Perspectives: citizens are strong members of NRPA: more than ever, NRPA and the field of parks and recreation needs to hear citizen voices of support.

NRPA was created in 1965 by the merger of five major national park and recreation organizations--the American Institute of Park Executives, established in 1898), the National Recreation Association (established in 1906), the American Recreation Society (established in 1938), the National Conference on State Parks (established in 1921) and the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (established in 1924).

This year is not only the 40th anniversary of our association, it is also the centennial anniversary of the National Recreation Association, a service organization whose mission was to advance recreation in communities across the nation. What made the group so special, was that they were governed by a citizen board and when merged with the other groups, brought a special voice still heard today in NRPA.

Throughout the coming year NRPA will be commerating significant events, individuals and accomplishments from our past. I believe you will not only be impressed, but grateful, as you note how the past has contributed to the growth, awareness and appreciation of how the recreation and park component of daily living enhances the quality of life of this nation.

In reading some of the rationale to justify the merger, the officers of the different organizations noted:

a. Each organization reaffirmed their conviction that the ever-increasing needs and demands for recreation and park facilities and services can best be served through the collective and unified strengths of citizen and professional persons.

b. Each organization should collectively utilize their respective talents and resources by joining into one service and professional association dedicated to the task of unification of effort in the recreation and park field.

c. Implementation of such beliefs can best be accomplished by a merger of all citizen and professional societies and organizations dedicated to this common purpose.

These words from the past are more than our heritage--they continue to give direction to park and recreation service providers, advocates and supporters.

And for these supporters, there is no better place to voice the importance of parks and recreation than at the 2006 NRPA National Legislative Forum on Parks and Recreation (Feb. 16-17). It will be a major event where each person involved can truly make a difference. Whether you are talking to a congressman, a senator, an aide or to another person from your state, advocating on behalf of parks and recreation is the duty of every citizen supporter.

I remember when I first attended, I was afraid I wouldn't know what to say--after all, these are powerful people. But what I learned was that being there and saying that you represent your community, is just as powerful. If you've ever enjoyed a park or taken advantage of recreation services, you know the value that these provide a community. See the Advocacy Update on page 14 that lists the top ten values of what parks and recreation can provide. Reading it will not only help prepare you for the Forum, but it will reinforce the reasons you are involved in helping people have a better quality of life.

Ron Lehman

NRPA Chairman of the Board