ARPA History

1950 | 1950's | 1960's | 1970's | 1980's | 1990's | 2000-2001

1950

"At various times, it has been suggested that we convene a meeting for executives engaged in public recreation in Alberta and thus provide an opportunity for them to meet and discuss matters of common interest or concern." This is a quote from a letter sent to twelve executives of the major urban recreation, health, physical education, culture and sports agencies by J.H. Ross, Director of Health and Recreation Branch in the Province of Alberta. On February 20 the Alberta Recreation Executives' Association was formed at a meeting in Calgary. Later that year the AERA advocated for the establishment of a Provincial Recreation Advisory Body.

1950's

The Constitution and By-Laws were drafted and the word ‘executives' was omitted.
Membership fees were $2.00.
The first annual meeting and conference was held in Calgary May 3, 1952.
The Association requested the Government of Alberta appoint a Director of Physical Education and Recreation for the Province.
A proposal for affiliation with the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association was endorsed.
The publication of a regular newsletter was initiated to keep members informed.
In an effort to establish a Recreation Degree Program, an Education Committee was formed to approach the University of Alberta with the request.

In this period, the ARPA advocated for:

Better school recreation programs.
Publication of information on the erection of new gymnasia or play fields.
A general plan to assist communities establishing community recreation programs.
The use of schools and school areas for community recreation championships.
The elimination of rough play in hockey, and an emphasis on skill development for younger participants.
The Provincial Department of Education to oversee school track and field competitions at individual schools, to arrange district championships and to sponsor Provincial track and field games.
Improved financial support for recreation programming and facilities, including a per-capita grant system for municipal governments.

1960's

The ARA requested representation on the Provincial Recreation and Cultural Development Board.
A Provincial Parks Committee was established to maintain a watching brief on developments in the Parks Field.
A Professional Standards Committee was formed to look into the formation of a professional wing for the ARPA.
The ARA changed its name to the "Alberta Recreation and Parks Association" with its principal object being, the stimulation and advancement of recreation and parks services, programs, and development in the province of Alberta.
Endorsed the newly developed Recreation Technicians course at SAIT.

In this period the ARPA advocated for:

A government consultant in the field of area and facility planning, design, construction and maintenance, dealing with the problems and implications of leisure.
The retention of adequate school gymnasia for recreation, amateur athletics, and adult education purposes.
The Provincial Department of Public Works to establish future sites for homes for the aged only after detailed consideration has been given to the needs and problems of the aged.
The principle of trade status for gardeners.
The conservation of outdoor recreation resources.
For schools to become "community centers in the true sense, in which the emphasis will be on education for life rather than on education for a living".

1970's

ARPA studied the availability of adequate recreation grant funds to smaller municipalities.
Established a central library for the ARPA.
The formation of an Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association within ARPA was endorsed.
The "Alberta Victor Pettigew Award" was initiated for "the community in Alberta that has done the most in a particular year to enhance the quality of life."
"ARPA-Minister's Tours" were initiated (joint tours to various Alberta municipalities by the ARPA executive with the Minister and senior staff of the Department of Culture, Youth and Recreation).
An affiliation was developed with the Provincial Arts Committee.
A research committee was established to investigate planning proposals for the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies.
"Recreation Alberta" became the official publication of the Association.
Regional Recreation Associations were formally recognized and a closer working relationship was developed.
A workshop on Energy Conservation and the potential for reducing utility rates for recreation facilities was held.
A joint membership agreement with CP/RA was signed.
Substantial increases in funding became available from the Western Canada Lottery (Alberta division) and the Provincial Government.
A full time Executive Director was hired.

In this period the ARPA advocated for:

More effective distribution of grant funds.
A Provincial Department of Recreation and Parks.
A cessation of the selling of mineral rights in wilderness areas.
Community use designs for schools and involvement of local recreation authorities in the planning, design and operation of community school facilities.
The establishment of urban provincial parks in Alberta.
Financial assistance to enable needy individuals to participate in recreation programs.
The establishment of an in-service training program for recreation personnel.
Preservation of the ecology of the Lake Louise area and rejection of the "Village Lake Louise" development proposal.
The provision of increased recreational services for the physically, mentally and emotionally handicapped.
The development of a provincial mosquito-abatement program.
Advocated "area" athletic games in preference to provincial games as a means of increasing participation of a greater number of Alberta Athletes.
Numerous improvements in the early childhood services program including changes in leader qualification, and concessions for disadvantage children.
A complete cultural festival as well as the traditional athletic events as part of the 1978 Commonwealth Games.

