The National Recreation and Parks Association

Even though parks and open space are vital to every community, many parks are being converted to non-park uses. In some cases, the conversions of these parks are for other valuable public purposes, such as schools or roads, but the net effect is the same — the parks are lost.

Listen Now

Investment in civic assets that creates social and economic change is urgently needed, and Value Capture in the Commons offers tools for parks leaders across the country to consider how the value from public asset investment can benefit us all.

Read more

Montgomery Parks and Pepco breathe new life into unused open space under utility transmission lines to create trails in Maryland.

Read more

Holiday celebrations can make healthy choices less than easy, but here are eight ideas to help you get started on your wellness resolutions - BEFORE the new year!

Read more

Evaluations of mentoring programs report significant increases among youth in self-confidence, self-efficacy and a positive attitude about their futures.

Read more

Learn more about the speakers for the 10-Minute Walk Learning Series live Q&A session on December 5.

Read more

NRPA's Green Stormwater Infrastructure Community Outreach and Education Grant Program, supported by Southwest Airlines, allowed the city of Boston to develop and test an innovative engagement strategy around green stormwater infrastructure.

Read more

We would lose scores of other delicious and essential things without pollinators, but their job is so much bigger than making food.

Read more

The city of Gaithersburg, Maryland, joined the Maryland Municipal League and other local municipalities in the “Go Purple” movement to raise awareness about substance use and the opioid crisis.

Read more

November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes — the seventh leading cause of death in the country — and its impact on millions of Americans.

Read more

A presenter from the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference shares their experience and encourages you to submit your education session ideas for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore!

Read more

With their 2017 Meet Me at the Park play spaces grant, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proved that the best things really do come in small (or, tiny) packages.

Read more

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide science-based guidance to help all people ages 3 years and older improve their immediate and long-term health through regular physical activity.

Read more

November 15 is National Rural Health Day — an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural.”

Read more

It's the day after the midterm elections, and NRPA's Public Policy Team is crunching the numbers and consuming lots of coffee.

Read more

The panel provides feedback and subject matter expertise for NRPA’s conservation programs and initiatives and serves as a sounding board for new ideas and practices that help to provide guidance to the NRPA staff.

Read more

On our 25th episode, we asked you to let us know some of the things that you deal with in your career in parks and recreation that really annoy you, and you answered the call.

Listen Now

With 80 percent of U.S. residents living in urban areas, neighborhood parks offer a unique opportunity to be a part of the solution to America's activity deficit.

Read more

The 10 selected grantees demonstrate their commitment to ensuring green stormwater infrastructure projects not only address local environmental issues, but also provide the community a sense of ownership over the project.

Read more

When Billy Ray Shirley III was killed by gun violence in his community, his mother promised to make his dream of a community center a reality.

Read more

Cooperative purchasing, which combines the requirements of public entities and access to leading suppliers, can be the key to making the most of parks and recreation resources.

Read more

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we talk about how our public built environments impact health behaviors such as physical activity and recreation, and the environment where we spend most of our time, such as work, school and sleep, has an effect on our leisure time physical activity.

Listen Now

Becoming a speaker is a wonderful way to give back to the profession. Submit your session proposals by Friday, November 30, 2018 for a chance to win a free full-package registration to the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference.

Read more

If you've been considering becoming a CPRP, check out these tips to assist you in your studies (hint: they're from someone who recently took the exam!).

Read more

Awareness in your city or town can be a big problem, especially if you are a smaller department, but here are some tips and tricks to help you improve your social media presence.

Read more

Monte Vista Kids Connection was one of ten rural park and recreation agencies who received grant funds from the Walmart Foundation and NRPA to increase access to healthy food and nutrition education in their out-of-school-time programs.

Read more

This fall is the perfect time for local parks, recreation departments and nature centers to plan ahead for Screen-Free Week 2019.

Read more

Today is World Arthritis Day. People around the world are encouraged to to work towards increasing awareness about arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. NRPA is accepting applications for a grant opportunity which trains local park and recreation staff as instructors to offer an evidence-based physical activity program in their community.

Read more

This week, the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) released the annual Afterschool Suppers: A Snapshot of Participation report.

Read more

The role parks and recreation agencies can play in the prevention of opioid overdose is key, especially with the number of youth enrolled in out of school time programs.

Read more

As the end of the September has come and gone, so has the deadline to reauthorize the Land and Water Conversation Fund.

Read more

How the city of Detroit is using its Green Stormwater Infrastructure Community Outreach and Education Grant from NRPA and Southwest Airlines.

Read more

An overview of NRPA's Health and Wellness Team and their initiatives and priorities.

Read more

In this episode of Open Space Radio, we caught up with Becky Dunlap from the "Becky Talks Parks" podcast at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference.

Listen Now

Afterschool and summer learning programs, including those offered by local parks and rec agencies, are well positioned to support youth in developing the in-demand skills and competencies sought by employers.

Read more

Secretary Ryan Zinke announced this year’s Land and Water Conservation Fund allocations this week at Acadiana Park Nature Station in Louisiana.

