Don't miss an opportunity to be a part of the 2016 WRPA Annual Conference and Trade Show!

May 4 -5, 2016 | Xfinity Arena at Everett

We are planning an exciting and refreshing program that celebrates two integral aspects of Washington’s parks and recreation programs: health and fun!

The theme for the 2016 conference will be "Where Health and Fun Intersect".

WRPA is looking for participants who are eager to share their unique experiences, best practices, and lessons learned at the upcoming conference and tradeshow.

Don't forget to submit your presentation proposal via our online form, by September 18.

The 2016 Annual Conference & Trade Show will be packed full of industry know-how, great takeaways, and ample networking opportunities.

So… SAVE THE DATE! Registration begins October 1.

For more information, visit our 2016 conference page. Give us a call at 206-361-8869 or send us an email if you have any questions.


 

Washington Trails Coalition - Caucus Meeting

September 18 | Lacey Community Center

Join leaders from diverse trail communities in Olympia. This one-day gathering is the forum for our statewide network of trial advocates – everyone with an interest in trails (motorized, non-motorized, snow, asphalt, dirt, or water trails…) is welcome!

For more information or to volunteer visit the Washington State Trails Coalition website, or email Glenn Glover, WSTC President.


 

Pacific Northwest Aquatics Conference

September 28 - 29 | Great Wolf Lodge

There is still time to register for the Pacific Northwest Aquatics Conference! This amazing two-day event will provide training locally and inexpensively to meet the needs of facilities with limited training budgets. Check out the schedule and read more about what you will experience!

Register Now!


 

History Museum exhibit features rare photos of state parks

August 1 - October 31 | Washington State History Museum

OLYMPIA – July 21, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) announce the opening of a new exhibit at the State History Museum in Tacoma featuring rare 1930s-era Asahel Curtis images of state parks.


Learn More!


 

Ferndale's Star Park among rec projects to get state money

A proposed playground in Ferndale is among projects in Whatcom County getting $1.2 million in state grants for recreation and conservation.

The money was part of more than $110 million awarded by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board in the latest round of funding.

Read More...


 

How to reclaim Seattle's shared spaces?  Westlake Park a shining example

If you haven’t been to downtown Seattle’s Westlake Park recently, go take a look.

The park reverberates with the sounds of foosball and live music. Candy-colored bistro tables are full of downtown workers at lunch, playing board games. There are Zumba classes, salsa dancing and food trucks.

Read More...


 

NRPA Launches "I'm a Park an Rec Kid" Campaign

As a park and rec professional, it’s likely you have nostalgic memories of parks and recreation as a kid or even as an adult. These memories may be why you are in the field today.


While nostalgia can make us happy or long for another time, I believe our memories are even more powerful than that. They can be used as tools to encourage others to experience parks and recreation for themselves — allowing them to create their own memories and more importantly transform their lives through the power of parks and recreation.

That’s why we’re launching the “I’m a Park and Rec Kid” campaign: a social media campaign where we want everyone to share why they are a Park and Rec Kid and why others should be as well. Check out my story along with others from NRPA, the field and the general public.


 

Children take to the trees at Priest Point Park

Olympia’s Priest Point Park is typically a hub for families on most sunny Saturdays.

Parents and children explore hiking trails, walk the beach, play on the playground or gather for picnics.

But on Saturday, the children didn’t just stay on the ground as they enjoyed the warm weather. Many were hoisted into the treetops as part of the third-annual Kids Canopy Climb, an event hosted by Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation.

Read More...


 

Playground Maintenance Training

October 21 - 22 | Tukwila Community Center

If your job includes playground maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections, this specialized two-day class is for you!

 Thank you to our event sponsor!

This training targets staff working daily in parks, specifically those who work in the areas of Grounds, Structural and Facility Maintenance as well as Rangers. The training will be held at the same location as the Business Institute, so you will also have a chance to network with your colleagues.

Hurry!  Early bird ends September 13!

Register Now!


 

Business Institute

October 22 | Tukwila Community Center

You know about the four tracks that will be featured at the Business Institute, but have you had a chance to read through the sessions?  Take a moment to look through the complete list of sessions to help navigate the ever-changing landscape of parks and recreation. 

Early bird rate ends September 22!


Register Now!


 

Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Course

November 17 - 19 | Floral Hall at Forest Park

Registration is now open for the November Certified Playground Safety Inspector course.  More information about this certification program is available on the WRPA website.


Register Now!


 

Olympia Park Tax will go to voters in November Election

This November, Olympia voters will decide whether to raise their taxes in the name of parks.

A divided Olympia City Council voted 4-3 at Tuesday’s meeting to put the Metropolitan Parks District on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. The district would charge taxpayers within city limits 54 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Read More...


 

WRPA Member Survey

WRPA conducted a Member Survey in the spring of 2015. The survey was distributed via email to all members in March, and the survey closed in late April. There were 307 members who responded to the survey. While we are still processing the results, we want to share with you a profile of the members that participated in the survey. Look for more information to follow.

Survey Participant Profiles


  We Want Your News!

Do you have news to share with your WRPA colleagues? Send any updates, photos, happenings and socials to WRPA, so that we can feature your article in the next WRPAToday e-newsletter!


Members on the Move: Has someone from your office recently moved to a new position? Send their information to the WRPA Office, so that we can feature them in the next WRPAToday!

Send us your news now
 

Recent Job Postings

  • Senior Parks & Recreation Manager - Planning & Development, Hillsboro
  • Government Affairs Manager, Tacoma
  • 4 - H STEM Coordinator, Tacoma
  • Marketing Specialist, Vancouver
  • Assistant Aquatics Manager, William Shore Memorial Pool District
  • Construction Project Coordinator 4, Washington State Parks & Recreation
  • Recreation Manager, Longview

Visit the WRPA Career Center


     Calendar of Events
Date: Event:
Location:
Sept. 28 - 29 Pacific Northwest Aquatics Conference
Great Wolf Lodge
Oct. 21 - 22 Playground Maintenance Training Tukwila Comm. Center
October 22 Business Institute
Tukwila Comm. Center
November 17 - 19 Certified Playground Maintenance Inspector (CPSI) Course Floral Hall at Forest Park
January 27 - 28, 2016 2016 Risk Management School TBD
May 4 - 5, 2016 Annual Conference Everett Xfinity Convention Center
  WRPA Volunteer Opportunities
  Thank You Sponsors!  
 

Why We Need You!

WRPA is membership driven – we achieve only what we ourselves commit to do. By sharing your energy and expertise you will make WRPA an even more effective professional resource.

In fact, without you, we would not be able to offer any programs! Consider volunteering and helping our organization grow. Learn about opportunities that have recently become available!

 


ANNUAL PLATINUM SPONSOR


ANNUAL GOLD SPONSOR

 

Washington Recreation and Park Association
[email protected] | 206-361-8869 | www.wrpatoday.org