National Recreation and Park Association’s Post

New Freedom Borough and Shrewsbury Township, under the Southern York County Regional Recreation Commission, are thrilled to announce the appointment of Gianina Porter as the Commission's inaugural Director of Recreation. The establishment of the Southern York County Regional Recreation Commission signifies a significant step forward in community collaboration and resource optimization. By pooling resources and efforts, the Commission aims to prevent duplication of services and enhance the quality and accessibility of recreational amenities for residents of both municipalities. New Freedom Borough Council's approval of the Intermunicipal Agreement of Cooperation with Shrewsbury Township underscores the commitment to promoting regional cooperation and addressing evolving recreational priorities. As communities grow and funding sources become increasingly competitive, the importance of regional recreation initiatives becomes more evident. By prioritizing projects and activities through collaborative efforts, the Commission aims to maximize cost-effectiveness and ensure that constituents are best served. #CommunityCollaboration #RegionalRecreation #EnhancedServices   

Parks play a crucial role in fostering community health and well-being by providing spaces for connection & recreation. This article explores the various benefits of parks, from promoting physical activity to enhancing environmental sustainability. Read the benefits here: https://lnkd.in/dbWjb5fb

Parks are where we walk and jog, children enjoy playgrounds, and people meet for social gatherings. They are also a starting point for building community power and strengthening democracy.   The Trust for Public Land developed a framework for enabling local communities to decide how to renovate their green spaces and found that organizing communities to redesign their parks galvanized residents to connect on other issues of shared concern. What started as a parks project became an exercise in community power building and democratic enrichment: “Communities build relationships with their environment and with each other, coalesce around a place-based identity grounded in their shared passion, and ultimately consolidate and exercise community power to transform residents’ lives for the better.” 🌳In SSIR’s new summer issue, Geneva Vest, Cary Simmons, and Howard Frumkin share more about the framework and ways to nurture civic engagement and a thriving democracy through our parks and green spaces ➡ https://lnkd.in/e8bgMN3X #socialinfrastructure #parks #democracy

City of Sterling Heights residents will have the opportunity to vote on the Visioning 2040 strategic plan in the upcoming election. The Sterling Heights City Council authorized the plan, which aims to continue momentum and growth. The plan includes community development strategies that focus on expanding parks, nature spaces, and outdoor recreation destinations. The plan also focuses on improving mobility and environmental sustainability in the city. The goal is to create more amenities and attractions for residents to enjoy. It also includes strategies to enhance and expand existing natural spaces, providing more opportunities for outdoor recreation. Learn more: https://shorturl.at/DvR7Y PC: Macomb Daily #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #sustainablebusiness #notableleaders #sustainability #vision2030 #visioning2040 #sterlingheights #communitydevelopment #recreation #mobility #sustainability #parks #nature #outdoorrecreation #citycouncil #mayormichaeltaylor

Democracy is a lot bigger than any 🗳 single election, and it's bigger than our ⚖ political system. As we experience extreme levels of toxic polarization, division, and loneliness in this country, each of us needs to orient our work (and life) in a way that 🤝 strengthens democratic norms, processes, and cultures in our local communities. I'm thrilled to see Trust for Public Land's 🔬 latest research and thinking on the pivotal role that 🏞 parks play in fostering democracy, justice, and social cohesion published in 📑 the Stanford Social Innovation Review last week. In the article, my co-authors and I highlight powerful case studies that demonstrate how parks serve as vital spaces for community engagement, activism, and the cultivation of democratic values through activities like community organizing, land stewardship, and creative placemaking. Each of us has a part to play in making our democracy work. And I promise you don't have to look much farther than your local park to get involved and take action. 💚 🌳 👊

Tonight our city council celebrated the positive impact of parks and recreation on our community's economic, mental, and physical well-being. Jefferson City's park and recreation system plays a vital role in the city's economic development by offering well-maintained facilities, diverse programs, and beautiful natural areas that attract both residents and visitors. One significant contribution is through tourism, as visitors are drawn to our parks, trails, and recreational amenities, boosting the hospitality and tourism industry. By providing various recreational opportunities, from sports fields to hiking trails, the park system attracts tourists who contribute to the local economy through spending on accommodations and dining. Moreover, a robust park and recreation system enhances our city's quality of life, making it attractive for businesses and residents. Well-maintained parks not only improve well-being but also attract a talented workforce. Businesses consider recreational amenities when choosing a location, making Jefferson City more appealing and leading to job creation and economic growth. Our park system has made Jefferson City a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. This promotes ecotourism, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers from near and far, showcasing our natural beauty and creating a unique identity. In summary, Jefferson City's park and recreation system has positively impacted our economy, quality of life, and outdoor appeal, creating a thriving community for residents and visitors alike. #JeffersonCityParks #RecreationSystem #EconomicImpact #DestinationCity #OutdoorRecreation #TourismBoost #QualityofLife #CommunityDevelopment #NatureLovers #AdventureSeekers

