The field of parks and recreation is comprised of so many unique and highly specialized job functions. IPRA's special interest sections are crucial to your membership experience because we can place you with others that share a common work setting, interests and problems. The eight sections, and their sub-committees, allow for unlimited educational, networking and problem-solving opportunities!

Administrative and Finance Section

Join the Administration & Finance Section and become involved in some of our many opportunities for professional development, information sharing and networking within the profession. From the educational seminars and the Professional Development School, to the IPRA Salary Survey and the A&F Update newsletter, the Human Resources and Safety Roundtable, the IT Network Group, several Directors' Groups, the Business Managers' Group, or the A&F ListServ and the possibilities with A&F are endless!

Communications & Marketing Section

Consider getting involved in the Communications & Marketing Section! This Section's greatest strength is the networking opportunities among its members who are in marketing and public information positions - responsible for the creation of agency publications, websites, media awareness, special events, branding and other activities that promote the value of parks and recreation. While members have diverse educational backgrounds and credentials, they all come together for workshops, roundtable discussions, and social and recognition events.

Ethnic Minority Section

Members are interested in addressing the historical disadvantages which characterized the function of minorities in the field of parks and recreation as well as the effective delivery of programs and services to diverse populations.

Facility Management Section

Members have the opportunity to network with other facility operators to broaden their horizons and add to their professional growth. Members include those in administration, supervision, maintenance and programming of community and fitness centers, ice rinks, swimming pools/water parks, golf courses, racquet centers, skate parks, nature centers, museums, and other special revenue facilities in Illinois.

Parks & Natural Resource Management Section

Members include professionals working in and managing parks and natural resources in federal, municipal, county and state parks and conservation areas.

Recreation Section

Take an active part in your profession by joining the Recreation Section. The Recreation Section offers a variety of services including educational workshops, seminars, roundtables, tours and professional recognition. With ten committees; Arts & Events, Athletics, Awards & Recognition, Continuing Education, Early Childhood, Membership Elections & Social, Recreation Administrators, School Age & Day Camp, Senior & Teens, there is something for everyone.

Student Section

Members are future professionals currently enrolled in college degree programs in sports management, parks, recreation, conservation and therapeutic recreation.

Therapeutic Recreation Section

Looking for a great way to network and get involved in the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) profession? TR professionals provide recreation programs for people with disabilities in a variety of settings such as community-based Special Recreation Associations, hospitals, physical rehabilitation centers and many others. There are seven divisions of the TR section with numerous committees looking for members: Participant Services Division (formerly SRANI), Advocacy, Clinical/Educators, Professional Development, Public Relations/Marketing, Education/Training and IPRA Liaisons.

Click here for specific information about Special Recreation Associations through the Special Recreation Associations Network of Illinois (SRANI).

If you're an IPRA member, simply login to the Members Only site to collaborate with fellow section members!