10 Ways To Support Mental Health This May
By Allison Colman | Posted on May 19, 2022
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are 10 actions park and recreation professionals can take this May to amplify their role in supporting mental health.
West Lafayette’s Mission to Make Wellness More Inclusive – June Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 19, 2022
The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories titled, “Making Wellness More Inclusive.”
Supporting Healthy Aging through Parks and Recreation: A Community of Practice
By Colleen Pittard and Tiff Cunin | Posted on May 13, 2022
This Older Americans Month and Arthritis Awareness Month, NRPA is excited to share updates and news about how local parks and recreation continues to support healthy aging in communities across the country.
In the ADA, Is There a Difference Between Essential Eligibility and Prerequisite Skills?
By John McGovern | Posted on May 11, 2022
Two important concepts in The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II regulation govern how agencies respond to requests from people with disabilities when it comes to supporting them in programs.
Coffee Talk Replay: How Inclusive Recreation Helps Ignacio Gallegos Find Purpose in Life — Episode 113
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 10, 2022
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're replaying a Coffee Talk from the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference, when we talked with Ignacio Gallegos about the impact the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association in Illinois has had on his life, along with his grandmother, Leticia DeLaFuente.
Engaging Your Community In a Cause: 3 Suggestions
By Kevin Penney | Posted on May 5, 2022
Park and recreation agencies can get their entire communities together to support a good cause. Learn how to inspire and engage your community with these three tips.
You Can Be a Water Safety Champion In Your Community
By Frank Perez and Stephanie Hee-Johnston | Posted on April 14, 2022
There has never been a better time to sign up to participate in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, taking place on June 23, 2022. Here are some reasons it is a critical and worthwhile event.
How Parks Play a Role in Tree Equity — Episode 112
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 12, 2022
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're discussing how trees play a critical role in building environmental resilience, cooling our neighborhoods, and improving the health of our communities with Jad Daley, president and CEO of American Forests.
New Resources to Support Partnerships with Healthcare Organizations
By Allison Colman | Posted on April 8, 2022
Partnerships between healthcare organizations and community-based organizations (such as parks and recreation) can have some of the greatest impacts on community health and well-being.
Fifth Grader’s Passion Project Inspires More Kids To Get Outside
By Adam Levine | Posted on March 18, 2022
Eleven-year-old Adam Levine knows how important it is for kids to get outside and be active, and he wants to let other kids know how important getting outside and being active is for them.
Morale, Welfare and Recreation: Serving Those Who Serve — Episode 110
By Cort Jones | Posted on March 15, 2022
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're talking all things Morale, Welfare and Recreation, also known as Armed Forces Recreation, with NRPA's incoming Armed Forces Recreation Network chair, John Prue, as well as Caité Kendrick and Kiersten Warren.
Building Community Through Access to Skateparks — Episode 109
By Cort Jones | Posted on March 1, 2022
On today’s episode, we're chatting with Alec Beck, the manager of public education for The Skatepark Project, formerly known as the Tony Hawk Foundation, as well as Cecely Todacheenie, a local skateboarder from Gallup, New Mexico, who was a strong advocate and youth ambassador for a skatepark project in her community.
Advancing Access to Mountain Biking in Bristol — March Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 17, 2022
The March issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and on today’s bonus episode of the podcast we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, titled, “Blazing a Trail in Bristol, Connecticut.”
Coffee Talk Replay: Breaking Down Barriers to Outdoor Recreation — Episode 108
By Cort Jones | Posted on February 1, 2022
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're replaying our Coffee Talk from the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference with Dr. Kim and Claude Walker, the founders of Abundant Life Adventure Club.
January Is National Mentoring Month
By Lauren Kiefert | Posted on January 26, 2022
January is National Mentoring Month and shines light on the importance of mentoring and social connection, especially during times of hardship and uncertainty. Here are some resources and ways you can celebrate.
It’s Time to Talk About Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
By Liliana Ruiz Fischer | Posted on January 21, 2022
Introducing NRPA's Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Language Guide, a resource developed to help park and recreation professionals to address, communicate, and effectively serve all individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders.
Shaping the Future With Next Practices in Parks and Recreation — Episode 107
By Cort Jones | Posted on January 18, 2022
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by Neelay Bhatt, vice president and principal of PROS Consulting, to discuss what the future of parks and recreation may look like in terms of programming, placemaking, financing and more.
Solutions to Homelessness — The Role of Parks and Recreation
By Allison Colman and Austin Barrett | Posted on January 10, 2022
On November 12, 2021, NRPA released the first blog in this series, Understanding Homelessness: The Extent, Causes and Local Solutions. This second post delves into additional support and resources available, as well as outlines potential solutions and a path forward.