contents june 2014 volume 49 | number 6 | www.nrpa.org www nrpaa org FEATURES Read the digital edition of this issue online at http://digital. parksand recreation.org. 54 Thinking Beyond the Borders contents COVER STORY 48 Trailblazers 2 A recent roundtable discussion hosted by NRPA and the American Planning Association generated new ideas on the role parks play in shaping successful cities and how park and recreation professionals can contribute to solving urban problems Dena Levitz 60 Connecting Children and Families to Nature Mountain bikers and park agencies often butt heads over illegally built trail systems, but some have found ways to collaborate and create exciting networks available to all Natural playscapes offer an organic alternative play environment to promote creativity and encourage the development of a conservation consciousness Danielle Taylor Dina Izenstark, M.S., CPRP, and Aaron Ebata, Ph.D. Parks & Recreation | J U N E 2 0 1 4 | W W W. N R PA . O R G