8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Check In, Registration, Breakfast & Coffee

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Converting Lawns to Pollinator Meadows: What, When, Where, How, and Why

Playground Inspection and Maintenance: Preserving the Play Environment, Promoting the Value of Play, and Protecting Children

Eligible for CPSI Group A CEU

Tree Planting in Parks: Benefits and Strategies

Managing Risks of Special Events

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Transitioning from Field Staff to Management: Preparing for and Succeeding in Parks Maintenance Leadership

Strong Foundations: Planning, Purchasing, & Protecting Play and Recreational Surfacing

Eligible for CPSI Group B CEU

Tree Planting in Parks: Successful Practice

Parks Risk Management Roundtable: Hot Topics and Cool Trends. Best Practices for Limiting Your Organization’s Liability

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM

Lunch & Networking

1:15 PM –2:30 PM

Data You Can Take to Council: Using Asset‑Based Modeling & Power BI to Build Defensible Budget Requests

Irrigation Troubleshooting

Should I Be Worried About That? An Introduction to Visual Tree Assessment

Occupational Burnout: The Science Behind Stress in the Workplace 

2:45 PM – 4:00 PM

Plant Problem Insights - Looking Back on a Quarter of a Century of Trying to Provide Practical Options for Managing Landscape Problems 

Making the Repairs in an Irrigation System

How Trees Are Assessed for Risk

Managing Challenging Conversations 

Time

Sessions

Location

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Check In & Registration

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast & Coffee

Pacific, Grays Harbor & Thurston

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Jodie Galvan, Parks Operations Supervisor, City of Kirkland

Converting underutilized lawn spaces into dynamic pollinator meadows isn’t easy, but in the right place it can definitely be worth the time and effort and can reduce maintenance time and expenses in the long run. Learn about what it takes to convert existing lawn space into a native wildflower meadow from a project at Juanita Bay Park in Kirkland where Park staff are transforming 10 acres of historic golf course into the community’s favorite place to take graduation photos.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand what a pollinator meadow is (including what it looks like and what it can be used for)

• Learn when, where, and how to convert existing lawns into a pollinator meadow

• Understand why it is valuable (to people and pollinators) to convert existing lawns into pollinator meadows

Presenter: 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.

 CEU: 0.1

Chehalis A

David Bryan Hill, Regional and International Sales Manager, GameTime/PlayCore

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.

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.

Presenter: David Bryan Hill, Regional and International Sales Manager, GameTime/PlayCore

David has over 25 years of experience in creating outdoor play environments and currently serves as the Regional for GameTime where he consults with various professionals on designing outdoor play environments that implement research-based best practices in design. He has presented at a various state and regional conferences, including California, Kentucky, South Carolina, Idaho, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Alabama, Mississippi and the Midwest Recreation and Parks Conferences. He is a Certified Executive Trainer of PlayCore, an IACET approved provider of continuing education, providing trainings across the country to landscape architects. David graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a MBA and from Humboldt State University with a B.S. in Business Administration.

 CEU: 0.1

Chehalis B

Philip Bennett, Deputy Director of Parks & Public Works, City of Snoqualmie

This session will make the case for trees in parks, focused on the public health benefits of trees, and other ecosystem services such as stormwater retention benefits.  The session will also cover how to plant trees with clear objectives in mind, and strategies for successful installation.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the ecosystem service benefits of trees.

• Recognize the public health aspect of individual trees and tree canopy.

• Identify objectives, strategies and site/tree species considerations for installation in Parks.

Presenter: Philip Bennett, Deputy Director of Parks & Public Works, City of Snoqualmie

Phil Bennett is interim Parks & Public Works Director for the City of Snoqualmie, overseeing several utility systems including 40 parks, and a vibrant urban forest. Phil is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and Certified Urban Forest Professional, and has spent the last 4 years volunteering for and co-leading the Green Communities Leadership Institute.

 CEU: 0.1

Lewis

Drew Brian, Farah Derosier, and Kim Dennis, WCIA Risk Services

Special events attract more visitors to parks and can increase liability exposure. This session will help participants analyze and evaluate events for potential risk factors and review key risk management considerations, including event types, vendors, planning and preparation, permitting, and insurance requirements.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize loss prevention and control measures that help mitigate potential loss in special event programs and activities.

• Apply risk management tools to support planning and oversight of special event activities.

Presenters: Drew Brian, Farah Derosier, and Kim Dennis, WCIA Risk Services

Drew has been with WCIA for eight years. With a background in handling both private sector and public claims he is now using his experience to assist risk pool members with all things risk management. Drew also is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector.

