NRPA partnerships--bringing our message to a wider audience: joining forces with outside organizations creates a stronger team.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a vibrant, active organization--and our efforts benefit not just our members. In fact, NRPA benefits every citizen living in this country by promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and better communities through recreation and parks. However NRPA is perhaps not as well-known as it could be, and we can better spread our message and achieve our vision through partnerships with like-minded organizations. All NRPA partnerships are designed to improve the practice of parks and recreation professionals and citizen advocates while advancing tire parks and recreation movement through public education.

Here are a few examples of current partnerships:

* Sports Illustrated: Through a strategic alliance with Sports Illustrated magazine, NRPA has been able to raise money for our Community Sports and Health Fund, which will support research, local grants and the continuation of the Sportstown initiative. Right now, money raised for the fund totals about $30,000--you can help by purchasing an introductory subscription to Sports Illustrated or Sports Illustrated for Kids for $10, all of which goes to support the fund. You can purchase subscriptions online at www.si.com/supporthe NRPA.

You can also support the fund by purchasing posters of the "It Starts In Parks" advertising campaign that has been running in Sports Illustrated for use in your department and community. These attractive, four-color posters promote the role parks and recreation plays in promoting healthy lifestyles. NRPA members may purchase a set of six for only $55 (non-member price, $75) --go to www.nrpa.org to purchase online.

Right now, 2.9 of the 50 Sportstowns have been named. Representatives from Sports Illustrated, NRPA's Board of Trustees and local politicians have attended presentation ceremonies in each newly designated Sportstown. The initiative has been an unprecedented way for NRPA to engage local politicians, local media and entire communities in parks and recreation.

* The NFL: NRPA has secured a $165,000 grant from the NFL to develop 50 magnet centers for youth sports. This one-year project will help improve and increase the existing practices of parks & recreation in the communities that participate.

* The PGA: This emerging partnership with the Professional Golfer's Association began with a series of focus groups to determine how we can improve the way recreational golfing is delivered at municipal golf courses. A major finding of the focus groups was that people want golf for families--a way they can play and learn with their kids. Also, we got PGA professionals and parks and recreation professionals together to discuss how services could be improved. We're now in negotiations for a three-year deal with the PGA to put some of these findings into practice.

* Kraft Foods, Inc.: We're working with Kraft to develop ways to improve physical activities and nutrition among Latino children and families. This project, which is currently in three pilot cities, will be expanded by the end of the year.

* BlazeSports: We are a national presenting partner of this grassroots program to improve physical recreation activities for the disabled.

By working together with these organizations, we're able to broaden our reach, spread our message and improve our practice--and make your NRPA better than ever.

David Lose, FASLA 

NRPA Chair