Redefining Aging: Reflections from the 2025 Age & Action Conference
By Natalia Ospina and Allison Colman | Posted on June 13, 2025
This month, several NRPA staff had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Age & Action Conference hosted by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
NRPA Annual Conference: Igniting Passion for Change and Making Lasting Connections
By Krista Hill | Posted on June 12, 2025
Krista Hill attended the 2024 NRPA Annual Conferenec as a first-timer, and it ignited her passion and gave her insightful ideas. Find out what she learned and register for the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference today!
Park Restoration Preserves Historical Ecology and Human History in Houston
By Kelli Ondracek and Barbara Kapustin | Posted on June 11, 2025
For one Houston park, preservation of natural ecosystems perfectly aligns with preserving the history of its former human inhabitants.
Why We Must Keep Investing in Parks
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on June 10, 2025
Budget constraints are real — but so are the costs of disinvestment. Investing in parks and recreation is a high-return strategy for public health, environmental resilience, safety, and economic vitality.
Centering Community and Connection at Anacostia Park — Episode 169
By Cort Jones and Christina High | Posted on May 27, 2025
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we recap our trip to NatureFest, a lively week-long celebration at Anacostia Park that provides a safe, engaging space for kids and their families to explore nature, have fun and create lasting memories during D.C. Public Schools’ Spring Break.
Podcasting: Parks and Rec’s Not-So-New (But Hot) Trend
By Katie Groke, MPA, CPRP | Posted on May 23, 2025
Podcasting may not be the newest trend in parks and recreation, but it’s one of the most exciting and accessible tools to connect with our communities, highlight our stories and elevate our field.
Why Coach Training Matters More Than Ever in Parks and Recreation
By Brian McFadden | Posted on May 23, 2025
Across the country, park and recreation departments are where many kids experience their first coach, their first team, their first taste of what sports can be. But too often, volunteers are handed a whistle and a roster — without the support they need to thrive.
Mental Health Tips from Park and Recreation Professionals
By Maureen Neumann and Charissa Hipp | Posted on May 20, 2025
Here are a few practical, heartfelt tips that park and recreation professionals have implemented in their agencies and teams to create healthier environments for themselves and those around them.
Rooted in Service: An Asian American Reflection on Parks and Recreation
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on May 8, 2025
This May, Clement Lau celebrates 22 years of service with the County of Los Angeles — a milestone that feels especially meaningful during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
Introducing Guardians of Greenspaces — Episode 168
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on April 22, 2025
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we share a collaboration with NRPA's newest podcast, Guardians of Greenspaces.
16 Hours of Parks and Recreation: The Volunteer Grind (and Glory) at the NRPA Annual Conference
By Jason McCray, M.S, CPRP, CYSA | Posted on April 19, 2025
For the past three years, Jason McCray has dedicated more than 16 hours of his life each fall to volunteering at the NRPA Annual Conference.
Community Science Brings Nature, Data and People Together
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on April 10, 2025
With tools like smartphones and platforms such as iNaturalist, just about anyone can help expand our collective understanding of biodiversity.
Volunteer To Get Involved With NRPA!
By Michael Biedenstein, CPRE, AFO | Posted on April 9, 2025
As we approach National Volunteer Week during the last week of April, it is the perfect time to highlight various opportunities to volunteer with NRPA.
How to Create a Culture of Sustainability at Your Agency
By Chris Lindgren, CPRP | Posted on April 4, 2025
In parks and recreation, we have the opportunity to lead in the conservation of our precious natural resources. Here are ways you can build a culture of sustainability.
Celebrating Women’s History Month in Parks and Recreation — Episode 167
By Christina High and Cort Jones | Posted on March 25, 2025
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we’re celebrating the incredible women in parks and recreation who are shaping the profession and making a difference in their communities.
A Choice Career: Parks and Recreation — Your Challenge
By The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Career Development Task Force | Posted on March 24, 2025
An update from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Career Development Task Force and a challenge for you to promote the park and recreation profession.
Focus on Healthy Food Access and Nutrition Security
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on March 21, 2025
NRPA is excited to present a refresh of our Healthy Food Access and Nutrition Security webpage focused on unique community member needs.
Planting Root in Your Parks and Community for Park and Recreation Month
By Paul Hooper | Posted on March 19, 2025
In Lexington, Kentucky, Park and Recreation Month is an opportunity to raise awareness around local greenspaces and find ways to build relationships between the city and its park system.