recreation and parks: live it every day! …over 50 years of...

11759 Groat RoadEdmonton, Alberta T5M 3K6

Tel: (780) 415-1745Fax: (780) 422-2663

Email: [email protected] 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

…over 50 years of enhancing Albertans’ quality of liferecreation and parks: live it every day!

2 Alberta Recreation and Parks Association 2003 Annual Report

1. Vision, Mission, Values and Guiding Beliefs, Operating Principles ............................. Page 3

2. Organizational Framework ................................................................................................ Page 4

3. ARPA Board of Directors and Key Officials .................................................................. Page 5

3. President and Executive Director Report ..................................................................... Page 6

4. Year in Review ...................................................................................................................... Page 8

5. Resolutions Review ............................................................................................................. Page 12

6. Treasurer’s Report ............................................................................................................... Page 14

7. Audited Financial Statement .............................................................................................. Page 15

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Alberta Recreation and Parks Association 2003 Annual Report 3

ALBERTA RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

OUR VISION“A province, and communities within, thatembrace and proactively use recreation andparks as an essential means for enhancingindividual wellbeing and community vitality,economic sustainability, and natural resourceprotection and conservation.”

OUR MISSIONARPA will unite province-wide advocates ofrecreation and parks into a proactive, effectiveforce for building healthy citizens, theircommunities and their environments inAlberta.

OUR VALUES AND GUIDING BELIEFSARPA believes:• that recreation and parks provide benefits

that are essential to the health and well-beingof individuals, communities, the economy andenvironment in Alberta;

• further, that the lifetime benefits of recreationand parks are:• enhanced population health, individual

wellness, healthy lifestyles and lifelonglearning;

• building communities, social capital andsocial inclusion;

• the conservation and preservation of parksand natural environments; and,

• enhanced economic conditions in theprovince and communities.

• that “recreation” is inclusive of play, physicalactivity, sport, arts and culture, and outdoorpursuits;

• that “parks” are inclusive of public openspaces, recreation corridors and relatedenvironmental stewardship;

• that “recreation” as a key vehicle forachieving healthy lifestyles, can be accessed bya variety of disciplines;

• that using a “community development”approach yields benefits both through theprocess and the programs and services whichare delivered;

• that working in partnership with others whocontribute to quality of life in Alberta isessential; and,

• that volunteerism is fundamental in thedelivery of recreation and parks programsand services in Alberta.

OUR OPERATING PRINCIPLESARPA’s operating principles which guide theactions of the ARPA Board of Directors andARPA staff particularly with respect to theinternal management and operations of theARPA are:

• operate for charitable wellness, educationaland societal purposes through, and for, thepromotion of recreation and parks services;

• meeting the identified needs of ARPA’smembership and allied stakeholders is vital;

• provide objective, professional leadership tothe provincial recreation and parks industry;

• reinforce the vital importance of localcommunity delivery systems for recreationand parks services;

• maximize human and financial resourcesdirected at creating recreation and parksopportunities;

• pursue open and interactive communicationsand information networking with itsmembership and allied stakeholders;

• establish positive, mutually respected relationswith the provincial government (electedofficials, departments and agencies) otherprovincial organizations, institutions,enterprises and municipalities;

• be forward thinking, flexible (adaptable) andundertake strategic planning and management;

• be an energetic, enlightened, innovative andentrepreneurial Association;

• embrace and utilize technology;• operate with fiscal responsibility and pursue

financial sustainability; and• develop realistic expectations and undertake

regular performance measurement.


ALBERTA RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION

2003 ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK

ARPA MEMBERS

RECREATION FOR LIFEARPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARPA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEFOUNDATION

ARPA Office PAST PRESIDENTS’ COUNCIL

MEMBER SERVICES INDUSTRY GROWTH ADVOCACYAND DEVELOPMENT

• EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL • RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT • LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACYDEVELOPMENT • INFORMATION AND NETWORKING • ISSUES MANAGEMENT & POLICY

• MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • Parks and Open Space • VISION 2015• RECREATION BENEFITS • Children and Youth • STRATEGIC PLAN• REGIONAL RECREATION ASSOCIATIION • Infrastructure and Utilities • CPRA P/T PARTNERS

CAUCUS • Community Sport • PARTNERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS• AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND • Recreation Research • FunTeam Alberta

RECOGNITION • Recreation Facility Personnel• CONFERENCE • ALACD - Alberta• MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS • Hockey Alberta

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

• GOVERNANCE AND BUSINESSDEVELOPMENT

• ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENTAND ADMINISTRATION• Business Development Model• Sponsorship• Financial Planning/Budgeting• Staffing• General Administration


ARPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND KEY OFFICIALS

Executive President Bernie AsbellVice-President Kay KennyPast-President Greg Scott (Ex-officio)Secretary Darrell MelvieTreasurer Linus Murphy

