NACPRO News

February 3, 2026

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Port of Cleveland completes Irishtown Bend stabilization, setting stage for creation of public park
Courtesy of wkyc.com

OHIO - The Port of Cleveland announced Monday that work has been completed on the stabilization of the Irishtown Bend hillside along the Cuyahoga River, a major infrastructure project officials say was necessary to prevent a potential collapse that could have blocked river traffic and disrupted regional commerce.

The ambitious Irishtown Bend Park plan, first envisioned more than a decade ago, will transform the green oasis hugging the Cuyahoga River adjacent to the Detroit-Superior Bridge, into one of the largest waterfront parks between New York and Chicago. The park and its riverfront trail will become the missing link that finally connects the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to Lake Erie.

Be sure to check the park renderings at the end of the article.

Read more:
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/cleveland-irishtown-bend-stabilization-port-park-metroparks-cuyahoga-river-valley-lake-erie-erosion-collapse/95-2a956989-9b2f-4840-82b5-59573ff3d73f

Fusing Art and Conservation
Courtesy of NRPA

By Matt Garrett and Susan Mong, MPA, CPRE

KANSAS - It was in 2021, when a public art master plan was being conducted for the first time in JCPRD’s history, that we began to see how art could further this goal. The community feedback was clear: there was a strong desire to see nature-inspired art within our parks, trails and facilities. Our community didn’t want art for the sake of art, but rather wanted it to tell a story. Art could help tell the ecological story of our parks by weaving together a new perspective on flora, fauna or local history that was unique to JCPRD. Art could also communicate the need for conservation in direct, simple ways, turning the landscape into both the canvas and the stage.

This idea helped inform the development of the “Art and Natural Resources Residency” — a wonderful fusion of art and environmental education — to help reflect the complex relationship that humans have with nature. The goal of the Art and Natural Resources Residency, launched in 2022, is to showcase the work of the natural resources team and educate the public on why conservation matters to the health of our region. Immersing an artist in the work of our natural resource team helps showcase the dedicated team of individuals who work mostly alone in remote natural areas across 9,200 acres.

Read more:
https://parksandrecmag.mydigitalpublication.com/february-2026/page-26

Parks as Pillars of Sustainability
Courtesy of NRPA

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP

When people think about sustainability, what often comes to mind are solar panels, recycling bins and electric vehicles. In the park and recreation world, that usually translates to questions about how to make parks themselves more sustainable — for example, replacing grass with drought-tolerant plants, using weather-based irrigation controllers or adding solar-powered lights. These are important steps, but if that is all we see, we are missing a much bigger opportunity.

Parks, recreational facilities and open spaces are not just sites to implement sustainability measures — they are essential to achieving sustainability itself. They directly support biodiversity, climate resilience, public health and environmental justice. In Los Angeles County, parks are advancing conservation goals, restoring and regenerating degraded lands, expanding the community forest, protecting residents from extreme heat, and addressing long-standing gaps in access to public space. The OurCounty Sustainability Plan — first adopted in 2019 and updated in 2025 — affirms this broader vision. As the county’s comprehensive roadmap for a resilient future, the plan underscores the deep connections between climate, health, economy and community well-being, with parks and open spaces recognized as critical to achieving its goals.

Read more:
https://parksandrecmag.mydigitalpublication.com/january-2026/page-12

Planning what’s next at Wildfire Risk to Communities
Courtesy of Headwaters Economics

Wildfire Risk to Communities is used more than one million times each year, with communities searched in all 50 states. This month, project leads from Headwaters Economics and the U.S. Forest Service met to plan the next set of improvements for this widely used national resource. Updates planned for 2026 include:

• An updated list of searchable communities
• New options to download maps and charts for use in slide decks, reports, and social media
• A new way to share wildfire mitigation and prevention success stories from states across the country

Read more:
https://wildfirerisk.org

Top Trends in Parks and Recreation for 2026
Courtesy of NRPA

By Richard Dolesh

Welcome to the top trends in parks and recreation for 2026 and beyond. NRPA’s top trends are informative, inspirational and just plain fun. Jump in — they are brain food for the mind.

• It’s Not the Sport, It’s the Noise!
• The Impacts of AI on Parks and Recreation
• Recreation Program Trends
• Girls’ Flag Football Turbocharges Youth Sports Participation
• A Higher Standard for Dog Parks

Read more:
https://parksandrecmag.mydigitalpublication.com/january-2026/page-36

Six U.S. Streets to Become Scenic Pedestrian Zones in 2026
Courtesy of Fast Company

Highlights six U.S. cities that are transforming select streets into pedestrian-oriented destinations by adding public spaces, landscaping, seating, and programming designed to support walking, local businesses, and community use. The projects reflect growing interest in street designs that balance mobility with comfort and activity in Houston, TX; Kansas City, MO; Bentonville, AR; San Jose, CA; Detroit, MI; and San Francisco, CA.

Read more:
https://www.fastcompany.com/91460867/new-us-pedestrian-zones-in-2026

Roads can become more dangerous on hot days – especially for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
Courtesy of PBIC

During heatwaves, everyday life tends to feel more difficult than on an average day. Travel and daily movement are no exception. Using injury data across six large cities, researchers examined how road injury risk changes as temperatures rise, and how this differs by mode of travel. This Taiwan study found injury risk for pedestrians more than doubled during extreme heat. Cyclist injuries soared by around 80%, and motorcyclist injuries by about 50%. In contrast, the increase for car drivers is much smaller. The increase is not evenly distributed. Fatal crash risk rises more strongly: on rural roads, among middle-aged and older drivers, and on hot, dry days with high UV radiation.

