Analysis Reveals Park System Gives Back More Than Five Times State Investment
from Preservation Nation
A new economic analysis released by Parks & Trails New York, the leading statewide park and trail advocacy organization, shows that the New York State Park System is a valuable economic asset to the Empire State. It supports up to $1.94 billion in output and sales for private businesses, plus 20,000 jobs. More

California Parks Supporters Take to the Capital
from Preservation Nation
Last week, more than 160 parks advocates gathered at the California State Capital for State Parks Advocacy Day 2009. Spearheaded by the California State Parks Foundation (CSPF) 33 teams from around the state met with nearly 120 Assembly members, State Senators, and their staffs. The advocates discussed the importance of proposed park protection measures, economic stimulus for parks, and the grave impact of the state bond freeze on park projects. More

Grassroots Group Aims to Reunite Children, Nature
from the Lawrence Journal-World
Being outside leads to a better inside — physically and emotionally. That’s why no child should be left inside. That’s what longtime Lawrence real estate developer John McGrew believes. He helped form a task force of people who share his concerns. They include educators, parents, recreation leaders and Kansas University professors. The Nature Education for Kids task force has been meeting since September. More

NRPA and the American Camp Association Address "Nature-Deficit Disorder" in New Online Course
from NRPA
Earn continuing education credits while helping children go outside to play. “Connecting Children with Nature,” the latest offering in NRPA’s Pyxis Learning Center, was developed by NRPA in partnership with the American Camp Association for professionals working with youth in educational or recreation setting. This three-hour course addresses the root causes of “nature-deficit disorder,” identifies the potential health and social risks to children who do not experience nature, and covers best practices in the field for helping children enjoy unstructured outdoor play. More

New York Friends Group Continues Work to Restore 100-year-old Park
from the Daily Gazette
Former city councilwoman Cynthia Morey and her band of volunteers have been working hard the past eight years to restore the 50-acre Myers Park in Gloversville N.Y., but on the park’s 100th anniversary that effort seems more meaningful. The small group of volunteers formed Friends of Myers Park and has re-created gardens long grown over, replaced or rebuilt old gazebos, planted shrubs and trees and secured a $20,000 state parks and recreation grant. More

Economy Won’t Keep Indiana Parks Board from Projects
from the Reporter-Times
Although the Morgan County, Ind., Parks and Recreation Board might have to scale back on some of its countywide trail plans, the recession hasn’t scared it away from those projects. More

Kids Hone Business Skills at Their Very Own Garage Sale
from The Daily News
Bad times are good times to learn lessons — and the Kids Garage Sale has a whole curriculum in store. The event, sponsored by the Longview, Wash., Parks and Recreation department, lets children practice math and manners, do a little marketing, earn some money and rub shoulders with what it means to share and recycle stuff. More

It Comes Naturally
from the Chattanooga Times Free Press
Chattanooga, Tenn., city leaders are eager to capitalize on outdoor attractions created Outdoor Chattanooga five years ago to help recruit more visitors, residents and businesses to the area and to promote a healthier lifestyle for those already here. The new Outdoor Chattanooga center in Coolidge Park will serve as a showcase for the diverse array of outdoor activities in the region capable of serving much of America’s growing $730 billion-a-year outdoor industry. More

Wheelchair Tour Pays Off in Better Access to Parks
from the Daily Tribune
Ferndale, Mich., council members toured parts of their city by wheelchair last summer. It was an eye-opening exercise to understand the thoughtless obstacles public and private owners put in the path of the disabled. It was impressive then. It continues to impress now that the City Council has ordered a new 5-year parks and recreation master plan with an emphasis on providing more access to parks for those with disabilities. More

Houston to Host NRPA Annual Congress in 2013
from NRPA
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) announced today that Houston, Texas will host the association’s annual Congress and Exposition, October 8-11, 2013. The NRPA Congress and Exposition is the largest annual gathering of parks and recreation professionals and citizen advocates, typically attracting 8,000 participants. More