Remember San Antonio … and the NRPA Congress - National Recreation and Park Association; includes program, list of exhibitors and local attractions

Parks & Recreation, Sept, 1995

San Antonio may be best known for the Alamo, truly something to remember. But there will be something there for the parks and recreation field to remember as well... the 1995 NRPA Congress for Recreation and Parks. Next month more than 4,000 recreation, park and leisure professionals and citizen advocates will gather in this warm and gracious Texas town for a four-day extravaganza.

From its founding in 1691 by Spanish missionaries, San Antonio has grown from a sleepy little Texas pueblo to the tenth largest city in the United States. In all, over half a dozen cultures, from Spanish and German to Lebanese and Greek, have impacted the city's growth. Their influence is still evident in the architecture, festivals, cuisine, and customs that contribute to the city's uniqueness. San Antonio's rich cultural heritage has yielded a city of intriquing and often surprising contrasts. Downtown, admist soaring modern office buildings, are well-preserved historical landmarks. A rare combination of history and progressive, cosmopolitan life, San Antonio has much to offer its visitors. NRPA has much to offer our Congress delegates with more than 300 concurrent education sessions, on-site institutes and more than 200 NRPA leadership and governance meetings. Delegates can take advantage of over 200 continuing education units (CEUs) is sessions that are offered through Sunday. Sessions are designed for every level of experience covering a variety of topics related to the recreationand leisure field. Keynote speakers with strong ties to and belief in the recreation field will inspire delegates.

The NRPA Exposition will feature more than 450 park and recreation suppliers and service providers. Corporate representatives will be on hand to talk about their services and demonstrate the newest that they have to offer. The four-day fiesta of instruction also provides attendees with a forum to exchange ideas, make new contacts, and learn about the latest political issues on the national scene.

INSTITUTES

Back by popular demand this year are the NRPA Pre-Congress Institutes. Expert presenters are assembled for day-long sessions dealing with specialized topics.

Aquatic Recreation Therapy institute:

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday,

October 2-4

This specially designed 12-14 hour educational experience and hands-on institute will provide both aquatic and therapeutic recreation experts with a complete overview of multiple aquatic recreation therapy options for disabled populations. Held in both a traditional classroom setting and on-site at a local swimming facility, the session offers a well-rounded educational approach. Learn various techniques for treating patients with orthopedic or neurological disabilities and children with autism, as well as a number of aquatic skills including SCUBA diving, kayaking and skiing.

APRS Management institute:

Wednesday, October 4

Learn how to face the many complicated issues confronting park and recreation managers today. Managing has become much more than staff hiring and training. Park and recreation managers deal with construction projects, liability issues, marketing, customer service, and a plethora of other topics. Participants will discover new techniques to help deal with these increasing pressures.

NRPA Playground Safety inspector

Certification Course and Exam:

Tuesday, Wednesday, October 3-4

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 200,000 children were treated for playground accidents in 1994. Of these, 70 percent - 140,000 - occurred at public parks and school yards. Sponsored by the National Playground Safety Institute, this course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered. Advanced reading and 10 hours of training will prepare you to sit for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector exam at the culmination of the certification course.

Commercial Sponsorship Institute,

Wednesday, October 4

Increased revenue, decreased expenses, enhanced programs, partnership development, and improved public relations are just a few of the many benefits commercial sponsorships offer recreation agencies of all sizes. See how to develop, and enhance the commercial sponsorship approach by learning the language of event marketing: how to develop a solicitation package; target potential sponsors; and negotiate and close the deal.

Urban Strategies institute,

Wednesday, October 4

A complex convergence of social, political, and economic forces are threatening the fabric of our cities. Focusing on the urban recreation agency can provide solutions. At the same time, agencies are threatened by serious budget reductions and sometimes total elimination. All employees will benefit from these concepts of leadership, strategic thinking, healthy cities, and community mobilization.

Future Trends in Youth At-Risk

Programming: Wednesday, October 4

Studies have shown that at-risk youth can be effectively reached through recreation programming. Learn about the latest in programming trends and techniques, funding sources, research and evaluation tools, and staff training from experts in the field and former gang members. Youth at-risk programming principles, partnerships, and concepts will be examined by leading professionals in the field of youth at-risk programs.