CONFERENCE SESSION BLOCK 1

• Session 1A
• Session 1B
• Session 1C
• Session 1D
• Session 1E
• Session 1G
• Session 1F

Growing Garry Oaks: Lessons Learned Engaging Volunteers in the Propagation of a Drought-Tolerant Tree

Description: 

Facing a warming climate, natural resource professionals are reassessing which plant species will be successful in habitat restoration projects, street tree landscapes, and parkland plantings. Because Puget Sound lies at the northern extent of the natural range the Garry oak (Quercus garryana, a.k.a. Oregon White Oak), this species represents a potentially valuable tool in the toolbox for park professionals in Western Washington. In the spirit of think global, act local, Bellevue Parks & Community Services initiated a pilot project in 2022 propagating Garry Oak saplings in partnership with our Bellevue Naturalist Volunteer corps, followed by an expanded program during 2023. In this presentation, Park Ranger Curtis Kukal will discuss lessons learned along the way, including working with land management partners, Garry Oak biology and propagation tips, caring for oak plantings, engaging volunteers, and seed collection best practices.

Presented by: 

Curtis Kukal, Park Ranger & Environmental Programs Coordinator, Bellevue Parks & Community Services 

Biography: Park Ranger Curtis Kukals duties are as varied as the parks he patrols and interprets. On a given day, Curtis may be coordinating environmental programming, leading community volunteers, educating park guests about local wildlife, or coordinating Bellevues Well K.E.P.T. (Kids Environmental Project Training) and Bellevue Naturalist programs. Curtis received his B.S. from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Fisheries & Wildlife Management, and a M.S. from Texas Tech University in Wildlife Science. In addition to the City of Bellevue, he has worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Nature Conservancy, and Washington State Parks.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will learn numerous strategies to maximize success when propagating and out planting Garry Oaks in Western Washington.
   
2. Participants will explore considerations for climate adaptation in the context of plant palettes, using the Garry Oak as an example.
   
3. Participants will explore how community volunteers and partners can be engaged in native plant propagation.

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So, You Want to Move Up? (Supervisor, Coordinator, Specialist level)

Description: 

This panel-style discussion will allow student and young professional conference attendees to hear from seasoned recreation and parks professionals about their recreation and parks careers. A panel of director and middle-management-level professionals from around the state will share their experiences in the field and highlight what it takes to obtain a supervisory/ managerial and executive role in the field. Equally important, panel members will be asked to share their funniest stories: Laughter guaranteed! Participants will have the opportunity to engage the professional panel through Q & A.

Presented by:

Carmen Murrell, Recreation Supervisor, City of Shoreline  

Biography: Carmen has worked for the City of Shoreline for twelve years. Before that she worked for the City of Henderson in their Specialized Recreation programs. Carmen has been in the supervisor role for over 7 years and oversees Camps, Specialized Recreation, Outdoor programs, and youth athletics. Carmen is passionate about creating equitable access to recreation activities within the community to provide opportunities to youth without barriers. She continues to work to advance efforts that help provide scholarships, keep costs down, and target areas that are underserved.

Amanda Zollner, Recreation Supervisor, City of Shoreline

Biography: Amanda Zollner has worked in the Recreation field for 20 years. She has worked for more than 16 years for The City of Shoreline and is currently the Recreation Supervisor overseeing the Youth and Teen Development Programs (YTDP). Amanda helped develop the YOLO program in Shoreline that combines Youth-Led outreach and access to Mental Health professionals in teen programming. Amanda is passionate about providing engaging programming to young people and feels that all youth need a place to connect with each other and with caring adults. Her goal is to get the younger generation invested in the youth development process and ultimately be the caring adults connecting to the next generation.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to identify multiple educational and career paths not commonly associated with Parks and Recreation.
2. Participants will learn about and subsequently discuss a fuller scope of understanding of parks and recreation service delivery.
3. Participants will network with experienced professionals.

Updates to Key RCO Evaluation Criteria and More

Description: 

In response to a 2022 equity review of its grant programs, RCO has recently made changes to address inequities in outdoor recreation funding. These updates will prioritize grant proposals in underinvested communities, close gaps in access to parks, trails, and greenspace, and better reward projects that have been developed with public involvement and support. The changes also align with recommendations from the 2023 update of the state's Recreation and Conservation Plan (SCORP). Join RCO staff to learn about updated evaluation criteria in the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Youth Athletic Facilities grant programs and the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Programs Local Parks, Trails, and Water Access categories. Staff will share other DEI related changes at the agency, as well. This session will help conference attendees who are preparing RCO presentations, as well as those who are interested in applying for future grant funding

Presented by: 

Leah Dobey, Natural Resources Policy Specialist, Washington Recreation & Conservation Office 

Biography: Leah is a policy specialist at the state's Recreation and Conservation Office. She began her state service at the Department of Natural Resources working on recreation, legislative, and aquatic issues. Leah attended Western Washington University and received a bachelor of science degree in geology. She now lives in Olympia and enjoys backpacking, mountain biking, reading, and playing with her young daughter.

