3 Pillars of Parks & Rec: Conservation, Health & Wellness, Social Equity

Our leadership team attends the national conference next week in Houston and presents on the successes in this community of maintaining the three pillars of parks & rec. Read on…

Our nation’s local parks and recreation are the gateways to healthy, prosperous and connected communities. On any given day, someone is being positively affected through parks and recreation – whether they are taking a walk on a trail or fitness class at the community center, getting a nutritious meal or just reaping the benefits of clean air and water because of preserved open space.

The work of local parks and recreation takes on some our nation’s toughest challenges like obesity, the economy and environmental sustainability and offers solutions. Local parks and recreation are uniquely positioned to make significant contributions in these areas, and do by providing critical front-line services and resources.

But we’ve got to start telling that story! Hear NRPA’s President and CEO Barbara Tulipane, CAE talk about the NRPA’s Three Pillars.

Conservation—Parks are critical in the role of preserving natural resources that have real economic benefits for communities. You are the leaders, often the only voice in communities, for protecting open space, connecting children to nature, and providing education and programming that helps communities engage in conservation practices.

Health and Wellness—Agencies lead the nation in improving the overall health and wellness of communities. You are essential partners in combating some of the most complicated and expensive challenges our country faces –poor nutrition, hunger, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Social Equity—Universal access to public parks and recreation are a right, not just a privilege. Every day you are working hard to ensure that all members of your community have access to the resources and programming you offer. Very few – if any – can claim the same.

NRPA stands alongside each agency and individual in the responsibility to be a loud voice for the significance and impact of our collective work, elevated by these three pillars. National Recreation and Park Association.