Board of Directors Region 1 Member (Calgary Region) Shelley SheaRegion 2 Member (Edmonton Region) Paul ChalifouxRegion 3 Member (Northern Alberta) Gordon MacLeodRegion 4 Member (Central Alberta) Elsie KinseyRegion 5 Member (Southern Alberta) Norm McInnis

Directors At Large Tanya GriersonDavid RoachDavid SchaeferBarbara Ursuliak

ARPA Office Executive Director Rick CurtisOffice Administrator Stephen AllanAdministrative Assistant Rosanna DameSpecial Projects Officer Val MayesPracticum Student Tresa Brodersen

CPRA Western David BosiakRegional Director

Standing Committees Conference Hosting Committee Rodger Vizbarand Networks Awards and Scholarships Barb Ursuliak

Marketing and Communications Deb ComfortInfrastructure Darrell MelviePast-Presidents’ Council Greg ScottEducation & Professional Development Shelley SheaBenefits of Recreation Joanne Paulenko/Deb ComfortParks and Open Spaces Don PolinskiChildren and Youth Kim SandersonUtilities Roger SmolnickyRecreation Research Joe PavelkaVision 2015 Symposium Greg ScottUrban/Countryside Parks Dave BreckonJune: Recreation and Parks Month Kristina GetzCanadian Youth Development Heather Cowie

Through Recreation Services Symposium


Bernie AsbellPresident

Executive DirectorRick Curtis

ARPA PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

The torrid pace of organizational growth anddevelopment established over the past few yearswas maintained in 2002/03!

The Association’s activities, concentration andfocus linked directly to the adopted and updated2003-2005 strategic plan. This rolling plan allowsfor continual refinement, extended effort onimportant issues, and serves as a guide forbusiness and philosophical practices.

This past year saw three primary areas receivingdetailed scrutiny and the development ofactionable steps for implementation. These threeareas are leadership, advocacy, and sustainability.All have been built upon to increase thefoundational efforts established over the lasttwo years of Board work. Significant advocacyefforts were undertaken in communicating theimportance of the Urban Parks and CountrysideParks and Recreation Areas program proposals andthe Community Recreation Infrastructure Report.

Numerous meetings were held with MLAs andCabinet Ministers promoting these initiatives.Currently, a second phase of the CommunityRecreation Infrastructure Study has been initiatedwhich will involve another 50+ communityrecreation facilities assessments throughoutAlberta. This information will prove to bevaluable not only for those communities, but formany others in the future. The efforts andmethodology used have attracted attentionthroughout Canada from provincial recreationand parks associations. The Association willcontinue to study and press for reinvestment incommunity recreation infrastructure in ourprovince with the aid of this report.

Long-term sustainability for our Association hasbeen strengthened through the development ofthe Recreation for Life Foundation. KetchumCanada has recently completed a study onfunding opportunities. With the talented and

dedicated involvement of key volunteers led byChair, Barry Mitchelson, the Foundation will, nodoubt, be successful in securing financialresources for Association initiatives.

Health has been a major focus this year withthe involvement of an ARPA volunteer on theCoordinating Council of the Alberta HealthyLiving Network and participation at the PanCanadian Healthy Living Symposium by ourPresident. The health care field is beginning tounderstand the interconnection and importanceof involving the recreation and parks field indealing with prevention/wellness and healthpromotion issues. We will find this a growingarea of importance in the upcoming years. TheAssociation will continue to foster relationshipsand position our field in the minds of healthcare, children’s services and other provincialgovernment officials.

Continued collaboration with CPRA and otherprovincial/territorial associations has been anongoing effort. We believe fostering theserelationships will enhance the entire field ofrecreation and parks throughout our country.

A greater concentration on improvedcommunication channels, and access to Boardmembers has occurred with the new RegionalDirector positions as part of the Association’sBoard of Directors accepted via resolution atlast year’s AGM. We anticipate improved two-way communications with our membershipthrough involvement with regional recreationassociations and our Regional Directors.

The National Youth Development ThroughRecreation Services Symposium was undoubtedlya highlight this past year! People fromthroughout Canada (and the U.S.) registered andnow there is significant interest in hosting asimilar event in the east in 2004 as well as backin Edmonton in 2005! Our sincere thanks go


out to Heather Cowie and her organizingcommittee of allied stakeholders. We greatlyappreciate their involvement and the sponsorshipof the City of Calgary in hosting this uniqueevent.

The Association was busy in many other areassuch as play leadership, active communities, andcommenting on the Alberta Sport Plan,charitable gaming, Water For Life consultation,along with many, many other initiatives.

ARPA can only ensure continued successthrough the ongoing involvement of volunteers.The Association must remain relevant andconsiderate of member interests and needs. Inthat regard, we will focus increased effort oneducational and training opportunities andensuring that we raise our horizons in lookingto new trends and opportunities. We wish toinvolve you in what is important to you as amember. Your input, involvement, andcommitment will not only make the Associationsuccessful, but also provide you a greaterexperience in our field.

