Management and Best Practices

GIS Data Content Standards (Read the June 2009 Update)

GIS technology is increasingly being used by state and local governments across the United States, but communities are recording similar information at different scales or recording completely different information. These inconsistencies can make sharing and merging data for regional statewide planning difficult. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) with support from American Park and Recreation Society (APRS) and National Society for Park Resources (NSPR) Branches are working to develop a set of attributes, values and data transfer standards for parks, trails and recreation facilities for use with non-federal resources. The overarching purpose of this project is to have local governments collect a basic set of information consistently in their GIS systems that will allow for better local, regional and statewide management and planning of park and recreation resources.

Children in Nature Best Practices Database

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has joined this Children in Nature partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) and all three groups are working together to implement the Children and Nature Plan of Action. One key initiative of the partnership is to share information and best practices through a first-of-its-kind searchable database that fosters the sharing of ideas for reconnecting our youth to nature, history, culture and recreation. There are currently over 400 state and national programs entered in the database.

Local, urban, and special district park agencies are now invited to contribute their best practices and programs to this national database. For more information on how to contribute your programs contact Bill Bechner at NRPA Headquarters.