Farah Derosier is a Senior Risk Management Representative with Washington Cities Insurance Authority. Prior to joining WCIA Farah worked as a Legal and Risk Manager for a public agency for 15 years. Between Farah's 17 years as a Risk Manager and 11 years as a Paralegal working primarily in insurance defense, she has quite a bit of experience. She enjoys supporting members with their risk management needs. She believes in managing risk in a proactive manner and has seen the benefits of that first hand.

Kim Dennis is a Senior Risk Management Representative with Washington Cities Insurance Authority and has 28 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining WCIA in January 2023, she spent 8 years in Risk Management with the Port of Seattle. She credits her understanding of Risk Management to working in many different areas of the insurance industry throughout her career in both the private and public sector. Kim draws on her experience to assist WCIA members in developing risk strategies.

 CEU: 0.1

Mason

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Ryan Fowler, Streets and Grounds Manager, City of Kirkland

Whether you're preparing for your next career opportunity or have recently been promoted, the transition from field staff to management requires new skills, a different mindset, and an understanding of your role within municipal government. This session is designed specifically for parks maintenance professionals who aspire to lead or are navigating their first supervisory role. Participants will explore how to demonstrate leadership while still in the field, build the knowledge and relationships that prepare them for advancement, and successfully navigate the critical first months after promotion and beyond. Practical strategies will address leading former peers, establishing credibility, communicating expectations, understanding municipal government structures, and balancing operational responsibilities with people leadership.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify proactive ways to develop leadership skills, build credibility and prepare for a management position while serving in a field staff role. 

• Implement strategies for a successful transition into supervision, including leading former peers, establishing expectations, communicating effectively and building trust during the first 90 days. 

• Understand how municipal government structures, organizational culture and administrative responsibilities influence the role of a parks maintenance supervisor or manager and apply this knowledge to lead more effectively.

Presenter: Ryan Fowler, Streets and Grounds Manager, City of Kirkland

Ryan Fowler is the Streets and Grounds Manager in the Public Works Department. With nearly two decades of dedication to serving Kirkland, Ryan Fowler has grown from a seasonal Parks & Community Services role to become the City’s Street & Grounds Manager. In this capacity, he oversees the maintenance of Kirkland’s vital public infrastructure—including streets, sidewalks, curbs, ADA ramps, street trees, medians, and trails, as well as leading snow and ice removal programs. In his role, Ryan manages a diverse team responsible for ensuring the city’s pathways and public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and well-maintained. He is responsible for planning and implementing preventive maintenance and repair programs, coordinating citywide maintenance activities including emergency snow and ice response, administering the division's biennial budget, and assisting with policy development. Outside of his technical role, Ryan brings deep community commitment to his work. Under his leadership, public spaces across Kirkland remain safe, welcoming, and functional for all residents and visitors.

 CEU: 0.1

Chehalis A

David Bryan Hill, Regional and International Sales Manager, GameTime/PlayCore

Choosing an appropriate playground surfacing is one of the most important factors in developing a safe outdoor play environment. This useful resource was created to raise awareness about some considerations to make when planning, purchasing, and protecting your playground surfacing investment. Case examples are highlighted to provide a comprehensive overview on the features and benefits of the variety of types of safety surfaces available. Considerations are also explored that can further enhance play value at your parks and playgrounds. The guide offers planning checklists, resources, and inspection tools to help assist in simplifying the selection, installation, and maintenance process to ensure the safety and enjoyment of users.

Learning Objectives:

• Outline best practices, considerations, and strategies when planning, purchasing, and protecting your surfacing investment.

• Summarize how surfacing can be utilized to increase the overall play value and experiences for children, families, and communities in local parks.

• Utilize standards, criteria, inspection tools, and other resources to assist with the evaluation, selection, and other processes involved in safety surfacing.

Presenter: David Bryan Hill, Regional and International Sales Manager, GameTime/PlayCore

David has over 25 years of experience in creating outdoor play environments and currently serves as the Regional for GameTime where he consults with various professionals on designing outdoor play environments that implement research-based best practices in design. He has presented at a various state and regional conferences, including California, Kentucky, South Carolina, Idaho, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Alabama, Mississippi and the Midwest Recreation and Parks Conferences. He is a Certified Executive Trainer of PlayCore, an IACET approved provider of continuing education, providing trainings across the country to landscape architects. David graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a MBA and from Humboldt State University with a B.S. in Business Administration.

