In this Issue...
Photo of the Month — Share Your Photos Too!
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A Glowing Valley
Thank you, Robert Eaton, from the City of Maple Valley for this Photo of the month.
This was taken in Fall 2020 looking over Lake Wilderness from the Lodge at Lake Wilderness Park in Maple Valley. No wonder this is a favorite spot for weddings and rentals! You can even see a peak-a-boo view of Mt. Rainier behind the low clouds. |
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Do you have a must-see photo? WRPA would love to share your work from home photos and cool images taken at your parks and facilities. Submit photos via email [email protected].
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How Do You Recreate?
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Creating Holiday Memories
Thank you to Carl Strong, for sharing this video. The Friends of Manito and Spokane Parks hosted a lit-up enchanted garden in December 2020.
This drive-thru event was a great way to celebrate the holiday season and keep folks safe. |
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Want to let others know how you are staying happy, healthy, or fit during COVID-19? Submit “How Do You Recreate” photos to [email protected].
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2021 Great Outdoors & Parks Legislative Day Recap
In Partnership with the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition: Advocating for All WA Recreation & Parks Professionals
Once again WRPA partnered with the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition to host a Great Outdoors & Parks Legislative Day on February 4, 2021.
102 meetings were scheduled and led by over 150 WRPA-WWRC participants representing cities, park districts, counties, and local non-profits who are well-versed in the need for, and value of, our state’s outdoor recreation assets and industry.
Legislative Day meetings were virtual; a pre-event training occurred to help coordinate and maximize our time with legislators using an on-line forum. Groups of three to four people were really effective for dialogue for the 15-minute calls.
While our day was structured differently, most attendees felt going virtual resulted in more participation from Eastern Washington, more focused facilitated discussion, and better universal use of our talking points and on-line tools. The responsiveness of legislators was encouraging and attendees were well- prepared to talk about how outdoor recreation and natural resources play a huge role in recovery, equity, and COVID-response — priorities of the 2021 session. Read More
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2021 Annual Conference & Tradeshow
Register Now!
 
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2021 WRPA Mentorship Program Open
Engaging Professional Development Opportunities for Students
The WPRA Student Connections Committee is dedicated to providing engaging professional development opportunities for students and young professionals who are looking to further gain insight into the exciting field of parks and recreation. One way we achieve this is through our mentoring program.
This annual program pairs distinguished professionals (our mentors) with a student or young professionals (our mentees) who can benefit from have a networking relationship with a current professional in the industry. If you are interested in participating in this unique mentoring program for the 2021 campaign please fill out the simple application form no later than March 19, 2021. We highly encourage individuals participating in this program to attend the WRPA's annual conference on April 28 & 29, 2021, which will be held virtually this year.
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NRPA Parks & Recreation Magazine Highlight
"Voters Overwhelmingly Supported Park Funding
Ballot Initiatives in 2020"
January 21, 2021, Department, by Elvis Cordova
The national general election of November 2020 was a historic one, with nearly 70 percent of the eligible U.S. voting population casting their votes. This figure represents the highest voter turnout rate in 120 years. The main draw for the 2020 election was for the U.S. presidency. However, other significant factors actually motivated voters to get out and vote in record numbers — including control of the U.S. Senate, election of state governors, state constitutional amendments, and local ballot initiatives for dedicated park funding measures.
Read the full NRPA article to learn more.
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CPSI Blended Courses
Now Is the Perfect Time to Earn Your Certification!
Spring CPSI Course | Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Have you or your agency put off the Certified Playground Saftey Inspector (CPSI) Course? In 2020, NRPA announced a new offering for this certification, a CPSI Blended Course, providing professionals with the opportunity to learn online and take their CPSI exam locally.
With some of the CPSI courses moving online it is now easier and much less expensive to earn your certificate. Consider joining the list of certified professionals by signing up today.
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Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA): This program is eligible for WCIA's Training Reimbursement. Reimbursement funding is available upon program completion. Reimbursement requests must be submitted through WCIA Origami Member Portal by the designated Origami user. For questions about reimbursement or your designated Origami User, please contact Member Services at [email protected]. |
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WRPA Today App
Have You Downloaded it Yet?
The WRPA Today app brings the power of your WRPA membership to your mobile device!
- Read up on the latest news
- Browse upcoming events
- Connect with recreation and park professionals
- Keep up to date on the latest by turning on your notifications
- And more!
Never feel disconnected from WRPA again while on the go with the WRPA Today membership app.
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WRPA Blog Highlights: Read the Latest
2021 Legislative Webinar Series Recordings Now Available
Legislative Day Recap
The Results Are In!
Legislative Action in Motion
Inslee Announces Changes to the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery
Congrats Parks & Recreation Professionals
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Thank You to Our Renewing Members!
- Bothell Parks & Recreation
- Burlington Parks & Recreation
- Clallam County Parks, Fair & Facilities Dept.
- Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District
- Edmonds Parks & Recreation
- Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services
- Mountlake Terrace Recreation & Parks
- Renton Community Services Department
- Snohomish County Parks & Recreation
- City of Shelton
- Anna Pearson, City of Pullman - Pullman Parks and Recreation
- Carol Carter, Spokane Valley Parks & Recreation
- Debra M. Pelletier, Freelance Consulting
- Jeff Price, City of Mukilteo Recreation & Cultural Services Department
- Kathya Martinez, City of Prosser
- Kendall May, City of Spokane Valley Parks and Recreation
- Lander Grow, City of Sunnyside
- Patty Bischoff, Spokane Valley Parks & Recreation
- Suzette Hart, Pushing Boundaries
- Suzy Moen, City of Enumclaw
- Tami Andringa, Yakima Parks & Recreation
- Tawni Drumm, City of Des Moines
- Tina Gregerson, Spokane Valley Parks & Recreation
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Welcome New Members!
- Bellingham Parks and Recreation
- City of Fife
- Alina Hibbs, City of Enumclaw
- Jay Cochran, North Whidbey Pool, Park, and Recreation District
- Keegan Sullivan, Central Washington University
- Prestan Walker, Eastern Washington University
If you aren't yet a WRPA member consider joining today.
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We Want Your News!
 Do you have news to share with your WRPA colleagues? Send any updates, photos, happenings, and socials to WRPA, so that we can feature your article in the next WRPAToday e-newsletter!
Send Us Your News Now!
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Recent Job Postings
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WRPA Volunteer Opportunities
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Thank You, 2021 Sponsors!
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WRPA is membership-driven. We achieve only what we ourselves commit to doing. By sharing your energy and expertise, you will make WRPA an even more effective professional resource.
In fact, without you, we would not be able to offer any programs! Consider volunteering and helping our organization grow. Learn more about opportunities that have recently become available!
Join a WRPA Network
WRPA has several dedicated groups or "Networks" that meet on a regular basis and communicate online. These networks provide WRPA members with the opportunity to make personal, ongoing connections with other professionals. By joining a network and using the online platform, you too can increase your passion for the work you do every day.
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Annual Platinum Sponsor
Annual Gold Sponsor
Annual Silver Sponsors
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