We Are Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation Celebrates Earth Day 2024

Here are some ways that park and recreation agencies across the country are engaging their communities in Earth Day and Earth Month activities.

Read more

Adaptive Kayaking: Fostering Inclusion Outdoors

The Camacho Activity Center in Austin, Texas, specializes in outdoor recreation, nature education, and inclusion and adaptive activities.

Read more

The Pugsley Medal: Celebrating Individuals Who Advance Parks and Conservation

The Pugsley Medal in Parks and Conservation, established nearly 100 years ago, stands as a prestigious recognition in parks and conservation.

Read more

Let NRPA Member Benefits Help You Thrive This Summer

NRPA members receive access to a variety of benefits to help them succeed throughout the year.

Read more

Lessons on Influence

Chris Dropinski reflects on lessons learned about influence throughout her park and recreation career.

Read more

Trending Sports to Watch

Here are a few sports that are actively gaining players to put on your watch list.

Read more

Sustainability in Recreation and Parks: Building a Better Future

Sustainability has become a central focus within park and recreation departments.

Read more

A New Season of Open Space Radio

Learn about the upcoming guests on the new season of Open Space Radio.

Read more

Member Benefit: Fun Express Makes Camp Planning Easy

NRPA members have access to Fun Express! Learn more by reading on.

Read more

Technology Enhances Sports Field Management

The intense use of these sports fields in Hillsborough County, Florida, requires innovative and technical sports field management tools to keep play surfaces at their best.

Read more

A Study of College Students’ Summer Employment Priorities

Explore the latest findings of a recent study focused on students' summer employment priorities.

Read more

Cary Celebrates Black History Month While STREAMing Into the Future

The Town of Cary, North Carolina, will highlight aspects of Black history, culture and achievements to celebrate Black History and African American Appreciation Month in 2024.

Read more

Staying Connected Amid Challenges

Read about lasting lessons from Richardson Nature Center's 2020-2021 “My Preschooler & Me” sessions.

Read more

The Art of Leadership in Parks and Recreation

City of Mason (Ohio) Parks and Recreation Director Chrissy Avery shares her insights and expertise on leadership.

Read more

Earn Recognition With an NRPA Award

Now through March 29, 2024, NRPA is accepting applications for its 2024 awards program.

Read more

NRPA Welcomes Newly Appointed Members to 2023-2024 Board of Directors

Learn more about the newly appointed members to the 2023-2024 NRPA Board of Directors.

Read more

Boost Your Local Economy With Trails

Keene, New Hampshire, has become a destination for trail-seekers and tourists.

Read more

Developing Inclusive, Equitable and Universally Designed Public Recreation Spaces

At Athene North Shore Recreation Area at Easter Lake Park, accessibility and inclusivity are the primary focus.

Read more

Member Benefit: NRPA Helps You Hire

An NRPA membership comes with plenty of benefits including access to networks and platforms allowing you to connect with other professionals.

Read more

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

Beyond providing a refreshing break from indoor confinement, outdoor play in parks fosters healthy child development in numerous ways.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Parks and Recreation Promotes Economic Vitality

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

Read more

NRPA Premier Membership: The Gift of Professional Development for Staff

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

Read more

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.

Read more

Natchez Renewal

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

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Inspiring Innovation in Your Organization

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

Read more

Are You Taking Advantage of Your NRPA Member Benefits?

NRPA offers exclusive education opportunities and special discounts.

Read more

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.

Read more

Building New Partnerships

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

Read more

Creating Equitable Spaces: Adult Changing Stations Increase Accessibility

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

Read more

Reimagining a Museum Experience in Denver’s Largest Public Park

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

Read more

Top 10 Things a Recreator Ought to Remember

Read about ten important reminders for park and recreation professionals.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Background Screening Best Practices

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

Read more

Preserving America’s Cities

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

Read more

Small-Sided Soccer Rejuvenates Park Space

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

Read more

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.

Read more

Member Benefit: Get Involved in NRPA Network Leadership

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

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more