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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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AFO 2024 updatesblog 410

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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seven dimensions

Continuing the Journey: The Seven Dimensions of Well-Being in Parks and Recreation

By Maureen Neumann | Posted on September 27, 2024

To better support park and recreation professionals as they advance the seven dimensions of well-being, we’ve created a set of new resources to help contextualize each dimension with sample strategies and examples from the field.

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workforce blog 410

Recreation as a Gateway to Youth Workforce Development

By Thennie Freeman | Posted on September 26, 2024

As the director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Thennie Freeman has a unique perspective on how youth programs can serve as a bridge to the District's workforce system.

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Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161

By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on September 24, 2024

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Danielle Hunter, chief of D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation's Roving Leaders Program. Tune in to learn how this program is making an impact on youth in the nation's capital.

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Georgia Aquarium and GameTime Share Conservation Priorities Ahead of NRPA Annual Conference Opening Reception

By Cara Myers | Posted on September 23, 2024

We’re counting down the days until we dive into the NRPA Annual Conference Opening Reception on Tuesday, October 8. Hosted by Georgia Aquarium and sponsored by GameTime, the largest park and recreation party of the year promises valuable networking opportunities, fun, food, music and of course – the sights and sounds of amazing aquatic life.

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DEI Youth Sports 410

Creating Positive Team Culture Through DEI-Focused Coaching

By Charissa Hipp and Rosa Riley | Posted on September 18, 2024

A diversity, equity and inclusion lens must be present in your youth sports programs and coaching styles to ensure equitable access and positive youth development through sports participation. 

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OurCounty Cover 410

Parks as a Cornerstone of Sustainability

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on September 13, 2024

By supporting the creation and expansion of green spaces, the OurCounty Plan demonstrates Los Angeles County’s commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive county.

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The NRPA Annual Conference Is Second to None

By Haley Colucci, CPRP | Posted on September 12, 2024

Haley Colucci, CPRP, the marketing & communications manager for Oak Brook Park District, shares why she feels the NRPA Annual Conference is second to none.

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farmers market sept2024 blog 410

New Resources to Support Farmers Markets in Parks and Recreation

By Maureen Neumann | Posted on September 11, 2024

NRPA is excited to share the Local Farmers Market Promotion Toolkit for park and recreation agencies. This toolkit supports agencies as they work with local partners to promote farmers markets and increase equitable food access solutions.

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youthsports part2 410 september

Supporting Young Athletes By Prioritizing Youth Development

By Charissa Hipp and Rosa Riley | Posted on September 10, 2024

By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion alongside social and emotional learning, NRPA is using the power of parks and recreation to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for youth athletes.

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equity quick guides blog 410

Small Steps with Big Impact: An Introduction to NRPA’s Equity Quick Guides

By Autumn Saxton-Ross and Tiff Cunin | Posted on September 9, 2024

Sometimes it's challenging to know where to even start with diversity, equity and inclusion work. We're pleased to introduce a game-changing resource to assist in this work: the Equity Quick Guides.

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natural disaster 410

Be Prepared to Respond and Protect Your Community During Natural Disasters

By Teresa L. Penbrooke, PhD, CPRE | Posted on September 6, 2024

Hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods and other extreme weather events have become far too common. Are you and your agency prepared? September is Disaster Preparedness Month — the perfect time to prepare for disaster response and recovery.

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Youth Sports 9

Game Changers: How Coaches Can Support Youth Beyond the Scoreboard

By Charissa Hipp and Rosa Riley | Posted on September 4, 2024

Coaches play a crucial role in the lives of athletes, both on and off the field, starting at a young age. Yet less than one third of the country’s six million coaches have been trained in helping kids thrive; most coach training is focused on winning games.

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NRPA Annual Conference Tips for First-Time Attendees — Episode 160

By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on September 3, 2024

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're sharing some of the best NRPA Annual Conference tips for first-time attendees, from experienced attendees. Tune in to prepare for Atlanta this October 8-10!

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coachingpcw 410

Positive Sports Culture Starts with Coaches: FREE Training in Atlanta This October 7

By Rosa Riley | Posted on August 29, 2024

If you’re a youth-serving professional looking to develop or improve your skills, join us for the “Building Resilience Through Sport” workshop this October 7 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

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