Citizen branch braces for big initiatives.

For many years, Mary Garrison was involved at the grass roots level of recreational activities that involved her family. In 1991, these interests led her to become part of the local park and recreation organization, and today she is commissioner for the Winnetka Park District in the village of Winnetka, Ill. As incoming president Of NRPA's Citizen Branch, Garrison would like to share some thoughts about the foundation and significant legacies of NRPA, and about plans to build for the future yet still remember our history.

It was almost 40 years ago when citizens, concerned about public parks and recreation throughout the United Garrison States, came together with like-minded professionals involved in parks and recreation and formed NRPA. This new organization was an innovative step in the development of public park systems.

NRPA has grown into a premier national association of citizens concerned about parks and recreation, who work with park-centered professionals to represent interests of people all over our nation in the continued productive development of the quality of life for residents nationwide.

The citizens, who founded NRPA and later became members of the Citizen Branch, tended a fragile organization that grew to be what it is today. At present, the Citizen Branch is composed of 8,600 members who advocate for public parks and recreation under the umbrella of NRPA.

Now, it is our time to build upon what was created by those who did so much in times past, to promote the interests and enjoyment of citizens throughout our country in parks and recreation. More than ever, the park and recreation movement is extremely important for the development and well-being of our residents locally, statewide, regionally and nationally.

The Citizen Branch Board of Directors, with strong reliance on a long tradition of commitment; support and interest of Citizen Branch members in advocacy for parks, presents the following ongoing strategies:

1. Service Citizen Branch membership:

--Continued and increased listening

--Written communication, e-mall and other meaningful communication like the president's quarterly e-mail update, which networks Citizen Branch members. Members wishing to sign up can e-mail [e-mail].

--Continue to improve NRPA Congress highlighting education, training and networking for citizens. Increased education through local, state and regional channels.

2. Advocate more effectively with national legislation:

--Assist with advocacy training for state and local entities.

--Grow membership through "One More Makes a Difference" program. If everyone recruited one new member, the voice for parks and recreation advocacy from kids to seniors would be stronger than ever.

3. Inclusiveness:

--Citizen Branch is our new name. Our new identification helps to explain to everyone whom we represent. This is important as we begin in many ways to reach out to every citizen and to every family, at the grass roots level and beyond.

The Citizen Branch board looks forward to working with citizens and with other NRPA members. Working together as each of us listens, communicates, advocates--doing our part in our time we can make a difference now, and for the future.--written by Mary Garrison

Congress C-BM Award Winners

The following awards were given at NRPA's Annual Congress in Reno in October. Congratulations to all the winners!

Outstanding Board or Commission Award

Less than 25,000 population St. Andrew's Parish Parks and Playground Commission, Charleston, S.C.

25,000-75,000 population Brentwood Parks and Recreation Commission, Brentwood, Calif.

75,000 + population Kansas City Parks and Recreation Commission, Kansas City, Mo.

State C-BM Service Award Melvin Whitlock, Palm Bay, Ill.

Professional Excellence Award Liza McElroy, Winnetka, Ill.

Special Contributor Citation The John and Wuana Harman Foundation, Sandy, Utah 

Robert M. Artz Award Chas F. McDevitt, Boise, Idaho