2026 Urban Exchange: Allentown

$25 PRPS Members/$35 Non-members

Join PRPS for this Urban Exchange to discover how Allentown and surrounding municipalities are turning vision into reality through innovative partnerships, bigger funding opportunities, and new facilities. Hear how Allentown's new master plan and a $4 million grant are reshaping Franklin Park, get practical guidance on steering clear of legal pitfalls with Responsible Contractor Ordinances, and step inside Upper Macungie Township’s brand-new Community Lifestyle Center for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Then, wrap up the day with roundtable conversations on the local programs and opportunities that matter most to your community.

$25/members and $35/non-members includes lunch, CEUs, and a full day of education and networking.

Agenda:

8:30-9:00Arrival, Check-in, Networking
9:00-9:15Welcome: Introductions, overview, agenda
9:15-10:15From Vision to Action: Parks, Plans & Community Voice - Lucinda Wright, Deputy Director, City of Allentown Department of Parks and Recreation
10:15-10:30Break
10:30-11:30The "Responsible Contractor" Caveat: What Municipalities Need to Know to Avoid Litigation - Marissa Bankert, President/CEO ABC Eastern PA
11:30-11:45Info about lunch, break, and tour following lunch
11:45-12:20Lunch
12:20-1:20Site Tour: Upper Macungie Community Lifestyle Center
1:20-1:30Break
1:30-2:50Round Table Discussions (2 – 40 minute sessions)
 - Engaging Seniors in Sport: Montgomery Co. Senior Games – Jen Hartigan, Upper Moreland Twp.
 - Managing Large-Scale Projects: Upper Macungie's New Community Center - Ryan Griffiths
 - More coming soon!
2:50-3:00Closing Remarks, Surveys, Depart

Session Descriptions
From Vision to Action: Parks, Plans & Community Voice
Thriving parks start with strong community voices. This session explores how intentional community engagement can transform comprehensive planning, build public trust, and turn shared ideas into parks that truly reflect the needs, priorities, and aspirations of the people they serve.

The “Responsible Contractor” Caveat: What Municipalities Need to Know to Avoid Litigation
Responsible Contractor Ordinances (RCO) can appear to be a straightforward way to raise standards on the construction of new recreation centers, sports areas or playgrounds. However, meticulous wording of the ordinance is crucial. This presentation will explore how procurement law defines “responsible bidders,” when well-intended ordinances may conflict with those rules, and how municipal leaders can ensure their policies avoid legal scrutiny while still promoting quality construction

Attendees can earn up to .3 CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

This event is possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Not a member of PRPS? Join now and save $10 on this registration, plus receive discounts on all future training events, current industry news, networking opportunities, professional development scholarships, resources, and more. Visit www.prps.org/membership to view the full list of member benefits.

CANCELLATION POLICY
PRPS will refund your registration, less a $10 processing fee, if your cancellation is received in writing more than 10 business days prior to the event. No refunds will be given for cancellations occurring less than 10 business days prior to an event. Substitute attendees are welcome in lieu of cancellations; please contact the PRPS office to arrange this.