Read more

In this episode, we chat about why universal recreation is important and how it can improve all aspects of parks and recreation.

Listen Now

The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources passed legislation that would permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conversation Fund.

Read more

Neuro-Splash has become more than just exercise, for some participants it’s become a support network and given a new outlook on life

Read more

The dockless bike and scooter revolution is making a play to enter many metropolitan areas and may be headed to your city next.

Read more

A gender pronoun reflects who a person is, how they identify and how they would like to be referred to by others.

Read more

In Tunica, Mississippi, community leaders and organizations are working together to make changes that will provide better food access and improve health across the community.

Read more

We are seeing the fruits of our labor in our NRPA pollinator garden — monarch caterpillars!

Read more

To celebrate the 25th episode of Open Space Radio, we're discussing the things we love about park and recreation professionals.

Listen Now

The House and Senate are currently working to reconcile the differences in each of their versions of the 2018 Farm Bill to pass a final, unified bill before the September 30 deadline.

Read more

To help you plan, we’ve put together a list of some of the stellar conservation-focused education sessions offered at the NRPA Annual Conference.

Read more

This summer, NRPA staff conducted site visits to rural grant recipients to see what Commit to Health funding and resources look like in action.

Read more

At a time when the older adult population is growing at such a rapid rate, it’s no surprise that park and recreation agencies are playing their part to serve the needs and desires of this growing population.

Read more

Unstructured, hands-on, risk play is making a comeback, and it can teach kids lessons and skills that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.

Listen Now

Check out this preview of all the sessions at the upcoming NRPA Annual Conference that can help agencies improve park access.

Read more

What is “social equity” and what does it mean for your park agency?

Read more

The City Project, GreenLatinos and California LULAC oppose an unfair settlement agreement and support equal access to the California coast.

Read more

Find out what one conference attendee does to stymie the post-conference letdown.

Read more

Passage of the PHIT Act in the House represents an increased support for physical activity as a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle.

Read more

Pool Safely is a national public education campaign that works with partners around the country to reduce child drownings and entrapment in swimming pools and spas.

Read more

Peter Kageyama, one of the keynote speakers at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference, discusses why he loves parks.

Listen Now

Here are our top choices for sessions that will help you engage your community, partners and stakeholders in your health and wellness offerings.

Read more

If you have an exciting summer program, ribbon cutting, park dedication or special summer event, don’t forget to invite your members of Congress.

Read more

Tualatin Riverkeepers is a community-based organization working to protect and restore Oregon’s Tualatin River system.

Read more

Susan Mong, Finance Analyst for Johnson County Park and Recreation District, on the things that stood out in her first year working in parks and recreation.

Read more

July 12 was National Summer Learning Day!

Read more

Health information is considered personally identifiable information, and can have negative consequences if it’s used or managed improperly.

Read more

Ticks are an outdoor hazard with perhaps one of the highest yuck factors of any biting or stinging insect in nature.

Read more

July is Park and Recreation Month! On this episode, we chat with the Waukegan Park District in Illinois about how they're celebrating and all the great events they have planned.

Listen Now

Here are some tips on making the most of your time at the NRPA Annual Conference.

Read more

Community gardens are a wonderful way to not only green up the neighborhood, but also to bring neighbors together.

Read more

NRPA will work over the summer to encourage passage of the Senate version of the WRDA bill and ask the House and Senate to include green infrastructure in their final package.

Read more

East Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs kicked off their summer meal program and second-annual Park Champion event with a bang and a bouncy house in Rowley Park.

Read more

As pools and open-water recreation areas kick into full swing this summer, access to water safety education is critical to prevent deaths due to drowning.

Read more

June 9 was Family Health & Fitness Day!

Read more

As one of the largest providers of meals during out-of-school times, park and recreation agencies are making significant impacts in their communities.

Listen Now

Out of a truly unlimited series of possibilities, consider trying one of these fun, inexpensive activities to get up and moving.

Read more

In this episode, we speak with Mr. Joe Trevino, a 93-year-old veteran, and Irma Yepez-Perez, a Senior Management Analyst at the City of Fresno PARCS department.

Listen Now

Over the last decade, U.S. park and recreation agencies have helped catapult the farm-to-fork and local food movements from niche efforts to mainstream industries.

Read More

Infrastructure Week 2018 brought together infrastructure advocates from across the political spectrum to discuss the need for the country to address our infrastructure needs.

Read more

Encourage older adults to reignite their nutrition routine by learning a new recipe, trying out new fruits and vegetables, taking a cooking class or food shopping in a new grocery store.

Read More

Since 2013, NRPA has been working through local parks and recreation to help people with arthritis manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Read more

Whether you are a repeat NRPA Annual Conference attendee or a newbie, you probably want to know a little more about the event before (or after) you register. Here is a preview to help you plan.

Read More

Foxes have a reputation for stealth and cunning, but for many years, a far more dangerous predator was at work in Foxstone Park in Vienna, Virginia.

Read more

The story about a baby owl who fell from its nest and, after the heroic acts of Ted Mattingly, NRPA's resident hero and Director of Facilities and Administrative Services, was returned to safety.

