It’s early Monday morning in the middle of August, and this article is taking longer to write than usual. I’m reflecting on this past year as well as the coming two months—no small undertaking. By the time you read this, we will be six weeks from Congress, and the end of my term as chair.

Although the year has gone by quickly, it has been fun and productive: meeting new people, listening to their issues and challenges, and moving our message along in visits to Capitol Hill.

This year we introduced the Premier Agency Package, which allows all of your full-time employees to be involved with NRPA. This is an exciting advancement for membership, since we now have an avenue to reach the next generation of members. We need the involvement of young professionals, as well as their energy, enthusiasm, excitement, and ideas as we continue looking toward the future.

We have made big strides with PRORAGIS, NRPA’s new cutting-edge, online management tool for public park and recreation agencies. This game-changing database will open doors to many new and exciting opportunities by providing you the information to continue validating your agency.

Still, we continue to face many challenges: public awareness, the economy, legislation, and supporting attractive careers for your people.

We have an unparalleled offering, one every community needs and wants yet takes for granted. With tools such as PRORAGIS and our public-awareness campaign, America’s Backyard: Make Parks Yours, however, we will remain in the forefront of the conversations with the public and legislators.

There may be no better way to demonstrate our usefulness than our role in combating obesity, America’s number-one health issue. We are the keepers of the wonder drug to solve this debilitating national epidemic—activity. September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness month, and it’s a great time to get in front of this issue to connect as the solution.

In my July column, I wrote I would lose 10 to 15 pounds by Congress. I challenged others to join me, so we could say “Congress was a big loser.” But I have heard from very few of you—maybe four or five who were willing to join me. We must lead by example.

I will achieve my goal, though it has been difficult. Losing weight and changing habits is not easy. The weekends kill me! But for myself, my health, and my family, I’ll make it. Want to join me?

As my year as chair of NRPA comes to a close, I want to say thank you.

Thanks to my fellow board members, past and present, who have supported, encouraged, and challenged me during my past six years on the board. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to lead NRPA.

Thanks to NRPA’s staff, a group of tremendously talented and dedicated people. Without their help I could have done nothing.

Thanks to our CEO and President Barbara Tulipane. Barbara has a great passion for NRPA and our mission. She continues to encourage and push up to look forward. She has assembled a great team that takes care of today’s work, so we can look to the future.

I want to thank all of you, our members and stakeholders. Your passion as professionals and advocates drives us to accomplish our mission. You make us want to be better.

On October 15, I will hand over the keys to Steve Thompson, knowing that NRPA has a great future. Our tomorrow looks very bright.