How Parks and Playgrounds Prepare the Next Generation for Sports Participation
By Nelly Musselman | Posted on May 26, 2023
Viewing parks and playgrounds as early sports development hubs for the next pro, college, high school or recreation league athletes really paints the picture of how important and necessary these resources are.
Prioritizing the Health and Well-Being of Our Military Communities — June Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 25, 2023
On the June bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Leading the Way to Health and Well-Being: How Armed Forces Recreation Fosters Healthy Military Communities.”
Youth Sports Equity Grant: Exciting Selection Announcement!
By Nelson Musselman | Posted on May 18, 2023
With support from Musco Lighting, NRPA is providing funding and in-kind support to local park and recreation agencies to increase opportunities for physical activity that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
How to Engage Your Community Through Product Fundraising
By Debbie Salat | Posted on May 17, 2023
Product fundraisers can bring funds and support to your park and recreation department. Follow these steps to engage your community through product fundraising.
Celebrating How Parks and Recreation Keeps Communities Healthy and Connected — Episode 136
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 16, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss Family Health & Fitness Day coming up on Saturday, June 10, with Cina Makres, an NRPA program specialist, and Daniel Hatcher, the senior director of strategic partnerships at Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
Mental Health is Health: How Parks Support Our Well-Being
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on May 15, 2023
As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we asked NRPA staff to reflect on how local parks and recreation support their health.
Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace
By Allison Colman | Posted on May 11, 2023
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, NRPA has made a commitment to prioritizing employee mental health, and we are inviting park and recreation professionals across the nation to join us!
Developing Leaders at the NRPA Annual Conference: Maria Cepeda’s Story of Growth and Empowerment
By Hayley Herzing | Posted on May 10, 2023
Experiences at the NRPA Annual Conference have allowed Maria Cepeda, the special events and facility coordinator at Huntersville Parks and Recreation in North Carolina, to show up as a leader in many aspects of her career.
HUD Community Development Block Grant: Funding for Parks
By Elyse Gentile | Posted on May 9, 2023
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards grants to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services.
4 Tips to Improve Pet Behaviors at Community Events
By Casey Dorman | Posted on May 8, 2023
Whether you’re planning an outdoor fundraiser at your park or hosting an educational event for kids, it takes a lot of planning to run a successful community event. Including pets in these activities adds another layer of factors you need to consider.
The Importance of Data Visualization and Storytelling in Parks and Recreation
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on May 4, 2023
While data collection and analysis are certainly important, we must also be intentional and thoughtful in how we present and tell our stories using data.
Seven Dimensions of Wellbeing in Action
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on May 3, 2023
We know that while the concept of a Community Wellness Hub may seem innovative, the work and ideas that contribute to a hub are happening every day. Here are some ideas for advancing each of the seven dimensions of wellbeing in your everyday practices.
A Doomscroll Break: Parks and Recreation on Social Media — Episode 135
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 2, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with NRPA Marketing Coordinator Christina High about all things social media, why your agency should be using it, and how parks and recreation can be a positive corner of the internet.
Aging Unbound: 5 Tips for Supporting Older Adults in Your Community
By Tiff Cunin | Posted on May 1, 2023
In celebration of Older Americans Month, NRPA's Supporting Healthy Aging through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) grantees developed a short list of tips for supporting older adults in your community.
New Study Shows Benefits Exceed Park Costs
By Austin Barrett and Kevin Roth | Posted on April 28, 2023
While telling the story of your local park and recreation agency is vital to advocacy, so is having solid research to rely on. The good news is that there is growing evidence of parks and recreation’s economic power.
How to Build a Culture of Safety — May Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 27, 2023
On the May bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we dive deeper into one of this month's feature stories with Dr. William Ramos, a member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and associate professor at Indiana University School of Public Health, and Nichole Bohner, the aquatics division manager for City of Round Rock, Texas, Parks and Recreation.
Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation Doesn’t Reflect Parks and Recreation’s Values
By Allison Colman, Autumn Saxton-Ross and Kyle Simpson | Posted on April 26, 2023
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 734, a federal ban on transgender and intersex sports, challenging the very mission, vision and core values of NRPA.
Make the Most Out of Your Time With Youth This Summer!
By Kent Hunt, CPRP | Posted on April 25, 2023
As we move closer to the summer camp season, here are some simple ideas that can be easily integrated into the trainings, programs and activities that you are already doing to enhance youth development within your programs.