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As a membership organization, the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. relies upon the active involvement of both professional and citizen members to achieve the broad vision and mission of the association. All members are eligible to receive a number of benefits and services unique to parks and recreation.

MRPA's diverse membership includes:

• parks and recreation administrators
• recreation programmers and supervisors
• park planners, supervisors and maintenance workers
• therapeutic recreation specialists
• academics, researchers and students
• elected members of recreation and park policy boards
• appointed members of recreation and park advisory boards
• citizen volunteers involved in all aspects of recreation and parks

MRPA members are actively involved on all levels with the association's 4 different branches and sections, each of which serves an area of specialized interest in the parks and recreation field.

For a summary of membership benefits, click here.

There are a variety of membership plans available to best serve the needs of our targeted audience. The categories include:

Active Professional
Download an Individual Membership Application

Active professional membership in MRPA is open to individuals employed on a full-time basis in the parks and recreation industry. Examples of organizations that employ such professionals may include but are not limited to city, county and state governmental agencies such as recreation and parks departments; hospitals and nursing homes, corporations; schools; parks; the armed forces; recreation and park consultants; private community centers and commercial recreation facilities. Members receive full association privileges such as voting privileges, the ability to serve on committees, and eligibility to hold office at any level.

Agency
Download an Agency Membership Application
Agency membership is open to organizations affiliated with the recreation and parks industry. Membership includes an active professional membership with all associated privileges for the agency director as well as 5 elected or appointed citizen board members. Office may be held in the Board and Volunteer branch only. Organizations receive one membership directory and one vote in association wide voting matters.

Associate
Download an Individual Membership Application
Associate membership in the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association is open to persons associated or affiliated with the recreation and parks industry on a part-time basis; persons employed out of state in the recreation and parks profession, allied health persons and all lay persons who having an interest in any aspect of the recreation and parks industry. Associate members are not eligible to vote, hold office or chair committees at the association wide level. An associate member may vote, hold office and/or chair committees on a branch level in accordance with each branch's charter.

Commercial
Download a Commercial Membership Application
Commercial membership in the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association is open to any person, organization, or company that provides products, services or other means of support, to the recreation, parks, and leisure profession. Commercial members are entitled to all privileges of the association except the right to vote and hold office on the corporate level, except through branch representation.

Recreation Council
Download a Recreation Council Membership Application
Recreation council membership is open to any neighborhood recreation council. Five appointed or elected citizen board members are included in the membership. Individuals working full time in the parks and recreation profession are not eligible for recreation council membership. Office may be held in the Board and Volunteer branch only. Recreation councils will receive one membership directory and one vote in association wide voting matters.

Student
Download an Individual Membership Application
Student membership in the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association is open to all full time undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at a college or university with the exception of those students working full time in the recreation and parks industry. Student members receive full association privileges such as the right to hold office and the right to vote.

Volunteer
Download an Individual Membership Application
Volunteer membership in the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association is open to any lay person who actively volunteers in the leisure services field. Examples might include youth sports coaches, advisory board members, special event volunteers etc. Volunteer members receive full association benefits including the right to hold office at any level and the right to vote.

Benefits of Membership
Where you're a concerned citizen in a small suburban community or a park and recreation rofessional in a large urban environment, membership in MRPA ensures access to full benefits and services designed with your specific experience and needs in mind.

• Receive up to date information that can help improve job performance through www.mrpanet.org, the e-Connect monthly newsletter, and the Weekly Update.
• Get breaking news and the latest information about additional funding, easing of administrative restrictions and preservation of the environment as a result of MRPA legislative efforts.
• View state of the art equipment that can save you time, learn new and current management techniques and share ideas with professionals by attending the MRPA Annual Conference at a discounted rate.
• Apply for scholarships to attend a variety of continuing education opportunities to increase your professional knowledge.
• Save yourself time and energy researching hot topics by attending current issues workshops at discounted rates.
• Be part of a ready-made network of fellow professionals to share ideas, solicit advice, or turn to for help.
• Develop skills in management and supervision, become more assertive and forge new professional relationships by taking advantage of leadership opportunities. Get valuable experience needed to move to the next level in your career.
• Participate in a nationally recognized certification program. You'll be seen as an authority on parks and recreation in your local area, and may earn priority consideration when applying for jobs.
• Get quick access to names, addresses and phone numbers of individuals and agencies involved in the recreation and parks industry through the annual Membership Directory & Buyer's Guide, on line and in print.

Fee Schedule and Application
Download an Individual Membership Application

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BRANCHES
MRPA is organized into a system of branches and committees. There are four special interest branches that are dedicated to serving a segment of the parks and recreation profession:

• BOARD & VOLUNTEER BRANCH
  The Board and Volunteer Branch (BVB) is the primary focus for providing information to volunteers and others involved in parks and recreation and to be advocates of parks and recreation programs in communities, the State, and in national forums. The Branch endeavors to promote the interaction of ideas which can benefit all aspects of parks and recreation activities, with emphasis on the importance of broad volunteer and community support of these programs.
  
  Membership: Membership in the branch is open to anyone with in interest in supporting Branch goals. Membership information may be found on the MRPA homepage.
  
