Things to Do in Tri-Cities

Explore endless adventures in Washington’s Tri-Cities offering outdoor thrills, cultural gems, and local flavors for everyone to enjoy.

Things To Do

Registration and Arrival

The conference registration desk will be open at the following times.

Schedule & Presentation Materials

The full schedule is available on the WRPA website and on the app. Speaker presentations will be available after the event, please be on the lookout for the post-event email that will have a link to the finalized resource page. 

View Schedule 

Conference Socials

We have a large variety of activities, events, and socials this year in Vancouver.

• WRPA Annual Golf Tournament (Must be pre-registered)
  Date & Time: Tuesday, May 13 | 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM 
  Location: Columbia Point Golf Course

• Tuesday Sponsored Social: HUB & GRUB  (Show your school spirit! Rock your alma mater-themed gear and represent with pride!)
  Date & Time: Tuesday, May 13 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 
  Location: Summers HUB of Kennewick
  Address: 6481 W Skagit Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336 – Transportation NOT provided

• Wednesday Sponsored Social: GLOW WILD – The Ultimate Adult Glow Party
  Date & Time: Wednesday, May 14 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 
  Location: Numerica Pavilion, City of Kennewick - Transportation provided
  Address: 2901 Southridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99338

• Networks Meeting
  Date & Time: Thursday, May 15 | 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM

• 2025 Awards Banquet
  Date & Time: Thursday, May 15 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
  Location: Great Hall AC

• Thursday Night Social: The Time Traveler’s Bash (Dress up in your favorite decade’s style and join the party in retro fashion!)
  Date & Time: Thursday, May 15 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  Location: Reach Museum, Kennewick - Transportation provided
  Address: 1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352

Tours

1. Essential Details:

• Date & Time: Tuesday, May 13 | 11:15 AM – 5:30 PM
• Location/Meeting Point: 7016 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336 – Main Entrance, North West Side of Building. Park in Main Convention Parking area pictured below in red.
• 11:15 AM – Check-in at Three Rivers Convention Center
• 11:30 AM – Depart Three Rivers Convention Center
• 12:30 PM – Arrive in Walla Walla and eat lunch at Heritage Square
• 1:00 PM – Tour Heritage Square, Waláwala Plaza and other downtown sites
• 2:30 PM – Tour of bronze tree limb at Pioneer Park
• 3:15 PM – Arrive at Dusted Valley Winery to observe bottling and taste wine
• 5:30 PM – Arrive back Three Rivers Convention Center or Summers HUB (social location)

• What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes. The current forecast suggests mid-sixties, overcast, and includes a slight chance of rain. Consider bringing a light, packable, raincoat or an umbrella. Keep in mind that spring weather can shift in the S.E. WA, and even if it starts cool or overcast, conditions may become warmer throughout the day. Sunglasses and hats are recommended as you will be spending the majority of this time outdoors. It’s recommended to check the forecast on Tuesday morning for the latest updates.
• What to Bring: Identification (Required for wine tasting), personal water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, light rain jacket, cash/payment for downtown shops and winery add-ons, and sunglasses
• Optional Items: Camera/phone, light snacks, umbrella.

3. Logistics & Important Information:

• Food & Drinks: Please eat lunch before arrival. Light snacks provided at the winery around 3pm. Bring personal snacks if needed.

4. Expectations & Etiquette:

• Activity Level: Expect walking and standing for prolonged periods. Expect much of your time to be spend outdoors.
• Guidelines/Rules: Please stay with the group, other than during times when instructed. It is the duty of the participant to be respectful and control alcohol intake. Any participant exhibiting signs of intoxication will be cut off from additional service. Please respect the City of Walla Walla staff, bus driver, winery staff, and all other people and organizations involved in this activity.
• What to Expect: A fun, engaging, and educational experience showcasing the vibrancy of the recently rejuvenated downtown Walla Walla district. You can also expect to enjoy wine from one of the most amazing wine regions in Washington State.

1. Essential Details:

• Date and Time: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
• Tour Time B1:
• 11:45 AM– Park/Meet at Richland Community Center (RCC) – 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA 99352
• 12:00 PM – Outfitted at Greenies Bike Shop (6-minute walk from RCC)
• 12:05 PM – Begin ~2-hour Tour (9.5 miles)
• 2:00 PM – End tour at Greenies Bike Shop & walk back to RCC
• Tour Time B2:
• 2:15 PM – Park/Meet at Richland Community Center (RCC) - 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA 99352
• 2:30 PM – Outfitted at Greenies Bike Shop (6-minute walk from RCC)
• 2:35 PM – Begin ~2-hour Tour (9.5 miles)
• 4:30 PM – End tour at Greenies Bike Shop & walk back to RCC
• Location/Departure Meeting Point: Park/Meet at Richland Community Center (RCC) – 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA 99352.

