Parks and Recreation, Park and Rec | National Recreation and Park Association

Improving the health of communities for all people through parks, recreation and conservation.

Park and Recreation Month Quick Start Guide

Here are five tips to get you started with Park and Recreation Month and celebrate "A Lifetime of Discovery" in July!

Win a Trip to Indianapolis

Before registration opens on May 14, we are giving one lucky person the chance to win a trip to the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference in Indianapolis.

Enter to Win

This April, NRPA, in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, will provide 16 communities with resources to improve local parks through projects that connect kids to nature, inspire healthy living and provide access to sports through the Meet Me at the Park Earth Month campaign.

Grant and Fundraising Resources

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) periodically has competitive grants available for park and recreation agencies.

Learn More

What Do Dream Parks Look Like to Kids? — Episode 018

We asked kids to design their dream park at the USA Science and Engineering Festival, and you're going to want to hear about some of these creations!

Listen To Podcast

How to Green Special Events

Parks often organize or host community events, so it’s important for them to think about the impact of these events, not only on the infrastructure of the park, but also on the environment.

NRPA Agency Performance Review

The 2018 NRPA Agency Performance Review summarizes the key findings from NRPA Park Metrics—our benchmarking tool that assists park and recreation professionals in the effective management and planning of their operating resources and capital facilities.

Read the Report

2018 April Feature Children in Nature 410

Take It Outside: The Key to Engaging Young Children with Nature

It’s been clinically proven to enhance children’s growth and development, their cognitive, creative and problem-solving abilities, as well as help with their physical health, social relationships, selfdiscipline and reducing stress levels. It’s free and it’s right outside your door — It’s nature!

Parks & Recreation Magazine

Overview of issue:

The National Recreation and Parks Association

Ensuring all people have access to the benefits of local parks and recreation.

Protecting open space, connecting children to nature, and engaging communities in conservation practices.

Leading the nation to improved health and wellness through parks and recreation.

Improving the health of communities for all people through parks, recreation and conservation.

Park and Recreation Month Quick Start Guide

Win a Trip to Indianapolis

Meet Me at the Park

Grant and Fundraising Resources

What Do Dream Parks Look Like to Kids? — Episode 018

How to Green Special Events

NRPA Agency Performance Review

Take It Outside: The Key to Engaging Young Children with Nature

Parks & Recreation Magazine

Headlines

Howard Marsh Metropark: A Marsh and So Much More

#FindYourWay on America's Rivers and Trails

Coyotes Have Moved into Parks Across the United States — Now What?

Take It Outside: The Key to Engaging Young Children with Nature