The approximately 2-acre parcel of land in Palmetto, Fla., that is now Connor Park, was once a busy railroad spur and depot. Solid waste from the area was diverted into this location and pushed into the river up until 1960 … Continue reading →
Some might dread the thought of fundraising, but for these parks and recreation administrators, holding fundraisers provides programs and resources to their communities that might not be available otherwise. Additionally, fundraisers build community — bringing everyone together for a common … Continue reading →
“Park” is a pretty broad term, and it’s more specialized than it used to be. From parks catering to four-legged friends to playgrounds specifically designed for small children, parks departments are diversifying their offerings. There’s a lot of interest in … Continue reading →
Some residents visit parks in Rapid City, S.D., to do more than admire the beauty of flower gardens or get in a hike or evening stroll. They go to take care of the park. Volunteers in the city’s Adopt-A-Park program … Continue reading →
Some years back there was a television show set in Seattle about the logging industry, with a recurring line about the bluest skies a person had ever seen and the hills that were the greenest green. And on the show, … Continue reading →
Myrtle Beach, S.C., is just one city that has embraced the dog park craze. In December it held a grand opening of its latest, the New Town Bark Park, which has been a hit since “even before construction started,” said … Continue reading →
They clean and cool the air. They soak up stormwater and prevent erosion. They add beauty and become wildlife habitats. Gazing on them or strolling among them just makes people feel better. Cities and towns increasingly are recognizing the value … Continue reading →
The East Lansing, Mich., Parks, Recreation and Arts Department recently started a new Round Up for scholarships program for residents who wish to participate in parks department programming but don’t have the financial means to do so. Catherine DeShambo, East … Continue reading →
No study has ever shown that physical wellness decreases a person’s happiness and productivity, but many have demonstrated the opposite. Parks and recreation departments across the country promote healthy lifestyles within their communities, and Alpharetta Parks and Recreation Department in … Continue reading →
The Milton, Fla., Parks and Recreation Department keeps a five-year plan of projects the department would like to see started in that time frame. The department surveys each of the city’s parks to make lists of improvements that need to … Continue reading →
AARP says it wants to make communities stronger for all ages and demographics, and its Community Challenge grants are one way the organization is making a difference in smaller cities and towns. A recent project in Silver City, N.M., is … Continue reading →
