ABOUT US
On November 29, 1959 the Missouri Recreation Association and the Missouri Recreation and Park Society merged forming the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA). MPRA serves as the voice for parks and recreation in Missouri on the local, state and national level.
The nonprofit association, whose members work to provide opportunities for all the state’s citizens to enjoy quality leisure activities, is dedicated to promoting public support for parks and recreation and public awareness of the contribution of recreation to a balanced life.
The association works to ensure the growth and improve the quality and accessibility of urban and rural parks, open spaces and recreational lands, facilities and programs for all Missourians. It promotes research and information dissemination on park, conservation, recreation and leisure issues.
MPRA strives to maintain high standards of professional ethics and practices by promoting continuing education for its membership. The association encourages the support of college and university curricula to enhance research and assure a well-trained stream of future professionals.
MPRA cooperates with public, private and voluntary agencies to assure provision of quality park, recreation, and conservation programs.
MPRA is governed by a board of directors elected by the general membership. The association maintains a headquarters office with a full-time staff in Jefferson City. MPRA is an affiliate member of the National Recreation and Park Association.
Our Mission... To advocate the quality of life through effective use of parks and recreation opportunities, education, and resources.
Staff
Gary Gates, CPRP
Executive Director
Sarah Veile, CPRP
Assistant Executive Director
Heather Rice
Membership & Marketing Specialist
Our Address
Office Hours
2018 William Street
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 4:30PM
\\ Tel: 573.636.3828
Board Leadership
Executive Committee:
President: Brian Schaffer, Des Peres Parks & Rec
Incoming President: Miki McKee Koelsch, Webster Groves Parks & Rec
President Elect: Roosevelt Lyons, Kansas City Parks & Rec
Past President: Chad Shoemaker, Mexico Parks & Rec
Secretary/Treasurer: Mike Snyder, Columbia Parks & Rec
Directors at Large:
Steve Clark, (18-20) Webster Groves Parks & Rec
Gabe Huffington, (18-20) Columbia Parks & Rec
Jody Siemer, (18-20) Kansas City Parks & Rec
Dave Musgrave, (19-21) Ferguson Parks & Rec
Eilien Ramirez, (19-21) Crestwood Parks & Rec
Incoming (20-22):
Amy Boyd, Des Peres Parks & Rec
Dennis Dovel, Blue Springs Parks & Rec
Kim Hedgpeth, Florissant Parks & Rec
Northwest Region (1)
Director: Nate Williams, Excelsior Springs Parks & Rec
Director Elect (20-21): Nathan Musteen, Raymore Parks & Rec
Director Elect Elect (21-22): Justin Merkey, Gladstone Parks & Rec
Past Director: Jende Smith, St. Joseph Parks & Recreation
Northeast Region (2)
Director: Janet Godon, Columbia Parks & Rec
Director Elect (20-21): Angie Toebben, Jefferson City Parks & Rec
Director Elect Elect (21-22): Joey Wilmes, Columbia Parks & Rec
Past Director: Cassie Brandt, Columbia Parks & Recreation
Southwest Region (3)
Southeast Region (4)
Director: Jennafer Mayfield , Republic Parks & Recreation
Director Elect (20-21): Jon Carney, Springfield-Greene County PB
Director Elect Elect (21-22): Heidi Johnson, Lamar Parks & Rec
Past Director: Jason Knight, Willard Parks & Recreation
Director: James Boyd, Ballwin Parks & Rec
Director Elect (20-22): Chris Cholley, Bridgeton Parks & Rec
Director Elect Elect (21-22): Mike Lueck, Wentzville Parks & Rec
Past Director: vacant
Sections:
Aquatics Section
President: Karen Herbig, Clayton Parks & Rec
President Elect (20-21): Jende Smith, St. Joseph Parks & Rec
President Elect Elect (21-22): Sarah Coulter, Springfield-Greene County Park Board
Leisure Educators Section
President: Hugh Gibson, Missouri State University
Park Resources Section
President: Jeff Atkins, St. Joseph Parks & Rec
President Elect (20-21): Peter VanLinn, St. Charles Parks & Rec
President Elect Elect (21-22): Susan Jankowski, Great Rivers Greenway
Sports Section:
President: Chad Unterreiner, Marshall Parks & Rec
President Elect (20-21): Brittany Johnston, Liberty Parks & Rec
President Elect Elect (21-22): Kendra Beaver, Excelsior Springs Parks & Rec
Student Section President:
President: Jason Young, University of Missouri
Young Professionals Section
President: Jody Siemer, Kansas City Parks & Rec
President Elect (20-21): Cassie Brandt, Columbia Parks & Rec
President Elect Elect (21-22): Paul Kettenbach, St. Louis County Parks & Rec