Professional Development
PRPS is the leading source for educational opportunities in the recreation and parks profession in the Commonwealth. Members have access, at special rates, to quality continuing education programs, conferences, workshops, and webinars on a wide range of topics.
- PRPS Conference & Expo
- Annual Online Therapeutic Recreation Institute
- Certified Playground Safety Inspector course and exam
- Swimming Pool management training and Pesticide Applicator certification exam
- Park Maintenance Workshops
- Regional workshops on playground safety, therapeutic recreation, and other timely topics
- Webinars covering timely park and recreation trends
- CEUs to maintain professional certifications
- Scholarships for students and professionals
- Learning Networks
- The Maintenance Institute Tool Shed
- Programming Ideas
I’ve benefited greatly from my PRPS membership. I always would say there really isn’t anyone else who understands what it means to be a community parks and recreation director other than those who do that same work every day. PRPS provided me many training opportunities as well as the chance to meet and become friends with so many other professionals in Pennsylvania. Many who were great mentors for me.
Mike Eschenmann
Advocacy
PRPS is the voice of Pennsylvania recreation and parks. We monitor state and federal legislation and inform you on issues that directly impact recreation and parks. We work to preserve and expand funding and technical assistance programs. We actively contribute to:
- Public advocacy about the economic, environmental, social, and personal benefits of parks and recreation
- Legislative advocacy and alliances in support of recreation, parks and conservation funds.
- Representation on important statewide industry advisory groups
- Legislative Alerts to members on issues that impact your profession and your organization
- Good For You, Pennsylvania's statewide marketing and branding campaign for Pennsylvania's recreation and parks
Becoming a member in PRPS has helped by providing me with a network of fellow professionals that I can call upon for advice. During my early years in recreation, PRPS was a lifesaver.
Karen Schreiber, CPRP | Muhlenberg Twp. Parks Recreation
Networking
Membership provides many opportunities to network with your professional peers! Sharing business and technical resources, professional contacts, program ideas, leadership and fundraising strategies and other assets increases your professional capacity, standing and worth.
- Conferences, Summits, workshops, membership meetings, social events, the Dig It! blog, The SCOOP (eNews), and on social media channels
- District-level events, such as ski socials, golf outings, workshops, program/camp vendor expo, holiday parties, and volunteer opportunities at Hersheypark provide additional opportunities for networking
I’ve enjoyed my membership in PRPS and being able to serve in several capacities over the years. My only regret is that I didn’t get involved with PRPS when I graduated from college in 1972 causing me to lose 21 years of networking, serving, and fellowship with other members. I now strongly encourage anyone involved with recreation, whether they are students, recreation board members, community staff, and etcetera, to join PRPS.
Jim Watenpool
Resources
PRPS members and their communities benefit from numerous Society programs and resources:
- Information on grants and funding programs
- Members-only access to RecTAP technical assistance grants
- Information on latest safety standards for pools, playgrounds, and park maintenance
- Participation in members-only consignment ticket sales program
- Recognition & Awards Program for professional excellence
- Technical assistance and resource library
- Annual Membership Directory and Buyers Guide
- Pennsylvania Recreation & Parks Magazine and The SCOOP (eNews)
- Access to group-rate professional liability insurance
- Career opportunities listing on our website