MRPA Recreation and Leisure Services Branch (RALS Branch)
MRPA RALS Branch
The core of this branches membership includes individuals employed by governmental agencies providing recreation opportunities and services. Employees of the public, private, tourism and commercial recreation agencies are also represented.
RALS Branch Board for the 2025-2026 term:
- Chair: John Kennedy, Permit and Public Information Specialist, Montgomery Parks, M-NCPPC
- Chair Elect: Nate Smith, Recreation Division Chief, Calvert County Government Department of Parks & Recreation
- Vice Chair: Tam Zelaya-Castillo, Project Manager, Information Technology Services Division, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County
- Programming Chair: Nate Sullivan, Facility Director, M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County
- Finance Chair: Sara Swarr, Senior Services Manager, Montgomery County Recreation
Upcoming Branch Meetings
Join the MRPA Recreation & Leisure Services (RALS) Branch for an afternoon of professional development, networking, and connection with fellow recreation professionals from across Maryland!
The RALS Branch is dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for members to learn, grow, and engage with one another through educational sessions, collaborative discussions, and fun social experiences. Whether you're looking to expand your professional skills, share ideas, build your network, or simply connect with others who share your passion for recreation, RALS is the place for you.
Our mission is to foster community, strengthen professional relationships, and create welcoming spaces where recreators can explore new ideas, enhance their expertise, race a few ducks, and enjoy great experiences alongside great people.
Meeting Schedule
RALS Branch meetings are typically held on the second Friday of every even-numbered month from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. Meeting dates and times are subject to change based on scheduling needs, but every effort will be made to maintain this schedule and provide advance notice of any adjustments.
Meeting schedule is currently:
- June 12th
- Aug 14th
- Oct 9th
- Dec 11th
- Feb 12th
- Conference!
Link To Meetings: RALS General Branch Meeting Sign-Up – Fill out form
Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, we invite you to join the conversation and become part of the growing RALS community.
For more information about the RALS Branch, please contact:
Nate Sullivan
📧 Nate.Sullivan@pgparks.com
Job Postings
Events/Fundraisers
Duck Race:
The Donald Long Duck Race was founded in 2004 to add excitement and an alternative recreational outlet for conference attendees. Donald Long and Di Quynn Reno huge supporters of MRPA and the RALS Branch were the founding coordinators of the duck race. In 2008, the race became the “Donald Long Duck Race”, honoring Donald, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
Find a RALS Duck Seller to purchase a Quack Pack, which includes 2 NEW Ducks, your entry ticket to the race, and a RALS- branded sticker. For all returning ducks. the entry donation is $5 for up to 10 ducks.
All conference attendees and guests are encouraged to join us for the race with or without purchasing a duck. The event will provide an opportunity to network, socialize, and remember how fun it is to recreate with our friends and colleagues.
RALS Duck-rectors Cup:
The Duck-rectors Cup is a fun friendly competition to see which local Parks & Recreation Department can raise the most money for the Recreation & Leisure Services (RALS) Branch. Started in 2024 by RALS Chair Carla Benavides as an additional event for the annual Donald Long Duck Race, the Duck-rectors Cup helps fund existing and new RALS workshops and trainings while trying to make sure they can be offered at low-to-no cost to all MRPA members. The winner for this year’s Duck-rectors Cup will be announced on Wednesday, at the race, with the winning department's representative taking home the coveted “Golden Duck."
Photos
RALS Board Members
Branch Awards
For more information on upcoming events, activities, or meetings, please join our Facebook group. Click on the image above.