Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association

06/05/2026

Member Appreciation Day was a hit! ☀️⚾

We couldn’t have asked for better weather as MRPA members and our commercial partners came together for a fantastic day at Game On! and the Boston Red Sox game. It was a great opportunity to network, connect, and celebrate the relationships that make MRPA such a strong and vibrant community.

A very special thank you to Rec Technologies for their generous support and sponsorship of the event. We appreciate everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a success!

05/22/2026

This week, MRPA Executive Director Katie DuPont, MRPA President Nick Campion, and MRPA Legislative Chair Sharon Locke joined NRPA representatives, board members, and staff on Capitol Hill to advocate for parks and recreation.

We are incredibly grateful for a powerful Hill Day spent with the National Recreation and Park Association elevating the importance of:
🌿 Protecting natural spaces through greater investment in parks and recreation
⚽ Ensuring every child has access to quality youth sports opportunities, no matter where they live

Together, we shared the impact parks and recreation have on our communities and the importance of continued support at every level.

But the conversations don’t stop here. Help us keep the momentum going and lend your voice: https://nrpa.quorum.us/action_center/ 💚

05/06/2026

Project Play Summit 2026 was an incredible few days filled with leadership, networking, and meaningful conversations around youth sports at all levels.

Thank you to Aspen Institute Sports & Society for the opportunity to be part of such an impactful event here in Boston!

And a big shoutout to Kate DeAngelis for representing MRPA and the Town of Lexington on the “Rising Up in Mass” panel — a great job highlighting the important work happening across our state! 👏🏻

04/30/2026

🧠💚 Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Join us on May 8th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM in Natick for this impactful training designed to help you better support youth in your community.

📚 Training Details:
This course includes 2 hours of pre-work (to be completed in advance) followed by 5 hours of in-person training.

✨ What You’ll Learn:
• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in youth (ages 12–18), including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and ADHD
• Signs of substance use challenges
• How to respond to a child or adolescent in crisis
• Strategies to connect youth with appropriate help and resources
• Expanded content on trauma, self-care, substance use, and the impact of social media

💲 Member Rate: $75
✔️ Registration includes training, materials, and lunch

⏰ Registration Deadline: May 6th

👉 Register today at www.massrpa.org

Don’t miss this opportunity to build the skills and confidence to make a difference in a young person’s life.

03/17/2026

A special thank you to our 2026 Massachusetts Recreation & Park Association Conference and Exhibit Hall sponsors! 🌟

Your support plays a vital role in making this event possible, and we are incredibly grateful for your partnership and commitment to our field.

Because of you, we’re able to bring together professionals from across the state for valuable education, networking, and collaboration.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2026 MRPA Annual Conference & Exhibit Hall!

03/13/2026

Don’t miss your chance to join us! ⏳

The registration deadline for the MRPA Annual State Conference is fast approaching. Make sure to register by Monday, March 16.

📅 March 24–26
📍 MassMutual Center

Connect with colleagues from across the state, enjoy high-quality educational sessions, continue your professional growth, and network with our valued commercial partners. Opportunities like this only come once a year—you won’t want to miss it!

👉 Register today: www.massrpa.org

We look forward to seeing everyone on March 24! 🎉

03/12/2026

MRPA was well represented last week at the NRPA Directors School! 👏

Members in attendance included:
Sam White (Norwood), Rob Antonelli (Worcester), Channon Ames (Newton), Stacey Mulroy (Needham), Nick Campion (Danvers), Christina McCarthy (Southborough), and Kristine Foster (Mashpee).

Thank you for your commitment to professional growth and leadership in parks and recreation across Massachusetts!

03/09/2026

⏳ Time is running out! Don’t miss your chance to join us for the 2026 Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association Annual State Conference & Exhibit Hall.

📅 March 24–26
📍 MassMutual Center

The registration deadline is March 16, so be sure to secure your spot soon!

This conference offers exceptional opportunities for:
• Networking with colleagues from across the state
• Professional growth and learning sessions
• Connecting with our commercial partners
• And so much more!

👉 Register today:

MRPA is dedicated to the promotion, advancement, development and improvement of all recreation and park services within Massachusetts.

03/02/2026

We love seeing our MRPA community in action! 🎉

A few of our amazing MRPA members had the incredible opportunity to meet Alysa Liu over the weekend — and of course, they couldn’t let her leave without an MRPA mug in hand! ☕

Connecting, representing, and spreading the MRPA spirit wherever we go! 💚

02/24/2026

One month to go! 🎉

The 2026 MRPA Annual State Conference & Exhibit Hall is almost here — and you won’t want to miss it! Join us for incredible education, networking, and inspiration, including our amazing keynote speaker, Neelay Bhatt.

A huge thank you to for sponsoring the Speaker Scholarship and helping make this opportunity possible for our members!

🗓 Registration deadline: March 16th
🔗 Register today: www.massrpa.org