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In late February, NRPA held the first Business Council meeting of 2023 and welcomed three new member companies: Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects, USA BMX and WT Group.

“We look forward to a productive year ahead, building on the momentum and accomplishments we have made so far together and welcoming our newest members to the council,” says Paula Sliefert, NRPA Business Council chair and senior manager for sports, fields and grounds at The Toro Company.

Founded in 2022, the NRPA Business Council brings together the business sector and park and recreation professionals to solve common challenges, fuel innovation, further research, and promote strong park and recreation systems to enhance the quality of life for all. The council serves as a strategic advisory group, lifting the voice of the business community and bridging the gap between the private and public sectors to build healthy communities through the power of parks and recreation.

The 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 a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and support the advancement of DEI in park and recreation programs, policies and practices.

“We are grateful to our Business Council members and their earnest engagement in our essential work. This collaboration will lead to greater innovation, quicker responses to new challenges and better long-term solutions for the park and recreation field — which is more important than ever before,” says Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO.

For more information about the NRPA Business Council, visit this page.