CONFERENCE SESSION BLOCK 2

Day 1 Wednesday, May 14 | 1:30 PM — 2:45 PM

Session 2A | Session 2B | Session 2C | Session 2D | Session 2E | Session 2F | Session 2G

Neighborhood Parks as a Model for Growing Urban Forestry Programs

Learning Objectives

• Compile strategies and ideas that educate the public about the benefits of trees using parks as the model

• Implement Best Management Practices for park trees that showcase improved plant health, greater public interest and ease of replication in a yard or a city street tree

• Evaluate the role of parks in promoting equitable tree distribution in your community and design concepts to address those disparities.

Description: 

Neighborhood parks present an ideal opportunity to highlight the value of trees and create a ripple effect across entire communities. By showcasing trees in these parks, we can inspire more planting, encourage proper tree care, increase species diversity, and emphasize the essential role of trees in our cities and towns. This session will explore how neighborhood parks can serve as models for growing urban forestry programs citywide. Attendees will learn practical strategies for engaging park users, government staff, and the public in urban forestry concepts, helping to create a sense of shared responsibility for the urban canopy. In addition to expert perspectives, the session will include case studies from Washington urban forestry professionals who have successfully managed both city park trees and right-of-way trees. These real-world examples will provide a deeper understanding of how parks can act as catalysts for broader urban forestry efforts, offering lessons that attendees can apply in their own communities.

Presented by: 

Michael Sanborn, Eastern Washington Urban Forestry Technician Urban and Community Forestry Program, Washington Department of Natural Resources

Biography: Michael Sanborn, Eastern Washington Urban Forestry Technician Urban and Community Forestry Program, Washington Department of Natural Resources

Joanna Martin, Parks and Urban Forestry Manager, City of Longview

Biography: Drawing on over 20 years in municipal government, Joanna is a seasoned professional specializing in parks, recreation, and urban forestry management. Her education provides a multidisciplinary approach to effective public service combining a Master of Public Administration with Bachelor degrees in Recreation Management, Speech Communication, and Psychology. Joanna’s management style was profoundly shaped as a foster parent for 10 years where she expanded her knowledge of crisis management, trauma-informed care, trust-building, cultural competence, and neurodiversity. A committed leader in her field, Joanna actively contributes through board and committee roles with the Washington Recreation and Parks Association, Pacific Northwest Resource Management School, and Washington Community Forestry Council.

Larry Villegas, City Arborist, City of Pasco

Biography: TBA

Managing Volunteer Programs: Developing Guidelines for Staff and Volunteers

Learning Objectives

• Develop clear and effective guidelines for new and existing volunteer programs.

• Understand the benefits and challenges of implementing a bottom-up approach to department-level program changes.

• Apply strategies to create a supportive and engaging environment that meets the needs of both volunteers and staff.

Description: 

Is your volunteer program struggling to keep up with evolving standards? Are you tasked with creating a volunteer program? What happens when your once-clear guidelines now feel more like a murky maze, clouded by growth and change? In this session, we will explore strategies and share insights for managing volunteers, developing guidelines, and updating ongoing programs as standards change. Attendees will learn how City of Bellevue Parks & Community Services is working to enhance their volunteer programs by creating user-friendly guidelines that cater to both staff and volunteers, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed. Key topics will include establishing guidelines for managing volunteers, considerations for different volunteer roles, and lessons learned from the program management and coordinator levels. Physical and digital copies of Bellevue Parks & Community Services’ revised Volunteer Handbook and accompanying Volunteer Management Guide will be provided. Whether you are a seasoned program manager, volunteer coordinator, or new to the field, this session will provide valuable insights for you to create a volunteer program or enhance your existing one.

Presented by:

Colin Wick, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Bellevue Botanical Garden, City of Bellevue

Biography: Colin Wick is the Volunteer Coordinator at Bellevue Botanical Garden. He brings a professional background in sales, business operations, and arts education to his role, supporting a program of hundreds of volunteers who contribute over 15,000 hours each year. He enjoys many kinds of outdoor recreation, including gardening, and is passionate about conservation. His professional efforts focus on connecting people with plants and creating opportunities for those who want to contribute to their community in meaningful ways.