  2007 - 2008 Board & Volunteer Branch Chair
  Jeff Smith, jeffwsmith@verizon.net
  
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• PARK & RESOURCE CONSERVATION BRANCH
  The Park and Resource Conservation Branch (PARC)... Invites you to become "A Tree Hugger". Who are the Tree Huggers? Tree Huggers are members of the Park and Resource Conservation Branch that through organizing and participation in workshops, educational sessions at annual conferences, networking with professionals throughout Maryland and socializing with other Tree Huggers maintain a professional or personal interest in the conservation of our Natural Resources. Tree Huggers are people rooted to the conviction that parks and other natural lands, forest and wildlife areas are vitally important to people. Tree Huggers believe that parks and natural areas help curb urban sprawl, clean and conserve air and water, stimulate tourism and the local economy, create charm and beauty and provide a higher quality of life. Tree Huggers are committed to park, open space and environmental goals and they strive to advance these goals through their professional work. Tree Huggers are individuals employed or with an interest in the natural resources, park maintenance, park development and conservation fields. These disciplines make up this branch's membership. Its members are provided with new ideas and insights into the practical as well as philosophical aspects of resource conservation, maintenance, design and park management.
  
  2007-2008 Park and Resource Conservation Branch Chair
  Bill Offutt
  Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks
  1001 Kinder Farm Park Road
  Millersville, MD 21108
  (W) (410) 222-6117
  rpoffutt@aacounty.org
  
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• RECREATION & LEISURE SERVICES BRANCH
  Recreation and Leisure Services Branch Mission Statement
  The mission of the Recreation and Leisure Services (RALS) branch is to promote the professional development and growth of its membership by providing quality continuing education opportunities, a means of sharing new and innovative ideas and to promote the field of Leisure Services throughout Maryland.
  
  What Can RALS Do For You?
  The Recreation and Leisure Services Branch of the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association provides you with opportunities for professional growth.
  
  The RALS branch sponsors and conducts many innovative workshops and seminars throughout the year and at the annual MRPA conference. These workshops teach new skills or offer the opportunity to refine current skills in programming, management development and analysis of trends. The workshops are also designed to foster professional development while providing continuing education units (CEU's) towards maintaining professional certification.
  
  Your active involvement in the RALS Branch provides you the opportunity to network with fellow professionals; share new active involvement in the RALS Branch provides you the opportunity to network with fellow professionals; share new ideas, common experiences, and resources; expand your knowledge and skills; and recognize fellow professionals. Contact any of the people listed below to get involved...the opportunities and benefits are endless!
  
  2007 - 2008 Recreation and Leisure Services Branch Chair
  Wendy Donley
  M-NCPPC - Prince George's Co.
  (W) (301) 277-3717
  wendy.donley@pgparks.com
  
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• THERAPEUTIC RECREATION BRANCH
  The philosophy of the MRPA Therapeutic Recreation branch is embodied by the vision statement of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society.
  
  The Therapeutic Recreation Branch embraces:
  " ... the belief that leisure and recreation should be available to all people, especially to those with disabilities or limiting conditions. Leisure and recreation are human rights and are critical to human health and well being. People with disabilities or limitations may require assistance in using their leisure to enhance their physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual abilities. This principle applies equally to people who live in communities and to those who require short or long-term clinical or residential care. Services are delivered through a continuum of care-therapy, leisure education and recreation participation-in services, advocacy, leadership, knowledge and commitment. We are prepared to pursue our unique and progressive vision for the benefit of society today and into the future."
  
  The Therapeutic Recreation Branch strives to...
  Unite therapeutic recreation professionals, students and volunteers and advocate for the interests of the therapeutic recreation profession. Provide networking, and resource sharing (professional newsletters, committee work, social events, etc. Support and conduct professional development opportunities for recreation and therapeutic recreation personnel. Advocate for the leisure rights of individuals with disabilities through involvement and awareness of legislation that affects the provision of recreation and therapeutic recreation services at the local, state and national level. Encourage and conduct research to improve the quality of therapeutic recreation services. Promote communication and collaboration between therapeutic recreation personnel and professional agencies concerned with the health and well being of people with disabilities . Work and serve on committees, organizations, and government agencies to promote and establish services and accessible facilities for people with disabilities. Support colleges, universities, professional schools and professional organizations.
  
  First Response to Access
  The Therapeutic Recreation Branch of MRPA is pleased to present to you the resource guide 1st Response to Access. We hope that you will find it useful as you address the recreational needs and interests of citizens with disabilities living in your communities.
  
  We realize that not all communities in Maryland have employees or perhaps access to professionals who either have the educational background or the experience, to whom they can turn, to assure more accessible and inclusive opportunities for their citizens with disabilities.
  
  The TR Branch recognizes the diverse talent pool of its own membership and has decided to do more outreach to MRPA members, particularly those who may feel they could use some additional assistance in addressing the leisure needs of their constituents with disabilities.
  
  1st Response to Access provides a valuable resource to those who may benefit from the advice of a professional colleague to help them do their job a little better as it pertains to citizens with disabilities.
  
  For more information on the Therapeutic Recreation Branch and how to get involved, please contact the branch chair.
  
  2007 - 2008 Therapeutic Recreation Branch Chair
  Rachel Lynn Kelleman
  13907 Sunnybrook Road
  Phoenix, MD 21131
  rkelleman0@mail.com
  
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