward 10 Million Kids Outdoors
Get an update on the progress of NRPA’s campaign to get 10 Million Kids Outdoors over three years.
The State of Transportation in Congress
An Oregon congressman invested in federal transportation initiatives shares his insight on the current status of relevant legislation and what the future holds.