contentsdecember 2021 volume 56 | number 12 | parksandrecreation.org U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland breaks new ground as the first Native American cabinet secretary. FEATURES 34 DOI Secretary Deb Haaland Breaks New Ground Kristine Stratton Deb Haaland, head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, shares her insights on racial equity, climate justice and transcending the nationallocal divide to create access to parks and recreation for all. 40 Recapping the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference Vitisia Paynich and Lindsay Hogeboom Take a look at the learning and fun that happened both virtually and in person in Nashville, Tennessee, during the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference. 44 The Value of Play, Playgrounds and Parks During the Pandemic Richard J. Dolesh A study by the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association exemplifies the importance of play. 2 Parks & Recreation | DECEMBER 2 0 2 1 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORhttp://www.parksandrecreation.org