Parks are more than just playgrounds. This report, from APA's Planning Advisory Service, shows you how to plan for parks that protect wildlife, help manage stormwater, and allow residents to connect with nature.

The Re-Creation of Brian Kent, by Harold Bell Wright, is a profound and uplifting novel that explores themes of personal transformation and redemption. The story follows Brian Kent, a man whose life is marked by disillusionment and a sense of lost purpose. As Brian faces his struggles and inner turmoil, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal that will forever alter his path. Wright’s narrative delves into Brian’s emotional and psychological journey as he grapples with his past decisions and seeks a new direction in life. Through encounters with various characters and experiences, Brian begins to understand the true essence of fulfillment and the power of inner change. The novel’s exploration of faith, personal growth, and the quest for meaning provides a deeply moving and inspiring read. The Re-Creation of Brian Kent is celebrated for its rich character development and its thoughtful examination of human nature and spiritual awakening. Wright’s eloquent prose and compelling storytelling make this book a significant contribution to literature focused on personal and moral growth. Readers are drawn to The Re-Creation of Brian Kent for its insightful and motivating narrative. This book is a must-read for those seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the journey toward self-improvement and renewal. Owning a copy of The Re-Creation of Brian Kent is an invitation to engage with a timeless story of transformation and the enduring search for purpose.

A new commentary volume looking at the theological and literary motivations of Genesis 1-11.

In this paper the authors propose a visionary but actionable global strategy for revitalizing, adapting, and defending the rules- based international system. The strategy sets forth three key pillars: First, the authors call for a renewed effort to rally democratic states—not just those of the transatlantic alliance, but also democracies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America—to work together to defend and advance the common values that unite them. At the same time, the authors argue that these states must engage the autocratic great powers, including China and Russia, to seek their support for those elements of the rules-based system on which their interests and those of the democratic states align. Second, the international system must be significantly adapted and redesigned to address existing shortcomings and to reflect new realities. To this end, the authors propose several new institutions designed for the needs and challenges of today’s world. Finally, this revitalized and adapted system must be defended. The authors argue for a more systematic approach to monitoring and incentivizing compliance with core rules, to defending democracy against autocratic backsliding and interference, and to confronting the dangers posed by revisionist powers, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, disruptive technology, and other global threats.

Parks and recreation systems have evolved in remarkable ways over the past two decades. No longer just playgrounds and ballfields, parks and open spaces have become recognized as essential green infrastructure with the potential to contribute to community resiliency and sustainability. To capitalize on this potential, the parks and recreation system planning process must evolve as well. In Parks and Recreation System Planning, David Barth provides a new, step-by-step approach to creating parks systems that generate greater economic, social, and environmental benefits. Barth first advocates that parks and recreation systems should no longer be regarded as isolated facilities, but as elements of an integrated public realm. Each space should be designed to generate multiple community benefits. Next, he presents a new approach for parks and recreation planning that is integrated into community-wide issues. Chapters outline each step—evaluating existing systems, implementing a carefully crafted plan, and more—necessary for creating a successful, adaptable system. Throughout the book, he describes initiatives that are creating more resilient, sustainable, and engaging parks and recreation facilities, drawing from his experience consulting in more than 100 communities across the U.S. Parks and Recreation System Planning meets the critical need to provide an up-to-date, comprehensive approach for planning parks and recreation systems across the country. This is essential reading for every parks and recreation professional, design professional, and public official who wants their community to thrive.