Introducing Guardians of Greenspaces — Episode 168
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on April 22, 2025
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we share a collaboration with NRPA's newest podcast, Guardians of Greenspaces.
How to Create a Culture of Sustainability at Your Agency
By Chris Lindgren, CPRP | Posted on April 4, 2025
In parks and recreation, we have the opportunity to lead in the conservation of our precious natural resources. Here are ways you can build a culture of sustainability.
Parks and Recreation: Advancing Colorado's Sustainability Movement
By Barbara Kapustin | Posted on March 19, 2025
NRPA recently explored how Colorado is implementing sustainability initiatives on the local level. Read how the cities of Aspen and Grand Junction aren't only preserving natural beauty, but also cultivating a culture of sustainability.
NRPA’s Response to Recent Executive Orders
By Kristine Stratton | Posted on February 18, 2025
Read this message from NRPA President and CEO Kristine Stratton to learn how we're working to assess the impacts of recent White House executive orders and what they mean for the park and recreation field.
Event Management School Serves as “An Investment in Your Future and Your Community’s Future”
By Brittani Stickler | Posted on February 11, 2025
Attending Event Management School was a game-changer for Brittani Stickler, the special events and marketing programmer for the City of Wyoming (Michigan) Parks and Recreation Department.
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.
The Maine Event: Innovative Approaches to Sustainability in Parks and Recreation
By Barbara Kapustin | Posted on January 22, 2025
Stretching across 30,843 square miles, the state of Maine is well known for its extensive coastline, tasty seafood and stunning national park. It's also among the few states that have state-wide recycling legislation.
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.
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.
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.
From Creation to Care: The Need for Ongoing and Additional Funding to Operate and Maintain Parks
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on November 14, 2024
Despite significant benefits, parks often face critical challenges when it comes to funding for their ongoing operations and maintenance. However, ongoing and additional funding is imperative to ensure that parks remain safe, accessible and beneficial to all.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Resources to Support Farmers Markets in Parks and Recreation
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on September 11, 2024
NRPA is excited to share the Local Farmers Market Promotion Toolkit for park and recreation agencies. This toolkit supports agencies as they work with local partners to promote farmers markets and increase equitable food access solutions.
Small Steps with Big Impact: An Introduction to NRPA’s Equity Quick Guides
By Autumn Saxton-Ross and Tiff Cunin | Posted on September 9, 2024
Sometimes it's challenging to know where to even start with diversity, equity and inclusion work. We're pleased to introduce a game-changing resource to assist in this work: the Equity Quick Guides.