
What Is a Training Grant and Why Should I Apply?
By Colleen Pittard | Posted on September 18, 2023
Training grants are grants that do not always provide funds, but instead provide training, coaching and technical assistance. Since 2016, NRPA has been offering instructor training grants for evidenced-based physical activity programs and we just opened applications for another round!

Youth Sports Equity Takes Center Stage at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference
By Nelly Musselman and Teresa Morrissey | Posted on September 13, 2023
Access to youth sports is taking center stage at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference, taking place October 10-12 in Dallas. Learn more about the Day Two Panel, "The Ball Is in Our Court: Leveraging the Power of Parks and Recreation to Advance Youth Sports Equity."

A Listen Back at 2023 So Far — Episode 142
By Cort Jones | Posted on September 12, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we take a listen back at the wisdom and experience of some of our favorite guests from this year so far.

Building Resilient Park Access in Detroit
By Justin Taylor and Rachel Felder | Posted on September 8, 2023
Through NRPA’s Resilient Park Access grant, Detroit Parks and Recreation was given the opportunity to create seven nature pockets that are centered in equity and social and climate resiliency.

Celebrating and Protecting Biodiversity
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on September 5, 2023
Learn a few ways that park and recreation agencies celebrate and protect biodiversity, with specific examples of how the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation carries them out.

Responsive Design for Park Websites: 3 Best Practices
By Ryan Felix | Posted on September 1, 2023
A well-designed website is an essential outreach tool for park and recreation agencies. Start designing a responsive website with these three best practices.

How Las Vegas Is Leading the Way in Technology and Recreation — Episode 141
By Cort Jones | Posted on August 29, 2023
On today’s episode of Open Space Radio, we are diving into the dynamic world where recreation and technology intersect with staff from the Las Vegas Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs department.

Beyond the Field: 3 Team Building Ideas for Youth Sports
By Korri Piper | Posted on August 28, 2023
Team building provides numerous benefits for youth sports teams, from improving performance to cultivating friendships. Get started with these three ideas.

Get the Most Accurate Construction Information for Your Sports Facilities
By Fred C. Stringfellow, CAE | Posted on August 24, 2023
Park and recreation agencies have more sports facilities than ever before. Here's how to get the most accurate construction information for all of them!

Becoming “Green Stewards”: How the BioBlitz Is Getting Residents Across the South Invested in Their Parks
By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on August 23, 2023
In two very different Southern cities, the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz has encouraged community members to share their knowledge and learn more about their local plants and wildlife.

What’s the Deal With Matching Funds?
By Elyse Gentile | Posted on August 22, 2023
When applying for federal grants or loans, applicants will come across a section titled, “cost sharing or matching requirements." To help park and recreation professionals navigate these murky waters, NRPA is proud to provide the Fund Matching 101 resource!

Creating a Compelling Sponsorship Proposal: 3 Best Practices
By Sarah Sebastian | Posted on August 22, 2023
A compelling sponsorship proposal can earn your organization much-needed support for your next event. Use these key tips to craft your sponsorship proposal.

Putting Equity Into Practice: The Role of Parks and Recreation
By Tiff Cunin | Posted on August 16, 2023
NRPA’s Equity in Practice certificate program is designed to serve as a transformative experience for park and recreation professionals and is a commitment to promoting equity within every facet of the park and recreation profession.

Advancing Resilient Park Access in Lynnwood, Washington — Episode 140
By Cort Jones | Posted on August 8, 2023
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore how Lynnwood (Washington) Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department is advancing community-driven, systems-level strategies for equitable park access.

Farmers Markets and Community Wellness Hubs: Supporting Holistic Well-Being
By Liliana Ruiz Fischer | Posted on August 4, 2023
In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, members of NRPA's 2022-2023 Farmers Markets in Parks and Recreation Community of Practice share examples of how their markets support the seven dimensions of well-being.

Leveraging Virtual Reality for Professional Development: 4 Engaging Ideas
By Sonia Urlando | Posted on August 2, 2023
Learn how to incorporate virtual reality into professional development opportunities to engage community members and support their success in this guide.

From Clean-Up Crews to Trailblazers: Recognizing Volunteers
By Tim Badolato | Posted on July 26, 2023
Volunteers contribute their time and effort to your park and recreation agency’s programs. Learn more about methods you can use to recognize your volunteers.

Advancing Equity Through the RCN Program
By Elyse Gentile | Posted on July 25, 2023
The Department of Transportation is offering grant funding for projects that increase multimodal access to recreation and park spaces, making park and recreation agencies the perfect applicants.