NRPA’s Equity in Practice Initiative

NRPA conducted a survey in the winter of 2020, titled “Equity Practices in Parks and Recreation,” to assess the state of equitable practices in the park and recreation field, identify gaps and inform our future offerings.

Our two-year journey and how we’re preparing for the future

By Shalini Mirpuri

Park and recreation professionals operate at the intersection of differences in race, gender identity, religion, class, geography, age and ability, and remain on the frontlines of many of today’s most pressing challenges. Quality parks and recreation opportunities are essential to advancing individual and community health, environmental and community resiliency, and overall well-being. As trusted local leaders with a mission to make their communities better places to live, learn, work and play, park and recreation professionals are in a unique position to champion efforts that advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and enable every community member to find themselves in the outdoors.

Despite the vital role park and recreation professionals serve in their communities, across the profession there remain gaps in understanding how systemic racism, unfair power structures and a lack of cultural humility undermine quality park and recreation spaces, programs and services for Black, Indigenous, people of color and low-income communities.

At NRPA, equity is at the center of what we do. Our mission is to advance parks, recreation and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people. NRPA’s Equity Pillar has been a driving force behind our programs for the past six years. With the approval of our 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, NRPA transitioned its DEI efforts away from initiatives implemented by a handful of staff and into a consistent, committed effort — both internally and externally — supporting individual growth and organizational change in the field. Because of this, we are broadening our focus outward and making strategic investments to advance DEI across the industry.

What We’ve Learned

Park and Recreation agencies are increasingly prioritizing DEI efforts.

To guide this journey, NRPA began with a survey in the winter of 2020, titled “Equity Practices in Parks and Recreation,” to assess the state of equitable practices in the field, identify gaps and inform our future offerings. We learned that 40 percent of affiliates and 30 percent of agencies were looking to establish DEI activities within the next year. We also found that one-third of park and recreation agencies already had formal DEI activities, and another third planned on launching DEI initiatives in the near future. Even agencies that do not have formal DEI programs in place still promote DEI practices through their policies and activities.

The most common DEI activity among park and recreation agencies is the development of hiring practices and policies, followed by an expressed commitment to DEI in foundational documents, such as vision and mission statements. However, more than 65 percent of survey respondents identified their biggest challenge to advancing DEI efforts is difficulty developing staff capacity and competency around DEI.

Over the past few months, NRPA also has been conducting focus groups and individual interviews with members and professionals about the state of DEI initiatives in their agencies and communities. Through this discovery process, most participants noted that they have been exposed to most of the foundational concepts of DEI but are looking for training opportunities that go beyond that. One focus group participant noted, “We need to move on from why this is important to what we can do about it.”

Park and recreation professionals value professional learning.

In 2021, NRPA found that park and recreation leaders note a strong desire to share best practices in DEI as they establish or build upon existing efforts at their agencies. Specifically, survey respondents want more conversations with their peers on “what’s being done across the country” when it comes to DEI, such as exchanging agency policies and making recommendations on DEI subject matter experts and speakers. When survey respondents were asked what was needed from NRPA, agencies requested access to educational and professional development opportunities; subject matter experts and consultants; and a library of resources, including best practices, webinars and toolkits. During our focus groups and interviews, one participant highlighted that leaders want to learn from the practitioners who are one step ahead of them on their DEI journey. They want to “see the path” and learn how to better transfer their knowledge into the application of skills.

During the past 18 months, we’ve been working hard to fill these gaps, and in response, have developed our latest initiative: Equity in Practice (EiP).

Equity in Practice: NRPA’s Plan to Support the Field in Achieving Equitable Outcomes

To put it simply, to create a future where everyone has fair and just access to quality parks and recreation, we need to act. Equity requires practice, patience and a commitment to progress. Because of this, NRPA is creating new opportunities for park and recreation professionals to put equity into practice through a variety of learning experiences where members can increase their knowledge around centering equity and practice the necessary skills to advance equity in our communities. NRPA’s new EiP initiative has three goals: (1) Provide a curated learning experience for our members that meets them where they are and builds upon core skills to advance DEI; (2) Create a sustainable learning model that equips individuals or teams within agencies to develop long-term, meaningful equity programs; and (3) Go beyond awareness-based DEI education to elevate equitable change that’s specific to the goals and challenges of parks and recreation.

