Ensuring quality of life. (2001 Annual Report).

WELCOME

This report highlights the actions and achievements of the National Recreation and Park Association during fiscal year 2000-2001. It reveals the importance of our services, products, and consultations to the quality and quantity of recreation experiences for the American people. Our work has been aided immeasurably through collaboration among our leadership, members, and staff. We especially value the contributions of members, because these individuals are also engaged in highly demanding work in their own park and recreation setting.

The association--through advocacy, communications, education, research, and standard setting--continues to foster active lifestyles, social well-being, and environmental stewardship through recreation. We remain a national and international hub of information on national, state, and local policy resources, services, and products.

Our public policy initiatives, for example, have focused principally on efforts to create a sufficient, predictable source of funds to invest in public park and recreation resources. National advocacy efforts--from grassroots organization and outreach to direct consultation with legislators and other policymakers--have emphasized our perspective that park and recreation resources and services are vital to our national health and well being. Our messages to Congress and the executive branch have focused on the values of environmental stewardship and the imperative for a diversity of recreation services to improve public health.

Our direct advocacy and partnerships with other groups and public agencies have brought us tantalizingly close to passage of the proposed Conservation and Reinvestment Act. Concurrently, we continue to advocate on behalf of congressional appropriations for several programs, access for all to high-quality, secure recreation during non-school periods; investment in disease prevention and health promotion; and recreation experiences to support military combat readiness.

We continue to believe that our contributions to idea sharing, networking, and communication are essential to the public, the media, and those who set policy, manage resources, and deliver recreation services.

Recreation, quality time, livable communities, stewardship: these terms resonate, because for increasing numbers of us, personal time for recreation continues to decline while the pace of life quickens and performance expectations rise. Our physical environment is similarly stressed by the unrelenting consumption of fossil fuel; dispersion of toxic materials into waters, soils, and air; and ill-placed development.

The National Recreation and Park Association--through advocacy, education, research, and standard setting - will continue to foster active lifestyles, social well-being, and environmental stewardship. We are proud of the energy and commitment that has enabled us to serve the American people and our members. We look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

PUBLIC POLICY

The National Recreation and Park Association informs national lawmakers, park and recreation professionals, and citizens of issues and actions that enhance recreation experiences. In cooperation with allied groups, state recreation and park societies, and members, quality services and sustainable practices are achieved. The Division of Public Policy rallies support for progressive national policies and programs that encourage public investment in recreation resources and services. The division acts as a national information source, advising members, friends of recreation and parks, partners, and the media on public policies and the content and status of congressional initiatives. Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, it provides policy guidance, compiles research, and analyzes emerging issues relevant to parks and recreation. It functions in partnership with allied groups that promote health and wellness, stewardship of resources, and the welfare of children.

The Association annually convenes a mid-winter National Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. This event provides the opportunity to discuss current and anticipated policy and legislative initiatives with congressional staff, federal executives and others.

Public Policy information appears regularly in Parks and Recreation, informing readers of the status of national issues. RecreACTION, our grassroots advocacy network, provides advocates with information and access items necessary to contact legislators in a timely manner. Monthly publication of Dateline is increasingly being supplemented by updated articles on the NRPA website. The division is exploring other ways to enhance communications and outreach to members and to the public. Effective grassroots actions on the part of park and recreation advocates led to significant national policy achievements this year.

The Association's national policy agenda reflects the diversity of its membership and their interests. The National Recreation and Park Association continues to be an aggressive partner in a national and grassroots coalition of a number of diverse organizations working to gain congressional and executive support for the proposed Conservation, and Reinvestment Act. This initiative would result in a predictable, sufficiently funded source of fiscal resources for the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program, wildlife and coastal conservation and related investments. NRPA Public Policy conducts a number of outreach activities to keep recreation and park professionals, citizen advocates and policymakers informed about national affairs that could impact their work and their play.

RECREATION ACCESS AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION

NRPA remains committed to congressional actions that will result in adequate annual funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program. The pending Resource Conservation and Reinvestment Act would achieve these objectives.

The House Resources Committee in late July voted 29-12 to report H.R. 701, the proposed Conservation and Reinvestment Act. This $3.2 billion per year bipartisan initiative would establish the Conservation and Reinvestment Act Fund using annual revenues from offshore leasing royalties. It would fund several new or existing programs, including $1 billion for impact assistance and coastal conservation; $900 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund including $450 million for state assistances; $350 million for wildlife conservation; $125 million for urban park restoration; $100 million for historic preservation; $200 million for federal and Indian land restoration; $150 million permanent conservation easements for threatened and endangered species recovery; and $350 million for payment in lieu of taxes.

The committee action included debate on 15 amendments and motions, and other potential amendments were discussed signaling sponsor intent to bring them to the House floor. At least two discussion items would impact state and local settings. A proposal by Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) would create a $100 million Cooperative Landscape Conservation Program, authorizing matching grants to purchase permanent conservation easements. Udall said his proposal would "give priority to high growth areas," and "would be guided by state law and (provide) real practical and cost-effective help." Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ) discussed a proposal to amend the LWCF state assistance allocation formula to emphasize the impact of population density and the relative proportion of federal land ownership in the respective states.

The bill is expected to be considered by the House this fall. A similar bill passed the House last year by a 315-102 vote.

RECREATION-AS-PREVENTION

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed legislation in June to reauthorize the Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. With these grants, park and recreation agencies, in partnership with schools, can provide quality after school activities for youth nationwide. The bill would allow public park and recreation agencies and others to apply for grants independent of a local education agency. The Senate bill would authorize $1.5 billion for fiscal year 2002; the House bill authorizes $900 million for the program. In related action, The President and the House Appropriations Subcommittee for the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education have each recommended this program be allotted $846 million for fiscal year 2002.

In August, The House Committee on Education and the Workforce, an authorizing committee, reported H.R. 1900, the proposed Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2001. The bill would amend current law by authorizing a combination of five existing federal programs into a Juvenile Delinquency Block Grant Program that would support state and local programs. Recreation, among other public services, is included as an eligible activity for this grant program.

The House spending bill for the departments of Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary includes $95 million for fiscal year 2002 juvenile justice and delinquency prevention Title V grants to local programs. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary reported the spending bill in July and increased the suggested amount available for the Title V programs to $130 million. On July 26 the National Recreation and Park Association Division of Public Policy, as an active member of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coalition, participated in a set of briefings for congressional staff called "Reducing Youth Violence in Our Communities." Notably, the Loudoun County (VA) Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services presented information on the benefits of their Title V funded Youth After School (YAS) program at these briefings.

HEALTH PROMOTION/DISEASE PREVENTION

For the past year, the National Recreation and Park Association has partnered with the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA), a coalition of public health advocates. In May, the Division of Public Policy held a briefing for NANA members on the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program (UPARR) legislation. This briefing was designed to educate public health advocates on how federal (and state) programs that support recreation and parks also support community infrastructures for physical activity; enabling more Americans to be physically active. A number of NANA members, including the American Heart Association, the American Public Health Association, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, sent representatives to this briefing and subsequently backed NRPA Public Policy efforts to advance its position on LWCF and UPARR legislation.

Transportation, Trails, and Recreation: NRPA, in collaboration with other organizations, is engaged in efforts to document accomplishments and assure reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the Twenty-First Century (TEA-21), which expires in 2003. NRPA and state officials are working with several other recreation and transportation organizations to consider improvements to the statute. The act fosters transportation planning and strategic options that improve mobility, reduce air, water and noise pollution, restore historic property and conserve natural resources. It has substantially aided recreation and park systems and public access to recreation through programs like Transportation Enhancements and Recreational Trails. NRPA continues to research and provide information on federal grants and technical assistance programs that enhance outdoor recreation, such as Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance, and Federal Lands-to-Parks.

Water-based Recreation: With the National Recreation Lakes Coalition, NRPA continues to urge support for the proposed National Recreation Lakes Act (H.R. 1013 and S. 531) and appropriations for the Corps of Engineers' five year recreation modernization program. The legislation would earmark 1,800 federally managed lakes for a management overhaul to improve recreation access, boating, fishing and other types of recreation. U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) introduced the legislation on March 14. The bills would encourage partnerships with local and state governments and put recreation "on equal footing" with other reservoir purposes.

NRPA and the coalition are also supporting a proposed $330 million recreation modernization initiative as part of the Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works program. The funds would be used to revamp recreation facilities at 17 key recreation sites in 16 states. The Corps' modernization initiative responds in part to findings of a congressionally authorized National Recreation Lakes Study Commission that found about $1 billion in maintenance needs, limited expansion plans, largely outdated and inadequate Corps' operated facilities, and increasing recreation demand.

NRPA Public Policy also continues to inform members of federal funds and technical assistance programs for water-based recreation, including Boat Safety, Boating Infrastructure Grants, and Boat Access. It will continue to monitor and support programs that enhance recreation opportunities on the water.

