
The NRPA Strategic Planning Committee participated in its annual planning retreat at the Chicago O’Hare Hilton July 25 – 27, 2008.
During the retreat, the Committee reviewed and updated the Assumptions about the Relevant Future Environment, reviewed and made minor modifications to the strategic plan and explored two “mega issues” previously identified by leadership.
The retreat began with consideration of NRPA member input regarding Assumptions about the Relevant Future Environment. Critical to any on-going strategic planning effort, this exercise allowed the Committee to contemplate assumptions about the future environment in which parks and recreation, and more specifically, NRPA operates.
After a thorough review of the environmental assumptions, the Committee was well equipped to review and make recommendations on a handful of minor changes to the plan. Emphasis was placed on reviewing the mission, vision, values, goals and objectives included in the three year plan.
Finally, the Committee reviewed and discussed two “mega issues” – the first focused on NRPA performing as a national association while maintaining relevance at the local level and the second focused on the importance of raising awareness of parks and recreation.
The Committee will present the recommended changes to the strategic plan and the Assumptions about the Relevant Future Environment to the NRPA Executive Committee on September 15, 2008 and then distribute the proposed revised plan to NRPA leadership via email on September 19th.
At the annual Congress & Exposition in Baltimore, the Committee will host a public briefing on Friday, October 17 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. The public briefing will include an overview of the recommended changes to the plan and provide for public comment.
The NRPA Board will consider and vote on the proposed revised plan on Saturday, October 18th.
The Committee’s discussion on the two mega issues will be captured and shared with the NRPA Executive Committee at their retreat in November 2008.