CareCamp 410

Parks in Action: Meeting Community Needs During Times of Crisis

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on January 29, 2025

From public health emergencies to natural disasters, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has demonstrated adaptability and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of L.A. County residents.

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Maine Recycling 410

The Maine Event: Innovative Approaches to Sustainability in Parks and Recreation

By Barbara Kapustin | Posted on January 22, 2025

Stretching across 30,843 square miles, the state of Maine is well known for its extensive coastline, tasty seafood and stunning national park. It's also among the few states that have state-wide recycling legislation.

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BarbandAyanna410

Recycling in Philadelphia: A Green Journey Through Urban Spaces

By Barbara Kapustin | Posted on December 18, 2024

Recycling in Philadelphia is more than managing waste — it's creating a more connected, sustainable urban ecosystem where discarded items have the potential for renewal and repurpose.

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Ep164 410

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.

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TaosYCC 410

Sowing Seeds of Stewardship: Cultivating Youth Conservation Leaders in Taos, New Mexico

By Darien Fernandez | Posted on November 20, 2024

The three-person staff at Taos Land Trust would not be able to care for Rio Fernando Park without the help of a seasonal crew of youth and young adults, ages 14-25.

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Creation to Care 410

From Creation to Care: The Need for Ongoing and Additional Funding to Operate and Maintain Parks

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on November 14, 2024

Despite significant benefits, parks often face critical challenges when it comes to funding for their ongoing operations and maintenance. However, ongoing and additional funding is imperative to ensure that parks remain safe, accessible and beneficial to all.

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163 410

Sustainability and Environmental Resilience in Parks — Episode 163

By Cort Jones | Posted on November 8, 2024

On this Open Space Radio x GovLove collab episode, recorded live at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, we discuss environmental resilience with Bernita Reese, director of Columbus Recreation and Parks, Ali Rhodes, director of City of Boulder Parks & Recreation, and Michele White. senior program manager at NRPA.

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Rebecca Armstrong 410

NRPA Board Member Rebecca Armstrong Reflects on NRPA’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan

By Rebecca Armstrong | Posted on November 5, 2024

This blog post highlights thoughts on NRPA's new strategic plan from Rebecca Armstrong, member of the NRPA board of directors.

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Trees for All 410

Trees for All

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on October 28, 2024

In an increasingly urbanized world, the role of nature within our communities has never been more important. The need to integrate trees and green spaces is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for the health and well-being of residents.

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BioBlitzWrap2024 410

Sixth Annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz Celebrates Pollinators Across the Country

By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on October 23, 2024

This September, NRPA’s sixth annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz was a celebration of nature, community and the vital role parks play in protecting biodiversity.

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Carolyn 410

Former NRPA Board Chair Shares Reflections on New Strategic Plan

By Carolyn McKnight Fredd, CPRP | Posted on October 2, 2024

Former NRPA Board Chair Carolyn McKnight Fredd, CPRP, shares what she appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2030 plan, which will be unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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Georgia Aquarium 410

Georgia Aquarium and GameTime Share Conservation Priorities Ahead of NRPA Annual Conference Opening Reception

By Cara Myers | Posted on September 23, 2024

We’re counting down the days until we dive into the NRPA Annual Conference Opening Reception on Tuesday, October 8. Hosted by Georgia Aquarium and sponsored by GameTime, the largest park and recreation party of the year promises valuable networking opportunities, fun, food, music and of course – the sights and sounds of amazing aquatic life.

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OurCounty Cover 410

Parks as a Cornerstone of Sustainability

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on September 13, 2024

By supporting the creation and expansion of green spaces, the OurCounty Plan demonstrates Los Angeles County’s commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive county.

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natural disaster 410

Be Prepared to Respond and Protect Your Community During Natural Disasters

By Teresa L. Penbrooke, PhD, CPRE | Posted on September 6, 2024

Hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods and other extreme weather events have become far too common. Are you and your agency prepared? September is Disaster Preparedness Month — the perfect time to prepare for disaster response and recovery.

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Ep159 410

From Access to Action: How We Can Thrive Like a Meadow — Episode 159

By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on August 20, 2024

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with José Gonzáles, the founder of Latino Outdoors, an organization working to bridge the gap and create more inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences and opportunities for Latino communities.

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LA Youth Climate Commission 410

Elevating Youth Voices for a Sustainable Future

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on August 16, 2024

In recent years, the growing impacts of climate change have galvanized youth across the globe to demand action and advocate for sustainable policies. In Los Angeles County, this movement has been embodied by the establishment of the Youth Climate Commission.

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pflugerville 410

Reciproci-TEA: City of Pflugerville’s First BioBlitz

By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on August 8, 2024

In September of 2023, the City of Pflugerville, Texas, and Monarch Sanctuary Project hosted a well-attended educational workshop called “Impacting Change: Gardening for our Native Pollinators" as part of its first BioBlitz.

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SiP 2024 410

Sustainability in Practice: A Collaborative Approach to Environmental Resilience

By Steph Whyte | Posted on August 7, 2024

In June, NRPA launched the first-of-its-kind Sustainability in Practice program, a 16-week immersive, cohort-style program for park professionals with a vested interest in building equitable environmental resilience in their communities.

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