Make Someday Happen
By Pete Magnuson | Posted on December 30, 2013
Someday I’ll take that vacation. Someday I’ll read that book. Someday I’ll start that business. Raise your hand if you have ever started a sentence with “Someday, I’ll.”
Holiday Greetings
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 23, 2013
The sending and receiving of holiday cards is a tradition many families share this time of year. Read this blog post about family traditions, NRPA’s holiday card and best wishes for the holiday season.
Connecting Seniors to Parks and Rec
By Danielle Taylor | Posted on December 17, 2013
December’s cover story by John Crompton focused on the evolving lifestyle and financial factors motivating today’s seniors toward recreation.
Walk This Way
By Zarnaaz Bashir | Posted on December 12, 2013
Recently the Every Body Walk! Collaborative held the first ever walking summit. NRPA was there representing parks and recreation and the great news is that community parks and recreation continues to be recognized and viewed as a key component for improving health and getting people active through walking. This post gives some insight into the summit and resources you can use to help create more walkable communities.
Parallel Parking Not Required: Parks in Parking Spaces
By Kellie May, Sage Learn | Posted on December 3, 2013
The trend of diminishing green space is pretty well summarized in the song “Big Yellow Taxi,” by Joni Mitchell. There is a newer trend of taking back some of those parking spaces and converting them into open space and parks—parklets.
A Second Serving of Thanks
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on November 26, 2013
The staff here at NRPA headquarters took a few moments to reflect and think about the amazing members we have.
Why Be Thankful for Community Parks and Recreation
By Lauren Hoffmann, Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on November 21, 2013
Here is our list of 10 reasons to be thankful for parks and recreation.
What’s Event Management School Like?
By Becky Genoways, CFEE | Posted on November 12, 2013
Becky Genoways, CFEE, is an instructor at the IFEA and NRPA Event Management School and she gives a sneak-peek into what this school is like for attendees.
Go For It! Submitting an Education Proposal
By Atuya O. Cornwell, Timia D. Thompson, Sheema Hai | Posted on November 8, 2013
Learn why you should submit an education session proposal for the NRPA Annual Conference.
Toys R Us Should Support, Not Bash, Kids’ Trips To The Woods
By Barbara Tulipane | Posted on November 7, 2013
Read on to find out what NRPA President and CEO Barbara Tulipane has to say about the infamous Toys vs Trees ad.
Hey NRPA Congress Attendee, Can You Relate?
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on October 21, 2013
We asked three NRPA staff members — a first-time NRPA Annual Conference attendee, a second-timer and a veteran from the field — to share their perspective and offer thoughts about the event.
It May Be Over But the Federal Government Shutdown Could Affect You
By Danielle Taylor | Posted on October 16, 2013
After the federal government shut down more than two weeks ago, one of the loudest frustrations from the public was the closing of our national parks. State and local parks aren’t under the financial umbrella of the federal shutdown.
The NRPA Congress and Exposition: A Daily Video Blog Day Four
By Kayode Lewis, Taylor Potter | Posted on October 4, 2013
Daily video blog from the 2013 NRPA Congress and Exposition in Houston, TX. Kayode Lewis and Taylor Potter give an interesting take on their final day at the event.
The NRPA Congress and Exposition: A Daily Video Blog Day Three
By Kayode Lewis, Taylor Potter | Posted on October 4, 2013
Daily video blog from the 2013 NRPA Congress and Exposition in Houston, TX. Kayode Lewis and Taylor Potter give an interesting take on their third day at the event, what they learned and what they experienced.
The NRPA Congress and Exposition: A Daily Video Blog Day Two
By Kayode Lewis, Taylor Potter | Posted on October 4, 2013
Daily video blog from the 2013 NRPA Congress and Exposition in Houston, TX. Kayode Lewis and Taylor Potter give an interesting take on their first full day, what they learned and what they experienced.
The NRPA Congress and Exposition: A Daily Video Blog
By Kayode Lewis, Taylor Potter | Posted on October 4, 2013
Relive a journey of two individuals as they documented their time at the NRPA Annual Conference in Houston, Texas through a daily video blog. One is a young professional in the field and the other a student learning about the park and recreation field.
