NRPA's Learning & Professional Development Statement

At NRPA, we work toward a future where all people have access to the benefits of quality parks and recreation.  To do that, we strive to provide park and recreation professionals transformative learning experiences that advance their expertise, elevate their impact, learn from and with each other, and strengthen their communities.  

Virtual Learning Opportunities

Check out NRPA's latest live and on-demand virtual online learning opportunities.

NRPA Online Learning Events Equity in Practice NRPA Certificates

In-Person Learning Opportunities

Check out our in-person learning and networking opportunities!

NRPA Partner Schools NRPA Annual Conference

Upcoming Live Virtual Events

  • NRPA Membership Hour
    Includes a Live Web Event on 10/09/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT)

    NRPA membership hours take place the second Thursday of each month at 1pm ET. Join the membership team for a brief overview of NRPA membership at the top of the hour followed by the opportunity to ask questions about your benefits, getting involved with NRPA and much more. We invite everyone to join!

  • Alternative Funding Strategies for Sustainable Community Impact
    Includes a Live Web Event on 10/21/2025 at 2:00 PM (EDT)

    This free live webinar will be held on October 21, at 2 p.m. EDT. Hosted by PlayCore Register using the code: PARTNER.

  • Operational Wellness: Tackling Burnout and Stress Reduction Strategies for MWR Professionals
    Includes a Live Web Event on 10/22/2025 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

    Join the NRPA Armed Forces Recreation Network for a timely and impactful webinar focused on promoting operational wellness for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) professionals. In today’s high-demand environments, burnout and chronic stress are more prevalent than ever—especially for those who serve and support our military communities. This free event, will feature expert insights from Dr. Jay Trambadia, a Board-Certified Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Atlanta, Georgia.

  • NRPA Park Access Network Meetings
    Includes a Live Web Event on 11/26/2025 at 2:00 PM (EST)

    Park and recreation professionals have the tools and resources to lead localized, accessible solutions that advance the multitude of benefits derived from equitable park access and climate-resilient park systems. The Park Access Network is an open community bringing together professionals from all over to facilitate conversations and best practices among peers to drive systemic changes that advance equitable and resilient park access.

Check out our newest members-only offering: Skill Builders!

These flexible learning opportunities are designed to fit your busy schedule, be more responsive to your professional development budget, and align with your professional development goals. Skill Builders are organized into three types of focused learning experiences that will enable you to build and strengthen specific skills based on your desired time commitment:

  • Stepping Stones – highly focused content that can be completed in 15-minutes or less and are immediately applicable. These are a great option for park professionals with limited time or are on the go.
  • Mile Markers – designed to be completed within one to one and half hours, these opportunities are a great option for professionals seeking more digestible, single skill focused learning.
  • Skill Summits – designed around a focused skill set, these are for professionals who require a shorter time commitment than our certificate offerings but want a deeper dive than our Mile Markers offer.

Note: this is a members-only offering.

Click here to learn more!

On-Demand Learning Opportunities

Discover your next professional development opportunity! From trending topics to timeless best practices, our on-demand learning puts parks and recreation expertise at your fingertips. Browse our NRPA Catalog now to explore our available live and on-demand online learning opportunities.

Search the NRPA catalog