In discussing the next NRPA strategic plan with our CEO, Barbara Tulipane, she made the memorable statement: “When researching NRPA prior to being hired, I really got our strategic plan when someone said the purpose of the organization should be to ensure that there is a quality park within walking distance for all people.” Wow, what a powerful statement, and one that should become the mantra for NRPA.

There may be no better way for NRPA to demonstrate our usefulness than our role in promoting this goal for every community.

During the most recent NRPA Congress in Anaheim, the Board of Directors participated in a retreat to begin the process of formulating the 2014-2016 Strategic Plan, and, unlike previous strategic planning initiatives, it became evident that your Board wanted to embrace a fresh perspective and process for determining what NRPA should focus on in the next three-year cycle.

While the next plan will continue to evolve until early next March, one thing appears to be certain. Your Board is determined to establish a working plan that will be relevant, and that can be understood by the entire membership. In fact, an attempt will be made to create a “strategic map” in a single-page graph that will visually capture the basis of the next plan.

It will also be a working plan that the Board and staff can allocate both time and resources to, and will constantly be reviewed, discussed, and assessed for its effectiveness.

During the retreat, many of the traditional strategic planning activities were transformed or thrown out altogether. Strategy is now back in the spotlight, and the strategic plan will take its rightful place as the marching orders of the organization.

In the very near future, the NRPA Networks will be asked to participate in the development of the next strategic plan by soliciting their members for feedback on what they perceive as the major issues facing our association and our profession.

This invaluable feedback will be reviewed by the Strategic Planning Task Force (which, by the way, has the first non-NRPA Board member serving on it, Shane Mize from the Young Professional Network), and then a review and continued discussion will take place.

I am optimistic that the 2014-2016 NRPA Strategic Plan will be a concise and accurate working resource and tool to help guide your national association during the next several years.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Colin Powell: “Always focus on the front windshield and not the rearview mirror.” This sums up well the intent of the next NRPA Strategic Plan…we will continue to look ahead to remain a vibrant and relevant membership-driven association!