Catch up on the latest news and happenings around the state.

WRPAToday Newsletter

Photo of the Month

Rebecca Howard Park Sign Unveiling at Olympia Juneteenth Celebration Festival

The City of Olympia partnered with community leader Shawna Hawk, Founder of non-profit organization, the Women of Color in Leadership Movement, to host the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration Festival on June 19, 2022 at one of the city’s newest parks, Rebecca Howard Park. The park was named after Rebecca Howard, an African-American businesswoman in Olympia who was renowned for service and hospitality in the late 1850’s to the 1870’s. The park sign was ceremoniously unveiled during the celebration by the founder of the Women of Color in Leadership and event coordinator, Shawna Hawk (left), and key community members.


How Do You Recreate?

Walking Qigong

The City of Spokane Parks & Recreation offers classes in their beautiful John A Finch Arboretum. Guo Lin Qigong, also known as “Walking Qigong” focuses on deep breathing and visualization while walking and performing different arm, hand, and other body movements. Walking and other movements are thought to nourish all five of our organ systems and have beneficial effects, like relaxing the mind and body and improving blood flow and oxygen intake, resulting in improved health.


Spotlight Professional: NeSha Thomas-Schadt

Parks & Recreation Manager, Pierce County Parks

NeSha Thomas-Schadt is Parks & Recreation Manager for Pierce County Park. She is responsible for providing direction and oversight of west region operations for both park maintenance and recreation services. She loves that her daily work includes overseeing undeveloped and developed parks, playfields and playgrounds, trails and open space, waterfront and shorelines, and partnerships in communities across the county.

Advice from NeSha:

"Work hard, take initiative, and be open to new challenges and ways to grow"

 


Share Your Story: WRPA is looking to spotlight members with different backgrounds, experiences, and work histories. Please email WRPA if you would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

Equity

Why Equity is at the center of all we do

Our mission is to advance parks, recreation, and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people. We estimate that as many as 100 million people — 30 percent of the U.S. population — lack access to the lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits parks and recreation provides. We cannot rest until we close the gap. Read More

Announcements & Highlights

September 19–20
Aquatics Conference

Registration is now open for the 2022 Aquatics Conference. This year the conference will take place at McMenamins Anderson School in Bothell, WA.

November 14–16
CPSI Fall Course & Exam

Want to help keep your community safe? Registration is now open for the Fall 2022 Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) course taking place at the McClelland Arts Center in Longview, WA.

November 3
Fall Training

We are excited to see you back in person at the Lynnwood Convention Center. More information and registration coming soon!

WRPA Social Media

Want to stay up-to-date and maybe become a top fan? Follow WRPA on social media!

SAVE THE DATES!

Volunteer Opportunities

WRPA is a membership-driven organization. By sharing your energy and expertise, you can help make WRPA an even more effective professional resource.

 

Become a volunteer and help WRPA grow. Learn more about valuable opportunities today!

Join a WRPA Network

WRPA Networks are specialized groups that meet on a regular basis and communicate online. Joining a WRPA network gives you the opportunity to meet others in your specific field, like aquatics, maintenance, and programs.

 

Find your WRPA Network today.

Thank You Renewing Members

Agency Members:

  • Bellingham Parks and Recreation
  • City of Buckley
  • Kitsap County Parks Department
  • Spokane Valley Parks & Recreation

Individual Members:

  • Aberdeen Parks & Recreation
  • City of Pullman Parks & Recreation
  • City of Wenatchee
  • Manson Park & Recreation District
  • Puyallup School District    
  • White River Community Activities Program
  • Whatcom County Parks & Recreation
  • YMCA of Snohomish County

Data Pulled on June 24, 2022

Thank You Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Northwest Playground Logo

Gold Sponsor

Great Western Logo

Gold Sponsor

Play Creation Logo

Silver Sponsor

Musco Lighting Logo

 

Washington Recreation & Park Association

 

WRPA Web: www.wrpatoday.org

Phone: (206) 361-8869

Email: [email protected]