Exclusive Leadership Consulting Opportunity for KRPA Members

Check out this opportunity designed for your personal and professional advancement: Leadership Consulting, now exclusively accessible to our esteemed members through Ticia Herd, your fellow member of KRPA.

Ticia Herd, trained through the Kansa Leadership Center’s (KLC) Leadership Coaching Program and working towards certification by the International Coaching Federation, brings a wealth of expertise and insight to her coaching practice. By availing yourself of this opportunity, not only will you benefit personally and professionally, but the entirety of the consulting fee will directly support KRPA initiatives, further strengthening our community.

Here are some of the key benefits you can expect from Leadership Coaching:

- Job or Career Change/Improvement

- Personal and Professional Development/Growth

- Strategize and Create Goals

- Discover or Refresh your Passion

- Avoid Burnout

- Custom Design Your Future

- Define Your Personal or Professional Mission

- Outline Your Priorities

- Unlock New Perspectives on Challenges

- Open-Mindedness

- Self-Awareness

- Multiple Interpretations

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as a collaborative process that inspires individuals to unlock their full potential. Through this partnership, you will gain fresh insights, strategies, and perspectives to propel your career and personal life forward.

To take advantage of this exclusive offering, simply register through the KRPA website. If you have any questions or would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact Ticia Herd directly.

Thank you for being a valued member of our association. We are committed to providing resources and opportunities that support your continued success.

Special Scholarship NCAA Tournament Grid Game Fundraiser Are you ready for some March Madness excitement? Here's your golden opportunity to support KRPA's Scholarship Program while also getting a shot at some cash prizes! Here's how it works: 1. Donate & Secure Your Square: A donation of $20 secures a square in our NCAA men’s basketball tournament grid. When you donate, your name placed in a grid square.

After all 100 squares are sold and names have been placed on the 10x10 grid, and numbers 0-9 will be randomly drawn for each row and column (see above in gray). Numbers will not be assigned until after the squares have been purchased and names placed. 2.Win on Every Game: With 100 squares available, you have the chance to win on each of the 67 games in the tournament.  At the end of each NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Game, the square corresponding to the final score wins! Here's an example: Here's an example from last year's board- if the final game score is 79-76, then the winner is Betty Zeka with the square Winner-9 and Loser-6 (see below image). An important note to make is that only the last number of the scores are considered, so if the winner's score is 4, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, or so on, it means the Winner Line is 4.

3. Generous Payouts: We're offering generous payouts for each stage of the tournament: - Play-In and 1st Round Games: $5 - 2nd Round Games: $10 - Sweet 16 Games: $20 - Elite 8 Games: $40 - Semi Final Games: $80 - Championship Game: $180 4. How to Participate: Simply click here to donate for your square(s). In the comment section, please add "Grid Game." The deadline to participate is March 14th. 5. Receive Your Numbers: Your square numbers will be emailed to you on Monday, March 18th. Please Note: You may donate more for more squares! (Suggested donation of $20 per square.) All squares not sold will belong to KRPA. Any winnings associated with a KRPA square will be donated to the scholarship fund. Don't miss out on this thrilling opportunity to support a great cause and potentially win big! Thank you for your generosity in helping us provide scholarships to deserving individuals.

Mark Your Calendars: KRPA Membership Call on November 16th!

We're thrilled to announce an important date for all our valued members: the upcoming KRPA Membership Call on November 16th! As we head into a new season, this call is your chance to stay informed, engaged, and connected with the Kansas Recreation and Park Association community.

What can you expect from this exciting event?

1. **Membership Updates:** Be the first to hear about the latest developments within KRPA. From new member benefits, initiatives, or exciting opportunities, we've got plenty of updates to share.

2. **Q&A Session:** Have burning questions or suggestions? This is your chance to voice them! We value your input and want to ensure that your membership experience is exceptional.

3. **Special Guests:** Hear from a U.S. Soccer Foundation representative about unique and new soccer opportunities.

4. **Exclusive Insights:** Get insights into upcoming events, conferences, and educational opportunities. Stay ahead of the curve and plan your involvement in advance.

**Date and Time:**

November 16, 2023
12:00 PM- 1:00 PM

**Location:**

️ Virtual - Join from anywhere!

Zoom Meeting Info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81039258555?pwd=VWxCajFUbWtrNzlTTUJUOU91U2JFdz09

Meeting ID: 810 3925 8555

Passcode: 757051

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Don't miss out on this chance to be an active part of the KRPA community. Keep your eyes on your inbox for further details and instructions on how to join the call.

At KRPA, we're dedicated to supporting your professional growth and fostering connections within our community. Save the date. We can't wait to virtually see you on November 16th!

