Volunteering Cultivates Community and Belonging
By Edward Matthews, MLS, CPRP, AFO | Posted on April 26, 2024
Volunteering is a cornerstone of promoting societal well-being, fostering connections, building communities and enriching lives. NRPA stands as a beacon, advocating for the significance of volunteering and offering avenues for individuals to improve their communities.
Celebrating National Volunteer Week
By Michael J. Kalvort, CPRE | Posted on April 24, 2024
Michael Kalvort explores the importance of volunteering and lists some ways to get involved right away.
This Earth Month Let’s Celebrate Park and Recreation Professionals as Climate Heroes
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on April 4, 2024
April is Earth Month — the perfect time to engage community members in park cleanups and park improvement projects. Whether it’s planting trees or creating pollinator habitats, hosting outdoor activities to connect communities to nature, or fostering community engagement through environmental initiatives, park and recreation professionals are the driving force behind transformative change in our public spaces.
Federal Earmarks Process — How to Win Funding for Local Park Initiatives
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on March 5, 2024
Your NRPA Public Policy and Advocacy team is here to help you make sense of the new federal fiscal year appropriations process. Whether you submitted a request for funding last year or you’re reading about this opportunity for the first time, here’s all the information you’ll need to successfully submit a project request with your congressional representatives.
Park Champions Advocate for Vibrant Communities
By Dan McCarthy | Posted on February 12, 2024
The Park Champions Initiative is a rallying call to individuals and communities to stand up for their local parks, from passionate community leaders to environmentally conscious citizens.
A Personalized and Flexible Approach to Continuous Learning in 2024
By NRPA Professional Development Team | Posted on January 4, 2024
In 2024, park and recreation professionals can look forward to opportunities from NRPA to learn at their own pace and focus on areas most relevant to them.
Launching the American Climate Corps
By Elyse Gentile and Kyle Simpson | Posted on September 27, 2023
Last week, President Joe Biden announced the launch of the American Climate Corps, which will allow approximately 20,000 young people to participate in workforce training and service initiatives in the clean energy, conservation and climate resiliency fields.
New Coalition Ensures San Francisco's Park System Flourishes
By Jake Ramirez | Posted on September 21, 2023
The San Francisco Parks Alliance is launching two affiliate organizations to help achieve its mission of creating, sustaining and advocating for San Francisco’s parks and public spaces.
Celebrating and Growing Our Public Sector Workforce
By Sara Agate, MPH, Esq. | Posted on May 31, 2023
Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated the first week of May since 1985, honors the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees.
New Study Shows Benefits Exceed Park Costs
By Austin Barrett and Kevin Roth | Posted on April 28, 2023
While telling the story of your local park and recreation agency is vital to advocacy, so is having solid research to rely on. The good news is that there is growing evidence of parks and recreation’s economic power.
Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation Doesn’t Reflect Parks and Recreation’s Values
By Allison Colman, Autumn Saxton-Ross and Kyle Simpson | Posted on April 26, 2023
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 734, a federal ban on transgender and intersex sports, challenging the very mission, vision and core values of NRPA.
A Look Back: Environmental Attitudes 50 Years in the Making
By Lindsay Collins | Posted on April 17, 2023
In the April 1973 issue of Parks & Recreation magazine — 50 Earth Months ago — contributor Lloyd Barnhart authored an article titled, “Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Attitudes.” As the landscapes — literal and figurative — continue to change 50 years later, how are environmental attitudes and solutions changing with them?
The Future of Work
By Sara Agate, MPH, Esq. | Posted on March 24, 2023
Sara Agate shares findings an predictions that could spark a new way of thinking and adapting when it comes to solving workforce problems in the public sector, e.g., parks and recreation.
Three Tips for Working With Your Local City Council
By Laura Tobler | Posted on March 23, 2023
It can often seem that your city council is a mystical being that makes choices for you. Here are some tips for how to successfully work with your local city council.
Federal Earmarks Process — How to Win Funding for Local Park Initiatives
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on February 3, 2023
Whether you submitted a request for federal funding last year or you’re reading about this opportunity for the first time, here’s all the information you’ll need to successfully submit a project request with your congressional representatives.
White House Conference on Hunger, Health, and Nutrition: Parks and Recreation Day of Action Toolkit
By Asia Simms and Dan McCarthy | Posted on September 19, 2022
Here are some ideas on the types of events you could host to raise awareness and drive action in partnership with the White House Conference on Hunger, Health, and Nutrition.
Child Nutrition Reauthorization: Take Action Now
By Asia Simms | Posted on August 16, 2022
NRPA strongly urges the passage of the Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act, and with it, a robust Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) that supports youth and their families.
Take Action Now: White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health
By Dan McCarthy | Posted on June 23, 2022
After more than 50 years, the White House will once again convene a national Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. Here's how you can get involved and make your voice heard.