Features
Parks and Recreation: A Lifetime of Discovery
This July, we’re celebrating A Lifetime of Discovery, and we want to explore all the amazing programs and services your local park and recreation centers offer.
Detroit's Rebirth
How community activists, nonprofits, crowdfunding partners, and state and city park and recreation agencies are reinvigorating their city.
10-Minute Walk Campaign: Celebrating Mayors and Cities Leading the Way
Read updates from the first 12 cities to participate in technical assistance for the 10-Minute Walk campaign and see why nearly 200 mayors have signed on to improving park access and quality in their cities.
Bringing Riverside Regional Park into the 21st Century
In November 2017, Indy Parks and Recreation completed a master plan for Riverside Regional Park in Indianapolis. Learn how the 20-year implementation strategy will propel the park into the future.
Additional Articles
It’s Park and Recreation Month — Let’s Celebrate
Sometimes we get so serious about the business of parks and recreation that we forget to celebrate the many joys that parks bring to our lives.
Unplug and Play
Given today’s tech-obsessed world, we often find ourselves glued to our small screens, while forgetting that there’s a whole world outside waiting to be discovered.
What Park Metrics Tells Us About Urban Agencies
The only way to truly understand how your park and recreation agency compares to its peers is to interact with the NRPA Park Metrics and report resources.
Park Pulse: Bridging Technology and Nature Connects Children to Parks
Merging tech and nature will increase children’s desire to go to parks.
A Conversation with Peter Kageyama
An internationally sought-after community development consultant and grassroots engagement strategist will be the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference keynote speaker at the Opening General Session.
‘The Year of the Woman’
Among the sessions offered at this year’s conference, several are aimed at increasing our understanding of the role of women, past and present, in parks and recreation.
2018 NRPA Annual Conference Exhibit Hall Highlights
The 2018 NRPA Exhibit Hall provides a spectacular display of more than 450 exhibitors that is sure to provide you with awesome ideas and solutions for all your needs.
Leadership Changes at NRPA
NRPA president and CEO, Barbara Tulipane, CAE, recently announced her retirement. Board of Directors welcomes new chair along with three new board members.
NRPA Hosts Oklahoma City Innovation Lab
In May, NRPA convened its 10th Innovation Lab, which brought together leaders inside and outside of parks and recreation to explore how the field impacts regional economic competitiveness and quality of life.
Keep Pressuring Congress About LWCF Reauthorization
Now is the time to learn more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund and some easy steps to ensure that this program continues.
Governmental Immunity for Park Security Policy
Absolute governmental immunity has been abolished in most jurisdictions and replaced by a state tort claims act or similar statutory framework.
Conservation Education and Recreational Opportunities in Lenexa, Kansas
Lenexa’s Rain to Recreation program was developed in 2000 and is a nationally recognized infrastructure and community education initiative. Learn about the opportunities the program presents.
Pathways to Play
As the creators of park experiences, how can we better engage with children and families and encourage greater use when designing paths and trails? For the second year, NRPA and Disney issued that challenge to park and recreation agencies across the country.
Social Equity, Parks and Gentrification
There is a concern that park investments can lead to displacement of existing residents by attracting new, wealthier residents and increasing property values, a process called gentrification.
Congratulations! to the 2018 Innovation and Spotlight Awards Recipients
New this year, the NRPA Innovation Awards recognize park and recreation agencies nationwide that have improved and empowered their communities through innovative practices in park design, health and wellness, conservation and social equity.
The Passing of Two Trailblazers in Parks and Recreation
NRPA celebrates the lives of two trailblazers in the parks and recreation field.
$2 Million for Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects
Applications are now being accepted for grant funding that will support green stormwater infrastructure projects in 10–12 U.S. communities.
Building Healthy Communities with Family Health & Fitness Day
Together, we are bringing awareness to the important role of parks and recreation in building healthy, active communities. #NRPAFamilyFitDay
August: The Best Month to Champion Your Park
On August 3, members of Congress will head home for the summer to connect with constituents for an entire month — a huge opportunity for your agency!
How to Get the Most Value for Your Park & Recreation Spend
By aggregating the purchasing power of public agencies nationwide, a government purchasing cooperative, like U.S. Communities, can help reduce costs and provide access to top-quality suppliers through competitively solicited contracts.
Member Spotlight: Max Madalinski
Madalinski didn’t anticipate a career in parks and recreation. However, an opening for an associate parks project coordinator eventually, led him to the field he is still enjoying.
Parks & Recreation Crossword: 2018, July
Test your park and recreation knowledge and download NRPA's monthly crossword puzzle!
‘LEDucation’: Helping Municipalities Make the Switch to LED Lighting
Even though LED lights serve the same purpose as legacy lighting products, the technological advances have made old design requirements as antiquated as the metal halide fixtures.
The EPA-Compliant Way to Dispose of Fluorescent Lamps
What is the proper way to dispose of these lamps when they have come to the end of their practical life?
Water Safety
With the help of essential partners, the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is making sure its residents have the opportunity to learn how to swim.