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Myth of Multitasking

Learning objectives: 

• Understand why multitasking is ineffective by exploring the science behind it and the cognitive and productivity costs involved.
• Recognize the value of focused work and how intentional focus improves effectiveness and reduces stress.
• Learn practical strategies to increase focus, manage interruptions, and improve productivity in busy work environments.

Description: Experience the pitfalls of multitasking and uncover the power of focus to get more done. Learn how to apply focus in chaotic environments by concentrating on one thing at a time.

Presenter: Debbie Rosemont, Productivity Consultant & Founder, Simply Placed

Debbie Rosemont is a productivity and organization expert with a background in psychology and over a decade of corporate experience in human resources, workflow analysis, and training. In 2003, she founded Simply Placed to help individuals and businesses work more efficiently, reduce stress, and regain control of their time and space. Known for her compassionate and practical approach, Debbie empowers clients to break free from unhelpful habits and create lasting change. As a business owner, wife, mother, and volunteer, she lives what she teaches and understands the real-life challenges her clients face.

Safe Havens: Reinventing Park Safety, Security and Risk Management

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.

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.

Presenter: Pete Mayer, City of Tukwila Deputy City Administrator, Interim Public Works Director

Pete Mayer is an accomplished public administration executive with over two decades of experience in city management, parks and recreation, and public works operations. Currently serving as Deputy City Administrator for the City of Tukwila, he has been instrumental in stabilizing department operations and driving cross-departmental alignment in areas such as public works, emergency management, and capital improvement planning. His proven leadership and strategic planning skills have been honed through pivotal roles—including serving as Director of Parks and Recreation for multiple cities, COO of the Snohomish Health District, and Deputy Executive Director of Parks Tacoma. In addition to his extensive local government experience, Peter also works as an independent consultant, advising on business and operational strategies to enhance community services. His commitment to innovative solutions and organizational effectiveness continues to inspire teams and improve public sector performance.

Grounded in Resilience: Redmond’s Approach to Climate-Smart Vegetation Management

Learning objectives:

• Why and How the City of Redmond developed their “Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan”
• Main actions Redmond is taking to preserve and enhance natural areas in their community and educate the community on our efforts
• Implementation planning, test sites, maintenance practices, electrification of equipment, and data gathering

Description: Learn how the City of Redmond is transforming parks maintenance through climate-resilient and sustainable vegetation management. This session will walk attendees through the creation and implementation of Redmond’s “Climate Resiliency and Sustainability in Vegetation Management Plan,” including key strategies for preserving natural areas, converting areas to naturalized or wildflower meadows, expanding urban forest canopy and adding pollinator gardens, electrifying maintenance equipment, and using data to drive decision-making. Speakers will share insights on staff engagement, pilot sites, and community education efforts, along with lessons learned from putting climate action into daily operations. Whether you’re just getting started or already leading sustainability initiatives, you’ll come away with actionable ideas for your own agency.

Presenter: Loreen Hamilton, Parks and Recreation Director, City of Redmond

Over the past 18 years, Loreen has led communities and organizations to create community and connection. The last 5 years in Redmond have given her the opportunity to lead a team of dedicated professionals in managing the parks, trails, and open spaces throughout the city. Loreen has a BA in Political Science from Seattle Pacific University and a Master’s in Social Work from Boston University. She is also a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. She enjoys going on biking and camping adventures with her husband and two kids throughout the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Presenter: Dave Tuchek, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, City of Redmond

Dave has over 35 years of experience overseeing the maintenance and operations of the City’s 47 parks, urban forest/open space (1,351 acres), and 39 miles of trails. Dave also oversees the maintenance and operations of the City’s 27 major buildings and facilities.  Current environmental priorities include natural resource protection, tree canopy expansion, rewilding, and sustainable maintenance practices. Dave graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. Degree in Horticulture and is an NRPA Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE).

