NRPA leads the development, organization, and distribution of knowledge for the business of parks, recreation, and conservation by providing and supporting standards, research, and learning for citizen advocates, professionals, educators, students and the American public. This translates into the development and distribution of research that provides timely services to members and supports advocacy and reach into the general public.

Research

Research is an essential element in the formula of providing more relevant information and services to members. NRPA develops research across four categories:

• Advocacy Research - Data and outcomes supporting legislative advocacy efforts primarily at the federal level.
• Operational Research - Data, outcomes, benchmarks, and standards to quantify or qualify management improvement practices.
• Academic Research - Examining the personal or social characteristics of leisure participation and values.
• Product Research - Activities designed to create product or service benefits to NRPA membership and the communities they represent.

Get scientific support to show the value and relevance of public parks and recreation programming. Click here to learn more about NRPA's current research agenda.  

Publications

NRPA offers printed and digital publications on every aspect of parks and recreation.   

Parks & Recreation Magazine 
NRPA's monthly member magazine informs, motivates, and inspires professionals, civic leaders and citizens to elevate the value of parks and recreation as a public service.  To view the latest, free digital edition, click here. 

Parks and Recreation Weekly 
Created specifically for leaders and advocates in our community, the Parks and Recreation Weekly News Brief delivers news and information from national, state, local and industry sources right to your inbox.  To begin receiving this free e-mail publication every Tuesday, sign up here.   

NRPA Express 
The NRPA Express is a monthly membership publication, which delivers the latest news and information about upcoming events, research projects, educational opportunities, grants, and initiatives about NRPA and the parks and recreation community.

For questions about how to subscribe to or advertise in NRPA's electronic newsletters, contact Lisa Vega at 703.858.2160. 

NRPA Books and Products 
From targeted publications to scholarly texts written by the brightest minds in the business, NRPA has the titles to help you get the job done. Please browse our Online Store. 

Journals and Annual Publications 

• Journal of Leisure Research- a quarterly journal devoted to original investigations that contribute new knowledge and understanding to the field of leisure studies.  
• Therapeutic Recreation Journal - a quarterly research journal devoted to publishing scholarly and substantive manuscripts in the field of therapeutic recreation.  
• Schole - an official refereed publication which aims to disseminate knowledge related to park and recreation courses, curricula and teaching.