Learn about multigenerational playground innovation from a playground industry veteran. Join this session to discuss playground industry trends — both past and present — and how innovation in the industry is developing to include multigenerational play opportunities.

Playground safety isn’t just about the physical space and infrastructure. Park and recreation professionals also should consider how the social experiences of playground visitors can be improved through an equity lens. Join NRPA staff and playground experts for a conversation on how to promote positive experiences for anyone enjoying a playground.

Discover a data-driven framework for designing and evaluating recreation programs that adapt to community needs, boost engagement, and deliver long-term results. This session equips park and recreation professionals with actionable strategies to build sustainable programs, strengthen retention, and support CAPRA accreditation through alignment with key standards and best practices.

With decreasing numbers of recreation graduates across the country, recruiting new staff members has become more challenging than ever before. This session will provide strategies for before, during and after the college recruitment fair to bring more students to your table and applications to your organization. We will cover social media strategies, creating your perfect pitch, attracting students to your table, and closing the deal so that you can bring in more new hires and advance your mission in 2026.

Girls want to play—so why do they make up only 35% of park and recreation youth sports participants? This interactive session is designed for park and rec professionals ready to move beyond awareness and into meaningful, lasting change. Drawing from the Get Her in the Game Playbook, you’ll hear from practitioners leading this work in the field to explore how program design and organizational culture can be reimagined so that every girl doesn’t just get in the game; she belongs there.

Council Connection is an NRPA Business Council-led learning series aimed at addressing the most pressing topics in parks and recreation today. These sessions are led by subject matter experts on the council, developed in collaboration with park practitioners, and are designed to foster leadership and innovation. Check out these sessions to unlock valuable insights today!

Find previously live Park Access Network content here! Park and recreation professionals have the tools and resources to lead localized, anti-racist 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 diverse professionals to facilitate conversations and best practices among peers to drive systemic changes that advance equitable and resilient park access.