MRPA RALS Branch

MRPA RALS Branch Maryland Recreation & Parks Association- Recreation and Leisure Services Branch
Improving Hearts and Minds was formally adopted in 1973.

The organization was originally founded as the Baltimore Recreation Society in 1945. Hope Godwin, employed by the Baltimore City Bureau of Recreation, was the first president. In 1950, the society expanded to include recreation professionals throughout the state of Maryland and changed its name to the Maryland Recreation Society. In 1960, the society once again changed its name to better reflect i

ts membership. The new name was the Maryland Recreation and Parks Society. The current name, The Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, Inc. Current Branch Leadership:
Chair
Carla Benavides
[email protected]
202 510-2386

Vice Chair/Chair Elect
John Kennedy
[email protected]
301 495-2525

Past Chair
DeVon H. Brown, CPRP
[email protected]
410 612-1606

Secretary
Leigh Ann Eckenrode
[email protected]
240 623-6066

Fundraiser / Treasurer Wendy Donley
[email protected]
301 277-3717

Member At Large
Jessica Cook-Thomas ‘25
[email protected]
410 887-6224

Carlos Falcon ‘25
Montgomery County Recreation Dept. [email protected]
240 832-8623

07/22/2026
Here's a snippet of what you missed at the Summer General Membership Meeting "Mike Brett" Memorial Crab Feast at the Que...
07/22/2026

Here's a snippet of what you missed at the Summer General Membership Meeting "Mike Brett" Memorial Crab Feast at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park.

Ok RALS - sign up to help at conference! Every little bit helps!
03/31/2026

Ok RALS - sign up to help at conference! Every little bit helps!

We’re looking for volunteers to help make our upcoming conference a success! 🙌
If you’re interested in being part of this exciting event, meeting great people, and gaining valuable experience, we’d love to have you on board. Sign up to be a room host or help with many other fun projects: https://mdrpa.org/conference-volunteers/
Thank you for helping us create an amazing experience! 🎉

RALS Members,We have a fun opportunity to support MRPA while showcasing a little RALS creativity! This year, we’re putti...
03/17/2026

RALS Members,

We have a fun opportunity to support MRPA while showcasing a little RALS creativity! This year, we’re putting together a raffle basket for the annual Silent Auction—and our theme is Family Game Night 🎲

If you’d like to contribute, we’ve created an easy-to-use wishlist with a variety of options to choose from. Feel free to participate in whatever way works best for you—every little bit helps and is truly appreciated!

Wishlist link:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/21M5FBHHE50QK?ref_=wl_share

We’d also love your input! If there’s a game, snack, or item you enjoy during your own family game nights, please share your recommendations so we can add them to the list.

From the MRPA Office:
“Help support the MRPA Silent Auction, held online during the annual MRPA Conference (April 21–23, 2026), by donating items. Proceeds from the auction benefit training and education initiatives across Maryland, as well as ADA accommodations for educational sessions.”

Thank you for helping us make this basket something special!

03/16/2026
03/11/2026

Help us spread the word! The Donald Long Duck Race is always a hit!

02/27/2026

🚨 Great news - we've extended our Early Bird discount!
If you've been on the fence about joining us, now is your chance. We're giving attendees AND golf tournament participants a little extra time to lock in our best rate.
📅 Extended deadline: Sunday, March 15, 11:59pm
Don't wait - this is a great opportunity to save! Secure your discounted rate today! https://mdrpa.org/annual-conference/

RALS Softball TournamentRALS-Ball Summer ClassicSaturday, March 28th from 9 am – 9 pmDunkirk District Park, 10750 Southe...
02/21/2026

RALS Softball Tournament
RALS-Ball Summer Classic
Saturday, March 28th from 9 am – 9 pm
Dunkirk District Park, 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd. Dunkirk, MD. 20754
* Only 12 team slots available!
* Please review the 2025 USSSA Slowpitch Softball rules that we will be following during the tournament.

02/09/2026

Deadline 02.10.26: There’s still time to submit your nominations for the MRPA Awards! Don’t miss your chance to recognize outstanding work and contributions in our parks and recreation community. 🌟
👉 Submit here: https://mdrpa.org/mrpa-awards/

Address

Prince George's Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway, Suite 201
Bowie, MD
20716

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