We Are Parks and Recreation

New Coalition Ensures San Francisco’s Park System Flourishes

Learn what the SF Parks Alliance is doing to better help it achieve its mission of creating, sustaining and advocating for San Francisco’s parks and public spaces that welcome and belong to everyone.

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The Top 5 for 2023

Explore the top five Parks & Recreation issues and articles, along with the most listened to Open Space Radio podcast episodes and most viewed social media posts produced in 2023.

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Announcing the Newly Accredited and Reaccredited CAPRA Agencies

NRPA and CAPRA are proud to announce the accreditation of 15 agencies and the reaccreditation of 31 agencies.

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City of Globe Community Center Pool Revitalized

After being closed for nearly 10 years, the City of Globe (Arizona) Community Center Pool reopened following a transformative renovation.

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Parks and Recreation Promotes Economic Vitality

Findings indicate that perceived quality of life runs directly parallel with high-quality park and recreation opportunities.

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NRPA Premier Membership: The Gift of Professional Development for Staff

Learn more about the professional development opportunities that an NRPA membership provides.

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NRPA Welcomes Four New Members to 2023-2024 Board of Directors

Learn more about the four new members joining NRPA's 2023-2024 Board of Directors.

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Natchez Renewal

Learn about what the City of Natchez, Mississippi did with a $3 million recreation bond to restore its six parks.

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Trends in Indoor Flooring: What Do You Need for Your Recreation Center?

Before you decide upon indoor flooring, it's important to consider these questions and options.

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GivingTuesday: Join the Generosity Movement on November 28

GivingTuesday is an opportunity for you to use your individual power of generosity to give thanks to park and recreation professionals nationwide.

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Equity in Practice

Hear from professionals in the field of parks and recreation about the importance of seeking equity and enacting it in their life and work.

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Inspiring Innovation in Your Organization

Learn how to inspire innovation in your organization with "The Three P's."

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Are You Taking Advantage of Your NRPA Member Benefits?

NRPA offers exclusive education opportunities and special discounts.

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Pursuing Health and Wellness for All in Kerman, California

Learn how the city of Kerman, California went all in on its efforts to improve engagement with its Hispanic community members.

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Building New Partnerships

Special Olympics Virginia helps expand access to parks and recreation by partnering with different departments across the state.

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Creating Equitable Spaces: Adult Changing Stations Increase Accessibility

Learn about the importance of adult changing stations and the fight for accessibility.

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Reimagining a Museum Experience in Denver’s Largest Public Park

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science reimagines the museum experience for a new generation.

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Top 10 Things a Recreator Ought to Remember

Read about ten important reminders for park and recreation professionals.

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The Value of Continuing Education for Today’s Park and Recreation Professional

Learn about NRPA's professional development offerings and the importance of continuing education as a professional.

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From Tragedy Comes Hope and Positive Change

An effort inspired by loss reveals how local swim programs can provide children with lifelong skills while breaking down historic barriers to health equity.

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Background Screening Best Practices

NRPA members will gain peace of mind knowing that their volunteers and employees are well-vetted.

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Preserving America’s Cities

Learn the importance of preservation and what cities can do to plan for the future.

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Small-Sided Soccer Rejuvenates Park Space

Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation has made use of small-sided soccer fields with great results.

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Cultivating Agency Success Through Strategic Collaboration

Learn how Aurora (Illinois) University’s Therapeutic Recreation Department and Fox Valley (Illinois) Special Recreation Association have formed an award-winning collaboration.

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Member Benefit: Get Involved in NRPA Network Leadership

Learn how to get Involved in NRPA network leadership and begin making lifelong connections.

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Spread the Word on Water Safety

Take an in-depth look at the importance of water safety and learn how the NDPA toolkit can help spread the word.

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Building a Healthier Chicago Through Community Wellness Hubs

The Chicago Park District is working to meet the needs of its community by centering equity and transforming parks into community wellness hubs.

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Remembering Michelle Park

A remembrance of Michelle Park, a long time NRPA advocate.

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Gratitude Benefits All of Us

This article explores the personal and professional benefits of gratitude and how to seek it out more regularly.

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NRPA Launches Second Year of the NRPA Business Council

The NRPA Business Council brings together the business sector and park and recreation professionals to enhance the quality of life for all.

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Design and Engineering Considerations for Splash Pads

A detailed look at everything that needs to be taken into consideration when designing a splash pad for the most efficient and effective usage.

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How Park and Recreation Departments Are Using Technology to Strengthen Local Communities

Four of the most impactful ways park and recreation leaders now use technology to strengthen their communities through meaningful connections.

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Remembering James J. Truncer

A remembrance of James Truncer, a great park and recreation advocate and professional.

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NRPA Honored With Two 2023 TRENDY Awards

Parks & Recreation magazine and NRPA’s marketing and communications department were recognized during the 2023 TRENDY Awards.

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Member Benefit: NRPA-Sponsored Insurance Programs

NRPA offers its members risk management solutions through NRPA-sponsored insurance programs provided by K&K Insurance.

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From Trash to Treasure

In Montgomery County, Maryland, the former Gude Landfill is being transformed into a recreation area.

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Panorama Park — A Playground for All

Residents in southeast Colorado Springs, Colorado, can enjoy a universally accessible and inclusive playground for all ages and abilities.

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Preservation and Sustainability Within Parks and Recreation

The preservation and sustainability of park and recreation agencies are essential to their long-term success.

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Composting for Waste-Free Programs and Events

In 2015, Five Rivers MetroParks in Dayton, Ohio, adopted a Waste Management Policy that specifies agency-produced programs, meetings and events be conducted waste free.

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Member Benefit: Fun Express Is Your Summer Camp Solution

As an NRPA member benefit provider, Fun Express offers 20 percent off current Oriental Trading retail prices.

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Go Green With Us

Take an inside look at a recycling initiative that Tennessee State Parks created in 2015.

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The Virtual Center for Active Adults

A multi-jurisdictional partnership leverages shared resources to grow virtual programming opportunities for vulnerable populations.

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From Lifeguard to First Responder

One student’s inspiring journey to help others.

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Member Benefit: NRPA Is Here to Help With Your Summer Hiring

A quick description of three ways that NRPA can help with staffing needs.

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Finding My Path to Parks and Recreation

A current college student explains his path so far as a student of parks and recreation management.

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Turning One Week Into a Lifetime of Opportunities

An NRPA member details her experience with the organization’s Revenue Development and Management School.

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