 CEU: 0.1

Chehalis B

Philip Bennett, Deputy Director of Parks & Public Works, City of Snoqualmie

This session will cover lessons learned on installing and maintaining trees in Parks with a practical focus.  How do we get it right?

Learning Objectives:

• Understand ANSI A300 standards and Best Management practices for tree installation

• Learn from examples of success and failure in tree planting/maintenance

• Understand maintenance practices that lead to successful long-term outcomes for trees

Presenter: Philip Bennett, Deputy Director of Parks & Public Works, City of Snoqualmie

Phil Bennett is interim Parks & Public Works Director for the City of Snoqualmie, overseeing several utility systems including 40 parks, and a vibrant urban forest. Phil is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and Certified Urban Forest Professional, and has spent the last 4 years volunteering for and co-leading the Green Communities Leadership Institute.

 CEU: 0.1

Lewis

Robin Aronson, Drew Brien, Farah Derosier, and Kim Dennis WCIA Risk Services

Join WCIA Risk Management staff for an interactive, moderator-led discussion exploring current risk management issues, emerging trends, and practical strategies affecting parks, recreation, and maintenance operations. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn from peers while examining real-world liability exposures and effective risk control measures. Topics may include: Trees, Trails, and Athletic Fields; Aquatics Operations; Playgrounds and Recreational Facilities; Transportation Programs; Volunteer Management; Emerging Risks and Future Challenges; and Resources and Tools for Managing Risk. This collaborative session will focus on identifying common risk exposures, reviewing recent claims trends, and discussing best practices that help organizations proactively reduce liability and protect public assets. Whether you oversee parks, recreation programs, or maintenance operations, you'll leave with practical ideas and resources to strengthen your risk management efforts.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate emerging trends and liability concerns impacting parks and recreation agencies using practical risk management tools, resources, and best practices to reduce organizational liability and improve operational safety.

• Exchange ideas and solutions with peers facing similar risk management challenges.

Presenters: Robin Aronson, Drew Brian, Farah Derosier, and Kim Dennis, WCIA Risk Services

Robin joined Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) in 2015 as the Risk Services Manager. With more than 25 years’ experience in the insurance and risk management industry, Robin has had a broad range of experience, having worked as a staff attorney at the Washington State Insurance Commissioner’s Office, claim attorney for a major insurance carrier and risk manager for a national corporation. Robin is a past president of the Washington State chapter of PRIMA (Public Risk Management Association).

Drew has been with WCIA for eight years. With a background in handling both private sector and public claims he is now using his experience to assist risk pool members with all things risk management. Drew also is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector.

Farah Derosier is a Senior Risk Management Representative with Washington Cities Insurance Authority. Prior to joining WCIA Farah worked as a Legal and Risk Manager for a public agency for 15 years. Between Farah's 17 years as a Risk Manager and 11 years as a Paralegal working primarily in insurance defense, she has quite a bit of experience. She enjoys supporting members with their risk management needs. She believes in managing risk in a proactive manner and has seen the benefits of that first hand.

Kim Dennis is a Senior Risk Management Representative with Washington Cities Insurance Authority and has 28 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining WCIA in January 2023, she spent 8 years in Risk Management with the Port of Seattle. She credits her understanding of Risk Management to working in many different areas of the insurance industry throughout her career in both the private and public sector. Kim draws on her experience to assist WCIA members in developing risk strategies.

 CEU: 0.1

Mason

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM

Lunch

Pacific, Grays Harbor & Thurston

1:15 – 2:30 PM

Paul Israel, Senior Business Analyst, King County Parks; Rich Cook, Performance Data Analytics Analyst, King County Parks

Learn how King County Parks transformed raw asset and maintenance data into a powerful staffing and budget justification engine. This session reveals how an asset‑based Resource Management framework, paired with a transparent, scalable Power BI dashboard, allows agencies to quantify labor needs, validate service expectations, and confidently defend budget requests to leadership, finance offices, and elected officials. We’ll walk through the methodology behind calculating direct labor hours, adjusting for real‑world factors, and converting the results into clear, defensible FTE needs. If your agency is looking to strengthen its financial storytelling with objective data, this session offers a practical blueprint.

Learning Objectives:

• Designing an asset database to align with maintenance needs.

• Using PowerBI to create a modern, scalable, Resource Management Plan.

