CONFERENCE SESSION BLOCK 4

Day 2 Thursday, May 15 | 9:00 AM — 10:15 AM

Session 4A | Session 4B | Session 4C | Session 4D | Session 4E | Session 4F | Session 4G

Need the Dough? How to Get an RCO Grant

Description: 

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is the largest grant funder of park development, acquisition, and restoration projects across the state. RCO awards hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for hundreds of projects every biennium . RCO grants can fund outdoor athletic facilities, playgrounds, trails, water access sites, land acquisitions, and much more. This session will lay out a road map for everything you need to know to apply for an RCO grant in 2026. Grant managers will share information on what grant opportunities are available, the application process and timeline, what makes a strong application, and w here to find resources and support. Attendees will walk away knowing practical next steps for their department to unlock funding for their priority capital projects.

Presented by: 

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Staff

Learning Objectives

• Familiarize yourself with the kinds of outdoor recreation projects that RCO funds and the different grant programs that are available to your organization.

• Learn when and how to apply for RCO grant funding.

• Discover useful tools, frameworks, and resources that can strengthen your future grant applications.

Through Their Eyes: Gen Z's Vision for Parks and Recreation Careers

Description: 

This panel-style discussion will flip the student to the teacher where we will hear from Generation Z about what they are looking for when it comes to employment in the field of Parks and Recreation. Come join this panel of students and young professionals as they discuss everything from what they want out of a supervisor to the things that influence their job preferences. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage the panel through Q and A. Supervisors, Managers, and Directors are highly-encouraged to attend this session and leave with fresh perspectives and glean the excitement and energy our next generation of parks and recreation leaders are bringing to our departments!

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.

Chris Waite, Parks and Public Facilities Director, City of Richland

Biography: Chris Waite has two decades of experience in the field of parks and recreation, spanning four states and a variety of leadership roles. From serving as Recreation Director to his current position as Parks and Public Facilities Director for the City of Richland, Chris has demonstrated a deep passion for his profession. This dedication is evident through his volunteer service with organizations such as the Montana Trails, Recreation and Parks Association, the Oregon Recreation and Parks Association, and the National Recreation and Parks Association. Chris is also a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys hiking, backpacking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will leave with knowledge about how to best connect with Generation Z.

• Participants will better understand the benefits that Generation Z can bring to the workplace.

• Participants will learn how to best manage and lead future professionals entering the workforce.

Title VI Foundations: Removing Barriers and Enhancing Equity

Description: 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects people from discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Join Blayne and Kristi for an interesting and informative overview of Title VI and what it means to you as a park and recreation professional. Learn some steps you can take today to help you remove barriers to participation and ensure that your parks and programs are equitable, inclusive, and accessible to all of your residents. Title VI is often seen as just a Transportation or Public Works department issue, but it is really the responsibility of the entire agency. This session will provide park and recreation professionals with an overview of steps that can be taken to ensure all government services meet Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and Environmental Justice (EJ) regulations. The presenters will provide tangible examples of how simple steps can help an organization better serve the whole community.

Presented by: 

Blayne Amson, ADA and Title VI Administrator, City of Bellevue Human Resources

Biography: Blayne works to ensure access and equity for residents and visitors of Bellevue with disabilities, as well as to promote inclusion for all underserved and underrepresented groups. Blayne has spent his career in local government, nonprofit, and higher education. He has developed and facilitated comprehensive trainings and organizational assessments that spurred change system-wide. Blayne holds a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies with the focuses of Disability Studies, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Human Development and Family Studies. His subject matter expertise also includes lived experience as a power wheelchair user with physical, intellectual and neurological diagnoses.

Kristi Oosterveen, Capital Planning and Program Manager, City of Bellevue Transportation Department

Biography: Since 2008, Kristi has been leading Title VI compliance efforts for Bellevue Transportation. She teaches staff the importance of understanding the community Bellevue serves and takes great pride in promoting the city’s motto, “Bellevue Welcomes the World. Diversity is Our Strength”. Kristi takes great pride in the work that the City of Bellevue has created within the Title VI realm. This includes trainings, handouts, and documentation for Limited English Proficiency and Environmental Justice, which have been used as examples for other jurisdictions to follow..

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to articulate the key elements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and understand the compliance requirements for agencies receiving federal funds through use of a four-factor analysis.

• Participants will understand gaps in consistency of service delivery and reporting requirements as they relate to translation of vital documents, consistent use of translation and interpretation, and collection and analysis of federally required documentation and data.

• Participants will be able to identify areas where their agency may not be meeting the requirements of Title VI and advocate for removing barriers which prevent people from accessing services based on their race, color, religion, or national origin.

Better Recreation through Collaboration

Description: 

Discover how collaboration can transform your community offerings in our interactive session, "Better Recreation through Collaboration," led by a Library Supervisor and a Recreation Manager. This engaging workshop is designed for professionals eager to enhance their community offerings by harnessing the unique strengths of complimentary organizations.  In this session, participants will deepen their understanding of the shared goals, resources, and expertise that connect recreation professionals with other community-focused professionals (using public libraries as a prime example!). Through breakout discussions and activities, attendees will identify their current assets and potential avenues for collaboration by developing Resource Maps at personal, team, and community levels. This hands-on approach will illuminate how these overlapping fields can amplify their impact on community engagement and well-being.

