Updates on Special Session and Budget Shortfall

A Message from Doug Levy, WRPA Lobbyist

On Thursday, June 18, virtual meetings were held where both Senate Ways & Means Chair Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island/23rd Dist.) and House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan (D-Covington/47th Dist.) spoke. Both members made it pretty clear that early August to mid-August is what we should expect, and be preparing for, in terms of a Special Session of the Legislature. Based on comments—Sen. Rolfes as a guest speaker before an Association of Washington Cities’ (AWC) Legislative Committee, and Rep. Sullivan with a group of local government lobbyists—this will be a very brief and surgical Special Session to get at budget issues and make some dent in a 4-year, $8.8 billion shortfall.

Collaboration Between WRPA Aquatics Network, Washington State DOH, and Washington State Labor & Industries Yields Guidelines for Aquatic Facilities

A message from Mark Feeney, WRPA Aquatics Network Liaison

Learn How You Can Benefit from Your WRPA Membership 

A Message from Maryke Burgess, WRPA Sponsorship Co-Chair

Have you found yourself laid off, furloughed, or with reduced hours during this pandemic? Being a member of the WRPA is more important than ever.

Senate Passes Major Conservation Package

A Message from Doug Levy, WRPA Lobbyist 

The legislation achieves two core conservation priorities. One is providing $900 million annually and permanently for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which was created in 1964 and uses royalties from offshore oil and gas drilling to pay for a host of conservation projects on public lands.

Phase 3: Examples of Inconsistencies of the "Safe Start" Re-Opening Plan

A Message from the WRPA Administration Network

As follow-up to the discussion we had at last Thursday's, June 11, 2020, meeting regarding Phase 3 of the Governor’s “Safe start” re-opening plans, and the limitation of 50 people on events and gatherings, the WRPA continues to work with the Governor’s Office on a way to look at these not just with a number but by ensuring safe protocols and social distancing and other structural ways of keeping people separated.

All Black Lives Matter

A Message from Paul Simmons, WRPA President

Dear WRPA Members and Supporters, 

 Protect Existing Resources and S. 3422 - Great American Outdoors Act

A Message from Doug Levy, WRPA Lobbyist 

Protect Existing Resources Template and Questions – Would LOVE Local Parks info/illustrations – See COB June 12 timeline

For this item, please review the Protecting Existing Resources Template and questions.  I’m chairing – for an Outdoor Recreation Funding Roundtable spearheaded by State Rep. Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline/32^nd Dist.) – a ‘Protect Existing Resources’ subcommittee that will assist Rep. Ryu and other participating legislators in understanding the magnitude of the COVID-19 impacts on the outdoor recreation sector, and hopefully provide these legislators with tools and data to protect against damaging cutbacks and reductions in 2020 Special Session and/or 2021 Regular Session deliberations on the state budgets.

WA Residents Can Now Get Out and Camp

A Message from WA State Parks, WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, and WA Dept. Natural Resources

Olympia – May 29, 2020

We Want Your Support

A Message from Doug Levy, WRPA Lobbyist 

Friday, May 29, 2020

Make Equity-Based Planning Decisions and Inclusive Policies and Programs in Your Communities

A Message from Kristine Stratton, NRPA President & CEO

Easing Religious Restrictions, More Counties Authorized to Apply for Phase 2, and Not All Counties Will Be in Phase 2 on June 1, 2020

A Message from Doug Levy, WRPA Lobbyist

Share on Your Social Media How to #RecreateResponsibly 

A Message from Mountain to Sound Greenway

During this public health crisis, spending time outdoors has become a lifeline for many Americans. Yet these unusual circumstances mean that all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families heading out to their local park for the first time, could use a little guidance. We hope you’ll join us in sharing the #RecreateResponsibly toolkit (English and Spanish) and message with your own audience.

Phase 1 & 2: Recreation Clarification & Requirements

A Message from Governor Jay Inslee

This memorandum serves to make further clarifications for Outdoor Recreation, Phase 1, and sets forth additional Phase 2 criteria.  This memorandum is effective as of May 14, 2020. 

RCO Grant Applications Extended to June 1, 2020

A message from Marguerite Austin, Recreation and Conservation Grants Section

Applications for Recreation and Conservation Funding Board grants are due on Monday, June 1^st, by 11:59 p.m. If you have started an application or are thinking of applying for a grant for your recreation or conservation project – there’s not much time left.

Western State Pact: Collective Recovery Plan

A Message from Peter Mayer, Metro Parks Tacoma

Good morning!  First of all, I hope this finds you healthy and rested.  I wanted to send a “shout out” of thanks and share a few developments.

Enhance Your Agencies Recreational Assets or Programs

Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) has opened its next round of the Christopher K. Jarvi Scholarship to Advance Partnerships. This scholarship fund was created to help dedicated professionals explore ways to integrate more partnerships into their work to benefit and bring value to parks, public lands, and the communities that host them. The scholarships are meant for professionals focused on enhancing recreational assets or programs and should be focused on training that can enhance the partnership potential of the individual.

Chris Jarvi was active in leadership with prominent organizations working to support recreation and parks professionals. At his request, this scholarship was created to encourage parks and recreation professionals to continue to explore how partnering efforts can help them to achieve parks, recreation, and community goals. Scholarships range from $500-$1,500 and may be used over the 18 months following the award. Based upon the current COVID-19 situation, SORP recommends a primary focus for this round on:

Parks Announces Limited Opening For Day Use

Ocean Beach and Columbia River Gorge Parks Remain Closed

A Message from Washington State Parks

OLYMPIA – May 2, 2020

In Memory of Scott Gallacher

On behalf of the WRPA Board of Directors, we are deeply saddened to have learned of the sudden and unexpected passing of Key Pen Parks Executive Director and long-time WRPA member Scott Gallacher. Scott was an active member of our association who regularly attended regional meetings, legislative events, and state conferences. He will be greatly missed both within the Key Pen Parks community and throughout our state.

A message from his organization related to this sad news is posted on the Key Pen Parks website. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's family during this very difficult time.

Healthy At Home Hub on SportsEngine.com

Greetings Special Park District Leaders,

I hope this email finds you healthy and well during this difficult time.  We have heard from many of you about the extraordinary work you are doing on behalf of your community.    We know that special park districts are in a difficult place with respect to the ability to receive funding while still facing the challenges that COVID-19 has brought. 

NRPA has drafted a memo that will provide you additional information about the federal response along with a letter that we plan to send to federal leaders on behalf of special park districts.  This letter asks for equitable treatment when funding is provided.