Industry Association: International Federation of Park and Recreation Administration (IFPRA)
Association Profile
The International Federation of Park and Recreation Administration is a non-profit organisation with headquarters in the United Kingdom, and was established in London during 1957 at the time of the first International Congress in Parks and Recreation.
IFPRA maintains contacts throughout the world with national professional bodies representing parks, recreation, amenity, cultural, leisure and related services. More than 60 nations are represented within IFPRA, and the Federation has no political affiliations.
Aims and Objectives
The Federation's main aims and objectives include:
• the advancement of parks, recreation, amenity, cultural and leisure services through representation and dissemination of information
• the adoption of internationally acceptable training and qualification standards
• the promotion of relevant research
• the establishment of national recreation and park associations
• the promotion of the conservation ethic and the reduction of pollution
• the encouragement of efficient use of resources
• the organisation of international congresses and meetings
• the publication of a bulletin
• the international exchange of students and professionals
• the establishment of regional sectors where appropriate
Management
Management of the Federation is vested in a governing commission, which is elected by the general assembly (all members of the Federation) at the time of each World Congress. The commission comprises the elected officers (president, president elect and past president), the chair of each regional sector and one appointed representative from each member nation. The day-to-day business of the Federation is handled by an executive committee and the general secretary. There are two authorised regional sectors: IFPRA Europe and IFPRA Asia Pacific.
Benefits of Membership
• A regularly updated membership list is available to members facilitating contracts between professionals
in different countries and encouraging the sharing of information
• A quarterly bulletin is published, containing contributions from members throughout the world including advice of
forthcoming events and regional news
• World congresses are organised every three years and IFPRA-affiliated organisations throughout the world bid to
host these events. Regional congresses are organised by IFPRA Europe and IFPRA Asia Pacific on a three-year
cycle. All IFPRA congresses feature a comprehensive technical program, a full program of social events and a post-congress tour of the host country as an option
• Discounted fees are available to IFPRA members
• The Federation supports the adoption of internationally acceptable qualification standards and details of an
appropriate scheme may be supplied
Membership Categories
• Affiliate Membership – is available to nationally allied professional associations engaged in parks, recreation,
amenity, leisure and related services
• Corporate Membership – is available to government departments, municipal and public authorities, universities,
and scientific and educational institutions associated with the profession
• Commercial Membership – is available to commercial enterprises offering a service to the profession
• Professional Membership – is available to individuals who are professionally engaged in the management/
administration of park, recreation and allied services
• Supporting Membership – is available to non-professionals who wish to support the work of the Federation
• Retired Membership – is available to individuals who have retired from a position which would have, or did, qualify them for professional membership
• Honorary Life Membership – is awarded by the World Commission in recognition of exceptional attainment in the
fields related to the aims and objectives of the Federation or outstanding service to the Federation
The membership year runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. From October 1, half fees are applicable
and from January 1, no fees are applicable until the start of the membership year.
Further Contact & Information:
International Federation of Park and Recreation Administration
Asia Pacific Region
Neil McCarthy (Australia) : Chair
Email: neil.mccarthy@parks.vic.gov.au
Mr Gordon Bailey (New Zealand): Secretary
Private Bag 50072 Queenstown 9348, New Zealand
Email: gordonb@qldc.govt.nz
Web: www.ifpra.org
