Washington Recreation & Park Association
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Washington Recreation and Park Association 

Facilitate connections, advocate for professionals and their agencies, and provide robust learning and skill advancement opportunities to equitably support recreation, culture, and park professionals.

About Us

 

Membership Benefits

Our promise is to provide meaningful information, training, and resources that support your continued growth and success in recreation. Take full advantage of WRPA’s year-round opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and make the most of your membership.

 
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Join a Committee 

WRPA is a membership-driven organization. Our success depends on member involvement. By contributing your time and expertise, you help strengthen WRPA and make our programs possible. As a volunteer, you’ll support projects, connect with parks and recreation professionals, and gain valuable insights. Explore the options and get involved.

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Partnership Opportunities

Partnering with WRPA demonstrates your commitment to ethical standards in parks and recreation while providing visibility among members and event attendees. Sponsors are part of an exclusive group of organizations. Consider sponsoring WRPA today.

 

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Join a WRPA Network

WRPA Networks bring members together through regular meetings and online communication, creating opportunities to build ongoing professional connections. By participating, members can share ideas, collaborate with peers, and strengthen their engagement and passion for the work they do every day.

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About the Washington Recreation and Park Association (WRPA)

Who and What is WRPA?

The Washington Recreation & Park Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 first established in 1947 and consisting of roughly 3,500 members – mostly publicly-run parks and recreation agencies and employees but also includes private-sector members such as those involved in parks development and planning

Become a Member

WRPA supports parks and recreation professionals in Washington through advocacy, networking, education, training, and industry updates. We offer inclusive membership options for agencies of all sizes. Explore membership levels below. Dues are voluntary and non-refundable.

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Featured Events

2026 WRPA Conference and Tradeshow

Thank you for joining us at the 2026 WRPA Conference and Tradeshow at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center in Tacoma, WA, on April 21-24, 2026. We look forward to seeing you at the 2027 WRPA Conference and Tradeshow in Spokane, WA from May 11-2, 2027—more information to come.

2026 Fall Training

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Fall Training, happening on Wednesday, November 4, in Tumwater, WA. We are excited to welcome you to the Capital Event Center in Tumwater. Each year, WRPA hosts a Fall Training event to dive deep into topics relevant to the profession. The committee is currently working on content and speakers. More information coming soon!

Quick Links

Blog Posts

Stay connected with the latest in parks and recreation through WRPA’s blog. Explore industry updates, professional insights, upcoming events, and stories from across Washington’s parks and recreation community, all in one place.

Read the Blogs

Upcoming Events

Fri Apr 24, 2026WSTRA 2026 Annual Conference
Category: WRPA Events
Tue May 5, 2026The Evolution of Play: Trends in Outdoor Space Design
Category: Affiliate Events
Wed May 13, 2026Grant Application Webinar – Planning for Recreation Access
Category: Affiliate Events
Thu May 14, 2026Good News in Parks!
Category: Affiliate Events
View Full Calendar

Thank You to Our Sponsors

VIP Partners

 

Northwest Playground Equipment Inc

Thank you for allowing Northwest Playground to be WRPA’s Platinum sponsor. We value our relationship with you and have taken pride in the small part that we play in your projects. Whether it is a memorial bench to recognize a member of the community or a destination Inclusive park that allows all kids to play together, we have enjoyed helping to make your project a success. Northwest Playground has always been known for its quality products and exceptional service. We have enjoyed being your partner these last 20 years and hope to be your partner for years to come.

 

 

 

 

Great Western Recreation

Great Western Recreation is honored to support the mission and values of the WRPA and its members. Since 1964, GWR has been serving its local communities by delivering turnkey solutions for outdoor recreation; including designing and providing destination and fully inclusive play spaces supported by extensive academic research, offering a wide selection of quality site amenities, providing prefabricated shelter and shade solutions, creating outdoor fitness locations, putting together imaginative splash pad sites, and collaborating on all other project needs, big to small, to augment the development and enhancement of your parks’ infrastructure.

RCX Sports

 

 

 

 

Buell Recreation

Play Creation