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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!
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
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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 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 2024 KRPA Conference in Wichita.
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.
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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.
The 36th 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
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.
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:
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.
- Complete tasks listed below and earn points.
- The top 3 members with the most points with earn 1 of 3 prizes:
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!
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
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
Voting has begun for the KRPA Board of Directors. Emails were sent out to KRPA members on November 7th. 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.
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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.
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.
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.