Livable Communities: The Association supports programs and initiatives that make communities more livable by supporting the redevelopment of brownfields. Brownfields are abandoned factories, industrial facilities, gasoline stations, oil storage facilities, dry cleaning and other businesses that use polluting substances.

There are approximately 600,000 such sites nationwide, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. These sites have the potential to safely be reused for conservation and development of parks, greenways, or active recreation.

Several bills that would provide funds and technical assistance to redevelop brownfields are moving through Congress. The proposed Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act (S. 350) passed the Senate in May. It would provide state and local governments with $200 million annually for fiscal years 2002 through 2006 to assess brownfield sites, and $50 million in grants for state cleanups. NRPA will continue to be a participant in the legislative process.

Federal Disaster Relief Funds: The Association continues to participate in efforts to avoid loss of life and property as a result of floods, earthquakes, and natural disasters. The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act was amended in 2000 and now focuses efforts on revising regulations of the Federal Energy Management Agency. The act authorizes federal assistance when the President declares that a catastrophe has overwhelmed state and local resources. The law re-emphasizes the importance of pre-disaster mitigation planning to avoid the high costs and human losses often associated with disasters. Funds to remove inappropriate developments in flood plains could result in more local and regional designated green space. The new statute does not penalize public recreation agencies that pursue revenue development practices, including park use and registration fees.

Beyond Legislation: NRPA, in collaboration with the Coalition for Recreational Trails, a federation of national and regional trail-related groups, planned and co-hosted the third annual achievement awards for outstanding use of federal Recreational Trails Program funds. The Recreational Trails Program was first established in 1991 and reauthorized as part of TEA-21. [It returns a portion of federal gasoline taxes generated by non-highway recreation users to states for trail-related purposes]. Awards were presented on June 14 in Washington, D.C. to The Locust Creek Riparian Trail Park, MO for construction and design--local; Cumberland State Trail Park, TN for construction and design--long distance; Pelham Bay Park Bridle Path, NY, for maintenance and rehabilitation; Southeast Alaska Avalanche Center Education Project, for education and communication; Continental Divide Snow Trail Grooming Program, WY, for multiple-use management and corridor sharing; Snow Trail Signing Program, AK, for environmental and wildlife compatibility; and Cedar Ridge Trail in Tuttle Creek State Park, KS, for accessibility enhancement.

International Exchange: In the past year, NRPA and the division of Public Policy continued to aid the international park, recreation, and leisure professionals who come to the United States to observe park systems, resources, and services. The Association continued its relationship with national groups similar to its membership and functions. It has bilateral protocol agreements with the Institute for Leisure and Amenity Management (Great Britain), International Federation of Park and Recreation Administration (Great Britain), National Recreation Association of Japan, Parks and Leisure Australia, Fundacion Colombiana de Tiempo Libre y Recreation (Colombia), Brazilian Association/Companheiros das Americas, World Leisure and Recreation Association (Canada), and the New Zealand Recreation Association.

Nations in Bloom 2001: In other international activity, the 2001 Nations in Bloom finals will be held in Shenzhen, the People's Republic of China, a first place winner in the 2000 competition. Several U.S. park and recreation agencies will compete, including agencies in Coralville and Des Moines, Iowa; Greenwood Village, Littleton, Colorado; City of Baltimore, Maryland; Metropolitan Miami-Dade County, Florida; and Chicago Park District, Illinois, among others.

The competition evaluates a local government on several criteria: landscape enhancement, heritage management, environmental practices, community involvement, and planning and sustainable development. NRPA is entering its fifth year as the U.S. sponsor of the Nations in Bloom program. The 2000 competition hosted by Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, The District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation and NRPA included several NRPA member agencies as international finalists. Included among them: Fairhope and Eufaula, Alabama; Milpitas, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Chicago Park District and Elmhurst Park District, Illinois; and City of Phoenix, Arizona.

NATIONAL PROGRAMS

The NRPA National Programs Division was created in 1998 to enhance member services that more effectively communicate, facilitate, and advocate the benefits of parks and recreation to the public while supporting the resource needs of the organization, affiliates, and member agencies. NRPA pursues partnerships in the areas of health throughout the lifespan, youth development, environmental stewardship, and advanced technology. These partnerships endeavor to accentuate the role that the multi-faceted parks and recreation profession has in securing the quality of life for an increasingly aging, culturally diverse, and technologically advanced society.

The past year saw the launch of an interactive "NRPA National Programs Playground" at the NRPA Congress to showcase partner resources through an experience marketing effort. The Phoenix, Arizona Department of Parks, Recreation, and Library Services was instrumental in assisting with the project.

NRPA received a grant from the National Football League Charities to develop a youth--sport parent--education program. Fun First! Sports for Kids was sub-contracted to North Carolina State University and is in the process of preparing a demonstration pilot.

The previous year focused on advancing existing partnerships in the areas of health and youth development. NRPA convened a summit of leadership, staff, partners, researches, and members in January 2001 to discuss how NRPA and partners could effectively support local agencies through benefits-based program models. The Magnet Center Community Mobilization Project was initiated following the meeting with a goal of establishing up to 30 health and quality sport magnet centers in the first year. Magnet Centers in Virginia Beach, VA; Springfield, MO; and Montgomery County, MD were initiated as pilot sites to further develop the model. Each agency will work with NRPA over a three-year period to focus on either health benefits or quality sport environments and will be a "magnet" for other agencies in their geographic region.

NRPA and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute completed the Hearts N' Parks Resource Kit and selected ten states with high rates of heart disease to advance heart healthy behaviors among youth and adults through park and recreation resources.

The National Basketball Association and Women's National Basketball Association joined NRPA in advancing quality youth basketball nationwide. NRPA will serve as an advisor and promotional partner to improve the quality of youth basketball.

NRPA signed an agreement with SeniorNet, a technology learning center program for older adults. SeniorNet will fund the development of twenty learning centers in 2002.

URBAN YOUTH INITIATIVE

NRPA's Urban Youth Initiative was created to expose youth to positive opportunities. This challenge has a wide range of latitude as it relates to success and a tremendous growth potential. The goals of the Urban Youth Initiative are to increase public awareness of programs and activities being implemented in urban areas, broaden the knowledge of youth in regard to the field of recreation and the many opportunities it presents, and implement partnerships that provide programs in urban areas to concentrate on awareness, confidence, and self esteem.

We also believe that this initiative will become an information-gathering resource, develop dialogue with other youth-serving organizations, and implement programs that address youth concerns.

Some of the highlights of programs over the past year include the following:

Continuation of the Urban Youth Soccer League that started in Washington, DC in 2000, registered 1,500 youth. The program will be introduced in Kansas City, MO in the fall of 2001.

Junior Achievement's Building Achievement through Sports and Entertainment (B.A.S.E.) Program alliance with the Urban Youth Initiative was implemented in twelve cities and introduced to over 3,000 youth who attended the program in our local departments. This enrichment program focuses on taking youth on career tracks relating to the sports and entertainment field. The program is scheduled to continue in those cities and will be introduced to at least five other cities in the winter of 2002.

Crime Prevention/Violence Reduction Alliance Conference--will kick-off in Houston, TX, September 2001, and then travel to Phoenix, AZ., New Haven, CT, Cincinnati, OH, California and conclude in Seattle, WA. This initiative will bring urban youth, city and state leaders, and various alliances who work with youth together, for a one and a half day summit to address crime reduction and violence.

NRPA's Urban Youth Initiative assisted the Afterschool Alliance--with their nationwide event "Lights On Afterschool"! which highlighted the critical importance of innovative, high quality afterschool programs for all children. Effective curricula from cities across the nation were showcased for parents, community leaders, business leaders and elected officials to see firsthand how these programs are helping children discover the heroes within themselves!

Junior Lifeguard Initiative--this two-year initiative was piloted in Chicago, IL, to focus on urban youth ages 14-17. The program was designed to provide urban youth with opportunities to receive training and potential employment to address a nation-wide lifeguard shortage. In year one, eighteen youth were selected from the Carver Park Community in the Chicago Park District. The outcome, in addition to training, is to develop a national "tool kit." The tool kit will be available to our members and alliances for implementation in their cities.

Little League Baseball, Inc.--has come aboard to assist the Urban Youth Initiative in implementing and expanding little league play in urban communities through our park and recreation agencies nationwide. Programs will be implemented in three to five communities in fall and winter of 2001.

NRPA Urban Youth Initiative Toy Drive--launched at NRPA Congress & Exposition in Denver, CO. This initiative affords our members and guests of congress the opportunity of giving a new toy to be donated to the Denver Parks & Recreation Department and the Denver U.S. Marine Corps for distribution to urban youth in Denver.