The EiP initiative provides members with several different learning and engagement opportunities, which are designed to assist every single professional, regardless of role, capacity or influence with promoting equity in their community and agency. Our EiP initiative can be broken down into four types of offerings: a resource library, peer networks, monthly online learning events, and our latest certificate program.

EiP Resource Library

One piece of the EiP initiative includes NRPA’s newest resource library, the EiP Resource Library (nrpa.org/EquityResource Library), which is a set of vetted and carefully curated resources available to NRPA members. Designed to help park and recreation professionals with any DEI-related issue, the newly launched EiP Resource Library has toolkits, policy examples, book recommendations, articles, research, webinars and other activities to support individual learning of equity concepts across park and recreation functions. Housed on our website, anyone in the field can search, filter and discover new ways to learn about and implement equitable solutions.

DEI Peer Networks

A second portion of the EiP initiative includes new ways to engage members through peer networks. The State Affiliates DEI Committee Network (a peer network for members of state associations working to advance equity at the state level) and the DEI Leaders Network (a peer network for members leading DEI work within their agencies) utilize bimonthly calls and an NRPA Connect channel to facilitate learning and sharing amongst professionals. These network calls are held on alternating second Tuesdays of every month at noon ET.

Monthly Online Learning Events Members now can dive deeper into equity issues through monthly “talks” and “clinics.” Formerly known as a webinar, a “talk” is a presentation by a subject matter expert or a panel of professionals sharing best practices across the field. A “clinic,” while still virtual, is a more hands-on approach to learning, inviting participants to actually practice a specific skill with guidance from an instructor. These events allow participants to interact and dialogue with the facilitator, as well as with other

attendees. Every month, members can find an EiP offering, whether a talk or clinic, available on NRPA’s online learning platform.

EiP Certificate Program

In response to surveys, focus groups and interviews during the past year, NRPA has developed the final piece of the EiP initiative, NRPA’s Equity in Practice Certificate program. The program is based on the reality that we can all perpetuate racism — and we can all take action to dismantle it. This series expands our understanding of systemic racism and how it impacts the field of parks and recreation. This certificate program seeks to fill gaps in DEI content that is relevant and applicable to park and recreation professionals working at the intersection of increasingly interracial and intergenerational demographics.

The certificate program will provide a high-quality professional development experience that uses a race equity lens as a foundation to examine ways that various identities are marginalized, specific to the needs of park and recreation. NRPA has made a careful and informed decision to center racial equity, and within that, to focus on anti-Blackness as a lens for building skills that can be applied across many historically-excluded communities. Through conversations with professionals in the field, it was clear that racism often feels the hardest to discuss, yet is the most salient barrier in serving our communities. By leading with race, we can intentionally make connections across identities, equipping professionals with the skills to tackle discrimination in all its forms and promote equity across race, gender, age, ability, class and other demographic lines. The Equity in Practice Certificate program will consist of a small cohort of professionals who will dive into skills and action plans around racial equity over a 12-week period, specifically boosting skills around the following four areas: equity analysis, direct communication, self-awareness and relationships across differences.

This certificate program will be divided into three sequential cohorts, each building upon the necessary skills and knowledge from previous cohorts to culminate in equitable agency change. Participants who complete all three certificate cohorts will be equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to serve as DEI leaders within their agencies and communities.

“Exploring Racial Equity,” the first of the Equity in Practice Certificate installments, is designed for individuals who are just beginning to learn about equity and crosscultural issues, whether personally or professionally. Spanning 12 weeks of pre- and post-session work and live learning sessions, this cohort will introduce and stress fundamental terminology, concepts and approaches, offering participants time to build understanding in a supportive environment. Launched in September 2022, members now have the opportunity to apply for this inaugural cohort with sessions beginning in February 2023. Capped at 20 participants for each cohort, this deep dive into racial equity within parks and recreation allows for robust and personalized learning, led by an experienced facilitator. Once participants complete the 12-week program, NRPA will offer several complementary opportunities for them to continue building their capacity in this area, including an in-person networking event at the NRPA Annual Conference and the chance to advance to the second and third certificate cohorts. Applications for this inaugural cohort will be available via the NRPA website beginning the first week of October.

