Features
How Many Out-of-Towners Are in Your Parks?
Engaging tourists and commuters in your community with your parks and programs can expand your agency’s reach and revenue.
Why Parks are Essential for Greener, Healthier Cities
NRPA speaks with urban parks and planning expert Kaid Benfield on the many ways parks can improve the cities they are in.
Additional Articles
Connecting Communities
NRPA's vice president of marketing, communications and publishing talks about the content of the May issue and how some not-so-obvious techniques might provide opportunities for making connections in your community.
Golfers Overcome Disabilities to Compete in Unique Tournament
Fairfax County Park Authority’s Combo Classic in Virginia is an annual tournament that pairs able-bodied golfers with those who have physical or cognitive disabilities.
Lifting Cities through Parks
NRPA’s president and CEO discusses collaborative learning and stories of urban success that she learned at NRPA’s recent roundtable on “The Role of Parks in Shaping Successful Cities.”
Tribute to Karla Henderson, Ph.D.
The field of parks and recreation honors the career of contributions that Karla Henderson, Ph.D., has given the field. She will retire after 35 years as a park and recreation researcher and faculty member at the end of the spring 2014 semester.
Park Gym Paralympian
Jennifer French’s ongoing journey from tragedy to mobility benefits from an adaptive outdoor gym.
Star Power
Arizona parks visitors experience Big Sky country in a whole new way during periodic Star Parties.
Pool Water-Treatment Systems and Processing Myths
If you ever thought pool “turnover” meant that all of the water in the pool has been filtered and treated, think again. Find the truth about these myths of aquatics maintenance.
Skateparks — a Key to Community Engagement
This public asset may offer an unexpected way to connect with harder-to-reach visitors and members of your community.
Professional Development Planner
NRPA is dedicated to providing learning opportunities to advance the development of best practices and resources that make parks and recreation indispensable elements of American communities.
Member Spotlight: Jason Avery
Jason Avery, manager at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska, talks with Parks & Recreation about the realities of living and working close to the Arctic Circle.
Staff Spotlight: Kevin O’Hara
Kevin O’Hara, NRPA’s new vice president of urban and government affairs, shares his background and his plans for the future of NRPA.
Making Room for Seniors
Park and recreation agencies should keep an eye on demographics data for America’s growing population of seniors.
Agriculture and Parks: It’s a Natural Fit
By collaborating with your local agricultural community, your agency can help locals connect with the food they eat, adding an extra dimension of conservation awareness to an everyday activity.
Viking vs. Farmers
A tourism and events management student shares her take on lessons learned in advancing innovation in parks and recreation.
“You Stink!”
Here’s how managers can professionally handle awkward topics they dread discussing with employees.
Fingertips Removed by Playground Chain
When a child is seriously injured while using playground equipment, is the manufacturer or the park agency responsible for any damages?
Taking Strides for Fitness in Florida
A fitness trail in Ocala honors a local recreation legend and provides a freely accessible opportunity for community wellness.
The Benefits of Camp Employment: More Than Just Fun and Games
Camp employment has the potential to benefit campers and counselors alike.
The Problem with Bottled Water
There's more to the bottled-water debate than just the unsustainable use of nonrenewable resources.
Zombie Survival Camp Reanimates Kids
At an inspired day camp in Iowa, kids learn wilderness skills as they prepare for the zombie apocalypse.
Serving Aces for the Future
Statistics from the United States Tennis Association show the current state of tennis in the U.S. and the impact the sport can have on young minds.
Your Voice Was Heard
#NRPALegForum attendees made their case for park and recreation advocacy through Capitol Hill visits and social media.