Features
The Youth Vaping Epidemic
This nationwide crisis has prompted park agencies across the country to partner with their public health agencies to sound the alarm about youth vaping.
Measles: The Childhood Scourge Is Back
Today, the United States is seeing the greatest number of measles cases since it was declared eradicated in 2000.
Keep America Beautiful® 'Cigarette Litter Prevention Program'
Take a look at how this initiative is changing littering behaviors and read a few of the success stories.
From Dream to National Treasure: The Great American Rail-Trail
The Great American Rail-Trail™ aims to create a multi-use path across the country and a legacy for generations of Americans. At more than 3,700 miles, it will be separated from roads for its entirety.
Additional Articles
Park Afterschool Programs: A Vital Community Resource
NRPA’s Chair of the Board of Directors shares his thoughts on the benefits and importance of afterschool programs.
Déjà vu
In the midst of some pretty weighty issues, there are things we can and are doing to not only improve the health of our communities, but also of our environment.
Letters to the Editor
Readers’ comments on “Recycling Is Dead: Now What?" and “What Happens When Pay-to-Play Replaces Public Parks and Recreation Programs?"
Summer (Meals) Time!
This summer, Congress is reviewing the federal programs that help NRPA members provide the food for the bodies and minds of the kids we serve.
Gun Show in Park Rental Facility Not 'Family Entertainment'
In the featured case, the city of Fort Lauderdale decided not to honor an auditorium reservation for a gun show, because the multipurpose rental facility is within a “family friendly” public park.
Growing Urban Conservationists
City leaders are working to ensure that outdoor experiences aren’t limited only to people who own land, can travel easily or whose neighborhoods abound with nature-rich parks.
This Pride Month Make a Commitment to Being LGBTQ Affirming
People who identify as LGBTQ are already coming to your facilities and even more want to, so making affirming changes will help them feel more welcomed.
Connecting Communities Through Farmers Markets
Our most recent research study looks at the role of farmers markets hosted by park and recreation agencies in local communities.
Park Pulse - Does Access to Recreation Centers Enhance Communities?
Does Having Easy Access to Low-Cost/No-Cost Fitness and Educational Opportunities, such as Those at Local Recreation or Community Centers, Enhance Your Community?
Special Olympics — Look at Us Now
For the past 50 years, Special Olympics has provided quality sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Learn how to support their vision in your community!
Parks and Recreation and Healthcare Partnerships
In many communities, parks and recreation is leading community-integrated health strategies by formally (and informally) partnering with healthcare entities to improve community health.
Grant Opportunities Create Possibility in Chanute, Kansas
Four years ago, a small but very significant grant started a chain reaction that has impacted the Chanute Recreation Commission and the town of Chanute, Kansas in exciting ways!
Meet Me at the Park Brings Healthy Living to Local Communities
Adding to the success of the past two years, the 2019 program is expected to exceed NRPA and Disney’s goal of providing 1 million kids and families with greater access to play.
Parks and Recreation's Secret Superpower
Attend the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference to learn more about the idea of parks and recreation as a tonic for mental health challenges in related education sessions.
Get Out and Explore Baltimore and DC!
During the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference, discover Baltimore’s rich history and culture through several Off-Site Institutes and Leisure Tours and Activities.
The 2019 Gold Medal Awards Finalists
AAPRA, in partnership with NRPA, is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2019 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
The Baltimore Pre-Conference Workshops
Dive into this year’s educational opportunities in Baltimore, Maryland, by attending a pre-conference workshop on Monday, September 23.
Kenneth J. Smithee: A Life Dedicated to Parks and Recreation
Ken Smithee was not only a pioneer in the field, but he also touched the lives of many along the way.
Parks & Recreation Against the World!
Parks & Recreation magazine was a finalist in more than a dozen categories for the 67th Annual Maggie Awards.
Connect Hot Topics
Check out one of the topics being discussed this month: Memorial Park Bench Programs
Member Benefit: Check Out the NRPA-Sponsored Insurance Plans
NRPA offers its members risk management solutions through NRPA-sponsored insurance programs, provided by K&K Insurance.
Member Spotlight: Molly Lanphier
Read our interview with Molly Lanphier, community outreach director for Anchorage Park Foundation in Alaska.
Parks & Recreation Crossword: 2019, June
Test your park and recreation knowledge and download NRPA's monthly crossword puzzle!
Professional Development Calendar
NRPA Directors School, an exclusive, two-year professional development opportunity that prepares new and potential park and recreation directors to be effective leaders, will take place August 18–22.
Protect Your Parks and Your People
Local park and rec departments are now asking themselves how they would react if a mass shooting event were to occur in a public park or facility.
Berea Kids Eat
Berea Kids Eat, the first college-sponsored USDA Child Nutrition program, provides summer and afterschool community meal opportunities to youth ages 18 and under at dozens of community sites in Berea, Kentucky.