NRPA Partner Organizations for 2000/2001 included

National Football League

National Basketball Association

United States Tennis Association

Active.com

Flaghouse [R]

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

American Bicycling Association

S & S Worldwide

Leisure Lifestyle Consulting

Education 2 Go

Hershey Foods North America

Let's Play Sports

University of Hawaii

North Carolina State University

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BENEFITS MOVEMENT

At our June Board of Trustee meeting in Annapolis, MD a new benefits logo and slogan was adopted: Discover the Benefits of Parks and Recreation. In May, NRPA partnered with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to present a pilot training program consolidating the three elements of Awareness, Management, and Programming into one educational workshop. This training was in response to a resolution of the National Forum. In July, NRPA notified Advisors Marketing Group that we were terminating our agreement with them to supply Benefits-logoed products, effective September 18, 2001. A new product line featuring the new logo will be offered at the Denver Congress in October.

At the Congress in Denver, two pre-congress institutes and 12 benefits-related educational sessions are scheduled. Dr. John Crompton's book, "The Impact of Parks and Open Space on Property Values and the Property Tax Base," continues to be a popular publication. We have recently signed a publishing agreement for his third economic benefits related publication, which will be titled: "The Impact of Park, Recreation and Cultural Services on Business and Retiree Relocation Decisions." We are also working with Dr. Ellen O'Sullivan regarding the publication of a new book on Benefits Based Awareness, with the exact title to be determined. Dr. Larry Allen of Clemson University is in the process of developing two new components to the Benefits Movement. The directory Assessment Tool and the BBP Curriculum Materials for colleges and universities will be released in 2002. Dr. Allen is also revising the current Benefits Based Programming Training Manual. A new Train-the-Trainer program that will consolidate and update all current Benefits materials will be complete and will be a pre-congress institute in Tampa in 2002.

Continuing Education: NRPA will initiate the use of bar-code scanners to record attendance at the 275 CEU sessions during the Congress in Denver. To assist room hosts in their understanding of how to set up and use the scanners, a new training video was produced in July. Destry Jarvis, our new Executive Director, introduces the video. The 2002 listing of Training Programs, a 24 page listing of educational opportunities and conferences, is currently being compiled, and will be included as an attachment to the December, 2001 Parks and Recreation magazine. The CEU Online program has expanded to 36 topics, and is in cooperation with George Mason University. The Professional Services Division is interested in developing similar On-line CEU arrangements with other colleges and universities.

National Playground Safety Institute: NPSI approaches its tenth year of existence with a total of 178 training sessions held, comprised of 11,864 attendees, and with 7,329 of those successfully completing the examination to become a Certified Playground Safety Inspector. As of July 1, 2001, there are 5,302 Certified Playground Safety Instructors currently active on our roster. During the calendar year of 2000, 42 training courses were offered--41 in the United States, one in Singapore. As of August, we have scheduled 45 training courses for 2001. The NPSI Executive Committee is currently evaluating and updating the course content, including translation of materials into Spanish. NRPA now holds the trademark for the titles: "Certified Playground Safety Inspector" and "CPSI." Work is also underway toward the development of a Playground Maintenance Course to be initiated later in 2001. This course will be directed at maintenance personnel. NPSI was awarded a grant from the McDonalds Corporation for the development of a training program for soft, contained play equipment sites. The NPSI Executive Committee is currently developing a power point presentation for all courses, which by October, 2001, will replace the current format of slides and overheads.

Agency Accreditation: There are currently 31 agencies accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). In February, the Commission acted on renewal of accreditation of the Lenexa Parks and Recreation Department, KS, and the initial accreditation of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department, NV; Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department, AK; East Lansing Recreation and Arts, MI; and Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, IN. This summer, three agencies will host re-accreditation visits, and four visits involving initial accreditation are anticipated for the fall of 2001. The publication, "Management of Park and Recreation Agencies," by Betty van der Smissen, et.al., a CAPRA/NRPA publication, has become the best selling hardbound book published by NRPA. Over 2,500 copies have been sold, and the second printing of this publication occurred in March, 2001.

2000 Congress Program: The Phoenix post-Congress survey has been tabulated, which included 581 responses. The main reason given for attending this annual event was the educational sessions. Average education session attendance and quality ratings were the highest ever, despite over-crowding due to space limitations at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. The quality and presentation of the two keynote speakers, Tom Whittaker and Bill Keane, were ranked #1 and #4 respectively in the overall impression of the Congress.

2001 Congress Program: In January, the Program Committee met in Denver to select the 275-plus educational sessions for this year's Congress. A new format will consolidate the traditional two general sessions into one, which will be held Wednesday afternoon.

Council on Accreditation: The NRPA/AALR Council on Accreditation currently lists 100 accredited institutions of higher learning in North America. In March, the Council acted favorably on the continuing accreditation of five university programs. These institutions are (number of renewal years in parenthesis): Indiana State University (20), Eastern Kentucky University (20), Ithaca College, NY (20), University of Maine, Machias, (10), and University of Toledo, OH (10). In the fall of 2001, 18 visitations are being planned. Of these, 17 are for re-accreditation, and one, Slippery Rock State University, PA, will be an initial accreditation visit. (Slippery Rock had previously been accredited, but chose not to seek re-accreditation six years ago, which technically places them in "initial" status). Chicago State University, IL, is expected to complete it's initial review in April 2002. Three programs have made initial preliminary application: Lockhaven University, PA; James Madison University, VA; and Pittsburg State University, KS.

The Council itself completes a ten-year review by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation in November. No problem areas are anticipated. The Council has established an Ad Hoc Committee to consider a number of issues related to accreditation and to report to the Council in October in Denver. Issues relate both to the standards (clarity, relevance, currency) and to the accreditation review process. Committee members have been appointed by the Council, by SPRE, and by AALR. In October, 18 accredited programs--the largest cohort of programs ever to be reviewed--completes the process. Two individuals will attend their preview meeting and become voting members of the Council in April 2002: Stephen Anderson, University of Florida, appointed by AALR, and Carlton Yoshioka, University of Arizona, appointed by NRPA. Vergie Mingo, re-nominated by NTRS, begins her second three-year term. The Council's newsletter continues to improve communication with constituencies, as does information on the NRPA website

National Certification Board: The National CPRP Examination was held during the Congress in Phoenix, with 45 persons sitting for the exam, and on November 11, 2001 at 44 locations nationwide with 406 sitting for the exam. From this population, 360 passed, with a passing rate of 79.8%. New lapel pins, with both the CPRP and APRP designation, have been selling well. We have committed to begin computer testing later in 2001 for the CPRP examination with the last paper/written exam to be conducted during the Congress in Denver. Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc., of Lenexa, KS, will operate over 100 examination centers--at least one in each state. Rather than sitting for the examination only on the second Saturday of November, now CPRP candidates will be able to schedule the exam throughout the year, and at a variety of additional locations numbering over 100. A new candidate handbook, incorporating the computerized testing procedure, has been developed. In August, a new revised publication: Study Guide for the CPRP Examination, by Drs. J. Robert Rossman and William McKinney, was offered from publication sales. It includes information concerning the computerized examination.

Library / Archives: Cataloging of all texts is currently underway, using the newly purchased software, Concourse. When finished, NRPA members will be able to search for books and articles on-line by searching under authors, titles, subject headings, or keywords. The library's website contains condensed versions of the various collection's finding aids, a description and timeline of the Recreation and Park Hall of Fame, and a search request form that people can fill out online and either fax or e-mail to the attention of the Library.

Job Bulletin: Subscriptions to the print Job Bulletin continue to decrease, and are now numbering fewer than 900 (average--888 past 4 issues)--down from about 950 at the beginning of 2001. Single copy orders average around 10 per issue. The average size of each issue is 12 pages (including front & back covers). However, there have been several with only eight pages. The on-line Job Bulletin continues to be the most popular method for advertising positions in the park and recreation field, averaging 125-175 posted jobs at any given time.

BRANCHES & SECTIONS

ARMED FORCES RECREATION SOCIETY (AFRS) UPDATE

AFRS members serve a very important group of American citizens. Our men and women of the armed services are indeed brave and courageous individuals who serve our country proudly. Through educational opportunities, networking and advocacy, AFRS serves the professionals who provide this elite group with programs and services that improve quality of life and combat readiness.

Highlights for AFRS during the past year include:

The 2000 AFRS Awards Program set another record with 38 nominations received and 28 awards being awarded at the 2000 AFRS/PTI in Phoenix. NRPA Executive Director, Dean Tice, who has attended nearly every PTI in the past 15 years, addressed the AFRS Delegates for the last time.

The John "Pat" Harden Practitioner Award was presented for the first time under its new name. John Pat Harden himself was present at the PTI to hand out the awards to the deserving recipients. AFRS gained several new members in Phoenix and confirmed the support of the 2000 PTI sponsors for 2001 with a new company joining the AFRS family. GameTime, MMI, Life Fitness and Wenger Corporation will be with us in Denver and AFRS is proud to have these fine companies on board.

Under the direction of AFRS President, Jeff Temple, the Board of Directors established an AFRS Scholarship Fund in memory of AFRS BOD member Joe Durkin, who passed away in August of 2000.

