NRPA turns 40: celebrate the 40th anniversary of the association that supports parks and recreation

Parks & Recreation, August, 2005

Forty years ago in August 1965, members of the American Institute of Park Executives, the National Recreation Association, the National Conference on State Parks, the American Recreation Society and the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums came together to form a new organization--one that would consider the needs of various professionals as well as citizens in the park and recreation movement.

The result? The National Recreation and Park Association that today, still stands for those same values discussed at that table in 1965. To commemorate NRPA's 40th anniversary, we asked past presidents and present leaders to comment on the association that they help lead. So start your walk through NRPA's 40-year history, and be a part of the future by contributing to our "40 Years of Fun" photo competition.