The National Recreation and Parks Association

Lacey Polster, marketing and communications specialist at Grayslake Community Park District in Illinois, shares her first-time conference experience and why it set a high bar.

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A childhood coaching moment shows how the right support can turn self-doubt into confidence, and why initiatives like ESPN's Take Back Sports are helping equip more coaches to do the same for today’s youth.

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On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re joined by Erica Flocke, parks and recreation director for the City of Wimberley, Texas, to talk about how the Texas Master Naturalist program has shaped the way she sees her work and her community.

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Brandon Washington shares his first NRPA Annual Conference experience and his decision to give himself five seconds of courage when it felt overwhelming.

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When park and recreation professionals build a girls-only program, it isn't just filling a gap in a schedule. It’s sending a message that girls belong here, that their development matters and that the community has invested in their future.

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Gaby Bridges, the recreation and special events supervisor for City of Layton, Utah, shares her experience as a former NRPA Diversity Scholarship recipient.

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The quiet work of leadership does not always draw attention, but it shapes decisions, relationships and outcomes in lasting ways. In fields devoted to shared spaces, public service and community well-being, recognizing and making room for quieter leadership is essential.

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Through developing lasting relationships with students, Student Conservation Corps staff help students succeed in and out of Bainbridge Island Metro Parks.

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Every October, Coach Appreciation Month gives us a chance to pause and honor the individuals who dedicate their time, energy and heart to shaping the next generation through sports.

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Designed directly from NRPA member feedback, Skill Builders offer quick, actionable learning that fits your schedule and budget.

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Training grants are grants that do not always provide funds, but instead provide training, coaching and technical assistance. Since 2016, NRPA has been offering instructor training grants for evidenced-based physical activity programs and we just opened applications for another round!

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Like many park and recreation agencies, Charles County doesn’t have a horticulturist or sustainability expert on staff to inform where and what to plant or mow. Their success wasn’t about having ample capacity in-house; it was about partnering differently.

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Whether you’re overseeing afterschool programs, leading teen nights, coaching youth sports, or coordinating seasonal events, you’re likely one of the most consistent adult figures in a young person’s life outside of school and home.

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The Chicago Park District, the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, and Nike recently came together to celebrate a powerful milestone: 10 years of the Swoosh Summer Academy.

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Help strengthen your agency’s transportation strategy and ensure that all participants can get to where they need to go, whether they are walking, biking or busing to placements.

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Podcasting may not be the newest trend in parks and recreation, but it’s one of the most exciting and accessible tools to connect with our communities, highlight our stories and elevate our field.

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Across the country, park and recreation departments are where many kids experience their first coach, their first team, their first taste of what sports can be. But too often, volunteers are handed a whistle and a roster — without the support they need to thrive.

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This May, Clement Lau celebrates 22 years of service with the County of Los Angeles — a milestone that feels especially meaningful during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.

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