National Recreation and Park Association

Tune in to the livestream of the #ProjectPlay Summit tomorrow at 10:15 a.m. PDT to catch NRPA President and CEO Kristine Stratton discuss the vital role parks and recreation plays in providing quality youth sports opportunities that promote positive youth development, keep kids playing, and help them to grow and thrive on and off the field. Tune in at https://lnkd.in/gsWjbj5B

Sustainability in Colorado takes many forms... From the religious-like following of the mantras “leave no trace” and “don’t bust the crust” to decades-long sustainability action that stretches across Rocky Mountain peaks and high desert plains, Coloradoans are committed to sustainability, reflecting the state's deep environmental commitment. At the forefront of this movement stand local park and recreation departments, serving both as stewards of natural spaces and catalysts for community action. Explore how the cities of Aspen and Grand Junction are implementing sustainability initiatives on the local level: https://bit.ly/3DE6UIl #SustainableParks #PowerOfParks #ParksRecycle

Equitable access to nature is imperative in creating healthy and resilient communities, especially in urban areas where green space may not be as vast. As part of NRPA's Resilient Park Access grant, City of Detroit worked alongside community partner organizations to develop pocket parks to invite residents into nature. In addition to contributing to Detroit's aesthetics, this project fosters stewardship, environmental education and alignment amongst agency departments. Here are a few of those stories: https://bit.ly/3RjxvgE #ParksAndRecMagazine #SustainableParks #ParkAccess

Interested in environmental resilience? Join us for cohort 3 of our Sustainability in Practice program! This 16-week immersive, cohort-style program will help you to begin or take the next steps in your environmental resilience journey. There is no cost to participate. We will offer 25 hours of technical assistance through group incubator-style workshops and individual support, as well as access to tools, resources and a strong peer network. Program runs from June 4 to September 10, 2025. Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/3EK4kRb #SustainabilityInPractice #PowerOfParks #EnvironmentalResilience #Environment #Resilience #ParksAndRec

We love it too, Keshia 😍 Keshia Randall, Service Area Manager for Dallas Parks and Recreation shares her career development, mentoring kids through park and recreation programming, and building lasting relationships through her park and recreation story. Check out the full video and others here: https://bit.ly/3VNmpUP Park and recreation professionals wear many hats, they're community builders, advocates, mentors- to name a few. We've found the stories they have to tell incredibly powerful. That’s why we started the video-storytelling project, Park and Recreation Stories. Through uplifting voices in the field we aim to highlight the power of parks, as well as significant events experienced by our members, partners and advocates. Follow along throughout 2025, as we continue to share stories in celebration of our 60th anniversary. #ParkAndRecStories #NRPA60 #PowerOfParks #BuildTogetherPlayTogether #ParkAndRecMonth

The Cudahy Recreation Department is training staff and volunteers in social-emotional learning with a focus on experience and connectedness. Read the Parks & Recreation Magazine article from Tina Kreitlow to learn about implementing these trainings, creating a positive culture, and promoting programs: https://bit.ly/3RfAjLP #ParksAndRecMagazine #PowerOfParks #SocialEmotionalTraining

We want to celebrate the best individuals, projects, programs, young professionals, leaders, and communities of the park and recreation industry! Help us by making a nomination for the 2025 NRPA Awards! Our awards program consists of the National Gold Medal Award, and the NRPA Awards which include the Innovation Awards, Spotlight Awards, Scholarships and Fellowships, and the Robert W. Crawford Hall of Fame. Learn more about each award and get to nominating: https://bit.ly/3W6mTVk #NRPAAwards #PowerOfParks #ParksAndRec #NRPAConference2025

Park and recreation professionals have the tools and resources to lead solutions that advance the multitude of benefits derived from equitable park access and climate-resilient park systems. The Park Access Network is an open community bringing together professionals to facilitate conversations and best practices among peers to drive changes that advance equitable and resilient park access. Join us: https://bit.ly/3QsNNDu #ParkAcess #NRPAEducation #PowerOfParks

Obesity rates in the United States have steadily climbed for over two decades. More than 40 percent of U.S. adults are now obese, with Black and Latino adults, as well as rural residents, facing the highest rates. These groups often lack access to healthy food and safe places to exercise. (The State of Obesity 2024 report from Trust for America’s Health) Read the recent Open Space Blog from The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Sector Committee to learn how park and recreation professionals can help create a healthier future for our communities: https://bit.ly/3XYnWHP #PowerOfParks

NRPA is proud to support the launch of the ‘25 in 2025’ campaign to help create the 25th state office of outdoor recreation and encourage all states to have an office dedicated to the $1.2 trillion recreation economy. In just over a decade, 24 states have created offices of outdoor recreation to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities and strengthen local economies. Let’s help make your state the 25th! https://lnkd.in/gukmQEBj