Indiana Park and Recreation Association

What Indiana Park and Recreation Association does

The Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) is a private non-profit professional association founded in 1916 and headquartered at 107 Logan St., Noblesville, Indiana. It represents over 1,400 parks and recreation professionals across the state of Indiana, operating as a horizontal membership organization serving municipal, county, and state park agencies, with notable member representation including Indy Parks, City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Johnson County Parks & Recreation, and St. Joseph County Parks. The organization is governed by a 12-person staff and a volunteer conference planning committee, and it advances its mission of promoting healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship through education, professional development, resources, and advocacy.

IPRA's core products and services are centered on professional development and community engagement rather than technology. The flagship offering is the Annual Conference & Expo (scheduled for November 4-6, 2026 at Grand Wayne Convention Center, Fort Wayne), featuring 50+ educational sessions and 100+ exhibit booths. Complementary offerings include the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program delivered in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the CORE Professional Development Hub in partnership with PlayCore (providing CEU-earning learning), the Summer Programming Summit, AFO and CPSI certification courses, the Awards of Excellence program (16 award categories), and The Profile Magazine publication. Fundraising activities include the Spring Dollars for Scholars Golf Outing and the IPRF Trivia Night.

IPRA's revenue model is diversified across membership fees (recurring), conference and expo registration (one-time), corporate sponsorship tiers (Diamond / Platinum / Silver; recurring partner revenue), certification courses (one-time), and philanthropy/fundraisers for the Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation scholarship fund. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; corporate sponsorship tiers are quote-based. Distribution is primarily event-driven (annual conference, regional workshops, certification courses) supplemented by digital channels (website, e-newsletter) and direct membership enrollment. The organization's operational footprint is strictly Indiana, with no geographic expansion signaled beyond the state.

Name

Indiana Park and Recreation Association

Legal name

Indiana Park and Recreation Association

Website

https://inpra.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Indiana Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) is a 1916-founded non-profit professional association serving over 1,400 parks and recreation professionals across Indiana through membership, an annual conference and expo, CPSI/AFO certification, professional development, and corporate sponsorship programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Noblesville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: IPRA generates revenue through annual membership fees from parks and recreation professionals and agencies throughout Indiana.
2. Conference & Expo Registration: Revenue from registration fees for the annual conference and expo event, including educational sessions, exhibit hall access, and networking events.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Tiered corporate partnership program (Diamond, Platinum, Silver levels) providing sponsors visibility and access to parks and recreation decision-makers.
4. Golf Outing Fundraiser: Spring Dollars for Scholars Golf Outing (June 8, 2026) raising money for the IPRF Scholarship Fund supporting continuing education of park professionals and students.
5. Trivia Night Fundraiser: IPRF Trivia Night fundraiser held during the annual conference, with proceeds supporting the Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation scholarship fund.
6. Professional Development Courses: Revenue from AFO and CPSI certification courses offered to parks and recreation professionals.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

IPRA is a statewide professional association serving parks and recreation professionals in Indiana. It provides continuing education, professional development, certification programs (CPSI and AFO), networking events, advocacy, and recognition through its annual Conference & Expo, regional workshops, online learning, and the CORE Professional Development Hub. The organization is funded through membership dues, event registration, corporate sponsorships, and scholarship fundraisers.

Product overview

The Indiana Park and Recreation Association is a professional association (not a technology product company) offering membership services to over 1,400 parks and recreation professionals throughout Indiana. The organization provides a unified platform of professional development services including the CORE Professional Development Hub for continuing education units, CPSI playground safety certification in partnership with NRPA, and the Annual Conference & Expo with 100+ exhibitors and 50+ educational sessions. Additional services include educational summits (Summer Programming Summit), networking events (Trivia Night fundraiser, Golf Outing), the Awards of Excellence recognition program, The Profile Magazine publication, and advocacy resources. The organization does not offer software products or technology platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IPRA Membership Annual membership providing parks and recreation professionals and agencies in Indiana with access to a calendar of educational events, regional workshops, online and on-demand learning, advocacy resources, and professional development opportunities.
• Annual Conference & Expo Three-day annual conference featuring keynote speakers, 50+ educational sessions, 100+ exhibit booths, networking socials, awards luncheon, and IPRA Game Night for parks and recreation professionals.
• CPSI Certification Program Certified Playground Safety Inspector certification program delivered in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), covering hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements, and risk management methods.
• AFO Certification Course Aquatics Facility Operator certification course offered to parks and recreation professionals for continuing education.
• CORE Professional Development Hub Complimentary world-class learning opportunities combining knowledge from the CORE Research Institute and Resource Library, offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through tailored events and diverse topics for parks and recreation professionals.
• Professional Development Programs Educational events including regional workshops, online learning, and on-demand learning opportunities for parks and recreation professionals across Indiana.
• Summer Programming Summit Annual summit featuring sessions on programming trends, innovative ideas, and collaboration opportunities for parks and recreation professionals, hosted at Jill Perelman Pavilion at West Park in Carmel, Indiana.
• Awards of Excellence Program Recognition program celebrating individuals and agencies that demonstrate vision, dedication, and excellence in Indiana parks and recreation, with categories including leadership, parks and facilities planning, innovative programs, creative events, inclusion, conservation, and built works design.
• IPRF Spring Dollars for Scholars Golf Outing Annual golf fundraising event supporting the Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation (IPRF) Scholarship Fund for continuing education of park professionals and students in Indiana.
• IPRF Trivia Night Fundraiser Trivia Night fundraising event held during the annual IPRA Conference, with proceeds supporting the Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation scholarship fund.
• The Profile Magazine Professional publication featuring articles relevant to parks and recreation professionals throughout Indiana.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program Tiered corporate partnership program (Diamond, Platinum, Silver levels) providing sponsors with visibility and access to Indiana parks and recreation decision-makers through branding, exhibit opportunities, and event sponsorship.

