National Recreation and Park Association

For the sake of future generations, and building climate-resilient communities, sustainable parks and green spaces are critically important 🌳 NRPA is proud to launch our 2025 Strategic Plan, which will guide our work during the next five years through 2029. With this plan and the organization’s day-to-day work, NRPA envisions a future in which the power of parks and recreation creates inclusive, climate-resilient and thriving communities, where everyone can experience belonging, well-being and joy. Peter M. Murphy, a prominent Illinois park and conversation leader, recently received the Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal for Parks and Conservation at the annual awards dinner hosted by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in Atlanta, Georgia. In presenting the 2024 Pugsley Medal to Peter M. Murphy, Elizabeth S. Kessler, Pugsley Committee Chair remarked, “We are proud to honor a visionary leader and steadfast advocate for parks, open spaces, and conservation. Murphy’s lifelong dedication and achievements have significantly shaped the agencies he has served, leaving a lasting impact on communities by expanding access to nature and recreation. The Academy is proud to recognize his remarkable leadership and contributions with this distinguished honor.” Congratulations, Peter M. Murphy! Learn about our new strategic plan: https://bit.ly/3zA8MQh #PowerOfParks

Selected from more than 100 entries across the country, Ivan K. Hill Park in Winfield, Alabama is the winner of our Bobcat Park and Rec Makeover Contest $100,000 grand prize in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association! 🎉🌲 The park board has an active adaptive athletics program and is committed to continuing to make updates that provide better access to those with accommodation needs. They will use the winning funds to increase accessibility for their softball fields, including updates to the field, pathways and restroom facilities. “The most immediate impact will be the benefits to the citizens with disabilities,” said Gina Bryant, Winfield Park & Recreation Director. “For these citizens to know that not only their community supports them in inclusion, but also the nation, the National Recreation and Park Association, and a company as large as Bobcat support them as well. So many hearts will be touched immediately by offering hope and a promise of better playing facilities and just knowing that they are being truly included.” Learn more at https://bit.ly/4hjrNY1 #WeAreBobcat #MoreThanAMachine

Wish you could be transported back to #NRPAConference2024 in Atlanta? Us too😔 Good thing you can access all virtual conference sessions on-demand through the NRPA Events App. Dive back into the learning and make sure you get the most out of this year's conference. Virtual sessions available until Monday, December 9, 2024. Learn more and access the sessions: https://lnkd.in/eEPQnu-7 #WhereYouBelong #PowerOfParks #ParksAndRec

The 2024 November issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is here 🍂 This month's cover features Philadelphia's Rebuild initiative, learn how they are reshaping the urban landscape and revitalizing communities. Inside this issue, you can also... 🍂Discover how Los Angeles County engages the public in decision making. 🍂Explore how park and recreation agencies can benefit financially through natural resource banking. 🍂And a whole lot more! Access the November issue now: https://lnkd.in/eYXUhnQJ #ParksAndRecMagazine #PowerOfParks #ParksAndRec

Naomi Betsill turned an unexpected internship opportunity into a career in parks and recreation. Read the full article from Naomi Betsill, Recreation Leader for Henry County: https://bit.ly/4eNBlZ9 #PowerOfParks

Folks in the path of hurricane Helene and Milton still need our help, let's reach out to peers and support where we can 💚 We have a list of links below where you can lend a hand to fellow park and recreation professionals and their communities. Thank you💚 https://lnkd.in/ewpTD2Dm https://lnkd.in/eiwSR45S https://gofund.me/891575cf https://lnkd.in/e8hTbFYZ #PowerOfParks

There are multiple scholarship options available for potential Directors School students📝 Year 1 is sold out, but there is still a chance to attend! If you are granted a scholarship, you will be awarded a spot to our two-year professional development opportunity that prepares new and potential park and recreation directors to be effective leaders. Please note that you must apply for Directors School and complete the scholarship portion of the application by November 3, 2024 in order to be considered for a scholarship. Click here to learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eB3TKWgb #NRPADirectorsSchool #NRPALearning #PowerOfParks

Asheville, North Carolina, is integrating more intentional one-on-one and group mentoring activities into existing afterschool, sports, environmental and outdoor education, and arts and culture programs through NRPA’s Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Substance Misuse grant. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3BQWhjW/ #PowerOfParks

This past September, nearly 100 organizations — from zoos and museums to local and state parks departments — came together to observe and document the incredible species for our sixth annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz. With events held across 35 states, from Arizona to New York, the impact was felt nationwide. 4,850 observers made 44,972 observations, documenting 5,685 species of flora and fauna. Those who hosted a BioBlitz event in September had the chance to win one of three $1,000 prizes or one of three Scotts Miracle-Gro prize packs, to help with pollinator habitats or programs. Congratulations to City of Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, Texas, Phoenixville Borough, Pennsylvania, Raritan Township Environmental Commission and Green Team, New Jersey, City of Doral Parks and Recreation, Florida, Crawford County Conservation District of Kansas, and Cedar Hill Parks and Recreation, Texas. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Learn more about the 2024 Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz: https://lnkd.in/ebAks-vY #Parks4Pollinators #BioBlitz #PowerOfParks

As the nation’s leading advocate for parks and recreation, having a strong Board of Directors is imperative. Board Chair Jesús Aguirre, CPRE, and Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO, welcome five new board members — all top leaders in their respective fields. Join us in welcoming Shonnda R. Smith, MBA, Christian Gabriel, FASLA, PLA, Stephanie Matisko Milewski, RLA, ASLA, Hashim T. Taylor, MBA, CPRP, and Linden Weiswerda, LEED Green Associate. Learn more about our board of directors: https://lnkd.in/eAYarMrd #PowerOfParks #ParksAndRec #ParksAreEssential