April 30, 2019
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
John Byrd, Director, Department of Recreation & Parks, 410-313-4640
Holly Harden, Recreation Services Supervisor for the Department of Recreation & Parks, was sworn in as President of the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association earlier in April
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced Holly Harden, Recreation Services Supervisor for the County’s Department of Recreation & Parks, was elected President of the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association (MRPA). Holly was formally sworn in during the Awards & Installation Banquet at the MRPA Annual Conference held in Ocean City, Maryland on Thursday, April 11, 2019.
“Holly’s leadership within Recreation & Parks has been nothing less than extraordinary and we are thrilled that she will share her knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm with MRPA as their new President,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “We congratulate Holly on this well-deserved honor as she leads the MRPA membership over the next year.”
Originally founded in 1944 as the Baltimore Recreation Society, the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association is dedicated to advancing recreation and parks for all Marylanders. MRPA is a non-profit, professional association affiliated with the National Recreation and Park Association and whose mission statement is “To unite our members to provide the best recreation and park services throughout Maryland.”
“I have known Holly for many years and I know she will bring the same thoughtfulness and can-do spirit she has consistently brought to Recreation & Parks to the MRPA presidency,” added Howard County Recreation & Parks Director John Byrd. “We are honored that Holly has been elected to serve in MRPA’s long tradition of leadership and proud that she will guide our colleagues from across the state of Maryland.”
Holly Harden been with the department for 26 years and is currently serving as the Manager of Teen & Grant Programs. A lifelong Howard County resident, she holds a B.S. in Recreation from the University of Maryland. In her years in the field, she has programmed for those between the ages of one to 90 through classes, child care, camps, trips and special events.
“I am deeply honored to serve as MPRA President. Mentoring and connecting professionals has been my passion,” stated Harden. “During my term, I hope to strengthen opportunities for education, networking and growth for recreation and parks professionals throughout the state.”
For more information on the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association, visit www.mrpanet.org.