The PA Recreation and Park Society will hold its 60th annual conference with the theme of “Celebrate the Brilliance of Recreation and Parks” from March 24-28 in Hershey.

The event will open with a keynote address, “The Creation of More Livable Communities,” delivered by Mark Fenton, host of the PBS series, America’s Walking. Described as an “entertaining, persuasive, and knowledgeable walking advocate,” Fenton is billed as among the nation's foremost experts on the activity.

A citizens’symposium, “Changing Lives, Impacting Communities” co-sponsored by the society and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be a major highlight of the conference.

“Society and DCNR organizers have designed this symposium specifically for the citizen advisory board members serving on Pennsylvania’s local recreation and parks boards, as well as local officials and friends and advocates of recreation and parks,” said Cindy Dunn, director DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Other symposium speakers and topics will include: Judy Houck, assistant parks and public works director, Bethlehem Township: “Basic Training for Recreation and Parks Board and Commission Members;” Ron Woodhead, director, Centre Region Parks and Recreation Department: “Financing Recreation and Parks;” and commercial inspirational speaker Randy Snow, president, NO.XQs Inc.: “Attitude, Accountability and Action – Diamonds That Help Us Shine!”

A conference registration fee of $75 covers admission to the symposium and includes other conference events, lunch, and informational packets. The symposium opens with 9:30 a.m. registration and closes with the 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. opening of an exhibit hall where more than 100 vendors will display products and services. Educational breakout sessions are planned throughout the day.

Who should attend? Society and DCNR organizers say symposium speakers have the answers for questions from citizens recreation and park board members; recreation and park directors; municpal managers and secretaries; elected officials; and community volunteers interested in improving local recreation and parks programs and services.

For more information and a copy of the complete 2007 PRPS Annual State Conference Registration Guide, visit the PRPS website or call 814-234-4272.

2/2/2007