The AFRS Board of Directors voted to adopt a new AFRS logo. Two proposed designs were presented to the AFRS membership for a vote. The new logo appeared for the first time in the winter issue of Front & Center newsletter. The logo, designed by award winning artist Ruth Bielobocky, has a ball of five stars and stripes, which represents all five of the armed forces. The ball is in motion, which represents the movement of the organization as AFRS continues to grow and serve the needs of our members.

AFRS plans for the future are focused on increasing membership and on meeting the needs of our members. AFRS will be participating with other NRPA branches to develop a system of sharing information and providing more training opportunities.

AFRS will also become more involved with the Student Branch. With information and involvement, AFRS will share the many benefits of the armed forces recreation profession with park and recreation students. We will also be presenting Benefits Based training opportunities to our members.

As we move forward with our mission and goals, we do so with great enthusiasm and a firm dedication to our members, the armed forces recreation profession, our military personnel, families, retirees, DoD and USCG civilians. To serve those who serve us all is our number one goal.

AMERICAN PARK AND RECREATION SOCIETY (APRS) UPDATE

The American Park and Recreation Society is finalizing its strategic plan. Preliminary goals and objectives project that APRS will establish several collaborations throughout the association to find ways to collectively achieve common goals of the association and branch.

The American Park and Recreation Society held elections for the APRS board. The results are:

Jamie Sabbach, CPRP
President Elect (Bloomington, IL)

Kevin Briski, CPRP
Flint, MI (Great Lakes)

Marybeth Dugan, CPRP
Columbia, MD (Mid Atlantic)

Carolyn Griffith, CPRP
Casper, WY (Midwest)

David Putnam, CPRP
East Hampton, CT (New England)

Wendie Marriott, CPRP
Unalaska, AL (Pacific Northwest)

Karen Larkin, CPM
Tucson, AZ (Pacific Southwest)

Wayne Gay, CPRP
Dothan, AL (Southern)

Laurie Jerge, CPRP
Roswell, NM (Southwest)

New board members will take office at the close of Congress
and serve for three years.

The new publication, "Operational Guidelines for Ground Management," published by The Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA), The National Recreation and Park Association (APRS), and the Professional Grounds Management Society has been released. The guidelines are intended to help both new and experienced grounds managers. The book is organized to allow managers to build operational and staffing-level plans that can be the basis of discussion with all grounds management stakeholders. Copies are available through the NRPA publications department.

The APRS/Student Branch joint committee has made plans to host the first Student Cafe at the annual Congress. This committee was formed two years ago and is comprised of students, professionals and academics interested in student recruitment, retention, and seeing that efforts are made to engage students in professional involvement and all it has to offer. The Student Cafe will be a place where students and professionals can meet to discuss topics relative to finding a new career within the parks and recreation profession.

The APRS/NTRS joint committee is co-sponsoring the 2nd Annual National Institute on Recreation Inclusion (NIRI) September 7-9 at the Inn and Conference Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, MD. This event is sponsored in conjunction with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department of Parks and Recreation and the Maryland Recreation and Park Association.

CITIZEN BOARD MEMBER BRANCH

The C-BM Branch is open to all citizens active in the recreation and park conservation movement in a non-professional way. Individuals who are active in their communities' advisory or policy making boards, and citizens in general who support the intrinsic values of quality community parks, open space and programs make up the majority of this, the largest NRPA branch. This citizen branch has seen one of its largest annual gains in membership during 2001, with the month of June reporting over 300 new memberships, to bring the total for the year-end to 8,605. The gain in citizen membership has been on the incline since 1984, when there were 2,544 members on the books. Agency memberships have been the most important reason for this tremendous growth. As community leaders continue to find enhanced support for their projects by involving citizens, these membership numbers will continue to rise. It is expected that the future

growth of NRPA will be mostly in the area of citizens who strongly support the quality of life ideals that NRAP embraces.

This year, the C-BM branch Awards Committee completed a revision of its national awards program and has distributed the new criteria and nomination brochures to all agency directors and C-BM's. The easy-to-read and colorful brochure made it very convenient for local agencies to recognize deserving professionals, C-BM's, and departments for their many contributions. The number of nominations submitted this year was greatly enhanced due to the increased marketing attention. National award recipients will be announced in Denver in the following categories:

Outstanding Board on Commission National C-BM Service Professional Excellence State C-BM Service Robert M. Artz Citizen Volunteer Special Contributor Citation

The recognition provided thorough these awards is not only a means of thanking citizen members for their contributions but also to encourage an increase in the amount of involvement of the various citizen support organizations that may exist in the communities which work to further the cause of parks and recreation. Nominations each year are accepted at the C-BM office on July 1st. An annual awards luncheon is conducted at the national Congress attended by hundreds of citizen members from all over the country.

The C-BM branch continues to provide its members with professional education and training through its various programs and services. In addition to producing a newsletter, which is the source of helpful information on the successes and accomplishments of its members, the branch continually provides professional training at the various state and regional conferences, as well as each year at the NRPA Congress. The Bob Atrz Symposium conducted annually at the National Congress features nationally known experts in the area of board and citizen leadership. This coming year in Denver will feature John Jeffries, a past elected county commissioner who will speak on two important topics: "Constituent Relations: When to Hold, Fold, or Walk Away" and "Winning and Dining Politicians and Having Them Pick Up the Check." The various state associations and their C-BM divisions provide excellent specialized attention to providing their citizens with the resources that can help them become more effective ambassadors for parks and recreation. This past year the North Carolina Recreation and Park Society conducted its 22nd annual citizen and board forum, attended by over 110 members statewide. The three-day conference was well received and is an example of the standard of excellence for citizen training that is provided in many of our states. In addition to the formal training provided in such conferences and workshops, the branch has also produced over the years several publications and videos that provide members of boards with resources they can use back home in their communities. This past year the branch successfully distributed over 500 citizen guidelines, "Spreading the Word ... The Benefits are Endless," that have been used very successfully to acquaint local groups and organizations with the Benefits message. Also distributed this year was the video entitled "The Vital Role of Citizen Board Members." This nine minute video is the answer to encouraging greater involvement of citizens at every level in the parks and recreation movement.

Each winter the C-BM branch takes a very active role in the Mid-Year Legislative Forum in Washington, DC. Interested citizens from all over the country take this opportunity to get acquainted with the national issues facing parks and recreation and visit their congressional representatives to let them know they are serious about having their support for the numerous programs that will ultimately effect the quality of life of their communities back home. The citizens play an ever increasing and significant role in the effectiveness of NRPA to get the message across to the elected officials who see them as representing the thousands of voters who recognize the value and benefits of parks and recreation.

STUDENT BRANCH

The Student Branch continues to work hard to increase membership and participation. A new Membership Recruitment Challenge was created with the NRPA Membership Department. Thirty-seven universities participated in the challenge and awards will be given out at Congress. The Student Branch board has 23 members to represent all regions and branches. The students raised 2,000 dollars at the 2nd annual Silent auction held at the NRPA Mid-year meeting. The money will go toward a social for the branch at Congress, along with housing for the board members. Congress promises to be a big event for the Student Branch. For the first time, a lounge will be hosted by the branch, where professionals can meet with students. Other events will include a luncheon, socials, education sessions, and elections for positions on the board.

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PARK RESOURCES

The National Society for Park Resources (NSPR) is a professional organization whose members are committed to the stewardship of natural and heritage resources. Its membership is dedicated to advocating and promoting environmentally responsible practices in resource-based recreation settings, to providing universal access to programs and facilities, and to creating interpretive and educational opportunities for the public. This is the new mission statement for NSPR developed for the millennium.

NSPR has also been very active in supporting Public Policy. NSPR members have initiated thousands of support action letters for CARA, heritage/cultural resources, and environmental/natural resources. NSPR has also become very active in new member services through the new member orientation, take a student to lunch, participating in the member-get-a-member program, and by selecting NSPR members to be liaisons to each NRPA natural resource based accredited school. Also through technology NSPR has begun to develop and create dynamic web pages on the NRPA site along with a chat room and list serve.

Natural Resources Management Training Coalition, an initiative developed by NSPR, continues with the involvement from AFRS, NARRP and the National Association of State Park Directors. The Coalition continues to identify training needs, develop accordingly, and seek out sponsorships for these new training efforts. A website has been developed, www.nrmtc.org, for posting educational and training opportunities.

NATIONAL AQUATIC BRANCH

In June 2001, and after a number of years of study, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the National Aquatic Section's request to become a branch. This action recognizes the growth and contributions of the Aquatic Membership in the area of education, training, publications, conferences, schools, workshops and coalitions. The National Aquatic Council, a 21-member Board of Directors of the National Aquatic Branch, welcome their new, and eagerly anticipated, NRPA Board Trustee.

The 2001 National Aquatic Conference in Orlando drew record numbers of delegates and exhibitors who participated in over 48 education and training sessions. The National Aquatic Management School reached enrollment capacity with 175 students who attended two and a half days of classroom style lectures, group projects, and professional development. Two full-day seminars bridged the conference and management school together. Advanced life guarding training courses were also held in cooperation with the American Red Cross and Jeff Ellis & Associates. Future conference dates include March 7-12 in Palm Springs, CA and March 6-13, 2003, in Albuquerque, NM.

