GPARC

Our mission is to nurture community connections. Every year, we organize hundreds of programs and activities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.  Please join us!

MISSION
The Gaithersburg Parks, Arts and Recreation Corporation (GPARC) is a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness, engages public and private partnerships, and raises resources to support new and matured parks, arts and recreation initiatives in Gaithersburg community.

The Board Of Directors is appointed by the City of Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council. The GPARC Board of Directors provides oversight and guidance on policies and procedural requirements to its Alliances and associated Friends of Groups.

Board composition includes a Chair, three Vice-Chairs who also serve as Alliance chairs, individuals not necessarily associated with an Alliance, and non-voting City staff. The Board meets quarterly and has responsibility for governing GPARC’s activities, including financial and legal aspects, and for producing GPARC activity and financial reports to the City.

GPARC ALLIANCES
The Department of Parks, Recreation, & Arts provides quality parks, well-planned sustainable facilities, and diverse cultural, artistic and recreational opportunities that promote the health and well-being of residents and visitors alike. We aspire to provide a high quality lifestyle and promote wellness and diversity by fostering the physical, mental and social well-being of all. We are committed to actively fostering diversity, inclusion and cultural competency throughout our programmatic, research, development and operational efforts.

We are an adaptive organization that serves our community with vigor, energy and compassion. Our character does count! Core Values include:

• Health & Wellness – Promoting healthy and enriching lifestyles for all ages, abilities and incomes
• Equity & Inclusivity – Providing equitable access to all recreation opportunities while celebrating our diversity
• Community Engagement – Providing effective communications and opportunities for involvement
• Stewardship – Preserving and conserving natural, cultural and historic resources
• Excellence – Offering high-quality, innovative programs
• Exemplary Customer Service – Delivering positive, responsive customer service
• Safety – Operating safe facilities and programs
• Life Long Learning – Offering engaging educational opportunities

Gaithersburg’s parks and recreation system began in 1970 with three parks – Civic Center (now Griffith Park), Duvall Park and Lee Street Park (now Constitution Gardens) – that totaled nine acres. Today, the City maintains 28 parks and 15 recreation facilities that encompass 854 acres. On City-owned grounds you’ll find athletic fields, aquatic centers, meeting and class facilities, gymnasiums, fitness facilities, miniature golf, an outdoor performance pavilion, trails & natural areas. A full range of classes, sports programs, youth activities, cultural art performances and special events take place at these and other facilities throughout the City.

The Department is divided into four divisions. Arts & Cultural Events produces large celebrations and neighborhood events and promotes a climate in which artistic expression and creative excellence can flourish. Facilities & Administration provides the Department with resources and support and ensures that affordable, well-maintained facilities are available for community functions and activities. Recreation Services provides countless recreation opportunities, programs and classes for all ages and supports older adults in living an active independent lifestyle. Sports & Youth Services provides active and passive parkland, encourages active play through organized sports and provides activities and programs to promote positive youth development.

In April 2019, GPARC launched three Alliances, one for each of the nonprofit’s focus areas of Parks, Arts, and Recreation, to provide increased opportunities for expanded and sustainable efforts in each of these vital interest areas. Each alliance works under the 501(c)3 nonprofit umbrella of the GPARC and uses the Parks, Recreation and Culture Element of Gaithersburg’s Master Plan as a strategic guide in developing and implementing their efforts.

Board of Directors and City Liaisons                                                        Support Us                                                           Alliance for Arts and Culture 
Alliance for Recreation                                                                                                                                                           Alliance for Parks