Resources

Resources for Park and Recreation Professionals

With help from our members and research partners, we make the following resources and tools available to equip parks and recreation departments, municipalities, urban design and landscape architecture firms, and advocacy organizations to enhance capacity and build equitable, healthy, and engaged communities.

Report
A Framework for Assessing Equitable Health Outcomes of Parks
Urban Institute
Provides a framework for identifying how park systems improves health outcomes for users and understand how parks address health disparities.
Member Exclusive
Plan
Parks for All
Canadian Parks & Recreation Association
Action Plan For Canada’s Parks Community
Member Exclusive
Plan
Action Planner
Canadian Parks & Recreation Association
Companion to Parks for All
Agreement
Partnership Configuration
Austin Parks and Recreation Department
Combined partnership agreements between public agencies and private nonprofits that build, renovate, maintain, the ecosystem of Austin's parks.
Technical Tool
Community PARKnerships guidelines
Austin Parks and Recreation Department
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Community PARKnerships guide to naming, on-site dedication, and donor recognition of Austin parks.
Plan
Community PARKnerships Program FY21 Year in Review
Austin Parks and Recreation Department
PARD, in collaboration with over 48 nonprofit partners and community groups, leveraged funds towards improvements and maintenance of parkland
Policy
Partnership Policy Operating Procedures
Austin Parks and Recreation Department
Seeks to strengthen partnerships between the City of Austin, private organizations, volunteers, and community groups to provide recreational opportunities effi…
Member Exclusive
Ecological Horticulture at the Presidio
Presidio Trust
Note that this guide is specific to the area it describes and includes design guidance for ecologically supportive urban landscaped areas.
Member Exclusive
Technical Tool
FireSmart BC Landscaping Guide
FireSmart BC/City of Vancouver
This guide from British Columbia includes an extensive list of fire-resistant plants, and tips on making your landscaping more wildfire resilient.
Technical Tool
Community First Toolkit
High Line Network
Toolkit to help park organizations address inequities and shape public spaces that bring social, environmental, and economic benefits to communities