The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency was officially declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization. NRPA is helping park and recreation professionals stay informed as they respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
NRPA is supporting park and recreation professionals by:
- Deploying a national communications plan to emphasize the essential role of parks and recreation, delivering critical resources, driving shared messaging, and relaying up- to- date public health guidance to park and recreation professionals.
- Working with subject matter experts to develop resources and guidance on response, recovery, and revitalization.
- Surveying and tracking the status of the field in real-time, monitoring changes in policy, practice and operations.
- Building out robust online learning and professional development opportunities to guide professionals in response and recovery efforts.
- Facilitating ongoing dialogue across the park and recreation profession to stimulate networking, innovation and collaboration.
- Advocating for federal, state, local and philanthropic funding to support investments and recovery for park and recreation systems.
As we move through stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have organized our resources into three categories: Slowing the Spread, a Path to Recovery and the Essential Role of Parks and Recreation. We recognize that each agency will be on their own timeline as they navigate through the pandemic and that the process will not be linear. For example, you will likely continue to implement strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19 while putting together your plans for reopening.
