Connect with Your Industry Peers Online
April 20 - 24, 2020
Now more than ever is the time for the membership to connect, collaborate, and share resources. In order to bring the organization together, we are offering virtual WRPA Network meetings during the week that we otherwise would have had the conference, April 20 - 24, 2020.
A Message from the WRPA President
We know the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting you in a variety of ways, affecting your communities, your families, and your work. With that in mind, we simply wanted to reach out to let you know we are thinking of you. Your own health and wellbeing, and of those you love, should be your top concern right now.
A Message from the WRPA President
We know the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting you in a variety of ways, affecting your communities, your families, and your work. With that in mind, we simply wanted to reach out to let you know we are thinking of you. Your own health and wellbeing, and of those you love, should be your top concern right now.
On a wet day in early February, 130 advocates descended on Olympia to speak up for our outdoors. Folks from Manson near Lake Chelan to Longview on the Columbia River committed their time and energy to tell lawmakers why the outdoors matters. Their voices made an impact with legislators, and we’re so thankful for the support of so many passionate outdoor advocates from across the state.
We have received some inquiries from conference registrants and sponsors/exhibitors about how our plans are evolving in light of the emerging public health concerns posed by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). WRPA is closely monitoring updates from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the situation in communities where cases of the virus have been confirmed.
We are currently in the process of planning for a future date, however, nothing has yet been confirmed. At this time, our cancellation policy still stands (April 1, 2020, minus a $20 fee). WRPA will not be issuing refunds until a new date is set. For our vendor-partners, in particular, cancellations will be assessed on a case by case basis. We request all current attendees, speakers, and partners to stay tuned for additional communication before making the decision to cancel. Thank you for your support during this time.
In advance of the 2020 Legislative day in Olympia, WA WRPA and NW Playground hosted its first Funding Options in Parks Forum at the DoubleTree Hotel. This well- attended, half-day event included presentations with the intent on having a conversation regarding funding options for park districts, cities, and counties and sharing with one another the various types of funding each agency is currently utilizing.
Good Morning, Everyone!
Here is my usual Weekly Report and Weekly list of hearings – I’d note that on the Weekly Hearings list, with fiscal committees coming down the homestretch and public hearings reducing in numbers, all my recommendations for today (2/10) and tomorrow (2/11) are “MONITOR.”
The WRPA Fitness/Athletic Networking Network gathered in Leavenworth, WA for a two-day retreat on November 14–15, 2019. They discussed various hot topics, pain points, and the latest trends in municipal fitness and athletics. There were 21 park professionals present and everyone had a great time learning and networking together. Chelan County PUD graciously provided the meeting location at no charge, just a couple blocks away from downtown Leavenworth. It was a wonderful time to be in Leavenworth, as the Christmas lights were up, but it was not crowded.
The NRPA Annual Conference is one of the premier annual meeting of the park and recreation community. The three-day event brings together more than 8,000 park and recreation professionals, citizen advocates ands industry suppliers for amazing networking opportunities, hundreds of education sessions and the industry's largest trade show showcasing the products and services of nearly 400 exhibitors.
On Saturday, June 8, 2019 the WRPA Aquatics Network hosted their Aquatic Skill Builder training. There were two speakers, two sessions, practice scenarios, and 100 attendees from 20 different agencies! Thank you to everyone that was able to make it to the training and learn valuable skills from Bill O'Melia and Pete Quincy.
WRPA's bi-monthly e-newsletter WRPAToday is an amazing resource for Washington's park and recreation professionals and their organization. This newsletter contains information about local updates from WRPA members, as well as, WRPA news, details on events/professional development opportunities, national industry trends, and articles from affiliate organizations like NRPA. WRPA just released the latest newsletter last week. Take a moment to read this May issue, which highlights, a photo of the month, legislative updates, upcoming trainings, and more.
The Leadership Development Network is hosting its next FREE Virtual Round Table discussion/meeting on Tuesday, May 21st in partnership with the Young Professional Network. Please add the date to your calendar, join us and share! These discussions are somewhat of a mixture between a webinar and round table session featuring experts in the field discussing relevant topics and trends with the opportunity for interaction.
Here are the details for this Wednesday:
This spring, we want to honor the amazing people, parks, and programs that received an award at the awards banquet during the 72nd Annual WRPA Conference & Tradeshow. The WRPA Awards Program honors individuals and organizations for their contributions to the field of recreation and parks in Washington State. A variety of awards were handed out to WRPA members and public citizens.
There are three categories recognized for WRPA's Awards Program: Professional Awards, Citation of Merit Awards, and Spotlight Awards. In addition to these categories, WRPA also acknowledges Mickey Corso Leadership Grant recipients.
More design charette than lecture, Park Planner Palooza VI is an opportunity for park planners and designers to receive training (and CEU credits), discuss cutting-edge planning initiatives, and view innovative projects with other park and recreation planners from around Oregon in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Announces 2019 Annual Award Recipients
The Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA) celebrates people, parks, and programs with an award program honoring individuals and organizations for their contributions to the field of parks and recreation in Washington State. The 2019 award recipients were honored at our Annual Conference & Trade Show on Thursday, April 11th at the Hilton Vancouver in Vancouver, WA, USA.
There is so much to explore and learn at the 72nd Annual WRPA Conference & Tradeshow! In addition to educational sessions and networking events, there will be lots of new and exciting opportunities for attendees to engage at the conference. If you haven't yet, be sure to register today!
Learn & Have Fun WRPA Conference
2019 Socials and Activities
Early Bird Registration Ends Soon
Prices go up after Friday, February 8
Have you registered for the WRPA Conference & Tradeshow? Did you know that attendees get to choose from more than 45 educational sessions based on more than 10 different topics including aquatics, management, leadership, equity, programming, customer service, risk management, and finance? Register today and start picking sessions from the 2019 event schedule like the highlighted sessions below.
