16 Hours of Parks and Recreation: The Volunteer Grind (and Glory) at the NRPA Annual Conference
By Jason McCray, M.S, CPRP, CYSA | Posted on April 19, 2025
For the past three years, Jason McCray has dedicated more than 16 hours of his life each fall to volunteering at the NRPA Annual Conference.
Community Science Brings Nature, Data and People Together
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on April 10, 2025
With tools like smartphones and platforms such as iNaturalist, just about anyone can help expand our collective understanding of biodiversity.
Volunteer To Get Involved With NRPA!
By Michael Biedenstein, CPRE, AFO | Posted on April 9, 2025
As we approach National Volunteer Week during the last week of April, it is the perfect time to highlight various opportunities to volunteer with NRPA.
How to Create a Culture of Sustainability at Your Agency
By Chris Lindgren, CPRP | Posted on April 4, 2025
In parks and recreation, we have the opportunity to lead in the conservation of our precious natural resources. Here are ways you can build a culture of sustainability.
Celebrating Women’s History Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 167
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on March 25, 2025
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating the incredible women in parks and recreation who are shaping the profession and making a difference in their communities.
A Choice Career: Parks and Recreation — Your Challenge
By The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Career Development Task Force | Posted on March 24, 2025
An update from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Career Development Task Force and a challenge for you to promote the park and recreation profession.
Focus on Healthy Food Access and Nutrition Security
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on March 21, 2025
NRPA is excited to present a refresh of our Healthy Food Access and Nutrition Security webpage focused on unique community member needs.
Planting Root in Your Parks and Community for Park and Recreation Month
By Paul Hooper | Posted on March 19, 2025
In Lexington, Kentucky, Park and Recreation Month is an opportunity to raise awareness around local greenspaces and find ways to build relationships between the city and its park system.
Parks and Recreation: Advancing Colorado's Sustainability Movement
By Barbara Kapustin | Posted on March 19, 2025
NRPA recently explored how Colorado is implementing sustainability initiatives on the local level. Read how the cities of Aspen and Grand Junction aren't only preserving natural beauty, but also cultivating a culture of sustainability.
Finding My Place at the Table: A Speed Session Experience at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference
By Kimberly Zygmant | Posted on March 18, 2025
Kimberly Zygmant, the assistant director for Layton City (Utah) Parks and Recreation, shares how speed networking at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference created an environment where everyone had a space to contribute and be heard.
Think You Don't Have Community Partners? Think Again.
By Steph Whyte | Posted on March 17, 2025
Finding a community-based organization (CBO) to partner with may seem like a daunting task, but by taking a closer look at your network, you may realize you’re already connected to the partners you’re looking for.
The Role of Parks and Recreation in Obesity Prevention Policy
By The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Sector Committee | Posted on March 12, 2025
By taking a proactive role in promoting health and well-being, park and recreation professionals can help create a healthier future for our communities.
The Generation of NOW! Past, Present and Gen Z
By Stacy Lambert | Posted on March 7, 2025
Staff at the Mustang Park Recreation Center in Irving, Texas, are facilitating a wide range of opportunities that expand beyond the traditional set of programs.
Wilmington's Green Jobs Program Empowers Youth Through Environmental Stewardship
By Martha C. Narvaez | Posted on March 5, 2025
Since 2011, the City of Wilmington (Delaware) Department of Parks and Recreation and the University of Delaware’s Water Resources Center have partnered to lead the city’s Green Jobs Program.
Protecting Oak Trees: Battling the Goldspotted Oak Borer
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on March 4, 2025
The Goldspotted Oak Borer, an invasive beetle species, has caused the death of tens of thousands of oak trees across Southern California, threatening not only ecosystems but also the cultural and economic vitality tied to these iconic trees.
60 Years of Impact: NRPA’s Beginnings
By Karen Carter | Posted on February 28, 2025
Did you know that 2025 is the 60th anniversary of NRPA? This post kicks off our year-long blog series about some major NRPA milestones and impact decade by decade (and how they continue today), starting with our founding in the 1960s.
My CPRP Journey
By Sameera Luthman, CPRP | Posted on February 27, 2025
Sameera Luthman, director of marketing & communications for Naperville Park District, shares her journey to becoming a Certified Park and Recreation Professional and the importance of continuing to grow professionally.
Have You Heard? NRPA’s Youth Sports Framework Just Launched!
By Rosa Riley | Posted on February 26, 2025
We hope you’re ready to dive into all the great content and resources NRPA's new Youth Sports Framework contains. Here are five things you can expect to find.