LAS CRUCES, NM - The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the 2014, New Mexico Recreation and Park Association State Annual Conference and Trade Show September 10-12 at Hotel Encanto located at 705 South Telshor Boulevard.
The conference attracts industry professionals from public schools, universities, city and county municipalities, federal government agencies, as well as the private sector. More than 100 attendees are expected to attend the 3-day conference.
Mark Johnston, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Las Cruces, anticipates a large crowd at this year's conference. "We have interest from a wide range of industry professionals who live in and outside of New Mexico, so we should have a diverse group at the conference. Our state conference offers some "top-notch" training and my staff has done a wonderful job of planning and organizing the event," said Johnston. "They have lined up experts in the field to come in and share valuable information and insight that will help industry professionals become better stewards of our resources. It's a great venue, because it brings industry experts, professionals and vendors together to discuss issues, exchange ideas, and provide possible solutions. We are excited about this opportunity to host the New Mexico Recreation and Parks Association State Conference and we are working hard to make it a pleasant and educational experience for our guests."
Some of the seminars and round-table discussions include, park and athletic field maintenance, facility safety and up keep, planning of fitness programs and events, and team building exercises. Speaking at the conference are former city mayor, Bill Mattiace and local businessman, Lou Sisbarro.
Additionally, one of the nation's best training programs will be featured at the conference. The Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course endorsed by the National Recreation and Park Association is available to members for an additional fee. Members will be trained on playground hazard identification and risk management methods. Instruction begins on Tuesday, September 9th with two days of class tutelage and an exam on the 11th. Those participating in the class must pass the exam to receive a three year certification. To register, please contact Sonya Delgado at 575-541-2550 or Jay Hart at 505-891-5037, or visit www.nmrpa.org.
Attendees will tour local parks and facilities, and receive important information from various industry professionals, such as turf grass experts from New Mexico State University's Turf Science Program and the city's Tree Steward Program. Other experts will cover topics such as vector control, fertilization, nitrate leaching and much more.
Various companies will be present for the Vendor Expo and will demonstrate products and equipment pertaining to irrigation, fertilization, turf management, park playgrounds and others industry items.
A pre-conference golf outing is planned for members Tuesday, September 9th at Red Hawk Golf Course.
For more information on the conference, registration or if you are interested in becoming a member or vendor please visit the NMRPA website at www.nmrpa.orgor contact City of Las Cruces, Parks and Recreation Department at 575-541-2550.
Information from: Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau