NRPA Update Join the World of Cooperative Purchasing U .S. Communities is the leading national local government purchasing cooperative that offers contracts competitively solicited by and on behalf of public agencies nationwide. U.S. Communities is jointly sponsored by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), the National Association of Counties (NACO), the National Governors Association, the National League of Cities (NLC) and the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM). NRPA Premier Members can register with U. S. Communities to gain access to the thousands of quality products from multiple suppliers available through its contracts. Their vast array of offerings will meet an agency's needs. The contracts include categories such as park and playground equipment, athletic equipment, facilities products and solutions, office supplies and much more! By registering for the program, you are neither committing to participate nor binding your agency in any manner - your agency will still have the ability to make choices outside of U.S. Communities. What are the advantages to participating in U.S. Communities? * All contracts are competitively solicited by a lead public agency * Best supplier overall government pricing * No user fees * Sponsored by 90+ state and regional organizations * Broad range of high-quality products relating to the park and recreation field * Third-party audits performed * Benchmarking analysis * Oversight by key public purchasing professionals * Step-by-step guide to helping you buy green Visit www.nrpa.org/Membership/Endorsed-Business-Provider/U-S-Communities to learn more and register today! Contact Hayley Herzing at hherzing@nrpa.org with any questions. - Hayley Herzig, NRPA's Membership Programs Manager Test Your Park and Recreation Knowledge The following question is a sample Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) examination question. A park and recreation agency identifies the level of maintenance that is acceptable through which of the following? A. The size of the maintenance budget B. The frequency of maintenance inspections C. The qualifications of maintenance employees hired D. The establishment of maintenance standards Calling all beginning to mid-level professionals! The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is the national standard for all park and recreation professionals who want to be at the forefront of their profession. For more information on the CPRP certification program, please visit www.nrpa.org/cprp. Answer: D. The establishment of maintenance standards 74 Parks & Recreation | M A R C H 2 0 1 6 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G