The 2001 Excellence in Aquatics Awards were presented at the Orlando conference. Forty-five communities submitted entries for consideration in nine categories. 2001 featured the addition of military bases as a separate category and the first award was presented to White Sands Missile Base in White Sands, NM.

The Aquatic Facility Operator Program saw a significant 25% increase in the number of persons trained over last year as well as an increase in courses from 57 in 1999 to 68 in 2000. 1,611 aquatic professionals attended the AFO courses. The AFO Board of Directors recently convened and set goals including the revisions to the instructor training program, development of a Spanish exam, and fee restructuring to accommodate the increased interest in trainings. Staff is investigating requests to offer AFO trainings in Hong Kong and to establish extensive trainings for the National Pool and Spa Institute throughout Canada. New partnerships for AFO training have already been established with the World Water Park Association (WWA), and the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA).

A non-certification Aquatic Facility Technician (AFT) course has been developed and will debut in October 2001. The course will target markets where certification is not required for pool operators, such as the hotel, motel, apartment, and condominium complexes. The Sailing Smart program, for 10-13 year olds, funded by a grant from the US Coast Guard and developed by NRPA and US Sailing is being offered in several communities across the country. US Sailing hopes to have 30 communities nationwide offering the program by July, 2002.

The US Coast Guard and NRPA also cooperated in a grant to fund the development of a new publication, "Renting Personal Watercraft Successfully." This reference book outlines recommendations and guidelines for assisting boating regulatory authorities, waterfront property managers and PWC ride center agencies to improve standards of education and operations for the PWC rental industry. The primary objectives are to promote safer, more responsible boating behavior and to reduce the risk of personal injury, loss of life, environmental impact, and property damage.

The 2000 Congress in Phoenix featured six aquatic related educational sessions and two full-day pre-conference institutes.

NRPA staff participates in the National Recreational Water Illness Review Panel (NRWIRP), hosted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta. The group's objective is to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses through education and awareness training.

COMMERCIAL RECREATION AND TOURISM SECTION

The Commercial Recreation and Tourism Section (CRTS) is devoted to learning and exploring the opportunities and challenges that are present in managing or operating a commercial recreation enterprise. CRTS members come from a variety of different backgrounds, providing a wealth of information to share with others and to learn best practices to better serve the public. CRTS holds an annual Meet & Greet Social for new and potential members as well as a Career Development Workshop during the NRPA Congress & Exposition to prepare new and potential employees for entry into the world of commercial recreation.

NATIONAL THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SOCIETY (NTRS)

The National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS) represents individuals and organizations involved in the provision of therapeutic recreation services in clinical, residential, and community settings. Members help people who have illnesses, disabilities, and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, independence, and quality of life.

National Therapeutic Recreation Week was held July 8-14, 2001. This year's theme, "Therapeutic Recreation--Examine the Possibilities," was aimed at educating internal and external audiences about the importance of therapeutic recreation to the quality of life and well being of persons with disabilities. During the nationwide celebration, agencies and individuals hosted health fairs, career days, festivals, wheelchair athletic events, workshops, receptions, information booths, and open houses. Proclamations, press releases, articles and public service announcements also helped to enhance awareness.

NTRS continues to develop and refine the "Therapeutic Recreation--The Benefits are Endless" project, which includes a video, training materials, manuals, and "train-the-trainer" programs designed to enable therapeutic recreation specialists to consistently promote therapeutic recreation programs in terms of the benefits and outcomes produced, develop and justify programs based upon documented benefits and outcomes, and manage programs in a manner that highlights efficacy.

The NTRS Institute, a professional development training conference that draws hundreds of therapeutic recreation practitioners, students, and educators, is held annually in conjunction with the NRPA Congress & Exposition. In addition, NTRS publishes the renowned Therapeutic Recreation Journal.

NTRS offers the NTRS Fred Humphrey Public Policy Fellowship, open to students, educators, and practitioners. The NTRS public policy fellow works closely with the NTRS executive director to monitor public policy and legislative efforts in the areas of health care and human services, Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance reform, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and issues related to aging and persons with disabilities.

NTRS Professional Education & Training Programs

Ellen Broach and Lexi McKenney worked hard to coordinate the NTRS Southeast Regional Therapeutic Recreation Institute. Held in Chattanooga, TN on April 22-24, these sessions featured Diane Groff from East Carolina University, Jeff Witman, past president of NTRS, and Cathy O'Keefe from the University of South Alabama. The NTRS National Therapeutic Recreation Professional Development Forum was held in Portland, OR May 16-19. The Forum was a great opportunity for a collegial learning experience, with close personal interaction between attendees and the expert presenters. Special thanks to Michal Anne Lord and the Forum Committee for planning an excellent 2001 Forum.

The NTRS New England Therapeutic Recreation Symposium was held on May 30, 31 and June 1 in Waterbury, Connecticut. Gretchen Antonelli and David Jones teamed up to make this an exceptional event for therapeutic recreation practitioners, educators and students. Sessions included such speakers as former NTRS Board member Karen Lachapelle, M.Ed., CTRS, administrator, Loomis Village Retirement Community, South Hadley, MA, and Nancy Kelly, CTRS, RADC, Ropes Course Manager and Facilitator, Maine General Medical Center, Waterville, ME.

NTRS Research Support Funds

NTRS provides seed money and/or partial funding for research projects which investigate the efficacy of therapeutic recreation services or research projects that will lead to the development of more effective interventions and lead to scholarly presentations and publications. The NTRS Research Committee reviewed a number of proposals received in 2001.

LEISURE & AGING SECTION

The Leisure and Aging Section (LAS) represents professionals working with older adults in senior centers, retirement communities, and recreation centers. The mission of LAS is to help older adults remain healthy and active through participation in recreational pursuits, and to provide leadership and advocacy to ensure the availability of leisure and recreational opportunities for older Americans.

The Leisure and Aging Section has been featured at state conferences throughout the country. LAS board members have provided sessions on trends, the volunteer network, senior-center programming, and working with boards and advisory councils in several states. LAS also presented a full-day training focus at the NRPA Southern Regional Conference in Chattanooga, TN, in April.

LAS is also developing a publication that highlights outstanding programs for older adults in park and recreation agencies. Programs may be ongoing or one-time special events.

NRPA Involved with NCOA Study of Community Health and Supportive Services for Seniors

The National Council on the Aging, Inc. (NCOA) conducted a national study of high-quality community health and supportive service programs for older adults. It focused on programs that foster social support, caregiving, physical activity, and self-management of chronic disease and conditions.

NRPA provided NCOA with mailing labels for all members of the Leisure and Aging Section. All organizations receiving the questionnaire were urged to complete it.

Leisure and Aging Section Speaker's Bureau

LAS has initiated a Speaker's Bureau made up of LAS members who have expertise regarding specific topics that they are willing to share at state and regional conferences. LAS has been represented at a number of state and regional conferences over the past few years, but hopes that increased participation from around the country will allow them to reach even more parks and recreation professionals and help them better provide quality services for older adults in their communities. For more information about this program, contact Teresa Grodsky at [phone].

2001 NRPA ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN

Congratulations and thank you to all our members who contributed to last year's successful Annual Fund Campaign. On behalf of the National Recreation and Park Association's Development Committee and the Annual Fund Committee I would like to thank all who have helped to make our first two campaigns successful. Under the leadership of our chair, Fran Mainella, each campaign received donations from nearly 300 members, generating more than $60,000 toward new programs and projects for your association.

Although that is a significant number, our goal is to have each and every member contribute to NRPA beyond the cost of annual membership dues and the countless volunteer hours many of you devote to the betterment of our association.

Funds raised during the 2000 campaign were designated by donors to support programs such as branch special projects, benefits, and playground safety, and for other initiatives such as research, capital improvement and the Joseph Lee Library. These funds will be allocated during the year as requests are received.

This month marks the beginning of our Fourth Annual Fund Campaign. What will we do with funds generated in Campaign 2001?

One of our major goals is to generate new entrepreneurial dollars to fund innovative staff, branch, section, regional council, and member initiatives that help NRPA attain its mission and vision for the future. The development committee that reviews and selects projects for funding is always looking for economically sound programs that extend our annual campaign funds, that is, programs and projects that may not save us money today, but will be financially beneficial well into the future. We are seeking ideas that reduce NRPA's overhead and eliminate or reduce program expenses and labor costs while attaining the Vision 2010 Strategic Plan goals and objectives.

We challenge you--the membership--to look at fund-raising in a different light. Fund-raising is not a dirty word; in fact, it has become an important component of every one of our jobs. If it is not an important part of your job now, it soon will be. Why is it that many of us can solicit funding assistance throughout our communities, yet we find it difficult to make a personal financial commitment to the future of our profession and our association? I look at fund-raising as a necessity to ensure the future stability of our association. Whether we like it or not, we're fighting for financial security against other units of local, state and federal government that provide social services to all Americans. If we cannot see the benefit in giving to our own organization, how can we expect those on the outside to understand our goals and financially contribute to our success?

