CONFERENCE SESSION BLOCK 4

• Session 4A
• Session 4B
• Session 4C
• Session 4D
• Session 4E

Innovation is an Invitation: Defining What's Next in Inclusive Play

Description: 

The conversation around inclusive play and design has grown tremendously since its ADA beginnings, and communities around the country are innovating their spaces to invite more and more diagnoses. This session will explore current language and thought around disability, and how this impacts not only our communities but how we design for disabled community members. We will discuss designing more intentionally for mobility devices and complex diagnoses, as well as creating comfortable trails and play spaces for blind/low-vision users. This session explores intentional design for growing diagnoses such as ADHD and dyslexia, Autism, sensory disabilities, and other motor coordination diagnoses. Lastly, we will discuss DeafScape principles and how they impact a space's usability. While the solutions may be disability specific, they all add up to create usable and well-designed park and play spaces that in the end, just prove to be a stronger product. Innovation is driven by who is invited to a space and inclusion means everyone belongs.

Presented by: 

Jill Moore, Inclusive Play Specialist, Landscape Structures 

Biography: Jill Moore works with the Landscape Structures team to aid in adding user voice within product development and deliver accredited educational courses across the country. Jill has a specific focus on best design practices for multi-generational spaces, inclusive play environments, and universal design principles. During her lifetime, she has represented Team USA in wheelchair racing, swimming, and basketball on multiple occasions. Through her own lived experience, Jill shares how truly formative play is for all.

Learning Objectives

1. Summarize the basics and current knowledge of inclusive design including disability statistics, and current thought leadership around disability in culture.
2. Innovate design for different diagnoses - from intentional ramp design, designing for motor coordination and ADHD, blind/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing and medically complex - we will articulate design solutions for all.
3. Articulate these specific design solutions as something everyone can and will use, and discuss how seamless good design can really be.

How to Stay Out Of the Headlines- The Latest Legal Trends and Case Law Impacting Parks and Recreation

Description: 

“Nuclear verdicts” have been the number one concern of municipal entities over the past year.  This trend is likely to prevail in the parks and recreation field as well. What does this mean to Parks and Recreation professionals?  The presenters will explore relevant cases, claims and application of the WA Recreational Immunity statute on future defense positions.  Additionally, they will address the importance of developing a risk management strategy for park and recreation facilities, parks, trails, programs and special events- from planning to operations and maintenance.  

Presented by: 

Andy Cooley; Attorneys, Keating Bucklin and McCormack

Biography: Andy Cooley has been with the firm since 1990. He was previously an Assistant Attorney General in the Tort Claims Division. He is past president of the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers and has lectured extensively in Washington and throughout the country. His practice focuses on trial work, emphasizing Federal Civil Rights cases, highway design litigation, and commercial cases. He has tried more than 50 cases to jury verdict in state and federal court.

Andy is married with two children.  In the summers, he and his family  enjoy fly fishing in Ketchum, Idaho. He serves on the board of directors of the Sun Valley Ski Team and the Rotarun Ski Area in Hailey, Idaho.

In June of 2018, Andy was appointed to a position on the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD). The National Committee is the body which drafts and promulgates the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD is the standard for signs, markings and signals on public roads, and is a critical document in road design liability cases. Andy’s appointment marks the first time a practicing attorney has been appointed to this important committee. He serves on the Signals Technical Committee and the Rules of the Road Joint Task Force. 

Peter Mayer, Director, Tukwila Parks and Recreation Director

Biography: TBD

Learning Objectives

1. To reassess organizational risk appetite considering recent case law and jury verdicts.
2. To explore promising methods and strategies that strengthen an organization’s future defense position to help prevent or mitigate “nuclear verdicts”.  
3. To increase awareness of the major elements of a risk management strategy. 

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Gen Z Unleashed: Revolutionizing Parks and Rec

Description: 

Explore how the dynamic traits of Generation Z will transform the Parks and Recreation industry, from tech innovation to fostering inclusivity and a sense of belonging in the Parks and Recreation community.

Presented by: 

Chris Wills, Relator & Project Manager, Self-employed  

Biography: Chris is a dedicated leader with a passion for building community and developing future leaders.  He has experience teaching and training a variety of leadership and development courses.  With a background in Resource, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Idaho and a varied employment background with both private and public agencies, he embodies a holistic approach to leadership, dedication to fostering connections, and support to thriving communities. Chris's multifaceted background makes him a valuable contributor to the conference's focus on innovation, networking, and leadership

Learning Objectives

1. Learn about Generation Z.
   
2. Learn about the benefits Gen Z can bring to the workplace.
3. Learn about how to create belonging with this generation.

Tips for Selling Alcohol Legally and Safely at Events

Description: 

Here's what festival and event organizers should know about this very important subject coming out of COVID. The WSLCB Licensing and Enforcement divisions will educate you on how to have safe and legal events with alcohol. They will cover all types of licensing, ways to obtain and sell alcohol, and relationships with alcohol industry members at events.

Presented by: 

Jennifer Dzubay, Enforcement Captain of Central Region, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board 

Biography: TBD

Beth Lehman, Customer Service & Support Manager, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board

Biography: TBD

Learning Objectives

1. Review licensing process
2. Educate on best practices
   
3. Provide safe and fun event

Preparing for Success- Navigating the Application Process 

Description: 

This session is part of the Emerging Professionals (EP) track, intended to be taken in conjunction with the "Interview Like a Pro: Skill Development" session.  Participants will pick-up valuable tips to utilize when embarking on the journey to securing that dream job.  This session will encompass exploring agencies, understanding the application process—taking into account variations in how agencies evaluate applicants—developing and refining resumes and cover letters, recognizing the significance of, and employing strategies to respond effectively to supplemental questions, and more. 

Presented by: 

Kelly McGinley Ashe, Recreation Director, City of Cheney

Biography: Kelly received her bachelor’s degree in Recreation and master’s degree in Recreation Administration from Indiana University. She’s worked in the municipal parks and recreation setting for 17 years. Kelly has been a presenter at WRPA for multiple years and is the co-chair of the Parks and Recreation Emerging Professionals (PREP) Committee. Her professional interests include organizing and running community events and getting young people excited about working in the field of municipal recreation. On the weekends you can find her hiking with her husband and dogs, throwing themed parties, and cooking for friends.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain a better understanding of the application and recruitment process.
2. Improving cover letters, resumes, and how to effectively answer supplemental questions.
3. Providing the context and preparation needed to continue on to the Interview Like a Pro session.

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