2015 was a big year for NRPA. We celebrated our 50th anniversary and culminated the observation with an incredibly successful Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Close to 7,500 dedicated park and recreation professionals converged for three days of education, inspiration, play and networking, underscored by an important message repeatedly communicated to us throughout the event: Our work matters.
Not just in terms of keeping our playgrounds up to code and our swimming pools free of gunk — park and recreation professionals provide safe haven, education, nutrition and increased health and wellness through the facilities and programming we provide. Because we show up every day, committed to our important work, the people we serve have a greater chance of living longer, healthier lives. If there was any doubt as to the veracity of this statement, it was erased by the remarks of United States Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, who spoke during the Opening General Session. So essential is our role in fighting preventable chronic disease and supporting wellness that America’s top doctor felt it important to personally extend his hand in partnership for cultivating a healthier America. “We are part of a movement to educate friends and neighbors that fighting for green spaces is nothing less than a public health battle,” he said. “I’m ready to stand with you as a partner in public health.”
Buoyed by such remarks, the following days of site visits, education, exhibit hall displays and networking opportunities took on a special meaning for many of us. This year, we renewed our certifications and earned CEUs not just for our own professional advancement, but also on behalf of the very welfare of our communities. Many education sessions focused on the myriad aspects of Social Equity and what that means as an NRPA Pillar, in practice and in planning for future programming and facilities. The Health and Wellness Pillar was fully represented, with dozens of sessions and exhibitors extolling the benefits of quality programming and amenities. Conservation also made a strong showing with our magical monarch butterfly release and several education sessions focused on connecting children to nature, among other topics. Our big Parks Build Community reveal at Joe Kneip Park in North Las Vegas showed how the Three Pillars work in concert, providing a top-notch park and playground for a largely underserved community that will offer opportunities to exercise, appreciate open green space and socialize with neighbors.
As in past years, NRPA leadership and staff cherish the opportunity to spend these days with members, educators, researchers, vendors and visitors who share in our mission to advance parks and recreation for the benefit of all.
In the meantime, let Surgeon General Murthy’s words continue to inspire as you go about your important work: “We face big challenges that threaten our health and future — never believe that these are bigger than our collective will. If we work together, every day, we can build the infrastructure our communities deserve to remain healthy for generations to come.”