Listen Now

Since 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to their communities.

Read more

In their Green Machine Challenge, ABC, Freeform, Disney Channel and Disney XD are putting your favorite actors’ park knowledge to the test.

Read More

On National Park Rx Day, Sunday, April 29, communities across the country will celebrate in local and national parks with events such as Walk with a Doc, Zumba in the Park and Tai Chi to recognize the impact parks have on our health, particularly in combating preventable disease.

Read more

By teaching conservation through fun, hands-on activities, parents and teachers can introduce complex concepts in age-appropriate, easy-to-understand ways.

Read more

Here are five tips to get you started with Park and Recreation Month and celebrate "A Lifetime of Discovery" in July!

Read more

We asked kids to design their dream park at the USA Science and Engineering Festival, and you're going to want to hear about some of these creations!

Listen Now

With the summer fast approaching, it's a great time to review your screening policy!

Read more

While the field of parks and recreation is often associated with fun and games, it should also be known for how it is advancing health and wellness.

Read more

The Afterschool Nutrition Programs connect children to the food they need while also drawing them into a safe afterschool environment where they can learn, socialize and be active.

Read more

Thanks to Congress for making local parks and recreation a priority.

Read more

Whether heading to the local park or enjoying an adventure in your own backyard, you can turn playtime into learning!

Read more

NRPA's Awards Committee Chair shares insight on what she looks for in an award-winning application.

Read more

Does your agency manage a unique park or facility that embraces innovative technology, strategies or programs to improve your community? If so, we want you to apply for the Innovation in Park Design Award!

Read more

The National Recreation and Park Association was honored with six awards in the 2018 Association Trends All Media Contest.

Read more

The Pool Safely Campaign and the Pool Safely Grant Program offer funding and free resources to prevent drownings and drain entrapment in pools and spas.

Read more

Our Commit to Health campaign continues to expand well beyond programming related to nutrition and physical activity.

Read more

No matter if your agency serves a town of 500 or 500,000 — we want to hear from you.

Read more

In this episode, we're taking a look at public interest and attitudes toward digital solutions for park and recreation services.

Listen Now

Passing the CPRP exam is no easy feat, but these five tips will help you prepare with confidence.

Read more

Anniston Parks and Recreation won the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association 2017 Innovative Program of the Year for their Commit to Health programs, and is excited for their shot at NRPA's Innovation in Health Award!

Read more

The White House released its FY19 budget request yesterday, kicking off debate for the next budget cycle.

Read more

February gives us two great reasons to recognize and promote inclusion through parks and recreation — Black History Month and North American Inclusion Month.

Read more

NRPA asks Congress to fund the CDC Arthritis Program at $16 million to continue its critical work to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis nationwide.

Read more

At a time when our park and recreation budgets continue to be placed next to last in city budgets, we must champion mayors and city leaders that invest in parks and recreation.

Read more

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, yet it is largely preventable by taking certain steps.

Listen Now

Since 2014, over 300,000 children have gained access to healthier meals and snacks, additional opportunities to be physically active, evidence-based nutrition education and outdoor play through NRPA’s Commit to Health campaign.

Read more

Thank you to NRPA’s Board of Directors for assisting us in moving our legislative agenda forward.

Read more

To give visitors the best experience possible, planners have recognized the importance of implementing systems that guide visitors through parks, historic sites and urban centers in a straight-forward manner.

Read more

As young professionals it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages to moving positions, and when moving, know the “why?”

Read more

Mount Airy Parks and Rec invited the new chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Rep. Virginia Foxx, for Hero Day in the local Riverside Park.

Read more

Today Congress passed a temporary spending agreement to end the shutdown and fund the government through February 8.

Read More

A shift in how people are getting around cities could mean a change in the future of land use in urban areas.

Listen Now

Nancy Desmond felt stuck in her career. Learn how the CPRP certification helped her change her career path for the better.

Read more

Many older adults don’t realize they have a wealth of information and activities waiting to be discovered in their own hometown.

Read more

On June 3, 2017, East Goshen Township Parks and Recreation brought history to life for 3,500 residents and elected officials, including Congressman Ryan Costello, at the East-West Goshen Bicentennial Celebration.

Read More

Together, our park and recreation systems contribute expansively to a healthy economy, environment and society in at least 50 tangible ways.

Read More

In just two years, Lynly Grider, in collaboration with the Mustang Parks and Recreation Department, elected officials and community groups, designed, funded and built Brittany’s Play Adventure — Mustang’s first all-inclusive park.

Read More

Erin Hughes of the U.S. Marine Corps shares how MCCS Okinawa encouraged healthier behavior through a 12 Days of Christmas Food Log Challenge

Read More

San Francisco is the first and only city in the nation where 100 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park.

Listen Now

Part tongue-in cheek musing and part fearless prognostication, here are NRPA’s Top Trends for 2018.

Read More

NRPA is proud to welcome Kyle Simpson, Senior Government Affairs Manager, to our public policy team.

Read More