Help Secure $150 Million for WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) has been protecting Washington’s natural areas, working lands, parks, trails, and recreation opportunities for more than 35 years. But demand for the program continues to far exceed available funding.

As Washington prepares for the 2027–29 Capital Budget, advocates are calling for $150 million in funding for WWRP to help preserve these important resources for communities across the state.

June revenue forecast shows mixed picture, adds to expected shortfall in coming budget cycle 

OLYMPIA – Washington’s June revenue forecast shows a mixed picture, according to the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. Legislation passed in the 2026 legislative session increased projected Near General Fund revenue through 2031, but weakened economic activity has reduced projected revenue to the state by nearly $1 billion since the February forecast.

Although the overall revenue is an increase relative to February, compared to assumed revenue in the enacted budget from 2026, it is a net decrease. The impact to the budget writing process for the upcoming 2027–29 biennium is lawmakers will face a greater shortfall than was shown in February, assuming the picture doesn’t improve over the next two revenue forecasts.

WRPA Honors 2026 Awards Recipients at Annual Conference

The Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA) proudly recognized outstanding professionals, agencies, and programs during the 2026 WRPA Awards Ceremony held at the WRPA Annual Conference.

Each year, the WRPA Awards Program celebrates excellence in parks and recreation throughout Washington State, honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership, innovation, service, and dedication positively impact their communities and the profession.

 The Recreation and Conservation Office is seeking comments on proposed changes to the Manual 3: Acquisition Projects. These changes relate to appraisal waivers and noxious weed control cost limits.

Background and proposed changes can be found in the Public Comment Package.

Are you interested in expanding recreational opportunities in your community? Don’t miss our upcoming Grant Application Webinar focused on the Planning for Recreation Access program. This session is designed to guide applicants through the grant process, helping ensure your proposal is strong and complete.

Date & Time:
May 13, 2026, 9:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join AASLH this April for webinars and an online summit designed for history professionals. Learn how to attract new audiences with walking tours on April 2, explore core issues in the history field starting April 8, and dive into workforce insights at the Stronger Workforce Summit on April 13–14. Engage with expert panels, practical strategies, and interactive discussions to strengthen your institution and the field.

At NRPA, we believe parks and recreation is at the heart of every community. Environmental values translate into everyday practice, and local governments model responsible stewardship. Park and recreation agencies are trusted community spaces serving as living laboratories that provide the ideal venue for recycling education and for modeling responsible resource stewardship.

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Welcoming New WRPA Board Members

Each year, we welcome new members to the WRPA Board of Directors at the Annual Conference & Tradeshow. The Board of Directors is the governing body of our association and is responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of WRPA. These Board members are elected by you, the members, during an annual election.

The following WRPA members have been elected to join the board:

Parks and recreation departments do more than provide services. They strengthen communities, improve public health, support youth development, and create gathering spaces that build connection.

For your consumption. On Thursday, the BEA released the latest national and state by state economic data on outdoor recreation. Attached is their WA State report and the link below is where you can find national data. Some interesting numbers and some key indicators of which stakeholder groups we are missing in the Big Tent. A few of which we spoke about earlier this week.

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The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is inviting public input on proposed updates to Manual 9: Boating Facilities Program. The proposed changes include revisions to grant limits for local agencies, worksite request limits for multi-site projects, and other policy updates aimed at improving alignment and clarity.

A detailed overview of the background and proposed revisions is available in the Public Comment Package. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the materials and share feedback by submitting comments through the online comment form.

The Washington Recreation and Park Association (WRPA) is actively monitoring state legislative activity aroundEngrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814 (ESSB 5814) and related House bills that impact the application of Washington’s tax laws, including those affecting services that may intersect with the parks and recreation sector.

ESSB 5814 is part of Washington State’s broader tax and revenue package and includes changes to how certain services are classified and taxed. WRPA is tracking thestatus, implementation timelines, and agency guidance related to this legislation, including any impacts to parks, recreation, and special purpose districts. We are also monitoringrelated House bills and companion legislation connected to ESSB 5814 as they move through the legislative process.

LISC Puget Sound, in partnership with the Seattle Seahawks, is accepting applications for the 2026 NFL Foundation Grassroots Program. This grant supports the renovation of sports fields in low- and moderate-income communities across Washington state.

Passionate Professional: Rick Bruya

For more than 30 years, Rick Bruya dedicated his career to creating safe, positive youth sports programs for families in Auburn, Washington. A Recreation Coordinator and longtime Certified Youth Sports Administrator, he is retiring Dec. 31 after joining the City of Auburn in 1992.

Parks and recreation are essential to the fabric of communities across the country, and new data makes that clearer than ever.

RCO is reaching out to let you know we are considering changes to the $14mil Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle grant program available to local Agencies.  This program funds the development of new, or maintenance of existing “backcountry” recreation areas such as trails, campgrounds, hunting-fishing areas, day use sites, boat launches etc.  It also funds ORV parks and law enforcement operations in backcountry areas.

The changes in this document would be implemented in 2026.

The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will host a series of webinars on February 11, 2026, to start the application cycle for 2026-27. If you are thinking about applying for a grant for your outdoor recreation or conservation project, mark your calendar now.

This report examines the economic impact of outdoor recreation alongside the value of ecosystem services provided by recreation-supporting lands. It explores participation, spending, community benefits, and environmental considerations, while highlighting both the opportunities and challenges communities face in growing outdoor recreation economies.

Read the Full Report

The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s Manual 10b: Habitat Conservation Account. These changes relate to intent language and evaluation criteria for both the Critical Habitat and Natural Areas funding categories.

Background and proposed changes can be reviewed in the Public Comment Package. Comments can be submitted by completing this web form and will be accepted until11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2025.

After several days of ballot returns, statewide voter turnout stands at 39%. Democrats prevailed in all contested legislative races against Republican opponents, and in the two Democrat-versus-Democrat contests, the more progressive candidates prevailed.

The only change since the initial election report below is that Rep. Edwin Obras will prevail in the 33rdLD House seat. While Kevin Schilling (Burien Mayor) – running as a more moderate Democrat – led on election night, Rep. Obras (D) picked up the late ballot count and will return to Olympia next year.