More than 20,000 people will gain the lifesaving skill of water safety, thanks to $1 million in grant funding from the USA Swimming Foundation. 

By replacing just 30 minutes of sedentary behaviors with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or sleep, adolescents can lower their insulin resistance, a key factor in preventing Type 2 diabetes, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s EPI-Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026. 

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is partnering with GameChanger to tackle the nationwide coaching shortage with a grant opportunity. 

A new report from Trust for Public Land (TPL) suggests that hospitals have an opportunity to improve community health by investing in parks and greenspaces as critical health infrastructure.

National Park Trust announced the recipients of its 2026 Kids to Parks Day School Grants Program, which helps under-resourced schools connect students with parks, public lands and waterways across the country. 

A refreshed Green Schoolyards Action Agenda has been introduced. This national framework is designed to align and accelerate a growing movement of communities reimagining schoolyards as nature-rich spaces that support learning, health, climate resilience and community connection. 

North America saw 53 newly opened climbing gyms in 2025, and climbing gyms experienced a 4.7% net growth rate, with 356,314 square feet of climbing built across new gyms. This according to Climbing Business Journal’s 13th annual Gyms and Trends report. 

A new partnership between the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) and Battlefields to Ballfields (B2B) aims to support veterans who are exploring sports officiating.

A new strategic alliance between the Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) and the International Lifeguard Critical Incident Response Alliance (ILCIRA) will focus on strengthening mental health and critical incident support for lifeguards and allied aquatic professionals. 

Asserting the power of sports to shape who girls become, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has launched the Get Her in the Game campaign, an initiative supported by Nike to create more welcoming and empowering sport environments for girls everywhere, through parks and recreation.