Read more:
https://theconversation.com/roads-can-become-more-dangerous-on-hot-days-especially-for-pedestrians-cyclists-and-motorcyclists-272995

Want insights on your city’s infrastructure? Now you can Google it.
Courtesy of PBIC

By Ryan Kushner

Google’s Ask Google Earth platform now allows users to locate specific types of infrastructure within defined areas, a feature the tech company said could streamline workflows for urban planning and analysis.

The feature, announced last year, moves the company’s infrastructure data into BigQuery, Google’s AI data analytics platform. The update lets users track fire hydrants, speed limit signs, stop signs, street lights, traffic lights, utility poles, storm drains and manhole covers.

Users can also access images pulled from Google’s Street View “to identify, detect, and see the condition of key infrastructure objects, like utility poles, street signs, roads, and bridges,” the company said.

Read more:
https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/infrastructure-cities-google-earth-search/808748/

The Quiet Work of Leadership
Courtesy of NRPA

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP

Across many fields, including parks and recreation, there is growing interest in professional growth and self-reflection — how people in leadership roles show up, make choices and work with others. This is evident in the skills practitioners want to strengthen, the questions professionals raise in public forums such as LinkedIn, and even the themes reflected in conference proposals.

I recently had the opportunity to review hundreds of session proposals for both the Greater & Greener Conference convened by City Parks Alliance and the National Recreation and Park Association’s Annual Conference. What stood out clearly to me was how consistently proposals emphasized discussions and training focused not only on how best to deliver or manage programs and projects, but on how to lead effectively and navigate increasingly complex environments with intention, care and creativity.

Read more:
https://www.nrpa.org/blog/the-quiet-work-of-leadership/

On Michigan Cherry Farms, Small Falcons Are Improving Food Safety
Courtesy of Inside Climate News

By K.R. Callaway

MICHIGAN - Every spring, the American kestrel (Falco sparverius) return to nesting sites across northern Michigan. The smallest of these birds of prey, a falcon called the American kestrel (Falco sparverius), flies through the region’s many cherry orchards and spends its days hunting for even tinier creatures to eat.

Fruit farmers have been working symbiotically with kestrels for decades, adding nesting boxes and reaping the benefits of the birds eliminating the mice, voles, songbirds and other pests that wreak havoc by feeding on not-yet-harvested crops. In addition to limiting the crop damage caused by hungry critters, new research suggests kestrels also lower the risk of food-borne illnesses.

Read more:
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/22012026/michigan-cherry-farms-american-kestrel-food-safety/

Advancing Trails Webinar Series
Courtesy of American Trails

Demystifying Donor Advised Funds and Tapping into Them to Support Trails
February 5, 2026, 1:00 pm ET, free

IMBA’s Trail Development Process: Building Community-Driven Trails
February 12, 2026, 2:00 pm ET, free

Beyond the Banks: Leveraging Levees for Trails, Recreation, and Resilience
February 19, 2026, 2:00 pm ET, free

Stonework for Trails 
February 26, 2026, 1:00 pm ET, free

Bridges and Boardwalks: Planning, Design, and Construction
March 12, 2026, 2:00 pm ET, free

Installation Excellence for Trail Aggregate: Tips, Tricks, and Common Pitfalls
March 19, 2026, 2:00 pm ET, free

Moab Trail Ambassador Program: Education and Promotion of Responsible Recreation
April 2, 2026, 1:00 pm ET, free

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

2026 Sustainable Trails Conference
Courtesy of Professional TrailBuilders Association

April 14 - 16, 2026 | Boise, Idaho

Join trail professionals, land managers, and industry leaders from across the globe for the Sustainable Trails Conference, April 14-16 2026. Set in the heart of one of America’s premier trail cities, this dynamic event features educational sessions, hands-on workshops, and the always-popular Dirt Demo and Trail Expo, where exhibitors showcase the latest tools, technology, and services shaping the future of trails.

Read more:
https://www.trailbuilders.org/ptba-training-calendar/2026-sustainable-trails-conference

2026 National Outdoor Recreation Conference
Courtesy of SORP

May 11 - 14, 2026 | Duluth, Minnesota

The National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC) brings together 400+ professionals from across the outdoor recreation field. Over four days, attendees engage in workshops, concurrent sessions, and inspiring keynotes, with added training and field workshops to learn and explore the Great Lakes region.

Read more:
https://www.recpro.org/norc

Greater & Greener Registration Opens February 9
Courtesy of City Parks Alliance

June 13-16, 2026 | Austin, Texas

City Parks Alliance members receive nearly a 25% discount off published rates, and early bird pricing is available through April 5—together offering one of the most affordable ways to attend. The conference is expected to sell out quickly, and most panels, workshops, and conversations can be selected at the time of registration, with many sessions filling up fast. A special conference hotel rate is available through a dedicated booking link on the website, but rooms are also expected to sell out, so early booking is strongly encouraged. First-time attendees are encouraged to review the Conference Essentials guide before registering.

Read more:
https://cityparksalliance.org/greater-greener/

District Administrator
Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District
Fair Oaks, California
$132,584 - $164,322 Annually
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Director of Parks, Recreation & Libraries
City of Roseville, California
$187,579 – $251,374 Annually
Application Deadline: Feb 26, 2026

Executive Director - Parks
El Paso County Parks and Leisure Services
Colorado Springs, Colorado
$160,000 - $181,000 Annually
Application Deadline: Feb 15, 2026

Landscape Architect
Lake County Forest Preserves
Libertyville, Illinois
$83,450 - $125,299 Annually
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Executive Director
Downers Grove Park District
Downers Grove, Illinois
$170,000 - $210,000 Annually
Application Deadline: Feb 6, 2026

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

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