HISTORY/BACKGROUND

The organization was originally founded as the Baltimore Recreation Society in 1945. Hope Godwin, employed by the Baltimore City Bureau of Recreation, was the first president. In 1950, the society expanded to include recreation professionals throughout the state of Maryland and changed its name to the Maryland Recreation Society. In 1960, the society once again changed its name to better reflect its membership. The new name was the Maryland Recreation and Parks Society. The current name, The Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. was formally adopted in 1973.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Download a copy of the Strategic Plan.

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MRPA STAFF

Tom Donlin, Executive Director
director@mrpanet.org

Diane Collins, Administrative Assistant
diane@mrpanet.org

Adrienne Varieur, Administrative Aide
adrienne@mrpanet.org

New Address (effective July 16, 2011) - Prince George's Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway, Suite 201, Bowie, MD 20716

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2010-2011 OFFICERS

President
Joseph P. O'Neill
M-NCPPC - Prince George's Co.
1500 Merrimac Drive
Hyattsville, MD 20783
Work: (301) 408-4320
joe.oneill@pgpgarks.com

President Elect
Richard Towle
Talbot County Parks & Recreation
10028 Ocean Gateway
Easton, MD 21601
Work: (410) 770-8051
rtowle@talbgov.org

Past President
Thomas J. Shuster, CPRP
Town of Ocean City
Recreation & Parks Dept.
200 - 125th Street
Ocean City, MD 21842
Work: (410) 250-0125
tshuster@ococean.com

Vice President
Matthew Purkins
Carroll County Recreation & Parks
300 S. Center Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Work: (410) 386-2103
mpurkins@ccg.carr.org

Secretary/Treasurer
Skip Gormley
M-NCPPC - Prince George's Co.
4012 Webster Street
North Brentwood, MD 20722
Work: (301) 864-0756
Fax: (301) 779-8381
henry.gormley@pgparks.com

Secretary/Treasurer Elect
Stephen Parks
City of Greenbelt Recreation Department
101 Center Way
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Work: (240) 542-2182
sparks@greenbeltmd.gov

Past Secretary/Treasurer
Alice Legare-Martinek
City of Bowie
2614 Kenhill Drive
Bowie, MD 20715
Work: (301) 262-6200
armartinek@cityofbowie.org

PARC Branch Chair
Jeffrey Ruark
Maryland Park Service
Public Safety Educ. & Training Center
6852 4th Street
Sykesville, MD 21784
Work: (410) 875-3414
jruark@dnr.state.md.us

RALS Branch Chair
Bryan O'Neill, CPRP
M-NCPPC - Prince George's Co.
Sports & Learning Complex
8001 Sheriff Road
Landover, MD 20785
Work: (301) 583-2572
bryanon14@gmail.com

TR Branch Chair
Genevieve M. Jennai
M-NCPPC - Prince George's Co.
1500 Merrimac Drive
Hyattsville, MD 20783
Work: (301) 408-4331
genevieve.jennai@pgparks.com

MARN Chair
Michele Potter
City of Gaithersburg
Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Culture
506 South Frederick Ave.
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Work: (301) 258-6350 X116
FAX: (301) 948-8364
mpotter@gaithersburgmd.gov

MARN Delegate
Adriane Clutter
M-NCPPC - Prince George's Co.
7833 Walker Drive, Suite 110
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Work: (301) 446-3417
FAX: (301) 446-3401
adriane.clutter@pgparks.com

MARN Delegate
Anthony Potts
M-NCPPC - Prince George's Co.
Work: (301) 203-6018
anthony.potts@pgparks.com

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2010-2011 COMMITTEES

There are also several committees that are behind the great membership benefits that MRPA offers. There is plenty of room for involvement on each!

• 2020 Committee
  The MRPA 2020 Committee is responsible for the development and monitoring of the Association’s Strategic Plan, reviewing and updating all the policies and procedures, for assessing and providing recommendations on the organizational structure of the Association including changes to the constitution and bylaws related to governance, assists the President and Executive Director in informing and advising the various Branches and Committees of their responsibilities, and providing a look into the future structure of the Association to help build and maintain a viable membership.

  Committee Co-Chair: Dave Goodwin
  Harford County Department of Parks & Recreation
  1809 Fallston Road
  Fallston, MD 21047
  Phone: (410) 638-4754
  Fax: (410) 879-3283
  djgoodwin@harfordcountymd.gov
  
  Committee Co-Chair: Betsy Thompson
  City of Rockville Department of Recration & Parks
  111 Maryland Ave.
  Rockville, MD 20850
  Phone: (240) 314-8627
  Fax: (240) 314-8659
  bthompson@rockvillemd.gov

• Conference Committee
  The MRPA Annual Conference is a gathering of professionals, volunteers, board members and vendors from across the state and region. It is an opportunity to attend a veritable plethora of educational sessions on areas of interest to the parks and recreation profession, a chance to network with your peers and a time to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments of both departments and individuals as we recognize our annual award recipients. The conference is planned by a volunteer committee and there is plenty of room for involvement! If you are interested in working on this year's conference, please contact the conference chair.

