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Program Founders | Core Values | What Makes PRMLA Different | How You'll Learn |
2026 Program Schedule | Program Components | How to Apply | Program Registration and Scholarships | After Acceptance
Join an innovative leadership academy designed for current and aspiring public-sector parks and recreation leaders. PRMLA nurtures confident, service-focused leaders who design and deliver safe, innovative programs and spaces. PRMLA is an immersive experience that blends leadership, risk management, and service-first principles to help you:
- Deliver exceptional customer service
- Increase job satisfaction and engagement
- Improve performance for you and your team
Program Founders
PRMLA is a collaboration between parks and recreation leaders and risk management professionals:
- Patti Crane, Member Services Manager, Washington Cities Insurance Authority
- Shelley Roberts, CEO/Principal, StrategyClicks
- Jefri Peters, Parks and Recreation Manager, City of Tukwila
- Pete Mayer, Deputy City Administrator | Parks and Recreation Director, City of Tukwila
Our Core Values
- Re-Creation: Embracing reinvention to design spaces that inspire growth and joy.
- Safety as a Foundation for Creativity: Safety is the launchpad for bold ideas.
- Optimism in Action: Turning limitations into opportunities by asking “How can we make this work?”
- Stag Beetle Identity: Symbolizing strength, adaptability, and connection to nature—where safety and innovation meet.
What Makes PRMLA Different
PRMLA is built around a brain-friendly, habit-based approach to development:
- Evidence-based leadership practices
- Hands-on exercises and real-world application
- Focus on developing sustainable leadership habits
- Cohort-based model that builds relationships and long-term support
- Graduates leave with practical tools, stronger decision-making confidence, and sustainable leadership habits they can apply immediately.
Who Should Apply
PRMLA is designed for new and experienced:
- Parks and recreation professionals
- Leaders in public-sector parks and recreation
- Professionals looking to strengthen their leadership and risk-management skills
How You'll Learn
PRMLA blends in-person and virtual learning through:
- Formats include:
- Case studies, real-world scenarios and tabletop exercises
- Small-group work and cohort discussions
- Polling, surveys, and social mapping
- Applied projects in your organization
- Parks & Recreation Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Cohort Connections: Regular virtual sessions that keep learning active between modules.
2026 Program Schedule
Kickoff & Leadership Fundamentals
- March – Orientation and two-day leadership fundamentals
- Location: Tukwila Community Center (In person)
- Dates: March 16–17
Risk Management Sessions
- April – PRMLA risk management modules at the WRPA Annual Conference
- Location: Tacoma Convention Center (In person)
- Dates: April 22–23
Presentations & Graduation
- May 20 – Guest speakers, project presentations and graduation ceremony
- Location: Tukwila Community Center (In person)
Plus: Additional virtual cohort meetings occur throughout March–May to keep learning active between in-person sessions.
Program Components
Academy Modules
This program includes:
- Leadership Fundamentals & Supervising Teams
- Recreation Programs & Event Risk Management
- Park Facilities & Fields, Safety, Security & Risk Management
- Contracts, Agreements & Releases
Leadership & Risk Management Application
Course modules designed for cohort engagement, addressing real-world leadership and operational risk management challenges in parks and recreation.
Graduation Ceremony
A formal celebration with guest speakers, project presentations, framed certificates, and a hosted lunch.
How to Apply
Complete the online Registration & Application Form, which includes:
- Obtaining your supervisor’s signature on the Statement of Commitment
- Answering short essay questions about your leadership experience, influence/mentorship, and reasons for applying
- Upload your full application and materials to our shared drive (naming convention must be labeled accurately for consideration:
- Full Name_Agency_APPLICATION
- Full Name_Agency_COMMITMENT
- Full Name_Agency_ESSAY
Open Enrollment date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025, through Friday, January 16, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.
Program acceptance is on a first come, first serve basis.
Program Registration & Scholarships
- Program Fee: $975 per participant
- Applicants must complete a short application and submit a supervisor-approved Statement of Commitment confirming dedicated participation time, mentorship, and support for applying PRMLA concepts.
- Program limited to 30 participants.
- Participant fee may be paid by the participant's agency, a scholarship, and/or a sponsor. Attend at low or no cost, check with your risk poll for more information!
- Payment is due before the program begins as part of registration.
- Registration Invoices will be issued and funds collected by WRPA.
- Participant fee includes: Attendance at the WRPA Annual Conference *, professional trainers and experienced subject matter experts, course materials, and refreshments. (*Admission to WRPA Awards banquet not included, but can be purchased separately)
- Travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant
- Scholarship Opportunities Available:
- Sponsor a Participant Scholarship!
- Attendee Scholarships are available for purchase by any sponsor ($975 per attendee). Sponsors can support individual attendees as part of the Sponsorship program and will receive brand recognition during all sessions, on PRMLA materials, and speaker introductions.
- Risk Pools can purchase individual Attendee Scholarships on behalf of their members. Check with your risk pool’s representative and ask about PRMLA Scholarships purchase:
Become a Program Sponsor!
- Multiple sponsorship levels will be available for organizations interested in supporting the program.
For questions about Scholarships or Sponsorship, please email [email protected].
What Happens After You're Accepted
Approved participants receive a digital Participant Packet that includes:
- Program overview and key dates
- Facilitator and PRMLA Team introductions
- Self-assessment and development plan
- Time commitment overview and full calendar of events
Any questions about PRMLA, please email [email protected].
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