to expanding the value and reputation of parks and recreation throughout the state. As executive director of KRPA, I've put a high priority on working closely with this state government division to support its initiatives related to health programs and that relationship has opened the door for multitudes of opportunities. I've been invited to serve on a variety of planning committees for state workshops which has helped position us further with other state organizations. It has also put us at the table when important decisions have been crafted that may impact our agencies. In particular, we partner with KDHE and other health advocacy organization in planning and running the annual Built Environment and Outdoor Summit. Our involvement with this event each year has added to numerous additional contacts that have become worthwhile in enhancing our network of support. ■■ Kansans for Children in Nature. KRPA has played an important role in partnership with a large number of children's health advocates in the development of a state-wide plan to connect children with nature. KRPA was named as one of 10 convening organizations through an executive order issued by the Governor to develop a comprehensive plan to find creative strategies to deal with the disconnect between children and the outside world. ■■ University of Kansas. KRPA is partnering two separate student entities in the development of an economic impact study and the creation of a marketing campaign on behalf of parks and recreation in the state. The economic impact study is being conducted at no cost to the association through the School of Business as a special project. The marketing campaign will be the focus of a senior-level campaign class and completed at the end of the current school year. ■■ Bill Self Assists Foundation/Children's Mercy Health Providers. KRPA joined forces with the Children's Mercy Health Providers group and the Bill Self Assists Foundation to work collaboratively to establish a statewide awareness campaign designed to combat childhood obesity. The campaign is in its formative stages, but involvement will establish the leadership of the parks and recreation field in developing creative programming to solve this E A STER EGGS! Plastic Easter Eggs PrE-fIllED with your choice of TOys or CANDy Toy filled eggs $120.00 per 1,000 Eggs (Not recommended for children under 3 years) Candy filled eggs $120.00 per 1,000 Eggs (Candy is chewable and individually wrapped) frEE sHIPPING within the 48 states All of our eggs are assembled by individuals with Disabilities Each Egg is assembled in 2 Pastel Colors Have a great Easter Egg Hunt! N. E. T., Inc. P.O. Box 648 * Marshfield, MO 65706 Phone: 1-800-458-4116 info@netegg.us * Visit us at www.netegg.us Circle 8 on product information form on PAGE 79 w w w . NR P A . ORG FEBRUARY 2011 Parks & Recreation 15