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Record Year for Seventh Annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz

By Rukmini Kalamangalam | Posted on October 21, 2025

In September, 120 organizations — from zoos and museums to local and state parks departments — came together to observe and document the incredible species that thrive in our parks through NRPA’s Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz.

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Honoring Dr. Jane Goodall’s Legacy Through Parks

By Clement Lau | Posted on October 15, 2025

Dr. Jane Goodall's passing on October 1 at the age of 91 is a tremendous loss. Yet for all of us who care about parks, conservation and sustainability, her legacy continues to guide and motivate our work.

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Flowing Forward: LWCF’s Role in South Carolina’s Newest State Park

By Kaitlyn Brodie | Posted on October 6, 2025

This year has been especially transformative for the Black River as the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) received LWCF funding to acquire land around the river in May, and Black River State Park was established in January.

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Stronger Together: Lessons in Partnership and Sustainability in Charles County, Maryland

By Steph Whyte | Posted on September 24, 2025

Like many park and recreation agencies, Charles County doesn’t have a horticulturist or sustainability expert on staff to inform where and what to plant or mow. Their success wasn’t about having ample capacity in-house; it was about partnering differently.

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The Importance of Walking Paths

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on August 20, 2025

Walking paths are simple, low-cost features that deliver enormous benefits, from health and well-being to social connection and environmental awareness.

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Comebacks, Recovery and the Path to Exciting New Adventures: Asheville Parks & Recreation Shares Recovery Updates

By D. Tyrell McGirt | Posted on August 5, 2025

Asheville (North Carolina) Parks & Recreation Director D. Tyrell McGirt shares an update on recovery efforts following catastrophic destruction from Tropical Storm Helene 10 months ago.

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Promises Kept: Parks and Progress in Uncertain Times

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on July 25, 2025

This Parks and Recreation Month, we celebrate more than just facilities and programs — we honor the perseverance and partnerships it takes to bring them to life. Because when we build together and play together, we do not just weather hard times — we rise above them.

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From Dumping Ground to Pollinator Playground: Big Marsh Park Is Buzzing with Life

By Jamie Herget and Naureen Rana | Posted on July 16, 2025

Almost two years after receiving the NRPA Danaher Biodiversity grant, the Chicago Park District has seen real, lasting change at Big Marsh Park.

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Building Back Better: Lake Charles' Community-Centered Journey to Environmental Restoration

By Hannah Veazey and Barbara Kapustin | Posted on July 11, 2025

Through the process of destruction and regrowth, the City of Lake Charles, Louisiana, has implemented effective strategies to mitigate future risk and protect its communities, utilizing nature-based solutions and partnerships.

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Island Community: Helping Hands Restore Deerfield Island Park

By Cheri Gagné and Kelton P. Harvey | Posted on June 17, 2025

Nestled in the heart of South Florida’s urban landscape, Deerfield Island Park is a 53-acre natural oasis that serves as a refuge for native wildlife and a sanctuary for rare coastal ecosystems.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Community Science Brings Nature, Data and People Together

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on April 11, 2025

With tools like smartphones and platforms such as iNaturalist, just about anyone can help expand our collective understanding of biodiversity.

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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.

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Parks and Recreation: Advancing Colorado's Sustainability Movement

By Barbara Kapustin | Posted on March 19, 2025

NRPA recently explored how Colorado is implementing sustainability initiatives on the local level. Read how the cities of Aspen and Grand Junction aren't only preserving natural beauty, but also cultivating a culture of sustainability.

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