Our Story
The New York State Recreation & Park Society (NYSRPS) was founded in 1940, by a passionate group of park and recreation professionals dedicated to protecting and advancing the industry. Recognizing the power of collective action, they united to strengthen their impact and advocate for parks and recreation across the region. In 1960, this visionary group officially incorporated, establishing the organization that continues to serve and support professionals across New York State today.
For over 80 years, NYSRPS has been a trusted, independent nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the leisure service industry. As a professional membership association, we are committed to advocating for the value of parks and recreation, providing resources for professional development, fostering collaboration among industry leaders, and promoting the growth and sustainability of leisure services throughout New York State.
The Society includes over 500 recreation and park professionals from across New York State, ranging from Long Island to Niagara Falls and Lake Placid to New York City. Members benefit from a variety of programs and services designed to enhance their skills as recreation providers. To fulfill the mission of NYSRPS, the organization focuses on several key areas to help support our membership and the future of our profession.
Our Foundation
NYSRPS has been the premier professional membership organization for park, recreation, and therapeutic recreation professionals across New York State. This success is grounded in our commitment to the founding principles that allow us to serve our members in a meaningful way.
To better understand the foundation of NYSRPS, we invite you to explore the By-Laws and Constitution, which outline the core values upon which the Society was built. Our Strategic Plan demonstrates how these foundational goals will be achieved, while the Annual Report provides an overview of our progress.
NYSRPS exists due to the unwavering support of our members and the dedicated volunteers who help advance our mission. We unite as a collective voice to advocate for the park, recreation, and therapeutic recreation professions. If you are seeking to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the greater good of the industry, we invite you to join us and explore the various opportunities to serve.
- Annual Conference Committee
- Public Policy Committee
- Recognition and Awards Committee
- Friends Committee
