Recreation professionals working to improve public places and recreation in South Dakota.
Paige O’Farrell of Sioux Falls, SD, and Logan Haak of Yankton, SD, have each been named the recipient of a $2,000 scholarship presented by the South Dakota Parks and Recreation Association. The scholarships are an investment in our youth and the future parks and recreation in South Dakota.
Learn how these students are already making a name for themselves in the field of parks and recreation.
The annual SDPRA Conference is nearly here! View the full agenda online. Make sure you bring clothes and equipment appropriate for the sessions and activities you signed up for – and remember that this year’s banquet has a tailgating theme, so no suits and ties required! If you’re able to contribute to the silent auction benefiting our scholarship fund, it’s not too late – just bring it with you to the conference. See you there!
Applications are now being accepted for grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Public outdoor recreation projects sponsored by city, county, township and tribal governments are eligible to receive the grant money. The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides up to 50 percent reimbursement for approved outdoor recreation projects. Grants will be awarded for development or renovation of public outdoor recreation facilities or the acquisition of park land. The grants will be awarded to projects seeking at least $10,000. The application deadline is Nov. 8, 2019. LWCF funds are federal dollars that are apportioned to states by Congress to fund public outdoor recreation projects. Application packets are available on the Game, Fish and Parks website.
SDPRA is looking for enthusiastic individuals to serve on the executive board as President Elect, Secretary/Treasurer, and Member-at-Large.
Board members meet 4-5 times each year, with one meeting taking place at the annual conference each fall. Face-to-face meetings work best, but conference call options also exist for those with difficulty traveling each time. Your small commitment can help shape the association, as well as the future of parks and recreation in our state.
Elected positions will be selected by membership vote during the annual conference. We’re also seeking a representative for the student branch. This is an appointed position and serves at the request of the president.
To express an interest in any of these positions, please contact President Brandon Brake before the annual conference.
We all know folks that improve our quality of life through their contributions to parks and recreation. Now is the time to shout it from the rooftops. Well, you don’t have to do that, just fill out a quick online form telling us why they’re awesome – we’ll take care of the rest. Nominations are required by Sept. 15. Awards will take place during the annual conference in October.