Texas Recreation & Park Society

Texas Recreation and Park Society^1.0 (TRAPS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 professional and educational organization founded 70 years ago. TRAPS is committed to advancing the field of parks, recreation and leisure services in Texas, while advocating for enhanced recreation opportunities and the increase of public green space for Texans. TRAPS, serves as a clearinghouse of information on parks and recreation, fosters networking and promotes the sharing of information.

Currently, there are over 2,000 professional and citizen-advocate members of the Texas Recreation and Park Society. Two of our strongest affiliate partners, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), have ex-officio seats on the Board of Directors.

To provide professional development, advocacy and resources to all who enhance the quality of life through parks, open spaces and recreation.

Vision

To set the standard for excellence and innovation in parks, open spaces and recreation.

Core Values

I.D.E.A.S.

The Texas Recreation and Park Society is a non-profit (501c3) professional and educational organization founded over 70 years ago to advance the profession of parks, recreation, and leisure services in Texas. TRAPS has an IDEA; we value and are about:

• I = Integrity - promoting high values, ethics and standards in Texas communities and the profession
• D = Development - enhancing the person, community and the profession via quality training and resources
• E = Excellence - raising the standard for parks, open spaces and recreation so as to enhance the quality of life
• A = Advocacy - advancing decisions, actions and policy that promote the benefits of parks, recreation, conservation, tourism and wellness
• S = Service - focusing on individual development & well-being, facilitating partnerships and fostering responsible stewardship...keys for community building

2008-2012 Strategic Plan

It is that time of year again. TRAPS is updated information for the 2008-09 Annual Membership Directory & Buyer's Guide. Please contact us at traps@traps.org with any updates to your contact information (title, address, phone, fax or email address).

The Texas Recreation & Park Society Board of Directors at its March 29, 2008 quarterly board meeting voted to endorse the Special Olympics Eunice Kennedy Shriver Global Sports Camp Program in Texas. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Global Sports Camp program (Camp Shriver) is a place for children with intellectual disabilities and for those without disabilities to learn new sports skills; improve their individual sport performance, participate in individual and team sports, build friendships, and have fun with partners who have signed on and been trained as Camp Shriver volunteers and staff. Special Olympics Texas has identified five area within the state for the initial (2008) Camp Shriver program effort: Austin, Dallas, Houston, Midland and San Antonio.

The goals of Camp Shriver are to:

Provide new sports and other opportunities for all participants as well as strengthen existing sports camp experiences for people with intellectual disabilities;

Create an atmosphere of understanding, learning , and sharing so that new friendships between athletes and their partners (volunteers) are created and continue to thrive once Camp is over;

Rekindle the energy that helped form the basis for Special Olympics, and

Continue to develop the Camp Shriver program in communities throughout the USA and around the world.

For additional details, please contact Michal Anne Lord at michalannelord@traps.org or 512-267-5550 for additional details

Annual TR Summit
Tuesday, August 26 - Friday, August 29, 2008
Camp For All
Burton, TX

Held each year and sponsored by the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) branch. The Summit is a great opportunity to share new ideas about programming for individuals with special needs, new twists on old ideas, hands-on learning, networking, and just plain fun.

You will have the opportunity to interact with the majority of the speakers and your colleagues outside sessions to further exchange ideas and address additional questions and concerns related to your programs. You will also have the experience of spending several days at Camp For All multimillion dollar camp designed and built for those with disabilities. It is a phenomenal facility with many adaptations in the numerous program areas that will give you ideas for your own programs.

On-line Registration
Registration Form

TRAPS has created two new lapel pins. Click here for additional information.

An active, energetic group, our Legislative Committee, provides a strong presence promoting the legislative agenda of parks and recreation during sessions of the Texas Legislature and as needed on a national/federal level. Ever-ready, this committee has an immediate response system via telephone, facsimile and e-mail networks to quickly inform you about and respond to issues that affect your profession and/or constituents/customers.

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5188
Jonestown, Texas 78645
(512) 267-5550
(512) 267-5557 Fax
traps@traps.org

TRAPS Physical Address
18593 FM 1431
Jonestown, TX 78645