Our sincere thanks to the ARPA Board ofDirectors and the numerous volunteer

committee/network members. Your contributionsare tremendously appreciated!! A special thanksgo to Mr. David Schaefer and Norm McInniswho will be leaving the Board of Directors atthe end of this term.

The Association should be justifiably proud ofthe talented individuals who comprise theAssociation’s office workforce including SteveAllan, Office Administrator, Val Mayes, SpecialProjects Officer, half-time assistance fromRosanna Dame, Administrative Assistant, andTresa Brodersen, U of A Practicum Student. Ourteam has put in yeoman service producing atremendous quality and quantity of work farbeyond that expected.

Throughout this Annual Report, you will findmore information on the Association’s activities.We urge you to read this over, discover thesuccesses, and communicate to us the areas youfeel could receive a greater concentrated effort.We invite you to stand up, participate, andcount yourself in as a volunteer of the AlbertaRecreation and Parks Association and in bringingour field to the forefront of quality of lifeservices for the citizens of Alberta.

Bernie Asbell Rick CurtisPresident Executive Director


YEAR IN REVIEW — 2003 ARPA ACHIEVEMENTS

MEMBER SERVICESEducation and Professional DevelopmentThis year we renewed our commitment to membereducation and training with the formation of the‘Education and Professional DevelopmentCommittee’. This committee met twice to reviewthe focus of ARPA’s educational initiatives and makerecommendations on future strategic direction inthis area. These recommendations will bepresented to the ARPA Board for consideration andfurther work on a member education andprofessional development plan will continue in2004.

There were a number of educational events madeavailable to ARPA members in 2003, including:

• Canadian Youth Development Through RecreationServices Symposium - This first-ever NationalYouth Symposium was a tremendous successwith over nine provinces and territories sendingdelegates along with fifteen different Albertacommunities represented. Over 130 youthpractitioners and youth from across Canada andUnited States came together to advanceknowledge about the contributions recreationprograms and services have towards meeting theneeds of youth in our communities. Delegatesheard from key North American leading edgepractitioners and over nineteen colleaguesshared their projects and programs that workwith youth in a variety of settings. Tours oflocal youth programs and services were offeredas part of the program and delegates enjoyed ahosted dinner at the world renowned CalgaryZoo.

• Outcomes-based Programs and Services WorkshopSeries – This series of four day-longworkshops was put together by the RecreationBenefits Committee and saw over 75 participantsattend at least one of the sessions. The topics forthis successful series included:

• Outcomes Measurement• Outcomes-based Program Development• Outcomes-based Marketing, and

• Outcomes-based FacilitationThese workshops enhanced the participant’sability to identify, develop and measureoutcomes, create valued and relevant programsand services and provided participants with anopportunity to apply ‘outcome-concepts’ to theirday-to-day work.

• ARPA sponsored a “Risk and RecreationWorkshop” where participants from acrossAlberta took part in a learning session aboutthe business of risk management in recreationfacilities and programs.

• Super 2003 Supervisory Workshop, spearheaded bythe Central West Recreation Association(CWRA) and co-sponsored with ARPA was heldat Camp He Ho Ha in May. This workshop forsupervisory leadership in community summerprograms saw over 25 participants attend thisthree day training opportunity.

• The 2003 ARPA Conference “Flashpoint” held inMedicine Hat focused on the theme of “Re-Shaping Society: Albertans Investing in a HealthyFuture”.

Marketing and Communications• The Marketing and Communications Committee

has been charged with the responsibility ofimplementing an updated ARPA CommunicationsPlan which is currently being renewed by thecommunications and public relations firm ofRose Country. This Communications Plan willbecome an integrated plan with the RecreationFor Life Foundation.

• ARPA has continued the evolution of it’s websiteand will continue to expand and improve on thisas a communications tool.

Recreation Benefits• The Recreation Benefits Committee’s

involvements have continued to focus onpriorities set out in their 2002-2005 Action Plan,which support the priority outcomes identifiedby the Board.

• A Recreation Benefits sub-committee successfullyput together the 2nd annual celebration for “June

is Recreation and Parks Month”. Componentsincluded:• Community Toolkit (CD, On-line, and Hard

Copy)• Photo Contest (Cancelled due to insufficient

number of entrants)• Newspaper Feature Inserts (Calgary,

Edmonton, Red Deer)• Calendar of EventsDue to increased partnerships and coverage,more communities accessed the calendar ofevents and website, which has increased thepromotion of recreation and parks and itsinvolvements. It is anticipated that with thecontinuation of the sub-committee and theplanning for June 2004 already underway thatthe timing for distribution of material will begreatly enhanced.

• The Recreation Benefits Committee alsodeveloped a conceptual recreation benefitsposter series. Production of the poster series ispending resource availability.

