Burbank 410

The Power of Belonging: How Burbank's Adaptive Sports Expo Is Redefining Inclusive Recreation

By Diego Cevallos | Posted on July 2, 2026

In Burbank, California, the Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo (BASE) is expanding access to recreation, building community partnerships and demonstrating how adaptive sports can unlock the power of belonging for an entire community.

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Badge Whistle 410

When a Badge and a Whistle Show up for the Same Kid

By Maureen Neumann | Posted on June 22, 2026

Park and recreation professionals and police officers may not always seem like natural partners. But when they work together around a belief that young people deserve better than what their circumstances hand them, something durable is built.

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UrbanNatureways 410

The Power of Partnerships

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on June 3, 2026

Partnerships are playing an increasingly important role in helping park agencies meet growing public expectations and community needs. Los Angeles offers several examples of what these partnerships look like in practice.

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Pittsburgh Fourth 410

From Fireworks to Funding: Turning a Fourth of July Event Into a Regional Impact Engine

By Brandon D'Alimonte | Posted on June 2, 2026

Planning your Fourth of July celebration? At its best, it can do more than bring people together for a single evening. It can serve as a platform for investment, inclusion and measurable community impact.

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Excelsior Springs 410

Celebrating Community: The Impact of Park and Recreation Month

By Alexandria Arnold | Posted on May 21, 2026

In Excelsior Springs, Missouri, the guiding motto is simple: Start with play, have fun, make memories. That mindset has helped grow their Park and Recreation Month celebrations into something the community looks forward to each year.

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AC Tball 410

Highlighting The Power of Youth Sports in Philadelphia

By Allison Colman | Posted on May 4, 2026

Join us for the first-ever Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Summit at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia as we rally around the power of parks and recreation in creating transformative sports experiences for young people.

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Puente Hills Landfill 410

Reclaiming Space for Community, Recreation and Respite

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on May 1, 2026

Finding land for new parks is becoming one of the biggest challenges facing urban communities. Rather than relying solely on vacant parcels, agencies are reclaiming land shaped by legacy infrastructure, industrial uses and public systems.

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CSG 410

Supporting the Strength of Military Families Through Mentorship and Golf

By Dr. Thelma Tennie | Posted on April 10, 2026

Carter's Spectrum Golf Mentoring Program is proud to celebrate military children who demonstrate remarkable resilience every day, and is committed to supporting their growth both on and off the course.

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BM Blog 410

I Raised Her to Love the Game — Now I Need the Game to Love Her Back

By Brian McFadden | Posted on April 2, 2026

When park and recreation professionals build a girls-only program, it isn't just filling a gap in a schedule. It’s sending a message that girls belong here, that their development matters and that the community has invested in their future.

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power of camp blog 410

The Power of Camp

By Jamie Bass, CPRP | Posted on March 18, 2026

After working as a counselor, camp director, and camp manager — as well as being a parent of a young camper — Jamie Bass knows the importance of summer camp for kids, especially in today's world.

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theme park 410

Theme Parks, Public Parks and the Power of Place

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on March 18, 2026

Public parks do not need to replicate the scale or spectacle of a theme park to remain relevant. Their strength lies in accessibility, authenticity and everyday connection.

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OSR176_410

The Power of Your Stories: Inside the Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest — Episode 176

By Cara Myers, Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on March 3, 2026

With submissions now open for this year’s Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest, this episode of Open Space Radio looks back at a few stories from last year that stayed with us.

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TableTennis 410

Table Tennis and Where Generations Meet

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on February 9, 2026

A single table tennis table can activate a community room, a park pavilion, or a corner of a recreation center.

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Quiet Leadership 410

The Quiet Work of Leadership

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on January 12, 2026

The quiet work of leadership does not always draw attention, but it shapes decisions, relationships and outcomes in lasting ways. In fields devoted to shared spaces, public service and community well-being, recognizing and making room for quieter leadership is essential.

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MegParent

The Reciprocal Benefits of Mentorship in Bainbridge Island

By Sierra Cross | Posted on January 7, 2026

Through developing lasting relationships with students, Student Conservation Corps staff help students succeed in and out of Bainbridge Island Metro Parks.

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410 Climate

“Environmentally-Friendly Park Management” Published by Sasaki and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

By Chris Hardy | Posted on November 20, 2025

“Environmentally-Friendly Park Management” is a guide that helps park and recreation agencies achieve their sustainability goals.

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2025 GovtShutdown 410

NRPA Tracking Impacts of Federal Shutdown

By Kyle Simpson | Posted on November 13, 2025

On November 12, Congress passed a stopgap spending package that officially ended the 44-day government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history.

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coachhubblog 410

Celebrating the Heart of Youth Sports: Coach Appreciation Month

By Brian McFadden | Posted on October 22, 2025

Every October, Coach Appreciation Month gives us a chance to pause and honor the individuals who dedicate their time, energy and heart to shaping the next generation through sports.

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