Whether you’re a professional, student, citizen, or your business is associated with the park and recreation field we offer a wealth of professional development resources.
MRPA hosts training’s and events for industry professionals and individuals employed in park and recreation and related fields. MRPA is a leader in tracking current needs and trends and addressing key issues for the park and recreation field. Some training’s also offer CEU credits for attendees who need to keep their current professional certification.
William C. and Carol Kilcoyne Grant Program
The William C. and Carol S. Kilcoyne Continuing Education Grant was established in 2004 to recognize the significant contribution the Kilcoyne’s have made to the development and continuity of MRPA. Mr. Kilcoyne was a past president and long-standing treasurer of MRPA with over 27 years of service as the Park & Recreation Director for the town of Wayland, Massachusetts. Mrs. Kilcoyne was the Association’s first Executive Secretary, serving in that capacity for twenty-one years. To honor the Kilcoyne’s commitment to the profession, the MRPA established this annual program to assist professionals pursuing ongoing professional development in the park and recreation industry.
The Kilcoyne Grant Program administers and awards up to $500 to fund the registration fees and related material costs associated with Continuing Education Units (CEU’s), educational workshops, NRPA Schools and certification programs. *The MRPA Executive board reserves the right to determine if an application meets or does not meet the requirements.
Examples of Grant Awards Include:
- MRPA Annual Conference Registration
- NRPA National Conference Registration
- CEU Certified Programming
- CPRP/CPSI Preparation Courses
- NRPA Sponsored Schools (i.e. Director School, Event Management School, etc.)
Grant Awards Will NOT Cover:
- Conference/Education Travel Fees (Airfare, Gas, etc.)
- Meal Fees or Housing Accommodations
- Exam Fees for Certification Programs
MRPA is excited to announce its new Partnership with Springfield College! MRPA members enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs at Springfield College are eligible to receive up to a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant. This grant has been established by Springfield College to support MRPA members being educated for leadership in service to others. Students must be members of MRPA to be eligible to apply.
Certifications
Through national certification you join thousands of people who are committed to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of park and recreation programs.
Click Here for more information on these programs offered by the National Recreation and Park Association.
Smart Practices and ADA Compliance for Parks & Recreation Agencies
The robust Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes, in the title II regulation, extensive policy and program mandates for parks and recreation agencies. The companions 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, along with the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board standards, provide the requirements for park assets such as playgrounds, sports fields and courts, golf courses, and more. But…some of this guidance is ten years old. Parks and Recreation agencies in New England and elsewhere have adopted any smart practices to address facilities, policies, and the most integrated setting requirement. Smart practices make services more accessible and inclusive, and…keep agencies off of the front page.
Power Point Presentation – Click Here