Regional Recreation Association Caucus• The Regional Recreation Associations met at the

2003 ARPA Conference to network and shareinformation. The Regional Recreation Associationshave worked closely with ARPA this yearespecially on the second round of CommunityRecreation Infrastructure Assessments (seeInfrastructure Report onpage 10).

Awards, Scholarships and Recognition• The Awards and Scholarships Committee

developed a process to “renew and reformat”the entire ARPA awards and scholarships processincluding new timelines, new submissionguidelines and new marketing tools.

Membership Benefits• ARPA continues to search out new benefits to

bring to the Association’s membership. In 2003,ARPA is looking to sign off on a partnershipagreement with CHIP Hospitality Inc., a hotel



chain with ten properties in Alberta. Thisagreement would allow ARPA members toaccess “better than corporate” rates at any ofthe CHIP properties across Canada.

• Other ongoing agreements that ARPA has thatoffer direct membership benefits are:• ARPA members can access accommodations

at any Fairmont Hotel properties at 10% offrack room rates.

• ARPA members can access great car rentalrates at any of the Alberta Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations just by mentioning that theyare with the “Alberta Recreation and ParksAssociation”.

INDUSTRY GROWTH ANDDEVELOPMENTRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTARPA contracted with Alberta CommunityDevelopment to undertake a number of specialprojects and research in 2003. The mostnoteworthy of these include the following:

• Alberta Recreation Labour Market Analysis Study(Phase I) – This initial phase of the study hasbeen completed and made possible from fundingfrom Alberta Community Development, AlbertaHuman Resources and Employment and AlbertaEconomic Development. Phase I of the study hasproduced a report outlining the economicsignificance of the provincial recreation industryand a report overviewing a futures perspectiveon the recreation industry, it’s labour marketand perceived training needs.

• Active Communities – ARPA released a reportentitled “Active Communities Framework” whichincluded a review of the “Active Communities”initiatives in other jurisdictions and, as well,conceptually presented an Alberta approach to aprovincial Active Communities program.

ARPA has also, through funding secured fromthe Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife

Foundation, appointed an Active CommunitiesProject Manager to provide ongoing leadershipto this initiative and to prepare a refined “ActiveCommunities” program for province-wideimplementation.

• Quality Assurance in Children’s Recreation Programs- ARPA has completed two phases of a studypertaining to quality assurance in children’srecreation. The second phase of the studycompleted a general gap analysis and assessed,amongst Alberta communities and selectedprovincial associations, the need for a provincialquality assurance program for children’srecreation in Alberta.

As part of the study outcomes ARPA willformally decide whether the Association is in aposition to become a franchisee of Parks andRecreation Ontario’s HIGH FIVE program.

• Active Lifestyles Workshops - ARPA was involved ina series of workshops involving regional healthauthorities across the province in partnershipwith the Alberta Cancer Board with financialsupport from the Alberta Sport, Recreation,Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Nine workshops were held altogether and eachcontained an active lifestyles component aimedat increasing the capacity of individuals andorganizations to support healthy lifestyles.

• Play Leadership Development - ARPA inpartnership with the Saskatchewan Parks andRecreation Association (SPRA) has completed itsconceptual play leader and training programdevelopment and has completed the conceptreview and evaluation stages through pilottesting during the summer of 2003. Theoutcomes of this project initiative will lead ARPAand SPRA into a renewed and revitalized periodof play leader training and development all withthe ultimate objective of enhanced children andyouth growth and development through engaged,purposeful and creative play opportunities.

• Children and Youth Living in Poverty (CYPI) - ARPAin partnership with the Canadian Parks andRecreation Association (CPRA) has been involvedin an initiative targeted at enhancing the qualityof life of Canadian children and youth living inpoverty through increased access to andparticipation in quality recreation opportunities.

The City of Edmonton has been selected as anational pilot site for CYPI field testing anddevelopment.

INFORMATION AND NETWORKINGParks and Open Space NetworkThe Parks and Open Space Network, chaired byDon Polinski (Strathcona County), were involved ina number of initiatives, namely:• Organized and hosted a “Treated Wood Workshop”

in Sherwood Park in March for 21 registrants.Sessions were conducted by Dale Ehrman(Edmonton), Curtis Englot (Environment Canada),Janet McLean (Alberta Environment) and CliffLacey (Strathcona County).

• Continued work with the Prairie TurfgrassResearch Center on the development of ColdWeather Grass Trials.

• Presently reviewing the Knowledge Requirementsfor Pesticide Education in Canada proposal. Thedocument was developed by numerousspecialists, and other national and provinciallandscape associations. The document will bethe basis for developing a standard for PesticideEducation, Training and Certification in Canada.

• Supported the adoption of the new provincial“Rough Fescue” grass designation.

• Continued to support the Urban Parks/Countryside Parks program proposals throughhaving municipalities provide letters of support.

