In this Issue...
Photo of the Month — Share Your Photos Too!
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Fog on the Pond
Thank you, D'Juan Brown, from the City of Seattle for this amazing morning photo of Magnuson Park.
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 photos via email [email protected].
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How Do You Recreate?
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Let's Get Our Camp On
Thank you, Mike & Rachel Baker from Olympia Parks, Art & Recreation for sharing this photo of your time at Camp Muir.
Want to let others know how you are staying happy, healthy, or fit during COVID-19? Submit “How Do You Recreate” photos to [email protected]. |
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Spotlight Professional: Andre Drummer
Program Specialist with Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
Andre Drummer has been with the Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department for 21 years. He was originally hired as a temporary Recreation Specialist where he supported after-school programs and sports programs.
Andre is passionate about working in parks and recreation because it gives him the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of peoples’ lives. Read more about Andre in the full spotlight.
"I learned early in my career that opportunities come in many different forms. Be open to learning and accepting new challenges, even if those moments seem small at the time. Every opportunity to learn will prepare you for the bigger moments and milestones in your career. "
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2020 Success Stories From Members Like You
Thank you to all of the members who submitted stories!
WRPA is excited to continue celebrating all of the park and recreation wins we have experienced in 2020. Below are a few of the stories submitted by members and supporters to celebrate their successes this year. And—if you haven't had a chance—be sure to check out our blog post recapping 2020 industry wins.
Outdoors for All - Bikes to You
From Ed Bronsdon, Executive Director, Outdoors for All Foundation
Burien Channel 21: A Successful New Program Delivery
From the City of Burien
Kirkland’s Treasured Past: Scavenger Hunt for Fun!
From the City of Kirkland
City of Olympia - Working Hard Through the Pandemic: Adapting & Evolving on the Fly
Testimonials from the City of Olympia's Community Members
  
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2021 Annual Conference & Tradeshow
Speaker RFP Open Now, Submit a Proposal!
WRPA is seeking speakers for our 2021 Annual Conference & Tradeshow, April 28–30, 2021! Our goal is 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.
The deadline for submissions is January 6, 2021!
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2021 Award Nominations Now Open
Submit One of Your Professional Success Stories Today!
WRPA wants to continue honoring Washington's exceptional people, parks, and programs. 2020 has presented so many challenges, but park and recreation professionals have really put their best foot forward to help make this year a little bit better. So, let's take the time to celebrate all of that hard work.
The WRPA Awards Program honors individuals and organizations for their contributions to the field of recreation and parks. We have a variety of awards to help you gain recognition and this year we have made the nominations process much easier.
WRPA hands out more than 20 different awards every year in these three categories:
Learn more about the requirements for nominating yourself, a colleague, or your agency to earn one of these coveted recreation and park awards.
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NRPA Parks & Recreation Magazine Highlight
"Top Trends in Parks and Recreation 2021"
December 17, 2020, Feature, by Richard J. Dolesh
All Those Changes Caused by the Pandemic? They Are Here to Stay
COVID-19 has affected nearly everything we do in parks and recreation, and the effects will reverberate for a long time after we have defeated the virus. Changes to work programs, such as working remotely as a standard practice; participating in virtual learning, training, and meetings; and contactless transactions will continue post-pandemic. In addition, many societal, economic, and transportation system changes likely are here to stay as well, says David Rouse, an urban planning expert, and former research director for the American Planning Association. These include disruptive effects from changing economic conditions, increasing social inequality from the digital divide, diminished use of mass transit systems; changing land-use patterns, and the decline of brick-and-mortar businesses. “On the positive side, I think that the renewed interest in parks, trails, and walkable environments will remain strong,” says Rouse.
Read the full NRPA article to learn more.
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Parks and Great Outdoors Legislative Day – February 4, 2021
Virtual Advocacy for the Recreation & Park Industry?
Join the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition and the Washington Recreation & Park Association on February 4, 2021, at our annual Parks and Great Outdoors Legislative Day.
Speak up and participate in democracy from the comfort of your home. Help us advocate for our state's premier outdoors fund, and tell your legislators why Washington's parks, wildlife habitat areas, and working lands are so important!
Learn more on the WRPA website and reach out via email to [email protected] with any questions.
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CPSI Blended Courses
Now Is the Perfect Time to Earn Your Certification!
Spring CPSI Course | Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Have you or your agency put off the Certified Playground Saftey Inspector (CPSI) Course? In 2020, NRPA announced a new offering for this certification, a CPSI Blended Course, providing professionals with the opportunity to learn online and take their CPSI exam locally.
With some of the CPSI course moving online it is now easier and much less expensive to earn your certificate. Consider joining the list of certified professionals by signing up 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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WRPA Blog Highlights: Read the Latest
The Results Are In!
Congrats Parks & Recreation Professionals
WRPA 2021 Conference: We Need Your Opinion!
Support Eastern Washington University Parks & Recreation Programs!
2020 WRPA Virtual Fall Summit Wrap Up
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Thank You to Our Renewing Members!
- Bruce Dees, Bruce Dees & Associates, LLC
- Justin Jorgensen, R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co./Pilot Rock
- Guy Michaelsen, Berger Partnership, P.S.
- Sally Brawley, Eastmont Metro Parks & Recreation
- Patrick Burke, South Kitsap School District
- Jodi Hoctor, Ellensburg Parks & Recreation
- Steve Janiszewski, City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation
- Jackson Lee, Kitsap County Parks
- Dale Schneewind, South Kitsap School District
- Tumwater Parks & Recreation
- Whitman County Parks & Recreation
- Shore Metropolitan Park District
- Samena Club
- City of Quincy
- Kenmore Parks & Recreation
- Vashon Park District
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Welcome New Members!
- There are no new members this month. If you aren't yet a WRPA member consider joining today and you will see your name here in February 2021.
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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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