Updated November 10, 2005

The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) is a limited member organization of only 50 members. Active membership is limited to the administrative head of each of the nation's state park agencies.

Goals of NASPD

NASPD has 5 objectives:

1.  To provide a common forum for the exchange of
     information about state park programs.
2.  To take collective positions on issues affecting state park
     programs.
3.  To encourage the development of professional leadership
     in the administration of state park programs.
4.  To establish and maintain a working relationship with
     other agencies involved in park and recreation programs.
5.  To enhance the ability of the individual state park
     directors to perform their responsibilities for
     administering state park programs of the highest quality
     for the benefit of both the state park resources and the
     public.

History of NASPD

The National Association of State Park Directors was organized on October 1, 1962, in the furnace room of Illinois Beach State Park Lodge in Zion, IL, during the annual meeting of the National Conference on State Parks (NCSP).

State park directors were members of the NCSP and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), but these organizations had broader membership and purposes. NASPD's founders wanted an organization that could speak more effectively for state parks.

The association held its first annual meeting in Washington, D. C., in September, 1963.

NASPD has professional partnerships with the National Park Service, National Association of State Historic Preservation Officers, United States Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers.

How it is Organized

NASPD is organized into six geographic regions. The three officers (president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer) must be from different regions. The association has a ten member Board of Directors consisting of the officers, immediate past president, and one representative from each of the six regions. There are committees for consultation and bylaws, budget and finance, annual meeting and site selection, directory, projects and special activities, annual information exchange, legislation, policy and resolutions, awards and recognition, newsletter, and nominations.

Executive Director

Philip K. McKnelly
NASPD Executive Director
8829 Woodyhill Road
Raleigh, NC 27613
telephone -919-676-8365
cell - 919-971-9300
fax - 919-676-8365 (same as telephone)
e-mail - NASPD@nc.rr.com