NACPRO News

July 1, 2025

2026 Annual Meeting
Welcome to our community
Ask the membership
From our sponsors
Member news

News & Resources
Training
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NACPRO Announces Location of 2026 Annual Meeting

In 2026, NACPRO will once again partner with the Special Park District Forum to host our awards ceremony and annual business meeting. Mark your calendars for June 1–4 and get ready to explore Portland, Oregon, with tours of the North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District, Metro, and Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District.

The Forum offers three days of on-the-ground learning—touring parks, discovering innovative practices, and discussing challenges and successes with peers. You'll connect with park professionals from across the U.S. and Canada who are excited to share their insights.

This will be NACPRO’s fourth collaboration with the Forum, and we’ll share more details as plans come together.

Check out their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdk4Fu4HMdw

Mr. Brian Nowotny
Superintendent of Parks and Golf Courses
Johnson County Park & Recreation District, Kansas

Tap into our collective experience. Send your question and some background to the editor and we will include it in the next NACPRO News.

Need Quick & Easy Fire Control?
Courtesy of Pilot Rock

Safety is key when welcoming park and campsite visitors. From burn bans to the off-season, sometimes you need to restrict fire access, and we make it easy. The Pilot Rock Firering Lockout Cover is a secure fire prevention tool that blocks access to your campfire rings.

Read more:
https://www.pilotrock.com/series/campfire-rings/firering-lockout-cover-model-flc/

Congratulations RivCoParks - A 2025 NACo Achievement Award Winner

RivCoParks: Veterans’ Mental Health

CALIFORNIA - In response to the critical need for enhanced mental health support among veterans in Riverside County, as highlighted in the 2021 Southern California Veterans Study, RivCoParks has initiated targeted fishing programs, including the Veterans Fishing Derby’s along with free access to fishing and outdoor recreation through RivCoSalutes and W.A.I.V.E. Veteran Passes. These initiatives aim to combat veteran suicide and promote mental well-being by leveraging the mental health benefits of outdoor recreation by providing veterans with opportunities to engage in communal fishing activities, our veteran programing have proven to support social connection, reduce isolation, and support mental health recovery. These programs, with supporting data, illustrate a commitment to innovative, community-based solutions addressing the complex challenges faced by our veteran population.


Washtenaw County bids farewell to Parks director Coy Vaughn
Courtesy of the Manchester Mirror

MICHIGAN - The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) will be losing a dynamic parks leader with the retirement later this month of County Park’s director Coy Vaughn. His contributions and commitment over the past 25+ years have made a significant impact on Washtenaw County’s parks and natural areas, especially in the Manchester area.The WCPARC Board of Commissioners recently announced Meghan Bonfiglio, current WCPARC chief deputy director, as the new parks director. 

Read more:
https://themanchestermirror.com/2025/06/16/washtenaw-county-bids-farewell-to-parks-director-coy-vaughn/

Envisioning enriching and dynamic water play sites
Courtesy of Parks and Recreation Business +

By Chelsea Hoffman and Max D’Aurizio

Water is inherently fascinating—children (and adults) are instinctively drawn to it. It’s a natural focal point for communal play. In the U.S., water-play spaces are often designed as splash pads or automatic spray systems. These installations let children run through jets of water, cool off on hot summer days, and enjoy bursts of excitement. While these spaces are valuable—especially as summers grow hotter and cities grow denser—they often fall short of satisfying a deeper need: the desire to experiment with water. Look closely at many New York City splash pads with brightly colored remnants of broken balloons—evidence of children repurposing water jets to fill balloons. Buckets, toys, and makeshift tools abound, signaling a longing for greater interaction and control.

To unlock the full potential of recreational water play, designers must move beyond splash systems to create spaces that engage children’s bodies and minds. That means designing for manipulative water play—spaces where children can move, shape, and redirect water themselves.

Read more:
https://flipbooklets.com/pdfflipbooklets/prb-july-2025?ref=prbplus.com#page30


Species of tick never seen in Michigan discovered at state park -- What to know
Courtesy of Fox2 Detroit

By Amber Eikenberry

MICHIGAN - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said Friday that the Asian longhorned tick (ALHT) was detected during routine tick surveillance at Grand Mere State Park in Berrien County. Native to Asia, this species of tick was first detected in the United States in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to 21 other states in the eastern part of the country, including Indiana and Ohio.

Read more:
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/species-tick-never-seen-michigan-discovered-state-park-what-know


Extreme sports attract crowds, help boost county tourism
Courtesy of NACo

By Charlie Ban

Athletic events draw participants and spectators to counties featuring unique geographies that inspire feats of strength, endurance and creativity.

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon has attracted two-person teams to Crawford County, Mich. since 1947 for a race from Grayling to Oscoda. The competition has grown from a local-heavy event in the 1950s to an international draw in late July. The $55,000 prize purse doesn’t hurt. 

It’s one on a calendar full of summertime feats of strength that capitalize on counties’ unique geographies, drawing adventure-seekers and spectators alike to try their hand at a challenge, marvel at the contestants mastering niche skills and endurance. It’s a wide world of wild sports.

Read more:
https://www.naco.org/news/extreme-sports-attract-crowds-help-boost-county-tourism


Gateways to Wildlife
Courtesy of Parks and Recreation Business +

By Clement Lau

Los Angeles County is home to some of the most diverse natural landscapes in the nation, ranging from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific coastline. Within this region of over 10 million residents, nature centers play an essential role in bridging the gap between people and the environment, offering spaces for education, recreation, and conservation.

