How Miami’s The Underline built an economy of connection

By Eulois Cleckley

Miami has always been a city that moves fast and dreams big. From its art deco past to its tech-forward present, this community thrives on reimagining what’s possible. That same energy fuels The Underline, a 10-mile, multimodal, urban park beneath Miami’s Metrorail that serves as a corridor of connection, commerce, and culture.

How Louisville is using science to shape a healthier downtown

By Travis Ragsdale

When city leaders in Louisville, Ky., signed the Greenprint Charter, they weren’t launching another beautification project. They were testing whether science and collaboration could reshape the future of an urban core. The initiative brings together government, researchers, and community partners to examine how targeted greening can improve public health and support downtown recovery.

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/