National Recreation and Park Association

Programs and partnerships:npra leverages its relationships with several different key corporations, foundations, the federal government, and nonprofit organizations to bring greater resources to local Park and Recreation agencies. Focusing on advancing our strategic goals of equity at the center, climate-ready parks, and advancing health and well-being, nrpa manages communities of practice and provides training, technical assistance, resources, professional development, and grant funds to local Park and Recreation agencies to increase access to quality parks and green spaces, improve health outcomes, and create resilient communities. In support of these goals, the organization provided over $3.6 million in grant funding, impacting more than 688,000 through these programs.

Certification and accreditation - nrpa has over 22,000 certified individuals in the areas of aquatic facilities, playground safety, general parks and Recreation, and executive parks and Recreation. The nrpa board of directors established the National certification board to administer the nrpa professional and occupational certification programs in accordance with the goals and values of the Association. Each program reviews best practices through a job task analysis approximately every 5 years and examinations are updated accordingly. Nrpa also has over 204 accredited Park and Recreation agencies (including municipal through state and military). The nrpa board of directors established the commission for accreditation of Park and Recreation agencies (capra) to administer the accreditation program in accordance with the goals and values of the Association. The capra accreditation standards are reviewed approximately every 5 years, and the accreditation program is updated accordingly. Accreditation standards include focus areas such as agency authority, role and responsibility, planning, human resources, financial management and more.

Annual conference - the nrpa annual conference is the largest gathering of Park and Recreation professionals in the united states. Each year, this highly anticipated event attracts 8,000 attendees, which includes 200+ education sessions. These sessions cover such popular topics as equity and inclusion, leadership and management, public relations, planning, design and maintenance, Recreation programming, and more. More than 22,000 professionals are certified through nrpa programs. These individuals have demonstrated their knowledge in core areas, such as aquatic facility operation, playground safety inspection, and/or professionalism in parks and Recreation (entry-level and executive level).

Membership dues - nrpa has 60,000 members, including Park and rec professionals, student advocates, and academics. The organization provides the profession with grant opportunities, professional development, networking, advocacy, and many other resources to support their local communities. Nrpa provides learning opportunities to support and advance the field of parks and Recreation. The organization's educational offerings are designed specifically for Park and Recreation professionals and advocates. Nrpa also offers exclusive member networks to support their professional needs. These networks deliver enhanced opportunities for collaborative exchanges between members and the chance to participate in multiple groups on a National level, including approximately 50 network meetings a year. They also provide opportunities for members to engage in leadership roles and give back to the field of parks and Recreation. Another professional engagement opportunity is through nrpa connect, an online professional networking tool that allows like-minded Park and Recreation professionals to connect across the country. Members receive information, ask industry questions, and get insight into trends in the field from their peers. Nrpa connect holds over 4,000 member-shared resources. Nrpa hosts the largest annual conference of Park and Recreation professionals with over 8,000 attendees. Nrpa has 22,000 certified individuals in the areas of aquatic facilities, playground safety, general parks and Recreation, and executive parks and Recreation. Professional development - nrpa provides Park and Recreation professionals with learning opportunities that support professional development and help their Park and Recreation departments to effectively meet the essential needs of the communities they serve. What's more, nrpa consistently keeps the field up to date on conservation and resiliency efforts, health and wellness initiatives, as well as achievements toward equitable access to parks and Recreation centers. Nrpa continues to expand professional development offerings, while integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into all that we do. Publications and advertising - nrpa reaches its members through a variety of publications, including its award-winning magazine, parks & Recreation, which is read by approximately 207,000 people annually. Nrpa also works with advertisers to promote their products to members via tools such as print ads in nrpa's magazine, digital ads on the website, and digital ads included in email marketing content. Additional publications include; comprehensive toolkits, an annual report, research and evaluation reports, email marketing communications, a dedicated blog, nrpa podcast, and a social media presence.