NDRPA Partner Webinars
NDRPA is excited to partner with Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) to offer NDRPA members the Skills Development Webinar Series. The series provides park and recreation professionals with access to monthly professional development opportunities from the comfort of their home or office. NDRPA members can get an early bird rate for all 11 webinars for $275 before Jan. 31. Cost is $300 after that date. Monthly webinars from February through December showcase nationally known speakers, industry leaders and topics like inclusion, better communications, cultural competence and integrated marketing, among other timely topics. Two registration options are available: Wednesdays or Thursdays.
2024 CPRP and CPRE Virtual Exam Preparation Programs
NDRPA is also partnering with Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) to offer NDRPA members the 2024 exam preparation programs for Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Certified Park and Recreation (CPRE) certifications. Each program includes six classes and will train and prepare participants to successfully sit for the exams. Each class will focus on a different aspect of the test found in the study guides. There will be a Series A and Series B for each program. Program space is limited. The registration deadline for Series A is Thursday, Feb. 15 or 40 registrants. Series B registration will be posted when it is available. NDRPA members may register with a discount code to save $20 on course registration. Contact NDRPA for the discount code.
Cohort/Peer Mentor Program
NDRPA is launching a cohort/peer mentor program to connect park and recreation professionals across the state to share resources and knowledge. The program has a two-method approach:
Info-share workshop
NDRPA members are invited to host info-share workshops as part of the NDRPA Cohort/Peer Mentor Program. The info-share workshops are an opportunity for park and recreation professionals to share their expertise on a specific topic and encourage peer-to-peer learning. Thank you to Mandan Park District for hosting the first info-share workshop on ice maintenance in September and to those who participated!
NDRPA is requesting feedback from members on potential future info-share workshop topics and seeking hosts. Please submit your feedback by Monday, April 26.
Connect Through NDRPA Cohorts
NDRPA Cohorts are beginning to meet virtually into the first quarter of 2024. We have an additional cohort that has been added to the program – Young Professionals. If members are interested in connecting with their peers from across the state, please email the cohort lead directly to be added to the participation list. Below is the list of cohorts along with the lead contact emails.
- Afterschool/Summer Programs: Jessica Claiborn, kidstop@roughridercenter.com
- Aquatics: Ryan Geerdes, rgeerdes@bisparks.org
- Campgrounds: Martha Willand, mwilland@bisparks.org
- Directors: George Hellyer, ghellyer@gfparks.org
- Finance & Human Resources: Jeff Lancaster, jlancaster@gfparks.org
- Fitness Facilities: Caleb Burgard, cburgard@dickinsonparks.org
- Forestry: Sean Lee, slee@gfparks.org
- Foundations: Kelly Thomas, kthomas@mandanparks.com
- Ice Arenas: Dave Frueh, dfrueh@mandanparks.com
- Marketing & Special Events: Kelly Thomas, kthomas@mandanparks.com
- Parks & Park Maintenance: Josh Mathern, josh@wfparks.org
- Recreation Programming: Amy Pederson, amyp@vcparks.com
- Young Professionals: Joe Barsh, joeb@wprd.us
If your park district is interested in hosting a future info-share workshop or you’re interested in participating in a cohort, please contact NDRPA at 701-355-4458.
NRPA Learning Opportunities
NRPA Webinars
NRPA offers a broad range of programming to help members stay up-to-date on conservation, health and wellness, and social equity. Brought to you by NRPA and subject matter experts in the field.