Kansas Recreation & Park Association What's new"s"

State of Play: What’s in Demand in Today’s Playgrounds?

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:07:11 GMT

By Scott Roschi, Creative Director at Landscape Structures

(This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Landscape Structures Inc.)There may be no better refuge for kids from screen time than their local playground. With today’s larger, more colorful and more engaging equipment, playgrounds offer richer opportunities for movement, imagination and connection than ever before.

Building a successful playground, however, requires more than selecting equipment from a catalog. Communities are increasingly asking for play spaces that feel distinctive, reflect local identity and serve a broad range of users. In doing so, park and recreation agencies are creating not only better playgrounds but also stronger community gathering places.

Spaces That Reflect the Community

Across the country, communities are designing playgrounds that reflect who they are and what they value. Strang Park in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a strong example of how inclusive design can bring those priorities to life while serving children of all abilities.

The playground provides multiple, intuitive ways for kids to access and move through the space with ramps, climbing elements and sensory-rich features. Separate areas support different age groups, allowing younger and older children to play at a pace and scale that feels comfortable. One especially impactful feature is the inclusion of a communication board, which helps ensure every individual can communicate with family members and friends.

Taking Play to New Heights

Playgrounds are also growing upward. Where structures once topped out around 8 feet, today’s designs often reach much higher, creating layered play experiences. Taller structures allow communities with limited space to build vertically while offering graduated challenges that let kids choose how adventurous they want to be.

Playgrounds Built Through Collaboration

Collaboration continues to shape modern playgrounds. Equipment providers, designers, landscape architects and community members are working together to integrate play into natural terrain, maximize budgets and expand access. Inclusive play advocates also play a key role, helping close play gaps and ensure playgrounds serve all families.

Together, these approaches are helping communities build play spaces that reflect their identity, welcome everyone and strengthen the places they serve.

March Madness is Back! Join the KRPA Grid Game Fundraiser

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:32:24 GMT

March Madness is Back! Join the KRPA Grid Game Fundraiser

Let’s play ball! (Well… let’s watch some incredible college athletes play ball.) Join us for the NCAA Tournament Grid Game — a fun way to stay engaged in every matchup, even if your favorite team doesn’t make it past the first round.

Make this March Madness even more exciting while supporting a great cause. The KRPA Scholarship Fund creates opportunities for parks and recreation professionals across Kansas — and when you play, you’re helping invest in the future of our field.

Bonus: You could win cash prizes along the way.

How It Works:

1️⃣ Claim Your Square – A $20 donation secures a square on our NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament grid. Once you donate, your name is placed on the grid. Here's an example grid:

2️⃣ Numbers Are Assigned Randomly – After all 100 squares are sold, the numbers 0-9 will be randomly assigned to the rows and columns of the grid. These numbers determine the winners for each game based on the final score!

3️⃣ Win on Every Game – Your square is eligible to win in all 67 tournament games! The winning square is determined by the last digit of each team's final score. For example, if the final score is 79-76, the winner would be the square corresponding to Winner-9 and Loser-6.

(Here's an example from a previous 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.)

4️⃣ Big Payouts for Every Round!
Play-In & 1st Round Games – $5 per game
2nd Round Games – $10 per game
Sweet 16 Games – $20 per game
Elite 8 Games – $40 per game
Final Four Games – $80 per game
Championship Game – $180!

How to Enter:

Click here to donate and claim your square(s).
In the comment section, type "Grid Game" so we know it's for the fundraiser.
The deadline to enter is Sunday, March 15th.

What Happens Next?

Your official numbers will be emailed to you no later than Wednesday, March 18th.
Keep an eye on the games—every match gives you a new chance to win!
More Squares = More Chances to Win! You can claim multiple squares for more opportunities. Any unsold squares will belong to KRPA, with any winnings from those squares going directly to the scholarship fund.

2026 Photo Contest: Call for Submissions

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 15:18:09 GMT

Social Media Photo Contest

In honor of the upcoming 2026 KRPA Annual Conference and Trade Show, KRPA is excited to launch our 8th Annual Social Media Photo Contest! This year’s conference theme, Choose Your Own Adventure, celebrates the many ways parks and recreation shape experiences in our communities, and we want to see how your community chooses its adventure.

Submit a creative photo that captures an “adventure” made possible through your parks, programs, facilities, or outdoor spaces. Whether it’s recreation, connection, exploration, play, or discovery, show us what adventure looks like in your community.

The grand prize winner will receive a $100 credit towards a KRPA event*, and the winning image will be featured on the cover of the KRPA Today spring magazine.

How to Enter:

Submit your photo to Amanda Sterling at amanda@krpa.org by January 9, 2026.
Include a short description (less than 30 words) with the location of the photo and the photographer's credit.
Attach the completed KRPA Photo Contest agreement form (scanned and/or digitally filled out).

Contest Details:
All photos and information will be placed in an album on the KRPA Facebook page from January 12-23, 2026. The photo with the most combined likes and shares by January 23rd will be crowned the winner!

Good luck, and thank you for participating.

2025 Winner: Baldwin City Recreation Commission
Description: Cody Anno, one of the Gold Sponsors for the Baldwin City Independence Day Celebration, brought a quintessential slice of Americana to life with a hotdog eating contest. Ten contestants competed in a ten-minute showdown, filling the celebration with excitement and laughter!
Location: Baldwin City Independence Day Celebration, Baldwin City, KS - Saturday, July 6th
Photo Credit: Shaunacee Wilkinson

2024 Winner: Johnson County Park and Recreation District
Photo Description: Mountain bikers of all ages enjoy the dirt jumps at the Shawnee Mission Park Pump Track. Two new runs within the pump track, called the Snake River Run, were added in late 2023.
Photo credit: Mark Van Baale
Location of photo: Shawnee Mission Park

2023 Winner: Great Bend Recreation Commission
This photo was taken at BlastBall: An introduction to baseball/softball for 3- & 4-year-old boys and girls. On the last day of Blastball, children are taught how to slide by having a fun water day.
Location: Westfall West Baseball Field, Great Bend
Credit: Paul Zamarripa, Assistant Sports Director for Great Bend Recreation Commission

2022 Winner: Overland Park Park and Recreation Department at

This photo was taken at Matt Ross Community Center in Downtown Overland Park by TBL Photography, and the artwork was done by Josie Brems. "I love you berry much" regardless of how we move forward. The world would be a boring place if everyone did the same thing and had the same ideas. Our diversity, respect for differences and connection to each other is what makes the OPFM so special!

2021 Winner: Overland Park Farmers' Market

This photo was taken at Matt Ross Community Center in Downtown Overland Park by TBL Photography. The Overland Park Farmers' Market was allowed to open as an essential business. Together, the community, vendors and staff pivoted to allow for a COVID-19 compliant market. We all shared in something that had never been done before to continue to bring farm fresh produce and local goods to this community.

2020 Winner: Swimming into 2020 with a Clear View!!

This photo was taken at Paris Park Pool in Ark City. The photographer Breanna Leake was a swim instructor for the Ark City Recreation Center.

2019 Winner: Paddleboard Yoga at Rock River Rapids water park in Derby, KS.

This unique setting with the Kansas sunset at the water park gave our Paddle Board yoga fans a new change of scenery. All participants got a good workout, while using the board for balance and flexibility. Photographed by Barney Tull.

Stay Informed: Upcoming KRPA Advocacy Webinars

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:28:56 GMT

As we head into a pivotal season for advocacy, we invite you to join two upcoming KRPA Advocacy Webinars designed to keep you informed and equipped to speak up for parks, recreation, and conservation across Kansas.

Kansas for Conservation Update + Toolkit
November 18 at 1:00 PM (CT)
Join Executive Director Erika Devore and Public Policy Chair Tony Finlay for an update on the Kansas for Conservation bill following the Governor’s Water Conference. They’ll share key takeaways, what’s next, and walk through KRPA’s member toolkit to help you share the message in your community.
RSVP for the November 18th Webinar

2026 Legislative Session Preview
December 9 at 10:00 AM (CT)
Government affairs advisor Steve Kearney will preview the upcoming legislative session, including priority issues that impact parks and recreation. Gain insight into what’s ahead and how KRPA members can make their voices heard.
RSVP for the December 9th Webinar

Both webinars are free for KRPA members and will include time for questions and discussion. Your participation helps strengthen our collective voice for Kansas parks and recreation.

Did you miss the last Advocacy webinar on October 21st with the latest update on the Kansas for Conservation bill? Don't worry! A recording is available to watch online- https://youtu.be/-zLYR5x_dVU.

Update Your Profile: Two Minutes, Big Impact

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:49:39 GMT

Update Your Association Profile

Membership renewals launch October 1st—but before they do, we need your help! A quick profile update ensures your membership is accurate, tailored to your interests, and ready to connect you with the right opportunities. Start by logging into the KRPA website.

Here are the top things to double-check:

Upload a photo – It makes networking easier.
Update your job title and organization – Roles change!
Pick your branch interests – Don’t miss info from your branch (including our new Youth Services Branch).

It only takes a couple of minutes, but it has a big impact—for you, for KRPA, and for our members across Kansas.

Questions? Contact Jamie Reed at jamie@krpa.org

Watch this short video for a quick walk-through on how to update your profile:

Registration Open for the KRPA Annual Golf Tournament

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:34:19 GMT

Annual KRPA Golf Tournament

Registration is now open for the 2025 KRPA Golf Tournament, and we want you there!

Join us Friday, September 26, 2025, at the beautiful Salina Parks and Recreation Municipal Golf Course (2500 E. Crawford St., Salina, KS) for a day of friendly competition, networking, and fun in support of Kansas parks and recreation professionals.

Tournament Details:

Check-in: 7:30 AM
Shotgun Start: 8:30 AM
Format: 4-person scramble
Entry Fees: $100 per individual or $400 per team
Includes 18 holes of golf, cart, and lunch

Registration Deadline: Monday, September 22, 2025

Special thanks to Salina Parks and Recreation for hosting this year’s event!

Don’t miss out—gather your team, grab your clubs, and sign up today.

Registration available through the Salina website.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Hammond at jeff.hammond@salina.org.

Start at the Beginning (…and that may not be where you think it is)

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:03:22 GMT

Start at the Beginning (…and that may not be where you think it is)

Written by Laurie Brown, Conservation Ecologist, and Shelly Green, Ecological Planner, of Vireo

(This content is brought to you by our sponsor, Vireo.) For parks and recreation professionals, working with consultants of all types can be a real blessing. It can also be a hassle, a waste of time, a boondoggle, and even a nightmare. Consultants can give you the capacity and the capability to bring landmark projects into being that would have otherwise lived forever in the land of ‘that would be nice…’ or they can make you want to pull your hair out, praying for the day the contract is over. The choice is obvious, but the path may not always be.

When engaging a consultant, some think their projects begin when the contract is signed. But that’s not where a successful project begins. Not even close. Back up a mile or so.

Consultants can provide you the additional staffing and the knowledge to take giant steps forward in a short amount of time. They can bring new ideas and a fresh perspective, but there are a few things you need to consider first to make sure you are getting the best out of them, and your team.

Are you and your team ready to work with someone from the outside and let them peek behind the curtain of your organization? Are the decision-makers ready for that? Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and let someone else into the circle?
Consultants will inevitably bring new ideas. Are you ready for them? Will you and your team keep an open mind and honestly consider change?
Community engagement is critical to the success of a wide range of projects. Do you do community engagement well? If not, are you willing to accept help here from a qualified consultant? Put simply, community-driven projects get more long-term buy-in, and an informed constituency helps you get projects realized faster.

When you decide it’s time to hire a consultant, there are four things you should be looking for above all else. Keep in mind that each of these works both ways.

Transparency – they include you as a full partner in all discussions
Communication – they willingly and regularly share information
Collaboration – they value your input and your expertise
Efficiency – they get projects done on time and within budget

Take the time to check references or ask for referrals from peers who have been satisfied with the consultant’s work and see if their clients would still check all of these boxes after working with them. A competitive selection process is fine but remember they’ll all tell you they’re the best!

Before we get too far down the road, you may need to ask yourself if you’re really ready to take the leap. Do you have a clear scope? A really clear scope with defined tasks leading to clear objectives and actionable work products? It’s okay if you don’t, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation without a fully developed scope or a contract.

Sure, there will be limits to how much a consultant can do for you before their boss asks them ‘where’s our contract again?’, but starting small is a very real possibility. An initial conversation off the books may help you gauge where you are. Engaging a consultant for just a few hours or a few days of visioning and planning could help you really clarify that understanding, identify options for phasing or right-sizing, and identify gaps. And before long, you and the consultant both will know if you’re ready, or what you’ll need to do to get there.

Knowing if you’re ready (and actually being ready) will make the project easier, the team dynamics smoother, and the entire process more cost-effective. When it’s time to really get to work, here are some keys to building a successful relationship with a consultant:

You need to expect, and be willing to take time to build, a collaborative relationship
Success takes regular engagement and interaction
Don’t micromanage your consultants. You’re hiring them because they’re experts and professionals. Allow them to do what they do best.
A clear scope and division of responsibilities between client and consultant will help make for a smooth working relationship
Make sure you have clear expectations on deliverables and what specific documents, data, or tangible products you expect to end up with.
Establish clear timelines for the project — what exactly will I get and when?
You’re expanding your team, but rarely can you just let a consultant go to work. Make sure your staff is available to participate, to respond to the consultant, and do their part.

At the end of all that, if you’re confident you’re ready, you’ve found a consultant willing to be a true partner to you and your team, and you have a clear and feasible scope, and you’re ready to sign a contract to get started on the project… congratulations — you’ve reached the end of the beginning.

KRPA Awards: Nomination Forms Now Available

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 20:23:31 GMT

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 2025 KRPA Conference in Manhattan.

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 26, 2025.
- Distinguished Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Nominations are due on October 10, 2025.

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.
Special thanks to our official Awards Sponsor, Aspire 2 Play! Distinguished Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Nominations are due on October 11, 2024.

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.

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Hall of Fame Nomination Form

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 10, 2025. Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored in January 2026 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference.

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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 10, 2025. The Distinguished Annual KRPA Awards will be celebrated in January 2026 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference.

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Visit the KRPA Branch Award webpage to learn more about each award. Please fill out Branch Award nomination forms by September 26, 2025. The Branch Awards will be celebrated in January 2026 during the KRPA Conference Social.

Call for KRPA Board of Directors Nominations

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:48:00 GMT

Call for KRPA Board of Directors Nominations

This is your opportunity to serve as a leader in KRPA! The Kansas Recreation and Park Association is seeking candidates to serve on the 2026 KRPA Board of Directors in the following positions:

President-Elect (serves 3 years)
Member At Large- Central (serves 3 years)
Member At Large- General (serves 3 years)

Each nominee must submit a completed Board Candidate form (see below) and send a digital photo (head shot) to Erika Devore at erika@krpa.org no later than August 31, 2025. All applications will be reviewed by the KRPA Nominating Committee. Email Erika Devore if you have questions about serving on the board.

Qualifications to serve on the KRPA Board of Directors

President- Elect (Serves 3 Years)
Must be a current voting member of the Association and currently work in a permanent position in the profession immediately prior to nomination. Must have had an elected position on the board and two years of active participation in the delivery of Association services and/or programs, or in the attainment of Association goals and objectives. This may include active service on a KRPA Committee or Task Force, or participation in the achievement or furtherance of a major initiative of the Association, such as legislatively. Must be available to serve for three years as an officer of the Association, one year in each of the following positions: President-Elect, President and Past-President. The President-Elect will serve as the KRPA Conference Planning Chair for the following year KRPA Conference.

Regional Representative - Central (Serves 3 Year Term) Must be a current voting member and currently work in a permanent position in the profession immediately prior to nomination. Shall require two years of active participation in the delivery of Association services and/or programs, or in the attainment of Association goals and objectives. This may include active service on a KRPA Committee or Task Force, or participation in the achievement or furtherance of a major initiative of the Association, such as legislatively Shall require a minimum of one-year as a voting member of KRPA and maintaining a recreation and/or parks position within the boundaries of the Central Region.

Member At Large- General (Serves 3 Year Term) Must be a current voting member and currently work in a permanent position in the profession immediately prior to nomination. Shall require two years of active participation in the delivery of Association services and/or programs, or in the attainment of Association goals and objectives. This may include active service on a KRPA Committee or Task Force, or participation in the achievement or furtherance of a major initiative of the Association, such as legislatively.

Nomination Deadline: August 31, 2025

Download the Board of Directors Nomination form and Regional Map:

KRPA Nomination application President Elect.pdf

KRPA Nomination application_Regional_Representative.pdf

KRPA Nomination application_At Large_General.pdf

Regional Map.JPG

Everyone Reaps the Reward of Robust Public Parks and Recreation

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:07:12 GMT

Everyone Reaps the Reward of Robust Public Parks and Recreation

Imagine this with me for a moment. The school year ends. Children wake up to a warm summer day—only to find their neighborhood pool locked, summer camps canceled, ball fields quiet, parks overgrown, sidewalks crumbling, and not a single community activity in sight. Wildlife is too close for comfort, drawn in by neglected infrastructure. What happens next?

Does that community attract new families or businesses? Would current residents feel a sense of pride or connection? Would you even call it a community?

Parks and Recreation's Impact on Kansas Communities
Across Kansas, summer brings an expectation of joy—families at the pool, kids at camp, residents exploring trails and gathering at festivals. Parks and recreation are so deeply embedded in our daily lives that it’s hard to picture life without them.

But it’s not just about summer. Parks and recreation departments are now year-round operations. From preschool enrichment and senior services to special events, adaptive programming, trail maintenance, nature centers, dog parks, museums, and more—these services provide year-round quality of life for every age and ability.

Parks and Recreation's Impact on Public Health
As communities face rising health care costs, parks and recreation offer one of the most cost-effective solutions to promote wellness. These services provide inclusive access to fitness, nature, creative expression, and social connection—all key to physical and mental health. They are often the most affordable (and accessible) health resource available in any city.

Quality of Life and Economic Driver
Well-maintained parks, quality facilities, and inclusive recreation programs don’t just improve quality of life—they drive local economies. A vibrant parks and recreation department can attract new residents, retain current ones, and support local businesses.

In fact, open spaces, festivals, trails, sports tournaments, and cultural programming create a unique identity and vitality for communities. These benefits cut across demographics, making a lasting impact regardless of income, ethnicity, or age.

The Economics of Parks
Some benefits defy easy measurement—like the peace found on a nature trail—but others are crystal clear. Parks increase nearby property values and raise tax revenues. Studies show properties within 500 feet of a park see an average 5% boost in value.

Parks also lower infrastructure costs by managing stormwater and improving air quality—reducing the financial burden of public health and environmental care. When it comes to return on investment, few community services rival public parks and recreation.

Festivals and Sports: Community and Commerce
Large-scale events are more than fun—they’re economic engines. In Shawnee County, sports tournaments generated $7 million annually in local economic activity. In Lenexa, their parks and recreation department hosts 12 major festivals and around 40 special events each year bringing in over 100,000 attendees throughout these events. They work with an average of 125 community partners (businesses and local organizations) per year to promote their businesses and encourage relationship-building between attendees and their partners. Reser’s Fine Foods have been a proud sponsor of the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle since 2012. “We have a great partnership that not only benefits the community but also fits our marketing program and helps us engage the public to enhance our brand recognition. We couldn’t ask for a better fit and a community to engage with,” said Tim Marby, Regional Sales Manager. These events and festivals not only support the local community, but they bring exposure and marketing opportunities for your city.

Aquatics and Destination Appeal
Tourism continues to play a growing role in community development—and aquatic centers often lead the charge. Garden Rapids at the Big Pool in Garden City exemplifies this. With its cutting-edge attractions (including the U.S. debut of FlyTyme and SlipStream slides), the center became a regional draw, revitalizing water recreation while winning international acclaim.

The Arts and Culture Frontier
Parks and recreation are now creating powerful bridges to arts and culture. The Hubbard Arts Center in Derby offers culinary arts, dance, digital media, visual art, and more—engaging over 24,000 participants since opening in 2020. Programs like these reduce isolation, foster creativity, and deepen community bonds—while also contributing to the local economy through job creation and spending.

Celebrate the Professionals Behind It All
None of these services happen without skilled, passionate professionals. On July 18, 2025, we invite you to join us for Parks and Recreation Professional Day. Kansas is home to 150 Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP/CPRE), 129 Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSI), and 335 Certified Aquatic Facility Operators (AFO). Their work makes our communities safer, healthier, more connected—and more fun.

Show your appreciation with a note of thanks, a public recognition event, or a local celebration. Invite city leaders to join in, highlight your staff’s accomplishments, and share your stories online using the hashtag #ksparkrecday. Learn more at www.krpa.org/parkrecday. Let’s honor the people who keep Kansas robust—every day, every season, every community.

ATHCO and Landscape Structures Lead the Way in Inclusive Play During Great Outdoors Month

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:59:15 GMT

As we celebrate Great Outdoors Month, KRPA is proud to shine a spotlight on ATHCO and Landscape Structures, a valued sponsor and partner in creating inclusive, inspiring outdoor spaces for kids across Kansas. For years, ATHCO has worked alongside communities to install high-quality, thoughtfully designed playgrounds that encourage all children—regardless of physical ability—to get outside, explore, and play.

Playgrounds That Invite Everyone to the Outdoors

ATHCO’s mission goes beyond traditional play structures. Their work is about building inclusive environments that promote connection, confidence, and physical activity for children of all abilities. Whether they’re including sensory-rich features, accessible routes, or social play zones, their projects open the door for every child to participate.

Here are just a few standout examples of ATHCO’s work across Kansas:

Garrett Park – Shawnee, KS (Coming Soon)

Garrett Park is undergoing a major transformation, and at the heart of the project is an exciting new inclusive playground for ages 2–12, featuring the first-ever installation of the Volo Aire™ play tower in Kansas (or Missouri)!

The Volo Aire™ is a visually stunning, 27-foot-tall three-story tower packed with engaging events, views, and imaginative play.
It includes the LSI Flexx™ system, a revolutionary steel-reinforced net that provides an accessible path all the way to a 20-foot tunnel slide.
With its winding climb, open-air design, and thoughtfully integrated features, Volo Aire delivers both adventure and inclusion.

Learn more about the project here: City of Shawnee Parks Progress
Explore the Volo Aire in action: Volo Aire by Landscape Structures

Madison Avenue Central Park – Derby, KS

Located in the heart of Derby, this park combines recreation, gathering spaces, and accessible play features that serve the entire community. The inclusive playground is a popular spot where families of all backgrounds and abilities come together for outdoor fun.
Learn more: Madison Ave. Central Park

ARC Park – Hays, KS

The ARC Park in Hays sets the standard for accessible play in western Kansas. Designed with a wide range of sensory and physical needs in mind, this space ensures every child can enjoy the benefits of active outdoor play.
Learn more: ARC Accessible Playground – Hays

Why It Matters

Outdoor play is more than fun—it’s essential. It builds strength, boosts mental well-being, and fosters community connection. Through their innovative, inclusive playgrounds, ATHCO helps make outdoor spaces equitable and welcoming for every child. Learn more about ATHCO at https://athcollc.com/.

KRPA is proud to partner with organizations like ATHCO and Landscape Structures that are building a more inclusive future—one playground at a time.

Submit Your 2026 KRPA Conference Session Proposal by May 1st

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:11:11 GMT

It feels like we just wrapped up our 2025 Conference, but the KRPA energy keeps rolling—we’re already looking ahead to an incredible 2026 Conference and Trade Show in Topeka, January 27-29!

The Conference Planning Committee is on the lookout for fresh, relevant, and inspiring session ideas to ignite minds and elevate our field. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or have a new perspective to share, we want to hear from you!

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

Communications: Dealing with difficult customers, workplace culture, internal comms, marketing, etiquette
Finance: Budgeting 101
HR: Recruitment, training, retention, mentoring, mental health/burnout
Operations: Risk management, AI integration, green infrastructure, park accessibility
Advocacy: Addressing homelessness, program evaluation, priority setting

Session Proposal Forms are due by Thursday, May 1st! Don’t miss your chance to contribute to the future of parks and recreation in Kansas.

Download and complete the Educational Session Proposal form (PDF).
Please type your responses and ensure all sections are complete. Branch reps will reach out directly to selected speakers, and the KRPA office will handle any contractual needs for paid presenters.

We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!

⚾ KRPA Day at the K – Join the Fun and Rep Your Community!

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:36:04 GMT

KRPA Day at the K is heading your way on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and we want you in the stands at Kauffman Stadium—cheering loud and proud for Parks and Recreation!

This event is a chance for Parks and Rec supporters across Kansas to come together for a day of baseball, community spirit, and league pride. We’re encouraging everyone to wear their youth or adult league shirts or community gear to represent where they play, coach, and serve. Let’s fill the stadium with Parks and Rec power!

How Can Your Agency Get Involved?

We’re currently reaching out to sports managers, coordinators, and directors across the state to help us promote this special day. If your agency opts in to participate:

✅ Your agency name will be featured in a dropdown menu on our custom ticket link
✅ Your community members can select your agency when they purchase their tickets
✅ Agencies that help promote and sell 10+ tickets will win a special prize (stay tuned—details coming soon!)

This is an easy and fun way to engage your community, encourage team bonding, and support the impact of Parks and Recreation across Kansas.

Want In?

Just send an email to Amanda@krpa.org by Wednesday, April 9 and say, "We’re in!"
We’ll send you everything you need to help promote the day—from graphics to suggested social posts—so your leagues can gear up for an unforgettable day at The K.

Let’s come together to celebrate Parks and Recreation, community pride, and Kansas sports leagues all in one big day at the ballpark. We can’t wait to see you there!

