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Membership - Illinois Park and Recreation Association
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Whether you're a professional, student, or business — there's an IPRA membership designed for you. Take our 30-second quiz to find the perfect fit.

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Your Perfect Match

per year · active through December 31
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Why 3,000+ Professionals Choose IPRA

Membership Benefits at a Glance

Professional Growth

Free webinars, conference discounts, and CEU opportunities year-round

Your Network

Join sections, committees, and communities with peers across Illinois

Real Savings

Discounted events, job board access, and exclusive member resources

Recognition

Awards, certifications, and leadership opportunities to advance your career

All Membership Options

Compare Plans

Members must join at the highest level of eligibility.

Professional (Non-Metro)

$245/yr

Full-time professionals outside of the five metro counties

  • Conference discounts
  • Section membership
  • Free/discounted webinars
  • Online communities
  • Networking events
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Advocate

$97/yr

Part-time, retired, outside Illinois, or seeking employment

  • Conference discounts
  • Section membership
  • Free/discounted webinars
  • Online communities
  • Networking events
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Student

Free

Full-time students in parks & recreation or related fields

  • Conference discounts
  • Section membership
  • Mentoring & scholarships
  • Online communities
  • Professional development
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What You Get

Membership Benefits in Detail

Explore the full range of benefits included with your membership.

Education & Savings

Access to free or reduced-cost webinars, plus discounts on professional development, event registration, and the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference.

Sections & Networking

Membership in career-specific Special Interest Groups (Sections) that provide virtual and in-person networking opportunities with your peers.

Communities & Forums

Full access to online communities and forums where you can connect, share ideas, and collaborate with professionals across the state.

$350M

Illinois park and recreation agencies spend nearly $350 million with local businesses, contractors, and suppliers each year. Commercial membership puts your brand in front of the decision-makers.

Access & Community

Membership in targeted Special Interest Group Sections, complete access to the online membership directory and communities, plus an electronic database file of membership addresses once per year.

Advertising & Visibility

Complimentary one-month ad on the IPRA website and a listing in the annual IAPD/IPRA Buyers Guide. Deadline for Buyer's Guide inclusion is February 16th.

Discounts & Savings

Discounts on website advertising, IPRA Today eNewsletter, professional development, event registration, and online job postings on the IPRA Job Board.

Resources for Commercial Members

All content is subject to approval by IPRA staff. Contact IPRA for custom package options and additional details.

What Members Say

Hear From Our Members

The networking opportunities have been fantastic!
— IPRA Membership Survey 2021
I love all of the opportunities IPRA provides to its members to grow as professionals. The involvement choices are varied and reach out to many different interests, skill levels, and time commitments.
— IPRA Membership Survey 2018
FAQ

Common Questions

All memberships are valid through December 31st of the current calendar year. Memberships purchased from October through December are active through December 31st of the following year.
Yes! If your circumstances change (e.g., you move from part-time to full-time), you can upgrade your membership. Members must always join at the highest level of eligibility. Contact IPRA at 708-588-2280 for assistance.
Individual membership is for people — professionals, part-timers, retirees, and students working in or studying parks and recreation. Commercial membership is for businesses and vendors that provide products or services to park and recreation agencies.
Yes! Full-time students studying parks, recreation, or a related field qualify for free IPRA membership. You'll get access to mentoring, scholarships, professional development, and networking opportunities at no cost.
Metro counties are Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and Will. All other Illinois counties are considered non-metro. The metro rate is $265/year and the non-metro rate is $245/year. Both tiers receive the exact same benefits.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is happy to help you find the right membership. Call or email us anytime.

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