2. Preparation & What to Bring:

• What to Wear: Comfortable close-toe shoes and active wear to bike in.  Expect temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the low 70s, partially sunny and a slight chance of rain showers. Consider bringing a light jacket. Keep in mind that spring weather can shift in South Eastern WA, and even if it starts cool or overcast, conditions may become increasingly warmer throughout the day. Sunglasses and hats are recommended as you will be spending majority of this time outdoors. It's recommended to check the forecast on Tuesday morning for the latest updates.
• For participants renting bicycles a helmet will be provided for you. Participants bringing their own bike are expected to bring a personal helmet.
• What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, close-toe shoes, light jacket, identification, and cash/form of payment for stops.
•  If bringing your own bike: participants MUST bring their own helmet.
• Optional Items: Personal bike helmet if renting and small backpack / fanny pack as you choose.

3. Logistics & Important Information:

• Transportation: Transportation is not provided, participants are expected to meet at the Richland Community Center.
• Food & Drinks: A complimentary treat will be provided at Spudnuts, a local favorite donut shop. Bring other personal snacks as needed.

4. Expectations & Etiquette:

• Activity Level: This activity is performed at a moderate level, including combined 0.6 miles of walking and 9.5 miles of bike riding. The riding tour will be conducted at a relaxed pace and dictated by the tour host. Your registration and participation in this activity confirm that you possess the necessary physical fitness and ability to comfortably undertake the required bicycle riding and walking.
• Guidelines/Rules: Safety is paramount during this tour.  Participants are expected to ride in a safe, casual manner, considering the safety of other riders and community path users. Please be cognizant and respectful of other path users and wildlife. Riders are also expected to follow all relevant road and bike path rules while also following tour instructions.
• What to Expect: Participants will join a National Park Service Ranger on a 9.5-mile round trip (mostly flat) ride from the Richland Parkway, through Howard Amon and Leslie Groves parks along the Sacajawea Heritage Trail, on city streets through the Gold Coast Historic District to the Uptown Shopping Center before returning to the Parkway. There will be two stops along the route for presentations and a stop at Spudnuts, a favorite local donut shop for a complimentary treat. Cyclists will enjoy views of the Columbia River and City of Richland Parks while learning about the Secret City built for Manhattan Project workers and their families during WWII.

1. Essential Details:

• Date and Time: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
• Tour Time 1:
• 11:45 AM - Park/Meet at Richland Community Center (RCC) - 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA 99352
• 12:00 PM - Begin 2 hour tour
• 2:00 PM - Tour ends at RCC
• Tour Time 2:

• 2:15 PM - Park/Meet at Richland Community Center (RCC) - 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA 99352
• 2:30 PM - Begin 2 hour tour
• 4:30 PM - Tour ends at RCC

• Location/Departure Meeting Point: Park/Meet at Richland Community Center (RCC) – 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland, WA 99352.

2. Preparation & What to Bring:

• What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes. Consider active wear. Expect temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the low 70s, partially sunny and a slight chance of rain showers. Consider bringing a light jacket. Keep in mind that spring weather can shift in South Eastern Washington, and even if it starts cool or overcast, conditions may become increasingly warmer throughout the day. Sunglasses and hats are recommended as you will be spending majority of this time outdoors. It's recommended to check the forecast on Tuesday morning for the latest updates.
• What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, light jacket (if needed), identification, and cash/form of payment for stops.
• Optional Items: Backpack / fanny pack as you choose.

3. Logistics & Important Information:

• Transportation: Transportation is not provided, participants are expected to meet at the Richland Community Center.
• Food & Drinks: Please bring necessary personal snacks and a water bottle, no food is provided.

4. Expectations & Etiquette:

• Activity Level: This activity is performed at a low to moderate level (walking). Your registration and participation in this activity confirm that you possess the necessary physical fitness and ability to comfortably undertake the required walking.
• Guidelines/Rules: Safety is paramount during this tour. Participants are expected to follow all relevant road and walking path rules while also following tour instructions. Please be cognizant and respectful of other path users and wildlife.
• What to Expect: Join us for a walk on the G.A. Pehrson Urban Greenbelt Trail. While circling around the central business district, learn how a sleepy farming community was transformed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Spokane architect Pehrson during WWII. The trail passes by numerous Richland Parks and Recreation operated facilities including: Richland Community Center, Columbia Playfields Softball Complex, George Prout Pool, Jeanette Taylor Skate Park and Howard Amon Park along the Columbia Riverfront. Led by long-time City of Richland Parks & Recreation Volunteer Tour Guides: Nancy Doran and Teresa Knirck.

