The WRPA Strategic Plan consists of its Mission and Vision Statements, Strategic Goals and Strategic Initiatives that are built on a foundation of Core Values and Strategic Principles.  

Road Map

2009-2010 Plan updated 9/09

Early in 2007, the Washington Recreation and Park Association (WRPA) engaged in a strategic planning process to update its current strategic plan. A Strategic Planning Committee (the Committee) comprised of over twenty members and the WRPA staff, participated in the process which resulted in the selection of four new strategic initiatives to accomplish over the next three years. These strategic initiatives provide an updated focus and can be applied to the six strategic goals already guiding the Association. The four strategic initiatives are:

• Have the capacity, as WRPA grows, to support and augment efforts of volunteers to provide ample services to members.
• Routinely identify and address the most important concepts for parks and recreation.
• Maximize WRPA’s cultural competence to serve diverse populations.
• Position WRPA as the expert voice of the profession by local, regional and state policy makers.

These four strategic initiatives are broader and at a higher strategic level than the Business Plan approach used by the WRPA in past years. They will provide direction and focus to all levels of the organization to generate action steps that continue progress toward realization of the Association’s strategic goals, and therefore, the mission and vision of the WRPA.

The Washington Recreation and Park Association is the leading source for programs and activities that contribute to healthy and vibrant public recreation and park agencies.  Its members rely upon the association for relevant services, information, guidance and professional education. 

WRPA is a strong community that provides its members with networking, mentoring, sharing of expertise and communication to enhance their professionalism.  It is recognized statewide as the voice of the profession and is a strong advocate for funding and public policy to support public facilities and programs.  It does this through an effective government relations program utilizing both professional counsel and grassroots member involvement.  The association maintains strong relationships and strategic alliance with partner organizations.  It enjoys good relations and provides targeted communications with citizen volunteers and elected leaders who oversee parks and recreation programs.  WRPA has an active and visible public communications program that stresses the value of its programs for stronger and healthier communities.  It has a public reputation for good environmental stewardship.

 Its members have a good understanding of the association’s purposes and mission.  They are involved and participate in programs and governance activities of the association at a variety of different levels.  Agency administrators are supportive of their staff’s participation in WRPA activities.  The WRPA governance system utilizes a strategic ongoing process that assures the best use of association resources.  The association is financially stable, has a diversified income base, and employs responsible financial policies.  WRPA’s professional staff is competent, well trained and appropriately compensated.  They work in an environment that is safe, adequately equipped and technologically sophisticated.

Innovation - WRPA will work to provide both traditional and non-traditional solutions to challenges facing our members involved in parks and recreation.

Service - The Association’s leadership and staff will initiate contact and respond to requests from its members and the public in an accurate, timely and responsive manner.

Professional Development - WRPA will provide its members with opportunities for professional and personal growth through participation in education, networking, advocacy and leadership activities.

Integrity - The Association will be straightforward, honest and truthful in all its dealings with the public, our members and each other.

Collaboration - WRPA actively supports and will facilitate the sharing of concepts, ideas, trends, resources, programs and services to benefit the public and our members.  

Dedication - The Association’s staff, leadership and members are committed to devoting time, resources and expertise to advance the mission and goals of WRPA.

Advocacy - WRPA will advocate for our members, their agencies and for the profession through our legislative platform; our interactions with business, local government and the public; and through the media.

Diversity – WRPA is committed and will demonstrate its diversity value by working together with focus and commitment to improve inclusiveness and access to its services and programs and among diverse staff and volunteers.