NRPA Announces New Business Council Members and Chair

Ashburn, VA (March 5, 2026)

Collaboration between NRPA and businesses to deliver positive benefits through parks and recreation

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the nation’s leading advocate for parks and recreation, is proud to recognize and celebrate the new chair of the NRPA Business Council, five new participating companies, and the accomplishments of the council from the previous year.  

The NRPA Business Council serves as a strategic advisory group, bringing together the business sector and park and recreation professionals to solve common challenges, fuel innovation, advocate for increased support and promote research to enhance the quality of life for all. Shane Fernandez, AIA, NCARB, LEED-AP, RID, the president and chairman of USA BMX – The American Bicycle Association, will begin his two-year service as Business Council chair.

 “We have important work planned for 2026, as we continue our advocacy efforts and council-led educational offerings,” said Shane Fernandez, NRPA Business Council chair. “We are building on the momentum and successes we’ve achieved together since the NRPA Business Council’s inception in 2022. We are thrilled to welcome several new companies to the council to share new ideas and expand our impact. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future.”

Last year, the council launched Council Connection, a series of online learning events, aimed at addressing the most pressing topics in parks and recreation today. These sessions are led by subject matter experts on the council, developed in collaboration with park and recreation professionals, and designed to foster leadership and innovation. NRPA is excited to announce that Council Connection will continue in 2026 with three online learning events.

“I’m thrilled to welcome our newest NRPA Business Council members,” said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. “We’re excited to grow council participation to 16 companies — all committed to strengthening the field of parks and recreation and our collective impact. In 2025, 227 million adults visited their local park or recreation facility, and another 50 million youth were served by this essential field, highlighting the vital importance of continued, durable investment in parks and recreation. The business community is a critical voice in the fight to ensure increased access to high-quality parks and green spaces, and all the life-enhancing benefits they bring to physical, mental and social well-being.” 

In May 2026, the Business Council, NRPA Board of Directors, and other passionate park and recreation advocates will convene in Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress to advocate for parks and recreation.

Business Council benefits include branding opportunities, as well as powerful thought leadership networking and engagement opportunities. The 2026 Business Council companies include:

  • BCI Burke
  • BerryDunn
  • Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects
  • Dave Bang Associates, Inc.*
  • EPIC Outdoor Cinema
  • Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc.
  • Landscape Structures Inc.*
  • Musco Lighting
  • Myrtha Pools*
  • PlayCore
  • PROS Consulting, Inc.*
  • Public Restroom Company
  • Romtec, Inc.*
  • Sourcewell
  • The Toro Company
  • USA BMX – The American Bicycle Association

*New to the NRPA Business Council in 2026

For more information about the NRPA Business Council, visit nrpa.org/BusinessCouncil.

To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.

 

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About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 68,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and supporters — the catalysts for positive change in service of parks for all, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.