2026 NRPA Conference Recap & Photos (Below)

Hello, NRPEMS Family!

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our Annual Business Meeting during the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference! Your engagement, enthusiasm, and continued commitment to the National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society (NRPEMS) are what make this organization special.

It was wonderful connecting with so many of you, celebrating our accomplishments, and sharing our vision for the year ahead. We have some exciting opportunities on the horizon and look forward to continuing our work to promote connection, education, professional growth, and belonging throughout the parks and recreation profession.

Highlights from the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference

This year's conference provided wonderful opportunities to reconnect, celebrate, learn, and strengthen our NRPEMS community.

A few highlights included:

  • NRPEMS Annual Business Meeting: An opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, discuss organizational priorities, and engage members in shaping our future.
  • NRPEMS Social at Fringe Bar: A fantastic evening of networking, reconnecting with colleagues, and building new relationships.
  • NRPEMS Annual Luncheon: A celebration of leadership, service, professional excellence, and the individuals and organizations making a difference in our profession. Thank you to our sponsors: USTA, TORO, NRPA, & Gametime.
  • Urban Parks Tour in Columbus: An opportunity to explore community-centered parks and recreation initiatives and learn from the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
  • Recognition and Awards: Celebrating the outstanding contributions of professionals and partners who continue to advance the mission and values of NRPEMS.

Thank you to our volunteers, committee members, sponsors, presenters, and everyone who helped make these events successful!

Looking Ahead: An Exciting Year for NRPEMS!

We have a lot planned, and we want our members to be part of bringing these initiatives to life!

Research and Training: We are developing our Lunch & Learn schedule and identifying relevant educational topics, professional development opportunities, and resources that support our members and their agencies.

P4 Equity Summit – DeSoto, Texas: We are accepting session proposals and preparing for meaningful conversations, learning experiences, and opportunities to explore equity, access, and belonging in parks and recreation.

Houston 2027: We are exploring fundraising initiatives, networking opportunities, and coordinating a Day of Service during next year's NRPA Annual Conference.

Membership Engagement: We want to strengthen connections across generations, celebrate the contributions of our members, engage students and emerging professionals, and create opportunities for everyone to contribute to NRPEMS.

Get Involved – Join an NRPEMS Committee!

Our organization thrives because of members who share their time, knowledge, talents, and ideas. Whether you are an emerging professional, a seasoned leader, or a retired member who wants to remain connected, there is a place for you!

We invite you to consider serving on one of the following committees:

  • Program Committee: Coordinates scholarships, networking socials, the annual luncheon, special events, and opportunities for member engagement.
  • Research and Training Committee: Develops educational opportunities, Lunch & Learn sessions, professional development programming, research initiatives, and resources that support members and the profession.
  • Marketing Committee: Supports communications, promotions, social media, branding, and outreach to increase awareness of NRPEMS programs, events, and opportunities.
  • Finance Committee: Supports financial planning, budgeting, financial stewardship, and strategies that promote the long-term sustainability of NRPEMS.
  • Fundraising Committee: Develops creative fundraising opportunities, including Double Good Popcorn campaigns, raffles, 50/50 drawings, sponsorships, and other initiatives that support NRPEMS programs and activities.
  • Historical Committee: Preserves and celebrates the history and legacy of NRPEMS, with a special focus on engaging retired members, recognizing legacy members, documenting their contributions, and connecting generations of professionals.
    • Necrology (including Chaplain responsibilities): A subset of the Historical Committee dedicated to acknowledging members who have passed away, honoring their lives and contributions, and providing opportunities for remembrance and reflection.
  • Student and Emerging Professional Committee: Creates opportunities for students and emerging professionals to connect, grow, and become involved in NRPEMS. This includes coordinating mentorship opportunities, fostering intergenerational relationships, and supporting leadership development and career advancement.

We Want YOU to Be Part of What's Next!

We know our members have incredible experiences, perspectives, and talents to share. Whether you are interested in helping plan an event, developing educational opportunities, mentoring the next generation, preserving our history, or supporting our organizational growth, your involvement matters.

If you are interested in joining a committee, please email Jonelle Bailey at Jonelleb@sycparks.org and indicate which committee you would like to serve on.

We also welcome your suggestions for Lunch & Learn topics, future programming, fundraising ideas, and ways NRPEMS can continue to be a valuable resource for you and your agency.

NRPEMS has a rich history built by dedicated professionals who believed in creating opportunities, opening doors, and ensuring that all voices have a place in parks and recreation. As we honor that legacy, we also have an opportunity to build upon it and continue moving our organization forward.

Thank you again for your commitment, energy, and continued support. We have an exciting year ahead, and I look forward to working with all of you to make it meaningful and memorable.

Together, we will continue building connections, creating opportunities, celebrating our legacy, and strengthening our NRPEMS family!

With appreciation,

Khalid Salahuddin
President