8 Life Hacks for 2013 NRPA Congress and Exposition
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 2, 2013
These hacks will make navigating NRPA's Annual Conference just a little bit easier.
What is an Accessible Trail? Part Two
By John McGovern | Posted on September 26, 2013
Requirements for accessible trails are evolving and advancing and if you are in parks and recreation, it is time to get familiar with what’s to come in the next few years Accessibility expert John McGovern, JD, outlines what you need to know.
My Parks and Recreation Career Started When…
By Terri Stowers | Posted on September 24, 2013
Terri Stowers, park and recreation manager for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation in North Carolina, shares her story and how she was influenced to attend the NRPA’s Supervisors Management School.
Everyone Communicates - Few Connect: A Speed Session Preview
By David Carter | Posted on September 17, 2013
In this blog, David Carter of Carter Consulting Group previews his NRPA Annual Conference session on effective communication. Carter explains why communication can be so tough and how his Speed Session can help you improve your communication skills.
Ways to Celebrate Visit a Park Day on October 4 2013
By Chris Lucas | Posted on September 12, 2013
Have you heard that National Visit a Park Day is in October? This is something that NRPA and the Young Professionals Network (YPN) have celebrated to help promote the wonders of our natural and treasured resources out there – local parks.
The Career Center, a Hidden Gem at NRPA's Congress
By Nathaniel Jaramillo | Posted on September 9, 2013
Did you know though, that amongst the thousands of exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of square feet of floor space lays a “Hidden Gem” of NRPA's Annual Conference? The Career Center.
Five Great Ideas to Make the Most of #NRPACongress
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 29, 2013
There's so much to do at NRPA's Annual Conference – from hundreds of educational sessions, to an amazing expo hall, to valuable networking opportunities.
Committed to Getting Kids Outdoors — 10 Million to be Exact
By Lindsay Labas | Posted on August 28, 2013
A Marketing Manager from Carmel Clay shares how this agency is leveraging the 10 Million Kids Outdoors campaign in their community and offers tips on how your agency can take advantage of the program.
What is a Trail? What is an Accessible Trail?
By John McGovern | Posted on August 26, 2013
Trails across the United States help connect people to nature, inspire healthy activities, and by their very nature, help protect natural places - making communities more livable and connected.
Four Steps Parks and Rec Can Take to Wipe Obesity from the Headlines
By Zarnaaz Bashir | Posted on August 22, 2013
How can park and recreation agencies continue to contribute to the fight against obesity? We have identified four critical steps you can take now to demonstrate your leadership and contributions to health and wellness.
We Took a Green Business Challenge, Can Your Agency?
By Ted Mattingly, CFM | Posted on August 16, 2013
At NRPA we believe in preservation of natural resources and the promotion of good conservation and stewardship practices. We decided to take the Loudoun County, VA Green Business Challenge.
A Doctor Knows Best: Parks Do Equal Wellness Speed Session Preview
By Aaron Feldman | Posted on August 12, 2013
If you are heading to NRPA's Annual Conference, plan to attend one of the Speed Sessions.
Keep Nature Part of the Back to School Schedule
By Lauren Hoffmann | Posted on August 7, 2013
Get ideas on how to continue to work on reversing the trend of a childhood spent indoors this fall and all year long
The Bench With the View: A Business Lesson for Parks and Recreation
By Jeff Price, MBA | Posted on August 7, 2013
What’s a park bench have to do with business models for parks and recreation? In this blog learn how pricing differentiation on memorial benches was a win/win business decision for a park and recreation agency.
Heads Up: Be Aware About Concussions
By Jay Tryon, CPRP | Posted on August 1, 2013
These days, you’ll find more and more research and information about concussions and the importance of providing and practicing good concussion management.
Influence Public Policy with PRORAGIS
By Mark A. Young | Posted on July 25, 2013
One of NRPA’s PRORAGIS Ambassadors, shares how having the right information, especially powerful data, can give strength to our public park and recreation advocacy messages.
Enhance Your Career Forever: Volunteer
By Jay Tryon, CPRP | Posted on July 23, 2013
Jay Tryon, CPRP, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, writes this blog post sharing how volunteering at NRPA’s Annual Conference had a positive impact on his career.
