FOCUS
FOCUS is the official magazine of NDRPA. It is distributed quarterly via email to more than 900 park and recreation professionals. FOCUS is dedicated to informing NDRPA members about trends in the park and recreation industry, training opportunities, association news, and updates on people and projects around the state.
CALL FOR ARTICLES
NDRPA members are encouraged to submit articles and photographs that showcase parks and recreation facilities, programs, projects and staff as well as story ideas and other relevant materials for park and recreation professionals. Email articles for potential publication to NDRPA. The 2026 deadlines for submitting articles for FOCUS are as follows:
| Issue | Submission Deadline | Estimated Distribution Date |
| Winter | Jan. 15 | Feb. 15 |
| Spring | April 15 | May 15 |
| Summer | July 15 | Aug. 15 |
| Fall | Oct. 15 | Nov. 15 |
ADVERTISE
Interested in promoting your company’s products and services to park and recreation decision makers throughout the state of North Dakota? Contact NDRPA or call 701-355-4458 with questions, or click here to reserve your advertising space in FOCUS.
2026 FOCUS Advertising Rates
| Ad Size* | One Issue | Two or Three Issues | Four Issues |
| Full Page | $240 | $225 each | $800 total ($200 each) |
| Half Page | $190 | $175 each | $600 total ($150 each) |
| Quarter Page | $165 | $150 each | $500 total ($125 each) |
| Insert supplied by advertiser | $375 |
Ad Mechanics*
| Size | Dimension |
| Full Page | 8” wide x 10” tall |
| Half Page Horizontal | 8” wide x 5” tall |
| Half Page Vertical | 4” wide x 10” tall |
| Quarter Page | 4” wide x 5” tall |
| Insert | Must be provided to printer specifications – contact NDRPA for details |
* Ads should be submitted electronically at 300 dpi resolution in .jpg, .tiff, .eps or .pdf format by the issue deadline specified above.
Professional Directory
NDRPA publishes a professional directory every two years. It is a helpful reference that includes contact information for agencies and organizations involved in parks and recreation in North Dakota. It will be distributed exclusively to NDRPA members in fall 2026. click here to reserve your advertising space in the professional directory. Members can contact NDRPA for access to the 2026-2027 professional directory.
| Ad Size | Ad Dimensions | Ad Rates |
| Full Page | 4.75” wide x 7.5” tall | $395 |
| Half Page | 4.75” wide x 3.75” tall | $245 |
* Ads should be submitted electronically at 300 dpi resolution in .jpg, .tiff, .eps or .pdf format by the issue deadline specified above.
eUpdate
NDRPA eUpdate is distributed the 15th of each month – the deadline for submissions is the 10th. Submissions will be accepted via email from NDRPA agency, professional, allied and education members. NDRPA eUpdate will include short blurbs on timely events and news that would be of interest to a majority of NDRPA members.
Park Board Manual
2026 North Dakota Park Board Manual
The 2026 North Dakota Park Board Manual is a practical resource designed to help North Dakota park board commissioners and staff effectively fulfill their governance responsibilities.
Updated to reflect current North Dakota Century Code, the manual covers topics including board roles and responsibilities, meetings, financial oversight, strategic planning, personnel, ethics, and more. It also includes links to applicable state statutes and access to the online Park Board Template & Resource Library, featuring sample policies, agreements, job descriptions, and other practical resources contributed by North Dakota park districts.
The manual is available free as an NDRPA member benefit. Nonmembers may purchase the manual for a nominal fee.
To request access to the Park Board Manual, contact the NDRPA office or call 701-355-4458.
Essentials of Park Board Service Webinar
Complementing the 2026 North Dakota Park Board Manual, this webinar features experienced North Dakota park board commissioners sharing practical insights on effective board service.
Topics include:
- Roles and responsibilities of park board commissioners
- Effective board leadership
- Building strong communities
- Lessons learned from experienced commissioners
Featured Panelists: Paula Redmann, Bismarck; Kerry Waldo, Ellendale; and Joe Deutsch, Fargo.
Free to access and watch: Essentials of Park Board Service.