Collaboratives
Collaboratives bring together mParks members who share similar organizational structures, community roles, or professional interests to foster connection, collaboration, and peer learning. These groups create opportunities for members to exchange ideas, discuss common challenges, share best practices, and build stronger professional networks across Michigan. By connecting professionals with shared experiences and goals, Collaboratives help strengthen the parks and recreation profession while encouraging innovation, engagement, and leadership within the Association.
Upcoming meeting dates and event details can be found in the mParks Event Calendar or in the mParks Online CommUnity.
To get access to Collaborative Meetings, simply log in to mParks CommUnity, visit your Focus Area Group, and you’ll find everything you need to stay connected, including:
Need help logging into CommUnity? Please reach out to Kelsey Chapman, Membership Engagement Coordinator.
Upcoming meeting dates and event details can be found in the mParks Event Calendar or in the mParks Online CommUnity.
To get access to Collaborative Meetings, simply log in to mParks CommUnity, visit your Focus Area Group, and you’ll find everything you need to stay connected, including:
- Meeting schedule
- Zoom link
- Downloadable Outlook calendar file (for all scheduled meetings)
Need help logging into CommUnity? Please reach out to Kelsey Chapman, Membership Engagement Coordinator.
Cities: Connects parks and recreation professionals working within city government structures to share ideas, resources, and solutions that support community-based services, operations, and leadership.
Community Education: Brings together professionals involved in school- and community education-based enrichment programming to collaborate on lifelong learning opportunities, partnerships, and recreational experiences that serve residents of all ages.
Counties: Provides a network for county parks and recreation leaders to discuss regional park systems, natural resource management, operational challenges, and collaborative service delivery across larger geographic areas.
Non-Profit + Friends of Organizations: Supports nonprofit organizations and volunteer-led “Friends of” groups that advocate for, fundraise for, and enhance parks, trails, recreation programs, and community spaces through engagement and partnership.
Past Presidents: Engages former mParks presidents to offer mentorship, historical insights, and continuous industry support.
Recreation Authorities: Connects professionals working within recreation authority models to share governance practices, operational strategies, funding approaches, and collaborative solutions that support multi-community recreation services.
Townships: Provides township parks and recreation professionals with a forum to discuss local government operations, community engagement, facility management, and programming tailored to township residents.
Villages: Supports parks and recreation leaders serving village communities by encouraging collaboration, resource sharing, and innovative approaches that address the unique needs of smaller municipalities.
W.I.R.E.D.: Women In Recreation Education and Development. A network for women in recreation to support leadership, empowerment, and professional growth. This focus area is dedicated to topics that impact individuals who identify as women, although everyone is welcome to join and engage.
Community Education: Brings together professionals involved in school- and community education-based enrichment programming to collaborate on lifelong learning opportunities, partnerships, and recreational experiences that serve residents of all ages.
Counties: Provides a network for county parks and recreation leaders to discuss regional park systems, natural resource management, operational challenges, and collaborative service delivery across larger geographic areas.
Non-Profit + Friends of Organizations: Supports nonprofit organizations and volunteer-led “Friends of” groups that advocate for, fundraise for, and enhance parks, trails, recreation programs, and community spaces through engagement and partnership.
Past Presidents: Engages former mParks presidents to offer mentorship, historical insights, and continuous industry support.
- Stu Alderman, CPRP - Executive Director, Grosse Pointe Neighborhood Club
Recreation Authorities: Connects professionals working within recreation authority models to share governance practices, operational strategies, funding approaches, and collaborative solutions that support multi-community recreation services.
Townships: Provides township parks and recreation professionals with a forum to discuss local government operations, community engagement, facility management, and programming tailored to township residents.
Villages: Supports parks and recreation leaders serving village communities by encouraging collaboration, resource sharing, and innovative approaches that address the unique needs of smaller municipalities.
W.I.R.E.D.: Women In Recreation Education and Development. A network for women in recreation to support leadership, empowerment, and professional growth. This focus area is dedicated to topics that impact individuals who identify as women, although everyone is welcome to join and engage.
- Laura Mortier, CPRP - Recreation and Performing Arts Manager, Canton Leisure Services
