Due to legislative changes as well as our rules requiring some general updates, we are wanting to take a comprehensive look at all of our Youth Employment rules.  One of the items we are looking at is the distinction between private and public employers in non-agriculture industries.  Before we decide which topics to include in our rulemaking efforts, we want to hear from potentially impacted parties. We will be holding listening/feedback sessions in the coming weeks. We will send invites to those meetings soon.

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King County’s WaterWorks Grant Program has $4.6 million in funding available for community-driven projects that protect water quality, control pollution, and build healthy communities. Projects must provide an improvement to water quality within the Wastewater Treatment Division service area, and non-profits, Tribes, cities, schools, and special purpose districts are eligible to apply.

Applications are open now and due September 30, 2025. The application process begins by filling out a short Letter of Intent form through the online grant portal. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in February 2026.

The Washington Community Forestry Council (WCFC) exists to advise the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Commissioner of Public Lands on urban and community forestry issues across Washington State. The Council works closely with DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program staff as designees of the Agency in a collaborative and mutually supportive way. More information on the DNR UCF Program can be found here.

The Council typically meets five times per year in February, April, June, September and November. Meetings are virtual and typically scheduled for 3.5 hours with breaks, during regular business hours. In general the Council is focused on advising the UCF Program on special projects, new initiatives, strategic investments, and other relevant topics of interest. In recent years the council has been instrumental in helping the UCF program incorporate principles of equity and environmental justice into delivery of program services.

Special Legislative Races Updated: August 6, 2025

With initial returns from Washington’s August primary now in, several special legislative races offer early insight into voter sentiment, especially on ideological divides within the Democratic Party, and the durability of appointed lawmakers. While the outcomes won’t shift majority control in Olympia, they are sharpening the narrative ahead of the 2026 session. Ballot counting will continue over the coming days. Latest intel suggests statewide turnout should reach 35%, with most counties reporting close to 20% thus far.

Take advantage of special savings to attend the NAYS Youth Sports Congress + Athletic Business Show in San Diego Nov. 5-8

WRPA members are invited to take advantage of huge savings and join hundreds of passionate recreation professionals from around the world in San Diego for the NAYS Youth Sports Congress + Athletic Business Show on Nov. 5-8.

Greetings!

The Washington Invasive Species Council and the Washington Department of Natural Resources invite you to their free upcoming Urban Forest Pest Readiness Summit on July 29th, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Puyallup Research and Extension Center - 2606 W Pioneer Ave, Puyallup, WA 98371. Coffee and lunch will be served. Please include any dietary restrictions in your registration. This is an in-person event only.

Congratulations, 2025 Award Recipients!

This spring, we want to honor the amazing people, parks, and programs that received an award at the awards ceremony during the 2025 WRPA Conference & Tradeshow. The WRPA Awards Program honors individuals and organizations for their contributions to the field of recreation and parks in Washington State. A variety of awards were handed out to WRPA members and public citizens. 

There are three categories recognized for WRPA's Awards Program: Professional Awards, Citation of Merit Awards, and Spotlight Awards. In addition to these categories, WRPA also acknowledges Mickey Corso Leadership Grant recipients.

After nearly 24 years of dedicated service to the City of Lakewood, Parks, Recreation & Community Services Director Mary Dodsworth announced she will retire effective June 13, 2025.

What’s Happening?

The department is considering amending the water recreation rules to adopt the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards. 

Update on rulemaking timeline!

Democratic lawmakers have finalized the major decisions on Washington state's new two-year operating budget, with final details expected soon. Sen. June Robinson, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, confirmed that while key decisions are made, final adjustments are underway. Meanwhile, negotiators have also wrapped up work on the capital budget, though the tight operating budget may require last-minute changes depending on pending revenue bills. With the session's end approaching, lawmakers aim to release the budget Saturday and vote Sunday, barring unexpected developments.

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In 2026, the U.S. will celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Here in Washington, we’re planning a commemoration that honors our shared history, deepens understanding of our democracy, and recognizes the enduring presence and sovereignty of Tribal Nations. This milestone offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen community partnerships, highlight the importance of history, and invest in the future of local history organizations.

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The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Representative Assembly passed seven amendments during its 2025 cycle, including the historic sanctioning of Girls Flag Football, its first new sport since 1999. These changes, effective August 1, 2025, reflect months of collaboration among school athletic administrators. A major update to transfer eligibility now permits a one-time transfer during a student's high school career, within specific windows, with partial varsity ineligibility for one season. The assembly, composed of 53 school administrators, also re-elected two Executive Board members. Despite some proposals failing, the WIAA emphasized its ongoing commitment to state law and student equity.

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House and Senate Democrats release updated progressive revenue proposal, hearings in coming days.

House and Senate Democratic budget leaders released an updated legislative package to raise new progressive revenue and fund K-12 education and essential state services this week. It would raise nearly $12 billion over four years.

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:

Peer Learning Opportunity for Environmental Sustainability

Parks across the country are striving to meet the needs of their local communities while navigating unique and ever-changing environmental circumstances. NRPA is offering a 16-week immersive, cohort-style program for park professionals with a vested interest in equitable environmental resilience that are ready to take the next step or not sure where to begin.

Park agencies are invited to apply alongside a partner community-based organization to increase their knowledge, understanding and implementation of environmental sustainability planning and practices through technical assistance, practical application, and peer learning opportunities to support them as they develop and implement community-driven sustainability practices at parks.

Register Today!

Play is more than just fun—it's a powerful force that shapes childhood development and strengthens communities. Though challenging to define, play enhances physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth in ways that are essential to well-being. In this course, presenter Joe Palermo will explore the science of play and how specific play activities—climbing, sliding, swinging, and spinning—contribute to child development. We’ll also examine the role of play in public spaces and why it remains a critical element in designing inclusive, engaging environments for all. Join us to discover the true power of play!

Request for Public Comment 

The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to eligibility requirements in the Urban Wildlife Habitat Category of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. This change is in response to the United States Census Bureau’s new definition of “urban areas.”

Cameron A. Haslam 

Cameron A. Haslam sadly passed away, February 2, 2025. He was a great influence and very committed to the Washington Recreation & Park Association, serving as its president and later receiving the Honor Fellow Award, Distinguished Service Award, and President's Award. Looking back, Cam took on leadership roles in nearly every organization he was involved with, including the National Industrial Recreation Association (where he earned the State Chairman of the Year Award), the National Recreation and Park Association (as Regional Council Chairman), the Bellevue Christian Church Board (as president and elder), the UPS Alumni Board of Directors, the Camp Fire Board (receiving the Ernest Thompson Seton Award), the YMCA of Seattle Board, the Edgebrook Swim and Tennis Club Board (as president and founding member), and his neighborhood community organization. Despite his many achievements, he was never one to boast—well, except perhaps about a couple of holes-in-one on the golf course—so there are likely many accomplishments even his family never knew about.

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The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is accepting grant applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. This program, administered by the National Park Service, provides grants to acquire or develop land for public outdoor recreation purposes. An eligible project must be located in or within a half-mile buffer of:

• An incorporated city or town or unincorporated area with a population of twenty-five thousand or more in the 2020 Census, AND
• An underserved community. Underserved status can be demonstrated through use of the Environmental Protection Agency’s EJScreen Tool, or other documentation describing demographic and environmental factors.
• OR, on tribal nation or trust land held by a federally recognized Native American tribe.

If you have an eligible project and are interested in applying, please see the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership webpage for additional program details. The Applicant To-Do List outlines timeline and tasks. Applications are due in PRISM Online by March 12, 2025.