Ben Donatelle, Natural Resources Policy Specialist, Washington Recreation & Conservation Office 

Biography: Ben started with RCO in 2016 as an outdoor grants manager. Now as a policy specialist, he works with others to research, update, and create policies related to salmon recovery, recreation, and conservation. Ben came to RCO from Montana where he managed a bike and ski shop and worked for various nonprofits as a community organizer for public lands advocacy and trails development. Ben holds a master of science degree in environmental studies and master's certificate in natural resource conflict resolution from the University of Montana. In his spare time, Ben enjoys bicycling, hiking, snowboarding, and exploring the great outdoors with his wife and their two poodles.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain an understanding of recent changes to key evaluation criteria.
2. Learn how to effectively respond to new criteria prompts.
3. Learn about other DEI related changes at RCO.

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Programs & Special Events at Your Pool 

Description: 

This session will dive into the various types of special events and programs you can host at your pool. From little to no work, to large-scale events, we will tackle the ”how to” in order to execute exceptional programs with lasting impact to your community. From start to finish this session will give you tools to take back to your facility to be able to host your own and unique event.

Presented by: 

Melissa Georgesen, Executive Director, Molalla Aquatic 

Biography: Melissa has been in the Aquatics Industry for over 25 years,  beginning as most do as a participant in a Mommy & Me class at 6 months old. Melissa is an American Red Cross Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor, a Certified Pool Operator, and a Certified Park & Recreation Professional. She has been an Instructor Trainer for USWFA and still teaches a water fitness class at her pool. She has worked for numerous agencies, including municipalities, YMCAs, university pools, private athletic clubs and special districts. Melissa has her Bachelor's Degree from Western Oregon University.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to design a specific or general event or program that their facility can host.
2. Participants will understand and be able to articulate budget needs unique to their program or event.
3. Participants will be able to identify needs within their community to choose events and programs.

Empowering Communities Through Pickleball: A Path to Inclusivity

Description: 

In this engaging educational session (1.25 hours), we will explore strategies and initiatives to develop a "Pickleball Purpose" aimed at Seattle's underserved communities. We will discuss mentorship programs for local champions, the creation of community-based Advisory Councils, and how to foster an anti-bias teaching philosophy. We will discuss how to organize and develop Play Days for diverse population groups, including outreach and engagement strategies that target diverse community groups. Moreover, we will present innovative approaches to engaging volunteers and equip them with essential teaching techniques. The session will also shed light on establishing partnerships with local 501(c)(3) non-profits to secure sustainable funding for pickleball programs and related services to underserved communities. Funding sources will include community donations, grants tailored to program goals, and personal contributions, with a local non-profit serving as the fiscal sponsor.

Presented by: 

Sue Goodwin, Retired Parks and Recreation Professional, Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA  

Biography: Sue Goodwin, has over 35 years of executive experience in recreation, community leadership, and strategic advisory vision, and is a prominent advocate for equity and inclusivity through pickleball. Sue's strategic insights have played a vital role in advancing community programs, enhancing accessibility, and fostering inclusivity. She served as Recreation Director for Seattle Parks and Recreation and Regional Recreation Director for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Sue's dynamic leadership, strategic acumen, and wealth of knowledge in sports make her a driving force in recreational sports. Sue's dedication to community development continues to leave a lasting impact.

Solomon Alabi, Real Estate Professional, Sotheby's International RealtyÂ

Biography: Born in Nigeria, Solomon moved to the United States to attend high school and Florida State University. He played in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors and then overseas. He found a new career with Sotheby's International Realty® in Shoreline, WA., where he and his family live. Solomon cares about making the community better. As part of the Advisory Council for Diversity & Inclusivity In Pickleball (DIIP), he organizes inclusive pickleball events to bring diverse people together. Solomon also coaches and mentors and volunteers to teach basketball, pickleball, softball, and soccer to diverse groups, including elderly individuals and minority youth.

Learning Objectives

1. Promote Inclusivity: Learn strategies to engage and support diverse communities by promoting cultural competence and culturally responsive pickleball programs.
2. Community Leadership: Discuss the creation of a diverse Advisory Council, consisting of respected community members, to drive partnerships forward with an anti-bias philosophy.
   
3. Community Ambassadors: Understand how to establish a framework for community ambassadors within your localities to advocate for the benefits of pickleball and enhance its accessibility for all.

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Equity 101

Description: 

Erin will take elements of her opening keynote and provide a workshop helping participants understand the role of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the work of parks and recreation. This workshop will be a blend of storytelling, small group discussions, and interactive activities.

Presented by: Erin Jones

Biography: 

Erin Jones has worked in and around schools in different capacities for over 30 years. She has worked and done consultations for non-profits, government agencies and businesses. She has worked and lived in 5 states, from the East Coast to the Midwest to the West Coast, in communities that were predominantly White communities to communities that were predominantly Black communities to those that boasted dozens of languages and cultures. She has been recognized locally and nationally for her work in education and equity. She has also received recognition as and athlete and was invited to try out for two WNBA teams. After 20 years of playing soccer and 35 years of playing basketball, Erin now runs long distances and is devoted to regular OrangeTheory workouts. Erin and her husband, James, have been married for almost 30 years and have three adult children - two who work in education and one who designs video games.

Learning Objectives

1.  Participants will learn about and practice strategies to help them engage in difficult conversations (gratitude, establishing brave spaces, grounding-in)       

2. Participants will unpack their own WHY, WHAT WHERE stories.       

3. Participants will develop a better understanding of how their own stories and experiences have shaped why and how they do their work, as well as how to consider how different lived experiences of colleagues and constituents may shape their experiences of parks and recreation.

4. Participants will develop a plan for self-care that is practical and doable.

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