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WHAT IS CPRA?

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) is a national organization dedicated to realizing the full potential of parks and recreation as a major contributor to community health and vibrancy. Membership includes the 13 provincial and territorial parks and recreation associations and their extensive networks of service providers in over 90% of Canadian communities.

CPRA collaborates with a host of other national organizations operating in the recreation, physical activity, environmental, facilities, sport, public health, crime prevention and social services arenas.

Since its inception in 1945, CPRA has become a credible and strong national leader in our sector. In addition to our advocacy on the benefits of parks and recreation, we provide our members with the information, resources and the professional development they can use to make a difference in their own community. Through broad-based community involvement, we find solutions to social challenges, influence policy direction and generate momentum towards community quality of life.

CPRA is a registered charity.

Learn about CPRA’s strategic direction for the next several years.

Strategic Outlook

CPRA Mission

CPRA exists to build healthy communities and enhance the quality of life and environments for all Canadians through collaboration with our members and partners.

To this end, we will:

  • Be a national voice for parks and recreation
  • Build and nurture partnerships
  • Advocate for parks and recreation as essential to individual, family and community health and well-being
  • Communicate and promote the values and benefits of parks and recreation
  • Respond to the diverse and changing needs of members
  • Provide educational opportunities

CPRA Vision

CPRA is an alliance of all provincial and territorial parks and recreation associations across Canada. Collectively we envision a Canada in which everyone is engaged in meaningful, accessible recreation experiences that foster:

  • Individual wellbeing
  • Community wellbeing
  • The wellbeing of our natural and built environments

We work with a variety of other national organizations to further the parks and recreation agenda in Canada and in the world.

CPRA Values

  • Parks and recreation is a public good and an essential service; the benefits of recreation are numerous and cannot be escaped.
  • Inclusion and equity are integral; recreation benefits all and it should be accessible to all.
  • Sustainability is necessary, including sustainability from a financial and governance perspective.
  • Lifelong participation; parks and recreation are relevant to all ages.