The Future of Work
By Sara Agate, MPH, Esq. | Posted on March 24, 2023
Sara Agate shares findings an predictions that could spark a new way of thinking and adapting when it comes to solving workforce problems in the public sector, e.g., parks and recreation.
Three Tips for Working With Your Local City Council
By Laura Tobler | Posted on March 23, 2023
It can often seem that your city council is a mystical being that makes choices for you. Here are some tips for how to successfully work with your local city council.
On a Cross-Country Mission to Advocate for Trans Rights — Episode 132
By Cort Jones | Posted on March 21, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're talking with Cal Dobbs (he/they), a transgender endurance athlete running across the country — from California to Florida — to fight for the inclusion of transgender people in sports and access to gender-affirming healthcare.
Afterschool Program Provider Survey Reveals Three Key Stressors Preventing a Return to Normal
By Nikki Yamashiro | Posted on March 20, 2023
While afterschool providers are increasingly reporting that they have been able to return to pre-COVID capacity limits, there are still nearly 1 in 4 providers (23 percent) who say they have not been able to return to their regular operational capacity.
Going Virtual: Common Free Online Survey Tools
By Austin Barrett | Posted on March 16, 2023
Park and recreation agencies commonly use surveys to get feedback from their communities. In our increasingly digital world, the need for online survey tools has expanded. Here is an overview of some online tools that are available.
Field of Nightmares: Helping You Rest Easy About Your Event
By Josh Taylor, CMP, CPRP | Posted on March 15, 2023
Josh Taylor, the events manager for City of Trussville, Alabama, shares how your events can be transformed from the source of your insomnia into community traditions.
$70 Million to Support Environmental Justice Through EPA
By Miriam Lamoreaux | Posted on March 14, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a new funding opportunity to support park and recreation agencies and their community partners in their critical efforts to combat the impacts of climate change.
Sports Tourism: What Does It Mean for You and Your Community?
By Chandler Nobles, MS, CPRP | Posted on March 13, 2023
Sports tourism generated over $90 billion dollars in economic impact across the US in 2021. Here's what that could mean for parks and recreation.
Integrating Mentoring Into Park and Recreation Programming
By Austin Barrett | Posted on March 9, 2023
Here are perspectives on what some of NRPA's youth mentoring grantees have learned from their experiences establishing and running their youth mentoring programs.
Mentoring: Adding Stars to Youth’s Solar Systems
By Austin Barrett | Posted on March 9, 2023
Read about NRPA's youth mentoring grantees and how their youth mentoring programs have improved outcomes in their communities.
Finding Purpose With Morale, Welfare and Recreation
By Gregory M. Dunn | Posted on March 8, 2023
Gregory M. Dunn, a recreation specialist for City of Murphy, Texas, shares about the opportunities with morale, welfare and recreation, also known as armed forces recreation.
Continuing a Legacy of Service to Create a Better World — Episode 131
By Cort Jones | Posted on March 7, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Norma Edith García-Gonzalez, director of Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, to discuss how she's leading with equity, as well as L.A. County's recently adopted 30x30 plan.
Improving the Youth Sports Experience
By Charnon Barnes | Posted on March 2, 2023
As park and recreation professionals, many of us interact with young people in our facilities and programs. Whether it’s through soccer, basketball or other physical activity programs, we all want to provide the best experiences for youth.
Play Like a Girl: Keeping Girls Active for a Lifetime
By Nikki Taylor, CPRP | Posted on March 1, 2023
Making athletics a safe space for girls is vital to keeping them involved. It is essential to look at the big picture of how an active lifestyle contributes to a woman's overall health and well-being — not just a single game or season.
How Lifeguarding Provided a Foundation for a First Responder — March Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 23, 2023
The March issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on this bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s articles, “From Lifeguard to First Responder” with Cole Munsey and Craig Pattenaude of Cosumnes Community Services District.
Advancing Physical Activity and Health Equity Through Active Parks! — Episode 130
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 21, 2023
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're discussing the Active Parks! Implementation Guide with Ken Rose, who leads CDC’s Physical Activity and Health branch and oversees national efforts to increase physical activity.
Summer Camp Planning: 3 Themed Ideas to Keep Campers Engaged
By Olivia Mode-Cater | Posted on February 16, 2023
Your summer camp needs exciting themes to keep campers engaged and returning year after year. Explore this list of themed ideas to kickstart your planning.
Better Together: The Value of Partnerships with Community Organizations in Parks and Recreation
By Chris McGregor | Posted on February 15, 2023
In 2018, the closure of the only full-service grocery store in the southside of Peoria, Illinois, placed a strain on the people living in some of the most diverse neighborhoods in the community. Here's how a partnership is helping to meet the health and wellness needs of community members.
On a Journey to Spread Good Vibes and the Healing Power of Nature — Episode 129
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 14, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Merrell ambassador Will "Akuna" Robinson, about his outdoor recreation journey, which began in 2016 when he attempted to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail to help with PTSD from his previous military service.
CAPRA Volunteers: Together We Grow Parks and Recreation — Episode 128
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 7, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Rod Tarullo, the director of parks, recreation and golf for City of Golden, Colorado, and Christi Giles-Reed, the community program coordinator for City of Dallas, Texas, about their experience serving as CAPRA volunteers.
$2.4 Million in Funding Available to Support Youth Mentoring in Parks and Recreation!
By NRPA's Youth Mentoring Team | Posted on February 6, 2023
To support park and recreation professionals as they work to connect youth to positive experiences and caring adults, NRPA has two multi-year grant opportunities available for local park and recreation agencies and their community partners to support mentoring programs.
Federal Earmarks Process — How to Win Funding for Local Park Initiatives
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on February 3, 2023
Whether you submitted a request for federal funding last year or you’re reading about this opportunity for the first time, here’s all the information you’ll need to successfully submit a project request with your congressional representatives.
The Resilience of New Orleans Leading to Workforce Development
By Stephanie Dreher and Justin Taylor | Posted on February 3, 2023
The City of New Orleans, one of NRPA's Resilient Park Access grantees, is currently updating its master plan in an effort to increase equitable access to resilient parks.
Create More Sustainable Parks Through Pollinator and Native Habitat
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on January 30, 2023
Our new resource, Parks and Pollinators: Taking Action and Advancing Sustainability, provides tools to help you assess, plan and advance your efforts to support pollinators and biodiversity.
Parks and Recreation Workforce Development Trends and Opportunities — February Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 26, 2023
The February issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’ll be diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories with Tim Herd, CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society.
The Census: The Briefest of Overviews on This 200+ Year Event
By Melissa May | Posted on January 18, 2023
At a cost of roughly $96 per household (more than $15 billion), why do census results matter? What are they used for? And what does this have to do with parks and recreation?
Honoring National Day of Racial Healing — Episode 127
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 17, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Vicky Stott, the senior program officer for racial equity and community engagement at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Autumn Saxton-Ross, NRPA Vice President of Education and Chief Equity Officer, about how racial healing can advance racial equity.
NRPA Celebrates I am a Mentor Day
By Lauren Kiefert, MPH | Posted on January 11, 2023
Mentors can make an indelible impact on a youth’s life. January 11, 2023, is I am a Mentor Day and an important part of National Mentoring Month.
An Inside Look at Revenue Development and Management School — Episode 126
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 10, 2023
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Bill Tschirhart, Debbie Woodbury and Matt Carusona to discuss the upcoming Revenue Development and Management School, taking place March 12-17,