
The Vermont Recreation and Parks Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, development, and improvement of all recreation and park services within the state of Vermont. Our association is currently primarily funded through a combination of membership fees and revenues generated from the trainings, programs, and courses that we offer. Our Mission The mission of the Vermont Recreation and Parks Association is to provide training and resources to help Vermonters to "Create Community through People, Parks and Programs." Our Members Our members consist of over 400 Parks & Recreation professionals from around the state of Vermont. Our members come from municipalities, state parks, non-profits, as well as commercial & private businesses. Friend memberships are also offered for those not working in the field that still want to stay connected and support our mission. To become a new member, join here! The Value of the VRPA Articulating the benefits of the parks and recreation profession to individuals, neighborhoods and communities can be a challenging task. The VRPA helps tell the untold stories and highlight the diverse benefits derived from parks and recreation in our communities. We help build a strong network of professionals around the state, provide educational opportunities, and advocate for community needs which benefit every resident in the state of Vermont. Parks & Recreation... · Strengthens a communities image and sense of place · Supports economic development · Strengthens safety and security · Promotes health and wellness · Fosters human development · Increases cultural unity · Protects environmental resources · Facilitates community problem solving · Provides recreational experiences |
VRPA Executive Committee |
Ray Coffey, CPO - Chair Community Services Director City of Winooski, VT |
Kirsten Santor, CPRE - Vice Chair Recreation Program Manager Burlington Parks & Recreation |
Nick Marinelli, MBA - Treasurer Retirement Plan Advisor Empower |
Yasamin Gordon - Secretary Senior Director of Operations King Street Center | ![]() Felicia Fowler, CTRS Program Manager Vermont Adaptive |
Reuben Allen Chief of Park Operations Vermont State Parks |
Jess Lukas, CPO Aquatics Director Greater Burlington YMCA |
Drew Pollak-Bruce, CPRP Founder and Principal CRO Planning and Design |
Monika Derrien Assistant Professor, Affiliate, Gund Institute for Environment University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources |
Executive Committee positions are appointed annually in the spring at the VRPA's annual meeting. Officers and at-large Executive Committee positions serve term lengths in the following manner unless such individuals resign from the Executive Committee.
- Three years: Treasurer, At-large (2).
- Two Years: Chair, At-large (2)
- One year: Vice Chair, Secretary, At-large (1)
If you are interested in serving on the Executive Committee please reach out to the Chair, Ray Coffey, at rcoffey@winooskivt.gov.