Features

More Than Meets the Eye

Discover how a former brownfield in Lakeland, Florida, was transformed into a premier park.

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The COVID-19 Factor

Learn about the pandemic’s influence on park and recreation design.

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Designing Modern Aquatics Centers

Explore how special features enhance aquatics spaces and increase revenue.

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Additional Articles

A Season of Transformation

Discover how park and recreation professionals can explore trends and navigate challenges this spring.

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NRPA Membership Has Your Insurance Needs Covered

NRPA insurance programs, sponsored by K&K Insurance, are the one-stop shop for park and recreation organizations and individuals in need of insurance.

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Green Revolution

Maryland’s Montgomery Parks transitions from gas to electric-powered maintenance equipment.

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State of Play: What’s in Demand in Today’s Playgrounds?

Communities must consider how they can create fun and unique spaces kids want to come back to while addressing the diverse needs of community members. And, at the end of the day, they’re creating not only better playgrounds, but also better communities. Here are some of the things that communities are trying to achieve in their playgrounds today.

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NRPA Business Council Builds on 2023 Accomplishments

The NRPA Business Council brings together park and recreation professionals and business-sector allies to solve common challenges, fuel innovation, further research and promote strong park and recreation systems.

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The 2024 NRPA Agency Performance Review Report

This annual report summarizes key findings from nearly 1,000 unique park and recreation agencies across the United States on topics varying from facilities to staffing, budgets, programming and policies.

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Try New Activities With Parks and Recreation

Each month, through a poll of 1,000 U.S. residents focused on park and recreation issues, NRPA Park Pulse helps tell the park and recreation story. Questions span from the serious to the more lighthearted.

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Creating New Generations of Environmental Stewards and Outdoors Enthusiasts

Discover how time in nature can be a critical source of support and reprieve for youth amid climate anxiety and other mental health struggles.

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Healthy Dog Parks: A Community Effort

Learn how dog park owners and community members can work together to create a safe, enjoyable experience.

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All-Gender Restrooms Foster Inclusion

Learn about increasingly popular all-gender, multiuser restroom designs.

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The Historical and Cultural Significance of Trees

Learn how park and recreation professionals can instill an appreciation of the significance of local trees among members of their community.

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Promenade Commuter Challenges Recreational Use Immunity

Explore an ongoing legal issue in public parks and recreation regarding the scope and applicability of limited governmental immunity under a state recreational use statute.

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A Park for the Future

In Frisco, Texas, the city recognized the ecological value of its 120 acres at Northwest Community Park when planning the space.

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Eco-Friendly, ADA-Compliant Mini Golf Course Delivers Fun for All

A miniature golf course championed for many years by the mayor of the City of Leesville, Louisiana, was installed in 2023.

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Using Gamification to Increase Visitors and Outdoor Engagement

McHenry County (Illinois) Conservation District launched a digital scavenger hunt to introduce visitors to new places, reach and engage new audiences, and encourage outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities.

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