About the Washington Recreation and Park Association (WRPA)
Who and What is WRPA?
The Washington Recreation & Park Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 first established in 1947 and consisting of roughly 3,500 members – mostly publicly-run parks and recreation agencies and employees but also includes private-sector members such as those involved in parks development and planning.
WRPA’s Mission
Facilitate connections, advocate for professionals and their agencies, and provide robust learning and skill advancement opportunities to equitably support recreation, culture, and park professionals.
WRPA's Vision
Members are empowered to become leaders in delivering equitable and exceptional parks, culture, and recreation services to their communities.
WRPA's Core Values & Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
WRPA is committed to providing members with equitable access to learning, advocacy, and networking opportunities that support members and help them thrive.
As WRPA strives to eliminate barriers to participation, we continue to welcome varying perspectives and appreciate all levels of engagement. No matter where you come from or what position you hold, there is a place for you at WRPA.
WRPA's Three Key Areas
Learning and Skills Advancement: WRPA provides relevant training, focuses on recruitment and retention efforts, disseminates information on the profession’s best practices, offers leadership development opportunities, and promotes the benefits of our profession. These initiatives empower our members and agencies to optimize opportunities and attract the most diverse individuals to join our profession.
Advocacy: WRPA advocates for the continuous improvement of the recreation and park profession and for our members and agencies across all levels of government – on a national scale in collaboration with NRPA, statewide, within local communities, and/or in direct engagement with local officials.
Connections: Through educational conferences, interactive peer-to-peer gatherings, networks, formal and informal meetings, and a variety of engaging platforms, WRPA fosters meaningful opportunities for our members to connect with one another and draw valuable insights from their collective experiences.
More Information About WRPA
Bylaws - Updated October 2018
History
National Recreation and Park Association
|
