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  • 11 Dec 2018 2:16 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Looking for an opportunity to enhance the future of parks and recreation in Kansas? Apply today to join the KRPA Young Professionals Committee.

    The Young Professionals Committee aims to attract and retain young professionals and students in Kansas by providing them with opportunities to enhance their personal and professional skill set through a variety of networking, educational and professional development opportunities.

    The committee is looking to fill 3 positions. Committee members will serve a 3-year term that begins in 2019.  Some responsibilities of the Young Professionals Committee are planning of the KRPA Young Professionals Summit, administration of the KRPA Mentor Program and networking events. It only takes a short time to apply! Applications are due no later than December 14, 2018.

    Apply Here

  • 26 Nov 2018 12:42 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The KRPA Board of Directors revised the branch board structure in 2017. The Branch Boards are now structured as a 7 member board (Chair, Vice–Chair, and 5 members at large) for each KRPA Branch. 

    Branch board members are expected to serve a three-year term. Board members help communicate to other KRPA members current trends and topics in their branch field. They will also help coordinate with the KRPA office their yearly branch activities: branch conference sessions, mid-year branch workshops, face-to-face meetings, conference calls and networking events. 

    Some branch boards have incumbent members, so we are looking to fill:
    1 positions for the Sports Branch
    0 positions for the Administration Branch
    0 positions for the Aquatics Branch
    1 positions for the Recreation Branch
    0 position for the Parks Branch
    2 positions for the Wellness Branch
    3 positions for Park Law Enforcement (KPLEA) Branch
    *If we receive more nominations than positions available, we will hold an election for that particular branch.

    To nominate, please send the below information to Amanda Sterling at
    amanda@krpa.org by December 14, 2018:

    -Nominee's name
    -Nominee's agency
    -Nominee's title/position
    -Branch
    -Years as KRPA Member
    -A headshot

    For more information regarding Branch Board policy, please visit here.


  • 15 Nov 2018 2:08 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association works to partner with entities that provide valuable resources for our members. KRPA’s goal is to offer programs and services that will not only improve the bottom line but will also increase profitability and operating efficiency. That’s why we are pleased to announce the recent partnership between the KRPA and SSCI.

    SSCI's national background check program has become the gold standard for Kansas departments who are seeking a comprehensive and affordable background screening program for their volunteers and employees, and one that also goes beyond just a basic local or national database search. With the support of the KRPA, Kansas parks and recreation departments can be confident in a complete, process that reflects your agencies due diligence.

    For the last decade, SSCI has helped agencies nationwide define the specific components used for a comprehensive national criminal background check system that is consistently applicable in every state, for every agency, across the park, recreation, and conservation landscape.

    SSCI services 55 United States Olympic national governing bodies (NGBs) as well as more than 3,000 city and county recreation departments across the United States. SSCI’s client base has grown based on the belief that volunteer background checks should be held to the same standards and expectations as a full employment screening. SSCI is a value-based company that works with integrity and purpose, and whose programs bring high levels of proven people, brand and asset protection. SSCI offers innovative technology solutions and an unrelenting commitment to meet the needs of all clients.

    Compliance to regulations and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines are essential in the background screening industry. SSCI welcomes the scrutiny of regulation, compliance and ethical corporate standards expected of all "active" members of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS). SSCI is an NAPBS accredited company that validates clients' trust as a market leader and reinforces its promise to minimize liability. Less than two percent of background screening companies have earned this recognition and it is yet another reason SSCI remains a leader in background screening solutions.

    KRPA encourages its members to take advantage of SSCI’s experience and knowledge by affording SSCI the opportunity to discuss your background check needs and responsibilities. To obtain information from SSCI, please contact:

    Director - Chris Goodman at CGoodman@SSCI2000.com or 866-996-7412

  • 25 Oct 2018 1:02 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    We are excited to announce a new partnership with SSCI! As a KRPA member, your agency will have access to a top-notch National Screening Program and KRPA benefits when you choose SSCI!

    KRPA's Board of Directors decided to join the Affinity Partnership because it is a WIN-WIN for our members. We know that quality volunteer background screening is important to all Kansas recreation and park agencies. Their research showed that SSCI offers competitive priced screening options and sets a standard of excellence to protect patrons and agencies. 

    Through this partnership, SSCI will donate to KRPA $1 for every background check they perform for any Kansas Park and Recreation Department, District, Recreation Commission or KDWPT. This revenue will go to increase KRPA's forward growth of providing leading-edge professional development opportunities and improved member experience.

    Click here to learn more about SSCI.


  • 18 Oct 2018 12:34 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Dear KRPA Members,

    In an effort to inform you of how the policy of the gubernatorial candidates would effect parks and recreation in our communities over the next four to eight years, the Public Policy Committee and KRPA staff developed a list of questions and submitted those to the three major candidates for Governor.

    Questions were submitted to each campaign on 28-SEPT with a request to return by 8-OCT, we received one response, from the Laura Kelly campaign.  A follow-up message was sent to both the Orman and Kobach campaigns, as of this letter we have not received a response from either.

    On 9-OCT the Public Policy Committee approved a request to the KRPA Board of Directors that the written response from Laura Kelly be provided, with a summary of her responses to the KRPA membership.  On 10-OCT the Board of Directors voted to inform the membership as recommended by the Public Policy Committee.

