Parks for Inclusion Resources
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Open or CloseGeneral
Northwestern's The Family Institute's Inclusive Language Guide.
Pepperdine University's Confronting Prejudice: How to Protect Yourself and Help Others
The MSW at USC Diversity Toolkit: A Guide to Discussing Identity, Power and Privilege
ChangeLab Solution's Complete Parks Overview to creating an equitable parks system.
Inclusive Healthy Places, a guide to inclusion and health in public space by RWJF and the Gehl Institute.
Inclusive Innovation in Parks and Recreation, a Be Active Your Way blog post on health.gov.
The National Education Association has a downloadable "Safe Zone" poster to show that your program is taking a stand against racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, religious bias, and other forms of bias and discrimination
"Discrimination in America," a report series by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and National Public Radio
HealthEquityGuide.org’s case study database
Active Living Research’s infographic
Safe Routes to Parks resource guide
The National Afterschool Alliance’s resources you need to promote tolerance and inclusion
Resources to aid in understanding and responding to incidents of bias
Policy Link’s library of resources for inclusion efforts across the board
Find clear, concise, actionable information with All-In Cities resources
The National Equity Atlas is a first-of-its-kind data and policy tool for the community leaders and policymakers who are working to build a new economy that is equitable, resilient, and prosperous
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Open or ClosePhysical and Cognitive Disability
NRPA's video, "Delivering Inclusive Health Programming and Services During Challenging Times," explores ways to ensure everyone has access to opportunities for health and well-being.
In NRPA’s video, “’Nothing About Us, Without Us,’ Developing Programs and Services Accessible for All,” Special Olympic Minnesota athlete Abby Hirsch discusses inclusive health and its relationship to parks and recreation.
NRPA's Parks for Inclusion Disability one pager guides agencies to implement inclusive practices in programs and facilities
9 Guidelines for Disability Inclusion in Parks and Recreation
Inclusive Health Promotion in Local Parks and Recreation toolkit prepared by NRPA with support from Special Olympics
The Accessibility Toolkit for Land Managers is an informative document meant to help land managers design and maintain with equity and inclusion as a priority.
The Cerebral Palsy Group's library of free resources to support families and caregivers of children with Cerebral Palsy.
Set a Place at the STEM Table for Youth with Disabilities and their Families
"How playgrounds make all children feel welcome," an article sharing some key ideas to create an inclusive play space.
An article focusing on why cities need accessible playgrounds
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report "Opportunities for Improving Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities"
Learn about disability and health data in your state, using the CDC's state profiles
CDC’s Adults with Disabilities Report
Disability Equality Index Report
Aging and Disability: Beyond Stereotypes to Inclusion, a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
Corporation for National and Community Services’ disability inclusion resources
NCHPAD's YouTube channel, with dozens of stories of inclusion
CanChild's Participation Knowledge Hub arms caregivers with resources to aid those with disabilities
Go Baby Go, a University of Deleware and Oregon State University program that provides modified ride-on cars to children birth to age 3 who experience limited mobility
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Open or CloseLGBTQ
NRPA's Parks for Inclusion LGBTQ one pager guides agencies to implement inclusive practices in programs and facilities.
The LGBTQ Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring is a report led by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership (MENTOR) to offer step-by-step operations guidance to develop safer, more affirming, and responsive mentoring relationships for LGBTQQ youth.
An article from the National Afterschool Alliance sharing the "Four Things to Remember About Supporting LGBTQ Youth."
A report from Vancouver, BC, Recreation and Parks on their efforts to become the most 'transgender-friendly recreation and parks department in the world' - "Building a Path to Parks & Recreation for All: Reducing Barriers for Trans* & Gender Variant Community Members."
The October 2018 issue of Parks & Recreation magazine article "Gender-Spectrum Inclusion for Recreation Professionals."
An Open Space blog highlighting a new feature at the 2018 NRPA annual conference - "Sport Your Personal Gender Pronoun!"
The National Center for Transgender Equality action center.
A Guide to Gender – the Social Justice Advocate's Handbook.
"Questions and Answers about Gender Identity" by Michigan State University School of Journalism.
Sport & Gender Identities – Masculinities, Femininities, and Sexualities.
Human Rights Campaign’s report Growing Up LGBT
Pride Outside’s official Facebook page
Article by the Washows support for gay campers and hikers in the outdoors
The Wilderness Society’s resources to inclusive outdoors
The City of Portland, Oregon's all-user restroom challenge and the City of Seattle, Washington's all-user restroom ordinance FAQ
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Open or CloseRacial / Ethnic / Multi-Cultural
NRPA's Parks for Inclusion New American and Racial and Ethnic Inclusion are one pagers that guide agencies to implement inclusive practices in programs and facilities.
PolicyLink provides a guide to Building a Cultural Equity Plan.
Refugees Welcome In Parks conversational cards help lead discussions.
The article “Starting a New Life: Immigrant Children Connect with Nature in Their New Home” connects new Americans to gardening.
Parks & Recreation magazine provides information in the February 2018 article “Applying a Racial Equity Lens to Our Parks.”
The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released the Race Equity and Inclusion Action Guide.
Outdoor Afro has become the nation’s leading, cutting edge network that celebrates and inspires African American connections and leadership in nature.
