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.

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.

Celebrate Park and Recreation Month!

July is Park and Recreation Month. This year, we celebrate, “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 in July

In July 2026, Landscape Structures and NRPA invite communities across the country to celebrate the value of parks and outdoor play for Park and Recreation Month. Here's how you can participate:

• Download The POWER of PLAY card.
• Take a photo at your favorite playground or park.
• Share your photo using #ThePowerOf and #playlsi.
• Help inspire others to celebrate the role parks and recreation play in building stronger communities.

Every park and playground creates opportunities for people to gather, celebrate and connect with nature. Together, we can recognize the lasting value these outdoor spaces bring to the health and well-being of our communities.

Why Are Parks and Recreation 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.