Nomination Forms for All KRPA Awards (Branch, Distinguished and Hall of Fame) Now Available Are you aware of someone within your agency, the association, a board member, a volunteer or a local leader who has made a meaningful difference in helping your agency or the Parks and Recreation industry achieve success?  Please take this opportunity to pay tribute and honor the individual by nominating them to be honored at the 2024 KRPA Conference in Wichita. In an effort to streamline the nomination process, the awards committee has made all awards (Hall of Fame, Distinguished and Branch Awards) available now. The deadlines are as follows: Branch Award nominations are due September 29, 2023. Distinguished Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Nominations are due on October 13, 2023. All award nomination forms will be completed online this year, in lieu of a fillable pdf. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amanda Sterling at amanda@krpa.org. ________________________________ Hall of Fame Nomination Form 2024 Hall of Fame Award Learn about the Hall of Fame Nomination requirements on the KRPA Awards webpage. Please fill out Distinguished nomination forms by October 13, 2023. Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored on January 31, 2024 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference. ________________________________   Distinguished Award Nominations Forms Distinguished Fellow Award Distinguished Professional Award Distinguished New Professional Award Distinguished Board or Commission Member Award Distinguished Elected Official Award Distinguished Public Service Award Distinguished Service Award Distinguished Volunteer Award                Visit the KRPA Awards webpage to learn more about each award. Please fill out Distinguished Award nomination forms by October 13, 2023. The Distinguished Annual KRPA Awards will be celebrated on January 31, 2024 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference. ________________________________   Branch Award Nominations Forms Administration Branch- Outstanding Leadership Award Aquatic Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Aquatic Branch- Outstanding Program or Event Award Park Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Park Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Park Law Enforcement Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Park Law Enforcement Branch- Valor/Lifesaving Award Recreation Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Recreation Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Sports Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Sports Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Wellness Branch- Outstanding Professional Award Wellness Branch- Outstanding Program or Project Award Visit the KRPA Branch Award webpage to learn more about each award. Please fill out Branch Award nomination forms by September 29, 2023. The Branch Awards will be celebrated on January 31, 2024 during the KRPA Conference Social.

Annual KRPA Golf Tournament The 36th Annual KRPA Golf Tournament is back, and it’s time to dust off those clubs and hit the links! Join us on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the picturesque Derby Golf & County Club, located at 2600 N. Triple Creek Drive in Derby, Kansas. (Thank you, Derby Recreation Commission, for hosting this fun event.) With a shotgun start at 9:00 AM, this tournament promises to be a fantastic day of friendly competition and networking with your fellow park and recreation professionals. And after you finish your round, join us at the clubhouse for a delicious lunch and awards ceremony. So don’t wait- register your team now and secure your spot in this fantastic event. Don't have a team? No problem. Click here to register as an individual to be placed on a team. Whether you’re an experience golfer or just a start out, the KRPA Golf Tournament is sure to be a day to remember. See you on the greens! Tournament Details: · $80/golfer or $320/team · Includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, cart, two drink tickets, lunch and mulligans (beverages can be purchased in the clubhouse) ·  4 person scramble format · Registration opens at 7:45am · Shotgun start at 9:00am · Lunch will be ready after completion of your round · Deadline to register is August 21, 2023 · Click here for complete brochure.

Dog Park Equipment For Sale

Cunningham Recreation is providing a special dog course for the visiting puppies at the 2023 KRPA Trade Show. The equipment is available for pre-sale for KRPA members and Conference attendees. Reach out to Ryan Dalton with Cunningham Recreation at rdalton@cunninghamrec.com to arrange purchasing and pick up from the Trade Show. 

You Shop. Amazon Gives.

As you shop for the holidays or everyday needs, please remember to shop through AmazonSmile because when you shop, personally or as an agency, Amazon gives back to the KRPA Scholarship Association.

AmazonSmile provides a wonderful opportunity for online shoppers to support local organizations. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Kansas Recreation & Park Scholarship Association whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Below you will find simple instructions.

Shopping via a computer:
- Go to www.smile.amazon.com
- Enter your Amazon username and password
- Choose KRPA Scholarship Association as your charity
- Shop AmazonSmile to donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases

Shopping via the Amazon App:

Let's get posting! KRPA is proud to provide our members with a central place to ask questions, share information and stay connected with one another in the KRPA Discussion Forum. Plus, we love to give prizes away with a little friendly competition. This contest will run from today until Friday, January 27th, so you have plenty of time to rack up major point values.

Here's how it works:

- Complete tasks listed below and earn points.

- The top 3 members with the most points with earn 1 of 3 prizes:

• Prize 1: Ember Thermostat Control Travel Mug: Designed to be used on-the-go, the Ember Travel Mug² does more than simply keep your coffee hot. Our smart heated travel mug allows you to set an exact drinking temperature and keeps it there for up to 3 hours, so your coffee is never too hot, or too cold.
  