Presenter: Darcey Rayner Shepard, Park Operations Manager, City of Redmond

Darcey has been with the city for 15 years in both recreation and operations. Darcey is passionate about creating and maintaining unique and sustainable spaces for our diverse community. She directly manages the staff implementing the CRSVM Plan, drives planning for future resilient practices and expansion, and works to ensure the long-term success of our climate action efforts. Darcey is also a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP). 

Presenter: Meg Angevine, Maintenance and Operations Supervisor, City of Redmond

Meg has overseen the Horticulture and Urban Forestry programs for the past five years. During her 25-year career, she earned her AAS degrees in Landscape Management and Botanical Studies and obtained her ISA Arborist Certification. Meg has been involved with the development of the CRSVM Plan since it was initiated and is honored to represent the dedicated and passionate staff members who are implementing the plan in the field.

Neuroinclusive Teams: Building a More Supportive Workplace

Learning objectives:

• The essential components of successful volunteer programs with high ROI for all parties
• The logistics of running long-term programs that work well for staff and volunteers
• How to create and sustain parks maintenance volunteer programs that are attractive to diverse constituents

Description: We all face the same challenge, too many resources to maintain and not enough people to keep up with the growing list of needs. But, with thoughtful and diverse volunteer options, we can get closer to meeting our maintenance goals, empower our staff, and build a knowledgeable and supportive community in the process. This session will inspire attendees to develop and maintain their own robust volunteer programs that help their employees keep us with their ever-increasing workload and connect community members with meaningful, rewarding, and fun opportunities to serve. The session will specifically cover four diverse parks maintenance volunteer programs operating in the City of Kirkland: 1) a community built and maintained BMX course; 2) the Parks Beautification Program; 3) Scout merit projects; and 4) the Green Kirkland Partnership.  Between these four programs, Kirkland is able to say YES to nearly every request from the community to be involved in caring for its beloved parks while also helping staff feel more supported and better resourced and leaving our public spaces in better condition that we could without this incredible community support.

Presenters: Jodie Galvan, Parks Operations Supervisor, City of Kirkland

Jodie Galvan is a Parks Operations Supervisor at the City of Kirkland. She holds CPRE, LEED AP and CERP credentials. She has Bachelor and Master of Science degrees and worked in natural resources management for more than twenty years.  In her current role, she oversees the Green Kirkland Partnership a highly impactful, long-term volunteer program that engages hundreds of volunteers in donating thousands of hours to the care of hundreds of acres of parkland open space and natural areas each year.

Organize to Optimize

Learning objectives: 

• Understand the hidden costs of disorganization and its impact on productivity and stress.
• Learn simple, practical strategies to organize your workspace, workflow, time, and priorities.
• Gain tools to reduce overwhelm and stay focused on what matters most.

Description: Understand the cost of disorganization and learn practical, easy-to-implement strategies to organize your space, workflow, time and priorities so you can focus on what matters with less stress.

Presenter: Debbie Rosemont, Productivity Consultant & Founder, Simply Placed

Debbie Rosemont is a productivity and organization expert with a background in psychology and over a decade of corporate experience in human resources, workflow analysis, and training. In 2003, she founded Simply Placed to help individuals and businesses work more efficiently, reduce stress, and regain control of their time and space. Known for her compassionate and practical approach, Debbie empowers clients to break free from unhelpful habits and create lasting change. As a business owner, wife, mother, and volunteer, she lives what she teaches and understands the real-life challenges her clients face.

Volunteer Risk Management

Learning objectives: 

• To identify the risk exposures and controls associated with conducting volunteer programs and activities for parks professionals.
• To recognize applicable risk management steps that help prevent or mitigate potential loss within the entity’s parks volunteer programs and activities.
• To provide risk management tools for parks professionals to utilize which focus on implementation of volunteer policies and practices.

