History

The Association we know today as the Washington Recreation & Park Association was born in Collin's Field House, Seattle, with 31 charter members dedicated to furthering recreation as a profession and recreational opportunities as a public service.  From that beginning, our Association has grown in size, status, and influence.

Established in 1947, and officially incorporated in 1960, the Washington Recreation & Park Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional and public interest organization.

History of Name Changes:

• 1947: Established as the Washington State Recreation Society
• 1966: Changed name to Washington Recreation & Park Society
• 1976: Changed name to Washington Recreation & Park Association

• 2018-Present Tiffany Hanzo Martin
• 2018 Andrew Estep, CAE
• 2015-2018 Tom Tidyman
• 2014 Marlis Korber, CAE
• 2013-2014 Sarah Luczyk, CAE
• 2002-2013 Brit Kramer, CPRP, CAE
• 1999-2001 Lynn Cheeney, CPRP
• 1991-1998 Jim Webster
• 1988-1990 Donnajeane Goheen
• 1986-1988 Pam Earle
• 1981-1986 Byron Haley

WRPA shared office space in Federal Way with the NRPA Pacific Service Center from April 1994 until NRPA closed all the regional offices in the fall of 2003. Pam Earl served as the NPRA Pacific Regional Director until 2003 when the office closed. WRPA then moved its offices to Lacey, where they remained until moving to Seattle in late 2013.