Michelle Park, CPRP,
is the Executive Director of
Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. Michelle has worked twenty-five years in the parks
and recreation profession after receiving degrees in the field from the
University of Florida and the University of Southern Mississippi. A native of
south Florida, she spent 11 years working with the Palm Beach County Parks and
Recreation Department, 8 years as Director of Recreation. In 1989, she moved to
Washington DC to become the executive director of the Maryland Recreation and
Park Association.
In 1991, she was hired by the National Recreation and
Park Association as director of Professional Services, providing education and
training opportunities to professionals and citizens in the field. Additional
responsibilities included professional certification, agency accreditation,
curricula accreditation, playground safety certification, etc.
In 1996, Michelle became the executive director of
the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. A major function of her job is
sharing the important message to elected officials and community leaders about
the tremendous benefits that public park and recreation agencies bring to the
citizens and businesses of Ohio. Michelle also manages the OPRA Foundation, the fundraising ally of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.
Recent awards include: President’s Award for
Exceptional Service, American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration,
2002; and the Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Florida, College of
Health and Human Performance, 1999.
Recent community involvement includes: Board Member
and Past President, Ohio League of Conservation Voters, 1999 - present;
Committee Chair, Columbus and Franklin Metro Parks Levy Campaign, 1999; and
Committee Chair, Westerville “Keep it Growing” Campaign for Parks and
Recreation, 1998.
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