    The Board of Directors strongly encourages you to review the responses from the Kelly Campaign and keep them in consideration as you cast your vote for Governor. As noted in her response, Ms. Kelly served as the Executive Director of our association from 1986-2003 and has proven to be a friend to parks and recreation throughout her time in the State Senate. As stated in her response:

    "I will continue to be an advocate for our recreation and park programs as governor. More and more Kansas communities are embracing recreation and park programs that enhance the quality of life available to their families – and attract new business opportunities to their area.”  

    Further, Ms Kelly, supports local control, stating:

    "Each city in Kansas has its own elected officials, geographic and cultural makeup, and this needs to be reflected in policy.”  "As governor, I will continue to support local governments’ ability to make choices for their community.”

    Additionally, Ms.Kelly’s Rural Prosperity plan “includes prioritizing state investments in the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to enhance our rural communities’ linkages to the state’s natural assets, including lakes and trails.”

    We hope you find this information valuable and relevant as you consider your vote this year.  If we receive responses from the Orman or Kobach campaign we will make those available for review as well.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns or questions.

     

    Chris Claxton, KRPA Board President

    Tony Finlay, KRPA Public Policy Chair

    Link to Laura Kelly's Complete Questionnaire Responses: Kansas Recreation and Park Assoc Questionnaire.pdf
    Link to Laura Kelly's Rural Prosperity Plan: https://www.laurakellyforkansas.com/issues/rural/
  • 11 Sep 2018 11:24 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    NRPA, with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offered local park and recreation agencies across the country, Instructor Training Grants for Physical Activity Programs. The Evidence-based physical activity programs, Walk With Ease, Active Living Every Day and Fit & Strong! are beneficial for people with or without chronic conditions, and is especially popular among older adults of all abilities.

    The Instructor Training Grants will be used to train staff as instructors in one or more of three programs:

    • Walk With Ease
    • Active Living Every Day
    • Fit & Strong!

    Please contact us at HealthyAginginParks@nrpa.org for information on the available training grant opportunities.  A total of 220 Instructor Training grants will be awarded. Grant applications will be accepted from October 8 through November 19, 2018.

    Learn More and Apply


  • 30 Aug 2018 9:37 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The National Association of Park Foundation is hosting a free webinar on September 13th from 2:00-3:00 titled So Your Local Park Foundation Needs a Strong Understanding of Bequests, Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Gifts.

    Featured speaker, Ms. Kasey Coughlin, will be broadcasting from the Law Office of Kasey Coughlin, Villa Park, IL. Ms. Coughlin brings a wealth of experience and understanding on this subject. The NAPE recommends you include Estate Planning into your diverse fund development strategies.

    To register for this free webinar, visit https://www.the-napf.org/.

  • 28 Aug 2018 10:14 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    KRPA Members,

    Below is an email I recently received from Ryan Sharp, professor at Kansas State University. I want to send a sincere THANK YOU to all of you who filled out the survey Ryan sent and/or wrote letters to Ryan. We truly made a positive impact on the park profession.

    Thank you,

    Erika Devore
    Executive Director

    Good morning all,

    I was notified recently that we will be able to hire two new faculty members in PMC, and the process has already begun.  Of course, we did not get all three back that were lost, but, after some time spent with the PMC curriculum, I think we can make it work with three faculty and still teach most of our current courses while maintaining our accreditation.

    I am convinced that this recent development would not have happened without the outpouring of support I received from the survey that you all helped me distribute.  Of even greater importance were the letters you so thoughtfully wrote in support of PMC.  In recent meetings with the Deans, they cited the letters and the survey results as clear evidence of the importance of PMC to the state of Kansas.  To think that a month ago there were real discussions about doing away with PMC!

    THANK YOU so much for your help and support.  I am looking forward to carrying on the PMC tradition and re-building this program, improving it along the way.

  • 21 Aug 2018 1:45 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Are you aware of a professional who committed a lengthy time of service to the field of parks and recreation in Kansas?  Please take this opportunity to pay tribute and honor this person by nominating them for the KRPA Hall of Fame. This year's Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at a NEW Hall of Fame Luncheon on February 5, 2019 in Hutchinson, Kansas. 

    Hall of Fame nominees must be retired from the profession for at least two (2) years and be a past member of KRPA. Professional nominees are preferred to have had professional certification but not required. Hall of Fame inductees are selected by the KRPA Executive Committee.

    The deadline to submit nominations for the KRPA Hall of Fame is September 19, 2018.  Please send nomination form or questions to Erika Devore (KRPA Executive Director) at erika@krpa.org.

    Nominate Here


  • 21 Aug 2018 10:53 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Governor’s Council on Fitness is now accepting nominations for its annual Kansas Health Champion Awards. Awards are given to individuals and organizations that make an exceptional effort to model, encourage and promote health and fitness in Kansas. Award recipients will be recognized at the Community Health Promotion Summit on Jan. 24, in Manhattan, Kan. The deadline for nominations is September 30, 2018.

    Nominees would be expected to have demonstrated:

    • Work that goes above and beyond what is expected to model, encourage and promote fitness
    • Far-reaching impact
    • Sustainable influence or activity

    Eligible nominees might include an outstanding volunteer, a school, a local community, a newspaper or individual reporter, a local or State policy maker, or an employer, among others.

    For more information and to submit a nomination, go to getactivekansas.org, and click on the nomination form link. If you have questions about the nomination process, contact Jennifer Church at 785-296-6801. 
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