- Career Center
- Choosing a Career in Parks and Recreation
- Peer to Peer Career Advice
NRPA Online Learning is a cost-effective and flexible way to educate staff, provide training and earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) without leaving the comfort of your home or office.
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification
- Become a CPRP
- Renew Your CPRP Certification
- CPRP Exam
- CPRP Prep Materials and Resources
- CPRP Registry
- CPRP Frequently Asked Questions
- Become a CPSI
- CPSI Course Calendar
- Renew Your CPSI Certification
- Become a CPSI Instructor
- Host a CPSI Course
- CPSI Prep Materials and Resources
- CPSI Registry
- Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification
- Become a CPRE
- Renew Your CPRE Certification
- CPRE Exam
- CPRE Prep Materials and Resources
- CPRE Registry
- CPRE Frequently Asked Questions
- Become an AFO
- AFO Course Calendar
- Renew Your AFO Certification
- Become an AFO Instructor
- Host an AFO Course
- AFO Prep Materials and Resources
- AFO Registry
- CAPRA Agency Accreditation
- NRPA Digital Badges
- CPRP and CPRE Eligibility Requirements
Becoming a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) will not only keep your expertise fresh, but also help you achieve greater health, resilience and equity outcomes in your community.
- NRPA Annual Conference
- Exhibit at the Conference
- Industry Calendar
- Park and Recreation Month
- Park and Recreation Month Toolkit
- Proclaim July as Park and Recreation Month In Your Community
- Park and Recreation Professionals Day
- Donate to NRPA and Receive Park and Recreation Month Store Credit
- Family Health & Fitness Day
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- Family Health & Fitness Day Events
Learn more about the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, taking place October 8-10 in Atlanta, Georgia!
- Parks & Recreation Magazine
- Ezine Edition
- Advertising
- Summer Seasonal Hiring Report
- NRPA Park Metrics
- NRPA Park Pulse Surveys
- At Peace in Local Parks
- Finding Your Green Thumb
- Informing the Local Community
- Defining Data
- Press Room
- Email Newsletters
Open Space Radio is a biweekly podcast that covers the latest trends and news in the field of parks and recreation and aims to cover unique and interesting stories.
Playgrounds
The National Recreation and Park Association is dedicated to providing resources to professionals and advocates of playgrounds in every community. It is our mission to provide education, networking, resources and certification to playground operators to help them monitor and improve the safety of playgrounds. In addition to our Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program, NRPA offers a wide variety of resources to certified playground professionals and novices alike. Please find a summary of our resources below.
Definition of Play: To engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose
CPSI Certification
The CPSI Certification program provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements and risk management methods.
Playground Maintenance Course
NRPA's Playground Maintenance Course is a one-day (6.25 hour) educational course that covers the following topics – an overview of playground safety standards and guidelines, playground owner responsibilities and maintenance discussions on playground equipment, surfacing and site items. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the Playground Maintenance Course.
Playground Inspection Kits
Playground Inspection Kits include the equipment necessary to check for head and neck entrapment hazards as well as protrusion and entanglement hazards on playgrounds. Developed to meet Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines. Includes projection gauges, head and torso probes, fish probe and a carrying bag.
Daily Dozen Playground Safety Checklist
The Daily Dozen is a 12-Point Playground Safety Checklist designed for parents and caregivers to help identify safety hazards and ensure children have a safe place to play. This checklist covers topics including proper surfacing, accessibility, proper equipment, trip hazards, proper maintenance and much more. The Daily Dozen is packed and sold in groups of 25 brochures or is available here as a free download.
Concerns About a Playground?
- Step One - Determine who owns the playground – you may have to contact a local parks and recreation department if you do not know where to start.
- Step Two - Contact the owner/operator about the condition of the play area and request follow-up.
Additional Information on Local Guidelines
Please check your state or local area's Division of Family Services or similar agency for regulations.
For more information on NRPA Playgrounds, please reach out to playgrounds@nrpa.org
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National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
22377 Belmont Ridge Rd
Ashburn, VA 20148-4501
PH: 800.626.NRPA (6772)Parks & Recreation Field Guide
The Field Guide delivers suppliers, vendors and service providers to park and recreation agencies throughout the United States and Canada.
