Parks and recreation are more than green spaces — they are an essential part of a healthy, equitable, and resilient public health system. We Are Parks and Recreation reflects on the achievements of the 2021–2023 NRPA Strategic Plan, launched in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it has reshaped the field’s vision and impact.
Guided by the Community Wellness Hub model and a commitment to equity, NRPA has helped park and recreation professionals address health and social injustices, particularly for historically underserved communities. Over the past three years, this work has:
- Expanded access to nutrition, providing millions of meals, launching farmers markets, and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption.
- Supported youth mentoring and youth sports programs that improve life skills, school engagement, and community connection.
- Advanced healthy aging initiatives through evidence-based physical activity programs in hundreds of communities.
- Elevated health equity with a Framework for Action that helps agencies dismantle systemic barriers and center racial equity in planning, programming, and operations.
The report also celebrates growing recognition from national health agencies, new partnerships, and research validating parks and recreation as a powerful driver of public health. As NRPA looks ahead, the focus remains on centering equity, expanding partnerships, and building capacity to ensure everyone has access to safe, welcoming, and health-promoting public spaces.
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