Midewin Tallgrass Prairie offers a new blueprint for conservation

By Karen Fischer

I don’t know what a prairie looks like, yet I spent years living in the Midwest. But neither do you, even if you’re reading this, from the Midwest, right now. In fact, no one knows what a prairie really looks like because it has long been gone.

Discover how camps across the U.S. are transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant pollinator gardens filled with music.

In this CampFest webinar, Percussion Play explores how nature-inspired outdoor musical instruments invite campers to slow down, connect with the environment, and create music together. Learn how these multi-sensory spaces support wellbeing, environmental education, and inclusive play—while buzzing with bees, butterflies, and rhythm.

Presenters are Alex Cook, Camp Specialist and Kate Mannerings, Client Services Manager.

This session is FREE to all camp and parks professionals. It takes place Wednesday, February 25, 2026 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM MST

Register for FREE here.

If you'd rather watch this (and future podcasts), follow Park People on YouTube. 

How Asheville Parks & Recreation is building a mentorship program that works for its community

By Christo Bubenik

Parks and recreation professionals often see their roles as providing spaces and opportunities for people of all ages to stay connected, discover new things, and reach their highest potential. However, one age group is notoriously hard to reach: teens and tweens. As young people straddle the time between childhood and adulthood, fostering the people and leaders they will become is essential to community health.

https://www.prbplus.com/guiding-our-youth/

How civic architecture can redefine resilience

By Jeff Kuhnhenn

As communities face frequent climate events, social disruptions, and infrastructure challenges, civic architecture is being reimagined as a front line of resilience. Libraries, recreation centers, and municipal buildings—once regarded as the background fabric of civic life—are increasingly recognized as essential public assets that can sustain communities during crises.

https://www.prbplus.com/future-readiness/

Mobile recreation units help residents access amenities and build community

By Brianne Sanchez

Can giant yard games like Connect Four encourage neighbors to connect more?

Leaders in the rapidly growing suburb of Bondurant, Iowa, believe so. Recreation plays an important role in strengthening relationships in the city, which experienced an astounding 90.8 percent population increase from 2010 to 2020.

https://www.prbplus.com/fun-on-wheels/

How to run a successful recreation facilities referendum  

By Emily Gebhardt

Recreation centers, public parks and trails, pools, and athletic facilities form the foundation of community wellness and engagement. Successful funding for park districts and projects requires a multifaceted approach. Community support and funding are critical; without that backing, a parks and recreation project is less likely to flourish.

https://www.prbplus.com/winning-the-vote/

By Dave Herpy

In today’s dynamic world of parks and recreation, effective leadership is more essential than ever. This field plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in our communities, yet the challenges facing our teams—staffing, burnout, and ever-evolving public needs—require intentional leadership grounded in purpose. Drawing from my book, Leading with Purpose: Achieving Your Highest Potential in Work and Life, this article explores how leaders in parks and recreation can lead with authenticity, clarity, and impact.

https://www.prbplus.com/leading-with-purpose-in-parks-recreation/

A unique outdoor program for adults

By Leah Carlson

For over 25 years, Wilderness Awareness School's Immersion program has transformed the lives of adults through an intense, nine-month, nature connection experience. Located on a 60-acre campus in the foothills of Washington State's Cascade Mountains, the program is a powerful model for how immersive, holistic outdoor education can inspire personal growth, foster community, and build tomorrow's environmental leaders. 

https://www.prbplus.com/the-power-of-immersion/

A critical way to increase ADA compliance

By VernaAnn Kotansky

Inclusive playgrounds give all children an opportunity to enjoy one of the most essential parts of childhood—play. Unfortunately, many accessible playgrounds focus only on physical accommodations like ramps and wheelchair-accessible swings. While these are vital, true accessibility must go further by also addressing communication differences. That’s where communication boards come in. These tools are a critical part of creating fully inclusive, ADA-compliant playground environments. 

Planning for and mitigating noise issues

By Brandon Kunkel

Whether you love pickleball for its energetic, fast pace or hate it for the constant rhythmic, popping noise of the plastic ball, its status as one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in the United States is undeniable. According to USA Pickleball, 4,000 new locations were added in 2024, contributing to a total of nearly 16,000 new courts nationwide.