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!

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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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.”

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.

Supporting Washington Communities: A Path to Economic Growth and Enhanced Recreational Safety

Washington’s docks serve as more than just a scenic gateway to the water; they are essential to our local economy and recreational activities. These docks facilitate leisurely boating, community events, and critical commercial operations, underscoring the importance of maintaining safe, reliable, and sustainable water access. Pacific Netting Products (PNP) is a leader in dock infrastructure solutions, playing a vital role in enhancing ports and marinas throughout the state. Their innovative products not only enhance safety but also improve functionality for all who enjoy the water.

2025 Legislative Session Preview
Washington State
January 9, 2025

Washington’s 2025 Legislative Session will begin on Monday, January 13, and it will be the first year of the two-year legislative biennium. Each biennium is comprised of a long session (105-days) and a short session (60-days) in which bills may be enacted into law. In addition to new policy ideas, the primary task of legislators during a long session is to pass the state’s biennial budgets: Operating, Capital and Transportation.

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Playing and watching sports is a beloved part of American life. From baseball and soccer to basketball and football, sports weave into our culture in a big way. Here at Pacific Netting Products (PNP) we feel the thrill of watching a baseball connect with the bat, a soccer ball finding the net, or a basketball dunk that ignites the crowd is truly special. In Washington, many of these games, practices, and casual get-togethers take place in our local parks.

 

The 2024 general election was held on Tuesday, November 5 and Washington state voters had numerous decisions to make in electing statewide and local officials for office, as well as decisions on four statewide initiatives that deal with certain taxes, state programs, and energy sources. All nine state executive offices were on the ballot, including open seat races for Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Public Lands, and Insurance Commissioner. On the state legislative front, all 98 members of the House were on the ballot and 25 of the 49 senators were up for election. Many key legislative races could shift the political landscape in Olympia, as democrats were looking to pick up seats in battle ground districts, while republicans were hoping to hold seats they currently control. Given the state’s vote by mail system, ballots will continue to be counted for days to come. Although some races are still too close to call, Washingtonians can glean significant results from election night 2024.

Voter turnout for the general election currently sits at 72.23% with an estimate of 274,171 ballots left to be counted at the time of this writing. There are 5,018,809 registered voters statewide. For reference, voter turnout in 2020 was just over 84%, and nearly 79% in 2016 – the last two times the President was on the ballot and when turnout is highest. Election results will be certified by the Secretary of State on Thursday, December 5.

2024 General Election Results

Statewide Races
For the first time since 2012 there were four open seat races for statewide office (meaning an incumbent is not seeking reelection), including an open seat race for Insurance Commissioner that will see changeover for the first time in 24 years.

Hey there –  I hope you survived another crazy summer and are enjoying the start of the fall season!   I’m reaching out as the Washington Recreation and Parks Association (WRPA) liaison to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition (WWRC).   Together, our organizations and individual communities work hard to ensure that all Washingtonians have access to safe, healthy, and vibrant outdoor spaces.

Many of us just finished participating in the RCO grant process. We are very fortunate to have access to such a variety of grant opportunities to support our communities.    The WWRC’s purpose is to advocate and support for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) which has been a vital resource, leveraging over $2 billion for parks, trails, and conservation projects across the state. We rely on these grant programs and as we look to the future, need to ensure that continued funding is available to protect and expand these efforts.

We Need Your Support!

The Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition (WWRC) is seeking your help to advocate for a $150 million Capital Budget request for the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program (WWRP) for the 2025-27 biennium. Please join us by signing the Sign-On Letter to support robust funding for this vital program.

So you’ve heard the term “inclusive playground”, but what does that actually mean?

Accessible playgrounds are on the rise around the world but accessible does not necessarily mean inclusive. It is however a part of the design process for making a playground truly inclusive.

This vital legislation makes it possible for special districts in local communities to access essential funding for water, parks, infrastructure, fire, and other vital community services.