Children and Youth NetworkThe Children and Youth Network, chaired by KimSanderson (Edmonton), met four times over thecourse of the year. The Network continues toorganize activities around supporting ‘Child and YouthFriendly Recreation Communities’ in Alberta.



Currently six areas of focus have been identifiedfor the development and promotion of sustainableaction including:

• Quality Assurance in Children’s RecreationProgramming - An extensive gap analysis studyand evaluation of Ontario’s High Five programhas just been completed. A sub-networksteering group will review the report findingsand provide a recommended course of actionback to the Board.

• Play Leadership Development - A new curriculumhas been prepared for ARPA and SPRA and waspiloted this summer in Calgary, Grande Prairieand Edmonton. Participants agreed that theapproach taken was different from what theywere used to, very effective and generated anexcitement for a broader implementation withintheir respective organizations. An evaluation ofthe pilots is expected shortly and direction givenfor a more extensive pilot in 2004.

• Youth Development Through Recreation Services - Avery successful national symposium was held thispast April in Calgary. A series ofrecommendations have already been tabled withthe Board and the Network is looking forwardto continued progress on the youth developmentfront for this upcoming year.

• Teen Girls Physical Activity - Go Girl workshopsfor teen girls continue to be held across theprovince. The Network is tracking the progressof this initiative and supporting efforts for abroader implementation of the program.

• Children’s Play Environments - The Network istracking progress on new approaches to designthat support both play and learning within aUniversal Design context.

• Naturescapes - ARPA also provided support for apilot project in Edmonton on naturalizingcommunity/school grounds.

• “Distributed Networks” Development - theNetwork has established a terms of reference

for implementing a series of sub-networks to beformed around advancing a topic focus area.Consultations will begin shortly on anappropriate communications platform forfacilitating this.

Infrastructure and Utilities Committee• In 2002, the ARPA Infrastructure Committee,

chaired by Darrell Melvie (Yellowhead County),released the “Community RecreationInfrastructure Report” detailing key findingsrelated to the aging of Alberta’s communityrecreation infrastructure. These findingsincluded:• The average cost to upgrade major facilities

in the study sample was $944,000 per facility(for items rated critical, poor or marginal);

• Extrapolated provincially the estimate to upgradearenas pools and curling rinks for just these itemswould cost in excess of $270 million - replacingthem would cost $1 Billion.

• One of the prime recommendations of thereport was the establishment of a specificprogram to provide funding for further majorrecreation facility assessments. As such ARPAhas partnered with the Regional RecreationAssociations, the Alberta Association ofRecreation Facility Personnel, Hockey Alberta,and other stakeholders to assess a further 50+facilities in the province in 2003. Assessmentsinclude onsite inspection reports of each facility,commentary from facility managers and operatingstaff and recommendations on the mechanical,architectural, structural and electrical systems.Assessments of the scheduled list of facilities arescheduled to occur between October 2003 andJanuary 2004.

• The Committee has also embarked on acommunications strategy involving the posting ofnewsletter articles in various publications, andcommunication of priorities to key governmentofficials/departments, and municipal partners.

• Utilities Committee - a sub-committee chaired byRoger Smolnicky (TransAlta Tri-Municipal Leisure

Centre), is investigating how rising utility costshas effected recreation facilities operatingbudgets and the relation that it has for facilitiesto address lifecycle management. A part of thisinvestigation will also focus on planning forrenovations to reduce energy consumption astechnology changes.

Recreation Research Committee• The ARPA Board of Directors endorsed the

establishment of a Recreation ResearchCommittee which is chaired by Joe Pavelka(Calgary) and has Committee representationfrom municipalities, post-secondary institutionsand provincial government departments.

• Initial work of the Committee has been focusedon refining the Committee terms of referencetowards encouraging applied recreation researchin the province and effective informationtransmittal to Association membership. Aninteractive series of online surveys has also beenendorsed focusing on emerging issues relevant tothe development and delivery of recreation andparks services in the province.

Community Sport Ad Hoc Committee• This Committee was initially established to

review the outcomes of the Alberta Sport Planand it prepared a formal Association response tothe provincial government’s request for publicreview comments.

• Other matters pertaining to community sportdevelopment will be directed to Committeemembers for Board counsel and information.

ADVOCACYARPA was active in developing major advocacypositions regarding the advancement of keyrecreation and parks strategies, namely:

• Urban Parks/Countryside Parks andRecreation Areas Program Proposals - ARPAhas continued to pursue the reinstatement of



the Urban Parks program and the adoption ofthe Countryside Parks and Recreation Areasprogram proposal. Building on a previouspresentation to the Standing Policy Committeeon Health and Community Living, Associationrepresentatives met with several senior Ministersand MLAs including the Hon. Pat Nelson,Minister of Finance and the Hon. Ron Stevens,Minister of Gaming. ARPA has also continued toadvocate these proposals with AlbertaCommunity Development Minister GeneZwozdesky. A presentation resource disk isavailable for anyone who is wishing to make apresentation to their MLA.

