NRPS Newsletter May 2012
What a fantastic conference again this year! I was pleased to host over 100 parks and recreation professionals and 26 vendors here in Henderson. It took a large group of dedicated people to plan such an event. I recognized them during conference, but wanted to make sure to list their names in this newsletter as well. Next time you see them, make sure to tell them thanks for supporting our society. You'll also see some photos throughout the pages in this month's newsletter. We honored award winning programs and facilities at the awards banquet. I was amazed by the quality projects that were submitted. We should all be proud to live in the great state of Nevada.
Your new executive board took the oath of office on April 19. Board members promised to "actively communicate with [their] constituents and the other leaders of the Society, plan and promote the training and programs, and will at all times endeavor to fulfill the highest personal and professional standards." The board is currently reviewing the study lead by Dr. Dan McLean of UNLV that reviewed the responsibility of planning the state conference. I also asked all the board members to review the by-laws of the society (they can be found on our website - www.nrps.org). It is my goal to have opportunities for you to be part of the society. We have a couple of very active committees, but I think there are more possibilities. We are also looking at developing a retiree group as well as something for young professionals.
Our past president, Dirk Richwine, offered a Certified Parks and Recreational Professional (CPRP) prep course a few weeks ago. Approximately 20 people attended and got some insight into the exam. Plans are in the works to offer this class in the north. I asked the vice presidents from the north and south to provide plenty of local opportunities to earn continuing educational units (CEU's) to support this type of certification. I also asked them to plan luncheons that include a business meeting so that members and potential members have a forum to discuss important issues to NRPS. The board will also be looking at how to best store our important records with the possibility of doing most of it electronically. Another goal for the year is looking at enhancing our website in order to better serve our membership. The next issue for our society's magazine is in the works. Please let us know if you have any articles or announcements you would like to share. Don't forget that July is National Parks and Recreation Month. Please let your Pacific Southwest Regional Representative know how your agency is planning to celebrate. They are working together on how NRPS can promote events that honor our profession. I've listed quite of few goals for our society this year. If you have some ideas and want to get involved in one or more of these projects, please contact me or one of your board members. Don't just be a member…be an ACTIVE member. Take care, Jayne Mazurkiewicz, CPRP President Elect
President-Jayne Mazurkiewicz, CPRP Past Pres.-Dirk Richwine, CPRP Pres. Elect-Pandora Bahlman Vice Pres. North-Jennifer Budge Vice Pres. South-Felicia Rivera-Baker Secretary-Kristy Bekiares Treasurer-Brady Dehn Members At Large NorthJoel Dunn Danny Gleich Token Barnthouse Darrin Price Members At Large SouthJeannette Palmer Veronica Reyes Nick Montoya Doug Guild PSP North-Al Rogers PSC North-Linda Fearnley PSP South-Shelly Gulotta PSC South-Dundee Jones
Our mission is to support and recognize members of the Society and to promote Recreation and Parks as an essential service in Nevada. NRPS Vision Statement We support the National Recreation & Park Association and the benefits of Recreation and Parks for citizens of the State of Nevada. We serve with pride, leadership and professionalism. We Believe in creativity and innovative problem solving. We Believe in encouraging and promoting diversity in our membership. We Believe in recognizing the accomplishments of members and agencies. We Believe in members’ input to shape our vision through strategic planning. We Believe in cooperation, communications, teamwork and consensus building for the citizens, the Society and the agencies we serve. CHECK OUT THE NEW WEBSITE! WWW.NRPS.ORG
The NRPS Aquatic Committee is made up of aquatic professionals throughout the southern Nevada area. Members meet the 2nd Wednesday every other month to discuss aquatic trends, programming, staffing, operations and hot topics. In addition, the committee organizes several events throughout the year; Health & Safety Expo, Southern Nevada Lifeguard Games and a Recreational Swim Meet. Please visit our contact page on NRPS.org if you would like to contact our board members to receive additional information on any of our events, attending a meeting or becoming a member.
Did you know‌ Scholarships are available for Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Training Instructor, Lifeguard Management, Lifeguard Training and CPR/AED classes? Contact 702-595-0010 for more information.
The Nevada Recreation and Parks Society (NRPS) is a nonprofit, professional organization, founded in 1958. Its main purpose is to promote the growth and development of Nevada recreation and parks. NPRS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). NPRS has several levels of membership to meet the needs of all parks and recreation professionals, students, retirees, agencies, and affiliates. PROFESSIONAL This category includes persons who are or have been employed full time in an executive, leadership or supportive staff capacity within a public or private agency or department of recreation or parks or educational institution. ($30) RETIRED PROFESSIONAL This category includes any persons over 45 years of age, who has been a Professional Member of NRPS, NRPA, or an NRPA Affiliate for a minimum of ten (10) years and has officially retired from a qualified professional position. ($15) ASSOCIATE This category includes persons who are employed part time or volunteers within the recreation and parks field, and who subscribe and agree to the aims and objectives of this society. ($15) STUDENT This category includes persons who are enrolled full time in high school, colleges or universities with an interest in parks and recreation or an allied field. ($10) AGENCY This category includes the Agency Director and members of the policy or advisory board or commission. Dues are based on full time employee (FTE) equivalent. ($250 – 20 FTE’s or more; $150 – under 20 FTE’s) ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION AND AFFILIATE This category includes national, state, and local organizations, hospitals, colleges, universities, clubs, and local, state or regional societies and organizations. ($50) COMMERCIAL This category includes all vendors, commercial and for-profit organizations who subscribe and agree to the aims and objectives of this society. ($50) HONORARY May be bestowed upon those persons approved by this society’s Executive Board.
Grant Opportunities •
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Tony Hawk Foundation Skatepark Grants, Deadline: July 2012. Up to $25K public skateparks serving at-risk youth in low-income areas. Info & app: http://www.tonyhawkfoundation.org/news/201 1/12/14/new-grant-guidelines-prompt-betterskateparks/ National Alliance for Accessible Golf for Individuals With Disabilities, Deadline: Rolling. Up to $20K to provide golf programs for individuals with disabilities. Info & app: http://www.accessgolf.org/grants/ alliance_grants.cfm Click this link for 40 grant opportunities related to youth, obesity prevention, disadvantaged communities etc. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/c495f0016892d0a1472c b686f/files/40__Grant_Opportunities_2012.pdf
Please send submissions for the NRPS monthly newsletter to Jeannette.Palmer@cityofhenderson.com We want to hear from you!
THE FLY ROD WINNER IS…
NATE JARAMILLO