Jennifer Newton, Parks and Community Services Manager, City of Bellevue

Biography: With over 28 years of experience in municipal recreation, Jen Newton currently serves as the Parks & Community Services Manager for the City of Bellevue. Throughout her career, she has coordinated and supported volunteer groups for nonprofits, care facilities, and Parks & Recreation, while also volunteering in various capacities within her community. Jen holds a BA in Therapeutic Recreation from Western Washington University and an MPA from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington.

Social Emotional Wellness and Inclusion in Recreation

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the dynamic role social emotional wellness and vicarious trauma play in programming and the impact it has on programs.

• Discuss creating and implementing an inclusion plan and modification process.

• Identify program changes you can make with social emotional wellness in mind.

Description: 

Mental health and wellness are considered in schools and at the workplace. Why should recreation be any different? This session will analyze the dynamic role social emotional wellness and vicarious trauma play in programming and the impact they have on programming. We will discuss the benefits of creating and implementing an inclusion plan and modification process. The speakers will share their experiences working with participants how they have adjusted programs to support participants' social emotional wellbeing. Attendees will learn the impact of vicarious trauma and how to adjust programs to support kids dealing with anxiety.

Presented by: 

Mary Boyle, Community Services Program Coordinator, City of Bellevue

Biography: Mary Boyle has a BA in psychology and specializes in behavior modification techniques. She is the inclusion coordinator for the park’s recreation division focusing on training general recreation staff on inclusion services for programs and provides support to staff for program modifications. She is responsible for the adaptive recreation programs held at the Highland Community Center serving adults and youth with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Stacy Stenslie, Community Services Program Coordinator, City of Bellevue

Biography: Stacy Stenslie is a program coordinator at Kelsey Creek Farm where she is responsible for programs, camps, and volunteer activities for children, teens, and adults. She has a BA in psychology and has worked in recreation for 15 years.

Let's Ride! Building a Bike Program in Your Community

Learning Objectives

• Discuss how a bicycle program can be created and implemented in your community and why it’s impactful for your community.

• How to access funding and develop partnership opportunities to help you build a bicycle program.

• Analyze curriculum and training resources and learn how to adapt them to meet your community needs.

Description: 

Did you grow up riding your bike everywhere? Many of us did, however, that is not the case these days. Riding a bike is a life affecting skill that is no longer taught in every household. Building a bike program in your community can teach children and adults a skill that will last them a lifetime, providing an alternate mode of transportation and contributing to a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the physical benefits, biking can build social and emotional health in kids and adults fostering a sense of independence and boosting confidence. In this session, you will hear how Auburn Parks has built a thriving bicycle education program. Topics will include funding, curriculum, partnerships, and training for staff. Auburn staff will give program examples for all ages and abilities.

Presented by: 

Kevin Witte CPRP, Recreation Manager, Auburn Parks

Biography: Kevin Witte is the Recreation Manager for Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He has successfully developed a bike program in Auburn and is dedicated to helping others in the industry learn and implement practical strategies in their own communities. Kevin is passionate about supporting individuals in their growth and is eager to share his insights with you.

Kjerstin Lange, Recreation Coordinator, Auburn Parks

Biography: Kjerstin Lange is the Recreation Coordinator for Auburn Parks. She is passionate about encouraging people to get outside and stay active. Over the past five years, Kjerstin has worked diligently to develop a comprehensive bike program that is multifaceted and uses biking as a vehicle to promote positive impacts for youth.  Thanks to her efforts, Auburn Parks now boasts a thriving program for all ages that serves an average of 2,000 youth per year and an impressive fleet of bikes available for various activities. Kjerstin is eager to share these programs with other departments.

Interview Like a Pro: Skill Development

Learning Objectives

• Gain a better understanding of a standard interview process.

• Improve interviewing skills by practicing with professionals and receiving direct and immediate feedback.

