Features
The 2017 DoD Warrior Games Invade Chicago
The Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games, a Paralympic-style sports competition for seriously wounded, ill or injured post-9/11 service members and veterans, took place this summer in Chicago, Illinois.
Healthy Military Families
Recognition of the challenges that families experience during the deployment of their loved ones who are in the military led to collaborative research on how participating in Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities at Fort Riley, Kansas, can promote resilience in spouses of deployed military members.
Inspiration in the Big Easy
Nearly 8,000 park and recreation professionals gathered in the Big Easy in September for the 2017 NRPA Annual Conference, and it was one for the record books!
Additional Articles
Reimagining Conservation: The Next 100 Years
The Next 100 Coalition seeks green justice in the neighborhoods where people of color and low income live, learn, work, play, pray and age.
Recreation Centers Play an Important Role in Communities Nationwide
This month's Park Pulse poll takes a closer look at the various nontraditional services Americans would like to see offered by their recreation centers.
NRPA's Americans' Engagement with Parks Survey Report Released
The latest edition of this report paints a robust picture of the role parks and recreation plays in our communities and highlights the most important priorities Americans place on their local agencies.
Because Everyone Deserves a Great Park!
Perhaps no other country in the world has the rich heritage of national, state and local parks that we do in America. We love our parks.
Hooping for Hearts
Each year, the American Heart Association and the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) sponsor their annual Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart fundraising events.
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay
Given its unique location, providing recreational activities at NSGB comes with challenges in facilities management, training and programming.
Improving Military Readiness Through Physical Activity
Physical activity provides many health and fitness benefits, such as improved body composition, aerobic and muscular fitness, balance and flexibility, which can contribute to military readiness.
A Place to Heal
When a local landscaper awoke the morning after the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas, still struggling with emotions about the tragedy, he had the idea of a pop-up park as a memorial.
Conference Sessions Available Online
The NRPA Annual Conference in New Orleans is now over, but the concepts that were shared during the conference live on.
Member Spotlight: Carol Potter
Carol Potter, who recently retired from the Department of Defense (DoD) after more than 33 years, was the assistant director of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) policy within the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy.
A One-Stop Shop for Arts & Crafts Supplies
Fun Express has eliminated the sometimes long and drawn out process of searching multiple websites and going store-to-store to find just the right items at just the right price for your program needs.
NRPA's Roland Richardson Among NAAEE's 30 Under 30
The NAAEE 30 Under 30 program recognizes individuals in the United States and internationally, 30 years of age or younger, who are game changers in their community.
Taos Land Trust to Carry Out Water Restoration Project Along the Rio Grande
The Taos Land Trust recently received a $575,000 grant from NRPA, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, to support its water restoration project along a portion of the Rio Grande.
NRPA's Board of Directors: Looking for a Few Good Candidates
The NRPA Board of Directors is seeking individuals with experience in one or more of NRPA’s Three Pillars: Health and Wellness, Conservation and Social Equity.
TPL, NRPA and the ULI Launch a 10-Minute Walk Campaign
Through this historic parks-advocacy campaign, these organizations, in collaboration with the nation’s mayors, will work to ensure that everyone in the United States lives within a 10-minute walk (or half-mile) of a high-quality park or green space.
The San Diego Park and Recreation's Veterans Program: A New Battlefield
San Diego is home to the nation’s largest concentration of military personnel, with some 95,000 veterans. Since there is a large military presence, the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department, Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) wanted to provide recreational opportunities for injured service members/veterans.
Park Permit for Location-Based 'Pokémon Go' Games
Pokémon Go arrived on the scene in July 2016 and, across the country, the unanticipated popularity drew thousands of visitors to public parks and places to play the game.
Advice to Young Professionals on Creating a Successful Department
Taking over a new department or an underachieving one can be challenging for young professionals. However, following these tips will at least help better prepare you to embark on your journey as a future leader in our industry.
Thank You for Your Service
In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, we proudly devote this month’s issue to the military.
Making Stormwater Great - for the First Time
In the world of stormwater, the search continues for a simple solution to its management. That solution will no doubt include partnerships with state and municipal parks.
I Am a Park & Rec Kid!
The experiences and trainings from working in parks and recreation were all very valuable life skills, and recently, the value of one of those skills was realized during a very critical situation.
The Single Marine Program
In 1995, the Marine Corps established the Single Marine Program (SMP), which was designed to address concerns that many young, single Marines were unhappy with overall Marine Corps life.
A Park Champions Smackdown
This month, we’re highlighting the amazing finalists who tapped into the Park Champion initiative to invite their members of Congress to an event highlighting their parks and programs.
What to Expect as a First-Time Speaker at the NRPA Annual Conference
As a first-time speaker at 2017 NRPA Annual Conference in New Orleans I learned what it takes to make an impact on the audience and how rewarding it can be.
Parks & Recreation Crossword
Test your park and recreation knowledge and download NRPA's monthly crossword puzzle!