Parks provide a safe place for communities to connect, enjoy the outdoors and be active. Local park and recreation professionals are experts in planning, designing, building and maintaining these vital places in our communities. To support these professionals and their communities, NRPA provides catalytic grants to close gaps in access to quality park spaces.

Check out a few of the projects we’ve supported including the Meet Me at the Park projects that have reached 1 Million kids and families.

Learn how a park is built or renovated by watching this series of videos.

Implementing Park Improvement Projects

Following the series of steps outlined in this video can help park and recreation agencies carry out park improvement projects.


Park Improvement Projects


Assessing the Needs of Your Community

Making sure all community members have a voice when starting a park improvement project is important. Learn about the benefits of involving the community and see the steps to develop a community engagement strategy in this video.


Community Assessments and Customer Service


Creating Inclusive Spaces in Parks and Recreation

Make sure your park and recreation facility is open, welcoming and engaging for everyone by using the best practices outlined in this video.


Equity and Inclusion


Sustaining Your Project: Grants and Budgets

Ensure your park improvement project can continue operating past the initial funding cycle using the tips provided in this video.


Grants and Fundraising


Collecting Data and Sharing the Story of Your Project

Share the information that conveys the impact and value your park improvement project brings to the local community through marketing and public relations using the steps in this video.


Marketing and Storytelling


Learn More with NRPA Resources

NRPA provides many ways to continue learning about the topics integral to successful park improvement projects. Find some sample resources listed by topic-area below. Also, search through Parks & Recreation magazine, NRPA’s flagship publication, for article on these topics and visit NRPA Connect to network with other park and recreation professionals online.

News Stories