About CPRS

Who We Are

Founded in 1946, CPRS is a nonprofit, professional and public interest organization with over 4,000 members who are central to why Parks Make Life Better!

CPRS membership is well-distributed, with 86 percent of park and recreation agencies in California boasting at least one CPRS individual member. CPRS also has local, national and international company members that provide solutions to help our members work smarter and faster.

Join CPRS

Children Swimming

Our Mission

The California Park & Recreation Society's mission is to advance the park and recreation profession through education, networking, resources and advocacy. CPRS members are united in their commitment to improving people's lives. This networking happens across disciplines and agency boundaries to achieve together what we cannot do alone. CPRS strives to educate policy makers so that they vote with the premise that parks and recreation is an essential community service.

We Are CPRS

Importance of individual membership and the strength in numbers of CPRS as a collaborative.

Districts and Sections

Members are assigned to one of 15 geographic Districts based on either their home or work address.

Use our interactive GIS map to easily explore CPRS regions and districts. Access details including region and district boundaries, membership counts in your area, and even find your district president.

Learn more about CPRS Districts

CPRS Sections

CPRS members are part of professional communities through specialized Sections, connecting them with peers by location and area of interest.

Members can also choose to join a Section(s) that aligns with their job function or areas of interest to expand their professional network, attend trainings, and access relevant resources.

Learn more about CPRS Sections

CARD Strategic Framework

In 2023, the CPRS State Board of Directors and Executive team developed a framework of goals to guide the California Park & Recreation Society in meeting the values of its mission statement.

This framework outlines 'what' we aim to achieve, while each pillar describes 'how' we intend to accomplish it. All CPRS Regions, Districts, Sections, Committees, and staff have a part in moving our association – and our profession – forward. This framework outlines our joint goals to accomplish just that.

Learn more about the CARD Strategic Framework

CPRS Bylaws

The purpose of the California Park & Recreation Society is to advance the profession of recreation, parks, and community services. Through the work of the State Board of Directors, our Regions, Districts and Sections, and staff, we:

Unite members and ensure member success
Provide educational opportunities to recreation, park, and community services professionals
Engage in research to advance the recreation, park, and community services profession
Disseminate information affecting recreation, park, and community services in California
Engage in legislative advocacy that support and enhance the recreation, park, and community services profession

View our Most Up to Date Bylaws