Nevada Recreation & Park Society History

The Nevada Recreation and Park Society (NRPS), a membership based 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional organization,traces its roots to the year 1955, when a small group of dedicated individuals from agencies throughout Nevada met in Reno to establish the state’s first organization dedicated to the advancement of the recreation, parks, and leisure professions. Though spirited and earnest, this early effort was short-lived, ceasing to function in three years’ time. Then, after several years of discussion and organizational meetings, NRPS was reactivated by a group of seventeen professionals who met in Las Vegas in 1963. NRPS gained affiliation with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in 1964. NRPS has been actively supporting the development of the recreation, parks, and leisure professions from that year forward. The Society filed articles of incorporation with the State of Nevada in March 1974.

NRPS is divided into north and south districts, which operate independently. The NRPS President is elected by the Society’s membership. The office and the Society’s annual conference alternate from the north during even-numbered years, to the south during odd-numbered years. The Society annually awards at least two academic scholarships, program and facility excellence awards, and recognizes in-state distinguished professionals with various awards.

Throughout its history, NRPS has consistently contributed regionally and nationally distinguished leadership to a multitude professional organizations. The cities of Reno and Las Vegas have both hosted the NRPA National Congress. NRPS annually hosts NRPA Certified Pool Operator and National Playground Safety Institute schools, and has hosted NRPA leadership schools. NRPS is pioneering an expansion of continuing education unit-qualifying seminars by partnering with The Center for Public Recreation and Parks to offer on-line “webinar” seminars that allow participants to attend via computer link. With these and other innovative approaches to supporting the recreation, parks, and leisure fields, NRPS is poised to meet the challenges presented in the state of Nevada.