NRPA Partnership

Supporting Outdoor Recreation and Healthy Communities Together

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing parks, recreation and environmental resilience efforts that enhance quality of life for all. Through advocacy, education, research and community programs, NRPA empowers park and recreation professionals to create healthy, vibrant and resilient communities nationwide.

And at Landscape Structures, we're proud to be a partner of NRPA. As longtime champions of play and outdoor recreation, Landscape Structures and NRPA share a vision of communities where everyone has access to meaningful opportunities for connection, wellness and active play. Our partnership helps support the professionals, parks and programs that enrich lives and strengthen communities every day.

July 2026 is Park and Recreation Month!

This year's Park and Recreation Month highlights “The Power Of…” — the power of parks and recreation, play, nature, community, belonging, well-being, and the people who make these experiences possible

• The Power Of Connection: Parks and recreation provides spaces where relationships grow, cultures meet and communities bond.
• The Power Of Play: From playgrounds to programs to youth sports, play fuels creativity, joy and lifelong learning.
• The Power Of Community: Public spaces offer room for everyone to gather, celebrate and heal.
• The Power Of Nature: Access to nature restores, inspires, and improves quality of life.
• The Power Of Belonging: Welcoming parks and programs provide spaces where everyone feels valued.
• The Power Of Well-Being: Parks and recreation advances health, resilience and shared community benefits.

Help Share the Power of Play this July

July 2026 is National Park and Recreation Month. Landscape Structures and NRPA are teaming up to spread the word about the value of outdoor play in our parks and recreation spaces across the country.

Want to help us get the word out? Download The POWER of PLAY card and snap a pic in front of your favorite playground. Post the pic on social media with the hashtag #ThePowerOf and #playlsi to share the value of outdoor play spaces.

Our parks and playgrounds are valuable touchpoints for community gathering, celebration and enjoying a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Let's take a moment to recognize ThePowerOf parks and play spaces to our collective wellbeing.  

Why are Parks and Recreaction Play Spaces Essential?

The Power of Play: From playgrounds to programs to youth sports, play fuels creativity, joy and lifelong learning.

• Local park and recreation agencies reach more than 40 million youth each year, with 92% offering youth sports programs that build skills, confidence and connection.
• Ninety-four percent of park and recreation agencies provide playgrounds for the local community of all ages. Overall, agencies have one playground per 3,737 residents.
• The typical park and recreation agency offers 250 programs annually.
• Parks and recreation offer multisport, community-based programs that remove barriers and open doors to participation for all youth.
• Through sports, children build confidence, connection and character - skills that carry them from the playground to the classroom and beyond.

The above data points are pulled from NRPA’s Research Reports and Park Pulse Surveys.Visit NRPA's Research and Publications page or NRPA's Parks and Recreation is Essential to explore more evidence on the value of community parks.