Playgrounds
NRPA Congress in Atlanta aims to stimulate, educate
More than 6,500 park and recreation professionals, citizen advocates and industry suppliers will learn how active minds create opportunities for a healthy nation at the 2011 National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Congress and Exposition in Atlanta, Nov. 1-3. “Active Minds, Healthy Nation” is the theme of the Congress, which will feature hundreds of mind-expanding educational sessions and networking opportunities. About 450 exhibitors will showcase their newest products, services and technology in categories including aquatics, grounds maintenance, surfacing materials and water parks. ...
’Playful City USA’ communities announced
A total of 151 cities and towns have been named 2011 Playful City USA communities for their efforts to increase play opportunities for children. The national non-profit KaBOOM! selected the cities as part of its program to help local governments ensure that youngsters have the time and space they need to play. ...
An extreme makeover of the playful kind
Volunteers, supported by Toro Co., the Minnesota Vikings and non-profit playground builder KaBOOM! build a new playground in North Minneapolis....
City and county parks departments can enter 2010 "Field of Dreams" contest
The Synthetic Turf Council has expanded its 2010 "Search for the Real Field of Dreams" contest to include public as well as high school fields. The national search was launched last year to determine which synthetic turf field across the country had achieved the greatest positive impact on athletes, schools or the community....
Cities work with schools to remedy park shortages
With little land available for new parks in established neighborhoods, Houston created a program in 1983 to open schoolyards to the public after the students go home. Since then, 200 Houston school playgrounds in eight school districts have been upgraded and opened to the public, and the idea has spread to Baton Rouge, La....
2009 NRPA conference casts an eye to the future
The recession has created an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty for many, and those who work in the parks and recreation field are not immune. With so many forces ¬— the economy, politics, and social and leisure trends, for example ¬¬— out of the control of parks and recreation professionals, thinking about the future could cause a few sleepless nights. ...
2009 NRPA conference casts an eye to the future
The National Recreation and Parks Association's annual Congress and Exposition will feature educational sessions, certification courses, workshops, special events and networking opportunities....
Spray parks are making a splash around the U.S.
Splashy new aquatic facilities are popping up around the country, as more and more recreation departments recognize their benefits. ...
Climbing walls let youngsters scramble over simulated boulders
WingWall offers the movements and choices of actual rock climbing to teach balance and build strength. Ideal for playgrounds or physical education programs....
Manufacturer offering grants to help schools purchase playground equipment
As part of the Miracle’s Grants for America’s Schools Program, the Monett, Mo.-based company said that it will help fund the construction of more than 1,200 playgrounds throughout the United States, benefiting more than 60,000 children....
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