Decarbonization and the Role of Local Park Agencies
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on July 22, 2024
Decarbonization is a critical component of global efforts to combat climate change and its associated impacts. Local park agencies, through their stewardship of parkland, promotion of sustainable practices, and engagement of communities, play an important role in advancing decarbonization at the local level.
Parks and Recreation: Is It Like the Show?
By Rebecca Ortiz | Posted on July 17, 2024
Rebecca Ortiz, the athletics and rentals coordinator for City of Irving (Texas) Parks and Recreation Department, explores the question many park and recreation professionals receive: "Is working in parks and recreation like the show?"
Transforming Oil Fields Into Parks: A Cornerstone of Just Transition
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on June 27, 2024
In the era of climate change and environmental degradation, the concept of a "just transition" has gained prominence. One notable example is the transformation of oil fields into parks and open space where and when appropriate as determined through a stakeholder engagement process.
Celebrating Pride: The Power of Partnership and Allyship — Episode 155
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on June 25, 2024
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss an important partnership in Nevada that provides safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to recreate outdoors, build a relationship with nature and build a sense of belonging.
The Healing Power of Parks: Regenerating Landscapes and Communities
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on May 17, 2024
By restoring damaged landscapes, providing valuable green spaces, and fostering environmental education and awareness, parks can play a significant role in healing the land and building more sustainable and resilient communities.
NRPA Launches Workforce Development Community of Practice
By Barbara Kapustin | Posted on May 10, 2024
The Workforce Development CoP is a funded opportunity for rural agencies that currently provide workforce development programming through their out-of-school time (OST) services to youth (ages 14-21). The CoP will allow agencies to connect and learn from peers, problem-solve challenges, and receive assistance from cohort peers and industry experts.
NRPA Niagara Refresh Project Impacts Youth Across the Country
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on April 10, 2024
In celebration of the Niagara 60th anniversary in 2023, Niagara Bottling and NRPA tested a new model — a supplementary investment in parks that had previously been supported by grants. This past year, eight parks across the United States have received funding from Niagara to refresh their outdoor play space.
Creating a World Where Humanity Stands Out — Episode 153
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on April 9, 2024
On today’s episode, we’re talking with someone who has been making a big impact in the larger outdoor industry for a while now. Teresa Baker, founder of In Solidarity Project, is an outdoor enthusiast focusing on community engagement, creating events that encourage people to venture outdoors responsibly, and learning about our open spaces and what it takes to protect them.
This Earth Month Let’s Celebrate Park and Recreation Professionals as Climate Heroes
By Michele White, CAE, IOM | Posted on April 4, 2024
April is Earth Month — the perfect time to engage community members in park cleanups and park improvement projects. Whether it’s planting trees or creating pollinator habitats, hosting outdoor activities to connect communities to nature, or fostering community engagement through environmental initiatives, park and recreation professionals are the driving force behind transformative change in our public spaces.
Revitalizing Houghton Park: A Community-Led Transformation
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on March 22, 2024
Before receiving a park improvement grant from The Bobcat Company, community members removed the trash they could on their own—routinely bringing vehicles into the park and leaving with mattresses, tires, and other liftable debris. However, with backing from the partnership between Bobcat and NRPA, community members have been able to rely on BNRLT and Bobcat of Buffalo to facilitate the removal of dangerous and heavy debris.
Funding Available: Community Change Grants Program
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on March 18, 2024
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Change Grant Program was announced and opened for applications in late 2023. The program will award roughly $2 billion in project funding for projects that provide meaningful improvements to the environmental, climate, and resilience conditions affecting disadvantaged communities.
Having Fun and Doing the Right Thing in San Antonio — Episode 151
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on February 13, 2024
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring an exciting partnership between NRPA, Bobcat Company and the San Antonio River Authority that is advancing resilient park access.
Planting a Sustainable Future at Trueheart Ranch Nature Park
By Austin Barrett and Miriam Lamoreaux | Posted on February 8, 2024
On November 2, 2023, a few dozen warm-hearted people gathered on an unseasonably cold morning, just south of San Antonio, Texas, to celebrate the future of Trueheart Ranch Nature Park as part of NRPA's partnership with Bobcat Company.
Auburndale Park's Trail Revitalization with Bobcat and NRPA
By Charissa Hipp | Posted on January 18, 2024
The City of Auburn, Washington, was one of five recipients of a $50,000 Bobcat grant to support park improvement projects awarded as part of Bobcat’s 65th anniversary celebration in 2023.
A Personalized and Flexible Approach to Continuous Learning in 2024
By NRPA Professional Development Team | Posted on January 4, 2024
In 2024, park and recreation professionals can look forward to opportunities from NRPA to learn at their own pace and focus on areas most relevant to them.
NRPA and Bobcat Partnership Builds Resilient Park Access: City of Stonecrest, Georgia
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on December 14, 2023
Thanks to Bobcat Company, The City of Stonecrest Parks and Recreation has recently completed a 1.5-mile trail in Everett Park. This project was one of five made possible by a partnership between Bobcat and NRPA.
Fifth Annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz Raises Awareness of Biodiversity in Local Parks
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on October 25, 2023
This September, NRPA hosted its fifth annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, a national campaign to raise awareness and community involvement in the pollinator crisis through local parks and recreation and like-minded organizations.
How to Protect What We Love (People and the Planet) — Episode 144
By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on October 10, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk with Kenny Barnes, the program and outreach coordinator for Sustainability Matters, a grassroots environmental nonprofit dedicated to cultivating community through conservation and making sustainability fun, realistic and inclusive for all.