Michelle Park, CPRP, is the Executive Director of Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. Michelle has worked twenty-five years in the parks and recreation profession after receiving degrees in the field from the University of Florida and the University of Southern Mississippi. A native of south Florida, she spent 11 years working with the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, 8 years as Director of Recreation. In 1989, she moved to Washington DC to become the executive director of the Maryland Recreation and Park Association.
In 1991, she was hired by the National Recreation and Park Association as director of Professional Services, providing education and training opportunities to professionals and citizens in the field. Additional responsibilities included professional certification, agency accreditation, curricula accreditation, playground safety certification, etc.
In 1996, Michelle became the executive director of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. A major function of her job is sharing the important message to elected officials and community leaders about the tremendous benefits that public park and recreation agencies bring to the citizens and businesses of Ohio. Michelle also manages the OPRA Foundation, the fundraising ally of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.
Recent awards include: President’s Award for Exceptional Service, American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, 2002; and the Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Florida, College of Health and Human Performance, 1999.
Recent community involvement includes: Board Member and Past President, Ohio League of Conservation Voters, 1999 - present; Committee Chair, Columbus and Franklin Metro Parks Levy Campaign, 1999; and Committee Chair, Westerville “Keep it Growing” Campaign for Parks and Recreation, 1998.