Features
Adventure Parks: Breaking the Fear Factor
Park and recreation agencies can bring developmental and cognitive benefits to their communities by incorporating adventure elements into their systems.
Greening Without Gentrification
Learn about recommendations for greening communities without displacing vulnerable residents.
Additional Articles
Innovation Requires Vision and Forethought
As park planners, we need to bring our residents, community stakeholders and elected officials to the table for broader conversations about wants, needs and challenges.
The Importance of Conscious Design
At the core of our design process should always be the questions, “Who is this for?” and “How am I helping?”
NRPA's Green Infrastructure Evaluation Framework
This online resource gives park professionals the tools and information they need to evaluate the community benefits of their GSI projects in parks.
Park and Rec Sponsored Holiday Events Celebrate People of All Cultures
Check out the survey results…
Anatomy of a Great Fireworks Display
Agencies should take full control of their fireworks displays to ensure a successful event for their community. Learn how!
Federal Transportation Bill on Tap
Safe Routes to Parks’ top two congressional funding priorities include active transportation routes and safety.
Gender and Age Discrimination Claim in Park Promotion
In this month’s Law Review, the plaintiff was denied a promotion and claims discrimination based on age and gender.
Keeping It Real: A Different Approach to Discussing the Social Determinants of Health
Get to the heart of what “social determinants of health” really means, and what role parks and recreation can play.
Can a Walk in the Park Put You in a Holiday Mood?
Twitter study shows the greener the urban green space, the more cheerful people become.
Community Engagement Best Practices
These NRPA resources help agencies increase engagement, equity and inclusion.
Meet Me at the Park Surpasses Goal
More than one million children and families now have increased access to play and physical activity at a result of the campaign.
NRPA and American Water Partner on the Building Better Communities Program
Read about the water-inspired play area projects planned in two grantee communities.
NRPA Awards Grant to Support Equitable Access to Parks
Ten communities will receive 10 Minute Walk grant funding to help increase access to quality parks close to home.
Exhibitors Donate Materials After 2019 Conference
Following the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, many exhibitors generously donated materials to help local organizations in need.
NRPA Award Applications Open in January
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to validate the great work you do and show decision makers the intrinsic value of your work with an NRPA Award.
First Day Hikes
This annual program connects state park visitors with guided hikes to inspire a connection with nature at a time of year not typically associated with outdoor recreation.
Member Benefit: Protect Yourself — NRPA Insurance Discount Programs through K&K Insurance
The NRPA offers members risk management solutions through NRPA-sponsored insurance programs.
Connect Hot Topics
Several NRPA members provide thoughtful suggestions to a college senior seeking advice on finding an entry level job in parks and recreation.
Member Spotlight: Jende Smith, CPRP, AFO
Parks & Recreation recently spoke with Smith to learn about her career in aquatics and how she keeps up with the field.
Professional Development Calendar
Registration is currently open for several upcoming partner schools, which offer high-level education and networking experiences at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Using Grant Funding for Your Aquatic Facility's AOP Sanitation
Utility providers offer grants that incentivize aquatic facilities to switch to more energy efficient solutions.
Parks & Recreation Crossword: 2019, December
Test your park and recreation knowledge and download NRPA's monthly crossword puzzle!
Friendship Bench
This ThriveNYC program invites anyone to sit down on a public bench to talk about whatever’s weighing on their mind in order to improve mental health.