International Federation of Park and Recreation Administration
Ifpra is the unique international organisation that represents parks, recreation, amenity, cultural, leisure and related services. The official language of the Federation is English, but other languages may also be used. Over fifty nations are represented within Ifpra. The Federation has no political affiliations.
The beginnings of Ifpra emerged at the first International Congress on Public Administration in London in 1957. During an open meeting at this Congress, at which there were 742 delegates, 609 from the UK and 133 from other countries, the International Federation of Park Administration was created. At the General Assembly meeting of this new Organisation in Bern in 1969, the ‘R’ (Recreation) was added to the title and the International Federation of Park and Recreation Administration was created.
The addition of ‘Recreation’ acknowledged the coming together of Park and Recreation Professionals during in the years between 1957 and 1969.