Now Open: Two KRPA Scholarships for College Students – Apply by May 1st!

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:46:19 GMT

Now Open: Two KRPA Scholarships for College Students – Apply by May 1st!

KRPA is excited to announce that applications are now open for two academic scholarships! These scholarships support college students pursuing careers in parks and recreation, natural resources, outdoor education, sports management, and related fields.

1- KRPA Annual Academic Scholarship

Award Amount: $4,000
Eligibility: Juniors or seniors in Fall 2025 attending a Kansas university or college
Selection Criteria: Merit-based, considering academic performance, leadership, and commitment to the field
Apply here: www.krpa.org/Academic-Scholarship

2- Parks and Rec Pathway Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000
Eligibility: Incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors for Fall 2025-2026 at a Kansas college or university
Selection Criteria: Financial need-based, supporting students who face financial barriers to higher education
Apply here: www.krpa.org/pathway-academic-scholarship

Application Deadline: May 1, 2025

Help us spread the word! If you know college students passionate about a future in parks and recreation or students facing financial challenges, please encourage them to apply.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Erika Devore at erika@krpa.org.

Kansans for Conservation Coalition: Updates and Invitation to Day at the Capitol

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 17:14:57 GMT

Kansans for Conservation Coalition: Updates and Invitation to Day at the Capitol

Last week, the Kansans for Conservation (KFC) coalition convened during the Governor's Water Conference, where vital updates and discussions highlighted the progress and future plans for conservation efforts in Kansas.

The meeting brought together stakeholders from across the state to hear insights from Kansas Water Office Director Connie Owens, who shared recent changes to the Kansas Water Fund and explained upcoming adjustments to the budget process. These updates underscore the evolving approach to resource management, ensuring the Kansas Water Fund remains sustainable and impactful for years to come.

The coalition also received valuable updates from the KFC Communication Committee, which detailed their ongoing work to promote conservation priorities across Kansas. Additionally, the meeting featured a legislative update, focusing on changes in the state legislature following the recent election and their potential impact on conservation policies.

A highlight of the session was the presentation of preliminary findings from Kansas State University's new feasibility study, which explores innovative solutions to address Kansas’s most pressing water and resource challenges. The study promises to provide actionable insights that will help shape the state’s conservation strategies.

Join Us for KFC Day at the Capitol

As we look ahead, one of the most important opportunities for collaboration and advocacy is the upcoming KFC Day at the Capitol, scheduled for February 25, 2025. This event offers a unique chance to connect directly with legislators, showcase the importance of conservation, and advocate for policies that protect and enhance Kansas's natural resources.

To ensure we can plan effectively for this important day, we kindly ask you to RSVP by December 18, 2024. Your participation is vital to amplifying the collective voice of conservation in Kansas.

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/wj1qzgWyiB

Why Attend?

Connect with policymakers: Share the importance of conservation and its impact on Kansas communities.
Collaborate with peers: Network with like-minded individuals and organizations committed to preserving Kansas’s natural resources.
Stay informed: Gain firsthand insight into legislative priorities and opportunities to influence conservation policies.

We encourage all members and conservation advocates to mark their calendars and RSVP today. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a meaningful difference in shaping the future of conservation and outdoor recreation in Kansas.

We look forward to seeing you at the Capitol!

Upcoming Virtual Education Opportunities

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:32:26 GMT

KRPA is excited to collaborate again with the Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) to offer members access to new, enriching educational opportunities. These exclusive webinars will help keep members up-to-date on current trends and essential skills. Get ready to broaden your expertise and connect with leaders from across the industry! Details below.

Navigating Conflict: Conversations that Connect - Register Here
December 18, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
Difficult conversations, when not handled effectively, or not handled at all, comes with a significant cost. The cost to your business is time and productivity. The cost to relationships in the workplace is a breakdown in trust and engagement. Your organization can’t afford for this to happen. Empower your leaders with the mindset and skillset to engage in tough conversations more effectively. Transform conflict into collaboration and have your tough conversations with less stress and more success. This session will NOT be recorded so you will need to attend live to receive the CEU credit.

Turning the Power On In Empowerment - Register Here
January 9, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
Learning how to unlock your team’s potential through empowerment and distinct culture change from traditional government. Power and Empowerment are not just buzzwords of the day, but can be an effective leadership strategy to move your team into action. Consider registering for the second part of this topic on January 24.

Matrix: Dive into a Developmental Plan - Register Here
January 24, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
Description Coming Soon

Leadership in Action – Integrating Leadership, Equity, Accessibility and Diversity - Register Here
February 26, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
This session will go beyond the buzzwords to discuss L.E.A.D principles and how they can be integrated into any management style or organization. The focus of this interactive presentation will be practical implementation and understanding relevant challenges, opportunities and starting points.

Market your TR Program as a RT - Register Here
March 4, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUs
Use the skills you have right in your RT toolbox to help develop a comprehensive marketing plan for your Therapeutic Recreation program and better market yourself as an RT! In this session you will learn how to develop a comprehensive program plan to better market your TR program, develop a Therapeutic Recreation Goal Guide, and learn more about SEO and digital marketing along the way!

Swing Into Action: Join Us for the KRPA Golf Tournament!

Mon, 06 May 2024 15:11:40 GMT

Swing Into Action: Join Us for the KRPA Golf Tournament!

Join us for a swinging good time at the upcoming KRPA Golf Tournament, happening on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the picturesque Heritage Park Golf Course in Olathe, Kansas. Whether you're a novice or seasoned golfer, this event promises networking opportunities and plenty of fun for all. Open to both KRPA members and non-members, the tournament is not only a chance to showcase your skills on the green but also an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. Proceeds from the event will support the KRPA Scholarship Fund, ensuring access to educational opportunities for aspiring professionals in the field. Download the tournament brochure here.

Register today to secure your spot: $100 per person or $400 per team.

Click here to register your team.

Click here to register as an individual.

Registration includes:
- 18 holes of golf
- Range balls
- Golf cart
- 2 drink tickets
- Special event holes
- Longest drive (men/women)
- Closest to the pin (men/women)
- Longest putt (all)
- Catered lunch
- Swag bag

Check-in: 7:30 am, Shotgun start: 8:30 am

Let's tee off for a day of camaraderie and support!

WANT TO BE A SPONSOR? SPACE LIMITED!
Click here to sponsor.
$200 Hole Sponsorship includes:
- Signage on course
- Information placed on marketing materials
- Option to include swag to players

For questions, please email Cindy Lawrence at cindy.lawrence@jocogov.org.

Exclusive Leadership Consulting Opportunity for KRPA Members

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:03:28 GMT

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.

Time to Participate in KRPA's NCAA Tournament Grid Game

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 19:30:22 GMT

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

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:28:46 GMT

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

---

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 Awards (Branch, Distinguished and Hall of Fame) Now Available

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:08:23 GMT

Nomination Forms for All KRPA Awards
(Branch, Distinguished and Hall of Fame) Now Available

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.

️⛳ Swing into Action: Register for the Annual KRPA Golf Tournament!

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:18:07 GMT

Annual KRPA Golf Tournament

The 36^th 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

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 22:07:40 GMT

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.

AmazonSmile Instructions

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:35:04 GMT

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:

New Discussion Forum Contest

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:51:12 GMT

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!

Special Request from KRPA History Committee Chair

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 21:25:37 GMT

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

Meet the 2022 KRPA Board of Directors Candidates

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:59:00 GMT

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.

Park Serves as a Lasting and Loving Tribute for Fairway (Contributed by Landworks Studio)

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:07:05 GMT

Written and contributed by Cait Bieker of Landworks Studio
* A special thanks to Landworks Studio for their continued support of the KRPA Women's Leadership Summit.

In a small city in Kansas, there exists a street with no sidewalks. Trees overhang nearly every inch of the road and the majority of traffic consists of feet, paws, and stroller wheels. Behind and between the trees are picturesque homes varying in size and color, all quietly and peacefully watching pedestrians enjoy the safety and beauty that the shelter of their neighborhood provides.

On this same street exists a small park, no larger than the lots that the surrounding homes sit on. This park has grasses that are evergreen and flowers that burst into color in the spring and fade into comfortable beauty in the fall. A neat and winding path greets park visitors the moment they step into it - welcoming them to explore each of the many features that await within its boundaries. The path takes those that follow it past shaded benches and wooden swings, on a bridge over a trickling waterfall, under the shade of large oak trees, and wishes them a safe farewell on their way out, beckoning them to return again soon.

Families gather here and watch their youngest members happily play.

Couples find space to enjoy moments together in the open air.

Individuals sit and take in whispered serenity.

And this park, so precious to those that it serves, is the gift of a private donation.

Kathryn Lyon Flora Park in Fairway, Kansas was a gift welcomed by both the City and the community. Donated by Fairway residents Paul and Susie Lyon in honor of their late daughter, Kathryn (Kathy) Lyon Flora, this park served not only as a lasting and loving tribute, but filled several needs of the community as well.

Fairway is home to several thousand residents. Prior to the completion of Kathryn Lyon Flora (KLF) Park, the city had only a single park to serve those residents. Additionally, the lot that KLF would eventually come to exist on was privately owned and vacant. Having been cleared for the previous owner to build a home of their own that would not come to fruition, the lot sat empty and unused. As neighborhood residents, the Lyons had watched as families and children in the neighborhood walked along the street with no sidewalks, learned to ride bicycles, walked their pets, and recognized a solution. They decided to purchase the property in honor of their daughter for the benefit of the community that the family cared so deeply for.

Individual donations such as this are not very common and not without reason. Private donations, while well-intended, can be tricky for cities to navigate. Outside of the sticker shock that can sometimes accompany construction projects, donors may have a vision that doesn’t fit the community’s needs. They may have unusual or impractical demands that are challenging to comply with for a variety of purposes. This can lead to the project becoming an additional responsibility the City can’t afford or can’t maintain.

Despite the challenges, private donations are largely beneficial to donors and communities alike.

Private funds allow for opportunity and meaningfulness to be invited into a new space in a community. From the perspective of the City, these donations allow them to accomplish goals that they’ve previously not had the resources for or to begin a project earlier than anticipated.

For the residents, it creates a place for them to spend time and make new memories. And for donors, it provides a chance to honor their passion while adding a lasting value to their community.

(1st image- Landmark Studio's rendering of park, 2nd image-Actual image of completed park)

For a project to be considered successful, both the City and the donor will have needs and desired outcomes needing to be met. The navigation of needs and wants isn’t often so simple, but it can be simplified. Great communication is critical. Understanding the goals of each party and a clear breakdown of how funds will be used is a top priority early in the process.

Discussion of how involved the donor would like to be should also happen fairly early on - clear responsibilities and common understanding can ease confusion further into the project. Most importantly, both sides must agree on, and work towards, the same final outcome.

Kathryn Lyon Flora Park is a testament to what a successful, privately-funded project can be. It is a place that fills the needs of a community, wholly. Now, it will serve as a landmark and a haven for its patrons for years to come. The street still has no sidewalks, but there is satisfaction in knowing those that take it now have a destination.

Parks and Recreation Professional Shirts Now Available

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 18:25:00 GMT

"Parks and Recreation Professional" shirts are available to order for ONE WEEK! This is a very time sensitive opportunity, so don't wait! Order now!

KRPA has created a special shirt to show off your Parks and Recreation pride for Parks and Recreation Professional Day on July 15, 2022! The deadline to purchase is next Tuesday (June 14th) at 9am.

Visit the store to purchase your shirt or tank top to wear on July 15^th with all your parks and recreation friends. All proceeds from sales go directly to providing educational opportunities for KRPA members. Here are the details:

- The store will close on June 14^th at 9am to ensure that you receive your shirt in time for Parks and Recreation Pro Day.

- Shipping is a flat fee of $8.50, so we highly encourage you to get with your parks and recreation friends/colleagues to order together and save on shipping.

- KRPA will also place an order, so anyone who would like to save on shipping and pick up your shirt(s) at our Lawrence office is welcome to order through the KRPA website. This link will close on June 13th at 5pm, so we can place the order by the deadline. ** It is your responsibility to coordinate with the KRPA office about pick up, and payments must be received before pick up.**

Ribbon Cutting for Meriden's Fitness Court

Mon, 23 May 2022 17:51:24 GMT

KRPA was thrilled to join Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas on May 20, 2022 to celebrate the grand opening of the City of Meriden's Fitness Court. Their fitness court is specially designed for adults of all ages and abilities, fully accessible and home to premiere fitness classes and training programs. Meriden residents and any visitor can access workouts for every fitness level, challenges and training tools through the FREE Fitness Court App. Learn more about how you can bring a Fitness Court at https://nationalfitnesscampaign.com/kansas.

Thank you to WIBW for joining us for this celebration. Check out their story here: https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/20/meridens-new-fitness-court-hope-keep-residents-active/

August 19th: KRPA Golf Tournament at Quail Ridge Golf Course

Tue, 03 May 2022 14:09:30 GMT

Annual KRPA Golf Tournament

Join your fellow KRPA members and friends at the 2022 KRPA Golf Tournament. It will be held Friday, August 19th at Quail Ridge Golf Course in Winfield. This event is a perfect opportunity for socializing, networking and reconnecting with other KRPA members and vendors in a fun and safe setting. For questions regarding this year's golf tournament, please contact Candi Fox at candifox@winfieldrec.com.

Tournament Details:
· $60/golfer or $240/team
· Includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, carts fitted with GPS, two drink tickets, donuts, lunch and mulligans (beverages can be purchased in the clubhouse)
· 4 person scramble format
· Registration and Range opens at 8:00am
· Shotgun start at 9:00am
· Lunch will be ready after completion of your round
· Deadline to register is August 12, 2022.

Click Here for Registration Form

Upcoming KRPA Member Call on May 3rd at 3pm

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 20:10:28 GMT

As 2022 moves forward so do many projects and events that KRPA has been working on this year. KRPA staff and committee members are excited to share with you a plethora of exciting news from a new Recruitment Toolkit, upcoming KRPA events, and more. Join us on May 3rd at 3pm for a fun KRPA Family meeting. Zoom information below. Click here to add it to your calendar.

KRPA Member Call Zoom Information

Topic: Member Informational Call
Date: Tue 5/3/2022 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86073120890?pwd=cWpkSGxlZHp0YzhKZy9xSUtXU3YwZz09

Meeting ID: 860 7312 0890
Passcode: 103340
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        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) Meeting ID: 860 7312 0890
Passcode: 103340
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdbnMt1jtQ

Call for 2023 KRPA Conference Session Proposals

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 20:40:38 GMT

Do you have an idea for a great educational session for conference? Do you have a skill that you could share with your fellow members? Please take a minute to share it with KRPA by turning in your Educational Session Proposal form (pdf). This form must be filled out completely (typed only) for the session to be considered by the branch board. Branch representatives will contact speakers to confirm or decline session proposals. The KRPA Office will finalize all contractual arrangements with selected paid speakers. Session Proposal forms are due by May 2, 2022.

Click Here for Educational Session Proposal Form

Commercial companies MUST be a conference exhibitor at the $825 or higher to present a session at the conference. To become a conference exhibitor or corporate partner, please contact Jamie Reed.

Nominate for AAPRA's Legends of Parks and Recreation Program

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:37:31 GMT

In 1981, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration began the Legends of Parks and Recreation Program. The program creates and shares one-on-one video interviews of distinguished administrators, educators, citizen advocates and policymakers who have made outstanding contributions to the field of Parks and Recreation. They are seeking nominations to honor individuals for the 2022 Legends Program.

To nominate an individual, please consider the following criteria:

1. Experience (professional and/or volunteer related to the field of Parks and Recreation).

2. Explanation as to why this person is being nominated as a Legend (provide one or more of the following chief accomplishments):

i. Major project(s) completed.

ii. Instituted concept, idea, or support for same.

iii. Made advancements in outdoor recreation in their field.

iv. Significant positive changes for the betterment of parks and recreation through their leadership.

v. Applied research to the field of parks and recreation.

vi. Any other significant contributions.

Membership in the Academy is not required as a nominator or nominee. Return completed nomination form to Dan West and Leon Younger no later than June 4, 2022.

Legends Nomination - Nomination Form 2022.pdf

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Legends Chair, Dan West at danwest@broward.orgor Leon Younger, Legends Vice Chair at leon.younger@prosconsulting.com.

We want to hear your Park and Recreation Tall Tales!

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:12:58 GMT

Share your park and recreation stories with us! From 'I can't believe that just happened..." to "Only in park and recreation, would you hear..." we want to hear all your stories.

At the 2022 KRPA Conference in Manhattan a few weeks ago, we asked attendees to share their "Tall Tales" from parks and recreation. Here are some of our favorites:

- A gentleman stopped at the office to ask if there was a cabin available, because it was such a nice day and he and his secretary wanted to be at the lake, doing some "paperwork".......TMI!!!!

- I had a parent ask if we were doing something different with the ballfields because her son was getting way dirtier than he did the precious year. She asked us to clean it up. I simply said maybe he has improved and is playing more. "Hmm... you might be right," she replied.

- A mom wanted her son to play up a level in Rec basketball. Said he’s great shooter never ever misses jump shots. He was really young and didn’t meet this age requirement but we amused her and allowed him to test in our assessment night. Child did not do well that night. Then mom says “it’s so weird he’s not making these shots. He never misses on the hoops at Dave and busters!”

- My first year as Sports Director at Garden City Rec Commission I was at a youth soccer game. I was watching the kid in the goalie box dancing around. When the ball went to the other end, he turned and peed in the goalie box not wanting to leave the game. He was a country kid so no big deal to him. Only a few of us saw it.

To share your story, click here to fill out a short form. You may stay anonymous if you like. If you share your name with your story, it would be for us to follow-up for more details if needed.

Below you will find some prompts to get you started:

Tell us a story about dealing with/working with a coach - Sports
Tell us your story about a Mom that you had to deal with - ALL
Tell us the craziest thing that you have found in one of your parks - Parks
Tell us about an encounter with a domestic or wild animal – Parks/Park Law
Tell us some of the things that you have found in your pond/lake/pool – Aquatics/Rec
Tell us some of the best excuses you have heard for not working out - Wellness
Tell us about the craziest thing you have someone do in your fitness center - Wellness
Tell us about the worst entertainer/entertainment that you had at an event - Rec
What is the worst thing a patron has ever said to you/called you - ALL
What is the worst thing a resident has ever said to you/called you - ALL
Tell us about some of the graffiti you have cleaned/seen in your facility/park - Psark
Share your story about your most unusual rental group
Tell us the craziest thing that has happened at a council meeting - Admin
Tell us the craziest thing that a resident has asked in a council meeting - Admin
Tell us the craziest thing that has ever been stolen from your facility
Tell us the craziest, most bizarre reaction from a resident about a proposed project - Admin
Tell us your best “PITA” story - ALL
Tell us some of your best interview question answers – ALL
Tell us the story of a vendor and something that they wanted to sell in your farmer’s market, but obviously is not allowed
Tell us some of your senior complaints, we all know you have them
Tell us the worst mess that you, or your staff, has had to clean

10 Tips for a Successful Conference Experience

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 21:07:06 GMT

Before You Head to Manhattan

Be prepared. Make the most of your time and resources at the 2020 KRPA Conference and Trade Show by sitting down and formulating a plan first.

1) Download the conference app

The KRPA conference app contains all of the essential information that you will need while attending conference. It has the schedule, the speakers, the vendors, maps for the conference center, and more. You should have received an email inviting you to the app from Crowd Compass. If you did not, please click here to learn how to access the app. Don’t forget to allow push notifications from this app during your time at conference so you don't miss out on any important updates.

2) Review the schedule.

This one’s a no-brainer. Set a goal for what you’d like to learn at the conference, and use the schedule to devise a plan to meet your goal. Log-in and create a customized agenda within the conference app. Make sure to attend conference-wide events such as the keynote speakers. If you prefer a hard-copy, please remember to print the schedule-pdf before you arrive at conference.

Also, make sure you are registered on the KRPA website for the park tour, the Olympic, and Painting social.

3) Bring some extra cash

- Silent Auction Purchases. Don’t forget there will be a silent auction at the Trade Show and run via Facebook. Andy from Manhattan Parks and Recreation has done a great job gathering items for this year's silent auction. It will be full of items from vendors, apparel, gift cards, and more. You will find a treasure that you might want to take home, so be prepared.
- "Great Scotch" Spirit Pull. Bring your cash and your luck to the Branch Award Social. The conference planning committee will host the "Great Scotch" spirit pull at the Branch Award social on Wednesday, January 19th. The "Great Scotch" fundraiser is a blind draw where every ticket buyer wins. A variety of spirits are placed in individual bags so the labels can’t be seen. The spirits range from beer, wine, scotch and more. The wrapped bottles are numbered. Each person who buys a $20 Great Scotch ticket then selects a number that corresponds to a bag which could contain anything from a bottle of smooth Glenlivet Scotch or a case of Natty Light.
- Trade Show Raffle. The "Save the Scholarship Fund" fundraiser will be a raffle drawing for great prizes like the Oculus Quest 2, gifts cards, cash and more throughout the Trade Show. Purchase 10 tickets for $20 from a KRPA Board member or at the registration table. Participants then enter the raffle by placing their tickets in prize can of your choice placed through the Trade Show. Is it better to put all your tickets into one drawing, or distribute them over all the drawings? The choice is up to you. The winning ticket for each prize will be drawn at 2:30pm. Winners do not have to present at the time of drawing.

4) Watch the 80's Classic "Back to the Future"

Here's a special tip for this year's conference. Grab some popcorn and take a break before next Wednesday to watch "Back to the Future." Whether you grew up dreaming of riding a hoverboard or wonder "What's a DeLorean?", this movie is worth your watch!

5) Bring the right gear

· Pack enough business cards. Make sure you have some business cards handy to share with new contacts.

· Bring layers of clothes. Conference center rooms notoriously fluctuate in temperatures because of the location or number of session attendees, so dress in layers and you will be prepared for any situation

When You Arrive

6) Come to the registration desk

Don’t get stuck at the registration table and miss your first session. Visit Jamie Reed and her awesome volunteers early to pick up your nametag, your CEU form (if needed) and get any questions answered.

7) Divide and conquer

If you’re attending with coworkers, try and see as much as possible. Splitting up for sessions will maximize how much you’re able to learn and ensure that each of you has unique insights to take back to your company.

On your own? Discovering how your agency fits into the larger Kansas park and recreation field and how other agencies run, is an invaluable insight. A conference provides a unique opportunity to pick the brains of fellow members and agencies, which leads us to Tip #8.

8) Connect with fellow KRPA Members

Networking with other professionals in your field is a highlight of the KRPA conference and our association. Make time to connect with fellow members. Attend the branch social and meet people in your field of expertise. Exchange information--- when you have questions and need help later in the year, you’ll have the new connections to contact for support.

When you are home and waiting for the 2022 KRPA Conference in Overland Park

9) Gather your thoughts

All that information you gathered from sessions and new contacts from the conference and the trade show can quickly be forgotten if not organized right away. Write down your key takeaways. Enter new contacts into your address book. Fill out the KRPA post-conference survey which will be on the app and sent out via email.

10) Prepare to share your Ideas for future when you arrive home

Send follow-up notes and LinkedIn requests to your new contacts while the conference is still fresh in your mind. Include a personalized message to accompany your request on LinkedIn. Remember to make yourself memorable by reminding your new contact what you discussed.

Schedule a team meeting for the week or two after conference. Share the insights you gained at conference that are likely to be useful to your agency. Or, write an email to document the most valuable information. There’s no better place than a conference to take stock of the state of your agency and your profession.

We have the Winners of the 2021 Kansas Esports State Championship!

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 20:29:45 GMT

2021 Kansas Esports State Championship Winners Announced

After two tournament days, we have the winners of the inaugural Kansas Esports State Championship. Competition was held for 4 games: Rocket League, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Fortnite and Super Smash Brothers.

Participants from 6 agencies across Kansas competed on October 22-23, 2021 virtually to be crowned the winner. Join us in congratulating Logan of Lenexa Parks and Recreation as the Mario Kart champion, Anthony of Lenexa Parks and Recreation as the Super Smash Brother champion, Luke of Maize Recreation Commission as the Fortnite champion, and Anthony & Andrew of Lenexa Parks and Recreation as the Rocket League 2v2 champions.

Special thanks to all our participants and the KRPA esports committee for bringing this tournament to fruition. KRPA partnered with Mission Control to host this state tournament. We look forward to holding another esports tournament next year. More information to come.

This Won’t be the Off Season We Were Hoping For {Sponsored Post}

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:07:59 GMT

This Won’t be the Off Season We Were Hoping For
Sponsored Post by Kathy Stanley, Commercial Aquatic Services

As one of the most challenging pool seasons we’ve experienced comes to an end, our initial reaction was one of relief. And before the sigh could escape, more hits have started coming.

We received notification from one of the chemical companies that prices will be increasing 15% – 30% in the coming weeks. We’re seeing equipment prices increasing by 10% – 50%. This, after watching the prices climb all year, across every product line.

These increases are due to escalating costs of raw materials, freight problems, packaging components, labor shortages, increased labor costs, and most recently – Hurricane Ida. All of these factors have created the ‘Perfect Storm’ if you will, with no end in sight. We’re still suffering the devastating effects of the Winter Storm Uri that brought severe destruction to much of the southern states. All available inventory was snatched up for repairs of the facilities, that were not prepared for the freezing temperatures they had to endure for days on end.

The resin industry initially was struggling from COVID-19, when Winter Storm Uri hit, and the latest hurdle now being Hurricane Ida. These resins are needed for plastic processors across the country. Without the necessary supply, factories are unable to manufacture injection molded parts. The already short supply, coupled with the high demand, has our industry feeling the pain in every nook and cranny.

