Help! We're Losing Our Parks! — Episode 030
By Cort Jones | Posted on December 21, 2018
Even though parks and open space are vital to every community, many parks are being converted to non-park uses. In some cases, the conversions of these parks are for other valuable public purposes, such as schools or roads, but the net effect is the same — the parks are lost.
Advancing Park Access and Quality Through Community Engagement
By Jared Mummert | Posted on November 27, 2018
Learn more about the speakers for the 10-Minute Walk Learning Series live Q&A session on December 5.
Going Purple to Raise Awareness about the Opioid Epidemic in Your Community
By Michele R. Potter, CPRP | Posted on November 19, 2018
The city of Gaithersburg, Maryland, joined the Maryland Municipal League and other local municipalities in the “Go Purple” movement to raise awareness about substance use and the opioid crisis.
Second Edition of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Released
By Cassie Pais | Posted on November 14, 2018
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide science-based guidance to help all people ages 3 years and older improve their immediate and long-term health through regular physical activity.
Parks & Rec Promote National Rural Health Day
By Rachel Banner | Posted on November 14, 2018
November 15 is National Rural Health Day — an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural.”
What Are Your Park and Rec Pet Peeves? — Episode 029
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on November 6, 2018
On our 25th episode, we asked you to let us know some of the things that you deal with in your career in parks and recreation that really annoy you, and you answered the call.
Does Our Built Environment Impact Our Health Behaviors? — Episode 028
By Cort Jones | Posted on October 22, 2018
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk about how our public built environments impact health behaviors such as physical activity and recreation, and the environment where we spend most of our time, such as work, school and sleep, has an effect on our leisure time physical activity.
World Arthritis Day 2018: Increasing Awareness Parks and Recreation Style
By Lesha Spencer-Brown | Posted on October 12, 2018
Today is World Arthritis Day. People around the world are encouraged to to work towards increasing awareness about arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. NRPA is accepting applications for a grant opportunity which trains local park and recreation staff as instructors to offer an evidence-based physical activity program in their community.
Welcome to Parks: A Health and Wellness Solution!
By Kellie May | Posted on October 3, 2018
An overview of NRPA's Health and Wellness Team and their initiatives and priorities.
What Does It Take to Raise the Bar in Parks and Rec? — Episode 027
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on October 2, 2018
In this episode of Open Space Radio, we caught up with Becky Dunlap from the "Becky Talks Parks" podcast at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference.
Universal Recreation: Meh or Magnificent? — Episode 026
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 18, 2018
In this episode, we chat about why universal recreation is important and how it can improve all aspects of parks and recreation.
Celebrating Our 25th Episode: Why We Love Park & Rec Pros — Episode 025
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on September 4, 2018
To celebrate the 25th episode of Open Space Radio, we're discussing the things we love about park and recreation professionals.
How Risk Play Can Benefit Kids — Episode 024
By Cort Jones | Posted on August 20, 2018
Unstructured, hands-on, risk play is making a comeback, and it can teach kids lessons and skills that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.
Taking Park Access for Granted and Resources to Help
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on August 14, 2018
Check out this preview of all the sessions at the upcoming NRPA Annual Conference that can help agencies improve park access.
Understanding Equity in Parks and Recreation
By Jared Mummert | Posted on August 14, 2018
What is “social equity” and what does it mean for your park agency?
Parks and Rec Brings the Fun — Episode 023
By Cort Jones | Posted on July 31, 2018
Peter Kageyama, one of the keynote speakers at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference, discusses why he loves parks.
Our Hand-Picked Health and Wellness Sessions at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference
By Maureen Acquino | Posted on July 25, 2018
Here are our top choices for sessions that will help you engage your community, partners and stakeholders in your health and wellness offerings.
How to Prevent Ticks and Still Enjoy the Outdoors
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on July 9, 2018
Ticks are an outdoor hazard with perhaps one of the highest yuck factors of any biting or stinging insect in nature.