1. Essential Details:

• Date and Time: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
• 12:45 PM – Arrive at Playground of Dreams
• 1:00 PM -1:45 PM – Tour
• Location/Meeting Point: Park/meet at the Playground of Dreams on the East end of Columbia Park. Red box is parking, blue circle is the tour location.

2. Preparation & What to Bring:

• What to Wear: Expect temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the low 70s, partially sunny and a slight chance of rain showers. Consider bringing a light jacket. Keep in mind that spring weather can shift in South Eastern Washington, and even if it starts cool or overcast, conditions may become increasingly warmer throughout the day. Sunglasses and hats are recommended as you will be spending majority of this time outdoors. It's recommended to check the forecast on Tuesday morning for the latest updates.
• What to Bring: Nothing required

3. Logistics & Important Information:

• Transportation: Transportation is not provided, participants are expected to meet at the Playground of Dreams
• Food & Drinks: No food or drink is included.

4. Expectations & Etiquette:

• Activity Level: A short walk or roll from the parking lot to the playground. No other major activity required.
• What to Expect: You can expect to learn how the City of Kennewick partnered with a courageous young man named Kason to turn a previously unused space into a vibrant, inclusive destination playground. Known as: Kason’s Korner.

1. Essential Details:

• Date and Time: Friday, May 16, 2025
• 11:00 AM – Park/Meet at Jefferson Park – 1400 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352
• 11:05 AM – Begin ~1.5-hour Tour (approximately 2 Miles)
• 12:30 PM – End tour at Jefferson Park – 1400 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352
• Location/Meeting Point: Park/Meet at Jefferson Park – 1400 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 9935

2. Preparation & What to Bring:

• What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes. Consider active wear. Expect temperature to be in the low to upper 70s, partially sunny. Keep in mind that spring weather can shift in South Eastern Washington, and even if it starts cool or overcast, conditions may become increasingly warmer throughout the day. Sunglasses and hats are recommended as you will be spending majority of this time outdoors. It's recommended to check the forecast on Friday morning for the latest updates.
• What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, light jacket (if needed), identification, and cash/form of payment for stops.
• Optional Items: Backpack / fanny pack as you choose.

3. Logistics & Important Information:

• Transportation: Transportation is not provided, participants are expected to meet at Jefferson Park.  
• Food & Drinks: Please bring necessary personal snacks and a water bottle, no food is provided.

4. Expectations & Etiquette:

• Activity Level: This activity is performed at a low to moderate level (walking roughly 2 miles). Your registration and participation in this activity confirm that you possess the necessary physical fitness and ability to comfortably undertake the required walking.
• Guidelines/Rules: Safety is paramount during this tour. Participants are expected to follow all relevant road and walking path rules while also following tour instructions. Please be cognizant and respectful of other path users and wildlife.
• What to Expect: In March 1943, Spokane architect GA Pehrson was hired to build a village for the thousands of workers who would operate the Hanford nuclear reactors. Those houses, and others built through 1958 when Richland became an independent city, are today known as “Alphabet Houses.” Participants on this walking tour will see some of the earliest homes and learn about life in a “secret city." Led by long-time City of Richland Volunteer Walking Tour guides Nancy Doran & Teresa Knirck.

Student and Emerging Networking Dinner

Calling all students and emerging professionals. You're invited to join us on Wednesday, May 14 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for an enriching experience at the FREE Student & Emerging Professional Networking Dinner. This event offers an ideal platform for students to connect and engage in a relaxed atmosphere over a delightful dinner. It's an excellent opportunity to foster meaningful connections with seasoned professionals, providing valuable insights and potential mentorship. Come be a part of this gathering where networking meets camaraderie, paving the way for professional growth and development.

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CEU Tracking

Through national certification, you join thousands of people who are committed to the highest standards of ethical and professional practice in the delivery of park and recreation programs.

WRPA partners with the NRPA headquarters to coordinate certifications for industry professionals. Certifications include Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification, Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification, and more. 

At the 2024 Conference, attendees can come to the registration desk and request a CE Tracking Sheet to mark their attendance of certain sessions.

Learn More About Tracking

Exhibit Hall

Be sure to take the time to participate in our Tradeshow activities during the breaks throughout the Conference. Make deeper connections with the sponsors and exhibitors by inviting them to join you for socials and other activities.

Exhibit Hours

See Booth List

Exhibitors Information

Current exhibitors, please visit the Exhibitor Resources webpage for exhibit hall details

Exhibitor Resources Page

Exhibitor Engagement Program

Booth Games

• Each exhibit booth has been assigned a fun game for you to play and win tickets.
• You will write your first and last name on the tickets you win and take them to the prize display table to enter the prize drawing for your choice of prizes.
• The prize drawing will be during Wednesday's break at 2:45 PM and Thursday's lunch at 12:00 PM – You do not have to be present to win, but someone from your agency or you must pick up the basket before registration closes.