Member Benefits

Whether you're a concerned citizen in a small suburban community or a park and recreation professional in a large urban environment, membership in NRPA ensures access to full benefits and services designed with your specific experience and needs in mind. From education to networking, advocacy to grant programs, and so much more, NRPA supports you so that you can better support your community.   

Advance Public Policy – Make Your Voice Heard!  

As a member, you benefit from a variety of tools, resources and education that are designed to improve your effectiveness and empower your community's advocacy efforts.

• Recreation Network – online resource to help you assist your community in mobilizing advocates on national, state and local policy issues.
• NRPA’s Advocacy Toolbox – proven resources and sample templates designed to educate and motivate your state legislator, local newspapers and public officials.
• Action E-List – online communication for information on current legislative issues affecting parks and recreation.
• National Legislative Forum – member rate to this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn the ins and outs of working with the federal government, help define the national agenda, and meet with senators and legislators on Capitol Hill.

Expand your Knowledge and Skills

Your membership opens a world of valuable information, personal development and professional growth. From timely publications and a diversified online research database to education courses, certification programs and conferences, NRPA is a resource provider for both citizens and professionals.

• Conferences – member rates to education programs like the NRPA Annual Congress & Exposition and the National Legislative Forum. All conferences offer IACET-authorized CEU education sessions, for citizens and professionals.
• Online Learning Opportunities – member rates to webinars and online education courses offered to professionals, part-time employees, volunteers and citizen advocates.
• Publications – Stay informed with a subscription to NRPA’s award-winning monthly magazine, Parks & Recreation magazine. Also receive subscriptions to NRPA Express, a monthly member-only online newsletter and NRPA Weekly, a weekly online newsletter providing you with industry-specific news and information.
• Research – access data and statistics concerning trends, issues and policy affecting the parks and recreation field.

Leverage National Partnerships and Grant Opportunities

NRPA works tirelessly to foster strategic partnerships with leading national organizations to bring greater visibility to your programs and provide grant opportunities to help enrich peoples' lives, improve health and activate communities.

• National Initiatives provide the parks and recreation community with the ability to increase awareness of the importance of parks and recreation. Many of our national initiatives are connected to partners, funding opportunities, and resources to help your program succeed. 

Network with the Best and the Brightest

What matters to you most? NRPA makes it easy for you to communicate with citizens and professionals just like yourself.

• NRPAnet – a members-only network to ask questions and get information from your peers.
• Focus-specific Information - affiliate yourself with one of NRPA’s special interest groups through branch and section designations.
• Membership Directory – members-only access to locate and connect to other members.
• Volunteer Opportunities - serve alongside other citizens and professionals in helping shape the direction and future of the association.

Recognize Industry Leaders and Park and Recreation Supporters

Because you and your peers work so hard to make a significant difference in communities and people's lives, NRPA is dedicated to recognizing and promoting members and their agencies' unflagging efforts.

• NRPA Award Programs - members have the opportunity to acknowledge distinguished citizens, professionals, students and agencies for outstanding accomplishments.
• Scholarships - members have the opportunity to apply for financial scholarships to attend some of NRPA's conferences.

Additional Savings and Discounts

As an NRPA member, you benefit from special discounts on publications, conferences and education events, products and services. This means you can access the tools and resources you need to make a difference in your community at a significantly reduced rate.

• NRPA Store – all publications and resources offered at a discounted member rate.
• Certification – members have a reduced application fee for all certification programs.
• Travel discounts – take advantage of special discounts when traveling to NRPA-sponsored events.
• Journal Subscriptions – receive member discounts on the Journal of Leisure Research, the Therapeutic Research Journal and Schole.
• Event Volunteer Opportunities – exclusive volunteer opportunities only available to members for reduced conference registration.
• Volunteer and Staff Background System - receive the Operation TLC²Making Communities Safe TOOL KIT including the Volunteer Management Manual with a Training DVD and all associated materials/forms FREE and full-service national background checks at a preferred price that meets the NRPA Recommended Guidelines for Credentialing Volunteers.
• Insurance Programs  – take advantage of NRPA’s many insurance programs ranging from blanket recreational activities/medical insurance plans, Instructors & Interns liability , team sports, football, equipment, and not-for-profit organization liability insurance.
• Member List Rentals  – connect with park and recreation professionals, citizens and vendors through NRPA’s list rental program.

Join today and benefit from the outstanding professional services and advocacy NRPA Membership provides. Let NRPA assist your organization, help your career and continue promoting the value of recreation and parks.