About T.R.E.A.D

Most of us love our Region’s outstanding systems. These trails provide exercise, escape, and enjoyment. We understand that it’s vital to take care of the system that has quickly become one of the most recognized assets of our community. And visitors are discovering and enjoying our trails, too.

TREAD is leading a project called TREAD Map. This comprehensive trail mapping app allows locals and visitors to plan the next outing, share experiences and conditions out on the trails or water, create connections with other trail enthusiasts and provide all the various land managers with a portal to create two-way communication with user groups and individuals.

Update for All Aquatics Professionals

Force Majeure on Select Chemicals

Westlake Chemical issued a statement on June 9, notifying customers of an electrical equipment failure that is affecting their chlor-alki production.

"Effective immediately, Westlake Vinyls, Inc. ("Westlake") and Axiall, LLC ("Axiall") are declaring a force majeure condition for chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and caustic soda manufactured and shipped from its Longview, Washington manufacturing facility.

Congratulations, 2020 & 2021 Award Recipients!

This spring, we want to honor the amazing people, parks, and programs that received an award at the awards ceremony during the 74th Annual WRPA Conference, our first-ever virtual conference. 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.

Watch the Recordings Now

In 2021 offered several educational legislative webinars to help members and supporters better understand some of WRPA's 2021 legislative priorities. These webinars were free and recordings of these events are now available for you to view.

In Partnership with the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition: Advocating for All WA Recreation & Parks Professionals

A Message from Roxanne Miles, WRPA Legislative Committee Chair

Once again WRPA partnered with the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition to host a Great Outdoors & Parks Legislative Day on February 4, 2021.

Washington Parks and Recreation Statewide Survey

Executive Summary & Highlights

New study findings reveal that local park & recreation agencies provide an estimated 300,000 acres of park lands and support nearly 100 million users annually!

During the Fall of 2020, the Washington Recreation & Parks Association, Washington State Association of Counties, Association of Washington Cities, and Metro Parks Tacoma collaborated on a statewide survey to gather data on service demand and operational challenges facing local parks agencies, both preceding and as a result of COVID-19 through August 2020. The survey was the most comprehensive one of its kind to compile data on issues and challenges facing local parks and recreation agencies throughout the State of Washington.

Washington State COVID-19 Updates In the News

This week Governor Inslee announced updates to the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery. Learn more by reviewing the highlights below and the articles from Medium.com and the Seattle Times.

Learn About How to Support Senate Bill 5006 & House Bill 1025

A Message from WRPA Lobbyist Doug Levey

Good afternoon and Happy New Year, all:

Specialized Recreation

A message from the Pierce County Parks

Adapting Outdoor Recreation

A Message from Ed Bronsdon, Executive Director, Outdoors for All Foundation

In a world turned upside down by the pandemic, many people are struggling to connect with others, get exercise, and find ways to increase their mental and physical fitness. The Outdoors for All Foundation is a Seattle Seahawks Spirit of 12 program charity that continues to help people with disabilities to adapt and enrich their lives despite the pandemic.

Adapting & Evolving on the Fly

Testimonials from the City of Olympia's Community Members

The City of Olympia’s Recreation Department has worked hard since spring to adapt and evolve on the fly. By focusing on what we do best and following best practices for the new health and safety guidelines, we've been able to successfully serve our community during a really tough time. Here are just a few customer testimonials:

Scavenger Hunt for Fun!

A message from the City of Kirkland

Recreation in Kirkland Parks and Community Services changed after April 1, 2020. We had to put the brakes on traditional programming and pivot to virtual programs and programs that provided social distancing. We excelled in providing physical recreation opportunities and were now challenged to find ways to connect with our community and to keep them engaged and active. 

A Successful New Program Delivery

A message from the City of Burien 

Like many parks departments across the state and country, Burien Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (PaRCS) had to dramatically shift its program delivery model in order to help maintain mental and physical health during this stressful time. Staff worked hard to set up and offer virtual classes and, once restrictions were lifted, limited on-site programs with lots of safety precautions, like mask and contact tracing mandates, health, and temperature checks, and routine room and equipment cleaning, in place.

You Have Helped Make this Year So Much Better

WRPA is so proud of the hard work you and your team have put in this year. We know that 2020 has given us many challenges to overcome, but we wanted to take a moment to congratulate and thank all of the parks and recreation professionals out there who have worked so hard. Just look at all the ways you have made this year better. Check out some of the big wins we have recognized this year, and share your own big wins in comments on the blog and on social media (be sure to tag WRPA)!

Also, be sure to catch up on the latest blog posts and the success stories that are being submitted by WRPA members. 

WRPA 2021 Conference

In-Person or Virtual

As we all continue to navigate the unknown and start planning for 2021, WRPA wants to make sure our members and Recreation & Parks professionals have a voice. You may have already taken our questionnaire back in September but most of our results stated they would know more in November/December 2020. The WRPA 2021 Annual Conference & Tradeshow is still currently set to take place April 28 - 30, 2021 in Spokane, WA. 

Industry Alert!

The Eastern Washington University RCLS Programs (Outdoor Recreation Leadership, Recreation and Tourism Management, and Therapeutic Recreation) are on a list of proposed programs to be cut at the end of this academic year. The University is facing historic budget cuts as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

The EWU Division of Academic Affairs has been asked to cut $16 million dollars from a $55 million dollar budget. As a result, a good number of campus programs are under consideration for discontinuance. The university has already begun the review process that will extend through most of this academic year and expects to make final decisions by June of 2021.

Thriving in the New Normal

Just like many other professional development events, the 2020 WRPA Fall Summit went virtual! Traditionally, the WRPA Fall Summit is held as a one-day event in Lynnwood, WA. However, this year it was broken up into two half-day virtual events (Wednesday, October 14, 2020, & Thursday, October 15, 2020). More than 70 parks and recreation professionals joined us for this year’s two-day virtual event.

Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition’s (WWRC) Celebration of Community & Conservation

The celebration kicks off in TWO WEEKS. We are excited to celebrate with WRPA members again this year.   

As with all events and activities happening in 2020, WWRC is doing a few things differently this year.   In the past we have held an annual breakfast fundraising event which featured amazing speakers, inspiring award winners and statewide trail updates.   WRPA has always had a big presence at this event so we will want to get the word out so WRPA members can still participate in whatever way works best.   This year, from Monday, Sept 21 – Saturday, Sept 26, WRPA members can check the WWRC website here to watch daily videos and meet some amazing individuals dedicated to preserving Washington’s open space areas.    Also, instead of breakfast – a live interactive “happy hour” will be held - and you know that WRPA members love a happy hour!   The Virtual Happy Hour will be held Wednesday, September 23, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Online via Zoom (register in advance to receive access link)

Conversations with NRPA!

A Message from Ross Hoover, ORPA

Greetings,

Q&A with Chair Shanyanika McElroy

What is the Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee?

The WRPA Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Committee was formed to support WRPA’s capacity to uphold equity as a core value and support the work change agents throughout the professional community. It builds on the legacy of WRPA’s Cultural Competency Committee formed 20 years ago.

Why is it the time right for this committee?

It has always been the right time for this work.