The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) announced that they received a $2.5 million grant from the Walmart Foundation. The funding was distributed by the association to 15 local park and recreation agencies to develop Community Wellness Hubs. The NRPA describes Community Wellness Hubs as "trusted gathering places that connect every member of the community to essential programs, services and spaces that advance health equity, improve health outcomes, and enhance quality of life."

The 15 communities that will receive funding are:
- Berea College, Grow Appalachia, Berea, Kentucky
- Central Arkansas Library System (Be Mighty Little Rock Campaign), Little Rock, Arkansas
- City of Brownsville, Brownsville, Texas
- City of Ozark - Ozark Leisure Services, Ozark, Alabama

 
- City of Richmond, Richmond, California
- City of Shawnee Parks and Recreation, Shawnee, Kansas
- City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation, Tukwila, Washington
- County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, San Diego, California
- Derby Recreation Commission/Derby Health Collaborative, Derby, Kansas
- Desert Recreation District, Indio, California
- Groton Parks and Recreation, Noank, Connecticut
- New London Recreation Department, New London, Connecticut
- Peoria Grown, Peoria, Illinois
- Sunset Park and Recreation Foundation, Seaside, Oregon
- West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation and Community Services, West Allis, Wisconsin

According to the NRPA, the recipients will use the funds to accomplish three goals: advance community driven wells hubs, advance health equity strategies in parks and recreation, and build community coalitions and strengthen local grassroots advocacy. Over the next 18 months the agencies will be building a coalition of community patterners to support the program, participating in a dedicated planning period center around sustainability, and implementing the hub model in their communities.

"Park and recreation agencies are one of the best local solutions to connect people to the health and wellness services and healthy foods they need," said Kellie May, NRPA vice president of programs and partnerships. "NRPA thanks the Walmart Foundation for its support of local park and recreation professionals who are working every day to increase access to healthy foods and fostering long-lasting healthy habits across the country."

https://www.nrpa.org/about-national-recreation-and-park-association/press-room/capacity-building-grants-awarded-to-park-and-recreation-agencies-to-improve-health-outcomes/