• Community Recreation Infrastructure Report- ARPA has been invited to formally presentstudy report findings pertaining to Alberta’s agingcommunity recreation infrastructure to variousprovincial government committees including theStanding Policy on Health and Community Living.

• Provincial Base Funding to Provincial Sportand Recreation Associations - ARPA hasadvocated since 2000 for increased base fundingto provincial sport and recreation associations.As part of this advocacy the Association haspositioned for a comprehensive review of thecurrent base funding disbursement systemutilized by the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parksand Wildlife Foundation.

• ARPA Strategic Business Plan 2003-2005 -Stemming from the Association’s “planningforum” which involved it’s Board of Directors,Regional Recreation Association representatives,chairs of committees and networks and invitedothers, modifications were made to ARPA’sStrategic Business Plan to create a rollingbusiness plan for the period 2003-2005.

• Vision 2015 Leisure, Wellness, Prosperity andQuality of Life - The ARPA membershipstrongly endorsed the Vision 2015 initiative atthe 2002 Conference. Committee members havecompleted extensive discussion and are diligentlyworking on the following:

• Establishing the Vision 2015 delivery model;

• Establishing parameters for committeemembership striving to involve both ARPAmembers and aligned organizations;

• Developing a Strategic Action Plan that willprovide direction relating to therecommendations contained within the “2001Symposium Proceedings” and “The Quality of LifeSector in a Re-Creating Society: A “Vision”Discussion Paper” and outline specific ARPAresponsibilities.

• Tobacco Reduction - ARPA has produced atobacco reduction policy for the Association. Thedraft policy statement was placed on ARPA’swebsite and included within one of ARPA’snewsletters for membership review. Feedbackreceived from membership has been taken intoaccount and, following ARPA Board of Directorsapproval in principle, the policy statement will bebrought for final member ratification at the 2003Annual General Meeting.

The policy statement clarifies the views held bythe Association on tobacco reduction andimplications of such on the general operations ofthe Association.

• Pan Canadian Healthy Living Strategy - ARPAalso actively participated in regional and nationalforums pertaining to the Pan-Canadian HealthyLiving Strategy. ARPA’s advocacy on this initiativealso involved the Canadian Parks and RecreationAssociation as CPRA provided national advocacyleadership.

• CPRA/ P-T Partners Network - Throughpartnership activities of the CPRA /P-T PartnersNetwork, ARPA actively participated in the:

• National sport policy task group• Communications and governance task group• Education and training task group• National vision and agenda task group• Universal design of facilities and spaces

• ARPA was also active through steeringcommittee membership in the:

• SummerActive Program spearheaded by AlbertaCommunity Development

• The Growing Rural Tourism Conferencespearheaded by Alberta Agriculture and RuralDevelopment

• The Ever Active Schools initiative spearheadedby Alberta Community Development

Partnerships and Alliances• ARPA formalized a “Memorandum of

Understanding” with Hockey Alberta. TheMemorandum will result in joint sport andrecreation advocacy including matters pertainingto:• Aging community recreation infrastructure• Rising costs of energy and utilities• Active communities• Recreation accessibility

• ARPA has retained its formal alliances with theAlberta Association of Recreation FacilityPersonnel; FunTeam Alberta; and the ActiveLiving Alliance for Canadians with a Disability(Alberta Initiative).

FINANCE AND OPERATIONS• ARPA has undertaken some initial work in

re-structuring its current membership categoriesto better reflect and service the Association’sgrowing membership.

• The Recreation For Life Foundation hosted itsinaugural fundraising event, The Recration ForLife Foundation Golf Tournament. This eventproved to be a great fundraiser as over $25,000was raised for the Foundation.

• The Recreation For Life Foundation fundcontinues to grow this year, and should eclipse$40,000 by the fiscal year end 2003.


2002 RESOLUTION RESOLUTIONVision 2015 Be it Resolved That: Association members directSymposium Follow-up the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association Board to continue

to pursue follow-up vision development, and seek strategicways to operationalize and, advocate for, a preferred vision forthe quality of life sector in Alberta including the role recreationand parks plays within it.

ARPA’s “Diversity and Be it Resolved That: the Association endorseInclusion” Policy Statement the policy statement “Focus on Inclusion” and pursue its

operationalization.

2005 National Recreation Be it Resolved That: the Alberta Recreation andand Parks Conference Parks Association formally engage with the CP/RA towards

hosting the National Conference in Edmonton in October,2005.

ARPA’s Trails Policy Be it Resolved That: that the Association adoptStatement the “trails policy” as the basis for Association involvements with

trails development locally, provincially and nationally.

2001 RESOLUTION RESOLUTIONProclamation to Support Be it Resolved That: ARPA support active livingActive Living Initiatives initiatives which promote physical activity through partnership,

advocacy, education and program delivery.