Description: Volunteer programs can be hugely beneficial to organizations, especially when they are set up with risk management in mind. From identifying risk exposure and controls such as Volunteer types and their duties, supervision guidelines, to best practices for documentation and records maintenance, this session includes risk management tools and takeaways to create and run a successful volunteer program. Presenters will delve into benefits of volunteer policies and procedures, including when to do background checks and the steps involved. Also, participants will learn about coordinating volunteer work with outside organizations and how to transfer the risk of loss.

Presenter: Risk Services Staff - Drew Brien, Carlene Brown, and Farah Derosier, Sr. Risk Management Reps

Resource Management Plans: Strategic Planning for Maintenance Tasks and Budget

Learning objectives: 

• Define the importance of maintenance as a key to maximizing the recreation and play value and managing risk.
• Generate high and low frequency inspection protocols and procedures for a sustainable maintenance program.
• Identify potentially hazardous conditions in the recreation and play environment and define proper maintenance practices for playground equipment and surfacing.

Description: For a playground to thrive, good maintenance is essential. Learn how to maximize your agency or school’s playground maintenance efforts by properly identifying and correcting potentially hazardous conditions on the playground. This session will help you define your maintenance plan as a key to protecting your investment, managing risk, improving children’s play experiences, promoting community values, and controlling expenses. This session will allow you to identify procedures for correcting hazardous conditions and to develop inspection protocols and procedures for a sustainable playground maintenance program.

Presenter: Great Western Recreation

Neuroinclusive Teams: Building a More Supportive Workplace

Learning objectives:

• Define neurodiversity and recognize how it may show up in team dynamics and workplace behaviors.
• Identify and articulate personal needs, preferences, and strategies that support individual success at work.
• Demonstrate curiosity-driven approaches to understanding and supporting the diverse needs of teammates.

Description: Explore how neurodiversity shows up in the workplace, how to recognize and advocate for their own needs, and how to build stronger teams by understanding and supporting the differences of others. Through a mix of discussion, real-world examples, and self-reflection, participants will leave with tools to foster more inclusive, aware, and productive team dynamics—without needing to be a supervisor or have formal authority.

Presenter: Joanna Martin, Recreation & Event Center Manager, City of Battle Ground

Drawing on 25 years in municipal government, Joanna is a seasoned professional specializing in recreation, special events, facility rentals, parks and urban forestry management. Her education provides a multidisciplinary approach to effective public service combining a Master of Public Administration with Bachelor’s 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.

Presenter: Randi Mendoza, Park Ranger Supervisor, Oregon State Parks

Randi has worked for Oregon State Park since 2000 where they began their career as a seasonal at Nehalem Bay State Park. They have been promoted through the ranger ranks working in several locations across the state of Oregon. Currently, Randi serves as a Park Ranger Supervisor in the Columbia River Gorge Management Unit. When not at work, Randi enjoys hiking, camping, carpentry, researching old things, photography, crocheting, and writing ghost stories based on areas around some of the places they were stationed.

Double-Edged Sword of Micromanagement: Understanding Its Benefits and Pitfalls

Learning objectives: 

• Actionable Strategies for Enhanced Performance
• Tips to gauge an employee’s need for details to complete an assignment
• Alternate perspective on one's own approach to level of insistence in the workplace

Description: In any workplace, leaders must strike a balance between insisting on standards and empowering employees with autonomy. This session will explore how insistence on processes and outcomes can improve efficiency and quality but also risks fostering a culture of micromanagement. When leaders are overly insistent, it can lead to stifled creativity, diminished employee trust, and a sense that team members' expertise is undervalued. This session will examine the fine line between maintaining necessary control and overstepping into micromanagement. Participants will gain insights into how insistence impacts team dynamics, explore strategies for fostering accountability without creating an overbearing environment, and learn when to step back and allow for employee autonomy. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will leave with practical tools to balance oversight with trust, fostering a collaborative and empowered workplace that drives both innovation and performance.

