The Parks, Jobs, and Equity Act bill introduced in Congress "will provide a much-needed investment in urban parks across the country and will be a welcome relief as park and recreation professionals and the agencies they represent continue to recover from the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," says Elvis Cordova, vice president of public policy and advocacy at the National Recreation and Park Association. The bill would offer $500 million in park grants.

Humboldt and Palmisano parks in Chicago have Chronolog stations, where visitors can take photos and submit them to a time-lapse series that tracks seasonal and environmental changes.

A pool is under construction at Hard'ack Recreation Area in St. Albans, Vt., as part of a voter-approved, $4.75 million project that also includes $250,000 in upgrades at Houghton Park. The pool will have a variety of water areas, a check-in center and restrooms.

Fayetteville, Ark., is holding kayak polo games at the Wilson Park pool as part of the Parks and Recreation Department's Outdoor Fayetteville initiative. Each event costs $10 to participate.

The Worcester Parks Summer Fitness Series in Massachusetts offers free classes in tai chi, yoga and Pilates, along with boot camp-style workouts and other exercise opportunities. "People are done with working out in their living rooms, in the dark of winter," said Domenica Perrone of the city's Department of Health and Human Services.

Appleton, Wis., will receive $500,000 from philanthropist Mary Beth Nienhaus to build eight courts solely for pickleball at Telulah Park. The city has committed to court construction, and the gift could move up the timeline.

Researchers are increasingly persuaded that verbal praise is good, as recipients enjoy receiving compliments and are more likely to give compliments in turn. One challenge is that people feel awkward giving compliments and worry about a negative reaction.

Join us Thursday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. EDT for a free webinar as we explore the benefits of community engagement in farmers market design, as well as success stories from park and recreation professionals who listened to the needs of their communities to ensure responsive farmers markets. Register today.