WE REPRESENT LOCAL PARK AND RECREATION AGENCIES

KRPA is a non-profit, professional corporation dedicated to the promotion of healthy lifestyles in Kansas communities through the wise use of recreation and stewardship of parks and natural resources.  Created in 1948, KRPA represents more than 1,000 members, comprised of citizens, professionals, commercial business owners and students striving to provide quality recreation opportunities for all Kansas, while protecting and preserving the state’s natural resources so generations to come can experience Kansas as it is today.

Local government recreation and parks agencies serve millions of Kansans and tourists each year at parks, open spaces and recreation facilities, and through healthy programs for children, adults and senior citizens.

Click here for KRPA history: KRPA Historical Timeline Link

WHAT WE PROVIDE MEMBERS

By providing education, professional certification, networking, legislative representation, and leadership opportunities to Parks and Recreation professionals, KRPA helps its members grow in the profession and offer better services and opportunities in their communities.

In addition to networking, educational opportunities and advocacy on the local, state and national level, KRPA members receive a quarterly magazine, membership directory and buyer’s guide, monthly newsletter and regular e-mail blasts with updated member or industry information.

WHO ARE OUR MEMBERS?

Recreation and Park Administrators
Recreation programmers and supervisors
Park planners, supervisors and maintenance workers
Aquatic programmers and supervisors
Therapeutic recreation specialists
Park law enforcement professionals
Academics, researchers and students
Elected members of recreation and park policy boards
Appointed members of recreation and park advisory boards
Citizen volunteers involved in all aspects of recreation and parks
Commercial vendors who provide goods and services to park and recreation agencies

KRPA PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

American Heart Association
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Sunflower State Games
Kansas Action of Healthy Kids
Safe Kids
Kansas Enrichment Network

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

Professional – Open to individuals employed on a full-time basis in the recreation and park industry.

Associate – Open to individuals associated or affiliated with the recreation and parks profession on a part-time basis.  This would include persons who hold positions as members of boards, commissions, councils or committees or serve as active volunteers.

Agency – Open to organizations associated with the recreation and parks field. This membership includes an active professional membership and the members of the elected or appointed citizen board.

Commercial – Any person, organization or company involved in the commercial aspects of delivering services and/or products to the recreation and parks profession.

Student – Any full-time undergraduate and graduate students in any field of study.

Retired Professional – Open to any professional member currently retired having reached the age of 55.

Honorary Lifetime – Shall be those individuals elected to the Hall of Fame or previously designated as Honorary Life Time Member status.

KRPA CODE OF ETHICS

Membership in KRPA carries with it special responsibilities to the association, the public at large, and to the specific communities and agencies in which recreation and park services are offered.  As a member of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, I accept and agree to abide by this Code of Ethics and pledge myself to:

• Adhere to the highest standards of integrity and honesty in all public and personal activities that inspires public confidence, trust, and credibility.

• Strive for personal and professional excellence and encourage the professional development of members, citizens, and students.

• Strive for the highest standards of competence, fairness, impartiality, efficiency, effectiveness, and fiscal responsibility.

• Avoid any interest or activity which is in conflict with the integrity of the association or my personal credibility.

• Promote the public interest and avoid personal gain or profit from the performance of job duties and member responsibilities.

The KRPA Executive Committee may take action against any member who violates these principles.

Adopted March,2010

MEANINGFUL BENEFITS FROM PARKS AND RECREATION

• Healthier minds and bodies
• Protecting the environment
• Increased community pride
• Safe places to play
• Clean air and water
• A boost to the economy
• Increased self-esteem
• Reduced juvenile crime and substance abuse
• Teaching vital life skills
• Diminishing gang violence
• Promoting sensitivity to cultural diversity
• Stronger family bonds
• Decreased insurance premiums

Regardless of age, socio-economic status or physical abilities, our state and local government recreational opportunities are vital to enhancing a healthier lifestyle for children and families.

HOW WE ARE GOVERNED

The KRPA Board of Directors is the governing body of the Association and has the authority and is responsible for the supervision, control and direction of the Association. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Association and has the administrative responsibility for day-to-day operations of the organization.

CONTACT KRPA

700 SW Jackson Street, Suite 805
Topeka, Kansas  66603-3737
Office Hours 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Phone: 785-235-6533
Fax: 785-235-6655

If you are interested in becoming a Member, be sure to let us know! The KRPA staff welcomes any suggestions you might have to ensure that our benefits and services meet your every need.  

Doug Vance, Executive Director
Bonnie Simon, Membership/Education Services
Cathy Ziegler, Office Assistant