| All things WRPA! |
Newsletter Delivery Issue
We experienced a technical issue last week that prevented the newsletter from reaching our full distribution list. Our apologies if you’ve already received this email. Thank you for your understanding.
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We’ve received some great photos showcasing exciting events that happened throughout the last couple of months across Washington. Check them out below!
Share your favorite photo that captures the spirit of parks, recreation, or community in Washington for a chance to be featured in the next newsletter and showcased to the WRPA community.
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Disc Golf Upgrade | City of Carnation
The City of Carnation recently refurbished the disc golf course at Nick Loutsis Park (32401 Entwistle St, Carnation, WA 98014), adding new tee pads and signage to improve the player experience. Located along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, the park also offers six acres of open space.
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Poulsbo Youth Partnership | City of Poulsbo
The City of Poulsbo has proudly partnered with the WA Youth ChalleNGe Academy for several years, building a strong and successful collaboration. Check out this photo.
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Tunes at Tapps
On summer Wednesday evenings, the Bonney Lake community comes together at Allan Yorke Park on the shores of Lake Tapps for Tunes at Tapps, a popular concert series that draws about 2,000 attendees each week
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State Games Spirit | Pierce County Park
At the 2025 Special Olympics State Winter Games in Wenatchee, Pierce County Parks athletes proudly took part in the cheerleading competition, bringing energy, spirit, and excitement to the event.
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Firstenburg Turns 20 | City of Vancouver
Firstenburg Community Center celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a lively event featuring line dancing in the lobby led by the 50 and Better Line Dance Group, hosted by the City of Vancouver.
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Spotlight Professional Call Out
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Share Your Story: WRPA is looking to spotlight members with different backgrounds, experiences, and work histories. Please complete this form and send it [email protected] ifyou would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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Find Your WRPA Network
Connect with professionals who do the same work you do. WRPA Networks offer a space to collaborate, share ideas, and build lasting connections. Join a network to stay inspired, informed, and supported in your career.
By joining a WRPA Network, you’ll gain:
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Meaningful Connections: Build relationships with peers who do the same work you do.
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Ongoing Support: Tap into the knowledge and experience of fellow professionals through regular meetings and online discussions.
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Renewed Passion: Surround yourself with others who inspire, motivate, and help you grow in your career.
Stay Connected with Network E-Lists
Each WRPA Network has an e-list, a group email tool for members to share updates, ask questions, and collaborate easily. No login required! View the step-by-step video below.
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Announcements & Highlights
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2026 WRPA Conference and Tradeshow
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Share your conference feedback.
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WRPA is excited to launch a new logo and refreshed website as part of our rebrand! The site is live but still being fine-tuned, so you may notice a few minor quirks as we wrap things up with our developer. We’re almost there, and the fully finished site will be ready in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
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Share Summer Opportunities
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Help connect students with opportunities.
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Share your agency’s summer internships or seasonal roles with us, including position details and application instructions. Your input helps us connect students and emerging professionals to opportunities in the field.
Post your opening on our Job Board.
ADD YOUR POSITION
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Discover the Benefits of WRPA Membership
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WRPA offers year-round opportunities to learn, connect, and grow through:
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Access to industry resources, a job board, member directory, discounts, and awards programs
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Networking through regional groups and interest-based professional networks
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Training, including our Annual Conference, CPSI certification, Fall Training, and CEU-eligible workshops
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Advocacy with legislative updates, training, and representation in Olympia
Whether you're an emerging professional or a seasoned leader, WRPA has something for you.
LEARN MORE
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Be Featured in the Next Newsletter
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WRPA Wants to Feature You!
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We’re looking for content for our newsletter and social media, including:
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How Do You Recreate? – Share how you stay active! Whether it’s hiking, running, or simply enjoying your local park, send us a photo and a brief description of your favorite way to recreate.
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Spotlight Professional – We want to highlight members from all backgrounds and experiences. Interested in being featured? Complete this Word Doc form and email it to [email protected].
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Photo of the Month – Send us your best shot and we'll feature it on the Photo of the Month section.
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Email submissions to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in the newsletter and on social media!
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Follow WRPA on Facebook and Instagram to never miss an update!
- Follow us today and engage with our posts
- Share your thoughts and comments
- Tag us in your photos and stories
- Be the first to know WRPA news and updates
Be a part of our growing, vibrant online community!
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
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WRPA is a membership-driven organization. By sharing your energy and expertise, you can help make WRPA an even more effective professional resource.
Become a volunteer and help WRPA grow. Learn more about valuable opportunities today!
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Washington Deserves Healthy Parks
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WRPA Statewide Healthy Play Project
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WRPA, in partnership with GameTime, Great Western Recreation, and PlayCore, is launching the Washington Statewide Healthy Play Project to advance best practices in parks and recreation through innovative, evidence-based resources that support healthier communities.
This initiative includes statewide professional development workshops in Richland, Seattle, and Vancouver. Attendees will gain access to free CEUs, funding opportunities (including potential 100% matching assistance through GameTime), statewide outcomes data, and recognition at the 2027 WRPA Conference.
Participants will explore research-based strategies to increase physical activity, promote inclusion, enhance nature engagement, and improve overall community play value, all supported by hands-on learning, case studies, and actionable tools.
Lunch, CEUs, and resources are provided at no cost.
Locations & Dates:
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Unplug Illinois Day highlights the value of parks and recreation by encouraging communities across the state to set aside electronic devices and enjoy activities at local parks and recreation agencies.
More than just a break from screens, Unplug Illinois is a statewide public awareness campaign that showcases the benefits of parks and recreation while encouraging residents to reconnect with their communities, outdoor spaces, and each other.
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Alliance for Camp Health Safety Study
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Support emergency readiness efforts
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The Alliance for Camp Health, with support from Atmos Energy, has launched a national study on emergency preparedness in U.S. summer camps. This important initiative seeks participation from all camp types and sizes, including day and overnight camps, faith-based and university-based programs, Park and Recreation summer camps, and medical or special needs camps. You can find the participation link here.
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Thank You, Renewing Members!
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Individual Members:
- Anacortes Parks & Recreation
- AstroTurf
- CME Playgrounds
- City of Orting
- City of Lynden
- Eastern Washington University
- GDM
- Harper's Playground
- Hellas
- Jennings Equipment Inc.
- King County Parks
- Left Coast Recreation
- Musco Lighting
- PLACE Landscape Architecture
- Seatac Lighting & Controls
- SCJ Alliance
- Sybertech Waste Reduction Ltd
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Water Technology, Inc
- Whitman County Parks & Recreation
- Wildwood Playgrounds
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Member Data from March - April 2026
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