  Committee Co-Chair: Teresa M. Hilton
  City of Rockville Department of Recreation & Parks
  1150 Carnation Drive
  Rockville, MD 20850
  Phone: (240) 314-8802
  thilton@rockvillemd.gov
  
  Committee Co-Chair: Matthew Purkins
  Carroll County Recreation & Parks
  300 S. Center Street
  Westminster, MD 21157
  Work: (410) 386-2103
  mpurkins@ccg.carr.org

• Finance Committee
  Committee Responsibilities: Monitor the long range financial plan. Prepare periodic (minimum of annual) status reports on the association's investment funds. Work with the executive director to develop specifications for conducting the annual audit/review/compilation and where applicable, interview potential auditors. Meet with accountants to discuss the management letter of the association's fiscal practices. Act as an advisor to the executive director and executive board in financial practices, policies and procedures.

  Committee Chair: Doug Meadows, CPRP
  Calvert County Division of Parks & Recreation
  175 Main Street, Courthouse
  Prince Frederick, MD 20678
  Phone: (410) 535-1600 x2223
  Fax: (410) 535-2233
  meadowspd@co.cal.md.us

• Interagency Committee
  This committee's charge is to foster communication and coordination between various organizations involved in the delivery of recreation and park related services. The Maryland Association of Counties, Maryland Municipal League, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA and YWCA are examples. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact the committee chair.

  Committee Chair: Paul Dial
  Frederick County Division of Parks & Recreation
  118 North Market Street
  Frederick, MD 21701
  Phone: (301) 600-1652
  Fax: (301) 600-2595
  pdial@frederickcountymd.gov

• Legislative Committee
  Committee Responsibilities: Develop a network and procedures to track and monitor state wide legislation prior to and during the January through April Maryland General Assembly session. Develop a list of issues and concerns for the upcoming legislative session. Determine strategy for communicating the above to the appropriate parties. This may include but is not limited to a platform brochure, legislative reception and other promotional events. Develop a state wide network to seek input and request assistance of key officials representing local recreation and parks departments. This network may also involve resources from the Maryland Association of Counties, Maryland Municipal League and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Maintain a log of pending legislation which includes a brief description of each bill, its sponsor/s, committee assignment, hearing date and status. Conduct meetings on a regular basis during the session to review and respond to bills and develop a course of action. Develop and implement testimony strategy for each bill based upon committee consensus. i.e. writing testimony, organize panels, etc. Develop proactive bills when appropriate that will benefit parks and recreation. Design and implement specific strategies to seek favorable support of such bills. This may include seeking legislators who are willing to sponsor and introduce bills, seeking support from appointed local and state officials, undertaking a state wide campaign to solicit grass roots support and providing testimony before the general assembly. Monitor and provide appropriate response for national legislative issues.

  Committee Co-Chair: John Marhsall
  Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks
  7120 Oakland Mills Road
  Columbia, MD 21046
  Phone: (410) 313-4640
  Fax: (410) 313-4660
  jsmarshall@howardcountymd.gov
  
  Committee Co-Chair: Jeffrey Smith
  8604 Saxon Circle
  Nottingham, MD 21236
  Phone: (410) 933-0610
  jeffwsmith@verizon.net

• Marketing and Communications Committee
  Committee Responsibilities: Solicit articles of interest to the recreation and parks industry as well as association news for publication in the MRPA monthly newsletter. Develop and maintain content for the MRPA web site. Develop the annual MRPA Membership Directory and Buyer's Guide. Prepare and distribute news releases to promote activities of the association.

  Committee Chair: Craig Kellstrom
  M-NCPPC - Prince George's Co.
  7833 Walker Drive #110
  Greenbelt, MD 20770
  Phone: (301) 446-3308
  Fax: (301) 864-4367
  craigm.kellstrom@pgparks.com
  
  Awards Sub-Committee Chair: Wendy Donley
  M-NCPPC - Prince George's County
  Wells/Linson Complex
  5211 Paint Branch Parkway
  College Park, MD 20740
  Phone: (301) 277-3717
  Fax: (301) 277-3186
  wendy.donley@pgparks.com
  
  Directory Sub-Committee Chair: Barbara Lages
  bjlages24@aol.com

• Membership Committee
  Committee Responsibilities: Develop an annual marketing plan, to include a timeline, for membership retention and new member recruitment. This plan should include specific recruitment campaigns and promotions. Define, evaluate and promote existing membership benefits. Evaluate, on an annual basis, the membership fees and make any recommended changes to the board of directors. Research and develop new member benefits. Review and make any necessary revisions to the membership application, letters and membership brochure. Changes in the membership application should be coordinated with the administrative office. Develop and implement research tools, i.e. surveys, focus groups, etc. to solicit input from the membership regarding the direction of the association. Coordinate with the administrative office the distribution and processing of all membership forms.

