Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association

Get to know the 2026 WPRA Board of Directors!
This week, we’re spotlighting our Recreation Section Representative: Adrienne Lacy

What motivated you to run for the WPRA Board of Directors?
"I had been involved in my previous state’s association and knew the value of a state association. When I moved to Wisconsin, I wanted to be a part of the state association. After a few years at the section level, I wanted to help make a difference by being on the board of directors."

How long have you been a member of WPRA and what is your favorite part about it?
"I became a member shortly after moving to Wisconsin, so eight years. My favorite part is being able to meet different professionals from across the state."

What is your Hometown?
"Cambridge, WI (though I lived in the south for 15 years before coming back to Wisconsin.)"

What is your favorite hobby?
"Traveling and attending sports events with my family."

What's your favorite quote?
"Make good trouble. – John Lewis"

Join the conversation in our exclusive, members-only, WPRA Connect Forum! WPRA Connect is a space to ask questions, share insights, and collaborate with fellow parks and recreation professionals across Wisconsin.

Jump into ongoing conversations or start your own—and don’t forget to subscribe to topics to get notified when new replies are posted!

To get started, log in to your WPRA profile at wpraweb.org and click on WPRA Connect under the Resources tab.

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay ahead—with WPRA Connect!

The WPRA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Megan McDaniel will be stepping into the role of Associate Executive Director of WPRA. Megan has been working with WPRA since 2021 and has played an integral role in supporting the association and its members.
Over the past five years, Megan has worked closely with Sandy Schueller across many areas of WPRA, including sponsorships, vendor relations, membership, publications, and event planning and ex*****on. Her dedication, organization, and commitment to building strong relationships have made her an invaluable part of the WPRA team.

As WPRA continues to grow and look toward the future, we’re excited to have Megan take on this new leadership role and look forward to the experience, energy, and commitment she will bring to the position.

Please join us in congratulating Megan on her new role as Associate Executive Director of WPRA!

Register today for the Fall Workshop to save your spot! Join us in New Berlin on September 23-24 for two days of insightful sessions, engaging activities, and excellent networking opportunities. The 2026 Fall Workshop offers a unique blend of education, interaction, and connection that you won't want to miss! View the full schedule and registration information online here: https://bit.ly/4gASs4W

Membership Monday! Today, we’re highlighting a new event launched this year at Boerner Botanical Gardens: Dog Day at the Garden!

Created with the goal of connecting Boerner Botanical Gardens with new groups in the community, Dog Day at the Garden offers dog owners a unique opportunity to experience the gardens in a whole new way.

While Boerner is well known for its beautiful flowers, weddings, and horticulture, this event opens the doors to an audience who may not have considered visiting before. By creating a day specifically for dog owners, Boerner is welcoming new visitors while showcasing all that the gardens have to offer.

We love seeing our members find creative ways to connect with their communities!

Reminder to all those who participated in the 2026 Summer Ticket Program this year that ticket return forms are due on September 11th and payments are due no later than September 21st! Thank you to all those who participated! We love offering this benefit to our members and hope to continue to grow it next summer!

The WPRA Board of Directors gathered this week for their Annual Board Retreat, taking time to focus on the future of the association.

The Board spent the day working together on strategic planning and priorities for the years ahead, helping guide WPRA's continued growth and support of park and recreation professionals across Wisconsin.

They also enjoyed some time together at American Family Field on Tuesday night, where they cheered on the Brewers!

Thank you to our Board members for their continued leadership and dedication to WPRA!

We know your department has put on some pretty cool programs this summer! Why not share one and inspire other WPRA members?

Submit an article about your program for the next issue of IMPACT Magazine and showcase the great work happening in your community! The content deadline for the Fall Issue is September 1st. Articles can be submitted directly to [email protected] for consideration.

We can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!

Join us at 11am tomorrow for another Emerging Professionals Lunch & Learn session! This interactive discussion will focus on municipal budgeting and cover the basics of how local government budgets work. Participants will gain practical tips for advocating for programs, initiatives, and staffing needs while building financial confidence early in their careers.
Registration is FREE! Register online here: https://bit.ly/4fgDxfp

The Annual Conference has the *best* opportunities to network. Connecting with peers across [state] is incredibly helpful in innovating our work. Connecting with peers across the COUNTRY is an incredible catalyst for the . Not only do they organize formal networking sessions, but the social gatherings are a fun and low-stress way to build connections with other park and recreation professionals who are also working to help their communities grow and thrive. Register Online: https://conference.nrpa.org/registration/