The South Coast of Massachusetts was the setting for the 24th annual conference of the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association held at White's Restaurant. The three-day conference was kicked off on October 27, 2008, Sunday and included presentations by Virginia Senna-Davis of the Fall River/New Bedford Diabetes Association and Dr. David Weed of Healthy City Fall River. The keynote speaker was the nationally recognized Dr. John Crompton, professor of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University. He addressed the future viability of park and recreation services, especially for municipalities. "The off-site benefits are the most important element in recreation," he argued. "We have to demonstrate the necessary benefits of recreation in order to survive the current political climate," he concluded, suggesting that underscoring the value of recreation to concerns such as health and obesity and public safety to communities. The conference also highlighted the recently-completed Horseneck Beach State Reservation $5 million “green” renovation. For more information about the event, contact Community Development Re-creation at 508-679-0922.
 

(Top row, left and center) Virginia Senna-Davis of the Fall River/New Bedford Diabetes Association is introduced before presenting an overview of diabetes and the importance of exercise in its prevention and treatment. (Top row, right) Dr. David Weed, Coordinator of Healthy City Fall River, describes the recent Fitness Challenge and, in a later session, the Healthy City initiative for conference participants from other parts of the Commonwealth. (Middle row) MRPA President Jennifer Davis introduces CPRP President-elect Renee Dufour who grew up in Fall River and currently serves as the Southeast DCR director and works at Heritage State Park. (Bottom row, left) Community Development Re-creation Executive Director Grace Gerling and Program Director Jamison Souza served on the conference planning committee. (Bottom row, center and right) Dr. John Crompton gives the keynote presentation which described the current crisis (illustrated by the Chinese characters for danger and opportunity) in funding for publically-supported parks and recreation services.