Synopsis of 2010 Research Papers: The Key Benefits
The situation facing U.S. parks is stark: A societal resource more popular and beneficial than at any time in history is pitted against those who would cut funding to these very resources.
The Synopsis of 2010 Research Papers summarizes the key categories in which parks and recreation contribute to building of healthy, vibrant communities. This white paper outlines in six main areas the latest research into the benefits provided by parks: physical health, mental health, social functioning, youth development, environment, and economic impact.
Read all available industry monographs in their entirety.
Parks and Recreation in Underserved Areas: A Public Health Perspective
In light of the urgency of the obesity epidemic and available research, it is essential for park and recreation agencies to review and reevaluate the aspects of parks that can potentially have a lasting impact on the future
of public health.
This paper takes a closer look at how park use and physical activity levels are influenced by the following
factors: distribution and access to public parks and recreation, park facilities and park conditions. Download Parks and Recreation in Underserved Areas.
Parks and Recreation: Essential Partners in Active Transportation
As our society continues to face an economic downturn, deals with increasing obesity rates, and addresses climate change conditions, active transportation begins to emerge as a viable tool to meaningfully tackle these challenges.
The advantages of active transportation are invaluable.It is for this very reason that public parks and recreation enables, supports, and advocates for active transportation infrastructure so that our communities achieve benefits that improve the overall quality of our lives. Download Essential Partners in Active Transportation.
From Interest to Commitment: The Citizen Connection—A White Paper Summary of an Open Forum at the 2010 NRPA Congress
It is generally assumed that citizen participation is a desired and necessary part of any community based initiative. At the same time, the concept is so broad that until this time there has not been a clear-cut and widely agreed upon definition of it. Read about proven successful strategies that have encouraged citizen participation in park and recreation agency events, programs and services, as well as volunteering and advocacy.
This white paper report offers park and recreation agencies insights on how to successfully engage park users and the broader public in their organizations.
Download From Interest to Commitment: The Citizen Connection.
Rejuvenating Neighborhoods and Communities through Parks—A Guide To Success
The practice of developing or redeveloping parks, and open spaces, has become a catalyst for revitalizing neighborhoods and communities, throughout the United States. This guide provides inspiration to move park projects forward while giving you strategies and techniques to ensure success.
Parks are such an essential component of livable, sustainable, communities that it is difficult to imagine a truly livable sustainable community without parks, trails, and other recreational resources and the positive changes such parks create for the entire neighborhood. Download Rejuvenating Neighborhoods and Communities through Parks—A Guide To Success.
Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges Report
The National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) in conjunction with NC State University conducted an online survey designed to provide a national perspective on parks and recreation department's fees and charges. The technical report in its entirety is available to current NRPA members through the Knowledge Center. Visit the NRPA Knowledge Center to create a profile, if you haven't already. You will be taken to the Online Learning Center and then you can click on the Knowledge Center tab.
Download the Parks and Recreation Fees and Charges Report Executive Summary.
For more information about research papers, contact Bill Beckner at 703.858.2142