January 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 10

PERSPECT I VES A MESSAGE FROM NRPA' S LEADERS
Our Why
The content of this month's
issue is all about the critical importance
of parks and recreation
being prepared in myriad ways -
prepared for the next pandemic,
prepared to fully step into our role
as drivers of healthier communities,
and prepared for the trends
that will shape how we work,
learn and change. Helping this
field prepare and face these opportunities
with strength, wisdom
and skill is why we exist.
I recently had the honor of speaking at the World
Urban Parks Congress alongside colleagues from sister
organizations in Spain, Mexico and the Netherlands on
why organizations like NRPA are so critically important.
It was a great platform to share the history of
our organization and movement, but it also
was a wonderful opportunity to reflect
on our origin story and our purpose.
It might surprise some to
Excellence
& Credibility
know that our story began in
1898 in the fight to create safe
places for kids to play and in
support of the idea that kids
should have the chance to be
just that - kids - and not
just another source of labor. In
1926, we officially became incorporated
as the Playground and
Recreation Association of America.
This was in the midst of a national task
force on outdoor recreation sponsored by
President Calvin Coolidge. The findings in 1928 were
extensive, but two stand out and have indelibly shaped
our vision and mission. First was that providing spaces
for people to recreate is a community duty, one that requires
local governments to own and lead. Second was
that the planning, management and activation of these
spaces require a bona fide professional - the park and
recreation professional.
Fast forward to 1965, when we combined with five
associations focused on park executives, state parks,
zoos and aquariums, and recreation and cemented our
Health,
Social &
Environmental
Benefits
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mission to advance parks, recreation and environmental conservation
efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people.
This strategic mission and focus are alive and well
today - by investing in and championing the park
and recreation profession, we build strong, healthy
and resilient communities that enhance the quality of
life for all people.
We have come a long way since 1898, 1926 and 1965,
but one thing hasn't changed: We see a future that is
better than our present, and we work relentlessly to realize
it. What makes parks and recreation so powerful
is its unique ability to solve our communities' toughest
problems. Parks and recreation has the power and potential
to tackle the impacts of climate change, reverse
childhood obesity, combat loneliness and isolation, and
create stronger and more equitable communities where
all experience the benefits of parks and recreation.
By investing in NRPA and our mission,
we are building the momentum of a flywheel
- a virtuous circle (see chart).
We invest in park and recreation
professionals and build a practice
of excellence in our profession.
That excellence creates
credibility and positive outcomes,
and in turn, increases
our relevance and influence.
With
Relevance &
Influence
Seat at
the Table
that
Policy
Outcomes &
Investment
influence, we lift
up more stories of impact, we
leverage a seat at the decision
table, and we advocate and inspire
more investment in that " community
duty " to drive health, social and environmental
benefits for all. NRPA and our mission
is about creating a virtuous circle, rooted in investing in
this field and our essential services.
That's our why. At NRPA, we show up every day to
bring this story and this cause to as many people as we
possibly can, for you and for all.
KRISTINE STRATTON
President and CEO
January 2023 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2023 - Parks & Recreation
