Eighty-five percent of park and recreation agencies are highly involved with preparing for and responding to natural disasters — particularly those related to severe weather, according to a newly released Emergency Preparedness and Response in Parks and Recreation report from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
The Emergency Preparedness and Response in Parks and Recreation report examines the role park and recreation agencies play on the front lines in emergency preparedness and response. With the rise of extreme weather events and natural disasters, the role of park and recreation agencies is more critical than ever. To better understand and support this important work, NRPA surveyed park and recreation agencies about their roles in the current landscape of emergency preparedness and response. This report highlights the experiences of, and the challenges and opportunities for, park and recreation professionals in emergency situations.
Key findings:
Most park and recreation agencies (85%) are highly involved with preparing for, and responding to, natural disasters — particularly those related to severe weather.
The top three groups park and recreation professionals partner with when preparing for and responding to emergencies are other local government departments within agency jurisdictions, the Red Cross, and local area risk management.
Seventy-eight percent of agencies primarily fund this work through their operational budgets
Most agencies (86%) have developed or follow some form of formal emergency plan within their jurisdictions.
About a third of agencies (32%) face challenges with funding and staff time/capacity for this work.
More than three-fourths of park and recreation professionals (78%) believe that their role in emergency preparedness and response is highly essential.
“Park and recreation agencies play a vital and often underrecognized role in emergency preparedness and response,” said Dianne Palladino, NRPA director of research and evaluation. “Through strategic partnerships, formal planning and dedicated use of operational resources, these professionals help safeguard communities and strengthen resilience in the face of natural disasters.”
Read NRPA’s Emergency Preparedness and Response at www.nrpa.org/globalassets/research/2025-nrpa-emergency-report.pdf.
Project EverGreen and ScottsMiracle-Gro completed the second phase of a major renovation at Barrios Unidos Park in Phoenix that includes planting of trees, grass and native plants.
This transformative effort, part of Project Evergreen’s GreenCare for Communities initiative and funded by ScottsMiracle-Gro, aims to bring cooler green spaces and improved recreational opportunities to one of Phoenix’s most heat-stressed neighborhoods. Located near Sky Harbor Airport, the park is in a dense urban heat island with some of the highest summer temperatures in Phoenix. The city of Phoenix and the Arizona Sports Field Management Association partnered on the initiative.
The first phase, completed in fall 2024, involved planting 50 mature shade trees, including Southern Live Oak and Evergreen Elms, and expansion of the irrigation system to maintain the new trees, to help reduce temperatures and provide environmental benefits.
The second phase took place on May 14, 2025, and included revitalizing the park’s softball field to make it safe, playable and inviting for community use. Work included grading and grooming the infield, installing bermudagrass sod around the lip of the infield, applying topsoil and conditioner, and replacing bases and pitching components. The outfield was reseeded with drought-tolerant bermuda-grass seed. Eighty native plants were also planted to add more shrubs and color around the walking path within the park. The total project value of both phases is $150,000 and also relies on donated materials, labor and equipment from green industry professionals and volunteers.
These upgrades enhanced the park as a whole, contributing to the positive environmental footprint of the park. The grass and trees at Barrios Unidos Park sequester more than 250,000 pounds of carbon and produce more than 381,000 thousand yards of clean air for the community, according to Project EverGreen’s Clean Air Calculator. That’s the equivalent of removing the emissions of about 32 cars from this neighborhood every year.
“Green spaces are far more than an amenity. They are essential infrastructure that promote public health, environmental equity and stronger communities,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “This project demonstrates what can happen when passionate professionals and partners come together to create something lasting and meaningful for future generations.”
John Sass, senior vice president of Lawns for ScottsMiracle-Gro and chief creative officer for its Scotts and other brands, added, “Lawns and green spaces are where real life happens. They provide opportunities for people to gather, make connections and enjoy the outdoors in ways that enhance health and wellbeing. Just as importantly, they bring environmental and climate benefits in both the short and longer term.”