Latino Outdoors brings cultura into the outdoor narrative and connects Latino communities and leadership with nature and outdoor experiences. They connect familias and youth with nature, engage and inspire Latino leadership, and empower communities to explore and share their stories in defining the Latino Outdoors identity.
GirlTrek aims to pioneer a health movement for African-American women and girls grounded in civil rights history and principles through walking campaigns, community leadership and health advocacy.
“Closing a Racial Divide, One Swim Lesson at a Time,” is an article that looks at free and low-cost programs to level the swimming field.
Public Health Resources for Understanding Environmental Racism is a suite of resources that focus on the intersection between race and class health disparities and environmental issues.
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Open or CloseHow Can Your Agency Take Action Now?
Download the Parks for Inclusion Policy Guide Resources to help your agency create and implement an inclusion policy.
Utilize the 10-Minute Walk Learning Series video Planning for Inclusion with Parks for Inclusion
Encourage use of preferred pronouns
* Article: Use of Preferred Gender Pronouns Indicates Expanding Acceptance of Transgender People
* Article: ‘She Her Hers’: Pronoun Pins Handed Out at University of KansasConnect with a network
* Article: Life with Gracie: How Aimee Copeland will use nature to help others with disabilities
* Partner with local health departments to advance equity
* Community-based service organizations like Lions Club International, Kiwanis International, Volunteers of America and more are ready to work together to inspire change
* Work with NRPA to advocate for changeShare your message on social media
* Use #ParksForInclusion to share your message
* Share what #InclusionMeans to you
* NCHPAD's Health Communications Plan for social mediaHear the stories of others
* Podcasts:Why the World’s First Ultra-Accessible Waterpark is the Coolest
LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Finding Community in Parks and Recreation
*Blogs:
Seattle Parks and Recreation's "Rainbow Recreation" Program: Serving Seattle's LGBTQ+ Older Adults
Pride in Parks: The Role of Parks in the Pride Movement and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
* Success Stories
Baltimore City Partners with Special Olympics Maryland to Provide Recreational Opportunities to over 600 AthletesExperiencing Nature through a Multi-Sensory Trail
Pledge your commitment through Commit to Inclusion
Create an inclusive play area in your community
Become a Local Guide and share accessible facilities with Google Maps
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Open or CloseWhat's Happening in Your State?
Alabama
Getting connected: Cullman's all-inclusive park nearing completionArizona
A new Tucson park for children with autism is in the worksMesa Parks and Recreation receives autism-certified designation
Arkansas
Bentonville breaks barriers with inclusive playgroundCalifornia
Santa Maria raising money for disability inclusive playgroundA playground for everyone, no matter your age or ability
All-abilities playground coming to Dublin
Colorado
How Aurora Is Helping Immigrants and Refugees Be HealthierCelebrating Inclusive Communities
Florida
Sensory playgrounds benefiting the autistic new to Tampa parksA Playground for Everyone: Orange County to Host Workshops to Create Future Inclusive Playgrounds
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs to launch diversity survey
Illinois
'Inclusive' playground planned to bring people togetherInclusive playground coming to Marion, IL
Indiana
Franklin teens create inclusive park for cityWinona Lake Celebrates Limitless Park Unisex Restrooms With Ribbon Cutting
Iowa
Iowa City Riverfront Crossings Park project receives federal grant for an inclusive nature play areaKentucky
Wheelchair basketball helping physically disabled enjoy sports
Maryland
"Sensory Trail" for Citizens with Differing Abilities Coming to Schucks Regional Park in Bel AirMassachusetts
Wheel Walk in Westfield raises awareness for accessibilityMichigan
How Fraser residents banded together to create an award-winning parkMinnesota
Minneapolis Parks Thinking About Inclusion for People with Invisible DisabilitiesMissouri
Parks department to cut ribbon on inclusive playground'Boxing saved my life': Could this program keep young black men off KC streets?
Montana
New Helena playground will welcome children of all abilitiesSilver Summit offers case study in public-private partnership
New Jersey
Care, Share, Aware - A Free Community Event Geared for Families of Individuals with Special NeedsNew York
Smithsonian Exhibit Puts Focus On Accessible DesignTwo Ulster County parks will get playground equipment geared for children of all physical abilities
North Carolina
Another inclusive playground coming to GastonOhio
All Abilities Playground dedicated at Lincoln ParkOklahoma
Award of Excellence for Brittany's Play AdventureOregon
The Oregon Accessibility Travel GuideA park for all abilities broadens awareness in all kids
Portland says adaptive bike-share pilot was a win
Accessibility improvements coming to Metro parks
Pennsylvania
Accessible playground equipment being installed in city parks across PittsburghPhilly's next generation of playgrounds is here and everyone is invited in
South Carolina
ADA compliant park expands to 'Inclusive' ParkTennessee
All-inclusive park proposed for GallatinTexas
A $750K, disabilities-accessible park is being built in Lake HighlandsUtah
Park City designs program to hire the developmentally disabledVirginia
Suffolk to introduce first inclusive playgroundWashington
Tacoma's Map to a More Equitable FutureRedmond aims to make parks, trails more accessible
West Virginia
Making fun accessible to everyoneWisconsin
Hmong population welcomed and celebrated in Milwaukee parkParks & Recreation Department introduces "All are Welcome" signage