January 26th, 2026: Weekly Dose of Training Opportunities

Resources: 

Project Review Requirements for 2026 

Please use the links on the MPS Project Review website for the most up-to-date list and forms. Please continue submitting the current Project Information Form (PIF) as a Microsoft Word document to mpsprojectreview.dnr@maryland.gov.

Outside Training opportunities

Aquatics Summit (New Date!)

By MRPA Summit Committee

The MRPA Aquatics Summit has been rescheduled for September 16–17, 2026, and registration is now open! Join aquatics professionals from across the state for two days of learning, collaboration, and connection. Visit the MRPA website to register and view event details. REGISTER TODAY>> Professional Learning Community: Marketing & Communications By MRPA Join us for the second meeting of the Marketing & Communications PLC on Tuesday, February 3rd, from 10–11 a.m. via Zoom. This session will continue building a collaborative space for marketing and communications professionals to connect, exchange ideas and resources, and discuss current trends and challenges impacting our field.  If your agency is interested in hosting this PLC, please contact the MRPA office. REGISTER TODAY>> Join MRPA members from across the state for the Winter General Membership Meeting. Stay informed on association updates, connect with colleagues, and engage in important discussions impacting parks and recreation in Maryland and D.C.   Workshop: “Never Too Old For Play” (.1 CEU pending)   "Never Too Old to Play" explores the role of playgrounds in promoting health and happiness for people of all ages, including teens, adults, and seniors. It emphasizes the evolution of play needs throughout life and discusses the importance of incorporating diverse play elements into playgrounds to benefit all age groups. The presentation includes findings from three major play behavior studies conducted in the US and UK, involving over 60,000 participants in 100 different play environments.   Speaker: Richard J Young, Client Resource Manager Register Today! 🌟 2026 MRPA Annual Conference – Registration Is Open! The 2026 MRPA Annual Conference is shaping up to be an unforgettable event for parks and recreation professionals across Maryland and D.C.—and registration is open! Join us for multiple days of education, networking, and celebration of our profession. 📝 Register to Attend Conference attendee registration is open! Secure your spot to take advantage of educational sessions, networking opportunities, special events, and more. 🏢 Exhibitors & Sponsors Exhibitor Registration is open for organizations looking to showcase products and services to parks and recreation professionals. Sponsorship Applications are now being accepted for those interested in gaining visibility and supporting the conference at a higher level. ⛳ Golf Tournament Registration Don’t miss one of our most popular conference traditions—the MRPA Golf Tournament! Registration is open and spots are limited. 🏨 Reserve Your Hotel Room Reserve your hotel room at the Hyatt early to secure the discounted rate and stay close to all conference activities. 🏆 Awards Nominations Help us recognize excellence in parks and recreation! Awards nominations are now open—submit a nomination to honor outstanding individuals, programs, and agencies. 🚁✨ Exciting New Feature: Drone Show! We’re thrilled to announce that the 2026 MRPA Annual Conference will feature a spectacular drone show—a first for MRPA! This exciting event will light up the sky and add a memorable experience to an already outstanding conference.   🔗 Visit the MRPA website for links to registration, exhibitor and sponsor opportunities, hotel reservations, awards nominations, and full conference details.   We can’t wait to see you at the 2026 MRPA Annual Conference—mark your calendar and start planning today! Register Today! Tracks include ADA Basics, Programming, Accessible Digital Communication, and Physical Accessibility Earn up to .4 CEUs Register Today!   For exhibitor or sponsorship interest—or any questions—please contact: programaccess@montgomeryparks.org Register Today!