We Are Parks and Recreation

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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Remembering Park and Recreation Leader Herbert Brantley

A park and recreation leader, who dedicated his life to expanding the profession, passed away on October 8 at the age of 93.

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Share The Air

Youth advocates in Virginia encourage park and recreation departments to create 100 percent tobacco-free and e-cigarette-free parklands.

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CAPRA Volunteering: Preparing the Next Generation of Accreditation Leaders

Calling all Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRPs) and Executives (CPREs) — are you looking to learn more about the accreditation process or further develop your leadership within the process for your agency?

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Five Keys to Healthy and Successful Work-Life Balance

Learn the keys to preventing burnout and keeping your passion for parks and recreation.

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Member Benefit: Americans With Disabilities Act Hot Topics

Learn about the ADA compliance guidelines for playgrounds and trails.

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Quiet Hour: Helping Visitors Feel Inner Peace Outside

Quiet Hour is a unique way to serve current visitors or attract new ones by helping them enjoy the stress-relief benefits of being quietly present in natural settings.

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Creating Barrier-Free Websites

Just like our parks and open spaces, our websites should be places that are welcoming, engaging, easy to navigate, well-maintained and allow for a wide range of activities.

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Announcing the Newly Accredited and Reaccredited CAPRA Agencies

NRPA and the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) are proud to announce the accreditation of 11 agencies and the reaccreditation of 26 agencies.

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Member Benefit: How Will Using ePACT Impact My Recreation Organization?

Learn how ePACT supports park and recreation agencies in the collection and management of information.

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Tips for Your In-Person Certified Playground Safety Inspector Class

Learn how following simple tips can help you properly prepare for the in-person CPSI class.

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Skate Parks Benefit All

A well-designed skate park will encourage participation from people of all ages and all levels of development.

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Using Technology to Engage Your Community

Using technology to engage with residents to get their feedback can be extremely effective and turn a normal city experience into a great one.

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Member Benefit: Monthly Virtual Learning Subscription

Take advantage of your NRPA membership by getting started with the monthly virtual learning subscription.

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NRPA Welcomes Four New Members to 2022-2023 Board of Directors

We are excited to introduce the 2022-2023 NRPA Board of Directors officers.

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Houston, We Have an Employment Problem

Learn why park and recreation agencies across the country are facing staffing challenges.

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Does Your Staff Resemble the Community You Serve?

The American Academy of Park and Recreation Administrators’ JEDI Committee has been tackling the question of how to diversify the park and recreation workforce during the “Great Resignation.”

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Equity and Health: A Community-Driven Venture in Tukwila, Washington

City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation applied and is a recipient of the NRPA Parks as Community Wellness Hubs grant.

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Member Benefit: Check Out the New NRPA Connect

NRPA Connect is an online networking platform that makes it easy to communicate with an experienced network of nearly 60,000 peers.

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Oceanside Harbor

A member learns the value of joining NRPA and obtaining CPRP designation.

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Creating Dynamic Community Hubs Through Tennis

The United States Tennis Association is creating new and innovative community hubs throughout the country.

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Member Benefit: NRPA Member Discount Programs

NRPA members get immediate access to many valuable benefits.

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Play in the Time of COVID-19

Using a framework is one way to think through many alternatives when making ethically challenging decisions about access to public spaces.

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Remembering David Barth: Park and Recreation Thought Leader

An expert facilitator and strategic planner, Barth developed park and recreation system master plans for many communities.

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Member Benefit: Join an NRPA Network

Networks deliver enhanced opportunities for collaborative discussions and the chance to speak with professionals across the country.

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Rec the Halls

Altus Parks and Recreation brings esports to its Oklahoma community.

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Leveraging the Local University to Create New Programming

In Indianapolis, youth camps are happening without the use of park employees and at no cost to the park.

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