In this Issue...
Photo of the Month — Share Your Photos Too!
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No Place Like Gnome
Each week the City of Quincy’s Recreation Department hides a Gnome in a new area of town. An easy clue is given out through their Facebook page alerting residents where to find the Gnome. This is a socially distanced activity for everyone in the community. Once they find the Gnome, they are asked to snap a selfie (DO NOT TOUCH) and post it to their Facebook page. They collect all the names from the weekly submissions and then draw winners of small prizes for participating. The Gnome has been hidden throughout the summer and families have had a great time getting out of the house and looking for their hidden friend.
Do you have a must-see photo? WRPA would love to share your work from home photos and cool images taken at your parks and facilities. Submit your photos via email to [email protected]. |
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How Do You Recreate?
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Getting Socially Distant In Riverfront Spokane
Michelle Hannaford, Event Manager with the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation at Riverfront Spokane demonstrating proper social distancing techniques while on a break. Way to go Michelle for setting a great example!
Want to let others know how you are staying happy, healthy, or fit during COVID-19? Submit your “How Do You Recreate” photos to [email protected].
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Spotlight Professional: Shanyanika McElroy
Policy and Organizational Performance Analyst, City of Seattle Parks and Recreation
Shanyanika “Shan” McElroy has spent over 20 years working for the City of Seattle’s Parks and Recreation Department. She dedicates her passion and excitement for recreation to her time spent in the programs she was able to participate in as a youth. Shan has this to say to young professionals: "I encourage them to find the authentic and unique space from which they contribute. I encourage them to find that nexus between what they love, what brings them joy and what their community needs."
Learn more about Shan.
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NRPA Parks & Recreation Magazine Highlight
"Integrating Equity, Social Justice and Inclusion Practices"
August 20, 2020, by Arthur Hendricks
Park and recreation programs have played a historic role in our country’s struggle toward social equality and civil rights. At the turn of the 20th century, leaders, such as Jane Adams and others, were at the forefront of embracing the importance of the recreation and playground movement. The establishment of parks and recreation facilities in communities has had a significant impact on the health, vitality, and well-being of communities.
Read the full NRPA article to learn more.
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WRPA Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee
Q&A with Chair Shanyanika McElroy
WRPA has launched a new committee in support of our commitment to Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (EIB). The EIB committee was formed in recognition that many public service institutions were created during a time when societal norms privileged and included some groups, while they disadvantaged and excluded others, creating inequities. The founding policies, practices, culture, behaviors, and beliefs our institutions formed day-to-day barriers for equity-seeking communities which have compounded over time. The legacy of these barriers is sustained, in our current time, through unconscious, unrecognized practice of doing things as they have always been done.
Read more about the Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee.
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Washington State-Wide Survey
We Need Your Support in Collecting Data for All of Washington State!
The focus of the survey is to gather data on service demand and operational challenges, both preceding and as a result of COVID-19. Since all agencies are different, the goal is not to compare or benchmark between agencies. The intent is to see the degree of change between increasing demand and declining resources that all park and recreation agencies have experienced. Please carefully review the instructions below before you begin the survey.
For this survey, consider your entire park system, including all operations (non-capital) budgets that are managed by your department/agency. This includes your parks, recreation facilities and programs, enterprise funds, and any unique attractions and services. We strongly encourage you to review the survey questions before you begin. If necessary, have various personnel review and contribute to the PDF. This will enable you to compile the information necessary to complete the survey in one sitting.
Please direct any questions, comments, or concerns to WRPA Legislative Chair Roxanne Miles (by work email or phone: 253.798.4007) or intergovernmental relations lobbyist Doug Levy (by work email or phone: 425.922.3999).
This project is a collaboration between the Washington Recreation & Park Association, the Washington State Association of Counties, the Association of Washington Cities, and Metro Parks Tacoma.
Begin the Survey
Please submit your response by close of business Friday, September 18, 2020
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Risk Management Workshop Series Wrap-up
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2020 Virtual Fall Summit
Wednesday, October 14 & Thursday, October 15
Just like many other professional development events, Fall Summit is going virtual! Traditionally, Fall Summit is held as a one-day event in Lynnwood, WA. However, this year we will be breaking it up over two half-day virtual events, Wednesday, October 14, 2020 & Thursday, October 15, 2020.
This new online format provides even more opportunities for attendees. We hope this year we can expand to even more park and recreational professionals with helpful training and networking possibles.