Named customers10 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Midstates RecreationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond Level Partner of IPRA. Midstates Recreation is a recreation equipment and design company serving parks and recreation departments.
• Sinclair RecreationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Level Partner and presenting sponsor of IPRF Trivia Night fundraiser. Sinclair Recreation provides playground and recreation equipment.
• RL Turner ConstructioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Level Partner. RL Turner Construction is a construction management and installation company serving parks and recreation projects.
• GLReccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Level Partner. GLRec is a recreation equipment and design company.
• RCX SportscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum Level Partner. RCX Sports provides sports programming and MLB Funding Overview for Summer Programming Summit.
• PlayprosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Level Partner. Playpros provides playground equipment and recreation products.
• BFS EngineeringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Level Partner. BFS Engineering provides engineering services for recreation projects.
• CRG (CRGplay)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Level Partner. CRGplay provides playground and recreation equipment.
• Miracle Playgrounds of IndianaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver Level Partner and supporting event sponsor for IPRF Trivia Night. Miracle Playgrounds specializes in inclusive playground equipment.
• CORE Professional Development Hub (PlayCore)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPRA partners with CORE Research Institute and Resource Library through PlayCore's CORE Professional Development Hub. CORE offers complimentary world-class learning opportunities where professionals can share learning and earn CEUs through tailored events and diverse topics.
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPRA partners with NRPA to offer the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program, providing the most comprehensive training on playground safety issues including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements and risk management methods.
• Eagle Creek Golf CourseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for IPRF Spring Dollars for Scholars Golf Outing (June 8, 2026). Located at 8802 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46234.
• West Park (Carmel)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue host for IPRA Summer Programming Summit 2026. Located at Jill Perelman Pavilion, 3000 W 116th St, Carmel, IN 46032.
• Hilton Fort Wayne at Grand Wayne Convention CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConference hotel for IPRA 2026 Conference. Located at 1020 South Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802-3005. Group rate: $149/night. Self-parking: $15/day.
• Grand Wayne Convention CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue for IPRA 2026 Conference & Expo (November 4-6, 2026). Located at 120 W Jefferson Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.
• Smith ExpominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOfficial Tradeshow Services Company for the IPRA Conference. Located at 1173 Airport Pkwy., Ste. C, Greenwood, IN 46143.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Kentucky Recreation and Park Society: Kentucky's statewide professional society for parks and recreation practitioners, providing membership, training, conferences, and recognition programs mirroring IPRA's service portfolio.
• Illinois Park and Recreation Association: Illinois state chapter of the parks and recreation profession, delivering membership services, conferences, certifications, and awards to municipal park professionals — structurally analogous to IPRA.
• Michigan Recreation and Park Association: Statewide Michigan association for parks, recreation, and conservation professionals offering membership, an annual conference, professional development, and advocacy — a near-identical operating template to IPRA's.
• Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association: Wisconsin's statewide professional association for parks and recreation, providing member services, educational events, and an annual conference directly comparable to IPRA.
• Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society: Pennsylvania's statewide association for park and recreation professionals, offering membership, annual conference, certification, and advocacy — same operating model as IPRA in a different state.
• Missouri Park & Recreation Association: Statewide Missouri association serving park and recreation professionals through membership, conferences, and professional development — a direct functional peer to IPRA.
• Ohio Parks and Recreation Association: A neighboring state-level professional association serving Ohio parks and recreation professionals with the same operating model: membership dues, annual conference, certifications, advocacy, and awards. Directly comparable structure, scale, and member profile to IPRA.

Broad incumbents

• National Recreation and Park Association: The national umbrella association for parks and recreation professionals across the U.S. NRPA offers overlapping services — including the CPSI certification that IPRA co-delivers — and competes for member mindshare and sponsorship dollars, but operates at a national scale rather than a single state.
• PlayCore: A national commercial provider of playground, recreation, and fitness products that partners with IPRA on the CORE Professional Development Hub. Operates at broader commercial scale but intersects with IPRA's education/content mission for parks professionals.

Emerging players

• American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration: A national honorary/professional society focused on advancing park and recreation administration through leadership development and recognition — a thematically adjacent peer that serves a subset of the same professional population as IPRA.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/indiana-parks-and-recreation-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Indiana Park and Recreation Association