The chemical supply chains are suffering as well. This goes beyond the chlorine production plant fire in 2020. We all thought if we could just get through 2021 summer season manufacturing would be able to catch back up again. But these supply problems are so closely intertwined. Without the molded plastics, we don’t have buckets, or jugs, or drums to hold the chemicals. With the rail damage from the hurricane, we don’t have a way to ship product out. If we can’t get the ingredients, we can’t manufacturer the products. The plants had to shut down for the hurricane, if they suffered damage in the storm, the damages have to be repaired – but where will the parts come from? This vicious circle is exhausting.

This post isn’t to cause panic for our industry, but rather an awareness. And through that awareness, maybe, just maybe, bring more preparedness. Budgets will have to be adjusted, prices will need to increase for everyone, and it’s up to us to communicate this information as early, and as frequently as necessary to make sure that everyone understands what we’re facing.

The 4 Recreational Trends Hitting the Region {Sponsored Post}

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 15:44:51 GMT

The 4 Recreational Trends Hitting the Region
Sponsored Post by: Landworks Studio, 2021 KRPA Women's Leadership Summit Sponsor

As we’ve created city-wide parks and recreation master plans over the last few years, we’ve noticed a series of recreational trends. No matter the size of the community these items are highly valued by residents in all areas. In fact, over the last year, the cities of Andover, Kansas; Joplin, Missouri; and Smithville, Missouri all shared similar wants and needs when it came to planning for parks and recreation.

The four primary trends we identified included:

A greater demand for more biking and walking trails. Prior to the pandemic, trails were gaining traction in local communities. However, with more people moving outside, their usage has continued to rise. Trails are important connectors, linking people to destinations, one another, and nature.
The increased popularity of adult fitness and wellness programs. With an active and growing senior population, cities are looking beyond typical playground equipment and adding amenities for all ages, like outdoor stationary bikes and step/climbers, as well as challenge courses.
The usage of parks and recreational assets as economic development drivers. Cities in the area are leveraging park assets to attract new businesses and residences. Meadowbrook Park is an excellent case study in how a public and private partnership can benefit the entire area.

A shift toward more holistic parks and recreation master plans. Instead of focusing on individual facilities, cities are using a larger scale, strategic approach. This is beneficial, because it considers all aspects of a community and its population in the broadest sense to determine needs and solve problems. The plans provide short-term goals, which can demonstrate immediate commitment to a community, while creating a path forward to reach targets further along the horizon.

While these four items were popular in the region, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) identified a few other trends. The first is a focus on health and health equity. Technology is another, as parks and recreation departments determine how to not only make facilities more technologically advanced, but also better utilize the data they collect. Navigating climate change and creating virtual programming are other concerns.

One timely trend is the integration of Insta-worthy parks. In an effort to further increase facility usage, NRPA reports that many cities are incorporating photo opportunities. This tactic provides natural, grassroots promotion, as residents and visitors share their experiences online.

In addition to these trends, parks and recreation facilities saw a surge in usage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing practices created an increased need for outdoor spaces and recreational activities. In fact, not only did some city parks experience 50 percent¹ more visitors than previous years, but there was also a record-breaking number of bicycle sales in the year 2020. The number of leisure bike sales skyrocketed 121 percent compared to 2019². This increased need for outdoor space and recreational activities influenced trends in Andover, Smithville, and Joplin. After going through the master planning process with all three communities, it was clear the parks and recreation departments were attempting to keep up with the change in demand. They looked to our studio to help them do it.

To learn more about our master planning process or how to incorporate these trends, contact our team at www.landworksstudio.com.

¹ WHYY, PBS, NPR – Philly Parks Dept: City parks saw 50% more visitors in 2020, December 26, 2020
² New York Times- Thinking of Buying a Bike? Get Ready for a Very Long Wait, May 18, 2020

Meadowbrook Park, Prairie Village, KS - This park was master planned and designed by Landworks Studio, once built, it acted as the catalyst for the adjacent residential and commercial development. (Images by: Landworks Studio)

National Park & Recreation Marketing Video Campaign

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 12:51:34 GMT

Colorado Park & Recreation Association (CPRA) is leading the way for a national recruitment videos for parks and recreation across the nation. You are invited (and KRPA highly encourages you) to participate in this fun and important opportunity.

KRPA Recruitment Committee has been working hard to put together a Recruitment Toolkit to roll out in January 2022 to aid KRPA member agencies in recruiting employees and promoting the profession across the state. This national video and possibly a local Kansas video will be available as part of this toolkit.

CPRA has teamed with Gametime to produce this recruitment video. NRPA has also come along side to support this effort.

How can you participate and help?
CPRA and KRPA need short video vignettes of P&R professionals from seasonal to full-time and everywhere in between! We want to highlight the reality of the industry from your point of view. We hope to use these testimonials to show job seekers why a career in P&R is a viable and sustainable path with a variety of opportunities available. Tell them why you chose Parks & Rec!

PR Marketing Video Submission Instructions.pdf

What could your submissions include?

- Short video interview under 30 seconds (Ideally close to 10 seconds of solid testimonial)
- B-Roll: A wide variety of different shots that illustrate the story and interview audio
- Slow pans with slight movement showing the surroundings of your position
Ex: The view of the pool from a Lifeguard stand or underwater footage with a GoPro
- Dynamic action shots with different angles
Ex: Instructors giving programming classes with unique viewpoints
- Whatever else you imagine when describing how much you love your job!
Ex: Staff laughing together; connecting with your community, etc.

Content Requirements:
-All contributors must choose a Category and a Prompt to work from! (Only 1 each per submission!)
- Categories:
Aquatics and Lifeguards
Customer Service and Facilities
Parks
Trails and Open Space
Programming (Summer Camps, TR, Youth, Athletics, etc.)
- Prompts:
“I love my job because…”-“I choose P&R as a career because…”
“A career in P&R means…”-“P&R provides me with…”
“I stay in P&R because…”-“Every day I get to…”
“Over the past _ years, I’ve gotten to…”

Formatting Requirements:
- 16 x 9 horizontal shots
- 1080p (Standard 1920 x 1080)
Can find in video settings on most phones or recording devices
4k is fine, but no smaller than 1080p will be accepted
- Audio:
Shoot in a quiet location
Separate mics are ideal when possible
The closer to the mic the better!

Recording Requirements & Tips:
Frame:
1/3 Rule: Have subject on 1/3 of the camera view
Interviewers:
Start recording a few seconds before your subject starts speaking
- This will ensure that you capture the entire story
Place interviewer off to the opposite side from subject, so subject is looking diagonally across the screen
-Even if no interviewer is present, pretend there is!

Subjects:
- Wear agency t-shirt/uniform or other logoed clothing items if possible
- Start with your name, agency, title, and how many years you’ve been in the field
- Restate your chosen prompt to begin your story
Ex: “I love my job because…” then continue with your quick, personal story
- Do NOT look directly into the camera
- Speak to an (imaginary or real) interviewer off to the opposite side of the camera
- Keep the sun to the side (ideal) or in front of you!
- Keep content quick and to the point, and stay enthusiastic!

Sending in Submissions:
- Please submit all content to amanda@krpa.org.
- All Submissions are due by September 8th, 2021!o

In your submission be sure to tell us the name of your employer, city, and state!
• Include name of subject and their agency in file descriptions

Submit a Release Form with all content
- A Release Form is required to be signed and submitted by every video subject
If the subject is under 18, their parent(s)/guardian(s) MUST sign the release!

Other Details:

We cannot guarantee that a submission will be used in any of the videos in this campaign, but we truly appreciate your contribution! We hope to create a library of content to be available to YOU and your peers nationally for any further projects or marketing that would benefit from these collected stories. Thank you for your contribution to this resource and for helping us share the good word about the industry we all love!

Timeline:
- Submissions due by September 8th
- Campaign rolls out in January 2022!

Esports State Championship Information Call on August 5, 2021

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:13:41 GMT

KRPA is thrilled to announce a partnership with Mission Control and to host the first ever Kansas Recreational Esports Championship. This state-wide tournament will be an opportunity for your community to compete against other communities for the chance to be crowned champion.

We'll host an educational webinar led by Mission Control on August 5th at 2pm. The webinar will address the basics of esports, the esports event and answer your questions regarding it all. Call link information is below. We look forward to seeing your town start esports and compete for the championship!

Does my agency have to use Mission Control to run our esports qualifiers?

No, you do not have to use Mission Control to run your qualifiers. There are many ways to run your qualifying tournaments or leagues, and they will be discussed at the webinar.

How do I stay connected with other communities participating in this new opportunity?

KRPA has started a discussion thread in the Locker Room. Click here and let us know if you are coming to one of the webinar to learn more about this first-ever esports state championship.

Have questions?

If you have immediate questions, please contact Jamie Reed at jamie@krpa.org. A big thank you to the KRPA Esports Committee for their hard-work on this championship.
Committee Members:
Jimmy Kegin, Eudora Parks and Recreation
Jeremy Reimer, Lenexa Parks and Recreation
Jaima Nicholson, Maize Recreation Commission
Andrea Kelly, Maize Recreation Commission
Trent Buchman, Blue Valley Recreation Commission

Topic: Esports Education

Time: Aug 5, 2021 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 875 7468 8029

Passcode: 641403

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KRPA Partners with Safe Sitter® To Offer Life & Safety Training for Young Teens

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:37:31 GMT

Safe Sitter, Inc. is now offering a special opportunity to KRPA members: become a Safe Sitter® Registered Provider and offer licensed babysitting training courses at a significantly reduced cost.

For a limited time, KRPA members can apply to become a Safe Sitter® Registered Provider and avoid paying the $699 registration fee. Each member agency approved for the program will pay a discounted registration fee of $399, which includes a Game Pack, Graphics Pack, online Instructor training for one Instructor, marketing resources, and program support. Additional Instructors can be trained for $85 per person.

Ongoing costs are minimal: every student in a Safe Sitter® class must have a Student Handbook ($18) which includes a Completion Card. Registered Providers order Handbooks from Safe Sitter, Inc. National Headquarters and then set and collect their own fees for their classes.

Safe Sitter® courses prepare young teens with the life and safety skills they need when they are home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. All courses are Instructor-led and filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students learn:

· Safety Skills: Students learn how to prevent unsafe situations and what to do when faced with dangers such as power failures or weather emergencies.

· Child Care Skills: Students learn tips to manage behavior that will help them stay in control of themselves and the children in their care. Students also learn the ages and stages of child development, as well as practice diapering.

· First Aid & Rescue Skills: Learning skills such as choking rescue and CPR is often students’ favorite part of the class. Students also learn a system to help them assess and respond to injuries and illnesses.

· Life & Business Skills: The ability to screen jobs, discuss fees, and greet employers will set students up for success now and in the future. Students practice these skills through various role plays.

Safe Sitter, Inc., a nonprofit organization, has over 900 Registered Providers across the country. The program was created by nationally-recognized pediatrician Dr. Patricia Keener in 1980 with the goal of partnering with organizations to have their own Instructors trained to teach the program.

KRPA member agencies interested in applying to be a Safe Sitter® training site should contact Amanda Christian at Safe Sitter, Inc. (317.596.5001 x802 or achristian@safesitter.org). The link to the application is https://safesitterinc-abkbr.formstack.com/forms/new_site_application. Additional information about Safe Sitter® can be found at www.safesitter.org.

Upcoming KRPA Golf and Cornhole Tournaments on Aug 13th

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 13:44:47 GMT

Food, Fellowship, And Friendly Competition

Are you ready for some friendly competition? Join us for the 2021 KRPA Golf Tournament on August 13th at 9:00am. This will be a fun, 4-person scramble and includes lunch and (2) drink tickets and is hosted by Emporia Recreation Commission. Registration closes on July 30, 2021.

Click Here for Individual Registration

Click Here for Team Registration

August 13^th, 9:00am
Emporia Golf Course
1133 S Highway 99
Emporia, KS 66801

$65 per person

Not a golfer but want to enjoy the fun? Come join us on the course for a relaxing day in Emporia at the KRPA Cornhole tournament. Tournament starts at 10:30am on August 13th and includes lunch and (2) drink tickets.

August 13th, 10:30am
Emporia Golf Course
1133 S Highway 99
Emporia, KS 66801

$25 per person

Governor Kelly Proclaims July 16, 2021 Park and Recreation Professional Day

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 15:27:31 GMT

On July 1^st, 2021, Governor Kelly signed a proclamation celebrating Parks and Recreation professionals in Kansas. By signing the proclamation, July 16, 2021 is officially “Park and Recreation Professional Day” in Kansas. Park and Recreation Professional Day honors the men and women who work tirelessly throughout the state to provide the parks and recreation programs and facilities that Kansans enjoy every day.

The services that park and recreation professionals provide are vital for our communities — from protecting open space and natural resources, to providing fitness programs, and, recently, providing essential services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic — Parks and Recreation Professionals Day encourages everyone to reflect on the exponential value park and recreation professionals bring to communities and thank them.

“We are extremely proud of all parks and recreation professionals in Kansas. During the pandemic, these professionals came together and safely provided services for all of Kansas. They were leaders across the state to provide guidelines on safety and meet the unique needs of their communities that arose the last 18 months. Their hard work, ingenuity, and essential services will continue to enrich Kansas long after this pandemic is over,” said Erika Devore, Executive Director of Kansas Park and Recreation Association. Click here to view the proclamation for Kansas Park and Recreation Professional Day.

Along with Park and Recreation Professional Day, America celebrates Parks and Recreation Month throughout July. Created by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Park and Recreation Month specifically highlights the vital and powerful role of local park and recreation professionals. Local Parks and Recreation agencies are celebrating throughout the state.

KRPA News Member Call June 16, 2021 Video Available

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 13:35:30 GMT

Did you miss the KRPA News Member Call on June 16th? Don't worry! Grab your lunch or take a quick break and watch this short 30-minute video about all the latest KRPA News. Many KRPA projects were put on hold last year due to the pandemic, but now we are turning the page and moving forward.

Featured Explore More Community: Garden City

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 14:34:15 GMT

Garden City Parks and Recreation

Adventures in Garden City await you this summer. Garden City Parks and Recreation is participating in both the Splash Across Kansas and the Par Across Kansas program. Plan your visit around local events, make a splash at Garden Rapids at the Big Pool and play a round of golf at Buffalo Dune golf course. You are sure to enjoy the facilities that Garden City has to offer.

Garden Rapids at the Big Pool is Garden City's destination water park.. Garden City's Big Pool has been well-know as the largest hand-dug public pool in the world since it was built in 1921. But, it doesn't look like it did in 1921 anymore. After major construction on the facility, it is now known as Garden Rapids.

Garden Rapids Fun Facts:
-The slides at Garden Rapids are called Snake Springs.
- Depending your weight and speed, users are launched about 10 feet in the air after sliding down the Fly High Slides.
- It is the only municipally owned facility in the U.S. to have the Slip Stream stand up slide.
- It is the only pool in the region to have Fly High Slides.

Don’t forget to purchase your Splash Across Kansas coupon book for your 2 admissions to this amazing, new aquatic park.

Buffalo Dunes Golf Course in Garden City, KS. was ranked as the No. 1 municipally owned golf course in Kansas by Golf Digest magazine, and they were recognized by Golf Magazine and Travel & Leisure Magazine as places to play and best bangs for the buck. Challenging, enjoyable and affordable, Buffalo Dunes will give you a little bit of Scottish feel, as it is nestled among the historic sand hills six miles south of Garden City. Southwest Kansas offers a 4-season climate, and golf can be played throughout the year, weather permitting.

Beautifully conditioned, the Dunes has bluegrass fairways, well-maintained bentgrass greens and native grasses that challenge the golfer and provide a memorable experience. Purchase your Par Across Kansas coupon book for discounts to Buffalo Dunes and 8 other courses.

Here is a great resource to help plan your trip is www.visitgck.com. It has a complete list of upcoming events, hotels, and great places to eat for your visit.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas coupon book yet to get your 2 admissions to Garden Rapids + 11 other aquatic parks across Kansas or your Par Across Kansas coupon book? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

KRPA News: Member Update Call from June 16, 2021

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 14:28:36 GMT

KRPA has so many projects underway for 2021 and 2022. We held a short member call on June 16th to update the KRPA Family. If you missed it, click here to watch a recording of the call. It's an easy 30 minute video to watch over your lunch break. If you have any questions about what was discussed, please do not hesitate to reach out to the KRPA office.

Regional and State Peer Learning Cohort and Grant for Cities Connecting Children to Nature

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:16:58 GMT

Cities Connecting Children to Nature, a partnership of the Children & Nature Network and the National League of Cities, invites organizations to participate in a CCCN Regional, State Nature Connection cohort to build capacity for building a network of cities collectively increase equitable access to high quality outdoor experiences and nature-based learning for children.

This two-year peer learning and technical assistance engagement will build the capacity of participating organizations to support cities in advancing equitable nature connection strategies. Applications are due July 1^st.

Visit the CCCN Regional, State Nature Connection RFA to learn more. You may also reach out to Monica Lopez Magee, monica@childrenandnature.org with any additional questions.

Fill out SCORP Survey Today!

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:37:44 GMT

Interested in helping to prioritize outdoor recreation projects and strategies in Kansas? Simply fill out this short survey, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TH96Q2S, to give feedback on your use of outdoor recreation in 2019.

This Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) survey results will influence where federal and state funds for outdoor recreation are distributed.

OUTDOOR RECREATION refers to any form of outdoor activity pursued during your leisure time that provides personal enjoyment and satisfaction, including activities like camping, hunting, jogging, fishing, hiking, picnicking, playing outdoor sports (e.g., golf, soccer), etc.

#krpa #scorp #outdoorrecreation

Registration Opens for KRPA Golf and Cornhole Tournaments

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 12:40:58 GMT

KRPA Golf and Cornhole Tournament

Join us for the 2021 KRPA Golf Tournament on August 13th at 9:00am. This will be a fun, 4-person scramble and includes lunch and (2) drink tickets and is hosted by Emporia Recreation Commission. Registration closes on July 30, 2021.

August 13^th, 9:00am
Emporia Golf Course
1133 S Highway 99
Emporia, KS 66801

$65 per person

Not a golfer but want to enjoy the fun? Come join us on the course for a fun day in Emporia at the KRPA Cornhole tournament. Tournament starts at 10:30am on August 13th and includes lunch and (2) drink tickets.

August 13th, 10:30am
Emporia Golf Course
1133 S Highway 99
Emporia, KS 66801

$25 per person

Thank you, Emporia Rec, for graciously hosting these 2 events!

Splash Across Kansas Featured Agency: Wichita Park & Recreation

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 20:31:31 GMT

McAfee Pool- Wichita Park & Recreation

Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas. A stay-cation is a Wichita is a must. Plan to visit Wichita's newly renovated McAfee Pool located in McAdams Park. Add McAfee Pool to your summer bucket list. Don’t forget to purchase your Splash Across Kansas card for your visit to McAfee Pool + 11 other aquatic parks across Kansas. Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

Plan your visit to McAfee around other events going on in Wichita. Consider splashing the day away and then attending Floatin' on the River (Sunset Tour, Sunrise Tour, Senior Tour and Glow Tour (www.wichita.gov/riverrecreation), Playing in the Park on June 12 at Naftzger (https://www.facebook.com/events/235879698289554), or Wichita Festival of the Arts on June 19 at Central Riverside (https://www.facebook.com/events/5597904486949532/?ref=newsfeed.) Click here for a complete list of Wichita Park and Recreation’s summer events.

Feature Agency: Dodge City Parks and Recreation

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 16:25:19 GMT

Dodge City Parks and Recreation

Don't forget to include a stop in Dodge City, the "Queen of Cowtowns", in your summer plans. Dodge City is rich in history and long on fun. Dodge City Parks and Recreation is participating in both the Splash Across Kansas and Par Across Kansas program. Plan your visit around local events and make a splash and play the course. Or, you could send part of the family to the aquatic park and others to hit the golf course. Either way, you are sure to enjoy the facilities that Dodge City has to offer.

Long Branch Lagoon is Dodge City's destination water park. It is a western themed water park featuring over 27,000 square feet of water surface full of fun and exciting family aquatic adventures. Positioned in Wright Park and the downtown Heritage District, Long Branch Lagoon is close to the famed Boot Hill Museum, historic downtown and the Santa Fe Depot. Don’t forget to purchase your Splash Across Kansas coupon book for your 2 admissions to this fun aquatic park.

Western Kansas is home to some exceptional golf courses and Mariah Hills is surely in that group. From the bright and spacious clubhouse to the professionally manicured course, Mariah Hills is a little-known treasure. Set against the native beauty of the high plains, rolling blue grass fairways and manicured greens, bordered by tall native roughs create a truly fun course to play! The par 71 layout requires a player to hit most every club in the bag. So for an enjoyable round of golf on a championship caliber course, plan your next golf outing at Mariah Hills. Purchase your Par Across Kansas coupon book for discounts to Mariah Hill and 8 other courses.

Here is a great resource to help plan your trip to Dodge City: Visit Dodge City. It has a complete list of upcoming events and great places to eat for your visit.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas coupon book yet to get your 2 admissions to Long Branch Lagoon + 11 other aquatic parks across Kansas or your Par Across Kansas coupon book? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

Featured Explore More Community: Hutchinson, KS

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 15:47:28 GMT

Visit Hutchinson

Hutchinson is located in the Kansas prairie and an easy drive from anywhere in the state. Plan a stay-cation in Hutch by making a splash at Salt City Splash or hit the greens at Carey Park Golf Course. Hutchinson Recreation Commission is participating in Splash Across Kansas, and the City of Hutchinson is participating in the Par Across Kansas program.

Plan your visit around local events and attractions. Visit the Cosmosphere, Dillons Nature Center or catch a NBC World Series baseball game between August 4-8. Find out about upcoming events and places to eat at Visit Hutch.

Salt City Splash has many amazing features:

Tiny Tot Pool: The first is a tiny tot pool that has zero-depth entry and extends to nine inches deep in the center. This pool is for children 7 years old and younger and their parents. The pool includes a slide shaped as a crab and playful sprays and fountains. Attached is a small playground area on land.
Shallow/Splash Pool: The second body of water is a shallow water play pool that has zero-depth entry and extends to three-and-a-half feet at its deepest point. It includes two floating toy/play features. It also has a slide shaped like an octopus. This pool features an interactive attraction with sprays and fountains that patrons can control with accessible valves.

Catch Pool/Slides: The third pool is a catch pool that is three-and-a-half feet deep. Patrons land in this body of water when going down one of the two large slides. The pool features two slides – a blue, 141-foot open flume slide and a yellow, 89-foot enclosed tube slide.
50-Meter Pool: The largest body of water is a 50-meter pool. This pool includes two basketball goals, a red drop slide, two diving boards (1-meter and 3-meter), and two large floating toys. It also features two lap lanes exclusively for adults who want to exercise and swim laps.

There is fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to purchase your Splash Across Kansas coupon book for your 2 admissions to this fun aquatic park.

City of Hutchinson has gracious participated in the Par Across Kansas program. Carey Park Golf Course is an 18 hole golf course with over 6500 yards of beautifully manicured grounds in one of the best municipal courses in Kansas. Purchase your Par Across Kansas coupon book for a special discount to Carey Park.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas coupon book yet to get your 2 admissions to Salt City Splash + 11 other aquatic parks across Kansas or your Par Across Kansas coupon book? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

Using AmazonSmile Through App

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 14:09:56 GMT

AmazonSmile in App

Did you know that you can support KRPA Scholarship Association when using the Amazon Shopping app on your phone by signing up for AmazonSmile. You will make a difference while you shop at no extra cost to you! Simply follow the instructions below to select Kansas Recreation & Park Scholarship Association as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app.

Here's how it works:

1. Open the Amazon app on your phone

2. Select the main menu & tap on AmazonSmile within Programs & Features

3. Select "Kansas Recreation & Park Scholarship Assocation" as your charity

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in your mobile app

Easy as pie!

Explore More Featured Agency: Shawnee County Park + Recreation

Thu, 27 May 2021 16:48:31 GMT

Shawnee County Parks + Recreation

Topeka has so much to offer for a fun day trip or a stay-cation from the recently renovated Kansas Statehouse to the Spirit of Kansas firework show on July 4th. Shawnee County Parks + Recreation is participating in both the Splash Across Kansas and Par Across Kansas program. Plan your visit around local events and make a splash and play the course. Or, you could send part of the family to the aquatic park and others to hit the golf course. Either way, you are sure to enjoy the facilities that SCP+R have to offer.

Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center is the more popular of Shawnee County Parks + Recreation aquatic centers. Nestled in a wooded setting, it features three separate pools and a very popular Lazy River. Take the youngsters to the separate children's areas, tackle the water slides or float the Lazy River. There is fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to purchase your Splash Across Kansas coupon book for your 2 admissions to this fun aquatic park.

Shawnee County Parks + Recreation has also gracious participated in the Par Across Kansas program with not just one of their golf courses but THREE COURSES. With your purchase of a Par Across Kansas coupon book, you will receive 25% off of green fees* at Lake Shawnee, Forbes and Cypress Ridge Golf Course. Purchase your Par Across Kansas coupon book for discounts to all 3 courses.

Here are some resources to help plan your trip to Topeka: Visit Topeka has a complete list of upcoming events and great places to eat for your trip to Topeka, and check out all the fun events that SCP+R have to offer this summer by clicking here.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas coupon book yet to get your 2 admissions to Shawnee North Aquatic Center + 11 other aquatic parks across Kansas or your Par Across Kansas coupon book? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

*Restrictions: One-time use card, can be used for an entire group (1-5 golfers), not valid for tournaments or special events

Splash Across Kansas Featured Agency: Derby Recreation Commission

Mon, 24 May 2021 16:42:07 GMT

Rock River Rapids- Derby

As the largest suburb of Wichita, Derby is an easy mini vacation for anyone in Kansas. Derby’s Rock River Rapids is a must for your summer bucket list. Don’t forget to purchase your Splash Across Kansas card for your visit to Derby’s awesome aquatic park.