• Prize 2: $75 Certificate for a 2023 KRPA Event
• Prize 3: $25 Amazon Gift Card

Here are the point values: 

Posting on a general forum (3 pts per post)
Commenting on general forum (5 pts per comment)
Posting in forum category (5 pts per post)
Commenting on forum category post (7 pts per comment)

Special Points
Tag 2 other members in replies that could contribute to the discussion (4 pts)
Reply to the "Which session are you most looking forward to the most?" (5 pts)
Tag 2 other members in the "Which session are you looking forward to the most?" (4 pts)
Reply on the "What's your favorite KRPA Conference memory/moment?" (5 pts)
Post a conference picture on the "What's your favorite KRPA Conference memory/moment?" (6 pts)
Tag a member on the picture you posted (3 pts)
Post on the "Your Agency History and Fun Facts" discussion (8pts)

Keep an eye out in the newsletter and in emails for chances to earn extra points in the next few months.

For help or questions, please email Jamie at jamie@krpa.org. Best of luck!

The 2023 conference committee is excited to celebrate with you at the upcoming KRPA conference. It is no ordinary conference. It is the 75th anniversary and because of that, we have formed a history committee to unearth all those unique things that make KRPA special!

We need your help to tell the rich story of this profession over the years and across the state. We have received some photos from around the state, but we want your agency represented too.

The specific items that we are looking for are:
- historical photos from your community and KRPA events
- program t-shirts
- vintage sports gear- uniforms, jerseys, equipment
- proclamations, brochures, member cards
- vintage swimsuits and lifeguard gear
- vintage lawn mower or park equipment 

We want something from every single organization that makes up KRPA. Every organization has that staff person who knows the history. Please engage them to help us take a trip down memory lane. Then, simply take a photo or scan the document and upload to one of these two options linked below.

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1H6WXxPRxfaSMEaL27b-11s9gtIuGA6hH?usp=sharing

Microsoft OneDrive: KRPA History and Items 2022-2023

Or, email me at susan.mong@jocogov.org or Amanda Sterling at amanda@krpa.org about artifact items that can be displayed at conference next year. Let’s mark this 75th anniversary well!

Susan Mong, KRPA History Committee Chair

Voting has begun for the KRPA Board of Directors. Emails were sent out to KRPA members on November 7^th. Take the time to make your voice heard for your association.

The voting is open for three (3) KRPA Board of Directors positions: President, Member-At-Large, and Central Regional Representative. Learn more about each candidate below. The deadline to vote is November 18, 2022 at noon.

PRESIDENT-ELECT NOMINEE

Name: Candi Fox, CPRP, AFO
Agency and Position: Assistant Superintendent at Winfield Recreation Commission

Education: Accounting (Bachelor's Degree) from Emporia State University

Years as KRPA Member: 16 years
KRPA Board/Committee Positions: Member At Large (Central)- 6 years, Recreation Branch Chair- 3 years, and Conference Planning Committee Member- 5 years

Why do you want to run for this office:
I would like to give back to the profession that has rewarded me for a lifetime.

______________________________________________

 MEMBER-AT-LARGE (GENERAL)

Name: Shane DeWald, CPRP
Agency and Position: Executive Director of Blue Valley Recreation Commission

Education: Sports and Recreation Management (Bachelor's Degree) from Fort Hays State University
Sports Administration (Master's Degree) from Wichita State University

Years as KRPA Member: 5 years
KRPA Board/Committee Positions: Professional Development Committee- 2 years, Awards Committee- 2 years, and Conference Planning Committee- 1 year

Why do you want to run for this office:
I am very happy to be back in Kansas and really like where KRPA is heading as an association. We have tremendous resources across the state via members, staff, and facilities, and I want to be involved as much as I can. Topics like Sportsmanship and Workforce Development (Recruiting & Retention) are a couple of challenges that I want to help with. Thanks for all you do as P&R professionals! It has been a crazy couple of years, but we will be better and stronger moving forward because of it!

______________________________________________

 REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE (CENTRAL)

Name: Amy Conkling, CPRP
Agency and Position: Assistant Executive Director at Hutchinson Recreation Commission

Education: Journalism and Mass Communications (Bachelor's Degree) from Kansas State University

Years as KRPA Member: 15 years
KRPA Board/Committee Positions: Administration Branch Chair (Current)- 1 year, Administration Branch Vice Chair- 2 years, and Marketing Branch/Committee Member- 8 years

Why do you want to run for this office:
I'm running for the KRPA Board to serve as a voice for the Central Region, as well as to continue the growth of the professional efforts of our members across the state. The Central Region specifically can be a huge asset to the in-person training piece of growing our professional development. Thanks to our central location in the state, our region can serve as host to various in-person workshops and hands-on training events for our branches.

In addition, pursuing partnerships with other state parks and recreation agencies, as well as working with professional organizations such as NRPA or Athletic Business (to name a few), is well worth our time and efforts in growing the professionalism of our industry.

______________________________________________

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE (CENTRAL)

Name: Jason Steadman, CPRP
Agency and Position: Superintendent of Rose Hill Recreation Commission

Education: Recreation Administration (Bachelor's Degree) from Emporia State University

Years as KRPA Member: 19 years
KRPA Board/Committee Positions: Conference Planning Committee- 2 years

Why do you want to run for this office:
I have gained, both personally and professionally, so much from KRPA. I feel like now it is time for me to begin the process of giving back to the agency.