For a mission statement to be embraced, any effective wellness program must have as its foundation a system of policies that bolster the creation of a healthy, safe and supportive learning environment.
Join us in celebrating Older Americans Month, and make the commitment to empower older adults through evidence-based programming for improved health and quality of life.
Small parks and green spaces are equally as important as large parks as public health solutions in urban communities.
Commit to Health is creating a healthier generation of youth through the implementation of the Healthy Eating Physical Activity standards.
Some tips from park and recreation agencies that have successfully implemented Troops for Fitness programs.
Grand Prairie, Texas, Parks, Arts and Recreation Department's Super Chef summer campers learned about the ingredients for a healthier lifestyle.
Steven Marcus, Ed.D., is the recipient of the 2016 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award for making measurable and sustainable differences in the health of South Florida residents.
Medical advances combined with a broadened definition of disability under the 2008 ADAAA has opened up the possibility of a more active lifestyle for individuals with a wider variety of medical conditions.
What park and recreation professionals can do to help stem the sharp decline in the number of youths participating in sports.
Seven easy programs to get youth and families outdoors this spring.
How is fracking on or near public parklands impacting park usage?
What some Austin, Texas, communities are doing to combat high rates of obesity and diabetes.
Some background on the Aspen Institute’s Sport and Society Program and its Project Play initiative's recommendation to local governments to use the “Power of the Permit” to promote equitable, safe and enjoyable sports experiences for all youth, in every community.
Being physically active during pregnancy has many proven benefits for both baby and mom.
Disaster preparedness doesn’t stop at taking care of the physical needs. Protecting your mental well-being and that of your agency patrons is also a major factor in how you “weather the storm.”
Not long ago, a healthy concession menu would have been considered an oxymoron; however, more and more park and recreation agencies are changing that perception.
Three of the Surgeon General’s Step It Up! walking initiative goals are particularly pertinent to the field of parks and recreation. What are the goals and how can we capitalize on this initiative?
An unprecedented, multiyear project in the Motts Haven and Port Morris neighborhoods of the South Bronx will provide a measureable approach to demonstrating the effect of open space on quality of life.
NRPA has been tracking four significant trends we believe will shape the future of health and wellness for parks and recreation. Learn what you need to do now to begin planning for the future needs of your communities.
Youth sports serve as a venue to introduce a variety of healthy behaviors in youth — parks and recreation provides some of the most well-used and robust sports programs on offer today.
When citizens have the resources to safely walk to parks, every trip taken by foot is an opportunity to engage in physical activity.
Summer hunger for low-income children is a solvable problem, and park and recreation professionals are uniquely positioned to help.
Senior athletes and students join forces in community health partnership.
A groundbreaking smoke-free park policy in Texas addresses the new, and harmful, trend of e-cigarettes and secondhand smoke.
A park and recreation professional reinvents physical education in a Utah public school.
Developing a plan to prevent and treat anaphylaxis can save lives.
As concussion awareness in youth sports and activities increases, park and recreation professionals must educate themselves and be prepared to react.
Innovators in the park and recreation industry have forged alliances to form a movement to bring parks and health together.
Park and recreation agencies help fill the gap during warmer months for kids who depend on school meals for nutrition.
Parks and recreation in Utah’s Salt Lake County have developed an inclusive buddy pass system to promote active participation among community members with disabilities.
A fitness trail in Ocala honors a local recreation legend and provides a freely accessible opportunity for community wellness.
Disabled outdoor instructors in Minnesota show participants that handicaps don't have to limit recreation participation.
As incidence of fibromyalgia syndrome rises, recreation professionals need to brush up on how to best serve those in their communities who wish to participate in fitness and recreation programs.
Through the Rec Rx initiative, the County hoped to help more children attain their fitness goals and adopt lifelong healthy behaviors.
Agencies can receive federal funding for providing nutritious meals to children.
How the Coca-Cola Troops for Fitness program is making a difference.
Park and recreation agencies across the country take part in Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative to increase physical activity and reduce childhood obesity.
HIAs can lead to better decisionmaking for park and recreation investments
A Kansas agency provides kids with fun, lasting lessons on nutrition.
The Magic City plans for the future in their plans for developing a physically active community
Louisville Metro Parks is developing an innovative trail system that will connect parks and neighborhood to attractions throughout the city.