Rock River Rapids is a full service aquatic park with concessions, lockers, a bathhouse and gift counter. There are numerous areas at the park liberally equipped with lounge chairs for relaxing. Take a raft ride with a friend or kick up with a ride down one of the slides! Derby Recreation Commission has added a New GREEEN SLIDE this year. (See photo below.) The park also has a lap pool, a lazy river and a zero depth pool for the younger visitors.

Plan your visit to Rock River Rapids around other events going on in Derby. Consider splashing the day away and then attending the 10th Annual Smoke on the Plains: Derby BBQ and Music Fest which runs June 10th-12th. The BBQ and Music Fest is free for the entire family. Proceeds from the event benefit the McConnell AFB Airman and Family Readiness Center. Click here for a complete list of Derby Recreation Commission’s summer events.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas card yet to get your 2 admissions to Rock River Rapids + 11 other aquatic parks across Kansas? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

Splash Across Kansas Featured Agency: Hays Recreation Commission

Mon, 24 May 2021 16:35:53 GMT

Hays Aquatic Park

Sitting right off of I-70, Hays is a great day trip or excursion stop on your vacation drive. Hays Aquatic Park is a great place to adventure and let off some energy. Don’t forget to purchase your Splash Across Kansas card for your visit to Hay’s fun aquatic park.

Hays Aquatic Park is complete with two very challenging slides and a lazy river. It also contains leisure and competition pools with diving boards, concessions, shaded lounging stations and a splash pool for young swimmers.

Plan your visit to Hays Aquatic Park around other events going on in Hays. Consider visiting the latest exhibits at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Visit Hays has a complete list of upcoming events and great places to eat for your trip to Hays.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas card yet to get your 2 admissions to Hays Aquatic Center + 16 other aquatic parks across Kansas? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

Upcoming Member Call (June 1, 2021): Recreation Commission Budget

Thu, 20 May 2021 16:06:49 GMT

During the recent KRPA Recreation Commission Summit, participants learned that during the 2021 legislative session, the tax lid was removed and the legislature enacted SB 13 and HB 2104. Has SB 13 raised questions for you about creating next year's budget? Or, do you have general budget questions? Join us with a panel of Recreation Commission professionals to answer your questions on June 1st at 2pm. Send your budget questions to Jamie Reed at jamie@krpa.org by May 26, 2021.

Member Call Information

Topic: Recreation Commission Budget Q&A

Time: Jun 1, 2021 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

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Making a Splash: The Gough Family Experience

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:26:32 GMT

Making a SPLASH

By Katie Gough

Our family loves exploring Kansas, and we love a good challenge. In 2017, we dedicated our summer to visiting all the city parks in Wichita (over 100!) and we are currently on a quest to visit a park in every county in Kansas. When our adventurous boys and I heard about the Splash Across Kansas program, we were so excited. The economics of it appealed to the adults, I mean, two admissions to so many waterparks for only $40?!

We did make it to all the participating aquatic facilities. From Liberal to the Kansas City metro area, we traversed the state seeking adventures.

While we had fun at all of the water parks, we did have our favorites. Important to us were not only the features of the park, but our interactions with the staff, tidiness of the parks and layout as well. Most customers look at the big items (like slides), but the details are important as well: shade options for both swimmers and watchers, sidewalk sprayers and availability of rafts were big factors in making our visits a success.

Here are our five favorite water parks:

· Salt City Splash – Hutchinson: The zero-depth entry pool included neat, low chairs set in the water for parents to while watching their kids play in the splash area. There were two large twisty slides and an Olympic-sized pool with diving boards, drop slide and floating animals.

· Rock River Rapids – Derby: The facility is top-notch and had all of the features the kids were looking for: thrilling slides, cool splash area, regular swimming pool with floating animals and a lazy river. The staff are sticklers for the rules, which definitely makes you feel safe!

· City Park Waterpark – Manhattan: This was a unique park with two features we didn’t see at the other parks: the aquabubble (bubble slide) and the stingray (surfing area). They also had a lazy river and twisty slides. We almost couldn’t get the kids to leave!

· Long Branch Lagoon – Dodge City: We visited this waterpark last summer as well, and both times the staff at this park were amazing. The lazy river is an adventure, and the slides are awesome.
· Midwest Health Aquatic Center – Topeka: The bowtie-shaped wave pool was where we spent most of our visit, but they had great slides and a super kids area as well.

One note of caution while planning your adventures. The program went until Labor Day, but not all pools are open that long. We were planning on concluding our adventures at College Hill Pool in Wichita (since we finished our Wichita city park adventure there), but they closed the week after school started.

Another note when planning: find out when the break times are for swimming. We showed up at a pool thinking we had over an hour of swim time right as a twenty-minute break was beginning. It was very interesting to see the different break structures and lifeguard management at each pool.

All in all, we would do this adventure again next year. We are so glad the Splash Across Kansas program prompted us to adventure out to discover water parks we didn’t know about.

KDHE Free COVID-19 Testing for Summer Camps

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 18:57:21 GMT

Kansas Department of Health & Environment has guidance and free testing available to any and all summer camps taking place in Kansas. The state has a supply of rapid, 15-minute antigen tests that can be deployed and used on-site at any camp, regardless of the type of camp. These tests can be used to screen all campers and staff at the beginning of camp, and throughout camp, but can also be used as a diagnostic test for campers and staff who become symptomatic during the camp for quick isolation of positive cases and reducing the number of individuals required to quarantine or otherwise miss camp.

Click here to view a flyer with an overview of what is needed for a camp to obtain these tests. The tests are totally free and Lacey Kennett, Preparedness Public Information Officer, will support and help the individual camps along the way to make it work. The only thing they need from a camp to get started is this simple form from their website returned via email to Lacey.Kennett@ks.gov.

KDHE knows that most people are focused on vaccinations right now, but since most children and teenagers won’t be vaccinated for quite some time, the state is making it a priority to work with camps, summer school, and other places kids and youth with be this summer to keep them as protected as possible.

Call for KRPA Conference Session Proposals

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:29:47 GMT

Do you have an idea for a great educational session for the 2022 KRPA Conference in Manhattan? Do you have a skill that you could share with your fellow members? Please take a minute to share it with KRPA by turning in your Educational Session Proposal form (pdf). This form must be filled out completely (typed only) for the session to be considered by the branch board. Branch representatives will contact speakers to confirm or decline session proposals. The KRPA Office will finalize all contractual arrangements with selected paid speakers. Session proposal forms are due by May 3, 2021.

Click Here for Educational Session Proposal Form

Commercial companies MUST be a Corporate Partner at the Cottonwood Partner or higher level to request to present a session at the conference contingent on the appropriate branch's approval. To become a Corporate Partner, please contact Jamie Reed.

Apply for the Park, Park Law or Wellness Branch Board by April 9th

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 18:18:19 GMT

The park and recreation profession consists of many areas of focus. KRPA has seven different branches: administration, aquatics, park and natural resources, park law, recreation, sports, and wellness. Each of these branches are represented by a board.

KRPA Branch Boards are structured as a 7 member board (Chair, Vice–Chair, and 5 members at large) for each KRPA Branch. Branch board members are expected to serve a three-year term. Board members help communicate to other KRPA members current trends and topics in their branch field. They will also help coordinate with the KRPA office their yearly branch activities: branch conference sessions, mid-year branch workshops, face-to-face meetings, conference calls and networking events.

Some branch boards have incumbent members, so we are looking to fill:
6 position for the Parks Branch
4 positions for Park Law (KPLEA) Branch
3 positions for the Wellness Branch

If you would like to get involved, please send the below information to Jamie Reed at jamie@krpa.org by April 9, 2021:

-Nominee's name
-Nominee's agency
-Nominee's title/position
-Branch
-Years as KRPA Member
-A headshot

For more information regarding Branch Board policy, please visit here.

Winter Sports Member Call Available to View

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 16:59:35 GMT

Click here to watch the KRPA Member Call on Winter Sports. #strongertogether

2021 Silent Auction Rules (Facebook)

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:27:25 GMT

Our 2021 Silent Auction is headed to Facebook. We have great items from Royals and Chiefs collectibles, Great Wolf Lodge Certificates and more. This auction is open to more than just conference attendees, so share it with your friends too. Silent Auction rules are below

Silent Auction Rules

1. Bids must be made between 2pm CST on February 1, 2021 and 5pm CST on February 4,2021. Bids made before or after these dates/times will not be eligible to win.

2. Your bid must be in the comments on the picture of the item you are trying to bid on. It cannot just be a comment on the album or on the page itself.

3. If your bid is the winning bid, you will be notified via PM to your Facebook account.

4. Bids must be in whole dollar amounts.

5. The closing date and time is February 4, 2021 at 5pm CST. NO EXCEPTIONS.

6. Payment arrangements must be made with the KRPA office within 5 business days of items closing. If this is not the case the item will go to the next highest bidder.

7. Once payment has been received, the item will be shipped or delivery will be arranged.

8. Comments containing bids must be visible, meaning you cannot hide your comment from the public. Hidden comments will not qualify as a legit bid.

10 Tips for Attending the KRPA Virtual Conference

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:07:33 GMT

10 Tips for Attending the KRPA Virtual Conference

Here are 10 helpful and important tips for getting the most out of your conference experience. If you were not able to join the attendee information call last Friday, click here to watch it for a visual explanation of how the conference platform will work.

Before You Attend the KRPA Virtual Conference

A little bit of preparation will go a long way towards making sure you getting the most out of the experience. Use your time and resources well at the 2021 KRPA Virtual Conference and Trade Show by sitting down and formulating a plan first.

1) Visit the NEW KRPA Conference Platform and download the app

The KRPA conference platform and app contains the entire conference; including the schedule, the speakers, the virtual trade show, event game and more. You will receive an email by Tuesday (February 2^nd) giving you access to the platform and app. If you do not receive this email, please email Jamie Reed at jamie@krpa.org. Spend some time on the platform before February 3^rd to get familiar with the layout and making connections with your KRPA friends ahead of time. Don’t forget to allow push notifications from the app during your time at conference so you don't miss out on any important updates.

2) Review the schedule.

This one’s a no-brainer. Set a goal for what you’d like to accomplish on February 3^rd and 4th and use the schedule to devise a plan to meet your goal. We’re all familiar enough with virtual conferences to know that you will get the most sessions watch within the time that you set aside on February 3^rd and 4^th. Life happens and it is hard to go back and watch on-demand sessions once to-do lists and schedules get back to normal. So make the most of your time on the 3^rd and 4^th, log-in and create a customized agenda within the conference app. Make sure to attend conference-wide events such as the opening keynote speaker, the brain breaks and trade show. If you prefer a hard-copy, a pdf is available here.

3) Plan to spend some time at the Trade Show

The live virtual trade show will be available on Wednesday, Feb 3rd from 11:45am - 2pm and Thursday Feb 4th from 11:30am-1:30pm. During these times, you can visit vendors' booths to watch demos, sign up for giveaways, and make connections. Remember, these vendors are very loyal to our association and the park and recreation industry in Kansas. After 2020 and looking ahead to unknowns about the future, they have shown their commitment by joining this virtual conference. We are very grateful! Even if you are not a purchaser, we encourage you to go in and say a quick thanks to these vendors and make a connection.

4) Know how to get your CEUs

Each session will have a CEU link at the bottom of the session. During the session, the moderator will put the CEU code word into the chat function. At the end of each session please click on the CEU link and enter your name, agency, email address, session, and the session code word.

An official signed conference CEU form will be sent to you with the sessions you attended and filled out the CEU link for between 2-3 weeks after conference.

5) Visit the KRPA Silent Auction on Facebook

The Annual Silent Auction has been moved to Facebook. We have great items from Royals and Chiefs collectibles, Great Wolf Lodge certificates and more. This auction is open to more than just conference attendees. Share it with your friends too. To learn more about the rules for this auction, visit the KRPA website.

When You Arrive

6) Visit the help desk

A help desk will be available from 8am-5pm on February 3^rd and 4^th. Think of it like our regular conference registration table, but instead this desk will be located in a zoom room. Have questions? Hop into the zoom room to get answers or to just say Hi. (We miss you!)

7) Stay Engaged

Learning virtually can be a challenge, but we want you to stay engaged throughout the day. Virtual workouts are available on the platform all day for you to enjoy that will engage not only your brain but your body. Also, don’t miss Jenny’s brain breaks throughout conference. Three brain breaks will be available- Wednesday at 3:00pm and Thursday at 10am and 2:45pm.

8) Connect with fellow KRPA Members

Networking with other professionals in your field is a highlight of the KRPA conference. Make time to connect with fellow members. Networking looks a bit different at a virtual conference, but it is just as important. Visit the Attendee list on the left side of the platform, find another attendee, and click add. This will make you a connection, and then you can message them throughout conference.

Also, check out the social wall to connect with your peers, let us know what sessions you are attending, your favorite Welcome Box item, or even post what you are eating! (Pets are always welcome on social walls too! ) Also, earn points for the event game.

9) Play the Event Game

We want this conference to not only be educational but fun. Plus, this year’s game has extra amazing prizes! Have you heard of the Playstation5? Well, they are kind of a big deal this year, and it is one of many prizes that you could win by playing the event game. Other prizes are also a Nintendo Switch, a cell phone sanitizer, an ember mug and a projector. Playing the game is very simple. Unlock passcodes by completing challenges (like answering questions, attending sessions, visiting vendors at the Trade Show and more), enter passcodes to earn points, and complete as many challenges as you can and climb to the top of the leaderboard

After watching sessions at the virtual conference and waiting for the 2022 KRPA Conference in Manhattan

10) Gather your thoughts and (re)watch any sessions

The best part of attending a virtual conference is that all the sessions will be available on-demand a week or two after conference. You can go back and rewatch your favorite sessions, or you can watch the other sessions that were going on at the same time of your sessions. You don’t have to miss a minute of learning!

Call for KRPA Social Media Photo Contest Submissions

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 17:44:10 GMT

Social Media Photo Contest

In honor of the upcoming Annual KRPA Conference and Trade Show, KRPA is hosting its 3rd Annual Social Media photo contest. This year's conference theme is "Stronger Together" so we want to see a creative photo of how people in your community or agency came together in 2020. The grand prize winner will receive a $100 credit towards a KRPA event*, and the winning image will be featured on the cover of the KRPA Today spring magazine.

Photos must be submitted to Amanda Sterling at amanda@krpa.org by January 15, 2021. Submissions must include a short description (less than 30 words), including the location of the photo submission and the photographer's credit. Entries must also include the KRPA Photo Contest agreement form, scanned and/or digitally filled out and attached with the submitted photo.

All photos and information will be placed in an album on the KRPA Facebook page from January 20-31, 2021 . The photo with the most combined likes and shares by the end of the contest on January 31st will be the winner.

Good luck and thank you for participating!

NEW! Alexa Skill "Wichita Parks"

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:23:07 GMT

Technology and marketing go hand in hand, and we are always looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition. Therefore, Wichita Park & Recreation is excited to announce the launch of our new Alexa skill “Wichita Parks” which can be enabled on any Amazon Echo or Alexa device. Our skill is the first City skill in the country to interact with users via text to send direct links to websites.

Currently one-third of US citizens have smart speakers, two-thirds of those are Alexa. Over 50% of adults use voice commands and 33% of the users utilize voice commands daily. In 2020, half of all searches will be voice. In the last five years, developed skills have grown from only 45 to over 100,000. These figures show the importance of staying current with cutting edge technology and how we interact with our consumers.

Alexa responds with Wichita Park & Recreation information about numerous topics including classes, parks, special events, booking a tee time, reserving a tennis court, renting a facility and more.

Alexa speaks directly to the user and answers questions with pre-loaded responses. Alexa can also interact through text messaging by asking the user for their phone number to send direct links to websites. Staff can track interactions to show what topics are popular with users through Google Analytics and email notifications when a potential customer requests information.

Alexa is multi-lingual which is great for any community. Push notifications can be sent to users notifying them of services and events, so there is flexibility to include activities that pop-up and may need extra marketing attention. All these features are very exciting and affordable.

I had the pleasure of working with Tim Moore, Channel Manager at VoPro. He can be reached at 417-875-5889 or tmoore@protelsystems.com.

Shana Appelhanz
Wichita Park & Recreation

Meet NEW Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chairs

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:29:09 GMT

KRPA is excited to offer a new committee to address changing needs in our state and profession. The KRPA Diversity and Inclusion Committee aims to cultivate and sustain an inclusive environment that educates, empowers and mobilizes our members, departments and communities. The committee provides opportunities, which range from workshops, speakers, mentorship and programming support/ideas that encourage diversity and inclusion in Kansas - to unite all persons concerned with diversity and inclusion in the Park and Recreation profession. This new committee is being chaired by Reggie Davidson of Wichita and Jermel Stevenson of Overland Park.

Reggie Davidson, MSRLS, CPRP, of Wichita Parks and Recreation Department is the Superintendent of Recreation. He is an experienced Park and Recreation Professional with over twenty-five (25) years of experience working with businesses, local government and community organizations to implement change management, develop marketing strategies/plans and organizing programs and activities to meet the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Jermel Stevenson, CPRP, is the Parks and Recreation Director in Overland Park Stevenson is native of Detroit, MI and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional with nearly 30 years in the industry. He spent the last 10 years in the State of Texas serving in the capacity of Director of Parks and Recreation for the cities of Corpus Christi, Garland and Rowlett, TX. Prior to that he served in senior management roles for the cities of Phoenix, AZ and Detroit, MI. Stevenson received his master’s in public administration as well as his undergraduate degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Central Michigan University. He has been very active at all levels in his profession. Having served as the past President of the Dallas/Fort Worth Director's Association, an Accreditation Visitor for NRPA, he currently serves as the Director of Membership for the World Urban Parks Association (North American Committee).

To hear from Reggie and Jermel and learn more about the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, join the KRPA member call on Friday, November 6th from 10am-11:30am. Zoom information was sent via email to KRPA members. Have a question regarding the call or the committee? Please contact Jamie Reed at jamie@krpa.org.

2021 KRPA Conference and Trade Show Announcement

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 14:28:47 GMT

Did you hear the exciting news? KRPA announced that the 2021 Conference and Trade Show will be virtual and in-person. Mark off your calendar now for February 3-4, 2021 for the virtual portion of the conference and trade show and also April 14th for the in-person day in Emporia. The KRPA Board President, Conference Chair and Executive Director put together a special message for you regarding what led to this decision and more. It is available to watch now. Registration opens on November 3rd.

KRPA Announces $25,000 Grants and Partnership with National Fitness Campaign to Improve Quality of Life Across Kansas

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 19:23:45 GMT

Lawrence, KS (October 5^th, 2020) – Today, the Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) announces that $25,000 Grants are now available to five KRPA member organizations in 2020 to support them in joining the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) and expanding the campaign across Kansas.

NFC delivers a comprehensive fitness and wellness ecosystem built around their highly acclaimed digital Fitness Court®. This award-winning initiative is now supporting more than one hundred and fifty cities across America. The program is poised to deliver important outdoor wellness infrastructure to help communities stay active across the state of Kansas, improving health outcomes and quality of life.

Fitness Courts® are becoming one of America’s most valuable park resources because they bring people outdoors to engage in functional fitness on the world’s best outdoor gym, featuring an exciting series of seven minute workouts. Community members enjoy the benefits of digital coaching on the free Fitness Court® App, which delivers regular content to keep fitness training fun for adults of all ages and fitness levels. NFC trains and certifies local ambassadors as part of the campaign, so local experts can build engagement and usage.

This state-wide grant program includes exclusive funding opportunities for KRPA members to join the campaign and launch the Fitness Court® and NFC initiative, continuing education regarding implementation of healthy infrastructure and pedestrian oriented planning principles, and a comprehensive suite of tools, fitness classes and programs designed to build a wellness culture in communities across Kansas. Grant funding represents an important share of the funding required to adopt and launch the program, with cities and local sponsors bringing remaining funds together to build NFC partnerships across the state.

Thirty remote program briefing slots have been made available between October 19th and November 6th on a first come, first serve basis to KRPA members interested in qualifying during the early application period for funding. Briefings must be attended by the Parks and Recreation Director of a member agency to qualify. Members can request a briefing by contacting Jamie Reed at jamie@krpa.org. Early Application Period Grant Applications are due on December 4th at 5pm PST, and awards will be announced December 14^th. An Open Application period will follow if funding is still available in early 2021.

###

ABOUT NFC:

National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is a social enterprise – founded in San Francisco, California in 1979 – that offers grant funding, project management and master planning services to cities, schools and sponsors to build the world’s largest network of outdoor gyms. The Fitness Court^® is a trademarked system created by NFC Founder, Mitch Menaged, that was designed to be the world’s best outdoor gym. NFC’s mission is to design healthy infrastructure for cities to improve the quality of life for people. Learn more about NFC at www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com.

Media Contact:

Trent Matthias

trent@nfchq.com

540.521.5842

NEW Locker Room Contest

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 15:34:14 GMT

It is giveaway time! The KRPA Locker Room is the exclusive place for Kansas recreation and park professionals to have discussions and share resources with each other 24/7. Starting today, September 14^th, through September 30^th***, KRPA will be running a Locker Room contest and you can join in the fun. The winners* could win great prizes like a full KRPA Conference Registration** for 2021, Echo Auto and more.

Here’s how to play: Log into the KRPA Discussion Forum and post and respond to other members to earn points. The person with the most points at the end of September wins!

Here’s how points are earned: You earn points by posting a question in the general forum (3 points), responding to a general forum question (5 points), posting a question within a specialized forum category (5 points), or responding to a question with in a specialized forum category (7 points).

It’s simple to play and simple to win! Visit the Locker Room to join in the fun! If you have questions, please reach out to Jamie Reed.

* Winners must be a professional/student/organization KRPA member.
** Conference registration prize must be used for the 2021 KRPA Conference.
*** Contest ends at midnight on September 31, 2020.

The New Epidemic: Youth Vaping and Smoking (Part 1)

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 15:08:29 GMT

The New Epidemic: Youth Vaping and Smoking (Part 1)
By: Philip Harris, KDHE

Last year in the National Parks and Recreation Association' monthly magazine there was an article entitled the Youth Vaping Epidemic, perhaps you saw it. In case you missed it or want to know more; we present a four-part series on youth vaping and smoking in Kansas.

The term “vaping” refers to the use of e-cigarettes or vaporizers. These products have several nicknames which include e-cigs, e-hookahs, hookah pens, vapes, vape pens and mods, which are more powerful, customizable vaporizers. Some e-cigarettes are made to look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some resemble pens, USB sticks, and other everyday items. The most popular among these brands is JUUL, which sells an e-cigarette device that resembles a USB flash drive. These are battery-operated devices that release doses of vaporized nicotine, marijuana and other drugs that users inhale.

These products are not safe for adolescents. They often contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including nicotine which has addictive properties, formaldehyde and acrolein, heavy metals like lead, and volatile organic compounds. Though the aerosol released from e-cigarettes yield less chemicals than traditional cigarettes, that does not mean e-cigarettes are safe.

Health Effects
Most e-cigarettes have nicotine, which has known negative health effects. Not only is nicotine highly addictive it also can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. Besides nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol can contain other substances that can damage the body. This includes harmful cancer-causing agents.

EVALI an acronym that stands for, e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury, is the name given by the CDC to the dangerous, newly identified lung disease linked to vaping that was first recognized in the fall of 2019. Though vitamin E acetate has been associated with this illness, there could be several other causes that are yet to be found. It is unclear how the condition develops or why, in the most severe cases it causes the lungs to just stop working. Kansas has had 24 confirmed or probable cases and 2 confirmed deaths related to this illness and 11/28 of cases are less than 24 years old.

E-cigarettes can also cause unintended injuries. Defective batteries have caused fires, explosions which have resulted in serious burns and injuries. Additionally, swallowing breathing or absorbing e-cigarette liquids has poisoned children and adults.

For the most current information on e-cigarettes check out the CDCand join us in the next issue as we tackle the numbers around vaping. For a sneak peak check out our quick facts.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Tobacco Use Prevention Program

Call for KRPA Board of Directors Nominations

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 15:06:35 GMT

Call for KRPA Board of Directors Nominations

This is your opportunity to serve as a leader in KRPA! The Kansas Recreation and Park Association is seeking candidates to serve on the 2021 KRPA Board of Directors in the following positions:

President-Elect (serves 3 years)
Member At Large- West (serves 3 years)
Member At Large- General (serves 3 years)

Each nominee must submit a completed Board Candidate form (see below) and send a digital photo (head shot) to Erika Devore at erika@krpa.org no later than August 31, 2020. All applications will be reviewed by the KRPA Nominating Committee. Email Erika Devore if you have questions about serving on the board.

Qualifications to serve on the KRPA Board of Directors

Member At Large- West (Serves 3 Year Term)
Must be a current voting member and currently work in a permanent position in the profession immediately prior to nomination. Shall require two years of active participation in the delivery of Association services and/or programs, or in the attainment of Association goals and objectives. This may include active service on a KRPA Committee or Task Force, or participation in the achievement or furtherance of a major initiative of the Association, such as legislatively Shall require a minimum of one-year as a voting member of KRPA and maintaining a recreation and/or parks position within the boundaries of the West Region.

