NRPA is a leader in the business of parks, recreation services, and conservation practices -- providing standards, research, and learning opportunities to its members and the American public. Our research agenda and publications attest to NRPA's emphasis on the distribution of knowledge.

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 - Data and outcomes supporting legislative advocacy efforts primarily at the federal level.
• Operational - Data, outcomes, benchmarks, and standards to quantify or qualify management improvement practices.
• Academic - Examining the personal or social characteristics of leisure participation and values.
• Product - 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. 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. View the latest free digital edition of Parks and Recreation.

Parks and Recreation Trending News
Created specifically for leaders and advocates in our community, Parks and Recreation Trending News 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.

NRPA Top 5
The NRPA Top 5 is a weekly membership publication with timely news and notes you need to know.

For questions about how to subscribe to or advertise in NRPA's electronic newsletters, contact Roxanne Sutton at 703.858.2166. 

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.