Why Join MPRA?
Continue Your EDUCATION
- Continuing Education Opportunities - MPRA offers year-round educational programs designed for every area of parks and recreation, including workshops, regional events, lunch and learns, leadership development programs, and specialized training that keeps members current on industry trends and best practices. Many programs provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
- Annual Conference & Expo –Missouri's premier parks and recreation event brings professionals together for a week of education, networking, awards, an expansive exhibit hall, and professional development. Members receive discounted registration, and Corporate Members enjoy early registration for premium exhibit opportunities.
- Professional Development - Develop leadership skills, expand your professional network, and gain new ideas through conferences, institutes, forums, and educational events offered throughout the year.
- Certifications - MPRA supports professional certifications by offering CEUs toward CPRP and CPRE certifications and hosting NRPA's CPSI and AFO certification courses.
CONNECT with Parks & Recreation Professionals
- Member Directory –Search and connect with professionals across Missouri through the online member directory by name, agency, city, or section of interest.
- Corporate Member Directory - Access searchable databases of Corporate Members to find organizations, services, vendors, and valuable industry contacts.
- Professional Staff Assistance – The MPRA team serves as a resource to help connect members with agencies, vendors, organizations, and professionals who can provide solutions, ideas, and expertise.
- Leadership Opportunities – Strengthen your leadership skills while serving on the Board of Directors, regional committees, section leadership teams, or Association committees.
- Regional Involvement - Participate in one of MPRA's four geographic regions to build relationships and access educational opportunities closer to home.
- Sections of Interest – Connect with professionals who share your specialty through Aquatics, Park Resources, Sports, I.D.E.A., and Young Professionals sections. Members help shape educational programming and stay informed on topics relevant to their field.
- The Exchange – Join member-only online discussions to ask questions, share resources, and collaborate with peers across Missouri.
- Awards & Recognition – Celebrate excellence by nominating outstanding professionals, agencies, and programs for MPRA's annual awards. Members can also nominate deserving individuals for the Missouri Recreation and Parks Hall of Fame.
Ways We COMMUNICATE with Members
- MPRA Magazine – Receive the quarterly magazine featuring member success stories, project highlights, announcements, and industry articles. Members also have opportunities to submit content and be featured.
- Monthly Newsletter – Stay informed with Association news, upcoming events, deadlines, educational opportunities, and member updates.
- Member-Only Resources - Access exclusive online resources including survey results, electronic publications, board meeting minutes, bylaws, manuals, and other member reference materials.
- Recorded Programs - Members can view recordings of select MPRA Zoom meetings, including presentations, discussions, chats, and notes on important industry topics.
- Association Updates - Receive timely information through email, social media, newsletters, and other communications to ensure you never miss important opportunities or industry news.
We Are Your LEGISLATIVE Voice
MPRA is the recognized voice of parks, recreation, and leisure services in Missouri. We advocate for our members by working with legislators and policymakers while serving as a trusted source of information on issues affecting parks and recreation across the state.
Save Money with Your MEMBERSHIP
- Member Discounts – Save on conference registration, workshops, educational programs, and job postings.
- Scholarships – Financial assistance is available to help eligible members attend educational events, including the Annual Conference.
- Certification Reimbursements – Members may apply for reimbursement of eligible AFO, CPSI, CPRP, and CPRE certification costs earned throughout the year.
- Ticket Consignment Program – Generate additional revenue for your agency by participating in MPRA's discounted theme park ticket program.
MEMBERSHIP TYPES AND APPLICATIONS
Agency Memberships can include any public agency on the municipal, county, or state level providing parks and recreation services. The individuals within an agency membership will be placed in one of four categories:
- Agency Professional Membership
- Agency Affiliate Membership
- Agency Part-Time Membership
- Agency Board/Commission Membership
Learn more about each type here.
Individual Professional Memberships are for any full-time employee of a local, county, or state parks and recreation agency and holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and/or a professional certification listed here.
This membership includes the right to vote, the right to hold office, Region and Section affiliation, discounts on registrations, and Association publications. This membership type is limited to three employees of the same agency.
Organizational Memberships consist of academic institutions, military installations, hospitals, nonprofit agencies, and other organizations providing parks, recreation and leisure services not covered under agency or corporate memberships.
Up to five employees who qualify as "Individual Professional Members" shall receive the right to vote, the right to hold office, Region and Section affiliation, discounts on registration and Association publications.
Corporate Memberships are for-profit corporations, partnerships, and firms that support and encourage the purposes of the Association.
Up to five employees who qualify as "Individual Professional Members" shall receive the right to vote, the right to hold office, Region and Section affiliation, discounts on registration, and Association publications.
- As a Corporate Member of the Missouri Park & Recreation Association, up to FIVE of your staff members will enjoy the perks of an MPRA membership.Â
- Corporate Members have the opportunity to register for the MPRA Conference & Expo EARLIER than non-members as well as enjoying a discounted registration rate.
- Our Corporate Members receive a copy of the quarterly Missouri Parks & Recreation magazine, along with advertising discounts and opportunities to be published.
- Contact information will be listed on our online Business Directory.
- First dibs at all event sponsorships.
- Full access to membership database.
- Receive association communications to keep up to date on what is happening within our park and recreation community.
- Referrals to members when services are needed.
- Most importantly though, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with MPRA members and meet your next client!
- Discounts on certifications such as CPSI and AFO.
- Corporate members have the right to vote in MPRA elections and can also hold office.
Associate Memberships are for individuals employed part-time or retired individuals from the parks and recreation field. Membership includes Region and Section affiliation, discounts on registration, and Association publications.
Student Memberships are for individuals pursuing a degree in parks and recreation or a related field. Individuals who qualify for any other membership type are not eligible for a student membership.
Student members shall possess all the benefits of an MPRA membership but do not have the right to vote or hold office.