MINNEAPOLIS, - The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) publicly released five monographs, developed by industry experts from top-tier universities. Topics of study include:
* The Benefits of Physical Activity Provided by Park and Recreation Services, by Geoffrey Godbey and Andrew Mowen
* The Rationale for Recreation Services for Youth: An Evidence Based Approach, by Peter Witt and Linda Caldwell
* Parks and Other Green Environments: Essential Components of a Healthy Human Habitat, by Frances E. (Ming) Kuo
* Air Quality Effects of Urban Trees and Parks, by David J. Nowak and Gordon M. Heisler
* Measuring the Economic Impact of Park and Recreation Services, by John Crompton
The papers, commissioned by NRPA and each targeted toward a specific area of the field, will help park and recreation agencies across the nation better align their services with the key challenges faced in their communities to encourage active, healthy living.
"With the findings in these papers, park and recreation agencies across our nation now have the research and associated tools to strategically develop programs and services to effectively support their communities," said NRPA CEO Barbara Tulipane. "Given the current economic challenges, Americans and park and recreation agencies alike are looking for cost-effective ways to do more. This information benefits both in a real way."
NRPA's vision is that by 2020, every person in America will have convenient access to safe and affordable public park and recreation opportunities.
Distinguished Professor of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University Dr. John L. Crompton served as the keynote speaker. Focusing mainly on the community-wide benefits of park and recreation services, he spoke about reducing disease, helping turn the tide on carbon emissions and global warming, building confidence in young people and preventing crimes by and against them, decreasing stress and increasing overall emotional and physical wellness. He also discussed the tangible benefits of parks and recreation services by measuring their economic impact.
"We have long known intuitively the many contributions of parks and recreation agencies, but these monographs give us a clearer view of the specific benefits they deliver," said Distinguished Professor of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University Dr. John L. Crompton. "Understanding the broader, far-reaching services they provide by looking at the scientific evidence, we now have a better rationale for public support."
To view and download copies of the five monographs, please visit http://www.nrpa.org/2010monographs. Authors of the papers are available to conduct interviews. To schedule time to speak with an author, please contact Patti Hight at 202.437.7199 or patti.hight@verizon.net.
For additional information about the 2010 Congress & Exposition, please visit www.nrpa.org/congress.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.
For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrec-magazine.org.
