02-29-00 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I Minnesota Recreation and Park Association 3954 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409 • Phone 612-825-2200 • 1-800-862-3659 • Fax 612-825-1829 The purpose of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, through its members, is to improve the quality of life in Minnesota by providing excellent park and recreation services. We create and support opportunities for all Minnesotans to live a healthy lifestyle through participation in physical activity and to learn and grow as they experience the cultural and natural diversity of1finnesota's parks and recreation facilities. Origins and History The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) was formed in 1937 to foster the growth and development of the parks and recreation profession throughout the state. Presently we have over 1,500 members located in virtually every community through- out the state. Our goals include • foster and maintain high standards of profes- sional qualifications and ethics among the members of the association; • provide continuing education, technical as- sistance and social exchange among all members; • support and promote effective education within colleges and universities; • encourage study and research in the field of leisure services; MRPA Services Publications — we feature a monthly newsletter, Keeping Up, as well as numerous other brochures specifically targeted to the issues and disciplines within the realm of parks and recreation. We sub- scribe to the Management Strategy Quarterly and distribute it to all of our professional members. Resource Center — we have a collection of videos, slide presenta- tions, studies, and research data to help our members do their jobs more effectively. Recognition — we have a series of awards that recognize and en- courage outstanding achievements by individuals and groups related to parks and recreation, including volunteers, facility design and management, innovation, and creativity. & Recr a� eq�• .r_ 4C Membership Directory — to encourage the ex- change of ideas and information among parks and recreation professionals and agencies. Product Demonstrations and Displays — to help inform our membership of the latest develop- ments and technological advances in the indus- tries that affect them. State Tournaments — produce, coordinate and Special Events — produce and implement a variety of special • take a proactive position on legislation affecting the parks and programs and events across the state of Minnesota. recreation field; Affiliations — with other local, regional and national organizations, • encourage public support and promote awareness and under- so that we may benefit from strategic alliances and activities else - standing of the values of recreation, parks, and leisure in the where. We are part of the Great Lakes Regional Council, National lives of individuals; Recreation and Park Association, United States Slo-Pitch Softball • promote effective relationships with other organizations for fur- Association, Minnesota Park Supervisors Association and United ther advancement of parks, recreation and leisure service oppor- States Tennis Association -Northern, and PLEA just to name a few. tunities in Minnesota; • provide recreational services including tournament competition, youth sports training, and sports management services; and • serve as an information resource on trends, developments and future changes related to the delivery of parks and recreation services. Education and Training sanction various sporting events to ensure safe, fair and respectable competition. We have a Rec- 'Yo ur B esfi I nvestmeht' reational Sports Commission, elected by our members, to oversee this aspect of our operation. Education and training are essential ingredients for success. The MRPA conducts an annual state conference which provides over 100 educational sessions for parks and recreation professionals Throughout the year we also coordinate dozens of workshops, semi- nars, and institutes to provide our members with the best informa- tion and training available. The most influential park and recreation organization in the state- Values The following values shall serve as a philosophical framework of the association in meeting the needs of our entire membership: • continuing education opportunities • promotion of the leisure services profession • recognition of member and agency achievements • proactive leadership by MRPA members • volunteer service to the park and recreation profession • communications and information networking • financial stability of the association • commission and board member involvement • social interaction and fellowship • professional support -staff development • central clearinghouse of technical information • information and referral services • promotion of a legislative agenda