Urban Parks, Advocacy | National Recreation and Park Association

Urban parks serve as critical public places for recreation and civic engagement, essential to quality of life in urban centers. Parks help provide solutions to a myriad of national and community issues: providing healthy places to exercise, managing stormwater runoff and helping clean the air, catalyzing economic and community development, and providing safe, close to home recreation options. Join NRPA in the fight to ensure that every community has a great park.

NRPA Parks Snapshot: May 13-15 Survey Results

In this week's Parks Snapshot survey we saw a large increase in the number of park and recreation agencies that have made decisions regarding their swimming pools.

2020 May Feature Collaboration in the time of Pandemic 410

During this fast-changing COVID-19 pandemic crisis, a group of park and recreation directors in Northern Virginia have built on well-established ties to provide a coordinated response and work through difficult decisions together.

2020 May Research COVID 19 Parks and Rec Funding 410

Now more than ever, park and recreation professionals and their advocates need to educate policymakers, key stakeholders and the general public on the broad impact of their work.

2020 May Research Finance Impact of Trails and Greenways on Property Values 410

It is a trail’s functionality or activity potential that is likely to confer added value, not the panorama of attractive open space.

2020 May Advocacy Advocating in Challenging Times 410

OAK urges states to support Every Kid Outdoors in State Parks Campaign.

2020 May Conservation Conservation at the Crossroads 410

Story County, Iowa, and its partners create a learning corridor that not only brings people together, but also helps to improve the economy, environment and quality of life.

2020 May Social Equity Is COVID 19 Uncovering Park Inequities 410

There are several communities that have historically lacked access to parks and continue to remain disconnected in a time when getting outdoors is one of the few permissible activities.

2020 May Health and Wellness Older Adult Health National Priority New Normal 410

It is more crucial than ever before that we help older adults maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Recreational facilities are providing longer playing times, more consistent safety and improved performance — with significantly less maintenance — thanks to synthetic turf.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) polls U.S. residents to explore their views on topics related to the park and recreation field. Each poll targets 1,000 adults ages 18 and up, representing a cross-section of the population.

NRPA Park Metrics is the most comprehensive source of data standards and insights for park and recreation agencies. These agency performance resources assist park and recreation professionals in the effective management and planning of their operating resources and capital facilities.

Evaluate Your Agency

NRPA Facility Market Reports

NRPA Research Facility Market Reports offer an array of data that provides your agency with a greater understanding of the residents served by the facility, with a particular focus on their habits and interests.

NRPA online learning is a cost-effective and flexible way to educate staff, provide training, and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) without leaving the comfort of your home or office.

The NRPA Directors School is an exclusive professional development opportunity designed to prepare new and potential directors of park and recreation agencies for the challenges of leading and managing effectively.

Through the Park Champion™ initiative, NRPA members have the opportunity to become ambassadors for their community’s parks. With the support of the NRPA Public Policy and Advocacy team, Park Champions™ learn how to be effective advocates through research, storytelling, coalition building and more.

The National Recreation and Parks Association

Urban Parks

NRPA Parks Snapshot: May 13-15 Survey Results

Collaboration in the Time of Pandemic

How COVID-19 Impacts Park and Recreation Funding

The Impact of Trails and Greenways on Property Values

Advocating in Challenging Times

Conservation at the Crossroads

Is COVID-19 Uncovering Park Inequities?

Older Adult Health and Well-Being: Still a National Priority in a 'New Normal'

Synthetic Turf: The World's Fastest-Growing Play Surface

NRPA Park Pulse Surveys

NRPA Park Metrics

NRPA Facility Market Reports

Education

Directors School

Park Champion™ Initiative

News Stories

Parks & Recreation Field Guide