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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.
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)!
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.
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 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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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 CEUsLearning 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 CEUsDescription Coming Soon
Leadership in Action – Integrating Leadership, Equity, Accessibility and Diversity - Register Here February 26, 2024 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUsThis 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 HereMarch 4, 2025 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 0.1 CEUsUse 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!
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 25, 2024. - 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. 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 FormHall of Fame Award Learn about the Hall of Fame Nomination requirements on the KRPA Awards webpage. Please fill out Distinguished nomination forms by October 11, 2024. Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored in January 2025 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference.
Distinguished Award Nominations FormsDistinguished Fellow AwardDistinguished Professional AwardDistinguished New Professional AwardDistinguished Board or Commission Member AwardDistinguished Elected Official AwardDistinguished Public Service AwardDistinguished Service AwardDistinguished Volunteer Award
Visit the KRPA Awards webpage to learn more about each award. Please fill out Distinguished Award nomination forms by October 11, 2024. The Distinguished Annual KRPA Awards will be celebrated in January 2025 at the Awards Luncheon during the KRPA Conference.
Branch Award Nominations FormsAdministration Branch- Outstanding Leadership AwardAdministration Branch- (New) Outstanding Marketing AwardAquatic Branch- Outstanding Professional AwardAquatic Branch- Outstanding Program or Project AwardPark Branch- Outstanding Professional AwardPark Branch- Outstanding Program or Project AwardPark Law Enforcement Branch- Outstanding Professional AwardPark Law Enforcement Branch- Valor/Lifesaving AwardRecreation Branch- Outstanding Professional AwardRecreation Branch- Outstanding Program or Project AwardSports Branch- Outstanding Professional AwardSports Branch- Outstanding Program or Project AwardWellness Branch- Outstanding Professional AwardWellness 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 25, 2024. The Branch Awards will be celebrated in January 2025 during the KRPA Conference Branch Roundtables.
This is your opportunity to serve as a leader in KRPA! The Kansas Recreation and Park Association is seeking candidates to serve on the 2025 KRPA Board of Directors in the following positions:
President-Elect (serves 3 years) Member At Large- East (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, 2024. 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
Regional Representative East (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 East 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, 2024
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
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.