Celebrating "A Lifetime of Discovery!" — Episode 022
By Cort Jones | Posted on June 29, 2018
July is Park and Recreation Month! On this episode, we chat with the Waukegan Park District in Illinois about how they're celebrating and all the great events they have planned.
Top Five Reasons to Celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day
By Heather Williams | Posted on June 8, 2018
June 9 was Family Health & Fitness Day!
How Parks and Rec Served Over 85 Million Meals — Episode 021
By Cort Jones | Posted on June 5, 2018
As one of the largest providers of meals during out-of-school times, park and recreation agencies are making significant impacts in their communities.
Parks and Rec is Transforming the Lives of Older Adults (and Vice Versa) — Episode 020
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 28, 2018
In this episode, we speak with Mr. Joe Trevino, a 93-year-old veteran, and Irma Yepez-Perez, a Senior Management Analyst at the City of Fresno PARCS department.
National Arthritis Awareness Month: Arthritis Management through Parks and Recreation
By Lesha Spencer-Brown, MPH, CPH | Posted on May 16, 2018
Since 2013, NRPA has been working through local parks and recreation to help people with arthritis manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The Great NRPA Owl Rescue — Episode 019
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on May 7, 2018
The story about a baby owl who fell from its nest and, after the heroic acts of Ted Mattingly, NRPA's resident hero and Director of Facilities and Administrative Services, was returned to safety.
Your Favorite Actors Test Their Park Knowledge
By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on April 26, 2018
In their Green Machine Challenge, ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel and Disney XD are putting your favorite actors’ park knowledge to the test.
What Do Dream Parks Look Like to Kids? — Episode 018
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 9, 2018
We asked kids to design their dream park at the USA Science and Engineering Festival, and you're going to want to hear about some of these creations!
Parks and Public Health: Working Together to Advance Health and Wellness
By Clement Lau, AICP | Posted on April 2, 2018
While the field of parks and recreation is often associated with fun and games, it should also be known for how it is advancing health and wellness.
Top Outdoor Educational Explorations to Pursue with Your Grandchildren
By Karen Weeks | Posted on March 22, 2018
Whether heading to the local park or enjoying an adventure in your own backyard, you can turn playtime into learning!
Win an Award and Recognition for Your Innovative Park Design!
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on March 8, 2018
Does your agency manage a unique park or facility that embraces innovative technology, strategies or programs to improve your community? If so, we want you to apply for the Innovation in Park Design Award!
Pool Safely Grant Opportunity and Free Resources
By Cassie Pais and Kate Clabaugh | Posted on March 6, 2018
The Pool Safely Campaign and the Pool Safely Grant Program offer funding and free resources to prevent drownings and drain entrapment in pools and spas.
Parks and Recreation in a Digital World — Episode 017
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 26, 2018
In this episode, we're taking a look at public interest and attitudes toward digital solutions for park and recreation services.
10-Minute Walk: Opportunities
By Rachel Banner, MPH | Posted on February 6, 2018
At a time when our park and recreation budgets continue to be placed next to last in city budgets, we must champion mayors and city leaders that invest in parks and recreation.
How the Rise of Technology Could Help Us Reclaim Our Paradise — Episode 015
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 22, 2018
A shift in how people are getting around cities could mean a change in the future of land use in urban areas.
Fun and Rewarding Group Activities for Retirees
By Karen Weeks | Posted on January 19, 2018
Many older adults don’t realize they have a wealth of information and activities waiting to be discovered in their own hometown.
50 Ways Parks and Recreation Pay Out Every Day
By Tim Herd, CPRE | Posted on January 16, 2018
Together, our park and recreation systems contribute expansively to a healthy economy, environment and society in at least 50 tangible ways.
Why Everyone in San Francisco Lives Within a 10-Minute Walk to a Park — Episode 014
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on January 8, 2018
San Francisco is the first and only city in the nation where 100 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park.
Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2018
By Richard J. Dolesh | Posted on January 8, 2018
Part tongue-in cheek musing and part fearless prognostication, here are NRPA’s Top Trends for 2018.