Our Committee is looking for park and recreation professionals, citizen advocates, and corporate systems dedicated to parks, recreation, and environmental conservation advancement. The NRPA Development Committee, the Annual Fund Committee members, and the Board of Trustees have already made pledges to the campaign and invite you to participate in the Annual Fund 2001 Campaign, which will provide critical resources necessary to enhance our effectiveness and to prepare us to meet the future challenges.

When is your help needed?

Today! Don't wait for tomorrow. Consider making a significant financial pledge to the Annual Fund 2001 campaign today. Please take the time to photocopy and complete the enclosed pledge form and mail it back to us today. Please note that you can restrict your contribution to specific program areas. If you would like to write your check and fulfill your pledge at this time we would more than happy to accept it, however we realize many people would prefer to make their contribution closer to the end of the calendar year for tax purposes. Just indicate on the form when you would like us to invoice you and we shall do so.

We're all being asked to contribute to a variety of funds and causes. Each request has its own merits. We are challenged to evaluate each solicitation and to make decisions based on the benefits to the donor or to look at how society benefits from the work of the recipient organization.

NRPA is entering a new era with the appointment of Destry Jarvis as the new NRPA Executive Director. Destry will focus his attention on moving the NRPA agenda forward by enhancing current program as well as developing new projects. He believes that our future success in fulfilling the NRPA vision will depend in part, on our ability to secure necessary funding to execute our initiatives.

Please stretch your mind and pocketbook when you begin to assess what the National Recreation and Park Association has meant to each and every one of you. Thank you for your consideration and please feel free to contact any of the NRPA Annual Fund 2001 Campaign Committee Volunteers.

If you would like to help the campaign in any way please contact us through our NRPA staff liaison, Elaine Lynch at [phone] or by e-mail at elynch @nrpa.org.

By Kenneth S. Kutska, CPRP, CPSI Annual Fund Committee Member

What have your donations done for NRPA? With your generous contributions, we've been able to:

** Purchase cataloging software for the Joseph Lee Memorial Library

** Fund new product development for the benefits program

** Purchased a high-tech overhead projector for the NRPA Headquarters' Musco Auditorium

** Pay towards retirement of the Ahren's NRPA Headquarters' building loan

** Develop an NRPA Web search engine that will enable members and NRPAnet subscribers to conduct keyword searches of our Web pages more quickly and accurately

** Fund a commissioner/citizens board member video designed to educate citizens at local and state levels about the important role they play as advocates for public park and recreation services

** Purchase a display booth to help market NRPA at regional, state, and ally-organization conferences

** Purchase LCD projectors for each regional office for use at schools and institutes

PLANNED GIVING

Planned gifts represent an opportunity for members and friends of NRPA to make substantial gifts to the Association with immediate and demonstrable income and estate tax benefits, NRPA has created a free quarterly newsletter, Leave a Legacy, which discusses the various opportunities available.

BEQUESTS

Bequests, large and small, are a significant source of support for NRPA. A legal disposition by will, which names NRPA as the recipient of all or a portion of a donor's estate, a bequest not only helps the Association but usually reduces the donor's federal estate taxes.

The donor may specify that NRPA receive a percentage, an asset, a specific dollar amount, or the remainder of his or her estate. Frequently, a donor will set up a charitable remainder arrangement that designates the income for life to another person, while the principal ultimately goes to NRPA.

TRUSTS AND OTHER DEFERRED GIFT ARRANGEMENTS

Several charitable trusts present excellent opportunities for significant gifts to NRPA:

A charitable remainder unitrust is a separately managed trust, established by the donor, with the purpose of making an irrevocable gift, whereby the income from the trust is paid to the donor or to another income beneficiary. The assets advance to NRPA on the passing of those income beneficiaries. A charitable gift deduction may be taken immediately for the "charitable remainder interest."

A charitable lead trust is a separately managed trust, established by the donor, with the purpose of making an irrevocable gift, whereby a percentage of the trust's assets are paid to one or more charitable beneficiaries during the life of the trust. At the trust's termination, the remaining assets pass to members of the donor's family or other beneficiaries. When using a lead trust to transfer assets to family members, a donor does not receive an income tax deduction. She or he will, however, receive a gift tax deduction.

The gift of a life insurance policy names NRPA as the sole and irrevocable owner and beneficiary of the policy, with insurance to be paid to NRPA at the death of the donor. A charitable gift deduction may be taken for the market value (usually the cash surrender value) of the policy.

The above information is intended to give general guidelines only, not specific legal or tax advice. A donor considering a deferred gift to NRPA should consult with his or her personal attorney or financial planner. If you would like to receive the free quarterly newsletter Leave A Legacy, or you are interested in further information about planned giving arrangements, please contact Elaine Lynch, director of operations, at [phone].

NRPA ANNUAL FUND 2001

Donors through September 5, 2001

The Annual Fund is a vital source of revenue for the Association. It is an invaluable source of support--a pool of resources upon which NRPA relies to meet its fiscal responsibilities. Donor names are listed alphabetically by region, then by state. If you name is not listed and you have sent in your donation to the 2001 Campaign please contact us. Campaign committee and volunteers are listed at the end of the donor list.

Rockefeller Society Gift Clubs Through their generous financial support, leadership donors become members of NRPA's six Annual Fund Leadership clubs.

Founding Member ***

The Founding Member club gives special recognition for those gifts for the past year totaled $5,000 or more.

Associate Member ****

The Associate Member club includes donors whose gifts during the past year totaled between $2,500 and $4,999.

Platinum Member *****

The Platinum Members are donors whose gifts for the past year totaled between $2,000 and $2,499.

Gold Member ******

The Gold Members are donors whose gifts for the past year totaled between $1,500 and $1,999.

Silver Member *******

The Silver Member club includes donors whose gifts during the past year totaled between $1,000 and $1,499.

Bronze Member ********

The Bronze Member club recognizes donors whose gifts during the past year totaled between $500 and $999.

DONORS

GREAT LAKES REGION

Illinois
Mr. Ray Baker
Ms. Cynthia Capek
Ms. Phyllis Cossarek
Mr. Robert "Skip" Dunsmuir
Mr. Robert Espeseth
Mr. Steve Hartman *
Mr. Kenneth Kutska *
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Larson
Mr. Steven K. Messerli *
Northbrook Park District *
Mr. Bob O'Brien
Mr. & Mrs. Rich Randel

Indiana
Ms. Leah Gunderson
Dr. Bryan McCormick

Iowa
Ms. Angeline Anderson
Mr. Joe Crookham *
Mrs. Marie Ware

Michigan
Ms. Susan Kebbe
Recreation Creations, Inc.

Minnesota
Ms. Judith Anderson

Missouri
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hall
Mrs. Bettie Yahn-Kramer

Ohio
Mr. Jack Gallon
Mr. & Mrs. Veto Hartenburg *
Mr. Mark Young

NEW ENGLAND REGION

Connecticut
Mr. Wesley Downing
S & S Worldwide
Ms. Barbara Zakrzewski, CPRP
Mr. Mark Zebora

Maine
Mr. Thomas Farrell
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Larkin

Massachusetts
Mr. Eric O'Brien *
Mr. Donald Roberts
Mr. Richard Rodda
Mr. & Mrs. John Whalen, Jr.

Rhode Island
Ms. Trudy Coxe
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Gould

Vermont
Mr. Timothy Smith

MID-ATLANTIC REGION

Maryland
Mr. Marvin Billups, Jr. *
Mr. John P. Harden
Ms. Aleta Lewis
Mr. James McMahon
Ms. Diane Sills *
Ms. Anne Simonsen

New Jersey
Mr. J. Clark Burke, Jr.
Mr. Edward Loud

New York
Ms. Suzanne Blumenreich
Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Byrne
Mr. James Donahue
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Stout
Mr. Ivan Swanson
Dr. Frances Wallach

Pennsylvania
Ms. Mary Bennett
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Coombs
Ms. Herberta M. Lundegren
Ms. Bette Weseman

SOUTHERN REGION

Alabama
Mr. & Mrs. Chester Freeman *
Gametime *

Florida
Mrs. Doris Bedell
Miss Daisy Carter
Ms. Irene DeLaby
Mrs. Fran Mainella *

Georgia
Mr. Bob Saylors, CPRP
Ms. Franessa Stalter
Mr. Michaell Taylor

Kentucky
Dr. Alton Little

Missippi
Dr. Charles Burchell

North Carolina
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Frauson
Mr. David Haigh
Ms. Karla Henderson
Mr. Donald H. Hummel, Jr.,
 CPRP
Mr. Phil Rea
Mr. William J. Scott
Mr. H. Douglas Sessoms
Ms. Gail Elder White *

South Carolina
Mr. Ron Bailey
Ms. Anne Close *
Ms. Carol Ethridge
Mr. Michael Eykyn
Mrs. Christine Forsdick
Mr. Jeffrey Gladwell
Mr. John B. Johnston, III
Mr. Ronald Koch
St. Andrews Parish Parks &
 Playground Commission
Mr. Kevin Walsh

