May 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 60

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NRPA Quarterly Report
Legislative Forum, NRPA Connect Launch, Keynote Speaker,
Fundraising, and more

2011 National Legislative Forum
on Parks and Recreation: More than
300 people gathered in Washington,
D.C., March 16-18, for NRPA's National
Legislative Forum on Parks and Recreation. The goals: educate Congress and
the Administration on the crucial role of
parks and recreation for local communities and secure support for critical funding initiatives.
Urban Revitalization and Livable
Communities Act: The Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act has
once again been introduced in the 112th
Congress. The bill would authorize $445
million annually for the development of
new parks and recreation facilities/areas
as well as youth-at-risk programming.
NRPA worked with bill sponsor Rep. Albio Sires to ensure that special park districts would be eligible grant recipients.
To learn more about this and other legislation related to NRPA, go to the NRPA Advocacy Resource Center at www.NRPA.
org/advocacyresources.
Advocacy Training: In January, NRPA
partnered with North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Recreation
and Park Association to conduct an advocacy-training webinar with more than 100
members in attendance.

Membership

Launch of PROR AGIS: In Ja nuary, NRPA launched PROR AGIS (pronou nced pro-R AY-ges)-a national
online database and GIS-mapping system for park and recreation operations-free to all NRPA members. This
real-time, searchable catalog combines
annual snapshots of data submitted by
departments for jurisdiction, organization, finances, resources, staffing,

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and programs. PRORAGIS is a benchmarking tool, which allows agencies to
learn and share best practices, streamline business operations, and create reports with information that will assist in
justifying funding and support. Learn
more at www.NRPAproragis.org. Please
see PAGE 53 for additional informal on
PRORAGIS.

Copies can be ordered in book or CD
form at the NRPA Online Store at http://
ipv.nrpa.org/public/Core/Orders/category.aspx?catid=7.

Knowledge and Learning

Certification: The association launched
an online renewal application for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification program. Learn
more at www.NRPA.org/CPRP.
Education: NRPA, in partnership with
the Oglebay National Training Center
and North Carolina State University, presented the first year of the new RV Park
and Campground Management School
with 88 students. In addition, the partners
presented the Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School with more
than 200 students. NRPA will launch its
new " Green School " in February 2012!
For more information on NRPA schools,
go to www.NRPA.org/education.

Congress & Exposition

NRPA Connect: In February, NRPA
launched NRPA Connect, the largest online-networking platform in the industry.
The new venue-free to all NRPA members-connects individuals through
email groups, profile postings and blogs,
forum discussion groups, and more. So
far, more than 1,000 people have logged
in. Create your profile today at www.
NRPAconnect.org.
New Management Text: NRPA recently published Management of Park
and Recreation Agencies, 3rd Edition.

www.NRPA .ORG

Keynote Speaker Announced: Skateboarding legend and philanthropist Tony
Hawk will serve as the keynote speaker
for the 2011 Congress & Exposition General Session in Atlanta, Ga. See PAGE 46
for a feature article on Hawk. Learn more
about Congress at www.NRPA.org/congress2011. Online registration opened
April 1.

Partnerships

Parks Build Community: NRPA's 2011
Parks Build Community initiative is underway. In partnership with America's
Back yard (www.americasback yard.
org); the Atlanta Department of Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Affairs; the Atlanta Housing Authority; and Park Pride,
and with valuable contributions from

shutterstock

Public Policy

May 2011 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2011 - Parks & Recreation