Northstar Publishing

376 Articles

The Only Standard

In many playground-planning conversations, “accessible” and “inclusive” are used interchangeably.

This article is for Members only

Parks 6 min read

Remix Your Rec

In communities across the country, parks and recreation professionals are being asked to do more than provide services.

This article is for Members only

Marketing & Technology 6 min read

Out Of The Weeds

For most people, AI has landed somewhere between intimidating and exciting, often both at once.

This article is for Members only

Marketing & Technology 7 min read

The Space Between Us Is Growing

Connection does not have to be complicated. Children understand this, but many adults forget.

This article is for Members only

Parks 5 min read

August 2026 This-N-That

This month's collection of industry news and updates.

This article is for Paid-members only

This N That 11 min read

August 2026 Product Review

This article is for Paid-members only

Product Review 2 min read

Rooted In Place

When recreation facilities are built on former rural land, the site is often cleared and treated as a blank slate.

This article is for Paid-members only

Rec Facilities 6 min read

The Next Big Switch In Pool Design

For most of the 20th century, American homes had one type of light switch: the classic toggle.

This article is for Paid-members only

Rec Facilities 5 min read

July 2026 Product Review

This article is for Paid-members only

Product Review 2 min read

July 2026 This-N-That

This month's collection of industry news and updates.

This article is for Paid-members only

This N That 7 min read

Rethinking Playground Design For Continuous Play

Community playgrounds strive to be spaces that families return to many times. For this to happen, playgrounds need to keep ideas and opportunities for play fresh so children remain engaged, challenged, and eager to come back.

This article is for Paid-members only

Parks 5 min read

Building A Model Urban Park In A Mid-Sized City

For decades, the nearly 12 acres of land behind Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., offered little more than parking and pavement.

This article is for Paid-members only

Parks 5 min read