Tennessee
Mr. Bob Fransworth *
Mr. Harvey Faust
Mr. Ronnie Miles
Mr. Maxwell Ramsey
Mr. Lawrence Zehnder

Virginia
Mr. Mike Corwin
Mr. Mark Gionet
Dr. Gerald O'Morrow
Mr. Wayne Page, CPRP
Ms. Joan Rokus
Share America
Ms. Marcy Stennes

West Virginia
Dr. Van Anderson
Dr. Raymond Busbee
Ms. Marilyn Hollandsworth
Mr. William Kelley
Mr. James L. McClelland

SOUTHWEST REGION

Arkansas
Mr. Bryan Day

Texas
Ms. Dana Conklin
Mr. John Crompton
Ms. Dianne Curry
Ms. Lois Finkelman
Mrs. Jody Hamilton, CPRP
Mrs. Terese Hershey
Mr. Ralph Mendez, Jr.
Mr. Ed Supina
Ms. Yvonne A. Washington
Ms. Margaret Young

MIDWEST REGION

Colorado
Ms. Carolyn Armstrong
Mrs. Lori Daniel, CPRP *
Mr. Matthew Grenfell
Ms. Linda Kotowski
Ms. Nancy Wellnitz

Kansas
Ms. Wilma Axe
Ms. Natalie Barrett
Mr. Michael Carey
Mr. Marty Nohe
Dr. Marvin E. Wollen

Louisiana
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Young *

PACIFIC NORTHWEST
REGION

Alaska
Mr. Ralph Mingo
Mr. Robert O. Robertson

Idaho
Mr. James R. Hall

Montana
Ms. Donna Gaukler

Oregon
Ms. Gaylene Carpenter
Ms. Victoria Vanneman

Washington
Ms. Terry Higashiyama
Ms. Margaret McCormick
Mr. Richard Moe

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST
REGIONS

Arizona
Ms. Celeste Hamilton *
Ms. Terri Palmberg *
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Smithee
Mr. Don Tarkington *
Mr. Ken Ventura

California
Ms. Jane Adams
Mr. Gene Andal
Ms. Mary Castillo
Ms. Katherine Chappelear
Professor Patricia Delaney, CPRP
Mr. Chris Jarvi *
Mr. Jonathan Korfhage
Ms. Sylvia McLaughlin
Mr. Stephen Mead, CPRP
Dr. Veda Ward, CPRP
Mr. Douglas Washington
Ms. Anne Woodell

Hawaii
Ms. Joyce Spoehr

Nevada
Mr. Edwin Schenk
Ms. Moira C. Shea *

FOREIGN REGIONS
Mr. Dennis Merkel
Mr. In Nam Yi

Special Thanks to Our 2001
Annual Fund Campaign
Committee & Volunteers:

Committee Members:
Alice L. Conkey
Chester Freeman
Ken Kutska
David Lose
LaDoris McClaney
Dan Newport

Volunteer Members:
Dale Barbeau
Harold Barenz
Steven Carpenter
Dave Clark
Dave Clifton
Lori Daniel
Terry DeWeese
James Donahue
Gail Elder White
Harvey Faust
Gary Haller
Cindy Heath
Dan Hope III
William Kelley
Jonathan Korfhage
Sam Lankford
Alton Little
Wayne Lowery
Dalton Mann
Margaret McCormick
Bill Nelson
Marcia Noyes
Bruce O'Neill
Joe O'Neill
Ellen O'Sullivan
Terri Palmberg
Phil Powell
Bob Robertson
Ira Rubins
Bob Saylors
Perry Segura
J. Shelton
Graham Skea
Eddie Tanner
Michaell Taylor
Terry Trueblood
Doug Washington
Jim Webster
Rip Wilkinson
Ken Winslade
Marvin Wollen
Anne Woodell

An asterisk * indicates donors of $500 or more.

REVENUE & EXPENSE STATEMENT

NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION Income and Expense--All Funds

REVENUE

Contributions                                      $213,990
Membership Dues                                   1,500,386
Annual Convention                                 2,950,709
Professional Training                               207,484
Publications and Advertising                      1,862,307
Other                                             3,500,456

Total Revenue                                   $10,235,332
Where It Comes From

PUBLICATIONS & ADVERTISING   18%
MEMBERSHIP DUES              15%
CONTRIBUTIONS                 2%
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING         2%
OTHER                        34%
ANNUAL CONVENTION            29%

Note: Table made from pie chart.
EXPENSES

Program Services
Professional Training                            $3,553,492
Public Education                                  1,423,796
National Public Service Program                     668,117
Membership Services                               2,297,038
Total Program Service                            $7,942,443
Management and General                            2,057,882
Fundraising                                          41,906
Total Expense                                   $10,042,232
Revenue Over Expenses (Operating Reserve)          $193,101
Fund Balance (Beginning of Year)                  8,989,051
Net Assets (End of Year)                         $9,182,152
Where It Goes

MANAGEMENT & GENERAL              20%
PUBLIC EDUCATION                  14%
NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM    7%
FUNDRAISING                        1%
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING             35%
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES               23%

Note: Table made from pie chart.

STATE AND NATIONAL AFFILIATES

Alabama Recreation & Parks
Association
P.O. Box 230579
Montgomery, AL 36123

Alaska Recreation & Park
Association
P.O. Box 167
Seward, AK 99664

Arizona Parks & Recreation
Association
5060 N. 19th Ave.
Suite 208
Phoenix, AZ 85015

Arkansas Recreation & Parks
Association
P.O. Box 1262
Little Rock, AR 72203

California Association of Park
& Recreation
Commissioners & Board
Members
756 Haven Ave.
South San Francisco, CA
94080

California Park & Recreation
Society
7971 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95832

Colorado Parks & Recreation
Association
P.O. Box 1037
Wheat Ridge, CO 80034

Connecticut Recreation &
Parks Association
1800 Silas Deane Hwy.
Suite 153
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Delaware Recreation & Parks
Society
P.O. Box 3782
Greenville, DE 19807

District of Columbia
Recreation & Parks Society
3149 16th St., NW
Washington, DC 20010

Ethnic Minority Society
P.O. Box 205
Suitland, MD 20752

Florida Recreation & Parks
Association
411 Office Plaza Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Georgia Recreation & Park
Association
1285 Parker Rd.
Conyers, GA 30094

Hawaii Recreation & Park
Association
1362 St. Louis Drive
Honolulu, HI 96816

Idaho Recreation & Park
Association
P.O. Box 1907
Twin Falls, ID 83303

Illinois Association of Park
Districts
2315 Willemoore
Springfield, IL 62704

Illinois Park & Recreation
Association
106 N. Schmale Rd.
Carol Stream, IL 60188

Indiana Park & Recreation
Association
468 North 150 West
Franklin, IN 46131

Iowa Park & Recreation
Association
1534 Penrose St.
Grinnell, IA 50112

Kansas Recreation & Park
Association
700 SW Jackson Street
Suite 805
Topeka, KS 66603

Kentucky Recreation & Park
Society Inc.
335 E Main
Wilmore, KY 40390

Louisiana Recreation & Park
Association
P.O. Box 16451
Hattiesburg, MS 39404

Maine Recreation & Park
Association
22 Elm St.
Topsham, ME 04086

Maryland Recreation & Park
Association, Inc.
2000 Shorefield Rd.
Wheaton, MD 20902

Massachusetts Recreation &
Park Association
P.O. Box 5135
Cochituate, MA 01778

Michigan Recreation & Park

Association
2722 E. Michigan
Suite 201
Lansing, MI 48912

Minnesota Recreation & Park
Association
3954 Bryant Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55409

Mississippi Recreation & Park
Association
P.O. Box 16451
Hattiesburg, MS 39404

Missouri Park & Recreation
Association
1203 Missouri Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Montana Recreation & Park
Association
Montana Fish & Wildlife,
Parks Div.
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620

Nebraska Recreation & Park
Association
2200 Stockwell St.
Lincoln, NE 68502

Nevada Recreation & Park
Society
749 Veterans Memorial Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89101

New Hampshire Recreation &
Park Association
P.O. Box 25
Lincoln, NH 03251

New Jersey Recreation & Park
Association
13 April Ln.
Somerset, NJ 08873

New Mexico Recreation &
Park Association
P.O. Box 100
Carlsbad, NM 88221

New York State Recreation &
Park Society, Inc.
19 Roosevelt Dr.
Suite 200
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

North Carolina Recreation &
Park Society
883 Washington St.
Raleigh, NC 27605

North Dakota Recreation &
Park Association
P.O. Box 422
Valley City, ND 58072

Ohio Parks & Recreation
Association
1069A W. Main St.
Westerville, OH 43081

Oklahoma Recreation & Park
Society, Inc.
P.O. Box 3607
Broken Arrow, OK 74013

Oregon Recreation & Park
Association
P.O. Box 829
Seaside, OR 97138

Park Law Enforcement
Association
17930 Lake Cabor Rd.
Castro Valley, CA 94546

Pennsylvania Recreation &
Park Society, Inc.
1315 W. College Ave.
Suite 200
State College, PA 16801

