Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS)

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Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Texas Recreation & Park Society, established in 1937, advances Parks & Recreation in Texas through Community, Advocacy, Resources & Education - TRAPS Cares

The Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that consists of approximately 2,000 parks and recreation professionals, students and citizen advocates who share a common passion for advocacy, education, networking and offering quality services to their communities.

Financial sustainability isn't just about balancing budgets. It's about the thinking, discipline, and leadership behind ...
10/30/2026

Financial sustainability isn't just about balancing budgets. It's about the thinking, discipline, and leadership behind every financial decision.

The 2026 Financial Sustainability Certificate Program (FSCP) helps parks and rec professionals:

✅ Clarify purpose and align resources with what matters most
✅ Build cost recovery and investment strategies rooted in equity and stewardship
✅ Understand the math behind long-term sustainability
✅ Turn "efficiency" from a buzzword into real practice
✅ Make decisions that reduce pressure, strengthen trust and uphold organizational integrity
✅ Shift from "how we've always done it" to future-ready decision-making

Increase your financial literacy, network with Texas professionals, and earn 1.5 CEUs. Secure your seat today: https://membership.traps.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2070277&group

Close out the 2027 TRAPS State Institute with a story worth hearing. 🎬Award-winning wildlife filmmaker and director Ben ...
10/29/2026

Close out the 2027 TRAPS State Institute with a story worth hearing. 🎬

Award-winning wildlife filmmaker and director Ben Masters will join us Thursday, February 18, as our closing keynote, sharing stories from his newest film, Deep in the Heart II: Texas Rivers, which celebrates one of Texas’ most vital natural resources: water.

He’ll take us behind the scenes of filming Texas wildlife, from East Texas snapping turtles to Panhandle turkeys and West Texas mountain lions, and share why nothing replaces time outdoors.

Want to host your own screening of Deep in the Heart II: Texas Rivers? Check out our screening toolkit for ideas on how to make it an impactful event: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHUXZDlSQ8/HlMzA76cxzna1uuM-8A-wA/view?utm_content=DAHUXZDlSQ8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h8a028f5c7e

Your next connection starts here! The TRAPS event calendar brings together workshops, networking events, and learning op...
10/26/2026

Your next connection starts here! The TRAPS event calendar brings together workshops, networking events, and learning opportunities for parks and recreation professionals across Texas. Find an event near you and get involved: https://membership.traps.org/events/event_list.asp

Congratulations to the newly elected and re-elected members of the 2027 TRAPS Board of Directors! 🎉⭐️ President-Elect: L...
10/23/2026

Congratulations to the newly elected and re-elected members of the 2027 TRAPS Board of Directors! 🎉

⭐️ President-Elect: Lauren Shrum, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, City of Schertz (Current Central Region Director)
⭐️ At Large Director 2: Sydney Elliott, Administrative Superintendent, City of DeSoto (Re-elected)
⭐️ East Region Director: Michelle Blunt, Senior Services Manager, City of West University Place (Newly Elected)
⭐️ North Region Director: Jennifer Kashner, Recreation Manager, City of Grapevine (Re-elected)
⭐️ South Region Director: Sara Sharp, Assistant to the Director, City of San Antonio (Re-elected)

They’ll be sworn in at Institute 2027 in Irving, TX. We can’t wait to see what this group accomplishes!

Finally, a special thank you to Megan Mainer, Past President (City of Brenham), and Pamela Woods, East Region Director (The Woodlands Township), whose terms end February 18, 2027. Your service, dedication, and guidance have helped shape TRAPS and set us up for continued success. We are grateful!

Learn more: https://traps.org/2027-2028-branch-leadership/

It’s Unplug Texas Day! 🎉 Screens down, parks up. Join us as we get outside and plug into adventure by visiting a local p...
10/21/2026

It’s Unplug Texas Day! 🎉 Screens down, parks up.

Join us as we get outside and plug into adventure by visiting a local park, trail, open space, or join a favorite recreation program. Together, let’s celebrate the parks and rec professionals who build healthier, happier communities.

Learn more: https://traps.org/unplug-texas/

Get ready to Unplug, Texas! Tomorrow, October 21, is Unplug Texas Day, a statewide initiative led by TRAPS. Set the scre...
10/20/2026

Get ready to Unplug, Texas!

Tomorrow, October 21, is Unplug Texas Day, a statewide initiative led by TRAPS. Set the screens aside and rediscover the joy of parks, recreation, and the great outdoors. Hit a local trail, spend time at your neighborhood park, or join a favorite recreation program.

From the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, let’s celebrate the parks and rec professionals who build healthier, happier communities!

Learn how you can get involved today! https://traps.org/unplug-texas/

10/15/2026

The State Award submissions deadline is TOMORROW - Friday, October 16!

The TRAPS 2027 Annual Awards are officially open and the deadline is coming fast!

Each year, TRAPS recognizes the excellence across the state of Texas, celebrating the outstanding efforts in the field of Parks and Recreation--and this year we're raising the bar even higher!

NEW this year:
- Park Professional of the Year
- Recreation Professional of the Year
- Texas Top 10 — a brand-new program spotlighting 10 standout parks, recreation, and cultural arts initiatives from across the state

Know someone or an organization doing incredible work? Now's the time to nominate them! The submission deadline is next Friday, Oct. 16. Don’t wait - SUBMIT TODAY! https://traps.org/state-awards/

We have several IPRA Skills Development Webinar Series coming up in the month of October! TRAPS has teamed up with the I...
10/09/2026

We have several IPRA Skills Development Webinar Series coming up in the month of October! TRAPS has teamed up with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to bring quality online learning straight to Texas professionals!

The Skills Development Webinar Series provides access to 11 monthly IPRA webinars offering up to 1.1 CEUs a year. Group participation is encouraged, so login with one computer and invite your whole team! And there's an exclusive TRAPS Member Discount for just $100 with code TRAPS2026 (valid through 12/17/26).

The upcoming webinars take place October 14 and October 15. Learn more, register today, and don't forget the TRAPS discount code!
https://www.ilipra.org/skills-development-webinar-series/�

10/05/2026

Get ready to put your skills to the test! �The TRAPS’ South Region Maintenance Rodeo is right around the corner! Join fellow parks and recreation professionals for a day of friendly competition, hands-on challenges and plenty of fun as teams showcase the skills that keep our parks and facilities at their best.�

South Region Maintenance Rodeo�October 8 | Corpus Christi�

Don’t miss your chance to compete, connect with fellow professionals and represent your team. Registration deadline is TODAY! Register now: https://membership.traps.org/events/event_list.asp

Financial sustainability isn't just about balancing budgets, it's about the thinking, discipline, and leadership behind ...
09/25/2026

Financial sustainability isn't just about balancing budgets, it's about the thinking, discipline, and leadership behind every financial decision.

The 2026 Financial Sustainability Certificate Program (FSCP) helps parks and rec professionals:

➡️ Clarify purpose and align resources with what matters most
➡️ Build cost recovery and investment strategies rooted in equity and stewardship
➡️ Understand the math behind long-term sustainability
➡️ Turn "efficiency" from a buzzword into real practice
➡️ Make decisions that reduce pressure, strengthen trust and uphold organizational integrity
➡️ Shift from "how we've always done it" to future-ready decision-making

Increase your financial literacy, network with Texas professionals, and earn 1.5 CEUs. Secure your seat today: https://membership.traps.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2070277&group=

Address

18593 FM-1431
Jonestown, TX
78645

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

(512) 267-5550

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