Features

PlayGrand Adventures Is Leveling the Playing Field

A study of this all-abilities playground uncovers valuable data for inclusive park design, community engagement and fundraising.

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Infusing Art and Play

Learn how birds inspired St. Paul, Minnesota’s newly transformed Western Sculpture Park.

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Management Challenges in Park and Recreation Agencies

A management survey identifies 10 primary challenges facing park and recreation agencies.

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Additional Articles

Measuring the Value of Parks

Quantifying the value of our parks with research and data helps amplify our story of the importance of parks.

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Research Presents the Bigger Picture

Research and evaluation enable us to make more informed decisions, especially when investing in parks and recreation.

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It’s All About Play

A new revision to the Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use (F1487) playground standard references additional surfacing standards.

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A Journey to Accreditation and Excellence

The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services reflects on its path toward CAPRA accreditation.

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Giving Tuesday: Join the Generosity Movement on November 30

Express your passion and love for parks and recreation by visiting nrpa.org/Donate.

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AAPRA Honors 2021 Pugsley Medal Recipients

Discover which prominent park and recreation leaders were recognized.

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NRPA’s Brenda Camacho Named a DCA Live Non Profit CFO Star of 2021

This recognition honors CFOs in the Washington, D.C., area who have made extraordinary contributions to the growth and health of their organizations these past 12 months.

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Meet the 2021-2022 NRPA Board of Directors’ Executive Committee

We are excited to introduce the 2021-2022 NRPA Board of Directors officers.

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Jack Kardys Leaves NRPA Board After Seven Years of Service

The former chair of the NRPA board has made numerous contributions to the field.

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Park and Recreation Pioneer Leaves a Legacy in South Carolina

Conservationist and philanthropist Anne Springs Close passed away in August 2021.

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Research Shows That Inequitable Access to Parks Remains a Barrier to Lifesaving Benefits

Discover other key findings from the 2021 NRPA Engagement With Parks Report.

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People Value Trails Provided by Parks and Recreation

Three in four U.S. adults want public walking, hiking and biking trails close to home.

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Who Is Responsible for Selecting the Interpretation of Equity That a Park and Recreation Department Adopts?

The prevailing patterns of park and recreation services will be the result of actions from three sets of actors.

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Advocacy Makes a Difference, But Where Do We Start?

NRPA works to foster and support this important work by providing relevant information, salient resources, and additional expertise and capacity to our members.

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Building Resilience in Your Community

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, building resilience requires safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments.

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Public Accessibility for Transgender Populations

Parks and recreation has a responsibility to ensure that all people are respected and have access to the amenities, services and environments afforded to dominant groups.

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Parks and Recreation and the South Atlantic Conservation Blueprint

The Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS) is working with the broader conservation community to develop a cross-boundary plan to address climate change.

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Ordinance Prohibits Public Female Toplessness

In the case of Eline v. Town of Ocean City, an ordinance prohibiting female toplessness was challenged by five women.

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Increasing Efficient Communication With Recreation Management Software

Understand how three features included in your software can help you continue connecting with and supporting your community.

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When a Small Idea Glows Bright

Recently, the Vinton (Iowa) Parks and Recreation Department completed a two-mile paved trail with a bright new feature.

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