Presenters: 

Paul has been with King County Parks for 11 years. He leads the Operations Business Information Systems team, focusing on Enterprise Asset Management and Microsoft 365 solution development. With over eight years of frontline operations maintenance experience, he brings practical insight to identifying and implementing effective business solutions in the Parks and Recreation industry. In his free time, you can find him playing Magic cards, watching a film, or lounging in the shade under a tree listening to a podcast.

Rich has been with King County Parks for five years, where he leads the Performance and Data Analytics team. His group digs into data, manages records, and keeps core tech systems running so Parks programs can be more effective, equitable, and responsive to the community. Before joining King County, Rich held a similar role with the City of Seattle. He earned a Master of Public Policy from the University of Washington and a liberal arts degree from Colby College. When he’s not knee deep in Parks data, you can usually find him in Seattle playing sports with his kids or getting them out on King County’s trails.

 CEU: 0.1

Chehalis A

Gordon Kunkle, Regional Trainer, SiteOne Landscape Supply

This training will work through a systematic approach to isolating the problem through analysis of the electrical and hydraulic systems that comprise the irrigation system. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding of a step-by-step process to diagnose the symptom(s).

• How to determine whether it is an electrical issue or hydraulic.

• Introduction to the use of diagnostic tools.

Presenter: Gordon Kunkle, Regional Trainer, SiteOne Landscape Supply

Irrigation certifications in Design, Auditing, Contractor and Water Manager with the Irrigation Association. Past Water Manager for Portland Parks and Rec. Past Pacific Northwest and Western Canada Regional Sales Manager. Part Time Faculty member at Clackamas Community College located in Oregon City, Oregon. Member of ORPA and board member with the MACS Section.

 CEU: 0.1

Chehalis B

Charlie Vogelheim, Arborist, Tree Solutions Inc.

This class presents hazard tree assessment using the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) method in an abbreviated, practical format, with an emphasis on visual tree assessment and visual diagnostic tools. This training will help improve the working knowledge and hands-on experience to manage trees for risk. Arborists are welcome to attend this class, but we know that not everyone that needs to understand risk from trees has an arborist certification, and this class will be structured with that in mind.

Learning Objectives:

• Basic tree biology and physiology including the growth and structure of wood

• Common structural issues to keep an eye out for and understanding mitigation options

• Symptoms of stress and how it can be addressed

Presenter: Charlie Vogelheim, Arborist, Tree Solutions Inc.

Charlie is an ISA certified arborist and is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ). With over a decade of working with trees and in urban forested natural areas, he works as a consulting arborist at Tree Solutions Inc. in Seattle, where he regularly assesses trees for health, structure, and potential risk. Charlie has worked with dozens of municipalities around the Puget Sound region to help ensure their green infrastructure is healthy and safe. He is passionate about community forestry, which includes nurturing healthy urban forests, resident engagement, and accessible (and equitable) green spaces.

 CEU: 0.1

Lewis

Janelle Tarasewicz, Principal Consultant, Aperture EQ

Whether it’s facing reductions in staffing, dealing with increasingly challenging customer issues, the stress of home life, or facing the daily depressing headlines. In this training, we will debunk the myths of stress and burnout. While not all stress is “bad” it’s important to recognize that when we reach a certain point the overwhelming nature of occupational stressors can take a cognitive, physical, and organizational toll. By recognizing the warning signs of burnout, we can better alleviate the consequences of occupational stress and put measures in place to help avoid it in the first place. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the definition of occupational burnout and the factors that contribute to this
  type of organizational strain.

• Recognize the key components of the workplace environment that contribute to
  occupational burnout.

• Tips and tools for managing individual stress and burnout, as well as occupational and team
  pressures.

Presenter: Janelle Tarasewicz, Principal Consultant, Aperture EQ

Janelle Tarasewicz is the Principal Consultant of Aperture EQ, with over 20 years of experience helping public- and private-sector organizations improve individual and team performance. She designs and delivers training and coaching on topics like supervisory fundamentals, difficult conversations, performance management, and team conflict, along with executive coaching on employee relations and communication. Janelle is also a faculty member at Bellevue College, where she has taught psychology for over 15 years. She holds a Master's in Psychology from Pepperdine and a Bachelor's in Communication from USC, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education at USC. She is also a certified Harrison Assessments consultant and holds her SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications.

 CEU: 0.1

Mason

2:45 – 4:00 PM

Jenny Glass, Extension Coordinator, WSU Puyallup Plant & Insect Diagnostic Lab

Follow along with Jenny Glass, Diagnostician at the WSU Puyallup Plant and Insect Diagnostic Lab, as she recounts the ‘Ah, Ha!’ diagnostics moments in her career- especially where plant pathology and entomology meets the practical in the landscape.

