Vermont Conference on Parks, Trails, & Recreation

The Vermont Recreation and Parks Association (VRPA) and the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council (VTGC) are excited to host the Vermont Conference on Parks, Trails, and Recreation, which is now in its 83rd year. This premier networking and skill-building event is designed for a diverse group of individuals including volunteers, professional leaders, administrative staff, fundraisers, program directors, and field staff who manage municipal programs and facilities. The conference is expected to attract up to 200 attendees involved in running summer camps and pool programs, building and maintaining trails, and improving access to recreation throughout Vermont. The overarching theme of this year's conference is 'Power of Partnerships,' emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the recreation landscape in the state.One of the highlights of the conference will be the keynote address by Lex Gillette, a renowned Paralympic athlete and motivational speaker. Lex has achieved remarkable success in the long jump, having earned five Paralympic medals and four world championships, and he currently holds the world record in the event. As the only totally blind athlete to surpass the 22-foot barrier in long jump, Lex’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. His inspirational talks, which have been featured by prestigious outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated, encourage audiences to envision possibilities beyond their immediate circumstances. Attendees can expect to be moved by Lex's words, which remind us that success is not dictated by our physical limitations but by our vision and determination to achieve our goals. In addition, the conference will provide opportunities for scholarships, ensuring that as many people as possible can attend this invaluable event. The VRPA, VTGC, and VOREC are committed to supporting attendees through scholarship requests, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, allowing for greater accessibility to the conference.