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October 1, 2013, Department, by National Recreation and Park Association

We want to hear your opinions on what you read in these pages. Let us know how the magazine’s articles apply to your job and your agency.I am writing regarding the damage being done in Pennsylvania by hydraulic shale fracturing. Pollution from fracking is overwhelming and unconscionable. Our fine state park system is harmed as well because pollution knows no boundaries. To say that fracking is decimating Pennsylvania’s public (and private) lands is an understatement. Money is being made by a few. Many can see no farther than that. But the damage being done is at great cost to the many, and for a very long time.

Fracking is neither viable in the long-term sense, nor here to stay. When the gas is gone, it’s gone. However, the damage done will remain for a long, long time. We need to count the long-term cost of carbon fuels and look toward better alternatives, as many already are. I would like to see more coverage from NRPA on this vitally important topic. When it comes to energy, for the sake of our public parks and lands, and the environment in general, we need to talk clean, healthy sustainability. Thank you.
Email from Lynn Kreiser Miller, resident of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, regarding Trends in a Changing Environment
 
I just started reading through the August issue and couldn’t resist posting a picture of the homemade portable slackline my husband made for me. I was leading a session a couple of years ago titled “Leadership on a Slackline — Balancing Life,” and he decided I needed a prop.
Facebook post by Cindi Wight, CPRE, Recreation Director, Rutland Recreation and Parks Department, Vermont
 
Thank you for sharing this very professional newsletter with the NRPA membership!  As a past recipient of an early APRS Young Professional award (1979), after 40 years working in municipal parks and recreation,  I find it a real pleasure to see the new generation of professionals getting seriously involved and contributing to the quality of life in our communities and supporting the professional association! Keep up the great work!
NRPA Connect message from Larry Zehnder, CPRP, regarding the latest edition of The Young Professional newsletter
 
Look at Parker Pustejovsky’s ideas, making national news!!!!! Way to go Parker’s Park Project, Parker and family. National Recreation and Park Association, this is such a great story to share in big ways!
Facebook message from Valerie Payne, former resident of West, Texas, regarding Little Guy, Big Dreams
 
This is a great program, with benefits for everyone but most important for our youth. It is very exciting how the city of Pico Rivera Parks and Recreation has taken the initiative to offer these great opportunities to the young people of this beautiful community. I know that other cities will be emulating this program and we will be hearing about it and that is a good thing. 
 
Great article. I hope that some day in the near future politicians can once again see the value in investing in these spaces as they benefit all and are part of what makes America great.