Preparing for the Future

NRPA embraces our role and obligation to help our members meet emerging and future challenges by working to expand innovation, research, resources and life-long professional development. This requires centering equity in all that we do to ensure all life experiences are valued and represented; the field better reflects the community it serves; and our parks remain accessible, inclusive, engaging and culturally responsive. The purpose of the EiP initiative is to continue building NRPA’s foundational capacity to develop and provide high-quality professional development to park and recreation professionals that increase knowledge, understanding and application of core competencies in DEI. As the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, healthy and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation, NRPA does not take its responsibility lightly. We’ve surveyed the field, and we are listening to what professionals need and the challenges they face in promoting equity in their communities. We are committed to bridging gaps to provide our members with scaffolded, intentional learning opportunities to advance equity across the country by putting equity into practice.

To hear NRPA’s Autumn SaxtonRoss and Philip Silva share more about our DEI journey and Equity in Practice initiative, tune in to the October bonus episode of Open Space Radio at nrpa.org/October2022Bonus Episode.

Shalini Mirpuri is Senior Manager of Education – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NRPA (smirpuri@nrpa.org).

OPERATIONS

Providing Adaptive and Inclusive Aquatics Services in Your Community

By Lauren Johnson Roweton, TRS, CTRS

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4 (tinyurl.com/8v97msts). For children with autism, that range increases to ages 1 to 14 (tinyurl.com/ 4h3h5bmk). The risk of drowning surges when the individual has a disability. Adaptive and inclusive aquatics services save lives. Where should we begin when providing those services?

People-First Language

People-first language puts the person before the disability. For example, we may use “child who has autism” instead of “autistic child.”

Accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies two types of access we are required to provide: facility and program. Accessible pool features, such as lifts, must be maintained in operable condition. Offer adaptivespecific lessons along with accommodation services for inclusion cases to make your programming accessible.

Reasonable Modifications

A reasonable modification allows changes to a rule, policy or program that will enable a person to participate equally, within reason, given the patron’s disability. Public entities are required to provide reasonable modifications to individuals with disabilities unless doing so would pose an undue burden, either financially or as a fundamental alteration of the program. What is reasonable for some pools may be an undue burden for others.

To determine if a modification is reasonable, ask: Is it safe? Does it improve their ability to participate? Does it make their skills equal to others? Can we or they provide what they need?

Assessment Process

My agency follows a four-step assessment process: written, verbal, in-water and reassessment.

Have patrons fill out an assessment form before they register for lessons. This may cover the topics of swim history, abilities, communication styles, triggers, etc. Then verbally go over the form with them to clear anything up.

An in-water assessment takes approximately 15 minutes and simulates a lesson. Conduct this while others are in the pool and water structures are operating to create an environment similar to the actual lesson.

Reassessment is not always needed but applied if initial program placement isn’t the best fit.

Inclusive vs. Adaptive Programming

Inclusion is allowing a person with a disability to participate alongside participants who don’t have a disability. Individuals do not have to disclose their disability, as long as they meet program requirements.

Adaptive programs are designed specifically for those with disabilities. Some individuals prefer this type of program environment. Adaptivespecific programs can be used when inclusion isn’t successful. Best practices include lowering instructor-tostudent ratios in group settings, having specialized trainings for adaptive instructors, incorporating more break times and offering group lessons at each level, including a swim team.

Intellectual Disability Population

When working with these individuals, there often is a need to manage behaviors. In these instances, you may refer to the Mandt System’s “Crisis Cycle” (tinyurl.com/ yjm3j3ya) to identify behavior triggers and ways to avoid escalation.

Physical Disability Population

When working with individuals who have visual impairments, try handover-hand instruction, in-depth verbal instruction, and utilizing “tappers” to correct direction or prompt turns. When working with individuals who have hearing impairments, try Sign Language, gestures, white boards and laminated visuals.

You can accommodate a swimmer with a physical disability by modifying strokes or providing adaptive equipment. If a stroke is keeping them safe in the water and they have forward motion, that is a successful stroke. Adaptive equipment doesn’t need to be specialized — you can use what you already own and be creative.

Lauren Johnson Roweton, TRS, CTRS,

is Adaptive Recreation Manager at Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation (ljohnson@slco.org).

