CONFERENCE SESSION BLOCK 3

Day 1 Wednesday, May 14 | 3:30 PM — 4:45 PM

Session 3A | Session 3B | Session 3C | Session 3D | Session 3E |  Session 3F | Session 3G

Beyond ADA: Making Accessibility Inclusive

Description: 

The vision for Pathways Park began with the Eli’s Park Project, a community group who sought to create a highly inclusive park that would bring people of all ages and abilities together for health, wellness, play and community in a nature-based setting. In this session you'll hear from the design team and founder of the Eli’s Park Project about the engagement process, research and vision that led to the opening of the park in the Spring of 2024. Pathways Park is a testament to the power of community-led design to bring people together to create a place that is holistically inclusive, nature-based, and welcoming for all.

Presented by: 

Vinita Sidhu PLA ASLA, Principal, Site Workshop

Biography: Vinita Sidhu has been practicing landscape architecture in the Pacific Northwest for over twenty-five years. Her career path began with planning and design for public parks, cultural landscapes, open space and trails. In recent years she has been fortunate to work with a diversity of underserved communities to improve the everyday environments in which they live, work and play. Through thoughtful design and an emphasis on equity, she aims to connect people to nature and to each other through the artful creation of landscapes that are welcoming, immersive and engaging.

Paige Reischl, Inclusion Coach, University of Washington, Haring Center, Experimental Education Unit

Biography: When Paige’s third son, Eli, was born, he happened to have Down syndrome. Inspired by the love he shared and troubled by the exclusion he faced, she started the Eli’s Park Project. The project grew into a community-led effort to create a park, and a community, that would be welcoming to people of all ages, abilities and identities. Her conviction that lived experiences are an irreplicable form of expertise drives her relationship-based approach to community outreach and involvement. Dedicated to improving equity and inclusion for all, Paige also works as an Inclusion Coach with the University of Washington’s Haring Center.

Clayton Beaudoin, Principal, Site Workshop

Biography: Clayton has designed many well-loved, award-winning, regional parks and is a leader in making design both universal and inclusive. He is passionate about combining nature and accessibility to create opportunities for unstructured active play while protecting the integrity of the urban ecology and natural history of each place. His dedication to centering a diverse range of community voices throughout the process shows up in unique and creative ways in his work.

Learning Objectives

• Learn the methods and tools for integrating many voices into an inclusive process that empowers all participants to engage.

• Learn a holistic approach to inclusive design that considers the broad range of challenges we all face from physical and mental disabilities to the barriers created by implicit bias.

• Understand the value and benefits of a nature-based approach to inclusive design and how to approach the challenges of accessibility within a natural environments

Instagram Balancing Act: Creating Content that Informs AND Engages

Description: 

Municipal parks and recreation departments are tasked with sharing an incredible amount of information on park projects, neighborhood impacts, rules and regulations, recreation program schedules and opportunities, and more. How do we as communications professionals balance the need to inform the public about these important and sometimes serious messages on Instagram with the need to also maintain a platform that is fun, relevant, aware of the latest memes, engaging, and growing in reach? Learn the keys to the balancing act of information sharing with engagement on Instagram, and how Seattle Parks and Recreation has grown their Instagram channel and used it to be fun and creative, while communicating important messages at the same time.

Presented by:

Christina Hirsch, Strategic Communications Advisor, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Biography: Christina Hirsch has served as the Strategic Communications Advisor for Seattle Parks and Recreation since 2016 where she helps oversee external communications, including managing social media, blog, newsletter, and messaging campaigns. Christina also serves as the department’s Language Access Liaison, helping to champion language access efforts for Seattle Parks and Recreation. Christina is a graduate of the City Leadership Academy, a development program for City of Seattle employees who want to expand their leadership skills, create change, and model social justice and inclusion.

Rachel Schulkin, Public Affairs Manager, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Biography: Rachel Schulkin has served as the Communications Manager for Seattle Parks and Recreation since 2016. She is an experienced communications and media relations professional with strong skills in project management and people leading, as well as experience with crisis management and rolling out successful communication campaigns. Prior to joining Seattle Parks and Recreation, Rachel served as the Community Outreach Manager for the City of Seattle's Department of Education and Early Learning.

Learning Objectives

• The participant will be able to identify social media strategies to increase Instagram engagement and followers.

• The participant will be able to understand techniques to present important and sometimes serious messaging in a way that is engaging and reaches a larger audience.