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2021 Annual Conference & Tradeshow
Speaker RFP Open Now, Submit a Proposal by September 18!
WRPA is seeking speakers for our 2021 Annual Conference & Tradeshow, April 28–30, 2021 in Spokane! Our goal to fulfill the educational needs of our diverse audience by providing a selection of relevant topics addressed by professional presenters. WRPA event attendees represent a broad spectrum of the recreation and parks industry. Participants are industry professionals from entry-level employees to executive-level personnel.
If you are interested in speaking at the conference or know someone who might be, please review the guidelines and submit a proposal today.
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2020 Virtual Aquatics Network Conference
September 28 & 29, 2020
As we navigate the current pandemic, the 2020 Aquatics Conference could not be more relevant. Join us for a two-day virtual event to learn, network, and grow as we navigate the ever-changing atmosphere.
This virtual format makes it easier than ever for Aquatic Professionals in the Greater Northwest area (B.C., WA, OR, ID) to come together for focused training on the issues they all share. Check out the schedule and register today.
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WRPA Today App
Have You Downloaded it Yet?
WRPA is dedicated to providing you with access to the latest news and park and recreation information. The WRPA Today app brings the power of membership to your mobile device!
- Read up on the latest news
- Browse upcoming events
- Connect with recreation and park professionals
- Keep up to date on the latest by turning on your notifications.
- And More!
Never feel disconnected from WRPA again while on the go with the WRPA Today membership app.
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"At Northwest Playground Equipment our mantra is ‘Building Community through Play’. A strong community requires great connection and communication to inspire engagement and collaboration. We are excited to be able to continue our 24-year tradition of partnering with WRPA in helping to bring its members a NEW Membership app that should help to strengthen our great community today and into the future."
- Northwest Playground Equipment
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WRPA Blog Highlights: Read the Latest
WA State-Wide Survey
“Hot-Off-The-Press” Good News From the Recreation & Conservation Funding Board (RCFB)
New Outdoor Recreation Sector Economic Analysis and Capital funding
Passing in the US House Thursday, July 23, 2020 of the Great American Outdoors Act
Update from Gov. Jay Inslee's July 23rd Press Conference
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Thank You to Our Renewing Members!
- Brent Kubalek, Recreation Services Manager, City of Pasco
- Chris Petersen, Landscape Architect | Studio Director, Blueline
- Ed Bronsdon, Executive Director, Outdoors For All Foundation
- Emily Wheeler, Principal, ARC Architects
- Kurt Dahmen, Recreation Manager, City of Pullman Parks & Recreation
- Megan Vining, Recreation Supervisor, Pullman Parks and Recreation
- Stacie Barnum, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director, Aberdeen Parks & Recreation
- Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District
- Burien Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
- Covington Parks & Recreation
- Kirkland Parks & Community Services
- Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation
- Redmond Parks & Recreation
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Welcome New Members!
- Anthony Johnson, Recreation Specialist, Pasco Parks & Recreation
- Ashley Martin, Administrative Assistant, Gonzaga University
- Chase Galvin, Lifeguard Coordinator, Sequim YMCA
- Jeromie Holmes
- Nolan Harper, Lead Recreation Specialist, Pasco Parks & Recreation
- Patricia Martin, Recreation Specialist, Pasco Parks & Recreation
- Vince Guerrero, Senior Center Recreation Specialist, Pasco Parks & Recreation
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We Want Your News!
 Do you have news to share with your WRPA colleagues? Send any updates, photos, happenings, and socials to WRPA, so that we can feature your article in the next WRPAToday e-newsletter!
Send Us Your News Now!
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Recent Job Postings
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WRPA Volunteer Opportunities
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Thank You, 2020 Sponsors!
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WRPA is membership-driven. We achieve only what we ourselves commit to doing. By sharing your energy and expertise, you will make WRPA an even more effective professional resource.
In fact, without you, we would not be able to offer any programs! Consider volunteering and helping our organization grow. Learn more about opportunities that have recently become available!
Join a WRPA Network
- Administrative
- Aquatics
- Athletics & Fitness
- Climate Change
- Park Resources
- Park Rangers
- Facilities/Rentals/Marketing
- Programmers
- Event Management Software (EMS)
- Student Connection Committee
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Annual Platinum Sponsor
Annual Gold Sponsor
Annual Silver Sponsors
Affinity Partner Sponsors
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