Proclamation for Be it Resolved That: ARPA seek provincialProvincial Recreation and government proclamation of a “ProvincialParks Benefits Charter Recreation and Parks Benefit Charter” which would publicly

recognize and acknowledge the benefits derived from recreationand parks and establish the month of June annually to be“Recreation and Parks Month”.

2000 RESOLUTION RESOLUTIONRe-establishment of the Be it Resolved That: ARPA pursue with theUrban Parks Program Provincial Government the re-establishment of the Urban Parks

Program as a provincial legacy program as part of the AlbertaCentennial 2005 Program. Such re-establishment would providecapital operational planning and development monies to eligibleurban municipalities.

OUTCOMES TO DATEGrant funding was secured through CIP. SteeringCommittee is preparing the planning andconsultation program.

Revised “Diversity and Inclusion” policy statementhas been ratified by ARPA Board of Directors andcan be found on ARPA’s website.

ARPA has opened discussions with other alliedstakeholders to participate in an expanded NationalConference/Symposiums Model.

CPRA has generally endorsed the 2005 Conference/Symposiums Model.

Conference facilities have been secured.

No further outcomes.

OUTCOMES TO DATEARPA has had input into the Alberta Healthy LivingNetwork (AHLN) Framework process.

ARPA has developed an initial “ActiveCommunities” Framework document and a projectmanager has been appointed to continue with it’sprogram development.

The awareness of “June is Recreation and ParksMonth” is continuing to grow amongst the ARPAmembership, as in the adoption of such withinmunicipal programming across the province.

OUTCOMES TO DATEARPA has spearheaded the Urban Parks Programre-establishment proposal for submission to theAlberta government. This program proposal hasbeen distributed to all urban cities in Alberta andhas been formally presented to the AlbertaGovernment’s Standing Policy Committee on Healthand Community Living. (October 15, 2002). TheAlberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA)has been fully briefed on this proposal.

RESOLUTIONS REVIEW

2003 ACTIONGrant funding was requested through theCommunity Initiatives Program (CIP), AlbertaGaming to develop an action strategy utilizingsymposium proceedings and follow-up interactionwith symposium delegates and other alliedstakeholders.

The ARPA membership endorsed the “Diversity andInclusion” Policy Statement with suggested revisionsput forth at the Annual General Meeting.

ARPA forwarded a bid package to the CanadianParks and Recreation Association (CPRA) to hostthe 2005 National Recreation and ParksConference.ARPA was successful in it’s bid to host the 2005National Recreation and Parks Conference.ARPA has booked the Shaw Conference Centre inEdmonton for October 11-15, 2005.

The ARPA membership endorsed the “trails policy”statement as presented.

2003 ACTIONARPA has maintained Coordinating Councilrepresentation on the Alberta Healthy LivingNetwork (AHLN). ARPA has contracted withAlberta Community Development to continue towork on the development of a provincial “ActiveCommunities” program.

ARPA put into action the second annual “June isRecreation and Parks Month” program that includeda CD-Rom Toolkit, a successful walk-run event, awebsite and inserts in provincial newspapers.

2003 ACTIONOngoing advocacy with senior elected officials ofthe provincial government (Minister of Finance;Minister of Gaming and Minister of CommunityDevelopment) has been completed through face toface meetings.


2003 ACTIONOngoing advocacy – see Urban Parks above.Meetings with Alberta Agriculture and RuralDevelopment officials are being planned for thelatter quarter of 2003. ARPA is seeking individualcommunity(s) endorsement for the programproposal.

ARPA has continued to monitor and advocate forrural parks and recreation areas development.

ARPA continues to monitor provincial governmentpolicy and actions involving this issue.

2003 ACTIONARPA, through Regional Recreation Associations, hasreceived additional grant monies from AlbertaGaming to undertake an analysis of up to 50 morecommunity recreation facilities in Alberta. TheARPA’s Infrastructure Committee is currentlyoverseeing this round of assessments. The Ministerof Community Development has requested thatARPA present its report findings to variousgovernment committees – such action to occurbeginning the latter quarter of 2003.

As part of ARPA’s presentation to the StandingPolicy Committee on Health and Safe Communities,prohibitive utility (gas/electrical) costs associatedwith recreation facilities was identified as a majorissue. More recently ARPA has worked withAARFP to educate government about the impact ofutility hikes on recreation facilities.

ARPA has initiated a follow-up study to assess theimpact of increased energy costs on majorrecreation facilities operations and service delivery.

RESOLUTIONS REVIEW

2000 RESOLUTION RESOLUTIONDevelopment of rural parks Be it Resolved That: ARPA pursue with theand recreation areas Provincial Government the re-establishment of capital funding

for the development of rural parks and recreation areas as aprovincial legacy.