Rhode Island Recreation &
Park Association
10 Court St.
Bristol, RI 02809

South Carolina Recreation &
Parks Association
P.O. Box 1046
Lexington, SC 29071

South Dakota Parks &
Recreation Association
600 E. 7th St.
Sioux Falls, SD 5710

Tennessee Recreation & Parks
Association
201 E Main St.,
Suite 101
Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Texas Recreation & Park
Society
P.O. Box 330
Georgetown, TX 78627

Utah Recreation & Park
Association
1151 N. Aspen Cir.
Herber City, UT 84032

Vermont Recreation & Park
Association
RR 1 Box 42
Washington, VT 05675

Virginia Recreation & Park
Society
6038 Cold Harbor Rd.
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Washington Recreation &
Park Association
350 S. 333rd St.
Suite 103
Federal Way, WA 98003

West Virginia Recreation &
Park Association
P.O. Box 2985
Huntington, WV 25728

Wisconsin Park & Recreation
Association
66601-C Northway
Greendale, WI 53129

Wyoming Recreation & Parks
Association
P.O. Box 6308
Sheridan, WY 82801

NRPA NATIONAL AWARDS

Corporate Humanitarian Award--Bank of America LEND Program
Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award--Walt Bratton, CLP
Voluntary Service Award--Irene DeLaby
Literary Award--Dr. Christopher R. Edginton
Distinguished Professional Award--Harvey Faust
Corporate Humanitarian Award--General Motors Corporation
Ralph C. Wilson Award--Connie Romanello
Humanitarian Award--Louis Stokes
Media Excellence Award--WCSH6 TV Portland, Maine

NRPA MARKETING & COMMUNICATION KUDOS AWARDS

Best Short Film Promoting Recreation--City of Miamisburg (OH) Parks &
   Recreation Dept.
Best Short Film Promoting Recreation--Schaumburg (IL) Park District
Best Short Film Promoting Recreation--Marine Corp Community Services
   (Okinawa, Japan)
Best Short Film Promoting Recreation--Florida State Parks
Best Public Service Announcement Program--Roswell (NM) Recreation
   Department
Best Public Service Announcement Program--Joliet (IL) Park District
Best Public Service Announcement Program--Boise (ID) Parks &
   Recreation Department
Best Recreation Catalogue--South Suburban (CO) Park and Recreation
   District
Best Recreation Catalogue--City of Bakersfield (CA) Dept. of Recreation
   and Parks
Best Recreation Catalogue--Bartlett (IL) Park District
Best Recreation Catalogue--Battle Creek (MI) Parks & Recreation
Best Website/Home page Promoting Recreation--City of Greenfield (WI)
   Dept. of Parks & Rec.
Best Website/Home page Promoting Recreation--Arlington Heights (IL)
   Park District
Best Website/Home page Promoting Recreation--Cleveland (OH) Metroparks
Best Website/Home page Promoting Recreation--Florida State Parks
Best Overall Communicator--Streamwood (IL) Park District
Best Overall Communicator--Bolingbrook (IL) Park District
Best Overall Communicator--South Suburban (CO) Park and Recreation
   District
Best Overall Communicator--Cleveland (OH) Metroparks
Best Overall Communicator--The Maryland-National Capital Park &
   Planning Commission

DOROTHY MULLEN NATIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM

Our Garden of Quilts-Spartanburg County (SC) Parks & Recreation
Jourdan Bachman Pioneer Farm--Austin (TX) Parks and Recreation
   Department
Weave-A-Dream--City of Savannah (GA)
Teen Drama Group--City of Chandler (AZ) Parks & Recreation Division
Latino Festival--City of Burlington (VT) Dept. of Parks & Recreation
Stewpot Theater--Kent (WA) Parks & Recreation Department
Stage Door to the Future-Fairchild Air Force Base (WA) Youth Program

NRPA R.O.S.E. AWARD (Recognition of Significant Efforts)

Delaware State Parks

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERS

R.I. "Rip" Wilkinson, Chairman of the Board
Alice Conkey, CPRR President
David Lose, Vice Chairman
Marvin Billups, CPRR President-Elect
Robert Hall, CPRR Past President
Doug Washington, Secretary
Ron Lehman, Treasurer
T. Destry Jarvis, Executive Director
Dianne Curry and Lori Daniel, CPRR At Large

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Judith Anderson, Minneapolis, MN
Winnie Axe, Kansas City, KS
Lawrence E. Best, CPRR Hershey, PA
Marvin E. Billups, CPRR Upper Marlboro, MD
Ernest Burkeen, CPRR Detroit, MI
Charles Burchell, CPRR Hattiesburg, MS
Alice L. Conkey, CPRR Chevy Chase, MD
Phyllis Cossarek, Wilmette, IL
Trudy Coxe, Newport, RI
John Crompton, CPRR College Station, TX
Joe P. Crookham, Oskaloosa, IA
Dianne E. Curry, Dallas, TX
Lori J. Daniel, CPRR Aurora, CO
Bryan Day, CPRP, Little Rock, AR
James A. Donahue, CPRR Perinton, NY
Robert Dunsmuir, CPRR Wheaton, IL
Gail Elder White, CPRR Salisbury, NC
Robert A. Farnsworth, Ft. Payne, AL
Tom Farrelt, CPRR Brunswick, ME
Harvey Faust, CPRR Germantown, TN
Lois G. Finkelman, Dallas, TX
Janet Gould, Wakefield, RI
Leah Gunderson, Lowell, IN
Robert J. Hall, CPRR St. Louis, MO
James Hall, CPRR Boise, ID
Celeste Hamilton, Phoenix, AZ
Steven H. Hartman, CPRR Skokie, IL
Nancy Haywood, Houston, TX
Terry Hershey, Houston, TX
Fred Hohnke, Westchester, IL
Don Jessen, Addison, IL
John B. Johnston, III, Charleston, SC
Mike Jurkovich, Overland Park, KS
Teddy Keeton, Buhl, ID
William D. Kelley, Huntington, WV
Jonathan W. Korfhage, CPRR Foster City, CA
Linda Kotowski, CPRR Boulder, CO
Ronald Lehman, Channahon, IL
David O. Lose, FASLA, Nashville, TN
Ed Loud, Manasquan, NJ
Katherine Mabray
Dalton L. Mann, Preston, MD
LaDoris McClaney, Holmby Hills, CA
Margaret McCormick, CPRP, Gig Harbor, WA
Stephen J. Mead, CPRP, San Clemente, CA
Ronnie C. Miles, CPRR Memphis, TN
Dick Moe, Tacoma, WA
Steven M. Neu, CPRP, Bismarck, ND
P. Martin Nohe, Overland Park, KS
Maria A. Olshansky, Blue Bell, PA
Penelope Randel, Northbrook, IL
Phil Rea, CPRR Raleigh, NC
Robert O. Robertson, Anchorage, AK
Joan G. Rokus, Leesburg, VA
Rodger Schmitt, CPRP, Washington, DC
Sandra Shafer, Lexington, KY
Anne Simonsen, CTRS, CPRP, Middletown, MD
Diane Sills, Beltsville, MD
Tim Smith, Derby Line, VT
Don Tarkington, CPRP, Phoenix, AZ
Michaell K. Taylor, CPRP, Columbus, GA
Terry Trueblood, CPRP, Iowa City, IA
Doug Washington, Beverly Hills, CA
Jesse Washington, CPRP, Richmond, CA
John M. Whalen, Jr., CPRP, E. Longmeadow, MA
R. I. "Rip" Wilkinson, Baton Rouge, LA
Ulis Williams, Compton, CA
Margaret Young, Farmers Branch, TX
Richard Zavala, Fort Worth, TX

LIFE TRUSTEES

Willard Brown, Mentor, OH
Anne S. Close, Fort Mill, SC
"Wes" Ward Francis, Bryn Mawr, PA
Chester Freeman, Cullman, AL
James H. Evans, New York, NY
Rosemary Hall Evans, Sugar Hill, NH
Earl T. Groves, Gastonia, NC
Harry G. Haskell Jr., Chadds Ford, PA
Kathryn A. Porter, Mendham, NJ
Laurance S. Rockefeller, New York, NY
Perry J. Segura, New Iberia, LA
Eugene Young, Baton Rouge, LA

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Eddie Albert, CA
Max Cleland, GA
Mayor Sharpe James, NJ
Tom Hoving, NY
Nancy Kassenbaum, KS
Itzhak Perlman, NY
Pam Shriver, MD
William Simon, DC
Kathy Smith, CA
George Weymouth, PA
Andrew Young, GA
R.I. "Rip" Wilkinson
Chairman

Alice Conkey
President

T. Destry Jarvis
Executive Director