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
WHO-Green and New Evidence and Perspectives for Action Blue Spaces and Mental Health
World Health Organization
This report presents the results of two systematic reviews on types and characteristics of green and blue spaces and mental health.
Plan
ASLA Climate Action Plan
American Society of Landscape Architects
To get on a pathway to zero emissions, ASLA is taking a significant step forward with this Climate Action Plan.
Report
What Makes Parks Safe?
Dr. Anna Barker and Professor George Holmes (University of Leeds) with Dr Rizwana Alam, Lauren Cape-Davenhill, Dr Sally Osei-Appiah and Dr. Sibylla Warrington Brown, in collaboration with West Yorkshire Combined Authority
This research report promotes the use of parks by women and girls, by understanding and responding to the barriers to feeling safe.
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…