Georgia Recreation and Park Association

06/19/2026

What a great day for the GRPP program! 👏🏼

On Wednesday, we welcomed 40 parks & recreation professionals for a Georgia Recreation and Park Professional Certificate Program training. Professionals spent the day learning, connecting, and continuing to grow in their field and this program.

A special thank you to Spalding County for hosting.

Registration for the July training is open now, we can’t wait to see you there!

📚Register here: https://grpa.org/grpp/

06/11/2026

🚨 TODAY at 10:00 AM!

GRPA is excited to release the Youth Sports Officials Training Program, an affordable online training opportunity designed to help prepare individuals to officiate youth sports at the local recreation level.

The initial launch will include baseball and softball training. Additional sports are currently in development and will be released at a later date.

This program is designed to support local communities by providing:

* Baseline officiating knowledge
* Medical and liability coverage
* Background check
* Access to an equipment allowance upon course completion
* An affordable pathway to get involved in youth sports officiating

Youth sports officials are needed across Georgia, and this program is one more step toward helping recreation agencies build a stronger pool of trained officials.

Learn more here: https://grpa.org/officials/

06/03/2026

Attendee registration for the 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show opens TODAY at 1:00 PM! 🎉

Get ready to join us in Athens for the 2026 GRPA Annual Conference & Trade Show as we come together to "Know Your Why". Exhibitor registration will open next week, and Corporate Members will receive an email with the link once it is available.

Off-Site registration will also be open on a first come-first serve basis.

Link to registration: https://grpa.org/annual-conference/

We can’t wait to see you in Athens!

06/02/2026

Strong programs start with well-trained staff!

Join GRPA and NAYS on August 19 for Frontline Sports Staff Training + Optional CYSA Certification, designed to equip your team with the tools to lead safe, positive, and effective youth sports experiences.

With two registration options available, this is a valuable opportunity to invest in staff at every level.

📅 Wednesday,August 19
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 UGA Griffin Campus

👉 Register today: https://members.grpa.org/ap/Events/Register/2JFznE9c3CNCz

05/28/2026

We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Wood. A valued GRPA member, Bill was the Director in Madison-Morgan County for 37 years, a GRPA Hall of Fame member, and long time member and Chair of the GRPA State Athletic Committee. Please keep the Wood family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

His dedication to parks and recreation made a lasting impact, and he will be deeply missed by the GRPA community. Obituary information below.

Celebrate the life of Bill Wood and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

05/20/2026

Registration is now open for GRPP Certificate Program Training!

📍 June 17 | Griffin, GA
📚 Three back-to-back classes
✅ Earn .6 CEU
💰 Scholarship opportunities available

Learn more about the program and register here: https://members.grpa.org/main-calendar/Details/grpp-training-1740688?sourceTypeId=Hub

GRPA Member Price: $325

Take the next step in your professional growth with GRPP!
Questions? Email [email protected]

05/14/2026

🚨 Happening TODAY at 2:00 PM 🚨

This is your final opportunity to attend a required GRPA webinar for agencies planning to participate in swim.

A staff member must attend one of the three webinars to remain eligible—don’t miss your opportunity!

⏰ Today | 2:00 PM

👉 Register now: https://grpa.org/webinars-2/

05/11/2026

Join GRPA and NAYS for Frontline Sports Staff Training + Optional CYSA Certification, a hands-on training designed to support staff in creating safe, positive, and successful sports experiences.

✔️ Open to all staff levels
✔️ Two registration options to fit your needs
✔️ Certification pathway available

Give your team the tools they need to lead with confidence.

📅 Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 UGA Griffin Campus

👉 Register today: https://members.grpa.org/ap/Events/Register/2JFznE9c3CNCz

05/11/2026

Last week, Macon-Bibb County hosted the GRPA Recreation Programming Network Programmer’s Workshop.

Recreation professionals from across the state came together for a full day of learning, collaboration, and idea sharing. Topics included special events, summer camp, therapeutic recreation, senior programming, and program planning.

We appreciate Macon-Bibb County for their hospitality and Recreation Programmer's Netowork Chair, Jordon, who contributed to a successful workshop event!

05/06/2026

🚨 ATTENTION: CLASS B/C TRACK MEET SCHEDULE UPDATE 🚨

The Class B/C Track Meet will now take place on Saturday, May 9 only.

Please review the updated track packet on grpa.org for the most current information.

Updated Track Packet: https://grpa.org/tournament-packets-results/