RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

Benefits of WRPA Membership

WRPA is a statewide professional association. Officially created in 1956, WRPA is comprised of citizens, businesses, and professionals striving to provide quality recreation opportunities for all Wyomingites while protecting, advocating for, and enjoy the state's parks, public lands, and recreation areas. Benefits for members include the following:

Networking

Meet fellow professionals from around the state and engage in information sharing sessions and roundtables. Sectional meetings provide opportunities for professionals within similar positions to brainstorm and collaborate on topics of interest. Additionally, the membership directory provides immediate access to contact information to stay in touch with fellow recreation specialists.

Leadership Opportunities

As a WRPA member, you will have numerous opportunities to develop leadership abilities and build credentials in the parks, recreation and leisure services field. Leadership opportunities may include serving on the Board of Directors, representing your agency as a section lead or a member of one of WRPA's various committees. 

Professional Development

WRPA provides opportunities for CEU's for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the many educational workshops and conferences it offers members each year include the annual WRPA Conference as well as the annual spring workshop. Be alerted about other professional development opportunities offered by WRPA supporting organizations including trainings such as Lifeguard Instructor Training (LGI), Aquatic Facility Operator (APO), and Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI). The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is available through the National Recreation and Park Association.

WRPA State Conference

Park and recreation professionals through throughout Wyoming gather each fall for three days of educational sessions and networking opportunities at the annual WRPA Conference. The conference offers more than 10 educational sessions, vendor displays, and numerous social functions allowing for networking with fellow professionals.

Professional Development Grants

The Association distributes scholarships to assist professionals in attending state and national training programs. Available scholarships include:

• Scott Sessions Memorial
• Great Western Recreation
• Paul Petzoldt Memorial
• Star Playground
• WRPA Conference

Awards and Honors

Outstanding leaders, community members/businesses, and members are recognized for their contributions at the annual WRPA Conference. In addition, former leaders are inducted into the WRPA Hall of Fame. Awards and honors include the following:

Fellow Award

• Outstanding Professional
• Outstanding Young Professional 
• Citation Individual
• Citation Organization
• President's Award
• Hall of Fame

Government Representation

WRPA is the recognized voice of advocacy on behalf of parks and recreation and leisure services in Wyoming. Our goal is to represent the needs of our professionals and work with policy makers as a resource of information and advice regarding issues impaction our profession.