Member At Large- General (Serves 3 Year Term) Must be a current voting member and currently work in a permanent position in the profession immediately prior to nomination. Shall require two years of active participation in the delivery of Association services and/or programs, or in the attainment of Association goals and objectives. This may include active service on a KRPA Committee or Task Force, or participation in the achievement or furtherance of a major initiative of the Association, such as legislatively.

Nomination Deadline: August 31, 2020

Regional Map.JPG

33rd Annual KRPA Golf Tournament

Sun, 28 Jun 2020 21:36:20 GMT

The 2020 KRPA Golf Tournament will be held Friday, August 21st at Quail Ridge Golf Course in Winfield. After being stuck at home for months, this event is a perfect opportunity for socializing, networking and reconnecting with other KRPA members and vendors. We hope the tournament will serve as a place where you can bring fellow area members, your staff and board members for a great time playing and meeting with other parks and recreation professionals in a fun and safe setting. For questions regarding this year's golf tournament, please contact Candi Fox at candifox@winfieldrec.com.

Tournament Details:
· $50/golfer or $200/team
· Includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, carts fitted with GPS, two drink tickets, donuts, lunch and mulligans (beverages can be purchased in the clubhouse)
· 4 person scramble format
· Registration and Range opens at 8:00am
· Shotgun start at 9:00am
· Lunch will be ready after completion of your round

Customer Service Reminders

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 23:29:23 GMT

Submitted by KRPA Member, Susan Mong, Superintendent of Culture for JCPRD

We have all been there – one of the hardest parts of the parks and recreation field is responding to difficult members of the public. This rings especially true during this summer as we venture back into opening the state during a pandemic. If you haven’t already, you will probably come in contact with challenging parks and recreation users in the form of parents, swimmers, coaches, seniors, and many more who use your services. During COVID -19 and stay at home orders in combination with social distancing requirements, people’s behaviors and emotions have been tested and many people yearn for a sense of normalcy that it often found in the form of a kids baseball game, a walk around the park, playing a pickup game of basketball at the nearest community center, jumping in a pool, and getting in a quick workout over lunch at the fitness center.

During these periods, emotions may be heightened, and you may receive backlash from new policy’s your agency has put in place to protect your employees and the public themselves, including resistance to cancelling programs or closing the pool for the summer.

Susan Mong, Superintendent of Culture for JCPRD has a few reminders and a refresher for dealing with unhappy consumers during these tense times.

If your agency does not have one already, it is a good practice to have a Customer Service Plan or approach. The delivery of excellent customer service is a major factor in effectiveness and should be prioritized in your organization. Your customer service plan should include policies, procedures, and steps on dealing with patrons. Additionally, find a way to empower your employees to make decisions that can improve the situation immediately (i.e., vouchers, refunds, credits) to help diffuse the situation and avoid passing customer to another employee.

Step 1. Diffuse the Situation

All patrons are different, and this is especially true in parks and recreation as the industry serves many users in different branches. One of the first steps to diffuse the situation is to actively listen and seek to understand. Let them tell their story, why are they upset, what has been done thus far to lead them to this point. Often, people just want to have their frustrations heard. During this time, a good rule of thumb is to understand where the person is coming from in the form of empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Maybe the patron is upset because summer camp is cancelled and they do not have alternative care, and this could threaten a person’s livelihood. Use your empathy to respond, what does that look like? Empathy is not conveyed through words alone. It is important that your body language reflects empathy as well. Tone of voice, eye contact, and offering your full attention are all steps you can take to help diffuse the situation to help the patron feel heard and understand.

Step 2. Engage

Engaging the person involves asking the right questions and listening to their answers. Sometimes the right thing to do is just agree with them (as appropriate) and find positive ways to talk about the issues and validating their feelings. For example, if a parent is upset about the new guidelines that are put in place for baseball, a positive spin could be that the guidelines were vetted by parks and recreation leaders and put in place to protect the players, coaches, umpires and the spectators.

During the engagement step, you will want to step away from the public setting and other people. Offer to talk in an office or meeting room. This will change the environment to allow for a more quiet and private conversation.

After listening to the person, you may want to offer choices, and ask open ended questions. It could be as simple as asking “what do you want us to do” or “how can we rectify the situation.” Here it could get tricky, as the new policies may not allow for accommodations during the pandemic. However, perhaps you could give a credit, voucher for next summer, or even a refund.

Lastly, if all else fails, it may be necessary to get your supervisor involved. If it comes down to this, do not pass the buck to your supervisor. Best practices involve talking with your supervisor about the situation before allowing them to walk in blind to a complaint.

Step 3. Take Action and Follow Up

After the initial dispute, and agreed solution, you will need to take action immediately. If you agreed on a credit or refund, plan on processing the transaction in a timely matter – within a day or two if possible. If the issue is resolved, follow up with the person, and give them your contact information for further questions if needed.

Step 4. Feedback

The last step is to avoid the situation from happening again. Discuss the feedback with your team, challenge your assumptions about what your current practices are to explore new solutions. This may involve a change in policies, procedures, or signage to fix the problem after it is identified. Maybe your staff needs to be empowered more to make decisions or correct a situation. Use each opportunity to strengthen your team and your organization.

Overall, during these periods of stressful times, it is most important to listen and be empathetic towards the patron. Listening with the intent to understand combined with positive body language can go a long way to diffuse a challenging situation. After you have heard their perspective or feedback, be sure and thank the patron for taking time to share their experience. We cannot improve or get better if we are not open to hearing negative feedback. “I am sorry” are three very powerful words. This does not have to convey fault, but it can convey that we missed the mark with that individual on that day at that time and that can go a long way to build bridges and build a new advocate in the community.

Marketing Tip: Don’t Just Tell… Show

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 19:16:08 GMT

I miss my favorite workout class but is it safe to return to it? Will it be safe for my child and family if I send my kid to a summer camp? My child can’t wait to play baseball, but is it wise to expose him and our family to a large group setting again? These are just a few thoughts that your patrons and possibly you have had in the last few weeks when thinking about the reopening process. The idea that our lives might have some options outside of the home is exciting, but there are still underlying hesitations when people think about jumping back into events.

So, how do you market these events? What do you need to do to make people feel safe enough to come out and play again? SHOW THEM! Your patrons want to not just hear what you are planning to do to keep them safe, they want to see it. People want to know and see what they are going encounter when they return to their favorite events and places. How do you do that?
- Take time to create short videos or take pictures of what specific steps you are taking to follow the health and safety measures suggested by your local and state government.

- Video and post on social media a training that your agency holds for your staff about sanitation processes.

- Take a short clip interviewing a summer camp staff member or umpire verbalizing their excitement for their event and also what they will do to keep the kids healthy and safe.

- Prepare your staff and front-line workers with extra customer service skills to answer questions about the new procedures. Prepare them for anxious patrons who want to join in your programs but might still have underlying fears which may come out in anger or frustration.

- When you reopen, have extra staff available to talk and walk people through what the new procedures will be. Your patrons do not want to guess about what they should do when walking into your facilities.

We’re in this together. Please visit the Locker Room and share what marketing you are doing to reopen your programs and ask your questions. Here is a link to a reopening marketing discussion thread in the forum to share your examples or questions. #StrongerTogether

KRPA Recovery Guidelines Update- June 1, 2020

Tue, 12 May 2020 20:04:21 GMT

We want to send a huge thank you to the KRPA reopening guidelines task force. They have worked very hard in a short amount of time in the last few days. Attached you will find our updated guidelines.

Please always refer to our website for the most updated version of the guidelines.

KRPA Support Guidelines 6.01.20.pdf (June 1, 2020)

Turning Adversity into Advantage By KRPA Member, Troy Houtman

Wed, 06 May 2020 13:52:16 GMT

Submitted by KRPA member, Troy Houtman, Wichita Park and Recreation

Some organizations emerge from a crisis stronger and more ready to thrive than they were before the crisis arrived. The big differentiator that separates them from companies that falter is people – how their leaders empathize, engage, motivate, and capitalize on their talents and knowledge in the face of adversity. Even more so is communication!

The critical first step is making sure people don’t jump on the “freak-out train” of doom, gloom, and complete helplessness. This train’s last stop is Catastrophe City, where we view today’s health crisis and economic plunge as being worse than they are or worse than they’re projected to be. In Catastrophe City, people feel powerless to change what’s happening. But this is rarely true.

So what can organizations do to turn adversity into an advantage during times of unprecedented uncertainty?

Don’t ignore the anxiety people feel. This only magnifies it. It’s important to acknowledge and validate how people feel, as they’re often operating in survival mode – a natural “fight or flight” response. But fight (anger) of flight (escape) reactions keep us from acting on our opportunities. Empathize with how your people think and feel. Bring it out into the open and make them feel safe talking about it. Have managers invite people to write down their feelings in thought bubbles on pieces of paper. Then, as a team, discuss what’s in our control and what’s not. For the things that are within our control, look at them with fresh eyes and outline new ways to approach them in the current environment.
Actively define reality. People are amazingly able to deal with reality even if it has a significant downside. It’s the unknown that is paralyzing. A leader’s job is to bring the facts about “exactly where we are” to their organization and teams. In times of economic trouble, not only can most people handle it, they crave it. Be truthful about job security. If there are no guarantees, tell them. Uncertainty and ambiguity can be more harmful than the bad news itself. That’s why accurate “big picture” news is an important tool. Providing context for actions – the “whys,” – is essential.
Create a new starting line with your people. During times of crisis, people at all levels of an organization can become fixated on what we lose. It could be a vacation, a bonus, equity or 401(k) value, or even a promotion. Now all bets are off. Spending too much time on what people have lost prevents us from creating a new starting line, focusing our energy on the “new normal” and what we can start over with under the new conditions. Letting go of what could have been is a key first step to being focused on success in the new environment.
Use urgency as an alignment ally. Instead of looking at change as a crisis lurking just around the corner, accelerate your efforts to analyze and act on problems instead of wandering around them. Urgency can better frame the challenges, engage people in a deeper understanding of the issues, and equip them with the responses necessary to be successful. Urgency is a powerful unifying force. Use it to your advantage!
Establish new check-in routines. Staying in touch with your people is more important than ever. Setting a new routine of 15–30-minute check-ins every other day may be more important than ever. These brief interactions can be opportunities to share updates with the team, highlight the latest critical information, and identify adjustments that need to be made for business continuation. These check-ins become a powerful social experience to reinforce that we’re not alone in responding to the challenges we face.
Celebrate all victories, large and small. This means even more recognition of the adaptive actions that get positive results. Don’t over-hype the small gains. To use some baseball lingo, it’s the singles and doubles that allow you to emerge stronger and persevere throughout the game.
Scout the possibilities. Deputize your people as “opportunity scouts.” Doing so means tapping into what your people know about the current challenges and getting them involved in imagining a response and a recovery plan that creates value in the current environment. No matter how intensive past productivity efforts have been, people can always see more opportunities when they’re engaged in the essential threats we’re facing. Their ideas for weathering the storm on both the cost and revenue sides of the business are often better than what most leaders could implement on their own.
Communicate the score. More than ever, people are interested knowing the costs, sales, and financial strength as measures of “how we’re doing.” Pay attention to their curiosity and interest and use it to immerse people in the metrics of the business. In most cases, you’ll institute a new set of targets during times of crisis. “How we’re doing” on these new metrics is essential information to share. Leaders need to balance the tension of “what’s real” with “what’s possible.”
Highlight the rays of light. On a recent airing of CNBC’s Mad Money, Dow Inc. CEO Jim Fitterling said, “In the past two weeks, we have seen our demand bounce back in China. I think that tells us we can see the same thing wash through the economy here.” Rays of light exist and should be as much a part of the narrative as any losses we experience.

As leaders, we need to ask ourselves questions. Am I defining reality and creating hope in this unprecedented environment of challenge and change? Am I helping my people become the change agents we need so we can be successful in difficult times? And do they truly know the score so they can actively engage in improving the situation?

On top of all this, the great philosopher Winnie-the-Pooh has a few words worthy of sharing with your people that are more relevant now than ever: “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Locker Room Update

Tue, 05 May 2020 14:11:08 GMT

We remodeled! Many people are taking time during the quarantine to do housekeeping projects and remodeling jobs while they are at home. KRPA has done some remodeling too! The KRPA Discussion Forum, The Locker Room, has received an update. Go to the KRPA website and log-in. Then click on the Locker Room button in the top right corner.

The Locker Room update does not change much for you. The discussion forum looks the same, is still available 24/7 through our website, and can be accessed with your member sign-in information. You can still post and reply, add pictures, documents, websites, etc.

How is the forum update different?

You now can “Join Conversations” by clicking on the Join Conversation button at the top of each discussion thread. This will enroll you in the conversation, and you will receive the notifications via email. You may also reply to responses on your email. To reply: Hit the reply function within your email, type your reply directly in your email message and hit send.
Reactions, ranks, and badges are unavailable but coming soon.
Boards and Committees are unavailable but coming soon.

You might be asking "why the changes?" KRPA takes much pride in serving you. We believe this service is extremely important for our member engagement, but we also want to be financially responsible. After some investigating, we found resources to provide this service to you while also cutting out a large amount of cost for our budget. As the economy recovers and the COVID-19 situation slow downs, we will be adding the extra features (like reactions and badges) back into the system.

A few reminders:

-Please remember to go to your profile, edit profile and your notification preference to get email notification when a new discussion is started.

- If you have never logged into the Locker Room before, you will need to click log-in and then "forgot password." It will walk you through resetting your password.

3. If you had bookmarked the old website, please change it to krpaforum.org.

If you have any questions about these changes, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jamie Reed.

Keep leaning into each other with your questions or resources. We are stronger together.

KRPA Recovery and Reopening Plan

Tue, 05 May 2020 03:26:32 GMT

The Governor asked KRPA to create a reopening plan for parks and recreation most of which she included in her state reopening plan announced April 30th. The recovery plan task force has been working long hours to create the plan and give guidance to our members.

Detailed guidelines to open each area in the plan will be sent later this week or early next week.

Please remember this is a living document so we will update it as circumstances change. The latest version will be hosted on our website.

We would like to thank our recovery plan task force.

Michael Meadors -Olathe
Logan Wagler - Lenexa
Chris Claxton - Leawood
Tony Finlay - Hutchinson
Tom McEvoy - Emporia
Olivia Mayer - Shawnee County
Jeff Stewart - Johnson County
Chris Drum- Derby

Take a look at the plan here.

Rethinking Sports Programming

Fri, 01 May 2020 19:51:08 GMT

For the last several years, Parks & Recreation departments across the United States have struggled to find the ideal balance of time and space utilization for sports and recreation programming. On one hand, the need to increase activity levels for children – regardless of skill or aspiration level – has never been greater. On the other, the demand from competitive programs catering to players at the upper end of the skill and/or income spectrum has never been higher.

In most communities and on the national average, competitive programs have taken over. High-level players are participating in year-round programs that are granted the most desirable times at the most desirable locations, leaving less and less time for introductory and recreational programs. As a result, children whose health and social skills would benefit most from regular activity are losing the chance to play regularly and reap the benefits of consistent activity.

Countless statistics demonstrate this trend, but here is the one data point you should be most concerned about: the United States has a higher percent of overweight/obese children between the ages of 6-17 than almost any other peer country; nearly 40% of girls and 35% of boys in our country are overweight or obese. That puts us in “last place” compared to Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Sweden, the U.K., and nearly every other first world county.

The Covid-19 pandemic has interrupted the sports and recreation industry. Leagues have paused, tournaments have been cancelled, and – in many cases – service providers have shut down and will not return. It would be easy, and perhaps even natural, to panic. It would be equally easy to be complacent and assume that as our country rebounds the recent participation and activity trends will continue.

Instead of either of those, I encourage you to view this as an opportunity to regain your ideal balance. There is nothing inherently wrong with competitive programs and high-level players seeking extra time to improve. In fact, that is healthy and should be encouraged. But there is also nothing wrong with dedicating more time and space to kids who just need to learn to play, to benefit from activity, and to grow from positive adult and peer interactions. In fact, it is critical.

As a Parks & Recreation leader in your community, you now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a lasting impact on the health of your community by improving access to recreational programs and providing space and time for every child to play. What will you do with your opportunity?

___________________________________________________

Author: Evan Eleff is the COO of Sports Facilities Advisory, LLC (SFA) and a Partner in all of the SF Companies. He has led sports and recreation planning, funding, development, and management initiatives in over 1,600 communities around the world and is one of the United States’ leaders and foremost experts in improving the health and economic vitality of communities through sports and recreation.

Message from KRPA President

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:52:50 GMT

Message from KRPA President, Olivia Mayer, to Members:

As we find ourselves in uncharted waters, now is the perfect time to remember that we are each other’s most valuable resource. While we are being forced to temporarily close facilities and halt operations, we are faced with the dilemma of how to best serve our communities. It is time to focus on what we still can do to improve the quality of life for Kansans. COVID-19 has affected our lives at such a quick rate that we have been in a reactive state. Now is the time to come together and share ideas to become proactive in this venture. Now is the time to formulate safe and conscientious solutions to offer communities. We need to play to our strengths, reiterate the power of outdoors and greenspace, facilitate ways to enrich day to day living, and work together to make it through these uncertain times.

The KRPA board urges you to use the discussion forum to share and discuss issues related to COVID-19 during this time. Talk with other professionals about their protocols, policies and leaning on each other to keep up spirits is helpful for everyone. You will find policies and protocols posted by other members but most importantly, respond to those who have questions. There have been posts with language you can use for your own community so don't reinvent the wheel. Your membership is paying for this important tool for you to use. so sign up/in now to see the discussions or opt-in to receive the discussions by email. Visit https://community.krpa.org.

You are an important part of the response to this challenge. Let's all show our communities the leadership they need right now.

KRPA Staff Working Remotely

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:49:44 GMT

In an effort to mitigate the impact and spread of coronavirus, the KRPA office will be closed. Staff will be working remotely until further notice. Please feel free to email any of the staff. We will try and get back with you as quickly as possible. Information regarding upcoming KRPA events will be announced later today.

Erika Devore, Executive Director- erika@krpa.org
Jamie Reed, Membership and Education Manager- jamie@krpa.org
Amanda Sterling, Communication Coordinator- amanda@krpa.org

Working in this unprecedented times will be happening more and more digitally. Does your agency or focus area have questions and need to communicate with park and recreation professionals around the state? Chat and share at KRPA's Discussion Forum, The Locker Room, or find member contact information within the KRPA Online Directory.

NRPA came out with resources regarding coronavirus that can be found at on their website. Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website, kdheks.gov, offers a variety of information for Kansans seeking guidance regarding COVID-19.

Legislative Update- Week 5

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 15:55:05 GMT

Legislative Update- Week 5

Following the failure of the 'Value them Both' Senate Constitutional Amendment on the House floor on Friday, work has largely come to a halt. The House and Senate have not been on General Orders this week. Committees on both sides have continued to hold hearings, work bills and move legislation forward. Stay tuned as issues arise and develop.

-----------------------------------

Please contact Kearney & Associates at (785) 234-5859 or Steve Kearney, Kari Presley or Colin Thomassett if you wish to appear and testify or submit written comments.

We need the testimony 48 hours in advance of the hearing and for Monday hearings no later than 9:00 a.m. the Friday before. The Committee Chairs have implemented rules that require submission of copies of testimony 24 hours in advance of the hearing and in some instances earlier.

Hearing Schedule for the week of 2.17.20

Bill #	Subject	Committee	Action	Date	Time	Room
SB 307	Updating approved types of personal flotation devices	Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources	02/17/2020 - Final Action	02/17/2020	8:30 AM	159-S
HB 2529	Amending STAR bonds by adding rural redevelopment projects and major business and medical facilities, increasing certain project investment and sales requirements, adding a return on investment analysis and other requirements and approvals by the secretary and extending the sunset date	House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development	02/17/2020 - Hearing 02/18/2020 - Hearing (possible continuation)	02/17/2020	1:30 PM	112-N
SB 248	Extraterritorial zoning, subdivision regulations; mailed notice to land owners of record	Senate Ethics, Elections and Local Government	02/18/2020 - Hearing (opponents continued)	02/18/2020	9:30 AM	142-S
HB 2669	Requiring the secretary of wildlife, parks and tourism to establish state threatened and endangered species lists that are based on the federal threatened and endangered species lists	House Agriculture	02/18/2020 - Hearing	02/18/2020	3:30 PM	582-N
HB 2621	Authorizing the Kansas department of wildlife, parks and tourism to purchase land in Kingman county	House Agriculture	02/19/2020 - Hearing	02/19/2020	3:30 PM	582-N

10 Tips for a Successful Conference Experience

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 18:46:59 GMT

Before You Head to Topeka

Be prepared. Make the most of your time and resources at the 2020 KRPA Conference and Trade Show by sitting down and formulating a plan first.

1) Download the conference app

2) Review the schedule.

Also, make sure you are registered on the KRPA website for the tours, socials, and the Strength-Finders workshop that you would like to attend.

3) Bring a few extra dollars

· Silent Auction Purchases at Trade Show. Don’t forget there will be a silent auction at the Trade Show. Susan with Shawnee County Parks + Recreation has done an amazing job gathering items for this year's silent auction. It will be full of items from vendors, sports memorabilia, gift cards, and more. You will find a treasure that you might want to take home, so be prepared.

· Purchase a $10 Poker Hand for a chance to win big $$$. The 2020 KRPA Trade Show fundraiser is the Poker Run event. Purchase your $10 Poker Hand from a KRPA Board member or at the conference registration table when you arrive at conference for your chance to win big $$$ at the Trade Show. Click here to learn more about the fundraiser.

4) Find out who’s going

The people you’ll attend sessions with are as important as the sessions themselves. There’s no better time to network with your peers, connect with new KRPA members, or touch base with longtime friends than at a conference.

Connect with KRPA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Use the hashtag #KRPAConference to find friends posting about conference. The app also offers a social page and access to reach out directly to other conference attendees.

5) Bring the right gear

· Pack enough business cards. Make sure you have some business cards handy to share with new contacts.

When You Arrive

6) Come to the registration desk

7) Divide and conquer

When you are home and waiting for the 2021 KRPA Conference in Manhattan

9) Gather your thoughts

10) Prepare to share your "Clear Vision" when you arrive home

Legislative Session Begins

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:12:01 GMT

2019 Legislative Session Recap

The 2019 legislative session concluded in early May with the legislature having tackled many large issues, while still leaving plenty of work to be done in the second year of the biennium starting on January 13, 2020. Given that Governor Laura Kelly's first budget survived mostly intact, and that no substantial tax reform package was signed into law, the state accounting ledger is on relatively firm footing heading into 2020. The Legislature was able to put together a school finance package to satisfy the Supreme Court, but Medicaid Expansion still remains elusive to advocates looking to expand access to health insurance.

Current Economic Environment

The Consensus Group consisting of Legislative Research, Division of the Budget, Department of Revenue, and economists from state universities meet twice a year, in April and November to provide an estimate of revenue and expenses for the Governor and Legislature to build the annual budget. The most recent meeting of this group produced some interesting and mostly positive data forecasts for the Kansas economy. It is anticipated that we will continue to see modest economic growth through FY 2021. Real Kansas Gross State Product is expected to grow by 1.7% in 2020. This lags the national economy as measured by U.S. Gross Domestic Product which is expected to grow by 1.9%.

Employment continues to be strong in Kansas and the data shows that wages have been growing. The labor market is relatively tight with unemployment at 3.4%. In terms of agriculture, there has been modest growth in net farm income over the last couple years attributable in large part to the federal market facilitation payment program. However, the energy sector continues to experience declines in production and price for both oil and natural gas. Inflation continues to be moderate and the 2020 and 2021 forecasts both call for a 2.1% inflation rate.

Budget Projections

Given the moderate growth expected by the Consensus Group, and the favorable economic indicators, overall revenue estimates for FY 2020 and FY 2021 were increased by a combined $525.5 million. The profile for the State General Fund, taking the recent consensus estimates into account, shows that the State will have a positive ending balance through FY 2023. The State ended FY 2019 with over $1.1 billion in the bank. Even with the additional anticipated revenues, the State continues to have higher expenditures than revenues. The State General Fund profile assumes consistent and reasonable growth and does not consider any potential additional revenue (e.g. Internet or digital sales tax) or reductions in revenue from potential tax cuts.

Major Issues

Medicaid Expansion - One of the biggest policy issues from the 2019 Legislative Session was expanding Medicaid, which would provide health insurance coverage to approximately 150,000 Kansans. Last session, the Kansas House passed Medicaid Expansion through HB 2066 by a vote of 69-54, however, progress on sending a bill to Governor Kelly stalled out in the Senate. It has been over nine years since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed, and Medicaid Expansion has been an option for states to pursue since 2014. To date, Kansas, along with 13 other states have not expanded their programs. There was a commitment by Senate leadership that the issue would be studied in the interim by two different committees - the Senate Select Committee on Health Care Access and the Special Joint Committee on Medicaid Expansion. Both Committees have met, and we now have a Senate proposal that should be debated when the legislature convenes in January.

Tax Policy - In addition to Medicaid Expansion, another large policy item leftover from the 2019 Legislative Session revolves around state tax policy. SB 22, which was one of the original large-scale tax bill from last session was vetoed by Governor Kelly in late March. After the legislature reconvened in early May, they passed another tax bill in the form of HB 2033, which contained nearly all of the same provisions as SB 22, but at half the cost because it did not allow for the changes to be retroactive. Governor Kelly ultimately vetoed both bills and the legislature was unable to override her veto on either bill. Governor Kelly issued an Executive Order in September creating the Governor's Council on Tax Reform, which had the charge of studying how Kansas can create a fair and efficient tax policy. Governor Kelly's Council made a series of recommendations including taxing digital products and implementing a refundable food sales tax credit. It is anticipated that legislators and lobbyists will again push this year to address the issues around decoupling and taxation of international income, which will set the stage for another year of fighting on tax policy.

