Alberta Recreation & Parks Association

Before recreation was a recognized career path, there were people who believed it should be.

Through advocacy from ARPA and others in the field, the University of Alberta launched one of Canada’s first undergraduate programs dedicated to recreation in 1962.

What started as a small program has evolved over decades, balancing hands-on experience with a deeper understanding of leisure, community, and wellbeing.

Today, its graduates continue to shape recreation and parks across Alberta and beyond.

Help us honour our past, while investing in the future. Donate to our 75 for 75 Fundraising Campaign.

https://arpaonline.ca/arpa-75th-anniversary/

We are grateful to Adrian Goulet, CEO of Mahegun Tails and long time partner of ARPA, for donating a beautifully handcrafted 14-inch elk hide hand drum, made with a hand-scraped elk hide and mounted on a yellow cedar frame, complete with a traditional drum stick. This special auction package also includes a 1.5-hour interactive drumming and singing experience with Adrian.💚

⭐ Interested in donating an item or experience to our raffle and auction? Fill out our donation submission form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdietKZibpKgTHLXXB1mj2CijRZxPKGlGpNCzrl1GIiqKlNsg/viewform?usp=dialog

We're excited to welcome an incredible lineup of keynote speakers to our 2026 ARPA Conference & Energize Workshop:
✨ Karen MacNeil
✨ Jackie Oncescu
✨ Sandra Sutter

Each speaker brings a unique perspective and valuable insights that will inspire conversations and leave you energized for the future.

🎉 Register for conference: https://arpaonline.ca/event/arpa-2026-conference-energize-workshop/

P.S. Early bird rates end August 31, 2026 so secure your discounted registration now!

‼️ FREE Webinar

AI is increasingly present in recreation and community services work, from communications and program descriptions to internal planning and reporting.

This session will introduce the Responsible AI Governance Toolkit and share insights from current Alberta municipal policy trends. Participants will leave with starting points for building internal guardrails around AI use, including accountability, data practices, and transparency in public-facing work.

Register here: https://portal.arpaonline.ca/events/register.aspx?id=2056956

A big THANK YOU to the University of Alberta for donating a limited edition Alberta bear statue to our 75th anniversary raffle and auction!🐻

Help us build on this exciting donation by adding even more amazing items and experiences to our auction and raffle.🎉

Donate now by filling out our donation submission form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdietKZibpKgTHLXXB1mj2CijRZxPKGlGpNCzrl1GIiqKlNsg/viewform

We need your help making our 75th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign one to remember!

There are two ways you can support:

🎉Donate a prize to our anniversary raffle and auction!

💚 Make a special $75 donation - your donation goes towards supporting the next generation of recreation and parks leaders, including the launch of a new bursary.

Make you donation today: https://arpaonline.ca/arpa-75th-anniversary/

Wondering why you should attend the ARPA Conference & Energize Workshop?

⭐ Learn from industry leaders
💚 Connect with recreation and parks professionals from across Alberta
💡 Discover innovative ideas and emerging trends
🎉 Celebrate 75 years with us and see our legacy in action

Whether you're new to the recreation and parks sector or a seasoned leader, this year’s conference offers valuable opportunities to grow your network and strengthen your impact.

Registration here: https://arpaonline.ca/event/arpa-2026-conference-energize-workshop/

Help us celebrate our 75th anniversary by donating to our 75th Anniversary Fundraising Raffle & Auction!🎉

Our raffle is already off to an incredible start thanks to an amazing donation from WestJet: one roundtrip flight for two guests to any regularly scheduled and marketed WestJet destination!* (*No cash value, fees, taxes, surcharges not included, blackout dates and restrictions apply).

Help us build on that excitement by adding even more amazing items and experiences to our auction and raffle.

Fill out our donation submission form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdietKZibpKgTHLXXB1mj2CijRZxPKGlGpNCzrl1GIiqKlNsg/viewform

We are saddened to hear of the passing of William "Bill" Metcalfe, and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends 💚

We celebrate the legacy of William "Bill" Metcalfe

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of William "Bill" Metcalfe, one of the founding members of AARFP and a Past President.

Bill believed deeply in the power of community and connection within the recreation profession. He once wrote that it is our duty "to seek out others who are in our kind of business and invite them into the fold." Those words helped shape AARFP and continue to guide who we are today.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bill's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to live on through the welcoming, supportive community he helped build.

Thank you, Bill, for laying the foundation that continues to bring us together.