![]() ![]() On March 31st, members of the NHRPA gathered to learn more about the impact of racism and other forms of discrimination to increase our capacity and improve our relationships with everyone within our communities. This helps to improve professional development and provide an enriched quality of life experience for communities everywhere. ![]() ![]() The New Hampshire Recreation and Parks Association (NHRPA) and National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) are providing community resources to address DEI through training, tool kits, and online connections that create open conversations for Parks and Recreation professionals. The greater good demonstrates that more parks within communities are more prevalent and green spaces are closer to home, thus increasing access and opportunity. Today, in 2022, how far we have come that these “fresh air” programs may or may not exist, or at least have been reimagined to serve our youth with a greater purpose of enrichment. It’s in our DNA to be the community resource for parents to send their children to safe and diverse after school programs, summer programs that are inclusive for participants and employees, youth sports opportunities that connect community volunteers wanting to enrich their communities, and parks offering places to gather without prejudice. Community Parks and Recreation Departments nationwide have been delivering DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) since the start of our existence. These experiences impacted a lifelong dedication to Parks and Recreation, the opportunity to provide equal opportunities for Parks and Recreation programs, and diverse programming that included everyone. They travel from New York City to New Hampshire so that they can experience a week of natural green spaces in our more rural living environments. She explained to me that these children were part of the “fresh air” program. I found it a bit weird and that night I asked my Mom what was happening. The doors swung open and I was suddenly having my first experience seeing children of a different color as they got off the bus. As I was waiting in line for the diving board, a large coach bus pulled into the parking lot, which I remember was unusually full for it being the middle of the day. I had ridden my bike through the park on my way to the neighborhood pool, where my friends and I often went to cool down and perfect our cannonballs. It was 1982 in Keene, New Hampshire and another hot July day. Consult NHMA's legal services or your municipal attorney. The information contained in this article is not intended as legal advice and may no longer be accurate due to changes in the law. ![]()
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