The playground. The running path. The soccer field. The picnic pavilion. All are important components of community parks, and all serve as gathering places for the residents and guests who visit. Whether urban or rural, parks play a big role in people’s lives. Therefore, it’s crucial that people play a role in shaping their community parks. 

To help facilitate that process, NRPA has partnered with MindMixer, the leader in online community engagement, to provide members with a dedicated space to address the needs and concerns of their parks, recreation facilities or community park and recreation agencies. MindMixer’s unique platform allows users to engage a broader audience and meet changing communication needs. NRPA members can take advantage of a 15 percent discount on MindMixer services and join the more than 800 communities around the country connecting daily to help citizens preserve and improve where they live, work and play.

Chicago Park District

The Chicago Park District is working with MindMixer to host the Improve Chicago Parks website. With the help of residents, the city has been able to create a new budget for facilities and amenities. Almost 600 people weighed in on the discussion to determine which of the city’s 523 playgrounds were most in need of replacement. 

Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department

From the beginning, park-goers in Raleigh have been consulted and updated on the 16-month process of creating the city’s new parks System Plan. At Your Parks Your Future, more than 13,000 people have shared more than 550 ideas about the future of greenways, aquatics and even a parks app for the city. 

Fairfax Parks and Recreation

Consistent and dedicated interaction with residents on Our Parks Our Future is creating a stronger parks department in Fairfax, Virginia. More than 1,200 votes have been cast in polls and surveys on the site.

Eric Hamp is NRPA’s Director of Member Relations and Professional Development.