PRODUCTS

Net Climbing Structure

GTWave® is an innovative and inclusive net climbing structure, and the industry’s first net climber with an EveryBody Plays® transfer platform on one end. The transfer platform makes it possible for people to transfer to or from a mobility device. It attaches to a SureGrip® accessible path and features a six-foot slide at the other end. In between and all around are fun and exciting ways for children to climb and explore the structure. By combining two things — net climbing and accessibility — GTWave enhances physical, social-emotional and cognitive-skill development for everyone.

GAMETIME, GAMETIME.COM/GT-WAVE, 800.235.2440

People-Powered Electronic Game

The next generation of play is here. It’s inspired, innovative, and will test your fitness, your agility and your speed. It’s for people of all ages and abilities. It’s MOVMNT® and it will move you more than you thought possible. MOVMNT is an electronic game that is powered by people. Users can dive into numerous game options, from single player to multiplayer and individual achievement to team spirit. It’s a huge video game that disguises exercise as entertainment and fosters healthy competition. With two versions, everyone can play at their level.

BCI BURKE PLAYGROUNDS, BCIBURKE.COM/MOVMNT, 800.266.1250

bciburke.com/pup s

Dogs LOVE to play and Play4Pups encourages dogs and their owners to move, jump, run AND are a fun community space for everyone! Fourlegged family members need play too! Join Our Movement

bciburke.com/pups

Trademark(s) are the property of BCI Burke Company. © BCI Burke Company 2022. All Rights Reserved. 800-356-2070

Lowest Prices Great Service Terrific Customers

Recycled site furnishings • park signs

Bright Idea Shops, LLC Akron, Ohio 800-886-8990 fax 330-258-0167 www.brightideashops.com www.park-signs.net

MEMBERS

BCI Burke

Brian Johnson

PlayCore

Lisa Moore

BerryDunn

Barbara Heller

EPIC Outdoor Cinema

Nick Toutoungi

GARED

Kara Oughton

Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc.

Sam Mendelsohn

Playpower, Inc.

Robert Quast

Pooch Paper

Tracy Rosensteel

Public Restroom Company

Chad Kaufman

The Toro Company

Paula Sliefert*

Musco Lighting

Heidi Tegtmeier *Chair

nrpa.org/BusinessCouncil

Adventure Golf & Sports.........................................................33 BCI Burke ................................................................................ 7, 51 Bright Idea Shops, LLC............................................................ 51 Columbia Cascade....................................................................23 DaySmart ...................................................................................C4 DogiPot....................................................................................... 52 Doty and Sons.......................................................................... 52 DuMor......................................................................................... 25 Easi-Set Buildings .....................................................................53 Fountain People/Water Odyssey ......................................... 17 Greenfields Outdoor Fitness............................................... 2, 3 Gyms for Dogs.......................................................................... 52 iZone Imaging............................................................................53 Kay Park Recreation ................................................................53 Landscape Structures Inc. ........................................................5 National Construction Rentals............................................. 54 NiceRink ..................................................................................... 54 Percussion Play......................................................................... 54 Pilot Rock/RJ Thomas Mfg. Co. ......................................... 54 Shade Systems ..................................................................... C2, 1

(ISSN 0031-2215) is published monthly by the National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148, a service organization supported by membership dues and voluntary contributions. Copyright ©2022 by the National Recreation and Park Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of NRPA. Issued to members at the annual subscription price of $30, included in dues. Subscription: $46 a year in the U.S.; $56 elsewhere. Single copy price: $7. Library rate: $58 a year in the U.S.; $68 elsewhere. Periodical postage paid at Ashburn, Virginia, and at additional mailing offices. Editorial and advertising offices at 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148. 703.858.0784. Postmaster, send address changes to Parks & Recreation, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148.

United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

1. Publication Title: National Recreation and Park Assoc/Parks & Recreation

2. Publication Number: 422240 3. Filing Date: September 2022 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 6. Annual Subscription Price: $30.00 for members; $36.00 for nonmembers

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (not printer): National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148-4501

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Offices for Publisher (not printer):

National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148-4501

9. Full Name and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor:

> PUBLISHER—Gina Cohen, National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148-4501 > EDITOR—Vitisia Paynich, National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148-4501 > MANAGING EDITOR—Lindsay Hogeboom, National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148-4501 10. Owner: National Recreation and Park Association 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148-4501

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders: None 12. Tax Status: The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during the preceding 12 months.

