Live Well - Be Healthy - Play More - Experience Parks


traps logo

Texas Recreation and Park Society1.0 (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.

Mission

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 Texas Recreation and Park Society invites all departments to participate in this year's TRAPS Awards process. All of the award entry forms are available as a download. Please be sure to download the Awards Letter and Instructions before you begin.

New!!! Your completed entry form(s), photos, and support materials can be submitted electronically to us on the web. Just go to the Upload Your Award Forms section on the right and follow the instructions to upload your entry form(s), photos, and support materials to us. Or you can also mail your entry forms and photos to us on a CD.

The deadline for all electronic uploads and the postmark deadline for all mail entries is December 5, 2008.

We appreciate your continued involvement in this program and we look forward to learning about the great things happening in our profession all over Texas.

Sincerely,

Jeff Lingo, TRAPS Awards Committee - Chair
Rodger Crawford, TRAPS Awards Committee - Vice Chair

National Playground & Safety Institute

National Playground Safety Inspector Certification Course and Exam Sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA), the National Playground Safety Institute's (NPSI) Playground Safety Inspector Certification Course provides the most comprehensive and widely recognized training available on playground hazard identification and risk management.

Future Dates
April 13 - 15, Grapevine, Texas
October 5 - 7, San Antonio, Texas

TRAPS Targets Ike Relief

Roseland Park, Baytown, Texas

The Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) as a 501c3 charitable educational organization is accepting donations for Hurricane Ike recovery efforts as it relates to park resources, recreation and leisure services' agencies in the Texas Gulf Coast and Greater Houston area. Donations for hurricane relief will address needs as they relate to facilities and amenities; programs and services; and/or personnel. Currently we are accepting cash donations...later we will be accepting or coordinating products and services (e.g. trees and plant material, playground equipment, games and activities supplies; and "clean-up" and restoration efforts). THANK YOU for reaching out to your park and recreation peers, their communities and constituents in this time of great need.
Respectfully,
Michal Anne Lord
Executive Director

Donate Online

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.

office building photo

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