Catch up on the latest news and happenings around the state.

WRPAToday Newsletter

 

Photo of the Month

 Island Lake | Kitsap County

The photo captures the breathtaking beauty of Island Lake, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Kitsap County. As the viewer's eyes wander across the image, they are greeted by a scene of unparalleled tranquility and natural splendor.

The lake's crystal-clear waters stretch out like a shimmering mirror, reflecting the surrounding scenery with remarkable clarity. The sunlight dances on the surface, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow that adds a touch of enchantment to the scene. Shades of deep azure blend seamlessly with hints of emerald green, giving the water a serene and inviting quality.

Lush, verdant forests encircle the lake, their towering trees reaching towards the heavens. The forest canopy creates a natural frame, embracing the waters below and infusing the scene with a sense of seclusion and peace. The vibrant foliage, adorned with shades of vibrant greens and golden hues, adds a burst of color to the composition, making it a truly captivating sight.

On the lake's calm surface, a few small boats gently glide, leaving a subtle ripple in their wake. They create a sense of scale, emphasizing the immensity and serenity of the surroundings. Perhaps there are people on the boats, immersed in the beauty of their surroundings, cherishing moments of solitude or sharing laughter with loved ones.

The scene is complete with a backdrop of majestic mountains that rise in the distance. Their towering peaks are often dusted with a delicate layer of snow, even in the summer months, adding a touch of grandeur and reminding viewers of the rugged, untamed nature of the region.

As the viewer gazes upon this photograph, they can almost feel the cool breeze rustling through the trees and the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. It is a place where one can escape from the bustling world and immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of nature—a true sanctuary for the soul.

 

                                How Do You Recreate?

Play in the Parks 

From July 6 through August 10, Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation offered Play in the Parks, which is a free family activities and entertainment series that travels around Lacey, bringing opportunities to different parks. Dreamland Ponies Petting Zoo was our most popular date with beautiful, majestic fairytale animals including miniature goats, woolly goats, soft bunnies, fuzzy guinea pigs, fluffy chickens, a tiny mini horse, a tiny mini pig, a mini alpaca and more! Attendance was estimated just under 700 for the Petting Zoo.

 

Spotlight Professional: Chuck Cuzzetto

Kitsap County Parks - Public Relations and Communication Coordinator 

As the Public Relations and Communication Coordinator for the Parks Department, Chuck's role is to develop and implement communication, branding, and marketing strategies. He is responsible for creating plans for programs like special events, natural resources, and park operations. Chuck serves as the liaison between the County, the Department, community groups, partners, the public, governments, and other departments.

 

Share Your Story: WRPA is looking to spotlight members with different backgrounds, experiences, and work histories. Please complete this form and send it to our Communications Committee chair, Carl Strong, at [email protected] if you would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

 

Overcoming Barriers to Park Equity

Park equity is having its renaissance right now. I have been working toward equity for a while, and during the first 20 years of my career, I didn’t see a fraction of the movement toward racial equity in parks as I’ve seen since 2020. A lot of things happened that year: Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, protests, the impeachment trial, derechos, wildfires, murder hornets, locust swarms and more. 

Announcements & Highlights

Celebrate the Pacific Northwest at the
2023 NRPA Conference

                    October 11
 

Join the Washington Recreation & Park Association and Northwest Playground Equipment for a social on Wednesday, October 11, 2023,  from 6:30–9:30 PM at Floor 13 Rooftop Bar in the Courtyard By Marriott Dallas Downtown/Reunion District.

 

2023 Fall Training Event

                         November 2
 

Registration is still open for the 2023 WRPA Fall Training happening on Thursday, November 2. We are happy to be in-person at the Tukwila Community Center. Enhance your leadership potential by attending this event where you will learn new skills that you can immediately implement within your organization.

Learn More About Becoming a Speaker for WRPA 2024

 

Speaker proposals for the 2024 Annual Conference are now open. The Annual Conference will focus on bringing people together, so we are looking for presenters who are passionate about what they do and who want to inspire parks and recreation professionals.

LEARN MORE

Local Parks
Maintenance Grants

              Submit an Application 
                   by September 18 
 

RCO is pleased to announce the availability of final policies and application dates for the Local Parks Maintenance (LPM) program, which offers grants of up to $100,000 for deferred maintenance at local parks. The funding guidelines and supporting materials can be found on the LPM web page.

PREP University Speaker Pool

 

Become a part of the PREP University Speaker Pool today! The PREP University Speaker Pool consists of local parks and recreation professionals whose experience categorizes them as subject matter experts. 

WRPA Social Media

 

Want to stay up-to-date and maybe become a top fan? Follow WRPA on social media!

Volunteer Opportunities

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!

Join a WRPA Network

WRPA Networks are specialized groups that meet on a regular basis and communicate online. Joining a WRPA network gives you the opportunity to meet others in your specific field, like aquatics, maintenance, and programs.

Find your WRPA Network today.

Thank You Renewing Members

Agency Members:

  • City of Shelton 
  • Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
  • Sammamish Parks & Recreation
  • Shoreline Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
  • Redmond Parks & Recreation

Individual Members:

  • City of Pullman
  • Everett Parks & Recreation

Member Data from July –August

Thank You Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Northwest Playground Logo
 

Gold Sponsor

 

Silver Sponsor

Musco Lighting Logo

 

Washington Recreation & Park Association 

WRPA Web: www.wrpatoday.org

Phone: (206) 361-8869

Email: [email protected]