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 Informaiton is now available. Make your booth reservation and sponsorship bid today. Exhibitor Brochure

The deadline for 2010 Annual Institute & Trade Show Session Proposals has been extended to July 20th.

A great way to get to know more of your fellow Parks and Recreation professionals, see other parts of the state, work on your own professional advancement and contribute to your profession! President-Elect, Monica Sue Walsh is currently soliciting nominations for officer elections for the following open slots on the 2009 ballot:(assume office 3/2010).

President-Elect - This candidate must have been a member in good standing for the past four years, and have previously served on the TRAPS Board of Directors. This is a three year commitment, to serve in the capacity as President-Elect, President, and then Past-President. Candidates should be prepared for considerable time commitments related to various meetings and for travel requirements.

Regional Director (Regions 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) These candidates must have been TRAPS members for the past four years, and be willing to represent their region as director. Requirements include the responsibility for coordinating and/or hosting annual training workshops, attending four annual board meetings, and serving on various standing committees. This is a two year term of office.

At-Large Director - This two-year term represents the state as a whole on the Society’s Board of Directors. Commitments include serving on various standing committees and attending four board meetings.

All candidates must reside in Texas.

Please forward nominations by July 17, 2009 to Monica Sue Walsh, Colleyville PARD, 5109 Bransford Rd, Colleyville, TX 76034; (817) 503-1182; Fax (817) 503-1189; email: walshm@ci.colleyville.tx.us.

NRPA has created a state room block for Texas at the Embassy Suites in Salt Lake City.

To book rooms online into your State Block, please follow the below steps:
-Go online to www.wynjade.com/nrpa09
-Click on "click here" to make a new reservation under the State Block header
-You will be instructed to provide a USER ID and PASSWORD. Please ensure ALL attendees booking rooms into your block have the following USER ID and PASSWORD:

USER ID: TEXAS
PASSWORD: HORNS

ALL individual names must be reserved into your block prior to August 7, 2009. Any rooms remaining in your block after 8/7/09 will be released for general sale.
Should you have any questions, please call us at 888-385-8041.

TR Summit August 18-21

National Institute on Recreation (NIRI) September 10-13

National Playground Safety Inspector Certification Course and Exam - October 26-28

Texas Water and Recreation Summit November 11-12

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