Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS)

10/07/2026

🚨Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn will announce a major new investment of state funding to support recreation and conservation projects across 60 counties in Pennsylvania.

Watch live today at 1:00 pm.

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY Tuesday, October 6, 2026 MEDIA CONTACT: Governor’s Press Office [email protected] MEDIA ADVISORY: TOMORR

10/07/2026

Don't forget about the Community Parks & Programs Exchange in St. Marys. Sign up now! PRPS.org/events

Join us for this in-person learning and networking experience focused on planning, funding, and delivering parks and recreation upgrades in your area. The Community Parks and Programs Exchange is designed for local municipal managers, elected officials, recreation board members, volunteers, and park champions looking to increase or improve their community's park and recreation offerings.

Learn more and register at: https://prps.org/events/2026/26stmarys

10/06/2026

A lot of great education sessions are planned for this month and next! Check it out and for more detail and registration go to: PRPS.org/events

10/06/2026

Four webinars loaded with tips, techniques, and procedures for designing, restoring and maintaining safe and inviting playgrounds.

Date/Topic
October 13 - The Dirty Dozen of Playground Maintenance (.1 CEU Group A)
October 20 - Playground Inspection and Maintenance. (.1 CEU Group A)
October 22 - All Ages, All Abilities, All the Time (.1 CEU Group B)
October 27 - Playground Surfacing and Use Zones (.1 CEU Group B)
PLAYGROUND MAINTENANCE SERIES
Playgrounds are an important feature of many parks and facilities. They attract families, provide exercise and appropriate risks for children and help to build community. However, it is up to agencies to ensure that their playgrounds are safe, attractive and inclusive. However, over 40% of reported playground accidents are linked to poor maintenance. Besides the risks to our children, improperly maintained playgrounds pose a real risk to our most vulnerable users and expose agencies and program providers to potential legal action.
Register now at PRPS.org/events

10/06/2026

10/05/2026

Get the Download on Data Centers in Pennsylvania

Data centers are a backbone of the digital economy, sustaining the modern internet and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. However, data centers pose potential harms to communities generally, and to park and recreation facilities specifically. Data centers can generate substantial and constant noise, emit harmful air pollution, hog and pollute local water supplies, increase the cost of electricity, and create problems for the local electric grid among other issues.

Scores of data centers have been proposed across Pennsylvania. For example, six data center campuses comprising 51 buildings have been proposed for land adjacent to municipal parks and one state park in the small Borough of Archbald in Lackawanna County.

Learn more and register today: https://prps.org/events/2026/26recrep2

Join us Wednesday, October 14 for this roundtable!

The Rec Report is a roundtable discussion series stemming from the Governmental Affairs Committee, bringing parks and recreation professionals together to tackle the hot-button policy and legislative issues shaping our sector. Each session dives into emerging legislation, policy shifts, and real-world impacts — giving practitioners a seat at the table to share insights, ask questions, and stay ahead of the curve.

This session will focus on data center legislation. Rob Altenburg of PennFuture will lead it; PennFuture advocates for clean air, pure water, and access to natural resources for all Pennsylvanians.

Register now: https://prps.org/events/2026/26recrep2

10/02/2026

Join us Wednesday, October 14 for this roundtable!

The Rec Report is a roundtable discussion series stemming from the Governmental Affairs Committee, bringing parks and recreation professionals together to tackle the hot-button policy and legislative issues shaping our sector. Each session dives into emerging legislation, policy shifts, and real-world impacts — giving practitioners a seat at the table to share insights, ask questions, and stay ahead of the curve.

This session will focus on data center legislation. Rob Altenburg of PennFuture will lead it; PennFuture advocates for clean air, pure water, and access to natural resources for all Pennsylvanians.

Register now: https://prps.org/events/2026/26recrep2

09/30/2026

🛝⚠️ Did you know over 40% of reported playground accidents are linked to poor maintenance?
Keep your agency's play spaces safe, inviting, and compliant with our 2026 TMI Fall Playground Maintenance Webinar Series! Kickoff is this October, featuring four focused, 1-hour virtual sessions designed to help you catch minor issues before they become major liabilities:
📅 Oct 13: The Dirty Dozen of Playground Maintenance
📅 Oct 20: Playground Inspection & Maintenance
📅 Oct 22: All Ages, All Abilities, All the Time (Universal Design)
📅 Oct 27: Playground Surfacing & Use Zones
All sessions take place live from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (and are recorded for later viewing). Plus, earned CEUs can be applied toward CPSI or CPRP/E recertifications!
Sign up for individual sessions or lock in the full series discount!
🔗 https://prps.org/events/2026/26fall-8

09/30/2026

Over 300 PA attendees are attending the NRPA Conference in Philadelphia. Way to represent PA! National Recreation and Park Association

09/30/2026

The registration deadline is Friday, October 2!

Join PRPS Education Manager, Kealy Daye, CPRP, to review, study, and prepare for the Certified Park & Recreation Professional examination.

Virtual class meets Fridays, October 9 - November 13, 2026. This 6-week online, interactive course helps Recreation and Park Professionals prepare for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Examination. The CPRP is a widely recognized certification in the field, based on peer-identified skills and responsibilities, and indicating professional competency.

Using NRPA’s Official Study Guide (6th edition) for the CPRP Examination, participants will work together in a cohort to review chapters, discuss materials, and prepare for the exam. Each week focuses on a specific chapter and key points to master. Sessions will include reviews, study exercises, discussions, practice exams, and test-taking strategies. At the end of the course, all candidates will be well prepared to take and pass the CPRP examination.

Register at prps.org/events