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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

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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NRPA Youth Sports Equity Grants: Transforming Communities Through Inclusive Athletics

By Brian McFadden | Posted on October 25, 2024

Many park and recreation agencies grapple with the challenge of providing equal access to youth sports, especially to under-resourced populations. Recognizing this crucial gap, the NRPA has stepped forward with a trio of innovative grant opportunities.

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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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Empowering At-Risk Youth Through Workforce Development in Recreation

By Chris Allen | Posted on October 22, 2024

Investing in at-risk youth through workforce development in recreation is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for building stronger communities.

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National Substance Use Prevention Month: Providing Safe Spaces for Youth in Asheville

By Angel Redmond | Posted on October 17, 2024

Asheville, North Carolina, is integrating more intentional one-on-one and group mentoring activities into existing afterschool, sports, environmental and outdoor education, and arts and culture programs through NRPA’s Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Substance Misuse grant.

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NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre Shares Reflections on New Strategic Plan

By Jesús Aguirre | Posted on October 15, 2024

NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre shares what he appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2029 strategic plan, which was unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.

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Southern California Site Visit Reflections: Older Adult Programming Can Change Lives

By Cara Myers, Natalia Ospina, Colleen Pittard and Jennifer Ward | Posted on October 4, 2024

NRPA staff members recently visited park and recreation agencies in Southern California that are making massive impacts with their Supporting Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) grants.

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Exciting Updates to the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification Program

By Elizabeth Gonzales | Posted on October 3, 2024

NRPA is proud to announce new material for the AFO certification program was recently released on October 1. This includes the AFO Manual (8th edition), course PowerPoint, exam, and a new course offering — the AFO Blended Learning Course.

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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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From Newcomer to Seasoned Professional: Navigating the NRPA Annual Conference — Episode 162

By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on October 1, 2024

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Jamiah Flagg, CPRP, the operations coordinator at Douglasville Parks and Recreation in Georgia. Tune in to hear about her 2023 NRPA Annual Conference experience and what she's looking forward to in 2024!

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Continuing the Journey: The Seven Dimensions of Well-Being in Parks and Recreation

By Maureen Neumann | Posted on September 27, 2024

To better support park and recreation professionals as they advance the seven dimensions of well-being, we’ve created a set of new resources to help contextualize each dimension with sample strategies and examples from the field.

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Recreation as a Gateway to Youth Workforce Development

By Thennie Freeman | Posted on September 26, 2024

As the director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Thennie Freeman has a unique perspective on how youth programs can serve as a bridge to the District's workforce system.

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Roving Leaders: Decades of Empowering Youth in D.C. — Episode 161

By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on September 24, 2024

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we chat with Danielle Hunter, chief of D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation's Roving Leaders Program. Tune in to learn how this program is making an impact on youth in the nation's capital.

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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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Creating Positive Team Culture Through DEI-Focused Coaching

By Charissa Hipp and Rosa Riley | Posted on September 18, 2024

A diversity, equity and inclusion lens must be present in your youth sports programs and coaching styles to ensure equitable access and positive youth development through sports participation. 

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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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The NRPA Annual Conference Is Second to None

By Haley Colucci, CPRP | Posted on September 12, 2024

Haley Colucci, CPRP, the marketing & communications manager for Oak Brook Park District, shares why she feels the NRPA Annual Conference is second to none.

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