WHAT IS MRPA - Back to the Top

The Maine Recreation & Park Association is an organization comprised of professionals, students, commercial businesses and citizen volunteers who are dedicated to the promotion of quality parks, recreation, therapeutic and open space services for the people of Maine.

MISSION -Back to the Top

MRPA is dedicated to extending the value and benefits of parks and therapeutic services and agencies at the local, state and national level. Efforts are accomplished through networking, professional development, advocacy, partnerships, special events and individual recognition.

OBJECTIVES - Back to the Top

The associations objectives are:

•  To unite people and groups with common interests in one statewide recreation and parks organization.
•  To foster and maintain the highest standards of training, professional qualifications and ethics in the field of recreation and parks.
•  To stimulate and promote planed recreation and leisure services throughout the State of Maine.
•  To affiliate with local, state, and national organizations in related fields.
•  To support, promote and practice the wisest use of our national resources.
•  To provide opportunities to share concerns and ideas with others
• interested in recreation and parks.
•  To educate and update the public on the existence of therapeutic recreation and integrating special needs groups into the community.
•  To offer seminars, lectures, conferences in recreation and parks and therapeutic recreation.

STRUCTURE & ORGANIZATION -Back to the Top

The Maine Recreation and Park Association represents 350 individuals statewide. The association is governed by an executive board consisting of elected members.

•  President is elected annually for a one (1) year term
•  Vice-President is elected annually for a one (1) year term
•  Treasurer is elected annually for a one (1) year term
•  Secretary is elected annually for a one (1) year term
•  Parliamentarian is elected annually for a one (1) year term
•  Citizen Board Member elected annually for a one (1) year term
•  3 members at large elected annually for a one (1) year term
•  3 Regional Representatives elected annually for a one (1) year term
•  2 Regional Council members elected for a three (3) year term

The Strategic plan is reviewed on an annual basis by the membership. Twice a year annual business meetings are conducted to discuss bylaw changes, state and national issues, special projects and financial solvency.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - Back to the Top

MRPA members are encouraged to actively participate in the associations business and special events. Leadership opportunities exists that include serving on the executive board, editing or contributing to the quarterly newsletter, serving as a committee chairperson or speaking at a professional development seminar.

CENTRAL SERVICES - Back to the Top

MRPA business is conducted through the University of Maine at Machias College of Recreation and Leisure studies division. Dr. William Eckart and college staff facilitate MRPA's membership services, professional certification plan and overall bulk mailings. Their dedication and commitment to the profession are the key to the successful delivery of all MRPA services.

MEMBERSHIP - Back to the Top

MRPA's diverse membership consists of citizens, students, therapeutic specialists, administrators, appointed officials and individuals interested in networking with one another. The benefits of becoming a member will increase your effectiveness as an advocate for parks, recreation, and leisure services.

Membership benefits include:

• Leadership opportunities
• Networking opportunities with peers
• Attending annual fall, spring and winter educational programs
• Receiving the quarterly newsletter MRPA Today
• Providing information and referral services to members
• Professional development opportunities for continuing educational units
• The administration of the National Recreation and Park Association
• voluntary registration (certification??) plan for professional affiliation
• Participation in the latest trends and research in our field
• Youth sports coaching programs
• Mentoring opportunities

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES - Back to the Top

•  Agency $125.00 (5 employees) Additional members may be added for a fee of $15.00 per member.
• Commercial $100.00 (two members) Additional members may be added for a fee of $15.00 per member. 
• Professional $35.00
• Associate $25.00
• Retired Professional $10.00
• Citizen Board $5.00
• Student $5.00
  Friend $10.00

A membership application is available through the Maine Recreation and Park Association, c/o The University of Maine Machias, c/o Dr. William Eckart, 9 O'Brien Avenue, Machias, Maine 04954 (207) 255-1249. Or may be downloaded from the website.

