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
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Outdoor Recreation: Exploring COVID-19 Induced Changes in Outdoor Recreation Engagement and Behaviour in New Zealand
Land Environment and People Research Report
The second of two reports that explores the impacts of the 2020 COVID-19 national lockdown on outdoor recreationists’ in New Zealand.
Policy
Considerations for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds During COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
As public aquatic venues open, CDC offers considerations for safety for those who operate, manage, and use public pools and water playgrounds.
Report
COVID-19 and Greenspace Use Survey Findings
Data and Evidence subgroup of the Environment and Spaces for Public Health Partnership Group
This report provides an overview of findings from surveys looking at visits to and use of greenspace during the pandemic.
Technical Tool
Sample COVID Communications Activity
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Sample communications on messaging strategies, secondary messages, media relations, and development support.
Member Exclusive
Technical Tool
Open Letter to City Council Supporting Funding for Parks & Rec to Provide Essential COVID Recovery Services
Philadelphia Parks Alliance
Coalition letter to fund Philly Parks & Rec services to African American and low income communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Policy
COVID-19 Response Plan
Seattle Parks & Recreation
Lays out preparations for Seattle Parks & Rec to coordinate with city agencies to provide essential services during a pandemic.
Policy
Executive Summary: COVID-19 Emergency Childcare Operation for Health Care Workers, First Responders, and Low-Income Working Families
San Francisco Recreation and Parks
Policy that focuses on emergency childcare, including creating a curriculum for youth experiencing anxiety and stress related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Member Exclusive
Technical Tool
Open Letter to City Council Supporting Parks Funding for COVID Recovery
Philadelphia Parks Alliance
Philly Parks Alliance seek co-signers supporting funding for essential services for communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Technical Tool
Sample COVID Talking Points
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Sample talking points on park & rec-related activities that engage community members and allow for proper social distancing.
Technical Tool
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Sample frequently asked questions and answers on topics such as "Are your parks still open?"