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Sections

CPRA has a variety of Sections and Interest Groups that we encourage our members to join and participate in.

Active Adult Programming and Services (AAPS) section is composed of those persons who work within adult programming and services including, active adults, seniors, baby boomers, and any person 18 years and older, both in the recreation and therapeutic settings.

AAPS Meetings are held the quarterly at various recreation and therapeutic centers around the state. AAPS Meetings are posted on the main CPRA Calendar and all meetings are open to CPRA members, non-members are welcome to attend 1 or 2 meetings on a trial basis.  If you have any questions please contact AAPS Chair, Debbi Haynie.

 

The main purpose of this section is to increase the knowledge and professionalism of those involved in all aspects of aquatics through workshops, meetings and special training events.

Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at various recreation/ aquatic centers around the state. Aquatics Meetings are posted on the main CPRA Calendar and all meetings are open to CPRA members, non-members are welcome to attend 1 or 2 meetings on a trial basis.

If you have any questions, please contact Aquatics Chair, Sara Schmalfeldt.

Colorado Association of Recreational Athletics (CARA) promotes the development of athletics and encourages the standardization of rules and classifications in games and competition. CARA holds local, regional, and state competitions in youth athletics throughout the state.

The CARA Section caters to any and all Parks & Recreation Professionals working in areas related to youth sports and programming. Meetings are held for CARA Section members on the second Wednesday of each month at various recreation centers around the state and virtually. CARA Meetings are posted on the main CPRA Calendar and all meetings are open to CPRA members. Non-members are welcome to attend 1 or 2 meetings on a trial basis.

CARA program teams and participants can learn more about current sport offerings and seasons on our CARA TeamSideline page. Please note all participant registrations will be handled by your local Parks & Recreation agency. Teams will register with CPRA by working with a CARA Chair for the relevant sport or program.

All privately owned teams will need to apply to participate in any CARA program and become a CPRA Ally Member. 

For any questions about CARA programs, please reach out to Interim CARA Chair, Weston Dulin.

The CARA Philosophy
The CARA program was created and designed to be a program with a strong recreational format for the
non-ranked, non-sanctioned participant. Competition has its place in the program and all participants are
encouraged to do their best, but it must be emphasized that this is of secondary importance. The
development of skills and sportsmanship, while stressing participation for all and assuring each
participant experience some degree of success are the main goals of this program.

Goals and Objectives
To ensure the participation of all team members in league play.
To develop a strong sense of sportsmanship and fair play in each player.
To teach the basics of sports skills, as well as, meet/game play to the average participant.
To make participation in a CARA event a fun and enjoyable experience for all participants.
To ensure that recreation and its philosophy govern the coaching methods, attitude, and
objectives of the coach and team.

The Directors Section is open to any CPRA member in good standing.  
This section promotes the profession of parks and recreation through mentoring and professional support of fellow members: by sharing knowledge, best practices, innovations and trends, and by providing educational opportunities.  

Meetings are held quarterly, typically on Thursdays in a variety of locations.  All section and CPRA members are invited.  

Discussion typically include section business, trends & best practices, leadership development opportunities.

Directors Section Meetings are posted on the main CPRA Calendar and all meetings are open to CPRA members, non-members are welcome to attend 1 or 2 meetings on a trial basis.

Please contact Directors Chair, Travis Haines, for more information.

 

 

 

Emerging Leaders Network is an interest group and a subsection of the Directors section for CPRA. We are open to any CPRA member in good standing. We work in conjunction with the Directors Section to provide networking and career growth opportunities for professionals looking to become stronger leaders in their field.

We hold monthly meetings on the 3rd Thursday of the month as well as quarterly networking events. If you are interested in joining as a CPRA member or want to me more involved, email Katy French for more information.

Mentorship Program

Stay tuned for information on the 2025 Mentorship Program.

The CPRA Facility Management Section is committed to the development of recreation facility professionals through education, networking, collaboration, and idea-sharing. 

We meet quarterly dates, times & locations varying throughout the front range.  

Discussions include: Facility management, operations, customer service, staffing, budgets, vendors, projects, design/renovation, fees, marketing/promotions, membership issues, safety/security issues and much more!

Facility Management Section Meetings are posted on the main CPRA Calendar and all meetings are open to CPRA members, non-members are welcome to attend 1 or 2 meetings on a trial basis.

Please contact FM Chair, Scott Hickman, for more information.

Click here to be put on the Emergency Contact List for Facility Management

Click here to access the Emergency Contact List for Facility Management

* PLEASE NOTE this list is not to be used to solicit, advertise, post career openings, or any other general communications.  This list is ONLY to be used for urgent communications or in case of emergencies. 

The mission of the Fitness Section is to provide education for professionals and the community through Fitness in the Rockies, share program ideas and industry trends, understand the industry through membership support, and enhance fitness/wellness representation within CPRA through networking meetings.

If you have any questions about the Fitness section or if you'd like to get involved, please contact Fitness Chair, Suzi Shankweiler.

This section provides educational workshops and activities for professionals involved with all phases of park maintenance and operation.  This section is well known for its Parks Workshop and Trade show in the spring.

Meetings are monthly and virtual to encourage attendance from around the state. Topics include a wide variety of Parks related issues from maintenance and projects to management and public interaction strategies. All parks section members are welcome!

Park's Section Meetings are posted on the main CPRA Calendar and all meetings are open to CPRA members, non-members are welcome to attend 1 or 2 meetings on a trial basis.

Please contact Parks Chair, Jared Musil, for more information.

Preschool Licensing Activities and Youth Section (PLAaY) provides recreational and development opportunities for children, youth and teens through a collaborative effort of agencies throughout the state. PLAaY also addresses the unique issues of licensed childcare programs, shares program ideas and provides educational opportunities for professionals.

The PLAaY Section meets quarterly and anyone interested in pre-school and school age programming is invited.  We typically discuss licensing issues, PLAY Conference, team building, staff training, and recognition.

PLAaY's Section Meetings are posted on the main CPRA Calendar and all meetings are open to CPRA members, non-members are welcome to attend 1 or 2 meetings on a trial basis.

Please contact Kelly Dubois, PLAaY Chair, for more information.

The Therapeutic Recreation Society of Colorado (TRSC) serves therapeutic recreation specialist, those programming for special populations and inclusion through professional workshops and regular meetings throughout the year.  TRSC strives to provide resources and opportunities for TR practitioners in both community and clinical settings in Colorado.

For more information, please contact TRSC Chair, Emily Nelsen.

TRSC Meetings are held monthly at various locations around the state. TRSC meetings are posted on the main CPRA Calendar and all meetings are open to CPRA members, non-members are welcome to attend 1 or 2 meetings on a trial basis.

 
 

 

 

Women's+ Interest Group - Please contact Courtney Wallace.

Marketing Group - Please contact Monica Bowser.

Note:  Registration and attendance at, or participation in, CPRA meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to CPRA's use and distribution of the registrant or attendee's image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions and audiotapes of such events and activities.