Barbara Tulipane, CAE, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), issued the following statement in response to the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the protests in Emancipation Park.

"There are barely words strong enough to convey how sickened we are by the violence that erupted during the protests by neo-Nazis and white supremacists this past weekend in Charlottesville.

Parks should be a gathering place for all people, but not if the purpose of that gathering is to incite violence, hatred and bigotry.

This hatred and bigotry caused a woman who was passionate about justice and fairness to tragically and unnecessarily lose her life.

The NRPA stands against those that would take our country backward "?u undoing the work of our mothers, fathers and grandparents in World War II and the Civil Rights Movement. We unite with those who embrace the power of diversity and will continue to work toward a better future by promoting social equity through parks and recreation."

For more information on the NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.