MRPA TODAY -Back to the Top

MRPA today is a quarterly publication that provides our professional membership, citizen advocates, administrators and commercial sponsors with up-to-date work practices, educational opportunities, and research in the field of recreation and parks. Articles and photographs are welcome and must be submitted to the editor no later than the August 15th, November 15th, February 15th and May 15th deadlines. Lucky D'Ascanio is current editor in chief for the newsletter.

CERTIFICATION - Back to the Top

MRPA administers the National Recreation and Park Association voluntary registration plan for the certification of recreation and park personnel (Certified Leisure Professional). Certification validates what we do through a national program. One of the benefits of becoming a certified leisure personnel is that it affords individuals the opportunity to engage in educational opportunities on a continual basis. Certification is an attainable goal and it provides recognition for individuals who have qualified.

There are four categories of certification:

•  CPRP - Certified Parks and Recreation Professional
•  PPRP - Provisional Parks and Recreation Professional
•  APRP - Associate Parks and Recreation Professional

Dr. William Eckart from the University of Maine at Machias can be contacted for the certification materials. He may be reached at (207) 255-1249.

The Materials include:

* Certification application and guidelines

* Exam application

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - Back to the Top

MRPA believes its membership needs a wide variety of training opportunities. The annual spring and fall conferences provide members with a forum to exchange ideas, learn about new programs, acquire continuing education units and network with peers.

More professional development information can be found on this website.

ADVOCACY - LEGISLATION - Back to the Top

The legislative sub-committee monitors issues affecting the association at the local, state and national level. The sub-committee communicates with membership, NRPA, the press, political leaders, regional and national representatives to advocate specific bills and legislation on behalf of MRPA.

The efforts of MRPA and its members have been noted in terms of support for federal, state and local partnerships. A broader range of opportunities has come about as a result of legislation such as: the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the National After School and Child Care Initiation, the Federal Emergency Management Act, the Transportation Equity Act, and the pending Reinvestment and Environmental Restoration Act related to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Aggressive advocacy has helped to protect the resources that are essential for quality parks and recreation experiences. It is our responsibility to serve members by informing national law makers, public officials and citizens of the value of parks and recreation programs and services.

MRPA has recently partnered with the Inland Fisheries and Game Department and the Bureau of Park and Recreation to advocate funds for conservation purposes. Through testimony, personal visits, written communication, and the telecommunications network we can create positive changes in the political arena for the best interest of recreation and parks..

SPECIAL EVENTS - Back to the Top

Traditionally MRPA has sponsored special youth programs throughout the State of Maine.

Hershey Track & Field -- Annually six (6) regional municipal sites have hosted track meets for youths ages 9 - 14 within their region. The focus is youth development, physical fitness teamwork and good sportsmanship. The annual state meet brings the children together to compete for the opportunity to run at the National meet in Hershey Pennsylvania.

HotShot Basketball - The NRPA HotShot program is open to youths ages 9-18. Contestants compete regionally and statewide. The program is a skill development program that tests a participants ball-handling and shooting skills.

AWARDS - Back to the Top

The awards committee determines who should be recognized as the recipients of the associations annual awards and honors. MRPA annually honors professional and citizen members who have rendered outstanding service to the recreation, park leisure and therapeutic service in the State of Maine.

The awards are as follows:

•  The William B. Haskell - Professional of the year award
•  The Young Professional Award
•  MRPA Citizen volunteer of the year award
•  The Therapeutic Recreation Professional of the year award.
•   Facility of Merit Award
•   The National Youth Sports Coaches Association Coach of the year award

SCHOLARSHIPS - Back to the Top

MRPA annually awards scholarships to students currently enrolled in recreation and parks and therapeutic studies. Our intent is to encourage individuals to enter the profession so we may secure more efficient and qualified personnel for the profession. Three (3) scholarships are available. Two, $750.00 scholarships for current sophomores, juniors, or seniors in college. One, $500.00 scholarship for a Maine high school senior entering the recreation and park field of study.

SPONSORS & ADVERTISING - Back to the Top

Advertising opportunities exist for commercial and private vendors. Ads may be taken out in the quarterly newsletter, or exhibitors may contribute to the spring conference program as a sponsor.