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify attributes of the two main symptom patterns of distribution and timing that give clues as to whether a plant problem is likely to be biotic (pathogen/pest) in origin or abiotic (nonliving/stress)

• Identify preventative steps that can be taken to lessen risk of many plant diseases or pests.

• Demonstrate the role of research-based investigation and education in maintaining landscape health and beauty.

Presenter: Jenny Glass, Extension Coordinator, WSU Puyallup Plant & Insect Diagnostic Lab

Jenny Glass loves a good mystery, so it is fortunate that she has been employed providing plant problem diagnosis and insect identification at the WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center since 2000. She enjoys teaching classes and workshops that share the diagnostic decision-making knowledge she has learned by experience working with hundreds of samples each year. She works to help landscape managers and gardeners find solutions that are practical to the individual situation needs.

 CEU: 0.1

Chehalis A

Gordon Kunkle, Regional Trainer, SiteOne Landscape Supply

Both piping and wiring repairs will be discussed; ranging from laterals to mainlines, small pipe to large as well as conventional wiring and 2-wire systems. A few tricks of the trade and exposure to  new repair components will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain insights into various repair options available.

• Be able to weigh time vs. cost  in completing the repair. 

• Being efficient and thorough along with proper safety considerations. 

Presenter: Gordon Kunkle, Regional Trainer, SiteOne Landscape Supply

Irrigation certifications in Design, Auditing, Contractor and Water Manager with the Irrigation Association. Past Water Manager for Portland Parks and Rec. Past Pacific Northwest and Western Canada Regional Sales Manager. Part Time Faculty member at Clackamas Community College located in Oregon City, Oregon. Member of ORPA and board member with the MACS Section.

 CEU: 0.1

Chehalis B

Charlie Vogelheim, Arborist, Tree Solutions Inc.

Learn from an International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualified arborist about the factors arborists consider when determining the level of risk a tree may present. This session intends to help tree risk managers understand the language a tree risk assessor uses and what a tree risk assessment actually says about a tree and its relationship to potential targets.

Note: This is a companion session to the Visual Tree Assessment session, but attending that is not required to attend this session.

Learning Objectives:

• The concept of risk, and the definitions and responsibilities of a risk manager

• What an arborist considers when evaluating a tree for potential risk

• How to communicate with an arborist and the public about risk factors regarding trees

Presenter: Charlie Vogelheim, Arborist, Tree Solutions Inc.

Charlie is an ISA certified arborist and is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ). With over a decade of working with trees and in urban forested natural areas, he works as a consulting arborist at Tree Solutions Inc. in Seattle, where he regularly assesses trees for health, structure, and potential risk. Charlie has worked with dozens of municipalities around the Puget Sound region to help ensure their green infrastructure is healthy and safe. He is passionate about community forestry, which includes nurturing healthy urban forests, resident engagement, and accessible (and equitable) green spaces.

 CEU: 0.1

Lewis

Janelle Tarasewicz, Principal Consultant, Aperture EQ

We've all been there before - a conversation needs to occur but we keep pushing it off because we're dreading the discussion. These conversations are difficult because they are awkward; but with the right approach they become manageable. With training and practice, supervisors and employees can hone their communication techniques and use these crucial skills to navigate the challenging process of having a difficult conversation.

Learning Objectives: 

• The science behind how our brain and bodies react to stress, including how our communication processes are impacted.
• Understanding how defensiveness surfaces and learning techniques to decrease your own defenses, as well as mitigate defensiveness in others.
• Communication techniques to help you modify your communication style based on the audience and the situation.
• Coaching and feedback outlines that help guide supervisors through the process of a difficult conversation, including helpful tips and scripts.

Presenter: Janelle Tarasewicz, Principal Consultant, Aperture EQ

Janelle Tarasewicz is the Principal Consultant of Aperture EQ, with over 20 years of experience helping public- and private-sector organizations improve individual and team performance. She designs and delivers training and coaching on topics like supervisory fundamentals, difficult conversations, performance management, and team conflict, along with executive coaching on employee relations and communication. Janelle is also a faculty member at Bellevue College, where she has taught psychology for over 15 years. She holds a Master's in Psychology from Pepperdine and a Bachelor's in Communication from USC, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education at USC. She is also a certified Harrison Assessments consultant and holds her SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications.

 CEU: 0.1

Mason