Arizona Parks and Recreation Association

Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Providing professional development, advocacy and resources to all who enhance quality of life through parks, recreation and environmental conservation.

The Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, was founded in 1950 to provide professional development, advocacy and resources to all who enhance quality of life through parks, recreation and environmental conservation. APRA has seven professional branches and four regions dedicated to providing opportunities for a broad range of parks and recreation professionals. In additio

n to workshops, advocacy events, and networking opportunities throughout the year, APRA hosts a statewide annual conference and trade show in August. This event features programs and parks unique to Arizona, insightful educational sessions, national certifications, innovative exhibitors, and statewide awards.

Huge thanks to everyone who joined APRA’s Parks & Facility Maintenance TEAM yesterday in Surprise for a hands-on irrigat...
05/21/2026

Huge thanks to everyone who joined APRA’s Parks & Facility Maintenance TEAM yesterday in Surprise for a hands-on irrigation education session 💧🌱

Attendees spent the day at Dick McComb Park learning more about irrigation systems, operations, and best practices alongside Dennis with HydroPoint - with discussions taking place out at both the ballfields and playground areas.

Special thanks to the and HydroPoint for helping make the session possible 👏

Up next: APRA’s Playground Maintenance Course on June 10 from 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., sponsored by . Register today!

05/15/2026

Tag someone who’d be a great APRA conference volunteer… or just tag yourself 😏

Join us at our 76th Annual Conference, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, and be part of the team that helps make Arizona’s biggest parks and recreation event happen!

Volunteer for one 4-hour shift and unlock a discounted conference registration - saving up to $200 - $300 🤑

Spots are limited, so don’t wait 👀🙌🏼

Congratulations to APRA’s 8 newest certified Aquatic Facility Operators (AFOs)! 👏🏼💦Last week, APRA brought ’s premier AF...
05/15/2026

Congratulations to APRA’s 8 newest certified Aquatic Facility Operators (AFOs)! 👏🏼💦

Last week, APRA brought ’s premier AFO certification course to Scottsdale, where parks and recreation professionals from across Arizona sharpened their expertise in water chemistry, mechanical systems, healthy pools, operations, and safety 🏖️🏊🏼‍♀️

Your commitment helps keep Arizona’s aquatic facilities safe, healthy, and ready for our communities.

Special thanks to for sponsoring this course and for hosting!

Next up: APRA is teaming up with for a Playground Maintenance Certification (PMC) course on June 10 in Mesa 🛝

05/14/2026

🚨 Early bird registration is officially OPEN for our 76th Annual Conference!

Join us Aug. 31 - Sept. 2 as parks and recreation professionals from across Arizona go all in on connection, education, and inspiration.

⏳ Early bird rates end May 31. Secure your spot today!

Northern Arizona showed up 🙌🏼Last week, parks and recreation professionals from across Arizona came together in Prescott...
05/05/2026

Northern Arizona showed up 🙌🏼

Last week, parks and recreation professionals from across Arizona came together in Prescott for our Northern Arizona Educational Workshop - filled with learning, field experiences, fresh ideas, and plenty of great conversations (including a little time on Whiskey Row 😉)

Huge thanks to our hosts and , all of our amazing speakers, and our sponsors and for helping make this workshop possible.

And most importantly - thank you to everyone who joined us, shared ideas, and helped strengthen the parks and recreation community across Arizona! 💚

to conference season and the volunteers who help make it all happen 🙌🏼Want to volunteer at Arizona Parks and Recreatio...
05/01/2026

to conference season and the volunteers who help make it all happen 🙌🏼

Want to volunteer at Arizona Parks and Recreation Association’s 76th Annual Conference (Aug. 31–Sept. 2, 2026) and save $200–$300 on registration? 💸

Volunteer for one 4-hour shift (full shift required for discount), meet parks & rec pros from across Arizona, and help make conference week happen!

Learn more + sign up: members.azpra.org/conferencecalendar/Details/volunteers-apra-76th-annual-conference-1691292

04/29/2026

⏰ Tick tock… this is your final call.

There’s still time to shine - submit your nominations for the APRA Annual Awards before the clock runs out! 🌟

🗓 Deadline: Tomorrow, April 30 at 5 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to recognize the incredible people, programs, and projects making a difference across Arizona parks & recreation.

🔗 Get the details + submit here: https://azpra.org/annual-conference/annualawards/

Big stage. Arizona voice. 👏🏼 Shoutout to one of our own, Brandon Washington, Recreation Superintendent for and co-chair...
04/22/2026

Big stage. Arizona voice. 👏🏼

Shoutout to one of our own, Brandon Washington, Recreation Superintendent for and co-chair of APRA’s Conference Committee, for being featured by !

If you’ve ever been to the NRPA Annual Conference - or are heading to Philly this year - you know it’s equal parts inspiring and overwhelming. Brandon’s blog breaks it down with real, practical advice to help you make the most of it.

His takeaways are simple but powerful:
➡️ Take five seconds of courage
➡️ Get involved (don’t just attend)
➡️ Lean into your state association (hey, that’s us 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼)
➡️ Give yourself permission to be both inspired and exhausted

We’re proud to see Arizona leadership helping shape the experience for parks and rec professionals nationwide.

Read Brandon’s full blog via NRPA: https://tinyurl.com/4hen48ja

04/17/2026

PSA: The workshop isn’t for another two weeks… ✌🏻
so yeah - you’ve still got time.

Join us in Prescott for the Northern Arizona Educational Workshop - two days of connection, learning, and just the right amount of Whiskey Row networking 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

The Power of Connection: Linking People, Parks and Possibilities
🗓 April 30 - May 1
🎟 Register: https://members.azpra.org/ap/Events/Register/aZFv492SvCqCZ
(0.5 CEUs available)

Hosted by & and sponsored by and

Address

125 E Commonwealth Avenue
Chandler, AZ
85225

Telephone

(602) 335-1962

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