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.
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.
NRPA Tracking Impacts of Federal Shutdown
By Kyle Simpson | Posted on October 1, 2025
NRPA’s Public Policy and Advocacy team is closely monitoring the recent government shutdown. Here's what we know and key areas where park and recreation may be impacted.
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.
Expanding Youth Soccer Participation with MLS GO
By Teresa Morrissey | Posted on July 18, 2025
NRPA is excited to partner with Major League Soccer (MLS) and RCX Sports to expand MLS GO, a recreational youth soccer program designed to increase access to soccer for boys and girls ages 4-14 in communities nationwide.
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.
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.
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.
NRPA’s Response to Recent Executive Orders
By Kristine Stratton | Posted on February 18, 2025
Read this message from NRPA President and CEO Kristine Stratton to learn how we're working to assess the impacts of recent White House executive orders and what they mean for the park and recreation field.
The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Recreation, Fitness and Parks Sector
By The National Physical Activity Plan’s Community Sector Committee | Posted on December 3, 2024
The National Physical Activity Plan is a set of policies, programs and initiatives to help support physical activity in all segments of the United States population. One of the 10 physical activity sectors covers Community Recreation, Fitness and Parks (CRFP) with five distinct strategies.
From Creation to Care: The Need for Ongoing and Additional Funding to Operate and Maintain Parks
By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP | Posted on November 14, 2024
Despite significant benefits, parks often face critical challenges when it comes to funding for their ongoing operations and maintenance. However, ongoing and additional funding is imperative to ensure that parks remain safe, accessible and beneficial to all.
NRPA Board Member Rebecca Armstrong Reflects on NRPA’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan
By Rebecca Armstrong | Posted on November 5, 2024
This blog post highlights thoughts on NRPA's new strategic plan from Rebecca Armstrong, member of the NRPA board of directors.
NRPA Youth Sports Equity Grants: Transforming Communities Through Inclusive Athletics
By Brian McFadden | Posted on October 25, 2024
Many park and recreation agencies grapple with the challenge of providing equal access to youth sports, especially to under-resourced populations. Recognizing this crucial gap, the NRPA has stepped forward with a trio of innovative grant opportunities.
National Substance Use Prevention Month: Providing Safe Spaces for Youth in Asheville
By Angel Redmond | Posted on October 17, 2024
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.
NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre Shares Reflections on New Strategic Plan
By Jesús Aguirre | Posted on October 15, 2024
NRPA Board Chair Jesús Aguirre shares what he appreciates about the forward-thinking goals outlined in NRPA's 2025-2029 strategic plan, which was unveiled at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference.
Southern California Site Visit Reflections: Older Adult Programming Can Change Lives
By Cara Myers, Natalia Ospina, Colleen Pittard and Jennifer Ward | Posted on October 4, 2024
NRPA staff members recently visited park and recreation agencies in Southern California that are making massive impacts with their Supporting Healthy Aging Through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) grants.
Promoting Healthy Aging Through Tai Chi — Episode 158
By Cara Myers and Cort Jones | Posted on August 6, 2024
On this episode of Open Space Radio, we're exploring one of the most popular programs in NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks portfolio: Tai Chi.
Creating a Brighter Future Through Equitable Access to Youth Sports
By Teresa Morrissey and Maureen Neumann | Posted on June 26, 2024
Through the Youth Sports Equity Grant Program, NRPA and Musco Lighting are excited to partner with local park and recreation agencies to increase equitable access to youth sports, especially for youth of color, girls, LGBTQ+ youth, youth from low-income homes and youth with disabilities.