Arkansas Recreation & Parks Association Membership

ARPA has over 200 members which include professionals, students, citizens and commercial vendors who are all working to improve park and recreational opportunities in Arkansas. Members are employed with municipal, state, and federal governments as well as non-profit and private agencies. ARPA focuses on public awareness of parks, recreation and leisure services.
Since 1964, the mission of ARPA has been to serve its members by promoting the importance of recreation and parks in our communities. ARPA acts as an advocate for the parks and recreation profession and provides the strongest networking structure in Arkansas.
As a member of ARPA, you’ll join park, recreation and leisure services professionals throughout Arkansas. You’ll enjoy the support of others dedicated to the advancement of the profession, and you’ll benefit from their experiences. You’ll also share information about the latest trends in parks and recreation. Membership means getting the information you need, the networking you want and the educational opportunities you require to advance your career. ARPA is a state affiliate of the National Recreation & Parks Association.

 

Who Should Join ARPA?

Park and Recreation Professionals in:
  • Government agencies (i.e., municipal, county, state, and federal — N.P.S., C.O.E., U.S.F.S.)
  • Nonprofit agencies (i.e., YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts)
  • For profit agencies (i.e., recreation retail shops, recreational rental shops, vendors who support the Park and Recreation field)
  • Concerned citizens
  • Mayors
  • Judges
  • Advisory Board Members
  • Students studying parks, recreation, leisure and tourism
  • And others interested in the Park and Recreation field
Enjoy the many benefits members receive:
  • Technical assistance on current issues; when materials are not available referrals given to other agencies and ARPA members.
  • Education and training programs offered. Members receive registration discount and continuing education units (CEUs) may be earned.
  • Opportunity to participate in Committees and Taskforces addressing issues.
  • Networking among your peers is an ongoing process and is extremely valuable for sharing ideas and opportunities.
  • Outstanding professionals, students, facilities, programs and agencies are recognized through the annual Awards Program and Scholarship Foundation.