National Recreation and Park Association

Join our Leadership Development Network and Armed Forces Recreation Network for an interactive discussion on the dynamic world of military recreation. 🌳 Discover how collaborative efforts between military recreation and community recreation programs enhance wellbeing, build stronger connections, and create meaningful experiences for both civilians and service members. Join us on September 11th at 2pm ET as we explore how uniting forces can lead to impactful opportunities for play! Register here: https://lnkd.in/dvi7e6QH

What.A.Day. The inimitable Jodie Adams, with a solid foot in both tennis and parks and recreation, has worked tirelessly over her career to ensure that community tennis and the opportunity to connect and play is accessible for ALL. In service of this vision, she has worked steadfastly to build a strong partnership between (USTA) United States Tennis Association and National Recreation and Park Association. The partners who gathered on Sunday to strategize on making access to sports and play a reality for all generations were there because we share in that vision and join in Jodie and Todd Carlson’s commitment to partnerships rooted in integrity. The honor of doing the opening men’s match coin toss on center court with her was a dream come true. Jodie’s advice to me when I first met and talked with her after taking this job was, "Kristine, I've got your back. Go for it." To stand on center court in Arthur Ashe Stadium, named for the leader and player who was all about community tennis and belonging, with this incredible leader, fighter and community hero Jodie Adams was an experience I will treasure forever. Thank you, Jodie, for your mentorship, friendship and steadfast commitment to our mission - quality of life for all. Izell Reese, Lisa Moore, Kevin D. Korenthal, CAE, Allison Colman, Bret Gaither, Christopher Bass, MPA, CPRP and Bernita Reese, M.S., CPRP - we are just getting started! My heart is full and my spirit is as committed as ever to the #powerofparks to change lives and build communities. #outdoorsforall #parksandrecreation #whereyoubelong

How can local park and recreation agencies improve economic well-being? Through... 🌱Mentoring and workforce development 🌱The creation of jobs 🌱Connections to social services and resources Agencies provide access to economic opportunities and economic stability, including fair and good paying jobs, workforce development opportunities, and social resources. When community members are economically and financially secure, they can contribute skills, talents and passions to the community, and have a pathway to economic opportunity. Park and recreation professionals, every day, support community health and well-being across seven interconnected dimensions. Follow along as we dive into each of these dimensions in the weeks to come. Learn more about the seven dimensions: https://bit.ly/3X3LFGr #PowerOfParks #SevenDimensionsOfWellbeing #Wellbeing #ParksAndRec #Parks #Recreation

We’re grateful to the United States Tennis Association for their incredible partnership and for inviting us to join them at this year’s US Open! Our President and CEO, Kristine Stratton, was also able to join Jodie Adams for the coin toss of the Ben Shelton and Dominic Thiem match at Arthur Ashe Stadium! Together, we're celebrating the power of parks and recreation, along with the game of tennis, to build active, healthy communities across the country. Our partnership promotes inclusive access to recreational opportunities, ensuring everyone has the chance to get active and enjoy the game. Thank you, USTA, for helping us make a difference! (USTA) United States Tennis Association Kristine Stratton Jodie Adams #PowerOfParks #WhereYouBelong #USOpen

Immediately following the presentation of the National Gold Medal Awards at our annual conference, an all-star panel of some of the top names in parks and recreation, environmental justice, urban studies and community development will discuss the essential role parks and recreation has in supporting thriving communities through the seven dimensions of well-being. Contrary to historical definitions and perceptions, health and well-being encompass more than simply being free of disease. Well-being is grounded in equitable access to resources, spaces and social connections, as well as the dynamic pursuit of activities and opportunities that lead to a state of true health. Many existing park and recreation programs and initiatives support seven interdependent and interconnected dimensions of well-being — cultural, economic, emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical and social. Learn more about the panel and register today: https://bit.ly/3XiFCy5 #NRPAConference2024 #NRPAConference #WhereYouBelong #PowerOfParks #SevenDimensionsOfWellBeing #ParksAndRec

The September issue is all about celebrating inclusion and equity at all levels🌱 🌱Learn about Maryland Recreation and Parks Association’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Summit, thought to be the first-ever state trainings solely focused on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 🌱Explore how NRPA’s Equity in Practice program is transforming the park and recreation field and driving a more equitable future for all. 🌱Learn about the new NRPA “Quick Guides” that share simple ways to advance equity. 🌱Plus tons on the 2024 NRPA Conference and more! Explore the September issue now: https://bit.ly/3IZGyPM #PowerOfParks #WhereYouBelong #Equity #ParksAndRecMagazine

A unique collaboration connecting science and recreation aimed to inspire Columbus, Ohio’s youth to embrace STEM through creative and engaging summer experiences.🔬 Recognizing the critical impact of summer on combating learning loss, exacerbated by the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department joined forces with the Center of Science and Industry to offer more than 1,200 youth transformative science-based programming. Explore this program in the article from Elizabeth A. Marchio, Ph.D.,Internal Research and Evaluation Associate; Katherine Liming, Manager of Local External Affairs; and Andy Aichele, Vice President of Education at the Center of Science and Industry. Kerry Francis, APR, Communications Officer; Bernita A. Reese, M.S., CPRP, Director; and Kenton B. Curtis Jr., Assistant Director at Columbus (Ohio) Recreation and Parks Department: https://bit.ly/476MCkP #PowerOfParks #ParksAndRec #Columbus #ParksAndRecMagazine

You can see the pride and passion in Donna Kuethe's eyes as she shares her park and recreation story and experience from City of Moultonborough, NH 💚 Whether you’re 40 years into your career or four months, share in the comments what makes you most proud to work in the field of parks and recreation! Watch the full video and others: https://bit.ly/43M6tUF 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. We’re excited to continue sharing these stories with you throughout 2024 and into 2025 as we begin celebrating our 60th anniversary. #ParkAndRecStories #NRPA60 #PowerOfParks #WhereYouBelong #ParkAndRecMonth

Conference early bird pricing ends TOMORROW ⏰ Don't miss out on these registration savings! You'll gain access to a week of learning, inspiration, and networking for a lower cost. Register before August 23rd to take advantage. Register: https://bit.ly/3UFeV3Z #NRPAConference2024 #WhereYouBelong #NRPAConference #PowerOfParks #ParksAndRec #Parks #Recreation #Health #Wellness #Equity #Conservation #Environment #EnvironmentalResilience #Education

In today’s fast-paced world, where the hustle and bustle of daily life often can feel overwhelming, finding moments of peace and serenity becomes essential for our mental well-being. In the heart of bustling cities, parks emerge as these serene oases, offering us a chance to escape the chaos and reconnect with nature. But parks aren’t just pretty spaces; they’re powerful allies for our mental health, providing a vital connection to nature that helps us unwind, de-stress and feel rejuvenated. To find out how impactful nature can be on our well-being and how we can protect parks, read the full article from Colton Patak: https://bit.ly/46R08sT #PowerOfParks #Nature #MentalHealth #WellBeing #ParksAndRec #UrbanParks #ParkAccess #ParksAndRecMagazine