• The participant will learn how to collaborate with staff across their department to generate social media content.

Becoming a Parks and Recreation Director: Panel Discussion

Description: 

This panel-style discussion will allow conference attendees to hear from seasoned Parks and Recreation Directors about their recreation and parks careers. Highly successful professionals from around the state will share their experiences in the field and highlight what it takes to become the leader of a department, what they look for in staff, and share insights about their work life.  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 and A.

Presented by: 

Nick Farline, Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director, City of Kennewick

Biography: Nicholas Farline, the President Elect of the Washington Recreation and Parks Association (WRPA), brings over two decades of experience in the parks and recreation field. Currently serving as the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director for Kennewick, Washington, Farline has previously held a similar position in Valdez, Alaska, and worked for Seattle Parks and Recreation. With a strong educational background and international experience, he has served as a leader in various parks and recreation departments, driving innovative programs and initiatives.

Jennifer Wills, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Longview

Biography: Jennifer Wills has served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Longview, Washington, since 2015, overseeing the city’s Urban Forest, Golf Course, Parks, and Recreation programs. A Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), she holds a degree in Outdoor Recreation Management with a minor in Business from Springfield College and has completed leadership training with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Patagonia. With a diverse background spanning roles such as outdoor guide, wilderness ranger, wildland firefighter, restaurant owner, and recreation manager, Jen is passionate about fostering leadership within the Parks and Recreation profession and inspiring communities to thrive through health and wellness initiatives.

Dave Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Maple Valley

Biography: Dave Johnson joined the City of Maple Valley (WA) in 2018 as Parks and Recreation Director, and in 2019 was appointed to the role of Assistant City Manager.  Dave has over 30 years of experience in local municipal government in a variety of roles for the city’s of Federal Way, Tukwila, and Edmonds.  Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Dave is a graduate of Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration, and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association.  From 2020 – 2024, Dave served on the Executive Board for the Washington Parks and Recreation Association, including President.  Dave’s experience also includes lifeguarding and coaching a variety of youth sports.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will leave knowing what additional education, skills, and professional experience are needed to advance in the field.

• Participants will better understand the challenges that many management and director-level professionals face in our state and around the country, and will be able to weigh whether such a role is something they wish to pursue.

• Participants will leave having a network of high-level professionals they can reach out to for advice and recommendations in the future.

Summer Teen Late Nights: More than a Drop-in Program

Description: 

In response to increasing violent activities during the 2022-2023 school year, Tacoma launched the Summer Late Nights program in late June 2023.  Learn how multiple youth-serving organizations pulled resources together to impact 1,687 individual students. Stories of impact from the community, the young people and the staff will be presented, and strategies and best practices will be shared so you can start to visualize how a program like this can become a reality in your community.  This program was a WRPA Spotlight Award Winner in 2024!!

Presented by: 

Sheryl Blessing, B.O.O.S.T. Ambassador and Youth Work Methods Certified, Trainer Youth Services Recreation Supervisor, Metro Parks Tacoma

Biography: Sheryl Blessing is a parks and recreation professional who has 21+ years of youth development experience. Sheryl specializes in youth engagement and managing staff to ensure young people have a safe, welcoming and fun space and environment. Developing teams and systems are current focuses for Sheryl who is serving the Tacoma area as a Youth Services Recreation Supervisor. In addition to her work in the parks and recreation field, she is also a Best Out of School Time (B.O.O.S.T.) Ambassador and a David Weikert Center certified trainer of Youth Work Methods for Washington State.

Bao Huong Doan, Youth Services Recreation Supervisor, Metro Parks Tacoma

Biography: Bao Huong Doan is a dedicated professional with a passion for youth services in the field of recreation. With a background in Special Education and Psychology, she is committed to empowering youth, promoting physical and mental well-being, and creating memorable experiences that contribute to their personal growth and overall development. She is dedicated to building meaningful relationships and making a positive impact in the community.Additionally, she is a David Weikert Center certified trainer of Youth Work Methods for Washington State, and she directly implements the Youth Program Quality Intervention strategies as a volunteer youth program facilitator at her church.

Marycruz Talavera Chavez, Teen Late Night Program Director, Metro Park Tacoma

Biography: Marycruz Talavera Chavez is a first-generation Indigenous Mexican woman, a master’s in international relations candidate focusing on International Negotiation and Youth Post-Conflict Reintegration, and a school-based Teen Late Night Program Director for Metro Parks Tacoma. Her passion for providing positive impact in the lives of young people in Tacoma’s community has become a catalyst for the work she does in assisting to develop Teen Late Night teams. This commitment has led Marycruz to further champion the voices of young people in Africa, Mexico, and the Philippines by amplifying community-led development programs that intentionally empower youth to become their own advocates.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will gain insight into the Summer Late Nights collaborative; the purpose, objectives, equity impacts, and program outcomes.

