Why we Exist
Recreation and Parks have the ability to bring people together, enhance wellbeing, and build communities that are more engaged and healthier places to live, work, and play. We believe that recreation and parks should be inclusive, with every group and individual welcomed and valued.
Since 1951, the Alberta Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA) has been committed to supporting our diverse members and partners to (re) create healthy citizens, communities, and environments where recreation and parks are recognized as essential to enhancing the wellbeing of all Albertans. Investing in recreation provides economic benefits, and furthermore, individuals and communities benefit from lifelong participation in recreation experiences for all ages;
What We Do
We provide leadership & advocacy to ensure the recreation and parks sector is recognized and supported for its vital contributions to enhancing the wellbeing of individuals, communities and the natural and built environments.
We work to ensure the experience of Indigenous peoples in recreation and parks are recognized and enabled with a holistic approach drawn from traditional values and cultures. Like many of us in the recreation and parks sector, ARPA is on its own reconciliation journey with diverse Indigenous peoples and communities across Alberta. Our goal is that through our actions we demonstrate our dedication to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
How We Do it
Deliver programs that enhance the quality of life of Albertans.
- Communities ChooseWell: A Healthy Eating and Active Living Program offered in support with Alberta Health
- Walking With Indigenous Communities: Resources to help the recreation and parks sector move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation.
- June is Recreation and Parks Month(JRPM): We recognize June as JRPM. Celebrating JRPM draws attention to the benefits of recreation and parks for individual Albertans and communities. As a part of JRPM we recognize June as National Indigenous History Month. Throughout June we honor the history, heritage, and diversity of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) in Canada.
- HIGH FIVE®: provides a range of training, assessment tools and resources to ensure that organizations deliver the highest quality programs possible.
- Communities in Bloom: Aims to inspire communities to enhance the quality of life and our environment through people and plants in order to create community pride.
- SPARC Alberta: Focuses on envisioning a future where all children and youth have access to quality sport and recreation environments that foster equity, diversity, and inclusion in their own communities.
- Recreation for Life Foundation: A provincial not-for-profit charitable agency that raises funds to support the programs and initiatives of the Alberta Recreation & Parks Association
Provide educational and professional development opportunities
Host key sector events
- ARPA’s Annual Conference
- Park’s School
- Leader’s Summit
- Alberta Healthy Communities Symposium
- Youth Development Through Recreation Services Symposium
*Visit our upcoming events page to learn more about the events listed above.
What You Can Do
Together, we are committed to ensuring Albertans use recreation and parks as essential resources for enhancing the well-being of individuals, communities and our natural and built environments.
Interested in helping us? Here’s what you can do:
- Volunteer. By contributing your time, you are helping to shape the recreation and parks sector.
- Donate. If you share our belief that recreation and parks are a public good and essential to individual and community wellbeing please consider making a donation!
- Sponsor an event. We host a variety of events to promote knowledge, inspiration, and collaboration for the recreation and parks sector.
- Become a 2023 JRPM Ambassador. Calling all passionate recreation and parks people! We are looking for ambassadors to help us promote June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM)!
- Become a member. The ARPA membership community is made up of diverse recreation and parks professionals who are working together to build healthier and more engaged communities!
- Follow us on social media. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @arpaonline for all things recreation and parks!