Public spaces play an essential role in fostering vibrant and thriving communities. They serve as catalysts for social interaction, fostering connections and sparking meaningful conversations. I wholeheartedly agree with the article's emphasis on the significance of these spaces. The charming 24-hour parks scattered throughout Manhattan, particularly those in the South Street Seaport area, exemplify the importance of providing accessible and inviting green spaces. These tranquil havens offer much-needed respite for individuals seeking a moment of relaxation and reflection amidst the bustling city life. #PublicSpaces #SocialJustice #CommunityBuilding #UrbanDesign #ManhattanParks #SouthStreetSeaport #NYCGreenSpaces #RestorativeSpaces #UrbanOasis #TranquilityInTheCity #OmiDreamer #UwmiHalimLLC #ScientificConsultancy #TechnicalConsultancy #ComplexIssueSolving #BusinessPerformanceImprovement #ExpertProblemSolvers #InnovativeSolutions #TrustedAdvisors #EmpoweringProfessionals #AchievingBusinessSuccess https://lnkd.in/eqWmHFJH

'In the heart of Nottingham lies Bulwell, a community brimming with potential yet yearning for a touch of vibrancy and renewal. "Bulwell in Bloom" is more than just a project; it's a vision for a future where our streets burst with life, our public spaces invite connection, and every corner tells a story of community pride and natural beauty. This initiative is born out of a simple belief: that the environment we live in profoundly impacts our well-being, our relationships, and our opportunities. In recent years, we've watched as Bulwell, like many communities, faced challenges that have dimmed its vibrancy. Yet, within these challenges lies an incredible opportunity—an opportunity to come together, roll up our sleeves, and infuse Bulwell with the energy and life it deserves. "Bulwell in Bloom" aims to revitalise our community spaces, turning neglected areas into vibrant hubs of activity, greenery, and art. Imagine walking through Bulwell and finding community gardens where empty lots once stood, murals that tell our collective stories adorning once-bare walls, and parks that buzz with the laughter of children and the chatter of neighbors. But "Bulwell in Bloom" is about more than just beautification. It's about community empowerment. By involving local residents, schools, and businesses in the transformation process, we're not just changing the physical landscape—we're building a stronger, more connected Bulwell. This project is a catalyst for social cohesion, economic development, and environmental sustainability.' https://gofund.me/91acc3ee

It’s a tricky catch that neighbourhoods that already have the most wealth, education and privilege tend to be better at attracting funding and advocating for support to lead their own placemaking or community development projects.   In creating a placemaking process and resources for a diverse District like the Far North, I addressed this equity issue in a few ways.   Once a community is confirmed to receive support from the placemaking team, Council will engage – in a paid capacity – a community member or group to lead an asset mapping process in that neighbourhood.   This community representative (or group) will be paid a fixed fee to spend a few weeks ·     researching and conversing with local iwi and hapū; ·     mapping the physical assets of the neighbourhood and users’ sentiments; ·     mapping the community groups, sports clubs and other social assets and their aspirations and resources; ·     mapping the land ownership, natural hazard risks, vacant and neglected places; ·     meeting with their Council Navigator to learn about the parks, zoning and Council facilities; and ·     hosting a community hui to discuss the situation and opportunities.   This foundation encourages a broad view of the whole neighbourhood, establishes a strong initial relationship between Council and community and creates a community resource and knowledgeable leader that sets the place up well for ongoing community-led work.   We don’t want it to be a prerequisite that communities already have strong and active community groups. This process might help new groups to form where they don’t already exist.   It’s a tiered system, so communities new to this work are encouraged and supported to start with a small ‘quick win’ project with easy approvals – and build up to larger-scale work that might require resource consent, LTP submissions or significant stakeholder engagement.   This tiered system also makes it easy for Council to scale their approvals processes according to the significance (scale, duration, environmental impacts, etc.) of the project.   We hope that these steps will make it easier – or possible – for communities with no previous placemaking experience to get started, and for Council to direct its placemaking resources towards those who need them most. #placemaking #placemakingguidelines #placemakingguide #placemakingresources #farnorth #equity #engagement #engagmentmatters #growthplanning Far North District Council