Converting school lands into Be it Resolved That: A) ARPA pursue governmentcommunity open spaces of Alberta commitment to retain required school lands as open

space in affect communities, without these lands having to be‘repurchased’ by taxpayers, and,

B) Be it Resolved That: ARPA solicit support of other relevantpartners, such as AUMA, in presenting this issue to theGovernment, and,

C) Be it Resolved That: ARPA encourage public /public and/orpublic/private partnership of further opportunities forrecreational open space use of these lands.

1999 RESOLUTION RESOLUTIONReinvestment in Recreation Be it Resolved That: the Province of AlbertaInfrastructure participate in the reinvestment into Alberta’s community

recreation infrastructure and further this be tied to the 2005Centennial celebrations as a legacy to the citizens of theProvince of Alberta.

Interagency Committee on Be it Resolved That: ARPA take an active role onCost Reductions and an interagency committee to investigate utility costAlternative Energy Sources reductions and alternative energy sources.

OUTCOMES TO DATEARPA has spearheaded the development of aCountryside Parks and Recreation Areas ProgramProposal. The program proposal was reviewed withRegional Recreation Associations. This programproposal has been presented through the AlbertaGovernment’s Standing Policy Committee on Healthand Community Living (October 15, 2002).

In consultation with the City of Edmonton, the Cityof Calgary has submitted a proposed solution toAlberta Community Development and AlbertaLearning, which requires provincial governmentreview. City of Edmonton has advanced a formalresolution through the Alberta Urban MunicipalitiesAssociation of Alberta.

OUTCOMES TO DATEARPA has presented the study findings of the 2001facility assessments to the Minister of CommunityDevelopment and other MLAs.

Provincial government desire to review communityrecreation facilities assessment study results.

Additional provincial government funding receivedfor additional facility assessments.

Interagency committee including representativesfrom AARFP remains active and is monitoringadvocacy initiatives.

ARPA received special project funding from AlbertaCommunity Development and has produced anoverview report on the energy circumstances andimpacts & implications for community recreationdevelopment in Alberta. ARPA in partnership withAARFP has transmitted utility cost concerns toPremier Klein and provincial ministers. ARPA &AARFP provided direct input into the provincialgovernment’s energy rebate program.

ARPA and AARFP continue to monitor the utilitiesissue through a joint committee.


TREASURER’S REPORT

The fiscal year ending December 31, 2002 hasbeen another very exciting year and ourAssociation’s financial position remains strong.

Our membership, through ratification of the useof member equity in the last three operatingbudgets, has given a consistent and unwaveringdirective for strategic growth for ourAssociation. This growth can be seen in theform of increased member services; increaseddevelopment projects and advocacy activities; thecreation of the Recreation For Life Foundation;and a growth in overall service delivery. The2002 fiscal year was yet another year ofsignificant strategic growth. This growth wouldnot be able to occur without financialinvestment.

In 2000 and 2001 when our membership ratifiedthe use of member equity we were able to seekout new revenue sources while maintaining fiscalresponsibility. We therefore did not have theneed to use the membership equity moniesapproved in these past budgets. In our 2002budget, the Association, and the Board ofDirectors, once again ratified a growth focusedbudget and did so consciously knowing thatmember equity would be required.

Although we had this need to use a portion ofour member equity to help realize ourcontinued planned growth, our Association’sfinancial position can only be described as veryhealthy – with over $120,000 currently inmember equity based on a current operatingbudget of $410,000.

In reviewing financial accounting matters fromthe Association’s auditor’s Daniel St. Arnaud, inhis Letter of Engagement to the Association itstates, “I feel the current accounting andoperational systems in place effectively manage thegoals and obligations of the Association. At thistime, I believe there is no significantrecommendations required in the Association’saccounting and operation procedures.”

Our Association continues to be active andinfluential and our investment in our industryhas resulted in substantive and sustainedinitiatives such as the Vision 2015 Symposium,the Community Recreation Infrastructure Study,Urban Parks and Countryside Parks andRecreation Areas Program Proposals and the“Active Communities” Framework, not tomention the creation of the new Recreation ForLife Foundation.

As Treasurer, I acknowledge the strength of ourfinancial position, the management of our office,and our Association’s industry leading position asa whole as the result of the lead of ourExecutive Director, the management of ourOffice Administrator, the hard work of ourBoard of Directors and the many, manyvolunteers who shape, grow and influence ourindustry.

We, the Board of Directors are pleased withour Association’s financial position.

Linus MurphyTreasurer


AUDITOR’S REPORT FINANCIAL REPORTS


FINANCIAL REPORTS

11759 Groat RoadEdmonton, Alberta T5M 3K6

Tel: (780) 415-1745Fax: (780) 422-2663

Email: [email protected] 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

…over 50 years of enhancing Albertans’ quality of liferecreation and parks: live it every day!

recreation and parks: live it every day! …over 50 years of...

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