The Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) invites college students to participate in the Student Poster Presentation Challenge at the 2026 KRPA Conference and Trade Show in Topeka, Kansas on January 27th from 1:00PM-2:00PM. This project gives students a chance to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world parks and recreation scenario while connecting with professionals from across the state. Download an information PDF about the project or read below.
Students will design and present a poster outlining a creative event, program, or festival for a 160-acre community park. The challenge emphasizes innovation, financial feasibility, and community impact.
Register by December 12, 2025
Scenario
You are part of your city’s parks and recreation leadership team. A 160-acre community park has these featuring:
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A 2-mile trail loop (ADA Accessible)
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A performance stage
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A large playground (ADA Accessible)
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Four turf baseball/softball fields
Your task is to create a new event, program, or festival that uses these amenities to elevate community appreciation for parks and recreation. You’ll present your concept as a poster at the KRPA Conference Trade Show.
Poster Requirements
Your poster should include:
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Concept Overview – Event or program name, theme, goals, and target audience.
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Budget and Revenue – Estimated costs, potential funding sources, and revenue generation.
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Staffing and Volunteers – Roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the event.
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Economic Impact – Use the KRPA Economic Impact Calculator to demonstrate benefits to your community.
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Community Benefit – Connect your project to at least one of the True Value of Parks and Recreation themes:
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Fosters Community Engagement
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Instills Local Pride
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Connects People and Partnerships
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Supports Conservation and Nature
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Contributes to Economic Development
Maximum poster size is 36” x 48”. Students will display and discuss their posters with judges and attendees during the Trade Show.
Eligibility and Requirements
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Deadline to Register: December 12, 2025
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Presentation Date: January 27, 2026, during the KRPA Trade Show
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Student Membership: A KRPA Student Membership ($15) is required.
KRPA will reimburse the membership fee for students who present their completed poster at conference.
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Individual Entry: Each student must submit an individual project.
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Poster Printing Support: If printing costs are a challenge, contact amanda@krpa.org for assistance.
Judging Criteria
Judges will evaluate each poster based on:
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Relevance and alignment with community and KRPA mission
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Effective use of the Economic Impact Calculator
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Creativity and innovation
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Feasibility and realistic budgeting
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Overall presentation quality and ability to answer questions
Awards
Scholarships will be awarded to the top three presentations:
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1st Place: $500
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2nd Place: $250
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3rd Place: $150
Awards will be distributed in Spring 2026. Graduating seniors remain eligible. Winners may also be featured in KRPA communications, including the KRPA Today magazine, website, and social media.
Informational Webinar
Want to learn more? Join KRPA staff and board members for a short informational webinar on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM (CT).
We’ll walk through the project details, timeline, and judging criteria and answer any questions you may have.
Register for the Informational Webinar
Frequently Asked Questions
What area of Kansas or town is this park located in?
You may choose any location for your park. The scenario is intentionally flexible so you can apply your creativity to any Kansas community—large or small. The KRPA Economic Impact Calculator allows you to select the region that best matches your chosen location, and your numbers will be based on that area.
What if my calculations from the Economic Impact Calculator aren’t perfectly accurate? Will that affect my score?
No. Judges understand that students are using the calculator as a learning tool. You will not be marked down for incorrect calculations. The key is to show effort in running numbers and demonstrating an understanding of how economic impact relates to your project. Judges are primarily looking for creativity and application, not mathematical precision.
Can I use AI tools for this project?
Yes. Students are permitted to use AI tools to assist with some portions of the project—such as brainstorming ideas, refining writing, or designing poster elements. However, we ask that you disclose how and for what portion AI was used.
What is the Student Summit happening the same day?
Participating students are highly encouraged to attend the Annual Student Summit on January 27th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The schedule has been designed to allow time for both the Summit and your poster presentation. If you’d like to attend, register for the poster project first, then email amanda@krpa.org to let Amanda know you’d like to be added to the Student Summit list.
Questions?
Contact Amanda Sterling, KRPA Engagement & Advocacy Manager
amanda@krpa.org