Constitutional Amendment on Abortion - With the Supreme Court decision in April ruling that the state constitution protects the right to an abortion, many legislators have been strategizing on how they can address this in the 2020 Legislative Session. One part of the debate is settled, and that is to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot for the voters of Kansas to decide. While all the details around the potential language have yet to be worked out, it can be reasonably assumed that there will be a robust debate in both chambers. Perhaps the biggest unknown at this point, should the amendment be approved by the legislature, is whether the constitutional amendment appears on the August or November ballot.

Supreme Court Nominating Process - The process by which justices are nominated to serve on the state Supreme Court been questioned by legislators, especially in terms of transparency. The current process involves a nine-member Nominating Commission, including five lawyers and four nonlawyers. There are feelings that the current process leads to justices that don't represent the political makeup of Kansas, and many in the legislature would like Kansas to follow the Federal model, allowing the Governor to make appointments subject to Senate confirmation. It is anticipated that we will continue to hear from legislators that this process should be amended.

Criminal Justice Reform - The 2019 Legislature passed HB 2290 with only one dissenting vote between both chambers. One of the provisions in the bill was to create the Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission. The Commission was charged with studying numerous aspects of the criminal justice system including sentencing guidelines, proportionality, diversion, supervision, specialty courts and other programs for offenders. Meetings of the Commission began this summer to meet a December deadline of producing an interim report (http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/CommitteeReports/2019CommitteeReports/KS-CriminalJustRefmComm-cr.pdf). The Commission will continue to meet throughout the year and will issue their final report by December 1, 2020.

Marijuana - Legalization of marijuana has been a hot topic around the legislature for the past few years and there are now three states bordering Kansas that have legalized recreational or medical marijuana. The Special Committee on Federal and State Affairs met in October on the topic of medical marijuana. There were many proponents and opponents who testified. Ultimately the recommendation from the Special Committee was to take a look at the Ohio law, which allows for medical marijuana in some forms. The Committee was also interested in what could be done to provide individuals an affirmative defense if someone who can legally possess marijuana in other states is traveling through Kansas. These recommendations will head to the legislature and it seems likely that there will be legislation this session on this topic.

Transportation Plan - Transportation funding has been one of the annual budget issues facing legislators over the last decade. From FY 2011 - FY 2020, on average, $177 million has been swept from the state highway fund to the state general fund every year to fund core services of government. This does not include other extraordinary expenses that have come over time including Statehouse Debt Service, the Affordable Airfares program, and education transportation funding to name a few. Legislators have coined transportation funding as the "Bank of KDOT" (Kansas Department of Transportation) since it has been used so often to fund other government services. Governor Kelly would like to end the transfer of funds and keep more funding at KDOT to implement her new transportation plan. This new plan will focus on being nimble, stretching dollars, and community input to address the estimated $18 billion worth of needs statewide. As the Governor rolls out her new budget, this new plan, and funding for the plan will be one of the big budget issues this session.

Noneconomic Damages Cap - This summer the Kansas Supreme Court struck down the state's cap on noneconomic damages, citing that it violates the state constitution. The statute in question relates to damages for personal injury or death, which has been currently capped at $325,000. Striking down of the cap disrupts years of public policy and advocates claim that this will have far-reaching consequences for cases involving medical malpractice, workers compensation, and general tort litigation. The legislature held two interim committees this fall to discuss the topic with the only recommendations that they continue to study the issue and get updates from stakeholders on ramifications.

2020 Legislative Calendar

Jan. 13 - First day of session.
Feb. 3 -- Last day for individual members to request sponsored bill drafts.
Feb 10 - Last day for non-exempt committees to request bill drafts.
Feb. 12 - Last day for individual bill introductions.
Feb. 14 - Last day for non-exempt committee bill introduction.
Feb. 24 - Last day for committees to meet
Feb. 25-26 - On floor all day.
Feb. 27 - Turnaround Day, last day for non-exempt bills in house of origin.
Feb. 28-March 3 - No session.
March 20 - Last day for non-exempt committees to meet and consider bills.
March 23-24 - On floor all day.
March 25 - Last day for debate of non-exempt bills in either chamber.
March 26-27 - No session.
March 30-31 - Conference committees meet.
April 1 - Last day for conference committees to agree.
April 3 - Last day for conference committee agreements, First Adjournment.
April 4-26 - Spring Break.
April 27 - Veto session opens on Day 74 of the session.
May 13 - Day 90, the traditional length of the session.

House Leadership

Speaker - Ron Ryckman (R - Olathe)
Speaker Pro Tem - Blaine Finch (R - Ottawa)
Majority Leader - Daniel Hawkins (R - Wichita)
Minority Leader - Tom Sawyer (D - Wichita)

Senate Leadership

President - Susan Wagle (R - Wichita)
Vice President - Jeff Longbine (R - Emporia)
Majority Leader - Jim Denning (R - Overland Park)
Minority Leader - Anthony Hensley (D - Topeka)

You can find a list of the 2020 Legislature here: http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/, or in Excel which includes all contact information: http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/members/csv/

2020 Election

All 165 legislators will be up for election this year. This will most certainly create an interesting dynamic as a number of legislators including Senate President Susan Wagle (running for US Senate) and House Appropriations Chairman Troy Waymaster (running in the 1^st Congressional) will be running for new positions, as well as those legislators just trying to retain their seats. Positioning on issues will become paramount, in addition to trying to end the session in an expedient manner so the candidates can free up their time for campaigning and fundraising.

Snack Bar

The Capitol will have a new snack bar ready for this session that will feature a grill and serve hot food. After about $150,000 worth of work, you will now be able to enjoy a new snack bar on the ground floor of the Capitol, just across from the vending area near the Visitor Center and entrance. Don't worry, if you're upstairs and need some refreshments, the snack bar on the third floor won't be closing.

Information provided by:

Blue Cross Blue Shield Grant Opportunity

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 15:37:35 GMT

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is excited to announce that the Request for Applications for the second phase of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative is now available! Blue Cross is continuing efforts to improve the health and wellness in communities across Kansas. The four-year coordination grants will award $200,000 each for up to 24 communities.

The funding period is from Aug. 1, 2020, to July 31, 2024. BCBSKS is accepting letters of intent from communities interested in applying for the grant. Letters of intent must be submitted no later than Jan. 17 in order to receive an application packet. Applications are due March 20. Awardees will be announced on July 1.

Please see the attached RFA . More information and frequently asked questions, is available at http://www.bcbsks.com/pathways/.

Request for Application Packet

For questions regarding the Letter of Intent contact:

Virginia Barnes. MPH

Director, Blue Health Initiatives

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

virginia.barnes@bcbsks.com

Toll-free: 1-800-432-0216, ext. 8004

In Topeka: 785-291-8004

Happy New Year!

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 14:38:46 GMT

New Year Opportunities

This time of year always brings the opportunity to reflect on the successes and growth that came in 2019 and look ahead to what we hope 2020 will hold. Kansas Recreation and Park Association wants to take a minute to thank you, our members and family, for letting us serve you and thank all the professionals who invested their time and resources into the success of our association and the park and recreation profession.

KRPA looks to the future year with great anticipation. We are excited to work with you in 2020 and help improve the health and wellness of Kansans across the state.

Upcoming 2020 Events

Annual KRPA Conference and Trade Show-
February 10-12, 2020 in Topeka, KS

The countdown is on for the start of the 2020 KRPA Conference in Topeka, KS. For over 70 years, parks and recreation professionals in Kansas have gathered together for the Annual KRPA Conference. This outstanding park and recreation conference attracts over 400 professionals and elected officials for three exciting days of quality educational programming, networking and professional development. Featuring over 65 educational sessions and a trade show where more than 90 exhibitors showcase their latest and greatest products and services, the 2020 Conference is sure to be the place to be next February! Click here to learn more about the complete schedule, hotel room block, registration, and more.

Aquatic Facility Operator Certification Course and Exam-
March 11-12, 2020 in Derby and April 15-16, 2020 in Lawrence

The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) program is an advanced, state of-the-art educational training program for those persons managing and operating aquatic facilities. The AFO program is fast becoming the leading training opportunity for pool operators and aquatic facility managers in the United States and to date has certified over 16,000 aquatic facility operators in the 16 years of existence. Click here to learn more.

Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course and Exam-
March 3-5, 2020 in Mission, KS

The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) course promotes children’s right to play and promotes the importance of play in children’s development. CPSI provides the most current comprehensive training program on playground safety including the development and distribution of playground training and safety products. CPSI provides input to help develop responsible public policy for the guaranteed safety of our children while at the same time advocating sound fiscal responsibility to provide resources for the ongoing maintenance and support of the policy. Click here to learn more.

Marketing Workshop-
March 31, 2020 in Emporia, KS

This new workshop will provide attendees the opportunity to learn more about the latest trends and best-practices for marketing, social media and more. Morning and early afternoon sessions will feature a special keynote speaker and then join the Marketing Committee for their 60-in-60 afternoon session. Registration and details will be available soon.

Recreation Commission Summit-
April 8-9, 2020 in Derby, KS

This once a year workshop gives recreation commissions the opportunity to review the budget process, network to discuss what is effecting recreation commissions, educational opportunity for recreation commission board members, and what the future might hold for recreation commissions in Kansas. More information and details will be announced at a later date.

Free Webinar with Ian Hill on December 6th

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 17:53:56 GMT

The Changing Point with Ian Hill is offering a FREE webinar on December 6th from 12pm - 1pm about Maximizing the Use of Your Time.

In today's hectic world there just doesn't seem to be enough time to get done all that is expected of us. From responsibilities at work, obligations at home and our own self care...there just doesn't seem to be enough time!

In December's Lunch and Learn Ian Hill will share with us a proven system to not just manage our time but to maximize it!

He will show us how to align our daily activities with our long term goals, identify and utilize our high impact activities, and avoid our time stealers as well provide actionable tools that you can use right away.

Join us December 6th and prepare to make 2020 the best year so far, by maximizing the use of your time at www.thechangingpointedu.com!

KRPA Today Fall Magazine Available

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:05:07 GMT

KRPA is happy to announce that the KRPA Today Fall magazine is now available for KRPA members. This edition features:

-KRPA Conference schedule

-Article: Leadership: Values vs. Boundaries

-Article: Filling the Empty Seats

Read complete publication here.

KRPA Promotes Play and Recreation Statewide Funding and Training Initiative – Round 2

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 18:15:22 GMT

Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA), PlayCore, GameTime, and Cunningham Recreation are aligning resources and partnering for the second year to promote best practices in parks and recreation, provide quality education, and arm communities with evidence-based resources.

Parks are essential to creating healthier, happier communities across generations. Complimentary professional development events will be hosted in April 2020 across the state of Kansas. These interactive education symposiums will help participants effectively fuel their community’s passion for play and recreation and empower stakeholders to become champions for high quality outdoor play and recreation environments that meet the diverse needs of children, families, and communities.

Attendees will be inspired by unique design and program innovations, leadership case examples, and strategies to creatively consider the needs and goals of community stakeholders. The content and hands-on learning activities will equip participants in developing strong advocacy messages of how investing in parks and recreation has a positive impact on building viable communities through physical activity, inclusive play, engagement with nature, and play value in a collaborative effort to improve the quality of life in communities across Kansas.

Learning Objectives:

Develop advocacy messages describing why play and recreation is essential to a healthier and happier society.
Apply research-based design best practices to create high-quality outdoor play and recreation destinations.
Discuss model projects, positive community outcomes, and the benefits of inclusion, physical activity, and nature engagement.

PlayCore's Center for Outreach, Research & Education is providing the statewide professional development services and GameTime will provide up to $1M in matching funds to assist agencies across Kansas create play and recreation destinations that have been thoroughly reviewed to align with research-based best practices. These projects will serve as National Demonstration Sites (NDS) and serve as national models for promoting physical activity, fitness, nature engagement, and inclusion.

The sessions will offer Continuing Education Units for professionals and promise to be lively, informative, and educational. Lunch and educational resources will be provided by GameTime and Cunningham Recreation.

To learn more about this partnership and ways to attend the events, please visit: www.gametime.com/krpa.

Support the Chiefs and KRPA Scholarships through the Chiefs Ticket Fundraiser

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 14:35:06 GMT

Purchase Kansas City Chiefs Tickets and Support Kansas Parks and Recreation Professionals

KRPA is participating in the Chiefs Ticket Fundraiser again this year to provide you with a chance to attend Kansas City Chiefs' home games and support the KRPA Scholarship Fund at the same time.

Tickets are available to purchase for Chiefs home games in 2019, Tickets vary in price but $10 goes directly to KRPA. Here's a great opportunity to see the Chiefs play and also support park and recreation professionals across Kansas.

Be sure to use the link below and the promo code: KRPA
http://www.chiefs.com/ticketfundraiser/

Current ticket options are for:
Chiefs vs Ravens (Regular Season Game)- September 22
Chiefs vs Colts (Regular Season Game)- October 6th
Chiefs vs Texans (Regular Season Game)- October 13th
Chiefs vs Packers (Regular Season Game)- October 27th
Chiefs vs Vikings (Regular Season Game)- November 3rd
Chiefs vs Raiders (Regular Season Game)- December 1st
Chiefs vs Broncos (Regular Season Game)- December 15th
Chiefs vs Chargers (Regular Season Game)- December 29th

Tickets will be purchased and delivered directly from the KC Chiefs. Tickets are first come, first serve.

Request for highlights of events, news, members and more for the KRPA Today Magazine

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 18:36:58 GMT

It's time to highlight your agency or share a job change with the KRPA family. This is a request for articles for the "Around KANSAS" and "Members on the Move" section of the KRPA Today magazine. Please send a 125 word or less article and photos of events, news, and KRPA members on the move that you would like published in that section of the magazine. The magazine will be published this fall. Article and photos are due by September 20, 2019 to amanda@krpa.org.

Free Webinar: Effective Motivation- Moving Others into Action

Sat, 10 Aug 2019 19:15:53 GMT

Effective Motivation- Moving Others into Action

When: 9/6/2019 from 12:00 pm- 12:45 pm
Live broadcast at www.thechangingpoint.life/broadcast.

Description: Motivation is the most over discussed and misunderstood aspect of leadership! Pep talks and rah-rah speeches won’t move others into action today, there needs to be more! In this 45 minute live broadcast, Master Motivator Ian Hill will provide proven approaches to move others into sustained action and higher productivity. Participants will learn a system of motivation that will help others move to the ultimate motivation, self-motivation!

Ian Hill facilitates the KRPA Leadership Intensive program. Registration is now open for the second round of Leadership Intensive that starts on October 10th. Click here to learn more about the program and hear from current Leadership Intensive participants.

Leadership Intensive is an individualized, competency based leadership development program that meets participants where they are at. It utilizes an innovative behavioral change model and a blended learning approach. The program has been designed specifically for the park and recreation sector and to accelerate demonstrated knowledge acquisition of director-level leadership competencies.

Learn More About Leadership Intensive

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: KRPA HALL OF FAME

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:10:13 GMT

Hall of Fame Nominations

Are you aware of a professional who committed a lengthy time of service to the field of parks and recreation in Kansas? Please take this opportunity to pay tribute and honor this person by nominating them for the KRPA Hall of Fame. This year's Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the Hall of Fame Luncheon and KRPA Conference Opening Session on February 10, 2020 in Topeka, Kansas.

Hall of Fame nominees must be retired from the profession for at least two (2) years and be a past member of KRPA. Professional nominees are preferred to have had professional certification but not required. Hall of Fame inductees are selected by the KRPA Board of Directors.

The deadline to submit nominations for the KRPA Hall of Fame is September 13, 2019. Please send nomination form or questions to Erika Devore (KRPA Executive Director) at erika@krpa.org.

Registration Open for 2019 KRPA Golf Tournament

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 12:15:53 GMT

Annual KRPA Golf Tournament

The 2019 KRPA golf tournament will be held Friday, August 23 at the City of Cheney’s Cherry Oaks Golf Course. Registration will be open at 7:45 am and tee off will be at 8:30 am. Team fee is $160 or $40 per participant.

Register Here

New this year, the KRPA board has decided to make a change with the event. Instead of having the tournament serve as a fundraiser for KRPA, the goal of the event has shifted focus more to being a great opportunity for socializing and networking with other KRPA members and vendors. We hope the tournament will serve as a way members can bring fellow area members, their staffs and board members for a great time playing and meeting with other parks and recreation professionals in a fun setting at a great course. For questions regarding this year's golf tournament, please contact Brent Peintner at brent@cheneyrecreation.com.

Cherry Oaks is an 18-hole public/municipal course located in Cheney just 20 minutes west of Wichita off of highway 54. The course has hosted numerous KSHSAA regional and state golf tournaments over the years. It continues to improve yearly with concrete cart paths, new trees, an outdoor pavilion and more. Visit www.cherryoaksgc.com for additional information on the course.

Splash Across Kansas Featured Agency: Hays Recreation Commission

Tue, 14 May 2019 19:18:31 GMT

Hays Aquatic Park

Plan your visit to Hays Aquatic Park around other events going on in Hays. Consider visiting the Megalodon: The Largest Shark that Ever Lived exhibit at the Sternberg Museum which runs through the summer. Visit Hays has a complete list of upcoming events and great places to eat for your trip to Hays.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas card yet to get your 2 admissions to Hays Aquatic Center + 16 other aquatic parks across Kansas? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

Splash Across Kansas Featured Agency: Great Bend

Fri, 10 May 2019 16:46:27 GMT

Wetlands Waterpark- Great Bend

Great Bend is only a few hours drive from Wichita and Topeka. It is a hidden gem in Central Kansas and well worth adding it to your summer bucket list, especially if you include a visit to Wetlands Waterpark in your plans. Don’t forget to purchase your Splash Across Kansas card for your visit to Great Bend's awesome aquatic park.

The Wetlands at Great Bend is located at 2303 Main in Brit Spaugh Park. The water park, owned and operated by the City of Great Bend. The original pool is still in existence, but many other changes have taken place throughout the years. In 2005, the pool underwent a major renovation. With the addition of a new bathhouse and concession area, a modern water feature that includes a tipping bucket, several slides for visitors of all ages, a spray park, a zero depth splash pool, and numerous colorful shade structures throughout the facility, Wetlands Waterpark has become one of the finest water parks in Central Kansas.

Plan your visit to Wetlands Waterpark around other events going on in Great Bend. Consider attending the June Jaunt festival which runs May 31st-June 2nd or Party in the Park on August 10th. Visit the Great Bend Zoo. Wouldn't it be fun for the kids to get worn out at the Wetlands Waterpark and then attend an outdoor movie night? Click here for a complete list of the City of Great Bends’s summer events.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas card yet to get your 2 admissions to Wetlands Waterpark + 16 other aquatic parks across Kansas? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

Splash Across Kansas Featured Agency: Derby Recreation Commission

Tue, 07 May 2019 18:38:26 GMT

Rock River Rapids- Derby

Rock River Rapids is a full service aquatic park with concessions, lockers, a bathhouse and gift counter. There are numerous areas at the park liberally equipped with lounge chairs for relaxing. Rock River Rapids has four featured slides to choose from. Take a raft ride with a friend or kick up the excitement with a thrilling drop off the speed slide! The park also has a lap pool, a lazy river and a zero depth pool for the younger visitors.

Plan your visit to Rock River Rapids around other events going on in Derby. Consider attending the Smoke on the Plains: Derby BBQ and Music Fest which runs June 6-8. After splashing the day away, stay for the 1^st ever Family Camp Out at Derby’s newest park or attend Derby’s Theater in the Park at High Park Amphitheater for A Midsummer Night's Dream. Free and open to the public. Click here for a complete list of Derby Recreation Commission’s summer events.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas card yet to get your 2 admissions to Rock River Rapids + 16 other aquatic parks across Kansas? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

Splash Across Kansas Featured Agency: Dodge City

Fri, 03 May 2019 15:21:13 GMT

Get the Heck INTO Dodge!

Dodge City isn't just a one-horse town but offers awesome events and amenities that you can enjoy this summer. Your Splash Across Kansas card will come in handy when you visit the Dodge City's Long Branch Lagoon.

Long Branch Lagoon is a western themed water park with over 27,000 square feet of water surface with attractions like Doc's Plunge, The Gunslinger, Cowboy Creek Lazy River and more. It is positioned in Wright Park and the downtown Heritage District and close to the famed Boot Hill Museum, historic downtown and the Santa Fe Depot.

Plan your visit to Long Branch Lagoon around other events going on in Dodge City. Visit Dodge City has put together a wonderful summer brochure to guide you through all the summer attractions going on in Dodge City.

Haven't purchased your Splash Across Kansas card yet to get your 2 admissions to Long Branch Lagoon + 16 other aquatic parks across Kansas? Don't miss out! Purchase your card here.

Powercat Health Partnership and KRPA offer Healthy Hometown Grants

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 15:02:52 GMT

Healthy Hometown Grant Opportunity for KRPA Members

How could your agency use $5,000 to improve health and well-being in your community? We want to know! Healthy Hometown grant applications are now available. KRPA will award $15,000 in grants to selected agencies.

Learn More Here >

Healthy Hometown is a community health improvement grant provided by Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) and the Powercat Health Partnership (Kansas State University, Kansas Health Foundation, and Stormont-Vail Hospital) to provide enhancement dollars to Kansas recreation and park agencies who support healthy lifestyles through programs and initiatives that promote healthy communities. Click here to apply. Applications are due by April 19, 2019.

Thank you to the Powercat Health Partnership for their support of health and wellness in Kansas!

Park and Recreation Grant Opportunity (SSG)

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 17:40:17 GMT

Parks & Recreation Marketing Grant
Applications due by April 1, 2019

Could your department use an additional $500 to assist in promoting your programs or events? Sunflower State Games is offering you the opportunity to apply for the 2019 Parks and Recreation Marketing Grant.

HOW DO WE APPLY?

Easy! Just complete and submit the application form to Sunflower State Games Office by April 1st. All applicants must be members of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association. Only one application may be submitted per department/community.

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Submit the application form to our office by April 1, 2019.

2) Submit documentation of your selected Promotion Options by June 28, 2019. Items 1 & 2 of the Promotion Options listed below are required to be considered eligible. A minimum of four additional Promotion Options (items 3 - 9 listed below) must be selected. Documentation must include the following: a) Itemized explanation of how your department implemented each of the selected Promotion Options. b) Proof of inclusion for each of the selected Promotion Options (pictures, links, hard copy, etc). Submissions may be sent electronically via email in PDF format to mgross@sunflowergames.com or shipment of hard copies to: Sunflower State Games, 501 SE Jefferson St., Ste. 22, Topeka, KS 66607

PROMOTION OPTIONS

#1 REQUIRED - Distribution of Sunflower State Games Event Brochures to patrons and general public (brochures to be shipped in March)

#2 REQUIRED - Display Sunflower State Games event posters at Community Centers & Sports Venues (posters to be shipped in March)

#3 Placement of Sunflower State Games logo or ad with external link from department web site (logo or ad provided by SSG upon request)

#4 Ad or article placement in printed Seasonal Program (Ad or article provided by SSG upon request)

#5 Ad or article placement in monthly or seasonal Newsletter (Ad or article provided by SSG upon request)

#6 Event Calendar Listing (electronic or print)

#7 Inclusion in Team or League event schedules

#8 Social Media Mentions tagging SSG on at least two platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat)

#9 OTHER: Please include on a separate sheet additional resources that you plan to utilize in promoting the 2019 Sunflower State Games

SELECTION PROCESS

Recipient of the $500 grant will be selected by the SSG Staff and Board of Directors based on the above criteria. Additional consideration will be given to organizations that exceed the minimum requirements listed above. Grant recipient will be notified in August. A formal presentation will be made at the 2019 SSG VIP Reception on September 30th in Topeka. Expense report to be submitted to SSG upon use of Grant Funds.

Questions? Call the Sunflower State Games office at 785-235-2295 or email mgross@sunflowergames.com

Click here to download and print the application form

Call for Educational Session Proposals

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 18:13:37 GMT

KRPA is pleased to announce that we are now accepting session proposals for the 2020 Annual Conference which will take place February 10-12, 2020 in Topeka, KS.

Click Here to Download the Session Proposal Form.

Who Should Submit an Education Session Proposal?

Park and recreation professionals
Park and recreation educators and related educators
Park and recreation vendors, contractors and related groups
Professional speakers and professionals aligned with park and recreation's mission
Anyone else interested in sharing their knowledge with park and recreation professionals

How to submit a Educational Session Proposal for consideration?

Session proposals must be filled out completely for the session to be considered. Branch board members will approve session proposals, and a branch representative will contact speakers to confirm or decline session proposals. The KRPA Office will finalize all contractual arrangements with selected speakers.

SUBMIT SESSION PROPOSALS TO THE BRANCH CHAIR BELOW THAT PERTAINS TO YOUR SESSION TOPIC:

Administrative Branch- Susan Mong- Susan.Mong@jocogov.org

Park and Natural Resources- Brian Anderson- briana@leawood.org

Aquatic Branch- Lauren Ozburn- lozburn@wedesignpools.com

Recreation- Jennifer Smith- jsmith@missionks.org

Sports- Brandon Stortz- programs@orcottawaks.org

Wellness- Ted Nelson- tnelson@hutchrec.com

Park Law Enforcement- Levi Gantenbein- levi.gantenbein@ks.gov

General- Erika Devore- erika@krpa.org

Commercial Companies' Proposals

Click Here to Download the Session Proposal Form.

More questions? Email Jamie Reed or call (785) 235-6533.

