Collaboration between business and park and recreation professionals to spur innovations for improving local communities.
BCI Burke announces that it will be a founding member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Business Council — a collaboration that will strengthen the connections between the essential role of parks and recreation and the business sector.
Local park and recreation agencies not only provide essential places for communities to gather, move and develop; they also generate economic value. Across the country, parks and recreation generated more than $166 billion in economic activity and supported 1.1 million jobs from their operations and capital spending in 2017.
“Parks and recreation spaces are critical to the health of communities. They provide places for children and families to gather, exercise, play, develop and engage together,” said Brian Johnson, COO – BCI Burke. “These places and spaces also provide economic benefits to the communities they reside in. That’s why we’re excited to join the inaugural group of Business Council members to explore, share and deploy powerful solutions that benefit both businesses and parks and recreation.”
The NRPA Business Council brings together the business sector and park and recreation professionals to solve common challenges together, fuel innovation, foster activism and advocacy and promote research to enhance the quality of life for all.
“The NRPA Business Council will improve communications between the public and private sectors. This increased dialogue can help bring more innovative products and services to the park and recreation field faster,” said Paula Sliefert, NRPA Business Council Chair and Senior Manager, Sports Fields and Grounds, The Toro Company.
The inaugural NRPA Business Council comprises strategic thinkers and collaborative decision-makers, representing businesses and allies who care deeply about parks and recreation. Business Council members also represent organizations that have demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and support the advancement of DEI in park and recreation programs, policies and practices.
For more information about the NRPA Business Council, visit nrpa.org/BusinessCouncil. To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.
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About Burke
At BCI Burke, play is our passion and creating Play That Moves You means researching and designing products and playscapes that inspire adventure, bring people together, foster development and keep communities moving. We’ve been bringing the highest level of play, playgrounds, recreation and outdoor fitness to the communities we serve for more than 100 years and are just getting started. Learn more about our movement at bciburke.com.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.