The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently announced the recipients of this year’s awards for innovation in health and wellness, equity, conservation, and park design.
On May 20, 2024, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) announced the winners of this year’s Innovation Awards which recognize park and recreation agencies nationwide that have improved and strengthened their communities through innovative practices in health and wellness, equity, conservation, and park design.
The recipients of this year’s awards are as follows:
- Innovation in Health Award: SwimSmart Initiative, Waukegan Park District, Waukegan, Illinois
- Innovation in Equity Award: Signs of Belonging, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, Maplewood, Minnesota
- Innovation in Conservation Award: Ford Fair Lane Estate Fishway, Wayne County Parks and Recreation, Westland, Michigan
- Innovation in Park Design Award: Glass City Metropark, Metroparks Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
The NRPA also announced the recipients of Spotlight Awards which recognize individuals for their efforts, both professional and personal, in the field of parks and recreation. For details, please read the source article.
NRPA is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With over 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being.
FULL STORY: NRPA Recognizes Excellence in Parks and Recreation With the Innovation and Spotlight Awards
After the Fires: Challenges and Efforts to Heal LA’s Parks and Trails
The recent LA wildfires have devastated parks and trails, with recovery efforts requiring extended closures, collaborative restoration plans, and community support to address extensive damage and long-term risks like landslides.
How Local Parks Promote Equitable Outdoor Access
Targeted investments in local parks, improved infrastructure, and enhanced transit connectivity are essential strategies to close the nature gap and ensure equitable outdoor access for underserved communities.
Regenerating and Healing Land Through Parks
Through thoughtful planning and restoration efforts, parks can help heal degraded land, meeting multiple community needs, improving soil quality, restoring native vegetation, and creating habitats for wildlife.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service