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.


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