The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has shed an even bigger light on the essential role of local parks and recreation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, park and recreation professionals swiftly mobilized to keep parks, trails and green spaces open to support physical and mental health, while delivering vital services and programs to support the community. Park and recreation professionals are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic —– and will continue to be in the months and years to come.

NRPA is dedicated to rallying park and recreation professionals, advocates and decision makers to champion the park and recreation profession and bring needed investment, recognition and dedication to sustain these spaces and services.

NRPA Statements

• NRPA Statement on COVID-19 and Health Equity, April 28, 2020
• Joint Statement on Using Parks and Open Space While Maintaining Physical Distancing, March 18, 2020
  
  

Latest Research on COVID-19

• Weekly NRPA Parks Snapshot: A look at how park and recreation departments are confronting the COVID-19 pandemic. Data is collected via a weekly survey to park and recreation professionals.
• Park Pulse: The Essential Need for Parks, NRPA

Communications Tools

• Strong Leadership and Communications Are Vital in a Crisis, NRPA, May 2020
• The Economic Impact of Local Parks, NRPA, April 2020
  
  

Professional Development, Online Learning and Networking Opportunities

• Webinar: Make Your Voice Heard With Effective Advocacy Tools, NRPA, April 8, 2021
  
• Webinar: How to Support Mental Health in Your Community, NRPA, June 17, 2020
• Webinar: The Future of Recreation, NRPA, June 11
• Webinar: Path to Recovery: Local Agencies Respond to COVID-19, NRPA, May 26, 2020
• Webinar: World Parks Week: NRPA & US Agencies Response to COVID-19 Recording, World Urban Parks, April 29, 2020
• Webinar: Can Summer Sports and Recreation Programs Open Safely?, US Conference of Mayors, May 5, 2020
• Webinar: Equity in Essential Services, NRPA, April 30, 2020
• Webinar: Continuity Planning and Virtual In-Services for Aquatic Facilities, NRPA, April 2020
• Webinar: Continuity Planning and Emergency Management, NRPA, April 1, 2020
  
  

Advocacy Platform

• Take Action: Tell Congress to Protect Public Sector Employers, NRPA, March 23, 2020

Blog Posts and Videos

• Introducing Parks as Community Nutrition Hubs, NRPA blog, March 11, 2021
• Launching Community Nutrition Hubs During a Pandemic, NRPA video, March 2021
• Celebrating the Vital Importance of Parks During World Parks Week, NRPA blog, April 29, 2020