The Texas Energy Crisis: How Parks and Recreation Meet the Moment
By Dan McCarthy | Posted on February 24, 2021
President Joe Biden has declared a federal emergency in Texas as the state starts to recover from the recent disastrous winter weather event and subsequent overwhelming of the state’s energy grid, and park and recreation professionals in the state are answering the call to support their communities and keep them safe.
Building ‘An Equal Future’ with TEDxCollegePark — March Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on February 18, 2021
On the March bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re joined by Neelay Bhatt, vice president of PROS Consulting, and Roslyn Johnson, director of Baltimore County Recreation and Parks, to talk about TEDxCollegePark’s event, ‘An Equal Future,’ which is taking place virtually on March 19.
GameTime’s 2021 Park and Playground Trends
By Kent Callison | Posted on February 12, 2021
These trends from GameTime indicate the industry's direction in the upcoming year while simultaneously calling attention to innovations from 2020.
How Parks and Recreation Plays a Role in COVID-Impacted Youth Sports
By Jon Solomon | Posted on February 10, 2021
Quality, community-based sports will be more important than ever during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Park and recreation departments have a greater opportunity to market their role in this area given the likely desire by parents for more local and affordable sports offerings.
The Best Things in Life Are Free
By David Sabgir, MD, FACC | Posted on February 10, 2021
In celebration of February being Heart Health Month, Walk with a Doc has teamed up with Fresh Avocados – Love One Today® to offer a brand new, virtual Grand Canyon Adventure. This virtual event will last two weeks and is free to participate in!
NRPA Parks Snapshot: February 2-5 Survey Results
By Kevin Roth | Posted on February 5, 2021
Park and recreation professionals continue to play a vital role in the community when it comes to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and vaccination distribution. In the latest Parks Snapshot, we learned that nearly 4 in 5 park and recreation agencies across the country are supporting these efforts, among others.
Kids Just Want to Have Fun
By Lynn Pinoniemi | Posted on February 1, 2021
When people pass by a community park sprouting colorful, inviting play structures, they might recall the fun, carefree days of childhood and smile. Park and recreation professionals go beyond just those memories.
Play and Recreation Spaces — Vital Places in Our Communities
By Sarah Lisiecki | Posted on January 15, 2021
Play, playgrounds and recreation areas remain crucial to both personal and community development and we need more of them. With a new year upon us, let’s plan to explore even more and advocate for the spaces that are always there for us.
How a Group of Teens Is Bringing a Skatepark To Their Community — Episode 082
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on January 12, 2021
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're joined by three teenagers who saw a need in their community for a safe, legal place to participate in their favorite activity - skateboarding. They took it upon themselves to start a grassroots movement to create a skatepark, and the results will inspire you!
January is National Mentoring Month!
By Lauren Kiefert | Posted on January 8, 2021
January is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the value and impact that mentors have on our youth.
Intergenerational Nutrition: Community Members of All Ages Can Join the Fun!
By Dr. Danielle Hollar | Posted on January 8, 2021
What types of intergenerational fun can be had that promotes good nutrition and healthy eating? Here are some ideas to help get the creative juices flowing!
Advancing Community Health and Well-Being — A Greater Role for Parks and Recreation in 2021
By Allison Colman | Posted on December 29, 2020
In 2021, park and recreation professionals should focus efforts in these areas as we recover from the pandemic and other challenges, so we can ensure all people can thrive.
2020 Reflections and Looking Ahead to 2021 — Episode 081
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 29, 2020
On our final episode of Open Space Radio of the year, we’re looking back at some of the conversations we’ve had on the podcast, discussing the lessons we’ve learned, and looking ahead at some of our hopes and goals for 2021.
Maximizing Meal Distribution During the Holidays and COVID-19
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on December 23, 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service has extended all child nutrition COVID-19 waivers through the 2020-2021 school year, set to expire June 30, 2021. While these waivers are beneficial to meal programs, there are some additional practices that can help maximize meal service.
Emerging Trends in Parks and Recreation — January Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 17, 2020
On the January bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re replaying the full session of our “Emerging Trends in Parks and Recreation” Coffee Talk from the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience (NRPA Virtual) this past October.
How Farmers Markets Benefit the Whole Community — Episode 80
By Cort Jones and Roxanne Sutton | Posted on December 15, 2020
On the latest episode of Open Space Radio, we're discussing how the farmers markets are helping farmers earn fair prices for the fruits of their labor, increasing access to fresh, local produce for consumers, and helping communities regain a figurative “town square.”
Expanding Recreational Opportunities to Underinvested Communities
By Eduardo Tamez Zamarripa | Posted on December 7, 2020
This past October, the newly formed Black Players for Change — comprised of more than 170 MLS players, coaches and staff — announced a new endeavor to remove systemic barriers to the sport of soccer for Black youth.
Two New Resources to Support Park and Recreation Professionals in the Fight Against Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
By Lauren Kiefert | Posted on December 4, 2020
NRPA is proud to announce the release of two new resources addressing stigma and prevention efforts related to substance use and mental health disorders.