How social media is influencing our interactions with public lands
Getting the perfect online photo is drawing more people into nature. Land managers are trying to mitigate risks and damage to wild places.
It’s time to take a serious look at esports gaming
The growing popularity of competitive video games is creating opportunities for governments at all levels. It builds skills, fosters community at local rec centers and schools and even boosts tourism.
Successful city parks make diverse communities feel safe and welcome
COMMENTARY | Parks are like a city’s living room. Designing, building and managing them well makes them attractive to different groups and boosts inclusion.
Skateboarding’s latest trick: Reviving cities
New skate plazas are proving that making spaces skateable makes them safer and more dynamic, too.
Key takeaways from the Explore Act, one of the largest outdoor recreation bills ever
The proposal will streamline the permitting process for outdoor recreation companies, study internet access at National Parks, identify potential long distance bike trails and paths, and support recreation and tourism economies and towns.
7% of the United States Is a ‘Play Desert’
COMMENTARY | Many of the counties lacking access to play areas were clustered in the Southeast and Southwest, and were most common in rural and suburban areas throughout the country.
5 Reasons Your Community Should Create More Green Spaces
COMMENTARY | A healthy community’s infrastructure isn’t only limited to roads, schools, and bridges. Investing in nature-centered spaces such as parks can contribute significantly to the community’s health and economy.
Atlanta’s BeltLine Shows How Parks Can Drive ‘Green Gentrification’
COMMENTARY | Cities can avoid the problem if they think about affordable housing at the start of their projects.
Mayors Try to Cope With Pickleball Craze
Demands for new facilities, along with noise complaints and paddle-toting attendees at city council meetings are just some of what they’re contending with as the sport's popularity skyrockets.
New Federal Cash Headed to Trail Projects Nationwide
Some of the money is from earmarks included in a recent federal spending package. The funding comes as bike and pedestrian trail use has been on the rise.
America's Crumbling Municipal Pools
Many public pools and aquatics facilities around the U.S. are decades old and in need of upgrades or replacement. The problem is particularly acute in poor neighborhoods and likely to become more pressing as summers grow hotter.
Beach Battles: Lawmakers Pushed to Increase Public Shoreline Access
Steep parking fees and other factors can pose barriers to visiting beaches, with some advocates saying restrictive policies reinforce segregation and racial inequality.
Can't Get There From Here: The Missing Middle Along Florida's Coast-to-Coast Trail
Bicyclists tell of having to ride along busy highways as officials say an unfinished segment may be years more in the making.
Historic Floods Hammer Yellowstone, Shuttering Park and Stranding Residents
A combination of heavy rain and rapid snowmelt has pushed rivers in the region to their highest recorded levels.
Despite Higher Costs, Vacationers Plan to Visit State Beaches, Lakes and Parks This Summer
Travelers also said that Covid-19 will not impact their trips during the next few months, according to a recent survey.
The States That Get the Biggest Boost From Parks and Rec Spending
More than 10,000 local parks and recreation agencies nationwide drive more than $200 billion annually in economic activity, according to a recent report.
Seasonal Worker Shortage Threatens Closure of Public Pools and Parks
State and local governments are scrambling to fill summer parks and recreation positions, raising wages up to $16 per hour to compete with private businesses.
The US Cities With the Largest Park Systems
Washington, D.C. held the No. 1 spot on the ParkScore index for the second consecutive year. Other top cities are spread across the country.
Interacting With Nature in Cities Can Reduce Loneliness
Local officials should improve access to existing green spaces, among other things, to help lessen loneliness, one study shows.
State Officials to Drone Operators: Please Stop Harassing the Animals
Wildlife officials in Colorado this week urged recreational drone pilots to avoid disrupting animals during flights, the latest example of a growing issue for state agencies.
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