Michelle Obama Thanks Parks and Recreation at Let's Move! Event
By Danielle Taylor | Posted on July 18, 2013
Read an NRPA staffer's analysis from a Let’s Move event and how parks and recreation are and continue to be leaders of healthier communities and the fight against childhood obesity
Hey Parks and Rec, Let’s Get People Walking
By Zarnaaz Bashir | Posted on July 15, 2013
One of the sectors identified to make it easier for Americans to walk was Parks, Recreation, Fitness and Sports.
Healthcare Law Delay: What Does it Mean for Parks and Recreation?
By Stacey Pine, Kareem Murphy | Posted on July 10, 2013
The NRPA Public Policy Team has compiled the details you need to know to understand Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) delays and what it means for parks and recreation.
Think You Can't Make Significant Money on Black Friday? Think Again: A Speed Session Preview
By Jenise Jensen | Posted on July 8, 2013
Learn how Black Friday can bring your park and recreation agency big bucks without breaking your budget.
NRPA Congress from the Eyes of a Newbie
By Gerry Logan | Posted on July 8, 2013
First-time NRPA Annual Conference attendee Gerry Logan shared his account of the event with the Young Professional’s Network.
An Istanbul Traveler’s Account: More Parks are Desperately Needed in this City
By Gina Mullins-Cohen | Posted on June 26, 2013
Protestors gathered to protect Taksim Gezi Park in Instanbul from redevelopment into a shopping mall. NRPA’s own Gina Cohen shares commentary and information about Taksim Gezi Park, the significance of the protests and why these events stand as a reminder to us all of the significance parks and open public spaces have for people no matter where they are from
NRPA President and CEO Talks with New Sec. of the Interior Sally Jewell
By Joel Pannell | Posted on June 24, 2013
NRPA President and CEO, Barbara Tulipane, met with the Secretary for the Department of Interior (DOI), Sally Jewell, to discuss the federal agency’s role in championing community parks.
From Gravel Lot to Garden of Possibilities
By Lauren Hoffmann | Posted on June 17, 2013
We visited Rosemont Park District in Illinois and saw first hand how the Grow Your Park grant from NRPA and the Darden Foundation is bringing the community closer through community gardens.
Teaching the “Top Guns” at Directors School
By Jan Geden | Posted on June 12, 2013
How does one prepare to teach park and recreation professionals generally already considered at the top of their game?
Make Your Park and Recreation Month More Exciting: How Grand Prairie did it!
By Kelly Eddlemon | Posted on June 10, 2013
We thought it would be fun to showcase how Park and Recreation Month can really be a great opportunity for your agency to engage with the community.
It is Never Too Late to Challenge Yourself
By Rod Tarullo | Posted on June 6, 2013
This post demonstrates how someone well into their park and recreaction career can take on new challenges such as a new certification opportunity like CPRP or CPRE.
How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich: A Speed Session Preview
By Shannon Keleher | Posted on June 4, 2013
NRPA Annual Conference Speed Sessions: Exciting, fun and innovative sessions delivered in just 20-minutes. Shannon Keleher shares what is behind her session, “How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich” in this post.
Data Helps Show Elected Officials Why Parks and Recreation are Essential
By Barry Weiss | Posted on May 28, 2013
Using PRORAGIS to document how you are helping solve community problems could mean more support and increased resources for your agency
Five Resources to Help You Prepare for a Crisis
By Danielle Taylor | Posted on May 13, 2013
Park and recreation professionals must prepare for everything in an ever-changing world. This post offers resources that agencies can use to help formulate plans and be prepared.
Keen Interest in Parks at the National Mitigation Banking Conference
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on May 9, 2013
NRPA and Angler Environmental have been working together to develop a Parks for Mitigation pilot project to creating stream mitigation banks on public parklands in the MD, VA, and DC region that, if successful, will serve as a model for other park agencies across the country.
Directors School: An Intoxicating, Incredible Experience
By Cindi Wight | Posted on May 7, 2013
Cindi Wight, Recreation Director at Rutland Recreation and Parks Department in Vermont, shares how NRPA’s Directors School taught her new skills and introduced her to amazing colleagues.
Three Ways to Use the Three Pillars
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on May 7, 2013
NRPA's pillars are a communications strategy, so how can they be used to communicate parks and recreation priorities to the public and policymakers?
