Administrative/Biographical History
The Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society (KRPS) is a non-profit organization composed of recreation professionals that was formed in 1953. Frankfort, Kentucky was the site of the initial organization meeting. Those attending the inaugural meeting were: Dr. Earl Kaufman, Oakley Brown, Charles Figg, Julia Walker, Betsy Burke, and John Gettler. In 1954 the Board of Directors -- President, Vice President, Secretary Treasurer, three members at large, and chairpersons of all sections -- was formed and given responsibility of overseeing the society's growth and development. Any interested persons, departments, agencies, or organizations were allowed membership. It was agreed that officers and board members would serve two year terms Dr. James Pheane Ross of the University of Kentucky helped organize and supervise for many years the KRPS annual recreation workshops in which members met to share ideas and promote recreational activities.
The later part of the 1950s saw the introduction of the KRPS Newsletter publication. The Newsletter is published quarterly each February, May, August, and November and is free to members who have paid their dues. In the beginning, a Newsletter and Publication Committee was responsible for its publication; however, with the recent appointment of a part-time executive director, the responsibility for its publication has shifted to whomever holds this position.
On October 15, 1970, the KRPS gained membership in the Kentucky Municipal League. Also, in 1970, it was sent from the Midwest Region to the Southern Region of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Total membership in 1970 stood at 103 with a record amount of $813 in the treasury.
The seventies brought about some changes. In 1974, student membership was changed from January 1 to December 31 to September 1 to August 31 to be in agreement with the scholastic year, and officers and chairpersons began serving one year terms instead of two. On October 2, 1977, at Las Vegas, Nevada, the NRPA approved the KRPS Certification Plan. This plan serves as a vehicle for the recognition of professional standards by the recreator and his/her employer. It is an objective measurement of personnel qualifications -- useful to the employer and motivating to the recreator. Its use is entirely voluntary. In 1978 total membership rose to 374 from 258 in 1977 and the budget balance rose to $8,965.51 from $6,401.76. Although through the years the Kentucky Recreation and Park Society has had trying times both with membership and financial difficulties, it has survived and is rapidly growing.
Their motto "Serving You Professionally" speaks for itself. The Society is a place where professionals can share their ideas and opinions and watch them take root and grow. It is a link for all those interested in park and recreation services and in promoting a better Kentucky.
Author: Janne K. Sasser Administrative Information
