16 Hours of Parks and Recreation: The Volunteer Grind (and Glory) at the NRPA Annual Conference
By Jason McCray, M.S, CPRP, CYSA | Posted on April 19, 2025
For the past three years, Jason McCray has dedicated more than 16 hours of his life each fall to volunteering at the NRPA Annual Conference.
Volunteer To Get Involved With NRPA!
By Michael Biedenstein, CPRE, AFO | Posted on April 9, 2025
As we approach National Volunteer Week during the last week of April, it is the perfect time to highlight various opportunities to volunteer with NRPA.
Celebrating Women’s History Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 167
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on March 25, 2025
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating the incredible women in parks and recreation who are shaping the profession and making a difference in their communities.
A Choice Career: Parks and Recreation — Your Challenge
By The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Career Development Task Force | Posted on March 24, 2025
An update from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Career Development Task Force and a challenge for you to promote the park and recreation profession.
Finding My Place at the Table: A Speed Session Experience at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference
By Kimberly Zygmant | Posted on March 18, 2025
Kimberly Zygmant, the assistant director for Layton City (Utah) Parks and Recreation, shares how speed networking at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference created an environment where everyone had a space to contribute and be heard.
Wilmington's Green Jobs Program Empowers Youth Through Environmental Stewardship
By Martha C. Narvaez | Posted on March 5, 2025
Since 2011, the City of Wilmington (Delaware) Department of Parks and Recreation and the University of Delaware’s Water Resources Center have partnered to lead the city’s Green Jobs Program.
My CPRP Journey
By Sameera Luthman, CPRP | Posted on February 27, 2025
Sameera Luthman, director of marketing & communications for Naperville Park District, shares her journey to becoming a Certified Park and Recreation Professional and the importance of continuing to grow professionally.
Have You Heard? NRPA’s Youth Sports Framework Just Launched!
By Rosa Riley | Posted on February 26, 2025
We hope you’re ready to dive into all the great content and resources NRPA's new Youth Sports Framework contains. Here are five things you can expect to find.
Youth Sports: If She Can See It, She Can Be It — Episode 166
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on February 25, 2025
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we explore the critical role that parks and recreation plays in advancing sports opportunities for all youth — especially girls.
How the Outdoors Paves a Path for Youth Workforce Development
By Lestarya Molloy | Posted on February 19, 2025
When every organization and company creates not just jobs, but career pathways to make a meaningful difference, we tap into people's deepest reason for working.
NRPA Annual Conference: Bringing Together People and Ideas
By Zachary Lambert | Posted on February 13, 2025
Zachary Lambert, the community recreation and events manager for Gorham (Maine) Parks and Recreation, shares his rewarding experience at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.
Event Management School Serves as “An Investment in Your Future and Your Community’s Future”
By Brittani Stickler | Posted on February 11, 2025
Attending Event Management School was a game-changer for Brittani Stickler, the special events and marketing programmer for the City of Wyoming (Michigan) Parks and Recreation Department.
CPRE: A Certification to Help You Be Better
By John Roche, CPRE | Posted on January 17, 2025
A challenge to take the CPRE exam and "be better" in this field from John Roche, CPRE, the manager of recreation, parks & community services and the aquatics director for Crystal Springs Family Waterpark in Township of East Brunswick, New Jersey.
Mastering Essential Skills in Park and Recreation-Based Workforce Development
By Ron Schmidt | Posted on January 13, 2025
The City of Columbia, Missouri's career readiness program, aims to prepare Columbia’s youth for the workforce and for becoming productive, self-sufficient citizens by providing comprehensive services that include essential skill development.
Five Ways to Expand Accessibility in Outdoor Workforce Development
By Kailey White | Posted on December 19, 2024
Explore innovative strategies to make outdoor spaces and training more accessible, ensuring every youth has the opportunity to connect with nature, build valuable skills, and envision a career in the recreation industry.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Inspiring Park and Recreation Stories — Episode 164
By Cort Jones, Christina High, Cara Myers | Posted on December 17, 2024
On our final Open Space Radio episode of the year, we're reflecting on our memories from 2024 and listening back to some of our favorite conversations.
Three Wins for Community Health
By The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Sector Committee | Posted on December 11, 2024
Three Wins is a concept that provides free exercise classes at local parks to support individual and community health and gives kinesiology students an internship opportunity to polish their skills in exercise training.
Reflections on the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference: Insights, Inspiration and Connections
By Cara McLeod | Posted on December 5, 2024
Cara McLeod, the senior marketing communications analyst for City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, shares her experience at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.