The Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) invites college students to participate in the Student Poster Presentation Challenge at the 2027 KRPA Conference and Trade Show in Wichita, Kansas, on January 26. This project gives students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world parks and recreation scenario, develop an innovative idea, and connect with professionals from across the state. Download the information PDF about the project or explore the details below.

Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees that prepare them for careers in parks and recreation are invited to participate.

Students will design and present a poster outlining a creative event, program, or festival for a 160-acre community park. The challenge gives students the opportunity to think like a parks and recreation professional while demonstrating their skills in program development, budgeting, staffing, economic impact, and community engagement.

Why Participate?

This isn't just a poster project—it's an opportunity to put your ideas into action.

• Build your résumé with a real-world parks and recreation project.
• Connect with professionals from across Kansas and expand your professional network.
• Practice professional skills in program development, budgeting, marketing, and presentation.
• Showcase your creativity and bring a new idea to life.
• Compete for scholarship awards while gaining experience you can take into your career.

Register Here


Scenario

You are part of your city’s parks and recreation leadership team. A 160-acre community park has these featuring:

• A 2-mile trail loop (ADA Accessible)

• A performance stage

• A large playground (ADA Accessible)

• 4 turf baseball and 4 softball fields

Your task is to create a new event, program, or festival that uses these amenities to elevate community appreciation for parks and recreation. You’ll present your concept as a poster at the KRPA Conference Trade Show.

Poster Requirements

Your poster should include:

1. Concept Overview – Event or program name, theme, goals, and target audience.

2. Budget and Revenue – Estimated costs, potential funding sources, and revenue generation.

3. Staffing and Volunteers – Roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the event.

4. Economic Impact – Use the KRPA Economic Impact Calculator to demonstrate benefits to your community.

5. Community Benefit – Connect your project to at least one of the True Value of Parks and Recreation themes:

   • Fosters Community Engagement

   • Instills Local Pride

   • Connects People and Partnerships

   • Supports Conservation and Nature

   • Contributes to Economic Development

Maximum poster size is 36” x 48”. Students will display and discuss their posters with judges and attendees during the Trade Show.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Deadline to Register: December 11, 2026

• Presentation Date: January 26, 2027, during the KRPA Trade Show

• Student Membership: A KRPA Student Membership ($15) is required.
  KRPA will reimburse the membership fee for students who present their completed poster at conference.

• Individual Entry: Each student must submit an individual project.

• Poster Printing Support: If printing costs are a challenge, contact amanda@krpa.org for assistance.

Judging Criteria

Judges will evaluate each poster based on:

• Relevance and alignment with community and KRPA mission

• Effective use of the Economic Impact Calculator

• Creativity and innovation

• Feasibility and realistic budgeting

• Overall presentation quality and ability to answer questions

Awards

Scholarships will be awarded to the top three presentations:

• 1st Place: $500

• 2nd Place: $250

• 3rd Place: $150

Awards will be distributed in Spring 2027. Graduating seniors remain eligible. Winners may also be featured in KRPA communications, including the KRPA Today magazine, website, and social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

What area of Kansas or town is this park located in?
You may choose any location for your park. The scenario is intentionally flexible so you can apply your creativity to any Kansas community—large or small. The KRPA Economic Impact Calculator allows you to select the region that best matches your chosen location, and your numbers will be based on that area.

What if my calculations from the Economic Impact Calculator aren’t perfectly accurate? Will that affect my score?
No. Judges understand that students are using the calculator as a learning tool. You will not be marked down for incorrect calculations. The key is to show effort in running numbers and demonstrating an understanding of how economic impact relates to your project. Judges are primarily looking for creativity and application, not mathematical precision.

Can I use AI tools for this project?
Yes. Students are permitted to use AI tools to assist with some portions of the project—such as brainstorming ideas, refining writing, or designing poster elements. However, we ask that you disclose how and for what portion AI was used.

What is the Student Summit happening the same day?
Participating students are required to attend the Annual Student Summit on January 26. The schedule has been designed to allow time for both the Summit and your poster presentation. Register for the poster project first. More information about registering for the Student Summit will be sent via email at a later date.

Questions?

Contact Amanda Sterling, KRPA Engagement & Strategic Growth Manager, at amanda@krpa.org.