By Candy Lannan

“At various times, it has been suggested that we convene a meeting for Executives engaged in public recreation in Alberta and thus provide an opportunity for them to meet and discuss matters of common interest and concern.” Quote from the original letter sent to 12 executives of major urban recreation, health, physical education, culture and sports agencies by J. H. Ross, Director of Health and Recreation Branch in the Province of Alberta Jan. 18, 1950.

Feb. 20 press release by J. H. Ross indicated a meeting had been held and agreement reached to form the Alberta Recreation Executive Association.  Those in attendance were from Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat and included: Mr. J. H. Ross (chairman) Professor M.L. Van Vliet, Director of Physical Education, University of Alberta, Richard MacDonald, Coordinator of Cultural Activities, Department of Economic Affairs, A. S. Bird, Supervisor of Physical Education, Edmonton Public School Board, John Farina, Superintendent of Public Recreation, Edmonton, William Garnet, Director of Sports and Recreation, Calgary, Bill Hutton, Supervisor of Health and Recreation Branch, Bert Maltin, Director of Recreation, Medicine Hat, George B. McKillop, Supervisor of Physical Education, Lethbridge Public School Board, C. Jarvis Miller, Sec-Treas., Red Deer Recreation and Athletic Association, J. N. (Bud) Murdoch, Athletic Director, Lethbridge, Waard Stekel, Supervisor of Physical Education, Calgary Public School Board.

The constitution and bylaws were formed and Executives was dropped from the title.  In 1951, The Alberta Recreation Association was formed.

In 1952, the first annual meeting of the ARA was held in Calgary; membership was $2 and there were 16 members.  In 1954 there were 25 members; in 1955 32 members, In 1956 28 members; in 1957 42 members.  A municipal member category was added to the individual membership in 1958.  There were 63 individual members and 2 municipalities, In 1958 there were 62 members and 1 municipality.  Grande Prairie was the first municipal member with Three Hills being the second.  Three Hills is the longest continuous municipal member.