A Park User’s Guide to Family Health & Fitness Day: 7 Ways You Can Celebrate on June 10!
By Cina Makres | Posted on May 31, 2023
This year, Family Health & Fitness Day falls on Saturday, June 10. To help spark some ideas, we developed this short list of ways in which you can celebrate in your own community!
How Parks and Playgrounds Prepare the Next Generation for Sports Participation
By Nelly Musselman | Posted on May 26, 2023
Viewing parks and playgrounds as early sports development hubs for the next pro, college, high school or recreation league athletes really paints the picture of how important and necessary these resources are.
Prioritizing the Health and Well-Being of Our Military Communities — June Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 25, 2023
On the June bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving deeper into one of this month’s feature stories, “Leading the Way to Health and Well-Being: How Armed Forces Recreation Fosters Healthy Military Communities.”
Youth Sports Equity Grant: Exciting Selection Announcement!
By Nelson Musselman | Posted on May 18, 2023
With support from Musco Lighting, NRPA is providing funding and in-kind support to local park and recreation agencies to increase opportunities for physical activity that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
Celebrating How Parks and Recreation Keeps Communities Healthy and Connected — Episode 136
By Cort Jones | Posted on May 16, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we discuss Family Health & Fitness Day coming up on Saturday, June 10, with Cina Makres, an NRPA program specialist, and Daniel Hatcher, the senior director of strategic partnerships at Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
Mental Health is Health: How Parks Support Our Well-Being
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on May 15, 2023
As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we asked NRPA staff to reflect on how local parks and recreation support their health.
Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace
By Allison Colman | Posted on May 11, 2023
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, NRPA has made a commitment to prioritizing employee mental health, and we are inviting park and recreation professionals across the nation to join us!
Seven Dimensions of Wellbeing in Action
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on May 3, 2023
We know that while the concept of a Community Wellness Hub may seem innovative, the work and ideas that contribute to a hub are happening every day. Here are some ideas for advancing each of the seven dimensions of wellbeing in your everyday practices.
Aging Unbound: 5 Tips for Supporting Older Adults in Your Community
By Tiff Cunin | Posted on May 1, 2023
In celebration of Older Americans Month, NRPA's Supporting Healthy Aging through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) grantees developed a short list of tips for supporting older adults in your community.
New Study Shows Benefits Exceed Park Costs
By Austin Barrett and Kevin Roth | Posted on April 28, 2023
While telling the story of your local park and recreation agency is vital to advocacy, so is having solid research to rely on. The good news is that there is growing evidence of parks and recreation’s economic power.
How to Build a Culture of Safety — May Bonus Episode
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 27, 2023
On the May bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we dive deeper into one of this month's feature stories with Dr. William Ramos, a member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and associate professor at Indiana University School of Public Health, and Nichole Bohner, the aquatics division manager for City of Round Rock, Texas, Parks and Recreation.
Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation Doesn’t Reflect Parks and Recreation’s Values
By Allison Colman, Autumn Saxton-Ross and Kyle Simpson | Posted on April 26, 2023
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 734, a federal ban on transgender and intersex sports, challenging the very mission, vision and core values of NRPA.
Make the Most Out of Your Time With Youth This Summer!
By Kent Hunt, CPRP | Posted on April 25, 2023
As we move closer to the summer camp season, here are some simple ideas that can be easily integrated into the trainings, programs and activities that you are already doing to enhance youth development within your programs.
The Power of Partnerships for Pittsburgh’s Greenways
By Audrey Wells | Posted on April 14, 2023
Thanks to an NRPA Resilient Park Access Grant, the Pittsburgh Greenways Platform Partnership program is creating a more visible difference for the community and the Pittsburgh ecosystem at large.
City Planning With Parks in Mind
By Chandler Nobles, MS, CPRP | Posted on April 11, 2023
Parks are an essential component of a city’s green infrastructure and serve as a tool for achieving sustainable development. Here are a few ways that parks and recreation plays a role in green city planning.
Join Us for Family Health & Fitness Day on Saturday, June 10!
By NRPA Health Team | Posted on April 5, 2023
Family Health & Fitness Day is a nationwide celebration of the essential role local parks and recreation plays in keeping individuals, families and communities healthy and active. This year, Family Health & Fitness Day falls on Saturday, June 10, and we want YOU to help us celebrate!
Reflecting on Earth Month: A Look Back at Sustainability and Climate-Focused Episodes — Episode 133
By Cort Jones | Posted on April 4, 2023
In celebration of Earth Month, we take a look back at a few Open Space Radio episodes from the past year focused on climate solutions, sustainability and more,
Five Ways Parks and Recreation Is a Climate Hero
By Ayanna Williams, MSW | Posted on March 31, 2023
Break out the capes, this Earth Month NRPA is celebrating all the ways parks and recreation is a climate hero. Here are some ways you can be part of the celebration.