• Better understand the structure and composition of an effective versus ineffective response to an interview question.

Description: 

Meant to be taken in conjunction with the "Securing the Interview" session, this session will identify the tools needed to prepare and present yourself and your skills effectively to a hiring panel. This session will include a short introduction, leaving a majority of the allotted time for an interview simulation. You will have an opportunity to practice your interview skills with a Parks professional and receive direct, immediate, and constructive feedback. Questions used by interviewers will be tailored by position: entry-level, coordinator, and supervisor.

Presented by: 

DJ Mackie, Recreation Supervisor, Pullman Parks and Recreation  

Biography: DJ is the Recreation Supervisor for Pullman Parks and Recreation and current chair of the Parks and Recreation Emerging Professionals (PREP) Committee. He has worked in recreation for 10+ years between Campus Recreation and Parks and Recreation. He also instructs an undergraduate course at Washington State University teaching about recreational sports and event management. DJ received his master's degree in Sport Management at Washington State University and continues to work closely with the university to get students involved in community recreation.

Kylee Ashley, Recreation Coordinator, Pierce County Parks

Biography: Kylee has 7 years of working in Parks and Recreation, she is currently a Recreation Coordinator with Pierce County Parks planning and executing special events, programs, and coordinating volunteers for the parks department. Kylee graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University and received her bachelor's degree in Sport Management and Minor in Coaching in 2017.

Tell Your Story through Data Visualization

Learning Objectives

• Participants will learn what Business Intelligence and Data Analytics is and why it's important in Parks and Recreation.

• Participants will see examples of Power BI dashboards and other data visualization tools and learn where they can find data to tell their story.

• Participants will learn how to integrate charts and graphs to create a compelling story and make data driven decisions and how to utilize them in your everyday operations.

Description: 

Parks and Recreation collects massive amounts of data. Staff are overwhelmed by the amount of data available to them and are not able to make quick, data-driven decisions. Staff need to be able to respond to changing business conditions and move from an instinct- and experience-driven culture to one that is more data-driven. Data needs to be accessible and utilizing data visualization tools can help build a picture in someone's mind so you can truly tell a story with data. Data visualization uses charts and graphs to visualize large amounts of data to see trends, outliers and patterns which is easier than pouring over spreadsheets or reports. Telling a great story is going beyond the data visualization of a report or dashboard and provide meaningful insights that will enable you to identify problems, convert those insights into action and drive better decision making within your organization.

Presented by: 

Amy Johnson, Business Intelligence Supervisor, Metro Parks Tacoma

Biography: Amy has been working in Business Intelligence at Metro Parks Tacoma for the past 9 years and has been with Metro Parks Tacoma for over 16 years. After leaving a past career in collegiate recreation for fundraising, Amy has found her way back to her two loves data and recreation.

Jay Kim, Data Analyst, Metro Parks Tacoma

Blueprints for Safety: Mastering Facilities Management for Recreation (Part 2)

Learning Objectives

• Participants will understand the risk management essentials for maintaining and operating a variety of park amenities, including golf courses, trails, and other recreational spaces.

• Participants will learn best practices for minimizing liability risks and ensuring safe usage of public recreational facilities by the community.

• Participants will be equipped with the knowledge to identify risk exposures and apply risk management best practices tailored to different park services and operations.

Description: 

Part two continues to roam through the risk management pathways for parks, golf courses and trails, maintenance, and operations. Whether you have an active or passive park, full golf course or putt-putt only, walking, or mixed trail, this session highlights the risk management essentials of operating all these efficiently. Learn best practices for reducing liability of these popular public amenities that get frequent heavy use by your community. This session is tailored to provide attendees with an overview of maintenance guidelines to preserve the features that keep park users returning to enjoy! This discussion includes a review of risk exposures and controls associated with each park service. Participants will learn to become comfortable identifying the liability risk exposures and implementing risk management best practices.

Presented by: 

WCIA (Washington Cities Insurance Authority Speaker)

Biography: TBA