Presented by: 

Michelle Haffner, Masters LIS B.S., Community Engagement Supervisor, City of Richland Public Library

Biography: Michelle Haffner holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership, and a Master of Library and Information Science. As a Washington State Certified Librarian, she currently serves as the Community Engagement Supervisor at the Richland Public Library and on the City of Kennewick Parks and Recreation Commission. With over a decade of experience in event planning, recreation, and community engagement, Michelle’s career began as an unpaid intern with the City of Provo’s Parks and Recreation Department. In her spare time, she enjoys running (slowly,) reading (quickly), and watching episodes of Parks and Recreation (repeatedly).

Julie Piper, Recreation Manager, City of Richland

Biography: Julie holds a Bachelor of Science. in Ski Area Business Management and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.  She currently serves as the Recreation Manager for the City of Richland and staff Liaison to the City’s Arts Commission.  With 15+ years in public recreation, Julie’s career began as a Community Outreach Coordinator and Ski Instructor at Eaglecrest Ski Area (publicly-owned/operated) tasked with creating programs designed to encourage healthy winter recreation for 6-8th graders by addressing financial and social barriers.  In Julie’s spare time, she enjoys cooking (methodically), skiing (swiftly) & trying to convince her 6 year-old cattle dog that cuddling is a good thing (repeatedly).

Learning Objectives

• Participants will increase their understanding of the shared purpose, resources, and expertise of both recreation and library professionals.

• Participants will develop Resource Maps on the personal, team, and community levels to better understanding their current assets and their potential avenues for collaboration.

• Participants will lay the groundwork to create specific ideas for collaborative programming and events, using resource maps and new or existing partnerships.

Engaging Camp Staff: A Fresh Approach to Training

Description: 

Tired of overwhelming your camp staff with endless policies and procedures? Learn how to deliver engaging and effective training that empowers your team. Discover innovative strategies to condense content, foster ownership, and build leadership skills. Join us for interactive discussions and practical tips to elevate your camp training experience.

Presented by: 

Carmen Murrell, Recreation Supervisor, City of Shoreline

Biography: Carmen has over 12 years of experience in recreation, specializing in youth programs, outdoor activities, and inclusive recreation. As a passionate advocate for equitable access, she is committed to creating opportunities for all youth.

Amanda Zollner, Recreation Supervisor, City of Shoreline

Biography: With over 20 years in recreation, Amanda has a deep understanding of youth development. She is dedicated to providing engaging and meaningful programs that empower young people. Her expertise in youth-led initiatives and mental health awareness has made a significant impact on the community.

Learning Objectives

• Condense and Engage: Learn techniques to present large amounts of information in a concise and engaging manner.

• Empower Your Team: Discover strategies to involve staff in the training process, fostering ownership and leadership skills.

• Share and Learn: Participate in group discussions to exchange ideas and gain inspiration for improving your training programs.

Everyday Leadership: Promoting A Shared Values System for Your Agency

Description: 

Developing new leaders in the post-Covid world is harder than ever due to hybrid work schedules, dispersed work locations, and the frenzied pace at which we're all working to build back stronger after the pandemic. Join us to hear how Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District is overcoming these collective changes. We recognized a need for training our new supervisors on our THPRD values, ensuring that we're creating welcoming and inclusive environments, supporting professional growth, and encouraging them to share this knowledge throughout their work groups. With many staff members spread out across our 50 square mile service area, we wanted them to have a shared connection on these values. And for our supervisors, we wanted to create a cohort with peers having similar experiences so they could be resources for one another. Rather than create a program from scratch (because who has the money or time to do that??), we found an established program and customized it to meet our agency's needs. You can do the same, and we'll show you how.

Presented by: 

Aisha Panas CPRE MBA, Deputy General Manager, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District

Biography: Aisha Panas is the Deputy General Manager for Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, where she leads the Park Services Division for a community of over 270,000 people. Aisha has more than 24 years of experience in planning, parks, and recreation services and provides oversight of the full lifecycle of park district spaces - from acquisition and planning to design and development to maintenance of district amenities. Aisha is a Self-Empowered Trained Facilitator for the Leadership Challenge. She chairs the Oregon Recreation and Park Association's (ORPA) Legislative Committee. While serving ORPA, she developed the association's first Leadership Academy.

Sabrina Taylor Schmitt, Recreation and Aquatic Director, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District

Biography: Sabrina Taylor Schmitt has over 20 years of experience in leadership roles in parks and recreation agencies. She began as a lifeguard and is now the Recreation and Aquatic Director for Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District. Sabrina has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation from Western State College of Colorado and a Master's in Public Administration from Portland State University. Sabrina has been a speaker at annual conferences for Oregon Recreation and Park Association (ORPA) and Washington Recreation and Park Association (WRPA). She currently serves on the ORPA board and is a Leadership Challenge Self Empowered Trained Facilitator.

Learning Objectives

• Understand how to identify your leadership training needs

• Realize the value of customizing an in-house cohort-based model

• Build a shared language around values for your whole agency

Safe Havens: Reinventing Park Safety, Security and Risk Management

Description: 

Join us for a transformative session designed for park managers, superintendents, and those in environmental education, focusing on turning public spaces into secure and welcoming environments. Participants will learn how to apply Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to enhance the safety of parks, playgrounds, sports courts, and other recreational spaces. The session will also cover the integration of video surveillance, discussing its benefits, challenges, and role in maintaining public safety. Experts will share innovative approaches, including ranger services, to meet the unique needs of diverse parks.

Presented by: 

Washington Cities Insurance Authority Speaker 

Learning Objectives

• Participants will learn how to improve the safety of parks, playgrounds, ballfields, sport courts, trails, and golf courses through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.

• Participants will learn about the promises and pitfalls of video surveillance, park security and ranger services.

• Explore innovative security approaches, including ranger services, and learn how to tailor them to the unique needs of various recreational areas.