• Strategies and best practices will be disseminated to provide learners practical tools to take back to their communities.

• The participant will have opportunities to begin visualizing and planning their own summer late night program.

The Vital Role of Park Rangers in Urban Spaces

Description: 

Attendees will learn about the City of Richland’s Park Ranger Program and the impact of Park Rangers preserving parks and trails. Do your parks suffer from vandalism, graffiti, unlawful encampments, arson, street racing, and other unlawful activities? Park Ranger can help deter many issues and reduce criminal activity restoring the public’s faith in a safe environment. This seminar will do a SWOT Analysis of the program and help attendees consider starting their own Park Ranger program.

Presented by: 

Matt Navarro, Park Ranger, City of Richland

Biography: With over five years of experience at the City of Richland, Matt has served as both a Park Ranger and Recreation Aide, contributing to the preservation and enjoyment of public spaces. Matt Navarro holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management from Columbia Basin College and has also studied Environmental Sciences at Heritage University. Recently completing his B.A.S., Matt is eager to advance his career in land management and pursue his passion for wildlife conservation. He draws inspiration from notable figures such as Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, and President Theodore Roosevelt, whose legacies fuel his commitment to protecting natural resources and fostering sustainable practices.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the Role and Impact of Park Rangers: Learn how Park Rangers protect parks and deter unlawful activities.

• Analyze the Effectiveness of Park Ranger Programs: Conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate program strengths and challenges.

• Evaluate the Feasibility of Implementing a Park Ranger Program: Explore strategies for starting or improving a Park Ranger program.

Restorative Leadership

Description: 

In the aftermath of crisis or trauma, leaders are called to go beyond managing operations. They must guide their teams toward healing and renewal. Restorative Leadership offers leaders practical tools and strategies to foster resilience, rebuild trust, restore organizational and emotional well-being. This session draws on the principles of empathy, emotional intelligence, and trust-building to help leaders create supportive environments that prioritize both individual and team well-being and recovery. Whether addressing challenges from a global pandemic, organizational upheaval, or personal loss, attendees will learn actionable techniques to navigate crises with compassion and purpose.

Presented by: 

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.

Learning Objectives

• Identify and address signs of stress, burnout, or trauma in the workplace.

• Apply restorative practices that promote healing, morale, and long-term team resilience.

• Foster a culture of care and connection that empowers staff to thrive after a crisis.

Guardians of Play: Preventing Child Abuse in Recreation

Description: 

At a time when safeguarding vulnerable individuals has never been more urgent, Tukwila Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the YMCA, leads the way in preventing abuse through rigorous standards and proactive strategies, setting the stage for a session that will equip you with the tools to build safer, more trusted environments in your communities.  Utilizing Praesidium standards as the national leader in preventing abuse against children and vulnerable adults. This session will delve into the multi-faceted approach the City of Tukwila employs to preempt and tackle abuse. Participants will gain insights into our zero-tolerance policy, which underpins the City of Tukwila’s commitment to the community's welfare. By attending this session, participants will gather essential knowledge and strategies that can be adapted to their environments, enhancing safety protocols, and reinforcing community trust.

Presented by: 

Jefri Peters, Acting Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, City of Tukwila

Biography: With over 28 years of dedication to the Parks and Recreation sector, Jefri Peters currently serves as the Acting Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, specializing in Risk and Safety for Tukwila Parks and Recreation. She applies the knowledge gained from previous pivotal roles, including Vice President of Risk Management at the YMCA of Greater Seattle, Risk, Safety, Emergency Management Officer at Metro Parks Tacoma, and Recreation Manager at Seattle Parks and Recreation. A Recreation graduate from Western Washington University (Class of 2000), she is also a Certified Praesidium Guardian, the highest level of child and vulnerable adult abuse protection certification offered in the nation.  

Courtney Whitaker, CEO, Whatcom County YMCA

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to define abuse and distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behaviors and actions.

• Participants will be able to identify specific red flags indicating when an adult is seeking access, privacy, and control to prevent abuse.

• Participants will be able to identify and understand the importance of specific policies and staff code of conduct.