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.
The Role of Parks and Recreation in Obesity Prevention Policy
By The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Sector Committee | Posted on March 12, 2025
By taking a proactive role in promoting health and well-being, park and recreation professionals can help create a healthier future for our communities.
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.
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.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day 2025: Lead Her Forward
By Brian McFadden | Posted on January 31, 2025
On Wednesday, February 5, we celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a powerful reminder that girls and women belong in every aspect of sports. Here's how you can get involved.
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.
Celebrating Youth Mentoring Success in Parks and Recreation
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on January 23, 2025
Park and recreation agencies are building youth mentoring into afterschool programs, sports programs, and as standalone mentoring programs, but the possibilities for integrating mentoring into parks and recreation programs are endless.
Mentoring: A Positive Impact for All — Episode 165
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on January 21, 2025
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring the power of mentoring with mentors and youth mentees from programs in Mesa, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; and Monroe County, Michigan.
Inspiring Youth Through Neil Postman’s 3 A’s
By Rebecca Ortiz | Posted on January 16, 2025
As park and recreation professionals, we must bring about curiosity, encourage critical thinking and inspire youth to be a part of the community so that they may desire to maintain and improve it.
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.
Thank Your Mentor Day: Stories of Impact from STRONGkids
By Sarah Mendieta | Posted on January 10, 2025
In Dickinson, North Dakota, the Best Friends Mentoring Program has partnered with Dickinson Parks and Recreation to create a program for youth in 6th-8th grade.
From Plans to Parks: Learning from Lewisville
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on January 8, 2025
Clement Lau reflects on what he learned during a 2024 NRPA Annual Conference session about addressing park access challenges in an underserved area in Lewisville, Texas.
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.
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.
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.
A Blueprint for Change: Supporting Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation
By Natalia Ospina | Posted on December 6, 2024
NRPA has developed a Healthy Aging Framework to help park and recreation agencies leverage their strengths, relationships and resources to advance systems change approaches that support healthy aging.
The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Recreation, Fitness and Parks Sector
By The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Sector Committee | Posted on December 3, 2024
The National Physical Activity Plan is a set of policies, programs and initiatives to help support physical activity in all segments of the United States population. One of the 10 physical activity sectors covers Community Recreation, Fitness and Parks (CRFP) with five distinct strategies.
Empowering Youth Through Parks and Recreation
By Cina Makres | Posted on November 25, 2024
New NRPA resources reveal guidance around promoting positive youth development by integrating elements of career exploration and community service into youth mentoring programs.