NEW Splash Across Kansas Program

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 18:08:30 GMT

Kansas Recreation and Park Association is excited to offer a special summer opportunity for Kansas residents to stay-cation in 2019. There is so much to do across the state from museums, trails and parks, but we are highlighting some of the amazing aquatic facilities in the state through the NEW Splash Across Kansas program. Whether your family is traveling for sporting events or just planning fun day trips, we want you to incorporate stops at Kansas aquatic facilities in your summer plans. Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/tVransAeHt8

COST

$40

PARTICIPATING AQUATIC FACILITIES

There are 16 participating aquatic facilities across Kansas. Click here for a complete list and more information about each aquatic facility.

VALUE

You will receive 2 admissions to each aquatic facility with your punch card. With an average daily rate of $7 per aquatic center per person, this is a great deal.
32 visits x $7 average =
$224 value

Splash Across Kansas cards are NOW available to purchase through the KRPA store.

2019 Day at the Capitol Announced

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 17:41:44 GMT

2019 Day at the Capitol

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 starting at 9am

Kansas Statehouse/Visitors Center Auditorium, 4-N, Topeka

Join KRPA members and staff from around the state to advocate for parks and recreation!

Come join fellow KRPA members for a one-day event as we head to the statehouse to meet with our legislators. We will have access to our room at 9:00; the program will start shortly after 9:00. Hear from legislators, our new lobbyists and possibly a special guest.

We will have a short session on what to talk with your legislator about then head to the 2^nd floor for lunch. After lunch there will be time to watch the house and senate debate on the floor then we will meet back in auditorium to debrief.

You will need to contact your legislator before you come on the 27^th to let them know you will be at the capitol on the 27^th and invite them to come grab a lunch. If you need help with this, please contact Erika.

You must RSVP to Erika at erika@krpa.org by February 25^th, 2019.

Agenda:

9:15-11:00 – Speakers

11:00-1:30 – Lunch on the 2^nd Floor North wing, meet with legislators

1:30-2:00 – Free to roam the capitol or watch the senate and/or house debate on the floor

2:15-2:45- Debrief, Visitors Center Auditorium, 4-N

With the new dynamic of divided government for the first time in a decade, strong public support for parks and recreation is needed to make our unified voice heard. If you don’t tell the park and recreation story, who will?

10 Tips to Prepare for a Successful 2019 Conference

Sun, 27 Jan 2019 15:52:57 GMT

Before You Head to Hutchinson

Be prepared. Make the most of your time and resources at the 2019 KRPA Conference and Trade Show by sitting down and formulating a plan first.

1) Download the conference app

2) Review the schedule.

This one’s a no-brainer. Set a goal for what you’d like to learn at the conference, and use the schedule to devise a plan to meet your goal. Make sure to attend conference-wide events such as the keynote speakers. You can log-in to the conference app and save the agenda that you would like to personally schedule for yourself. If you prefer a hard-copy, please remember to print the schedule pdf before you arrive at conference.

Also, make sure you are registered on the KRPA website for the tours (park- FULL, facility and art) or social that you would like to attend.

3) Bring a few extra dollars

· Food Trucks will be available to purchase lunch on Tuesday from 11:30-1. We know many of you might arrive early on Tuesday before the opening session beings at 1pm. Food trucks will be in the conference center parking lot to provide you with an opportunity to purchase lunch. The food trucks are from The Traveling Bowl and Comfort and Joy Mobile.

· Silent Auction Purchases at Trade Show. Don’t forget there will be a silent auction at the Trade Show. Jamie from HutchRec has done an amazing job gathering items for this year's silent auction. It is full of over 95 items from vendors, sports memorabilia, gift cards, and more. You will find a treasure that you might want to take home, so be prepared.

· Purchase a $20 Golden Ticket for a chance to win $400. The 2019 KRPA Trade Show fundraiser is the Golden Ticket event. Purchase your $20 Golden Ticket from a KRPA Board member or at the conference registration table when you arrive at conference for your chance to win $400 at the Trade Show. Click here to learn more about the Golden Ticket fundraiser.

4) Find out who’s going

5) Bring the right gear

· Pack enough business cards. Make sure you have some business cards handy to share with new contacts.

When You Arrive

6) Come to the registration desk

7) Divide and conquer

When you are home and waiting for the 2020 KRPA Conference in Topeka

9) Gather your thoughts

10) Prepare to "Create Places in Unexpected Spaces" when you arrive home

2019 Conference Mobile App Live

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 20:23:40 GMT

2019 KRPA Conference and Trade Show App

We’re proud to announce our mobile app for 2019 KRPA Conference and Trade Show is now live and can be downloaded at https://crowd.cc/krpa2019. Download it to your iPhone/iPad/Android device at https://crowd.cc/s/2pv6Q to have all conference information on the go. Then login to access all the features!

The App Game has already started. Explore, use, and connect in the app to earn points. The more you use the app the more points you earn. The winner of the in-app game will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Thank you to our Conference Technology Sponsor, Confluence!

Haven't registered for conference? Don't wait any longer! We don't want you to miss out on this great opportunity starting in just 25 days. This professional development event has a fantastic lineup of speakers and activities. Click here to learn more about the exciting plans for this year’s event and to access registration forms, hotel information and more. For any questions concerning registration, feel free to email the KRPA office. Can't wait to see you in Hutch!

KRPA's First Executive Director Elected Governor of Kansas

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 20:02:02 GMT

Topeka, KS- KRPA members came together today to witness the swearing in of Laura Kelly, KRPA's first executive director, to the position of Kansas Governor. The weather was chilly but many people still came out to witness the exciting event.

Kelly served as KRPA's executive director from 1986-2003. During her time as director, she moved parks and recreation forward through new educational opportunities, stabilizing the association's budget and moving KRPA's office to Topeka where it still currently resides.

Young Professional Committee Seeking New Members

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 20:16:22 GMT

Looking for an opportunity to enhance the future of parks and recreation in Kansas? Apply today to join the KRPA Young Professionals Committee.

The Young Professionals Committee aims to attract and retain young professionals and students in Kansas by providing them with opportunities to enhance their personal and professional skill set through a variety of networking, educational and professional development opportunities.

The committee is looking to fill 3 positions. Committee members will serve a 3-year term that begins in 2019. Some responsibilities of the Young Professionals Committee are planning of the KRPA Young Professionals Summit, administration of the KRPA Mentor Program and networking events. It only takes a short time to apply! Applications are due no later than December 14, 2018.

Apply Here

Seeking Members for Wellness, Sports, Park Law Enforcement and Recreation Branch Board

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 18:42:55 GMT

The KRPA Board of Directors revised the branch board structure in 2017. The Branch Boards are now structured as a 7 member board (Chair, Vice–Chair, and 5 members at large) for each KRPA Branch.

Branch board members are expected to serve a three-year term. Board members help communicate to other KRPA members current trends and topics in their branch field. They will also help coordinate with the KRPA office their yearly branch activities: branch conference sessions, mid-year branch workshops, face-to-face meetings, conference calls and networking events.

Some branch boards have incumbent members, so we are looking to fill:
1 positions for the Sports Branch
0 positions for the Administration Branch
0 positions for the Aquatics Branch
1 positions for the Recreation Branch
0 position for the Parks Branch
2 positions for the Wellness Branch
3 positions for Park Law Enforcement (KPLEA) Branch
*If we receive more nominations than positions available, we will hold an election for that particular branch.

To nominate, please send the below information to Amanda Sterling at
amanda@krpa.org by December 14, 2018:

-Nominee's name
-Nominee's agency
-Nominee's title/position
-Branch
-Years as KRPA Member
-A headshot

For more information regarding Branch Board policy, please visit here.

More information on SSCI Partnership

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 20:08:10 GMT

The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association works to partner with entities that provide valuable resources for our members. KRPA’s goal is to offer programs and services that will not only improve the bottom line but will also increase profitability and operating efficiency. That’s why we are pleased to announce the recent partnership between the KRPA and SSCI.

SSCI's national background check program has become the gold standard for Kansas departments who are seeking a comprehensive and affordable background screening program for their volunteers and employees, and one that also goes beyond just a basic local or national database search. With the support of the KRPA, Kansas parks and recreation departments can be confident in a complete, process that reflects your agencies due diligence.

For the last decade, SSCI has helped agencies nationwide define the specific components used for a comprehensive national criminal background check system that is consistently applicable in every state, for every agency, across the park, recreation, and conservation landscape.

SSCI services 55 United States Olympic national governing bodies (NGBs) as well as more than 3,000 city and county recreation departments across the United States. SSCI’s client base has grown based on the belief that volunteer background checks should be held to the same standards and expectations as a full employment screening. SSCI is a value-based company that works with integrity and purpose, and whose programs bring high levels of proven people, brand and asset protection. SSCI offers innovative technology solutions and an unrelenting commitment to meet the needs of all clients.

Compliance to regulations and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines are essential in the background screening industry. SSCI welcomes the scrutiny of regulation, compliance and ethical corporate standards expected of all "active" members of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS). SSCI is an NAPBS accredited company that validates clients' trust as a market leader and reinforces its promise to minimize liability. Less than two percent of background screening companies have earned this recognition and it is yet another reason SSCI remains a leader in background screening solutions.

KRPA encourages its members to take advantage of SSCI’s experience and knowledge by affording SSCI the opportunity to discuss your background check needs and responsibilities. To obtain information from SSCI, please contact:

Director - Chris Goodman at CGoodman@SSCI2000.com or 866-996-7412

KRPA Joins SSCI Affinity Partnership

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 18:02:35 GMT

We are excited to announce a new partnership with SSCI! As a KRPA member, your agency will have access to a top-notch National Screening Program and KRPA benefits when you choose SSCI!

KRPA's Board of Directors decided to join the Affinity Partnership because it is a WIN-WIN for our members. We know that quality volunteer background screening is important to all Kansas recreation and park agencies. Their research showed that SSCI offers competitive priced screening options and sets a standard of excellence to protect patrons and agencies.

Through this partnership, SSCI will donate to KRPA $1 for every background check they perform for any Kansas Park and Recreation Department, District, Recreation Commission or KDWPT. This revenue will go to increase KRPA's forward growth of providing leading-edge professional development opportunities and improved member experience.

Click here to learn more about SSCI.

Governor Candidate Questionnaire Responses

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 17:34:58 GMT

Dear KRPA Members,

In an effort to inform you of how the policy of the gubernatorial candidates would effect parks and recreation in our communities over the next four to eight years, the Public Policy Committee and KRPA staff developed a list of questions and submitted those to the three major candidates for Governor.

Questions were submitted to each campaign on 28-SEPT with a request to return by 8-OCT, we received one response, from the Laura Kelly campaign. A follow-up message was sent to both the Orman and Kobach campaigns, as of this letter we have not received a response from either.

On 9-OCT the Public Policy Committee approved a request to the KRPA Board of Directors that the written response from Laura Kelly be provided, with a summary of her responses to the KRPA membership. On 10-OCT the Board of Directors voted to inform the membership as recommended by the Public Policy Committee.

The Board of Directors strongly encourages you to review the responses from the Kelly Campaign and keep them in consideration as you cast your vote for Governor. As noted in her response, Ms. Kelly served as the Executive Director of our association from 1986-2003 and has proven to be a friend to parks and recreation throughout her time in the State Senate. As stated in her response:

"I will continue to be an advocate for our recreation and park programs as governor. More and more Kansas communities are embracing recreation and park programs that enhance the quality of life available to their families – and attract new business opportunities to their area.”

Further, Ms Kelly, supports local control, stating:

"Each city in Kansas has its own elected officials, geographic and cultural makeup, and this needs to be reflected in policy.” "As governor, I will continue to support local governments’ ability to make choices for their community.”

Additionally, Ms.Kelly’s Rural Prosperity plan “includes prioritizing state investments in the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to enhance our rural communities’ linkages to the state’s natural assets, including lakes and trails.”

We hope you find this information valuable and relevant as you consider your vote this year. If we receive responses from the Orman or Kobach campaign we will make those available for review as well. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns or questions.

Chris Claxton, KRPA Board President

Tony Finlay, KRPA Public Policy Chair

Link to Laura Kelly's Complete Questionnaire Responses: Kansas Recreation and Park Assoc Questionnaire.pdf
Link to Laura Kelly's Rural Prosperity Plan: https://www.laurakellyforkansas.com/issues/rural/

Instructor Training Grants Available

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:24:46 GMT

NRPA, with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offered local park and recreation agencies across the country, Instructor Training Grants for Physical Activity Programs. The Evidence-based physical activity programs, Walk With Ease, Active Living Every Day and Fit & Strong! are beneficial for people with or without chronic conditions, and is especially popular among older adults of all abilities.

The Instructor Training Grants will be used to train staff as instructors in one or more of three programs:

Walk With Ease
Active Living Every Day
Fit & Strong!

Please contact us at HealthyAginginParks@nrpa.org for information on the available training grant opportunities. A total of 220 Instructor Training grants will be awarded. Grant applications will be accepted from October 8 through November 19, 2018.

Learn More and Apply

Free Webinar Hosted by the National Association of Park Foundations

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 14:37:33 GMT

The National Association of Park Foundation is hosting a free webinar on September 13th from 2:00-3:00 titled So Your Local Park Foundation Needs a Strong Understanding of Bequests, Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Gifts.

Featured speaker, Ms. Kasey Coughlin, will be broadcasting from the Law Office of Kasey Coughlin, Villa Park, IL. Ms. Coughlin brings a wealth of experience and understanding on this subject. The NAPE recommends you include Estate Planning into your diverse fund development strategies.

To register for this free webinar, visit https://www.the-napf.org/.

Status of Park Management and Conservation Degree at KSU

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 15:14:30 GMT

KRPA Members,

Below is an email I recently received from Ryan Sharp, professor at Kansas State University. I want to send a sincere THANK YOU to all of you who filled out the survey Ryan sent and/or wrote letters to Ryan. We truly made a positive impact on the park profession.

Thank you,

Erika Devore
Executive Director

Good morning all,

I was notified recently that we will be able to hire two new faculty members in PMC, and the process has already begun. Of course, we did not get all three back that were lost, but, after some time spent with the PMC curriculum, I think we can make it work with three faculty and still teach most of our current courses while maintaining our accreditation.

I am convinced that this recent development would not have happened without the outpouring of support I received from the survey that you all helped me distribute. Of even greater importance were the letters you so thoughtfully wrote in support of PMC. In recent meetings with the Deans, they cited the letters and the survey results as clear evidence of the importance of PMC to the state of Kansas. To think that a month ago there were real discussions about doing away with PMC!

THANK YOU so much for your help and support. I am looking forward to carrying on the PMC tradition and re-building this program, improving it along the way.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: KRPA HALL OF FAME

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 18:45:21 GMT

Are you aware of a professional who committed a lengthy time of service to the field of parks and recreation in Kansas? Please take this opportunity to pay tribute and honor this person by nominating them for the KRPA Hall of Fame. This year's Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at a NEW Hall of Fame Luncheon on February 5, 2019 in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The deadline to submit nominations for the KRPA Hall of Fame is September 19, 2018. Please send nomination form or questions to Erika Devore (KRPA Executive Director) at erika@krpa.org.

Nominate Here

Nominations Now Being Accepted for Kansas Health Champion Awards

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:53:46 GMT

The Governor’s Council on Fitness is now accepting nominations for its annual Kansas Health Champion Awards. Awards are given to individuals and organizations that make an exceptional effort to model, encourage and promote health and fitness in Kansas. Award recipients will be recognized at the Community Health Promotion Summit on Jan. 24, in Manhattan, Kan. The deadline for nominations is September 30, 2018.

Nominees would be expected to have demonstrated:

Work that goes above and beyond what is expected to model, encourage and promote fitness
Far-reaching impact
Sustainable influence or activity

Eligible nominees might include an outstanding volunteer, a school, a local community, a newspaper or individual reporter, a local or State policy maker, or an employer, among others.

For more information and to submit a nomination, go to getactivekansas.org, and click on the nomination form link. If you have questions about the nomination process, contact Jennifer Church at 785-296-6801.

KRPA Member Receives "Pottsie" Scholarship Award

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 18:24:02 GMT

Congratulations to Matt Martinez, KRPA member and Assistant Recreation Supervisor at Wichita Park and Recreation, for receiving the 2018 John C. Potts Leadership Development Scholarship. The highly-competitive "Pottsie" scholarship is awarded to one young professional who has demonstrated leadership and management potential within their organization.

The AIPE/American Academy Foundation chooses the winner of the "Pottsie" scholarship which provides scholarship funds for the individual to attend NRPA's Directors School. (Information about NRPA's Directors School is available at https://www.nrpa.org/directors/.) This scholarship honors former American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration's Executive Director John Potts and is made possible through the generous donations of Academy members and friends. Martinez will be recognized at the 2018 AAPRA annual meeting.

Congratulations, Matt! We are very proud of you!

Amusement Ride Act Video and Infographic

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 18:34:04 GMT

Have questions about what was passed in the Amusement Ride Act? League of Kansas Municipalities put together a short video and infographic to help answer your questions.

Click here for video:

https://www.facebook.com/LeagueofKansasMunicipalities/videos/1596036603859045/

Join KRPA Young Professionals for Chiefs Game and Tailgating

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 17:06:41 GMT

Kansas City Chiefs Game and Tailgate with KRPA Young Professionals

The Kansas City Chiefs have offered the KRPA family a chance to support our favorite football team and also KRPA members and Young Professionals. Tickets are just $30 and $10 goes directly to KRPA. Tickets are very limited so we encourage you to purchase soon.

All tickets purchased for the October 7th game vs. the Jaquars will go to support the KRPA Young Professionals. KRPA members are encouraged to tailgate before the game. Details to come.

A complete list of all 5 Chiefs games available to purchase through this program are below.

Be sure to use the link below and the promo code: KRPA
http://www.chiefs.com/ticketfundraiser/

Current ticket options are for:

PRESEASON
August 9th, 7:30PM TEXANS VS.CHIEFS
August 30th, 7:30PM PACKERS VS.CHIEFS

REGULAR SEASON
October 7th, 12:00PM JAQUARS VS.CHIEFS
October 21st, 12:00PM BENGALS VS.CHIEFS
November 11st, 12:00PM CARDINALS VS.CHIEFS

Tickets will be purchased and delivered directly from the KC Chiefs. Tickets are first come, first serve.

No Cost Tobacco-Free Signage Available through KDHE

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 16:09:28 GMT

To support your work in promoting and enforcing adaptive policies,
the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Community
Health Promotion Program is providing a limited number of
tobacco-free signs free of charge.

When your municipality passes a tobacco-free ordinance or policy, you can make your signage request by uploading the signed ordinance and a description of your communication plans at https://surveymonkey.com/r/tobacco_free_signs.

For questions, contact KDHE Community Health Promotion at
785-296-8127 or KSSmokeFree@ks.gov.

Considering the Recreation Branch Focus for the SHARP Workshop?

Thu, 21 Jun 2018 18:45:19 GMT

Purchase Kansas City Chiefs Tickets to Support KRPA

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 18:24:27 GMT

Are you ready for some football? The Kansas City Chiefs have offered the KRPA family a chance to support our favorite football team and also KRPA members. Purchase a ticket through the link below and the Chiefs will give $10 back to the KRPA Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are available to purchase to 5 different Chiefs home games in 2018. Tickets are just $30 and $10 goes directly to KRPA. A great opportunity to see the Chiefs play and also support park and recreation professionals across Kansas.

Be sure to use the link below and the promo code: KRPA
http://www.chiefs.com/ticketfundraiser/

Current ticket options are for:

PRESEASON
August 9th, 7:30PM TEXANS VS.CHIEFS
August 30th, 7:30PM PACKERS VS.CHIEFS

REGULAR SEASON
October 7th, 12:00PM JAQUARS VS.CHIEFS
October 21st, 12:00PM BENGALS VS.CHIEFS
November 11st, 12:00PM CARDINALS VS.CHIEFS

Tickets will be purchased and delivered directly from the KC Chiefs. Tickets are first come, first serve.

31st Annual KRPA Golf Tournament

Tue, 08 May 2018 15:05:38 GMT

Topeka, KS- The Kansas Recreation and Park Association is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 31st Annual Golf Tournament. Click here to register.

This year's event will be held at the Lake Shawnee Golf Course in Topeka, KS on September 7th. This 4-person scramble will have a shotgun start at 9AM with registration opening at 8AM. For more information, click here.

2018 "Pottsie" Leadership Development Scholarship Nominations Now Being Accepted

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 14:26:37 GMT

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 “Pottsie” Leadership Development Scholarship, which honors the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration’s former Executive Director, John C. Potts.

AIPE/AMERICAN ACADEMY FOUNDATION
2018 John C. Potts Leadership Development Scholarship

The scholarship is intended to support young professionals who have demonstrated leadership and management potential within their organizations. Scholarship funds cover tuition, lodging, and up to $500 in travel expenses for two (2) first-year students at the NRPA Directors School at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, Illinois. The two-year Directors School program is designed to prepare new and potential directors for the challenges of leading and managing effectively. To apply for the "Pottsie", complete an application form, attach the required support materials, and send to foundation@aapra.org no later than June 1, 2018.

AIPE/American Academy Foundation
PO Box 802
Huntley, IL 60142
224.858.7212
foundation@aapra.org

FRIENDS FLY FREE- Special Offer for KRPA Members

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 14:43:50 GMT

Through the continuation of the Landscape Structures and Athco 2018 sponsorship of KRPA, a special offer is available for KRPA members. Purchase $30,000 in Landscape Structures equipment and receive a FREE FRIENDSHIP™ SWING. Click here for more information.

Contact ATHCO at 800.255.1102 or athco@athcollc.com for more information.

Powercat Health Partnership and KRPA offer Healthy Hometown Grants

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 15:05:09 GMT

Healthy Hometown Grant Opportunity for KRPA Members

KRPA is award $15,000 to selected agencies through Healthy Hometown Grants. Awards will be given based on need with the maximum amount not to exceed $5,000.

Learn More Here >

Thank you to the Powercat Health Partnership for their support of health and wellness in Kansas!

Young Professional Committee Seeking New Members

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:47:36 GMT

The Young Professional’s Committee aims to attract and retain young professionals and students in Kansas by providing them with opportunities to enhance their personal and professional skill set through a variety of networking, educational and professional development opportunities. The committee members will serve a 3-year term that begins in 2018. Some responsibilities of the Young Professionals Committee are planning of the KRPA Young Professionals Summit, administration of the KRPA Mentor Program, and networking lunches and events.

This is a great way to enhance the future of the Parks and Recreation fields in Kansas! It only takes a short time to apply!

DEADLINE is April 16, 2018.

2018 Executive Forum Dates and Location Released

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:16:21 GMT

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The 2018 KRPA-MRPA Executive Forum will be held on October 17-18 at the JCPRD Arts and Heritage Center. This dynamic leadership conference targets upper-level management professionals in key decision making positions within public agencies in Missouri and Kansas providing parks, recreation and similar community services. Registration will open later this summer.

Economic Impact of Local Parks Report Released

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 14:32:44 GMT

A new report issued by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) demonstrates the vast economic impact of our nation’s local parks, plus a state-level analysis of local state parks and recreation agencies' operations and capital spendings in 2015.

Kansas local parks generated over $812 million in economic activity in 2015, and local park and recreation spending in Kansas supports 7870 jobs. These a just a few findings from research conducted by NRPA and the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University for their Economic Impact of Local Parks Report. Policymakers and elected officials at all levels of government should take notice. Investments made to local and regional parks not only raise the standard of living in our neighborhoods, towns and cities, but they also spark activity that can ripple throughout the economy.

KRPA Receives the Powercat Health Initiative Donation

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 18:39:01 GMT

Manhattan, KS: Kansas Recreation and Park Association received a donation on Saturday, March 3, 2018 for the Powercat Health Initiative. Thank you to K-State Sports, Kansas Health Foundation and Stormont Vail Health for your support of Health and Wellness in Kansas. This is a great partnership to encourage a healthier Kansas, and KRPA is privileged to be apart of it. Visit here to learn more about this partnership.

Grant Opportunity from the Sunflower State Games

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 15:16:41 GMT

Could your department use an additional $500 to assist in promoting your programs or event? Sunflower State Games is offering you the opportunity to apply for the 2018 Parks and Recreation Marketing Grant.

By taking part in this new program offered by the Sunflower State Games, your department will not only earn the opportunity to compete for a $500 Grant, but you will be assisting SSG by promoting their Olympic style sports festival. Creating awareness and reaching our target audience across the state is one of our greatest challenges. Educating your patrons about the Kansas' largest amateur sports festival will greatly aid SSG's cause!

HOW TO APPLY?

Easy! Just fill our the application form and submit it to our office by April 1st. All applicants must be KRPA members. Only one application may be submitted per department/community.

INSTRUCTIONS

Items 1 - 3 listed below are required to be considered eligible. A minimum of four additional items (4 - 9 listed below) must be completed to be considered eligible. Documentation and proof of inclusion for your selected items must be submitted to the SSG office by July 1, 2018.

1.	Distribute 2018 SSG Event Brochures to patrons and general public. Event Brochures will be mailed to your department in March.
2.	Display 2018 SSG Event Posters at Community Centers and Sports Venues. Event Posters will be mailed to your department in March.
3.	Link to SSG web site from organizational web site using the SSG Logo, Ad or Article provided below.
4.	Ad placement or article in printed Seasonal Program (Ad or article provided below).
5.	Ad placement or article in monthly Newsletter (Ad or article provided below).
6.	Event Calendar Listing on web site or printed materials.
7.	Social Media Mentions tagging SSG on at least two platforms (Facebook & Twitter).
8.	Inclusion in Team or League schedules.
9.	OTHER: Please include on a separate sheet to be submitted with your application additional resources that you plan to utilize in promoting the 2018 Sunflower State Games.