Presenter: Nicole Jones-Vogel, Principal, Rise Up Coaching Solutions, LLC

As a Birkman Method certified and ICF Accredited coach, Nicole specializes in addressing workplace issues, offering personalized guidance and support to individuals at all stages of their careers.  Nicole is ACC accredited coach with the International Coaching Federation, AICP certified planner, holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from University of Alaska Southeast and owns Rise Up Coaching Solutions based in Gig Harbor, WA.

Designed to Endure: Strategies to Navigate Budget Cuts

Learning objectives: 

• Learn strategies to proactively position parks and recreation operations for potential budget cuts.
• Explore decision-making tools for prioritizing services and communicating reductions.
• Identify ways to support staff and rebuild operations during the recovery phase.

Description: Budget cuts are a recurring challenge in parks and recreation—but with foresight and strategy, their impact can be minimized. This session explores how to prepare your operations, data, and team before cuts are on the table, how to make difficult decisions when reductions are required, and how to support recovery and rebuild trust afterward. With real-world examples from both parks maintenance and recreation services, attendees will gain practical tools to lead with clarity and purpose through each stage of the process.

Presenter: Angie Fesser, Director, City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Human Services

Angie has nearly two decades of experience working in public recreation, parks and facilities. She is a licensed landscape architect with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from Washington State and Master's in Public Administration. Her passion is planning, building and maintaining parks and public facilities that are equitability accessible for entire communities to provide health, wellness and enjoyment for people of all ages and abilities as well as recognizing and supporting natural environments that provide healthy urban ecosystems.

Bugs, Blights, and Beyond: Managing Tree and Shrub Health

Learning objectives: 

• Identify common insect pests and diseases that impact trees and shrubs.
• Recognize early signs and symptoms of infestation or infection.
• Apply integrated pest management strategies to maintain plant health.

Description: Insects and diseases are a constant threat to the health of our trees and shrubs—but early detection and informed action can make all the difference. This session will highlight the most common pests and diseases affecting trees and shrubs in the Pacific Northwest, including signs to watch for, seasonal patterns, and effective treatment options. Learn how to recognize problems early, respond appropriately, and reduce long-term damage through proactive care.

Presenter: Alan Haywood, Owner, Alan Haywood Arborist & Horticulturist LLC

Alan Haywood is a Certified Arborist and Horticulturist with over 30 years of experience in municipal parks maintenance, urban forestry, and landscape management. He spent three decades with the City of Issaquah Parks and Recreation Department, where he led maintenance operations, managed budgets, and coordinated the city’s Tree City USA program. Alan holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Washington State University and multiple certifications, including Tree Risk Assessment and Integrated Pest Management. He is an active member of several professional associations and has been recognized for his service and leadership in the field. Now, through Haywood Arborist Services, he shares his expertise with communities throughout King and Pierce counties.

Engaging Volunteers in Parks Maintenance - Exception ROI for All Involved!

Learning objectives: 

• The essential components of successful volunteer programs with high ROI for all parties
• The logistics of running long-term programs that work well for staff and volunteers
• How to create and sustain parks maintenance volunteer programs that are attractive to diverse constituents
• Budgeting to support sustainable volunteer programs

Description: We all face the same challenge, too many resources to maintain and not enough people to keep up with the growing list of needs. But, with thoughtful and diverse volunteer options, we can get closer to meeting our maintenance goals while empowering our staff and building a knowledgeable and supportive community in the process.

This session will inspire attendees to develop and maintain their own robust volunteer programs that help their employees keep up with their ever-increasing workload and connect community members with meaningful, rewarding, and fun opportunities to serve. The session will specifically cover five diverse parks maintenance volunteer programs operating in City of Kirkland parks: 1) a community built and maintained BMX course; 2) the Parks Beautification Program; 3) Scout merit projects; 4) the Green Kirkland Partnership; and 5) our Adopt-A-Park program.

