Features
Interactive Art Inspires Imaginative, Open-Ended Play
Play sculptures marry high-concept art with durable and inviting play spaces.
Playscape for Austin, Texas Neighborhood
The recently opened NatureGrounds playscape at Dove Springs Park in Austin, Texas, helps to reconnect children and families with nature.
Inclusively Different Play
The Clubhouse at Boyce Mayview Park offers a play experience for children of all ability levels.
A Woodland Adventure at Amelia Earhart Park
A man-made island is transformed into an outdoor play wonderland.
Outdoor Fitness in Aiken, South Carolina
For residents of Aiken, South Carolina, a gym-quality workout is as accessible and affordable as a walk in the park.
Play With Psychological Payoff
Playing with attunement and brain psychology in mind can turn a trip to the neighborhood playground into an important tool for child development.
A Garden Transformation
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is a testament to how a little creative thinking can transform a one-season park into a year-round attraction.
Music and the Power of Community
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” Gordon “Tex” and Marion Vinyard, and Vinyard Park.
The Silver Rainbow: Societal Challenges Facing LGBTQ Seniors
Parks and recreation agencies are in a great position to support LGBTQ seniors with thoughtful programming and open dialogue.
Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation: Including Everyone in the Fun
Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation’s inclusive playback troupe uses improv theater to create a vibrant, supportive atmosphere where players of all abilities can join in the fun.
Meeting a Community’s Modern Needs
The Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex shakes up the traditional rec center paradigm to create a multigenerational facility that appeals to everyone.
Riding the Roller Coaster of Play
After almost disappearing from the scene starting in the 1980s, play as a normal part of children’s lives and their development is making a comeback. Why and what does it look like now?
Researching the Future
NRPA’s revamped PRORAGIS 2.0 tool and forthcoming GIS capabilities represent the next evolution in research for our field.
Meet Parks & Recreation’s Advisory Board
Meet the entrepreneurs, park and recreation professionals, architects and academics who’ve agreed to lend their time, voice and insights to keep Parks & Recreation at the cutting edge of news and trends affecting our industry.
National Award, Fellowship and Scholarship Recipients Announced
Join NRPA in congratulating the winners of the 2015 NRPA National Awards, Diversity Scholarship, Student Scholarship and Young Professional Fellowship.
Cram Your Cranium at the NRPA Annual Conference
NRPA has your education needs covered at this year’s Annual Conference.
2015 NRPA Annual Conference Exhibit Hall Highlights
There’s lots to see and do in the exhibit hall at the 2015 NRPA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Penalosa Effect
Gil Penalosa, through his 8 80 Cities initiative, is helping to change the way the world uses and builds its cities.
The Future Leaders of NRPA
These five young professionals represent the future of the field of parks and recreation.
Tony Mobley: The Youngest NRPA President
Tony Mobley shares his thoughts about NRPA’s past, present and future.
R. Dean Tice: NRPA’s Most-Traveled Executive Director
R. Dean Tice shares his thoughts about NRPA’s past, present and future.
Robert Toalson: NRPA’s 24th President
Robert Toalson shares his thoughts about NRPA’s past, present and future.
Jim Peterson: NRPA’s First Program Chair
Jim Peterson shares his thoughts about NRPA’s past, present and future.
The Birth of the Urban Park and Recreation Association
The unique needs of urban parks have been an important focus for NRPA since the inception of the Urban Parks and Recreation Association in 1972.
What’s in an Anniversary?
NRPA President and CEO Barbara Tulipane, CAE, sees a hopeful future for NRPA, its mission and its members.
NRPA: Continuing the Journey
A look back at NRPA’s 50-year history reveals not just the journey already taken, but the path that lies ahead in our mission to support parks and recreation for all.
Additional Articles
The EPA and Parks, Environmental Justice and the Disposable of Society
How can the EPA help to improve access to parks and recreation and the health, environment and resiliency of communities of color and low income communities?
Future Trends in Health and Wellness
NRPA has been tracking four significant trends we believe will shape the future of health and wellness for parks and recreation. Learn what you need to do now to begin planning for the future needs of your communities.
Natural Condition Immunity for Campsite Tree Injury
Can a park be held liable if, while camping, you sustain injuries from a tree falling on your tent?
The Summer of Park Champion Advocacy
Less than a year in and through our revamped Parks Champion advocacy efforts, we’re seeing some innovative and creative ways members are using to engage their local legislators.
Child’s Play(time)
Decades ago, as today, playgrounds were inspiring young children to use their imaginations and create their own worlds through play.
Throwback to the Beginning: June 1965
In honor of NRPA’s 50th anniversary, we journey back to the year the organization came together to examine author Ronald F. Paige’s plea for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
NRPA Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Publishing and Editorial Director Gina Mullins-Cohen agrees change is hard, but it’s also necessary.
The Value of Play
NRPA’s Chair of the Board of Directors Detrick L. Stanford, CPRP, explores how the perception of the value of play has changed over the years.