Texas Recreation & Park Society

Texas Recreation and Park Society^1.0 (TRAPS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional and educational organization founded 70 years ago. TRAPS is committed to advancing the field of parks, recreation and leisure services in Texas, while advocating for enhanced recreation opportunities and the increase of public green space for Texans. TRAPS, serves as a clearinghouse of information on parks and recreation, fosters networking and promotes the sharing of information.

Currently, there are over 2,000 professional and citizen-advocate members of the Texas Recreation and Park Society. Two of our strongest affiliate partners, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), have ex-officio seats on the Board of Directors.

To provide professional development, advocacy and resources to all who enhance the quality of life through parks, open spaces and recreation.

Vision

To set the standard for excellence and innovation in parks, open spaces and recreation.

Core Values

I.D.E.A.S.

The Texas Recreation and Park Society is a non-profit (501c3) professional and educational organization founded over 70 years ago to advance the profession of parks, recreation, and leisure services in Texas. TRAPS has an IDEA; we value and are about:

• I = Integrity - promoting high values, ethics and standards in Texas communities and the profession
• D = Development - enhancing the person, community and the profession via quality training and resources
• E = Excellence - raising the standard for parks, open spaces and recreation so as to enhance the quality of life
• A = Advocacy - advancing decisions, actions and policy that promote the benefits of parks, recreation, conservation, tourism and wellness
• S = Service - focusing on individual development & well-being, facilitating partnerships and fostering responsible stewardship...keys for community building

2008-2012 Strategic Plan

The 2010 Annual Institute & Trade Show Exhibitor Information is now available. Make your booth reservation and sponsorship bid today. Exhibitor Brochure

Dear Recreation and Parks Colleagues,

October marks the beginning of the TRAPS Awards, Citations and Scholarships Season! Our committee, with the aid of Julee at the state office, has worked to make the process easy for everyone to access and enter their program, project or person. We invite you to consider what your department has to offer that is new and is working in your community. What you have re-invented? What you have designed or built that is a highlight in your area? We want to know about the groups that are serving our profession that should be recognized.

As the economic climate cools towards parks and recreation departments in most communities in lieu of other departments that are seen as more “critical”; it is even more important for us to be our own advocates in any arena where we can find an audience. Recognition from the state organization will further your cause within your community and help spread the work that you are doing throughout the state and beyond our borders. We all need good press in our local newspapers and on our local TV stations. Our taxpayers and our voters pay attention to those media. Do yourself and your profession a favor, apply for or nominate someone for an award……the value is endless!

For information, go to the TRAPS.org website and click on the awards link. All the information, instructions, and forms are located there for you. The deadline for entries is December 4. If you have questions, please feel free to direct them to Sheila Walker at 979-764-3408 or swalker@cstx.gov!

Kindest Regards,
Sheila Walker
Awards, Citations and Scholarships Committee

The Texas Recreation Association was established on November 6, 1937. Though our organization has changed our name three times over the years we will be 75 years old in 2012. This milestone in our history gives us the opportunity to reflect on our past and document important facts. Take some time review the newly created web pages and submit any additional information.

Thanks Mendy!

History web pages

Public Input Process for Parks and Recreation Planning is now available to purchase.

This text presents the methodology of four models of designing, collecting and interpreting input from residents and users of the community parks and recreation system. The four models discussed are citizen survey, public hearing, small group and charette. The decision of which public input method is most appropriate is best decided by the local community agency after they determine the goals for the public input process and their available resources.

What people are saying

Order your copy today!

TRAPS has created two new lapel pins. Click here for additional information.

An active, energetic group, our Legislative Committee, provides a strong presence promoting the legislative agenda of parks and recreation during sessions of the Texas Legislature and as needed on a national/federal level. Ever-ready, this committee has an immediate response system via telephone, facsimile and e-mail networks to quickly inform you about and respond to issues that affect your profession and/or constituents/customers.

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5188
Jonestown, Texas 78645
(512) 267-5550
(512) 267-5557 Fax
traps@traps.org

TRAPS Physical Address
18593 FM 1431
Jonestown, TX 78645