Using these five programs, Kirkland can say YES to nearly every request from the community to be involved in caring for its beloved parks while also helping staff feel more supported and better resourced and leaving our public spaces in better condition that we could without this incredible community support.

Presenter: Regents from Pacific Northwest Resource Management School

Talk Saves Lives™: Introduction to Suicide Prevention

Learning objectives: 

• Understand the current scope of suicide in the U.S. and how different communities are impacted.
• Identify key risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs associated with suicide.
• Gain strategies to start conversations about mental health and connect others to support and resources.

Description: 

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States—but it is preventable. Talk Saves Lives™ is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s signature education program, offering a clear and hopeful introduction to suicide prevention. This evidence-informed presentation covers the scope of the problem, what research tells us about risk and protective factors, and how to recognize warning signs in ourselves and others. Updated in 2024 to be more inclusive and actionable, the session also equips participants with practical tools for starting conversations, offering support, and connecting people to help.

Presenter: Nicole Jones-Vogel, Principal, Rise Up Coaching Solutions, LLC

As a Birkman Method certified and ICF Accredited coach, Nicole specializes in addressing workplace issues, offering personalized guidance and support to individuals at all stages of their careers.  Nicole is ACC accredited coach with the International Coaching Federation, AICP certified planner, holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from University of Alaska Southeast and owns Rise Up Coaching Solutions based in Gig Harbor, WA.

From Vision to Reality: Lifecycle of a Park Capital Project

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the major phases and key decision points in park capital project development.
• Identify the staffing, funding, and political resources needed to move a park project forward.
• Recognize common challenges that impact timelines, costs, and community expectations.

Description: Ever wonder why it takes so long—and costs so much—to build a park? This session walks through the full lifecycle of a capital project, using the Civic Park Project as a real-world example to explore each phase from concept to completion. Participants will gain a better understanding of how projects are selected and funded, what’s involved in design and bidding, and what it takes to navigate construction, operations, and long-term maintenance. We'll also examine the critical roles of staffing, budget oversight, project management, public relations, and political will in bringing a park to life. This session is ideal for anyone who wants to understand what happens behind the scenes of park development.

Presenter: Angie Fesser, Director, City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Human Services

Angie has nearly two decades of experience working in public recreation, parks and facilities. She is a licensed landscape architect with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from Washington State and Master's in Public Administration. Her passion is planning, building and maintaining parks and public facilities that are equitability accessible for entire communities to provide health, wellness and enjoyment for people of all ages and abilities as well as recognizing and supporting natural environments that provide healthy urban ecosystems.

After the Storm: Tree Risk Lessons from the Bomb Cyclone

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common types of tree failures associated with extreme wind events.
• Understand how to assess and prioritize tree risk before and after major storms.
• Apply lessons learned to improve emergency preparedness and tree maintenance planning.

Description: When the bomb cyclone storm hit, it left a path of destruction and a wake-up call for parks professionals managing urban forests. This session explores the real-world impacts of the storm, including tree failures, public safety concerns, and operational challenges. Learn how to assess tree risk more effectively, communicate with the public during weather events, and prepare your tree management program for future extreme weather. The session includes case studies, photos, and key takeaways that can improve planning and emergency response.

Presenter: Alan Haywood, Owner, Alan Haywood Arborist & Horticulturist LLC

Alan Haywood is a Certified Arborist and Horticulturist with over 30 years of experience in municipal parks maintenance, urban forestry, and landscape management. He spent three decades with the City of Issaquah Parks and Recreation Department, where he led maintenance operations, managed budgets, and coordinated the city’s Tree City USA program. Alan holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Washington State University and multiple certifications, including Tree Risk Assessment and Integrated Pest Management. He is an active member of several professional associations and has been recognized for his service and leadership in the field. Now, through Haywood Arborist Services, he shares his expertise with communities throughout King and Pierce counties.

Food Forests

Learning Objectives: TBA

Description: TBA

Presenter: Jessi Bloom, Owner, NW Bloom EcoLogic