13. Publication Title: Parks & Recreation 14. Issue Date of Circulation Data Below: September 2022

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)

b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and outside the Mail)

(1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) (2) Mail In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mail Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution outside USPS® 11,899 13,324 11,360 11,418

0 0

117 116

c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)) d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

(1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 (3) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies mailed at other classes through the USPS Leg. First-Class Mail Included on PS Form 3541 (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)

e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4)) f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) g. Copies not Distributed (See instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)) h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g) i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)

11,477 11,534 0 0

0 0

289 282

125 1,500

414 1,782

11,891 13,316 0 0

11,891 13,316 96.52% 86.62%

16. Electronic Copy Circulation a. Paid Electronic Copies b. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) c. Total Print Distribution (Line 15f) + Paid Electronic Copies (Lines 16a)

49,230 49,230 60,707 60,764

61,121 62,546

d. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c x100)

99.32% 97.15%

I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above nominal price.

17. Publication of Statement Ownership. If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the October 2022 issue of this publication.

18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Vitisia Paynich, Executive

Editor, September 2022

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

Expanding Equitable Park Access in Providence, Rhode Island

Jenn Recinos, a resident of Providence, Rhode Island, grew up across the street from Donigian Park. She has fond memories of spending time with her family there. “[My parents] are from Guatemala, so they’re used to being outdoors. I think this was a place that reminded them of home,” Recinos says. She also talks about how parks played a role in her childhood in a city where backyards are scarce. “We didn’t have a backyard. In a lot of these houses in Providence, the yards are parking lots, so the only green spaces we really saw were at parks...,” Recinos explains. She adds that her family didn’t own a house. “Growing up, I felt like I needed to go somewhere else to experience what a yard was like. I remember being frustrated as a kid [and wondering], ‘where do I use my bike, my soccer ball, my basketball, my scooter?; where can I use these things?’ My parents had to physically take me to a park to enjoy a gift I might have gotten,” she says. Providence is a small but diverse city of 300,000 residents. Over the past few decades, many residential neighborhoods in the city saw their front and backyards paved over to accommodate cars. With more than 30 percent of residents born outside the United States, many coming from places where spending time outdoors is a regular part of life, renters and homeowners alike have used their city’s parks as their backyards.

Recognizing the need for public access to green spaces, Providence has invested more than $27 million in capital improvements to parks over a five-year period that will expand equitable access across the city. “To most of our kids throughout the city, our public parks are their backyards, so we want to make sure that they have beautiful backyards where they can spread their wings,” says Mayor Jorge Elorza. “We’ve made an effort throughout the city to improve our parks. We have about 120 parks and when I took office, the vast majority of parks hadn’t been touched significantly since the 1970s. So, we decided that we were going to prioritize our parks, and of those 120, we’ve significantly rehabbed over 100 of them. Now we have beautiful parks like this in every part of the city.”

As a champion of parks and equity, Mayor Elorza committed to expanding access to parks by signing onto The Trust for Public Land’s 10Minute Walk Program (10minutewalk.org) in 2017. The work Providence has done to improve access to open spaces is predicated on the knowledge that public spaces are places where communities can gather and recreate, and provide a wealth of co-benefits related to health, climate and community. Yet, access to space is not equally shared across our nation, and the 10-Minute Walk Program is working to promote a more equitable future in hopes that cities like Providence prioritize close-to-home parks.

“We have big infrastructure challenges as a city, as so many cities do, and we can’t do everything, but we said, ‘let’s go broad and deep with our parks,’ understanding that we still have roads and sidewalks that we still need to get to, but let’s start with our parks,” says Mayor Elorza. – Eliza Lawson, Associate Director, Partnership and Outreach, 10-Minute Walk Program, The Trust for Public Land

Recognizing the need for public access to green spaces, Providence, Rhode Island, has invested more than $27 million in capital improvements to parks over a five-year period that will expand equitable access across the city.

PARKS & RECREATION OCTOBER 2022 ◆ THE EQUITY ISSUE ◆ A SAFE ZONE ◆ INDY PARKS TAKES DEI TO HEART