ATLANTA --- Metro Atlanta parks and recreation agencies and the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) will focus on health, wellness and a campaign against obesity when the 2011 NRPA Congress and Exhibition convenes in Atlanta from November 1-3, 2011.
The NRPA Congress and Exposition, the largest gathering of parks and recreation professionals in the nation, will be held in Atlanta for the first time. The conference provides attendees with networking opportunities, educational sessions and the industry's largest trade show, which will showcase products and services of nearly 300 exhibitors.
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk will give the keynote address at the NRPA’s general session scheduled for November 1 at the World Congress Center. The theme for this year’s conference is “Active Minds, Healthy Nation.”
The NRPA is at the forefront in the fight against obesity and in the campaign for health and wellness. Attendees are encouraged to get active during the conference and register for a 5K run/walk at Historic Piedmont Park and a charity golf tournament at Stone Mountain Park. The proceeds from both events will benefit the NRPA’s grassroots health and wellness initiatives.
The City of Atlanta Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Commissioner George Dusenbury serves as chair of the 2011 NRPA Local Host Committee. The local host committee is comprised of representatives from metro Atlanta parks and recreation agencies, who also chair vital sub-committees charged with making the congress a festive event. The agencies include staff from Alpharetta, Atlanta, Carrollton, Chattahoochee Hill, Cobb County, Decatur, DeKalb County, Clayton County, Gwinnett County, Hall, Milton, Roswell, Snellville and Smyrna.
“We are excited that Atlanta is the host for the 2011 NRPA Congress and Exhibition, where we will be the focal point for community events in our parks and offer recreational activities for visitors,” says Dusenbury. “The local host committee is working together with partners to bring out the best Atlanta has to offer.”
The NRPA chose Atlanta as the site of the 2011 NRPA Congress & Exhibition in part because of the hospitality and support of many agencies, including the Atlanta Visitors and Convention Bureau. Hosting the national convention could bring an estimated economic impact of up to $11 million to the region’s economy and thousands of visitors to the region, according to the Atlanta Visitor and Convention Bureau.
Sponsorships and volunteers are needed to support the congress. For more information on becoming a NRPA volunteer, visit www.nrpa.org
The local host committee website is www.nrpaatlanta.yolasite.com
About the 2011 NRPA Local Host Committee
The 2011 NRPA Local Host Committee Inc. is a nonprofit organization charged with organizing and hosting the 2011 NRPA Annual Congress and Exhibition scheduled for the week of Nov. 1 to 3, 2011. The committee will raise private funds to alleviate the burdens on local parks and recreation agencies for paying for certain costs of the congress, coordinating logistics and working with NRPA to provide an educational and safe event.
About the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
NRPA is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks &Recreation, visit www.parksandrec-magazine.org
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