September 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 6

PDEERSP
PA RT
ECM
TIVES
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a Message from nrPa's Leaders

Gathering Our Collective Resources
in Atlanta

' '

e are entering a PerioD of austerity, " the radio host announced yes-

terday-as if this were something new. Harrumph! How many more
pools can the City of Fort Worth close? All seven city pools are currently sitting empty. During this summer of record-breaking heat there were closed
pools in Atlanta, Phoenix, Philadelphia...and the list goes on. We've reduced operations,
extended maintenance cycles, terminated staff, turned programs over to the private
sector, and cut travel and education for our staff. We have crumbling infrastructure
and deteriorating parks.
Which brings me to my point. Now, more than
ever, it is important that NRPA continue to receive
your support. The significance of your involvement
cannot be overstated because it is only with a strong
membership base that we can accomplish the ambitious program that the Board has set for NRPA.
Let me highlight the critical areas of concern. Our
Board has directed the staff to focus on four strategic
goals: advocacy, knowledge, organizational excellence, and resource / strategic partnership development. To the extent that we achieve these aspirations,
we will raise the public profi le for parks, recreation,
and conservation efforts across the country while
serving our members through a variety of services.
The advocacy and policy section of the NRPA website provides a virtual toolbox of information to explain
existing and potential national legislation and to make
the case for expanding local programming during a
period when many Americans can't afford vacation
travel or private recreation facilities. Our national organization is our voice on Capitol Hill, speaking to
decision-makers on both sides of the aisle. We are providing guidance to local, state, and federal policy-makers regarding investments in parks and recreation.
NRPA has commissioned and published several
cutting-edge research monographs. These papers

are available online for members and include invaluable information that can be used to encourage
citizen participation and to document the benefits of
parks and recreation programs and facilities for the
physical health of the community, the environment,
the economy, and youth development.
Online learning, including free webinars, is an
economical way to train staff and volunteers. NRPA
has also developed partnerships to leverage our
economic resources and to provide pass-through
grants and program assistance to our members.
Your Board has continued to strengthen NRPA's
focus on substantive issues affecting membership
and has eliminated activities and programs which,
while they may be attractive, are not central to our
mission. This streamlining has resulted in a healthy
fi nancial situation-no small achievement in this era.
Now, in this period of severe fi scal constraints,
is when our members urgently need to gather in
Atlanta to share management strategies and best
practices. Our exhibitors are preparing for an unprecedented exposition, the program committee
has chosen timely and relevant educational sessions, and there will also be ample opportunities to
socialize and renew acquaintances. I hope to see
you there.

By Janna rankin
Chair of the board of Directors
4

Parks & Recreation

SEPTEMBER 2011

www.NRPA .ORG

September 2011 - Parks & Recreation

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