SELECTION PROCESS

Recipient of the $500 grant will be selected by the SSG Staff and Board of Directors based on the above criteria. Additional consideration will be given to organizations that exceed the minimum requirements listed above. Grant recipient will be notified in August. A formal presentation will be made at the 2018 SSG VIP Reception on September 25th in Topeka. Expense report to be submitted to SSG upon use of Grant Funds.

All participating organizations will receive one complimentary entry into the 2018 Sunflower State Games. Entry may be used by staff member or participant of your programs. Entry certificates will be mailed in April.

Questions? Call the SSG office at 785-235-2295 or email mgross@sunflowergames.com.

Click here to download and print the 2018 Marketing Grant Application

Kansas Chosen for NRPA Rural Communities Healthy Out-of-School Time Grant

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 19:40:27 GMT

You’re Invited to Apply for an Exciting Grant Opportunity for Rural Communities!

We are pleased to announce that Kansas is 1 of 3 states chosen to receive grant funds from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Walmart Foundation to support children’s health through park and recreation out-of-school time programs in rural communities.Grantees will receive funding to support their efforts around increasing nutritious meals served to youth through the USDA federal nutrition programs, as well as implementing nutrition education and implementing healthy eating and physical activity standards at their sites to ensure continued impacts. NRPA anticipates funding 3-4 rural communities in Kansas with $35,000 in grant funding to support programmatic expenses like marketing, transportation, large equipment purchases, nutrition education materials, staff training and more!

This grant can help propel your park and recreation agency into the Healthy Out-of-School Time movement! Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Click here to view a list of sites that meet NRPA's rural criteria. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, March 16, 2018.

Click Here to Apply Today!

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a local government agency (e.g., municipal park and recreation department, tribal recreation department, park district, community services department, etc.)
Provide meals/snacks through the Summer Food Service Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program or the National School Lunch Program in 2018 (you can work with the school district or another food provider/sponsor to serve meals at your park sites)

If you have questions about this grant opportunity please email outofschoolrfa@nrpa.org.

2018 Midwest Regional Conference Registration Now Open

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 17:02:00 GMT

The City of Yankton, SD, will host the Midwest Regional Parks and Recreation Conference on April 22-24, 2018. Registration is now open. Click here to download registration form.

The preliminary agenda and conference information is also available here.

Park and recreation professionals from the six state area (South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota) will attend. The Conference will be held in the world’s premier indoor archery training and competition facility, the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center (NEYAC). The NEYAC is currently a 47,550 square foot facility which houses a 90-meter indoor archery range. The facility also has three outdoor archery field ranges along with two Olympic ranges. An additional 20,000 square foot addition is completed and will host the World Archery Indoor Championships.

The facility is an easy walk from the Yankton Best Western Kelly Inn, 605-665-2906, where attendees will stay.

2018 Midwest Conference Preview

2018 Midwest Regional Conference Delegate Registration

Going for the Gold in Parks & Recreation Starts February 7th

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 17:07:25 GMT

Enthusiasm is growing as the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea will begin February 9, 2018. Athletes from around the world will compete in 15 different sports over the course of 17 days.

Parks and recreation has its own Gold Medal Award Program which will kick off Wednesday, February 7, 2018, with a Live Web Chat. The Gold Medal Awards Program team (representing the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association) will be available to answer any and all questions you have about entering the prestigious award program which is proudly sponsored by Musco Lighting. The Live Chat will be presented at 1:00 pm EST; 12 pm CST; 11 am MT; and 10 am PST. To participate in the Live Chat click HERE.

Information about the 2018 Gold Medal Awards Program is now available on the NRPA website.

Information available on the website include a list of the 2017 recipients, a transcript of the 2017 Live Chat, Before You Get Started, the Judging Criteria, and Innovative Program Ideas.

Prepare for Conference with these 10 Tips

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 17:42:02 GMT

Before You Head to Wichita

Be prepared. Make the most of your time and resources at the 2018 KRPA Conference and Trade Show by sitting down and formulating a plan first.

1) Download the conference app

2) Review the schedule.

This one’s a no-brainer. Set a goal for what you’d like to learn at the conference, and use the schedule to devise a plan to meet your goal. Make sure to attend conference-wide events such as the keynote speakers. You can log into the conference app and save the agenda that you would like to personally schedule for yourself. If you prefer a hard-copy, please remember to print the schedule pdf before you arrive at conference.

Also, make sure you are registered on the KRPA website for the park tours or social that you would like to attend.

3) Purchase your Golden Ticket

The 2018 KRPA Trade Show fundraiser is the Golden Ticket event. Purchase your $20 Golden Ticket here between January 2-16, from a KRPA Board member or at the conference registration table for your chance to win $400 at the Trade Show.

4) Find out who’s going

You can join the Facebook conference event page or use the #KRPAConference to find friends on Twitter. The app also offers a social page and access to reach out directly to other conference attendees.

5) Bring the right gear

· Pack enough business cards. Make sure you have some business cards handy to share with new contacts.

· Throw in a few extra dollars. Don’t forget there will be a silent auction at the Trade Show. Every year it is full items from vendors, sports memorabilia, Coleman products, and more. You will probably find a treasure that you might want to take home, be prepared.

When You Arrive

6) Come to the registration desk

Don’t get stuck at the registration table and miss your first session. Visit Kelli Maydew and her awesome volunteers early to pick up your nametag, your CEU form (if needed) and get any questions answered.

7) Divide and conquer

When you are home and waiting for the 2019 KRPA Conference in Hutch

9) Gather your thoughts

10) Keep Riding the Wings of Change at Home

AmazonSmiles supports KRPA Scholarship Fund

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 16:19:42 GMT

AmazonSmiles

Please consider supporting KRPA through AmazonSmile while you are making purchases this holiday season. It is very simple and doesn't cost you anything. Just shop through the AmazonSmile webpage, receive the same great deals and Amazon will give back to us. Click the link below to get started:

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7326834

Using the KRPA AmazonSmile website allows you to provide a percentage of your order amount back to our members. You still get Amazon's great prices, prime shipping and more! If you are shopping for presents or great deals, don't forget to use our AmazonSmile site and help provide scholarships to fellow KRPA members to attend our Conference and other events/workshops!

Retirement Celebration for Longtime KRPA Member, Paul Lewis

Mon, 11 Dec 2017 19:58:16 GMT

Paul Lewis is retiring from Dodge City Parks and Recreation after almost 40-years in the park and recreation industry. Paul Lewis has been an active member of KRPA since 1979. He served on the Board of Directors for three years in the early 1990's and then again from 2012-2013. He also serviced on the KRPA Advocacy Committee. Paul has attended the KRPA Conference on an annual basis since the start of his career.

The City of Dodge City will host a reception for Paul on December 12, 2017 from 3-6p.m. at the Santa Fe Depot in Dodge City. Please see invitation here:

Terry Bertels to retire after 33-year career in parks and recreation

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 20:06:09 GMT

TOPEKA, KAN -- Terry Bertel retires from Shawnee County Parks + Recreation after a 33-year career. Having announced his retirement, Bertels will work his final day with SCP+R on November 9.

In contributing to the parks and recreation profession, Bertels has hosted Kansas Recreation and Park Association conferences and assisted in the planning of a number more. He has furthered the Senior Olympics and the Sunflower State Games in Kansas. He is also appreciated for having mentored a number of co-workers who have advanced in the parks and recreation profession.

“Terry Bertels is not an attention seeker, but his integrity and his quiet, calm, competent leadership style have earned him the respect of all who deal with him,” said John Knight, director, SCP+R. “He has a commitment to his profession and an unwavering desire to serve his peers, co-workers and the patrons of Shawnee County Parks + Recreation.” Click here to view complete press release on Bertels' retirement.

Shawnee County will host a reception for Bertels on November 8, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Reynolds Lodge, Lake Shawnee. Click here to view invitation to retirement reception.

Summer Food Service Program Summits

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 16:27:33 GMT

Kansas Appleseed is partnering with the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Health Foundation to host five regional Summer Food Service Program Summits across Kansas in November.

Many Parks and Recreation Commissions throughout the state are highly involved in serving summer meals or providing a summer meals location in their communities, and Kansas Appleseed would love for anyone interested in either learning more about the Kansas Kids Table program or learning new innovative tactics to increase participation and overcome obstacles to join!

Here's a fact sheet about the program.

Agendas and RSVP info can also be found here: http://www.kansaskidstable.org/2017-agenda.html

The dates and locations are as follows:
- Dodge City, November 7
- Oakley, November 8
- Iola, November 13
- Salina, November 14
- Bonner Springs, November 16

On the road again: Annual President's Tour Underway

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 17:43:20 GMT

KRPA is on the road for our Annual President't Tour. This year, Kelby Hellwig (KRPA President) along with some KRPA staff are touring some southeast Kansas agencies. They started their tour yesterday (October 23, 2017) and will conclude today. Remember to read the winter editions of the KRPA Today magazine to be published in January to hear all about Kelby's experience and what he learned on his President's Tour. #LoveKSParkRec

Branch Awards: Call for Nominations

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 16:37:24 GMT

Honor Someone From Your Agency or Your Community for Their Efforts to Support Parks and Recreation in Kansas

Are you aware of someone or program that stands out in their Park and Recreations field? Please take this opportunity to pay tribute and honor individuals who are important in our communities by nominating them to be honored at the annual KRPA Conference and Trade Show.

Nomination forms available here. Nomination deadline is November 17, 2017. Contact the KRPA Office with questions.

Wellness Branch Added at KRPA

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 14:40:47 GMT

Health and Wellness is a growing area in the park and recreation profession. As the Recreation and Park profession changes, our association needs to stay relevant to the needs of our members. Therefore, the KRPA board has voted to change the TR/Aging branch to the Wellness branch.

Our branches contribute to the educational sessions at the KRPA conference, host workshops and provide networking opportunities for our members to meet others in similar areas of the profession. We will continue to provide educational sessions geared toward TR and aging but will broaden the education to include more health and wellness opportunities.

We encourage all members who have an interest or job responsibilities related to wellness to consider running for the branch board. We hope to make this branch a huge success.

Thank you,

Erika Devore, MS, RD
Executive Director

Video Release: What can Park and Recreation do for you?

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 18:58:03 GMT

KRPA is excited to release a new Kansas Park and Recreation Promotional video. With the help from our friends at Feature Group, we have put together a video to showcase what Parks and Recreation bring to Kansas communities. We, at KRPA, desire to a vibrant Parks and Recreation program in very Kansas community. To access the toolkit, click here.

Conference and CPSI Registration Open

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 16:26:13 GMT

The 2018 KRPA Conference and Trade Show registration is now open. The Conference will be on January 23-25, 2018 in Wichita, KS. This is the 70th year for the KRPA Conference. We will be "Riding the Wings of Change." Click here to register.

The 2018 CPSI Course and Exam registration is also open. The course will be March 6 & 7, 2018 in Shawnee, KS, and the exam will follow on March 8th. Click here to register.

Fitness Challenge Winner from KDWPT!

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 13:53:35 GMT

We knew we had the best Park and Rec professionals in the country but the strongest too?!? #KansasProud #LoveKSParkRec

Introducing New Program Manager

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 13:59:26 GMT

KRPA has undergone lots of changes in the last few months. Our office has been renovated (stop by sometime to see the changes), and we have added another new staff member.

Meet Kelli Maydew, KRPA's new Program Manager. Kelli joined the KRPA staff on September 18, 2017. Kelli will handle all memberships, program registrations, workshop development and any new program and services coming from KRPA.

Most recently, Kelli was a member of the lobbying team at Devine, Donley & Murray Governmental Affairs. Kelli was responsible for covering pertinent committees during the Legislative Session, as well as client communications. She also did the firm's event planning and served as the office manager.

Kelli also worked at the Kansas Livestock Association for over four years as part of the Government Affairs staff. While at KLA, Kelli gained experience in legal research, policy implementation, legislative lobbying, and membership communications.

Kelli resides in Topeka with her husband, Eric, and son, Easton.

Powercat Health Partnership

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 14:43:38 GMT

KState sports properties, Stormont Vail and the Kansas Health Foundation have teamed up to create the Powercat Health Partnership. The Partnership was formed to raise money for an organization to impact health and wellness statewide. KRPA was chosen as the recipient of the money raised!

You will hear several ads on the radio and TV promoting the partnership during the games. Stormont Vail and KHF will donate money for each field goal (football) and 3 point basket (basketball) made by the KSU football and basketball team. This should draw a lot of attention as Coach Bill Snyder is the spokesperson.

Here is a link to the press release.

They have also created a social media contest, powercat health. Click here for more information.

We are grateful to have been chosen as the recipient of these funds. This is directly attributed to the hard work and dedication of our members in creating an environment for all Kansans to be healthy.

Introducing KRPA's new Communication Coordinator

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 16:28:16 GMT

Please welcome Amanda Sterling to the KRPA staff as the new Communication Coordinator. Amanda may look familiar. You may have seen her running around the conference in past years or corresponded with her about magazine articles. She has been involved with KRPA for almost 11 years doing contract work as our bookkeeper, photographer and communication work. Amanda officially joined our staff last week. She will be taking care of the KRPA Today magazine, the KRPA website and all news for members. If you need to reach her, she will be in the office most Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays or email her at amanda@krpa.org.

Executive Forum Registration Open

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 01:54:42 GMT

The Missouri Park and Recreation Association and Kansas Recreation and Park Association have joined forces to present the sixth annual MPRA-KRPA Parks and Recreation Executive Forum on October 25-26, 2017. This dynamic leadership conference targets upper-level management professionals in key decision making positions within public agencies in Missouri and Kansas providing parks, recreation and similar community services. We invite you to take advantage of this unique opportunity!

For more information click http://www.mopark.org/executiveforum.html.

EF Registration Form 2017 (1).pdf

Midwest Conference Schedule Released

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 21:15:16 GMT

The schedule for the Midwest Regional Conference is released and posted to the website. Click here to view.

Advocacy Alert HB 2390

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:24:31 GMT

KRPA members,
We have been working for the last few years to encourage our members to engage in the association’s advocacy efforts. In the next week, we have two opportunities for you to do so. We will be opposing HB 2390 and would like our members to send in written testimony opposing this bill. Please email it to Erika Devore, erika@krpa.org, by 12:00 pm on Monday.

A second way to get involved is to come to Topeka for the hearing scheduled for March 21^st. If you are coming please let Erika know in advance. It would be nice to show the members of the committee we are strongly against this bill by having a good group of members.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is Seeking Communities for Round 2 of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 19:06:03 GMT

Pathways to a Healthy Kansas is the largest community grant program ever
funded by BCBSKS. It provides community coalitions with the tools and
resources needed to remove barriers and engage their communities in ways
that enable healthy eating and tobacco-free, active living to become a way
of life. The grant funding for each community includes a coordination
grant of $100,000, with the opportunity to apply for non-competitive
implementation and achievement grants amounting to $400,000, for a total
of $500,000 per community. The funding period is from Aug. 1, 2017, to July
31, 2020.

More information, including dates for two informational webinars and frequently asked questions, is available at http://www.bcbsks.com/pathways/.

A Letter of Intent must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, March 31 to receive
the application packet.

Voting Open for New KRPA Board Governance Structure

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 15:13:35 GMT

KRPA Members check your email. Voting is currently open for the new Board Governance Structure. Voting ends on Friday, March 10th.

Apply for an 2017 NRPA Award

Thu, 05 Jan 2017 21:43:40 GMT

NRPA came out with a great post with 7 tips for an awesome award application. Kansas was proud to have 2 Gold Medal Award Finalist in 2016. Learn more here: http://www.nrpa.org/blog/2017/1/7-tips-for-an-awesome-award-application/?utm_source=facebook.

FLSA Overtime Rule Blocked by Federal Judge

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 17:22:41 GMT

A federal judge in Texas blocked the Department of Labor’s new federal overtime rule, which would have doubled the Fair Labor Standard Act’s (FLSA’s) salary threshold for exemption from overtime pay and was scheduled to take effect on Dec. 1. For now, the overtime rule will not take effect as planned Dec. 1, but it could still be implemented later down the road. Employers may continue to follow the existing overtime regulations until a decision is reached.

For more information, click here.

New 5-Year Strategic Plan Released

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 19:21:22 GMT

KRPA has released a new 5-year Strategic Plan. To view click here.

Leadership Training Opportunity

Mon, 07 Nov 2016 22:43:52 GMT

We have been given a great opportunity to send some of our members to a Kansas Leadership Center Training (KLC). If you have not been to a KLC training before, it focuses on leadership as an action not a position.

The lasting impact we hope to achieve is to have a motivated and well equipped membership with the ability to reposition their agency in the community focusing on their contribution to the health, economic vitality, conservation, and community connection.

There are a limited amount of scholarships for this training and we would like to send a diverse group. If you are interested, send in a short paragraph on why you want to go to this training. Paragraphs are due by Friday, November 18th. I will contact all of the people who are interested to make sure they know what they are committing to, answer questions and make sure they understand the goal for KRPA. Then we will make our final decision on who will be able to go to the training. This is a fairly large time commitment and a different learning experience that will help move our profession forward.

Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Erika Devore
erika@krpa.org

Click Here for more information and application timeline

BlueCHIP Applications Available

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 09:50:52 GMT

BlueCHIP Applications are now available.

Free Admission to State Parks- October 1st

Sun, 25 Sep 2016 20:37:30 GMT

Scenic cliffs, clear water and miles of trails for walking and biking...find your #HealthyAdventure at a State Park on Healthy Trails Adventure Day on this Saturday, October 1st! http://bit.ly/2b42iKZ #HealthyKSTrails #BCBSKS #KDWPT

Time to Vote!

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 14:39:26 GMT

Emails have been sent out with the 2017 Board of Directors Member. Voting deadline is September 30, 2016.

Congrats Fort Riley, Gold Medal Finalist! See you at Conference.

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 19:02:43 GMT

NRPA Conference is less than a month away. We are very excited to see Fort Riley and Johnson County representing Kansas at the NRPA Gold Medal Award Program in October. To learn more, visit http://www.nrpa.org/goldmedal/. Good luck to both agencies!

Healthy Communities Funding Initiative Recipients Announced

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 19:46:59 GMT

Congratulations to Chanute, Wichita, Leawood and Cheney for being chosen to receive grants from our Healthy Communities Funding Initiative. Thank you to all who applied, and a special thanks to Gametime and Playcore for bringing this opportunity to Kansas. We are looking forward to seeing how these projects bring health and wellness to our local communities.

Congrats JCPRD!

Tue, 10 May 2016 19:02:01 GMT

Congrats Johnson County Park and Recreation District - JCPRD for being a 2016 National Gold Medal Award finalist for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management! nrpa.org/Press-Releases/2016-Finalists-Announced-National-Gold-Medal-Awards-Parks-Recreation

Young Professionals Spring Lunch and Learn

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 15:59:47 GMT

2016 Young Professionals Lunch and Learn

Thursday, April 28, 2016
11:30-1:00PM

NEW LOCATION!!!
Emporia Recreation Commission
313 W 4th Avenue
Emporia, KS 66801
(Planet Sub lunch provided if you RSVP.)

2016 Summer Hiring Trends

Professionals: Join us a learn recruiting strategies and network with fellow professionals.
Students: Join us and discover protential summer jobs & internships and meet protential employers.

RSVP to Sean Thomas at sthomas@cityofshawnee.org.

Click here to learn more about being a Young Professional Committee member.

SAVE THE DATE: 2016 Golf Tournament Date Announced

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 17:05:57 GMT

Save the date! The KRPA Golf Tournament will be held August 26, 2016. More information to come.

Young Professionals Committee Members Announced

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 15:29:26 GMT

We are excited to welcome four new members to our committee!
Adam Richter, Hutchinson Recreation Commission
Shaya Patrick, WYCO/KCK Parks & Recreation
Erin Ritt...er, Fort Riley DFMWR
Justine Smith, Bonner Springs Parks & Recreation

Other committee members are:
Sean Thomas, Chair, Shawnee Parks & Recreation
Adriana Holopirek, Gardner Parks & Recreation
Tegan Meadors, Edgerton Parks & Recreation
Laura Covert, Pittsburgh State University
Jaima Nicholson, Mulvane Recreation Commission
Audrey Gann, Newton Recreation Commission
Jeff Stos, Mulvane Recreation Commission
Tanner Ford, Wellington Recreation Commission
Kate Elliot, Lindsborg Parks & Recreation
Brad Nacarotto, Maize Recreation Commission
Stephen Mason, Lawrence Parks & Recreation

Be on the lookout for information for our next LUNCH & LEARN on APRIL 28th!

2016 Midwest Regional Park and Recreaion Conference

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 16:50:34 GMT

The 2016 Midwest Regional Park and Recreation Conference is in Omaha, Nebraska from April 11-12 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. To register for the conference, visit webtrac.cityofomaha.org and search 2016.

Ramada Plaza Hotel & Convention Center: $79.00 nightly rate, Nebraska Recreation & Park Group Rate. Call 402-393-3950, ext 0 to book rooms. Must book by 03/11/16 for group rate.

Upcoming Workshops: NAYS and Concussion

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 21:04:06 GMT

We have two great workshops happening this spring for one weekend in Manhattan, KS. You will not want to miss them.

NAYS:
The National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) will conduct a special Academy for Youth Sports Administrators in Manhattan on February 29, 2016.

Arm your professional staff with the information, resources and tools necessary to ensure safe and positive youth sports for your programs as well as the programs offered by volunteers/parents within your community.

NAYS one day training allows participants to complete on-site training and then the certification process online. The mission of NAYS seeks to make the sports experience safe, fun and healthy for ALL children, promoting the value and importance of sports and physical activities in the emotional, physical, social and mental development of youth. More information is available on this training at www.nays.org/academy

Pre-Registration is Required. Register here. This course will be offered on Monday, February 29th.

Concussion Summit:

One of the biggest topics in 2015 about sports was concussions. It's been addressed in movies, the media, the pros and the amateurs. Maybe you are wondering what is our role in concussion prevention and youth recreation sports? We are very excited to host a Concussion Summit in Manhattan, KS on March 1, 2016. We will have leading professionals in the athletic and medical field discussing what is a concussion, what is common protocol, concussion resources and ideas for policies to implement in your community. The location for the concussion summit is the Kansas State University Football Stadium (2201 Kimball Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502.) Cost for Concussion Summit: $20 member and $30 nonmember

Click here to register.

BlueChip Application Now Available

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 15:58:17 GMT

The Kansas Recreation and Park Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City have partnered in the awarding of six state healthy community awards.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas sponsors the BlueCHIP Award in every Kansas county except Johnson and Wyandotte. Those two counties fall under the jurisdiction of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City. Collectively, the two organizations have demonstrated their support of both parks and recreation in Kansas and of encouraging healthy lifestyles by supporting and sponsoring this meaningful award.

To learn more, visit https://krpa.wildapricot.org/Blue-Chip-Award.

The deadline to apply for a BlueCHIP Award is December 4th. For additional information on the process, email the KRPA Office.

Healthy Fun at the State Parks Day - Saturday, September 26‏

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 20:39:23 GMT

Healthy Fun on State Parks Day

Did you know that you can get into any Kansas State Park for FREE on September 26, 2015?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is teaming up with your Kansas State Parks for Healthy Fun at the State Parks Day. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas knows that healthy outdoor recreation builds longer, happier lives. For example, sharing just an hour of fun activity outdoors can add up to two hours of life expectancy.

Come join us for FREE at a State Park on September 26 to enjoy a day of hiking, biking, boating, camping, wildlife watching or any of a multitude of healthy outdoor activities. For more information click here.

Congratulations to Lawrence Parks and Recreation, finalist for the 2015 NRPA Gold Medal Award

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 20:47:46 GMT

The Gold Medal Award honors communities throughout the United States that

demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and agency

recognition. Each agency is judged on its ability to address the needs of those it

serves through the collective energies of citizens, staff, and elected officials.

The Gold Medal Award Program includes seven classes: five classes based upon

population, one class for armed forces recreation and one class for state park

systems in odd numbered years.

Registration is Open for the KRPA Golf Tournament on October 2, 2015 at the St. Andrews Golf Course in Overland Park, KS.

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 15:10:17 GMT

Registration is open until September 24, 2015 for the KRPA Golf Tournament at
St. Andrews Golf Course in Overland Park, KS.

Registration Fee:

$75.00 per player / $300 per Team

Hole Sponsorship Only - $150
Hole Sponsorship with a Team - $450

Questions? Email Bonnie Simon

Congratulations to KRPA Members for joining inaugural CYSA Leadership Committee‏

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 19:06:56 GMT

Three youth sports administrators from Kansas have become founding members of the CYSA Leadership Committee.

Ryan Dalton, recreation director, Wellsville Joint Recreation Commission
Chris Nelson, youth sports supervisor, Manhattan Parks and Recreation
Ricci Tucker, sports director, Winfield Recreation Commission

Congrats to Chris, Ricci and Ryan! We anticipate great things to come from this committee to further promote the need for education and professional standards of those overseeing youth sports programs and also help guide policy and standards in youth sports programming and administration.

KRPA Corporate Partnership Program

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 15:23:00 GMT

Your Exclusive Opportunity to Align Your Brand with Recreation and Park Professionals in Kansas

The Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) is a non-profit, public interest professional organization representing the parks, recreation, and leisure industry in Kansas. We represent nearly 1,000 professional, commercial, agency, board/commission, student and retiree members throughout the state.

The KRPA Corporate Partnership Program Levels are:

OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP $10,000

BUFFALO PARTNERSHIP $5000

SUNFLOWER PARTNERSHIP $3000

WHEAT PARTNERSHIP $1000

COTTONWOOD PARTNERSHIP $650

More information...