PRPS Weekly News

Free Webinar: Evaluating Your Community's Municipal Golf Course

If you own, operate or maintain a golf course, news headlines about municipal golf may have you concerned. Many communities are evaluating their courses and looking for ways to ensure performance. When these situations arise, knowing how to conduct an objective review is critical. Get prepared and join in a free webinar on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. ET. Longtime industry expert Larry Hirsh, CRE, MAI, SGA, FRICS, will help you understand the elements of evaluating your course and can answer your questions on issues such as pricing, staffing, playing conditions and more. Learn more.

It's Time to Nominate Someone!

PRPS Recognition and Awards Program

Each year, the PA Recreation & Park Society provides the opportunity for an individual, group, or agency to be recognized for professional and personal achievements. These prestigious awards will be presented at the annual PRPS Conference on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at the Lancaster Marriott and Convention Center.

Click here for Awards Program Entry Information. Nominations are due before January 31, 2015.

Become a CPRP: Get a FREE CPRP Prep Course

If you apply before February 28, 2015

Why should you become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)? Because it shows you care about being and giving the best your can!

Besides, 93% of CPRP's are in management. This indicates that certification gives a competitive advantage to young professionals. Pursing certification also shows your dedication to the profession and your willingness to learn - every boss wants evidence of these attributes in their employees!

Unwrap your potential and apply to become a CPRP today.

2015 River of the Year Nominees

Click here to view the five nominees and vote today. Voting ends December 16.

Keep Watching for the Get Outdoors PA Mini-Grant

In early 2015, the Get Outdoors PA Mini-Grant program will be launched for Get Outdoors PA Community Partners. Grants of $1,500-$3,000 will fund equipment and training related to outdoor programming. Some match is required. Applicants must be Get Outdoors PA Community Partners approved in 2014 or earlier and be a local government entity or 501c3 non-profit. The grant round will be open from February 1, 2015 to March, 31, 2015. The program is supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Start thinking about how your programs could benefit and if you're not currently a Community Partner, apply online today!

District News

For more information on our upcoming District Events, click here. Don't forget this Friday, December 12 is the D3 Recreation Program and Mini Expo.

PRPS Conference Tuesday Sessions

Here are a few sessions that will be available on Tuesday, March 24, 2015:

Innovative College Partnerships-as Easy as 1,2,3
Establishing Effective Online Communications
Accessibility for Parks, Playgrounds and Trails
Park and Rec Risk Management Best Practices - Jeopardy-Style
Your Finances, Your Future
Finding the Green - How to Access State Funds

The Conference Registration Guide is available on the PRPS Website.

Online registration is OPEN - Register Now! Early Bird price for members is $325 for full conference, and must be paid in full by January 30, 2015.

PA Therapeutic Recreation Society

Is PTRS on Your Santa List?

New and updated PTRS merchandise with our fashionable logo is now available for purchase. Click here to view items available for sale.

Holiday shopping has begun and PTRS has a fantastic Santa Special running from November 24 - December 12 (to assure delivery in the "Nick" of time).

Santa Special

Spend $15.00 to $35.00 before shipping costs to receive a Free retractable PTRS badge holder (value $3.50)

Spend $36.00 to $65.00 before shipping costs to receive a Free PTRS water tumbler + badge holder. (value $9.50)

Spend $66.00 or more before shipping costs to receive a Free PTRS ID guard wallet + badge holder (value $12.50)

Give your favorite "Santa" a hint of what PTRS merchandise you would like to see under the tree this year.

Fill out the "PTRS List for Santa" and clip and tuck the form in a family member's or friend's bag and have them mail it to: PRPS, 2131 Sandy Drive, State College, PA 16803. Your order is as good as packed and on its way. One little catch: they will have to do the wrapping.

SAVE THE DATE!

47th Annual PA Therapeutic Recreation Institute

June 3-5, 2015

DoubleTree Resort, Lancaster, PA

Call for Proposals!

The 2015 TRI session proposal form is available. The proposal submission deadline is January 15, 2015. For more information about the TR Institute, click here.

PRPS and Other Trainings

To view the PRPS Calendar, click here.