UNH Community Planning and Research Collaborative (CPARC)

The Community Planning and Research Collaborative (CPARC) at the University of New Hampshire is comprised of faculty and students in UNH's Department of Recreation Management and Policy.  The CPARC team partners with parks and recreation agencies throughout the state and region to conduct applied research and planning projects to assist agencies and communities in decision-making, funding prioritization, and program improvement.  CPARC team members use their real-world experience to create research-based solutions to the challenges facing communities. 

CPARC is perhaps best known for our community engagement process, quantitative and qualitative data expertise, and program evaluation methodologies.  Our publications, reports, and presentations are written for researchers, policy makers, administrators, and the general public.  CPARC is part of the Applied Recreation Research Collaborative in the Department of Recreation Management and Policy at UNH.

Research Priorities

• Park and recreation needs assessments
• Program quality and effectiveness
• Recreation strategic and master planning
• Economic impact analysis
• Cost recovery and alternative financing
• Accessibility, inclusion, and social equity

For more information or to discuss ways to partner with the CPARC team, contact Dr. Bob Barcelona, Recreation Management and Policy Department Chair and CPARC Principal Investigator.