Collaboration between business and park and recreation professionals to spur innovations for improving local communities.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the nation’s leading advocate for parks and recreation, is proud to recognize and celebrate the members of NRPA’s Business Council since the launch of the council in 2022.
The NRPA Business Council brings together the business sector and park and recreation professionals to solve common challenges together, fuel innovation, further research, and promote strong park and recreation systems to enhance the quality of life for all. The NRPA Business Council serves as a strategic advisory group, giving the business community a voice and bridging the gap between the private and public sectors to build healthy communities through the power of parks and recreation.
Founded in 2022, the council comprises strategic thinkers and collaborative decision-makers, representing businesses and allies who care deeply about parks and recreation. Business Council members also represent organizations that have demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and support the advancement of DEI in park and recreation programs, policies and practices.
“In its inaugural year, NRPA welcomed 11 members to the Business Council and identified goals and objectives in four priority areas to inform our efforts,” said Paula Sliefert, NRPA Business Council Chair and Senior Manager, Sports Fields and Grounds, The Toro Company. “The council also spearheaded a survey of 750 companies to identify perspectives and challenges facing businesses working in the parks and recreation sector. We look forward to a productive year ahead, building on the momentum and accomplishments we have made so far together and welcoming our newest members to the Council.”
Business Council members can access branding opportunities, as well as powerful thought leadership and engagement opportunities. Current NRPA Business Council members include:
- BerryDunn
- BCI Burke
- Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects*
- EPIC Outdoor Cinema
- GARED
- Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc.
- Musco Lighting
- PlayCore
- PlayPower, Inc.
- Public Restroom Company
- The Toro Company
- USA BMX*
- WT Group*
*New member in 2023
Local park and recreation agencies generate significant economic value for communities: across the country, parks and recreation generated almost $218 billion in economic activity and supported 1.3 million jobs from their operations and capital spending in 2019 alone.
“The NRPA Business Council was founded to strengthen the relationship between park and recreation professionals and their business sector allies,” said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. “We are grateful to our Business Council members and their earnest engagement in our essential work. This collaboration will lead to greater innovation, quicker responses to new challenges and better long-term solutions for the park and recreation field – which is more important than ever before.”
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 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, 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