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) offers critical nature-based programs and resources through its system of nature centers as well as community-focused initiatives that bring outdoor education and engagement opportunities directly into neighborhoods and local parks. As L.A. faces increasing challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental injustice, the preservation, expansion, and improvement of access to nature centers and programs that connect residents to nature are more important than ever.

Read more:
https://flipbooklets.com/pdfflipbooklets/prb-july-2025?ref=prbplus.com#page18


Federal Funding Freeze Tracker
Courtesy of NACo

In recent months, federal agencies have encountered disruptions in program funding, affecting the delivery of various services. These interruptions have created challenges for counties working to maintain essential services for our communities. The following NACo analysis outlines the recent funding disruptions and their impact on key programs that support county operations. This tracker will be updated periodically and was last revised on June 4, 2025.

Read more:
https://www.naco.org/resource/2025-federal-funds-tracker


ORRA Champions Bipartisan Approach to Keeping Public Lands Public And Out of Budget Reconciliation
Courtesy of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

ORRA and its over 50 national members were instrumental in removing a proposal to selloff millions of acres of public lands from the budget reconciliation process in the U.S. Senate. From the beginning, ORRA has stood firmly on shared, bipartisan principles: protecting access to public lands and waters for outdoor recreation, investing in infrastructure, and securing long-term funding for sustainable growth. Selling off public lands in this way was not just out of touch with public sentiment—it could have impacted businesses, jobs, public health, and the many rural communities that depend on access to outdoor recreation for economic development and quality of life. 

Read more:
https://recreationroundtable.org/news/orr-champions-bipartisan-approach-to-keeping-public-lands-public-and-out-of-budget-reconciliation/


Call for Presentations: 2025 NOHVCC Annual Conference

October 9–11, 2025 | Bend, Oregon

The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) is thrilled to announce the 2025 Annual Conference, taking place in beautiful Bend, Oregon. This year’s event promises to be one of our most dynamic gatherings yet—featuring invaluable learning opportunities, groundbreaking discussions, and a one-of-a-kind mobile workshop showcasing scenic landmarks and offering participants a half-day OHV ride through Oregon’s stunning landscapes.

Please submit a brief summary of your proposed presentation by July 25, 2025 to [email protected]. Your insights and experience could help shape the future of OHV recreation across the country.

Read more:
https://www.nohvcc.org/CallforPresentations2025NOHVCCAnnualConference/

July Topic for Somebody Should: Nurturing a culture of possibility: Big ideas for all-sized agencies
Courtesy of ActivEnviro

Topic Leader: Chris Nunes, PhD, CPRE

Agencies of all sizes can create meaningful, transformative projects by embracing a “culture of possibility.” This session invites parks, recreation, and allied professionals, educators, and researchers to reimagine what's possible through big thinking. We'll discuss what works and how to make challenging situations work, no matter the size of an agency or organization.

Registration is free, but your donation of $20 per session will help keep these impactful conversations going! 

Read more:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvdeyrqTwuH9wLuKERuG8oleA_5tZxNmtL#/registration

Visitor Use Management Training - Registration is now open
Courtesy of SORP

September 16 - 18, 2025
$250 for SORP Members | $375 for Non SORP Members

We’re excited to announce the next Visitor Use Management Training, happening virtually September 16–18, 2025. This three-day interactive training is designed to strengthen your understanding of sustainable recreation planning and equip you with practical tools for managing visitor use in parks, protected areas, trails, and beyond. No travel required—just clear insights, collaborative learning, and real-time application from wherever you are.

Whether you're a planner, land manager, consultant, or educator, this training offers a strong foundation in the Visitor Use Management Framework and how to apply it across diverse contexts. Through engaging sessions, breakout groups, and real-world scenarios, you’ll leave better prepared to navigate complex recreation challenges and build cross-agency solutions that support both people and the places they love.

Read more:
https://www.recpro.org/professional-development/vum2025


Upcoming Webinars from American Trails

• July 10: Volunteer Trail Builders: How to Attract Them and Retain Their Involvement Over the Years
• July 17: Economic Benefits of Horses (and Mules) to the American Economy
• July 24: National Trails Legislative Update 2025
• July 31: Increasing LGBTQIA2S+ Inclusivity & Competency in the Outdoors
• August 7: Forging the Future for Trail Technicians: What We’ve Learned, What’s Next, and Why It Matters
• August 21: Bridging Science, Recreation, and Accessibility: Designing Trail Maps for Everyone

Read more:
https://www.americantrails.org/training/webinars


Webinar: How Recreation Fuels Health and Happiness
Courtesy of PlayCore

July 15, 2025, 2:00 - 3:15 pm Eastern

Play is a powerful contributor to wellness across the lifespan—not just for children. In this free webinar, we’ll explore how play impacts physical, emotional, and social health, with a focus on building thriving communities centered on well-being. Featuring neuroscience insights, lived experiences, and actionable strategies, this session will equip today’s recreation professionals with tools to promote wellness through play across all ages. Use code COMMUNITY to register.

Read more:
https://education.playcore.com/p/play-for-life

Landscape Designer - Parks Planner III
Sarasota County Government, Florida
$67,246 - $80,018 Annually
Application Deadline: Aug 29, 2025

For more information:
https://nacpro.mcjobboard.net/jobs

Got a vacancy to fill?
NACPRO will post your vacancy on our website and email a copy to our mailing list of over 1200 parks and recreation professionals for a fee of $125 for NACPRO members and $250 for non-members.