CPRP: A Challenge to Myself
By Jason Tryon | Posted on May 1, 2013
Jason Tryon, CPRP, Operations Director/Athletic Coordinator at Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation in Charlotte, NC, touches on what pursing Certification is all about – a challenge to oneself
Six Words Heard: You Should Apply for this Program
By Aaron Feldman | Posted on April 29, 2013
Read a personal perspective on taking advantage of leadership development programs for young professionals.
Conservation Inspiration – Rescuing Native Plants
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on April 23, 2013
NRPA believes that core to the mission of public parks and recreation is the preservation of natural resources and the promotion of good conservation and stewardship practices.
Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain
By Ron Strickler, Kayode Lewis | Posted on April 17, 2013
Ron Strickler and Kayode Lewis share what they gained from applying for and receiving the NRPA Fellowship and NRPA Diversity Scholarship in 2012
I’ve Attended my First NRPA Congress—Now What?
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on April 11, 2013
The NRPA Young Professional Network is launching a series of blogs and video blogs to help shed some light on making the most of your career in parks and recreation.
If You Can't Measure it You Can't Use it
By Hayley Jackson | Posted on April 8, 2013
PRORAGIS—NRPA’s park and recreation database and benchmarking tool—is helping park and rec pros use data to measure and compare to similar agencies.
Low Cost Ways to Connect More Kids to Nature
By Shelley R. O’Brien | Posted on April 5, 2013
With children spending more time indoors than out, park and recreation agencies are stepping up to reverse this trend and are helping to connect kids to nature through the 10 Million Kids Outdoors campaign.
Defining Play Deserts – We are Getting Close
By Zarnaaz Bashir | Posted on March 22, 2013
NRPA is actively working with the CDC and other leading experts on an effort to define play deserts, essentially spaces that lack available opportunities for physical activity.
In Their Words - Why Becoming CPRE Matters
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on March 22, 2013
Becoming a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) shows a commitment to the park and rec field, tests your knowledge of parks and recreation, and helps you stand out among candidates in a crowded job market.
Legislative Forum: Not What I Expected
By Danielle Taylor | Posted on March 7, 2013
An NRPA staffer shares her first-year experiences at Legislative Forum.
NPS at Legislative Forum: A powerful discussion you won't want to miss
By Lewis Ledford | Posted on February 26, 2013
Lewis Ledford, Director, North Carolina State Parks & Recreation and Chair, sheds some light on the tremendous influence of in-person constituent meetings.
Two Words: Inner Drive
By Daniel J. Stencil | Posted on February 5, 2013
What drives you to set personal and professional goals? For Oakland County Parks and Recreation Executive Officer, Dan Stencil, his inner drive is what he says defines him. One of the first to earn his Certified Park and Recreation Executive certification, Dan's got a great take on being motivated to reach your professional pinnacle and how certification, even at advance levels, can take you there.
Can We Get 10 Million Kids Outdoors? Yes, We CAN!
By Shelley O'Brien | Posted on January 31, 2013
Kids are spending eight hours or more in front of screens each day. The number of children in the U.S. who are obese has doubled in the last decade. Parks and recreation can change all that by getting more kids spending more time outdoors.
Want trends? Check out the January Issue of Parks & Recreation
By Elizabeth Beard | Posted on January 23, 2013
There is so much to learn in the January issue of Parks & Recreation. Browse highlights of five great stories you wont want to miss.
A Game of Kick the Can May Lead to Cuts for Parks and Rec
By Stacey Pine | Posted on January 16, 2013
Government leaders have once again kicked the proverbial can down the road, failing to find the middle ground needed to address tough fiscal issues plaguing our country. The stage is set for a turbulent legislative beginning to 2013 and there is potential to have federally funded park and recreation programs on the chopping block.
Be the Squeaky Wheel - Comments Sought on Implementation of New Transportation Law
By Dave Tyahla | Posted on January 10, 2013
Transportation will continue to be an important advocacy issue for park and recreation agencies and professionals.
Goal to be the First and the Best Certification Helps
By Seve Ghose, CPRE | Posted on January 7, 2013
Seve Ghose, CPRE/MOL, Director of the City of Davenport Parks and Recreation shares how certification of staff has given a boost to their agency, benefits their staff and provides his views on the value of certification.