Features
Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2019
NRPA’s analysis and fearless predictions for what will be the most significant trends in parks and recreation is now entering its fourth year.
Addressing Homelessness in Public Parks
To better understand the complexity of homelessness within public parks, we conducted a series of interviews and came to realize a need for public education is paramount.
Additional Articles
Let’s Make Parks and Recreation a Top Trending Topic
Let's make parks and recreation a top trending topic. If it is, our world will be a better place with more opportunities for large-scale beneficial changes.
Empathy Requires Understanding
In this issue we examine the balance park managers must strike between addressing the health and safety concerns associated with homelessness and remaining empathetic to their predicament.
Time to Gauge Your Performance
Make sure your agency has entered and updated its data in NRPA Park Metrics, the most comprehensive source of data standards and insights for park and recreation agencies.
Park Pulse: Parks Play a Vital Role in Saving Pollinators
Americans agree communities should make special efforts to create designated areas to support pollinators, however, they are less confident knowing what actions to take.
The ULI Case for Open Space Report
ULI recently released a report that highlights the business case for real estate professionals to incorporate parks and open spaces into development projects.
Connecting the Generations
A few years back, the staff of Lincoln Park noticed a unique opportunity to try to connect the generations with multigenerational programming.
Federal Money: Funding for Park and Recreation Projects of all Sizes
Review highlights from a few departments of various sizes and some of the federal money they have received for park and recreation projects.
City Restricted Park Food Sharing with Homeless
A nonprofit organization, alleged a city of Fort Lauderdale ordinance and a related park rule violated the First Amendment.
Recreation and Resilience
NRPA staff recently visited NYC Parks to learn how it is dealing with climate change impacts and to gather ideas for building climate resilient parks.
Fostering Healthier Communities by Creating Soccer Play Spaces
Transforming small, underutilized areas into mini-soccer pitches, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is serving communities that lack large open spaces and funding to build full-sized fields.
Breaking Ground in Baltimore for Parks Build Community 2019
President of Friends of ABC Park, the new Parks Build Community project, discusses what keeps him motivated to volunteer every day after 17 years.
Remembering Ernest W. Burkeen, Jr.
Ernest W. Burkeen, Jr. passed away in December. When we reached out to gather anecdotes from those who knew him well, the accolades began pouring in.
Get Ready for February — American Heart Month
NRPA is pleased to promote heart health by joining with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute National Institute (NHLBI) to promote American Heart Month this February.
A Governor with Roots in Parks and Recreation
Laura Kelly, who served as executive director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA), is the new governor of Kansas.
Member Benefit - Background Screening: An Opportunity, Not an Obligation
Background screening can be complicated, but it’s an important part of your safety plan.
Member Spotlight: Karla Kelley, CPRE
Karla Kelley serves as the regional manager for DC Department of Parks and Recreation. Find out what makes her job rewarding and her wish for the new year.
10 Top Fitness Trends in the New Year
How can park and recreation departments keep community members engaged and on the path to a healthier lifestyle? Consider these new fitness programming trends.
A Labor of Love
Following a fire in 2016, Leo Hennessy, trails coordinator for Idaho State Parks and Recreation, delayed retirement to see the system of yurts restored.
Parks & Recreation Crossword: 2019, January
Test your park and recreation knowledge and download NRPA's monthly crossword puzzle!