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A Blueprint for Change: Supporting Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation

By Natalia Ospina | Posted on December 6, 2024

NRPA has developed a Healthy Aging Framework to help park and recreation agencies leverage their strengths, relationships and resources to advance systems change approaches that support healthy aging.

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Reflections on the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference: Insights, Inspiration and Connections

By Cara McLeod | Posted on December 5, 2024

Cara McLeod, the senior marketing communications analyst for City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, shares her experience at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Recreation, Fitness and Parks Sector

By The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Sector Committee | Posted on December 3, 2024

The National Physical Activity Plan is a set of policies, programs and initiatives to help support physical activity in all segments of the United States population. One of the 10 physical activity sectors covers Community Recreation, Fitness and Parks (CRFP) with five distinct strategies.

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Empowering Youth Through Parks and Recreation

By Cina Makres | Posted on November 25, 2024

New NRPA resources reveal guidance around promoting positive youth development by integrating elements of career exploration and community service into youth mentoring programs.

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Sowing Seeds of Stewardship: Cultivating Youth Conservation Leaders in Taos, New Mexico

By Darien Fernandez | Posted on November 20, 2024

The three-person staff at Taos Land Trust would not be able to care for Rio Fernando Park without the help of a seasonal crew of youth and young adults, ages 14-25.

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From Creation to Care: The Need for Ongoing and Additional Funding to Operate and Maintain Parks

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on November 14, 2024

Despite significant benefits, parks often face critical challenges when it comes to funding for their ongoing operations and maintenance. However, ongoing and additional funding is imperative to ensure that parks remain safe, accessible and beneficial to all.

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Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163

By Cort Jones | Posted on November 8, 2024

On this Open Space Radio x GovLove collab episode, recorded live at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, we discuss environmental resilience with Bernita Reese, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks, Ali Rhodes, director of City of Boulder Parks & Recreation, and Michele White. senior program manager at NRPA.

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NRPA Board Member Rebecca Armstrong Reflects on NRPA’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan

By Rebecca Armstrong | Posted on November 5, 2024

This blog post highlights thoughts on NRPA's new strategic plan from Rebecca Armstrong, member of the NRPA board of directors.

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Trees for All

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on October 28, 2024

In an increasingly urbanized world, the role of nature within our communities has never been more important. The need to integrate trees and green spaces is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the health and well-being of residents.

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NRPA Youth Sports Equity Grants: Transforming Communities Through Inclusive Athletics

By Brian McFadden | Posted on October 25, 2024

Many park and recreation agencies grapple with the challenge of providing equal access to youth sports, especially to under-resourced populations. Recognizing this crucial gap, the NRPA has stepped forward with a trio of innovative grant opportunities.

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Sixth Annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz Celebrates Pollinators Across the Country

By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on October 23, 2024

This September, NRPA’s sixth annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz was a celebration of nature, community and the vital role parks play in protecting biodiversity.

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Empowering At-Risk Youth Through Workforce Development in Recreation

By Chris Allen | Posted on October 22, 2024

Investing in at-risk youth through workforce development in recreation is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for building stronger communities.

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National Substance Use Prevention Month: Providing Safe Spaces for Youth in Asheville

By Angel Redmond | Posted on October 17, 2024

Asheville, North Carolina, is integrating more intentional one-on-one and group mentoring activities into existing afterschool, sports, environmental and outdoor education, and arts and culture programs through NRPA’s Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Substance Misuse grant.

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NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre Shares Reflections on New Strategic Plan

By Jesús Aguirre | Posted on October 15, 2024

NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre shares what he appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2029 strategic plan, which was unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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Southern California Site Visit Reflections: Older Adult Programming Can Change Lives

By Cara Myers, Natalia Ospina, Colleen Pittard and Jennifer Ward | Posted on October 4, 2024

NRPA staff members recently visited park and recreation agencies in Southern California that are making massive impacts with their Supporting Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) grants.

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Exciting Updates to the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Program

By Elizabeth Gonzales | Posted on October 3, 2024

NRPA is proud to announce new material for the AFO certification program was recently released on October 1. This includes the AFO Manual (8th edition), course PowerPoint, exam, and a new course offering — the AFO Blended Learning Course.

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Former NRPA Board Chair Shares Reflections on New Strategic Plan

By Carolyn McKnight Fredd, CPRP | Posted on October 2, 2024

Former NRPA Board Chair Carolyn McKnight Fredd, CPRP, shares what she appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2030 plan, which will be unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162

By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on October 1, 2024

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, the operations coordinator at Douglasville Parks and Recreation in Georgia. Tune in to hear about her 2023 NRPA Annual Conference experience and what she's looking forward to in 2024!

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