1980's

The ARPA endorsed the Federal Government's decision to boycott the Olympic Games in Russia.
Issues sessions at conferences were implemented.
One year complimentary memberships and pins to were presented graduating recreation students.
A Reserve Fund was established to carry the Association activities for 6 months.
The ARPA wrote to all post-secondary institutions within the Province of Alberta to inquire about their degree of interest in having an advisory committee.
A recreation information committee was formed.
The ARPA investigated the changing atmosphere of recreation services in the Province in relation to Alberta Recreation and Parks mandate, the potential demise of community level recreation boards, and the fragmentation of historic recreation services delivery in Alberta.
An Administrative Coordinator was hired.

In this period the ARPA advocated for:

Increased operational grants.
Updated sport delivery policy.
An increase in funds made available to municipalities through STEP.
Clearer identification of the municipal role in the sport delivery system.

1990's

A day institute entitled "GST and Its Effect on Leisure Services" was held.
The potential for a parks information library was investigated.
The Parks Committee investigated expanding the Urban Parks Program to include a rural parks component.
ARPA co-hosted a "Symposium on Trail Development in Alberta"; with the Calgary Area Outdoor Council.
ARPA co-hosted a workshop entitled " The Benefits of Leisure" with the Alberta Center for Well Being and Alberta Recreation and Parks.
A corporate sponsorship program was initiated for the ARPA Conference.
ARPA was represented on the Ministry's Advisory Committee on the Values and Benefits of Recreating and Active Living's Strategy Initiative.
ARPA hosted a workshop on the "Essential Benefits of Recreation".
ARPA attended the Premier's Round Table on Budget.
ARPA participated in the political process during the Tory Leadership race and subsequent election.
A corporate sponsorship program was initiated for the ARPA Conference.
Established a formal alliance with the Alberta Association for Recreation Facilities Personnel.
A fund-raising golf tournament was initiated.
A members handbook was published.
Benefits of Recreation –Alberta Kit was published and the Benefits of Recreation was presented to the Young Offenders Task Force.
Benefits into Action Guidebook was published.
ARPA Website was created.
An advocacy questionnaire was distributed to all Provincial Parties in the 1997 election.
"Action News Briefs" were used to inform members of ARPA advocacy and lobby efforts.
Input was provided to the Alberta 100th Anniversary Strategy Committee encouraging investment in legacy recreation infrastructure and programming initiatives.
A Playground Safety Institute was hosted.
The Elsie McFarland Legacy Fund was established in partnership with the University of Alberta.

In this period the ARPA advocated for:

Adoption of the recommendations given in "The Aging Population, A Position Paper Prepared by the AUMA Task Force on Aging—The Grey Wave".
Changes to the GST legislation as it relates to recreation and parks services.
Certification of coaches in all sports.
Maintaining the University of Alberta's Recreation Degree Program.
Funding to update aging recreation infrastructure.
Review of not-for-profit agency property taxation.
Reaffirmation of the Federal and Provincial Government's commitment to recreation and it's benefits.
Maintenance of funds for Municipal Recreation/Tourism Areas Grant Program.
Enhanced post-secondary scholarships and training.

2000/2001

The ARPA made a formal presentation to the Alberta Government's Standing Policy Committee on Health and Safe Communities.
An ARPA representative participated in the National Sport Policy - Prairie Region.
ARPA was invited to participate as a member of the Alberta Sport Plan Task Force.
Co-hosted the national/provincial CPRA/ARPA Conference.
Initiated the establishment of a separate ARPA Foundation - for fund and friend raising purposes.
A series of one-day workshops were held with topics including Facility Lifecycle Planning, Risk Management, Creating Natural Learning Environments, Trendspotting, and Innovations in Programming and Special Events.
Conducted a provincial investigation into play leader training needs.
Was awarded a contract by Alberta Government to inventory and undertake an assessment of community recreation facilities across the Province.
An elections strategy for the 2001 Provincial election included a candidate and leader questionnaire, regular press releases, and an election website.
The ARPA 50th Anniversary Committee hosted a golf tournament and held an enormously successful Alberta Legends Dinner, where people, organizations and programs that have made an outstanding contribution to recreation and parks in Alberta were honoured.

In this period the ARPA advocated for:

A long term provincial government strategy to address the impact of high utility costs on facilities and programs.
A provincial, post-deficit era, reinvestment strategy for recreation and parks (including play, physical activity, sport, arts, culture, and outdoor pursuits).
Funding to update or replace aging infrastructure.
Support for community recreation, sport, art, culture and parks programs.
Re-establishment of the Provincial Urban/Rural Parks Programs.
Recognition of the benefits of recreation and their importance to the quality of life in Alberta.
Enhanced lottery funding to provincial sport, recreation, arts and historic resources foundations.
Increased resources for recreation benefits initiatives.
The proclamation of a provincial recreation and parks benefits charter which would proclaim June as "Recreation & Parks Month".
Integrated provincial actions towards "active schools" in Alberta.
Provincial action regarding the disposition of school lands in major cities.
Provincial government re-investment in provincial parks and protected areas including enhanced interpretive and environmental education programming.