  Committee Chair: Carrye Massey, CPRP
  M-NCPPC - Montgomery Parks
  9500 Brunett Ave.
  Silver Spring, MD 20901
  Phone: (301) 495-2517
  Fax: (301) 563-6509
  carrye.massey@montgomeryparks.org

• Professional Certification Board
  The Professional Certification Board approves all MRPA educational sessions, including annual conference sessions, for CEUs.

  Professional Certification Board Chair: Skip Gomrley, CPRP
  M-NCPPC - Prince George's Co.
  4012 Webster Street
  North Brentwood, MD 20722
  Work: (301) 864-0756
  Fax: (301) 779-8381
  henry.gormley@pgparks.com

• Professional Standards Committee
  Committee Responsibilities: Promote and encourage professional certification among the membership by educating agencies and individuals. Develop an annual marketing plan, to include certification (CPRP, APRP, PPRP, RPRP) recruitment. Plan should include specific campaigns and promotions. Promote active continuing education by recreation and park professionals, volunteers and citizen advocates.

• Resource Development Committee
  The Resource Development Committee shall be responsible for the raising of funds for the operation of the Association, including scholarships and he employment of paid personnel which may be appointed by the Board of Directors. The Scholarship Sub-committee shall receive applications, investigate the merits of each application and select those persons they feel should receive scholarships.

  Committee Co-Chair: Philip L. Bryan, CPRP
  Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks
  7120 Oakland Mills Road
  Columbia, MD 21046-1677
  Phone: (410) 313-1668
  pbryan@howardcountymd.gov
  
  Committee Co-Chair: Jean Tansey
  Baltimore County Department of Permits/Development Management
  111 W. Chesapeake Ave., Room 119
  Towson, MD 21204
  Work: (410) 887-3751
  Fax: (410) 887-2877 jtansey@baltimorecountymd.gov
  
  Scholarship Sub-Committee Co-Chair: Eric Rasch
  City of Takoma Park Recreation Department
  7500 Maple Ave.
  Takoma Park, MD 20912
  Phone: (301) 891-7225 Fax: (301) 270-4094 ericr@takomagov.org
  
  Scholarship Sub-Committee Co-Chair: Steve Yeskulsky
  City of Hyattsville
  Dept. of Creation and the Arts
  4310 Gallatin Street
  Hyattsville, MD 20781
  Phone: (301) 985-5020
  Fax: (301)985-5007
  syeskulsky@hyattsville.org

• Training and Education Committee
  

  Committee Chair: Kathy Garrity
  M-NCPPC - Prince George's County
  Phone: (301) 218-6749
  Fax: (301) 218-6767
  kathleen.garrity@pgparks.com

STRATEGIC PLAN

Mission

The purpose of the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. is to unite recreation and park professionals and citizen advocates to advance park, recreation and environmental conservation efforts through networking, development and training, and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Marylanders.

Goals and Objectives

       Development and Training

• Goal #1: Educate recreation and park professionals, lay persons and volunteers regarding future trends and current issues reflective of the recreation and park movement to enable them to provide the best service to the user and the best management of the resource.
• Goal #2: Provide a high quality level of instruction to recreation and park professionals, lay persons and volunteers at locations easily and strategically accessible to the members of the profession throughout the state.
• Goal #3: Promote programs that insure new professionals coming into the profession are trained and prepared to meet the needs of the different agencies.

       Networking

• Goal #1: Provide opportunities for park professionals, lay persons and volunteers to share common interests, concerns and ideas through organized activities.
• Goal #2: Create effective multiple communications lines whereby all individuals, organizations and groups involved in the business of recreation and parks have opportunities to share common interests, concerns and ideas.

       Advocacy

• Goal #1: Promote to the general public and the elected representatives the multiple benefits and quality of life that recreation and parks provides within the state of Maryland.
• Goal #2: Actively lobby federal, state and elected officials for the recreation and parks movement and it's resulting multiple benefits.
• Goal #3: Develop partnerships with organizations that support in whole or in part the mission of the association.

       Member Services

• Goal #1: Provide an efficient, trained, courteous, and responsive staff to meet the member's needs.
• Goal #2: Promote sponsorship and alternative funding means to reduce costs to members to attend and participate in Association activities.
• Goal #3: Promote and increase a membership that is reflective of the users and providers of the programs, properties and facilities provided by and managed by the recreation and parks profession.