If You Say Run, I'll Run with You

The new year started off very successful with close to 100 attendees for Risk Management School.  Thank you City of Seattle and Rainier Beach Community Center staff for being incredible hosts.  WRPA would also like to thank the RMS planning committee members, Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA), and specifically Patti Crane and Robin Aronson from WCIA for all the energy and efforts that were put into this fantastic training.  We look forward to reviewing attendee feedback and beginning the planning process for the next Risk Management School which is likely to be held in early 2018. 

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

The Ranger Roundtable strongly revealed the need and interest in collaboration and resource sharing with park ranger programs and service providers around our state.  Many of the 35 attendees communicated that there are several more municipalities who also expressed collaboration but could not attend.  A survey will be going out to help guide the next steps.  We are looking for professionals to help lead this network group.  To become involved or for more information, contact Lori Cummings. 

Oh No, Not Me

YES, YOU!  Ready to make valuable, lasting connections with other recreation and park professionals?  Looking for fresh, eye-opening ideas to bring back to your team?  Only three months to go until our Annual Conference & Trade Show.


This year's schedule is sure to provide the inspiration, connections, and know-how you need to do your best work in your community.  Keynote speakers include:

• Coach Colleen Hacker
  
• Ben Klasky

Educational sessions cover a wide range of relevant topics, including:

• Synthetic Turf
• Mentor Leadership

  2016 Conference Sponsor

• Youth Programs
• Web Writing

...and more!  View a the complete schedule. 

Register Now! 

Under Pressure

Five Reasons to Become a Certified Professional

1. Greater career opportunities and advancement
2. Demonstration of your commitment to the recreation and park profession
3. Enhanced quality of recreation and park services nationwide
4. Recognition for your accomplishments and ability to meet national standards
5. Expansion of your skills and knowledge through continuing professional development:
   - Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification 
   - Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
   - Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE)

Cha-Ching!  Apply Now for the Mickey Corso Professional Leadership Scholarship

Don't miss this great scholarship opportunity!  Presented annually at the WRPA Awards Banquet, during the annual conference in May.  Recipients may apply their award towards their desired continuing education pursuit in the field of park and recreation. The scholarship may be used for post-graduate training such as NRPA schools, graduate courses or other areas relating to park and recreation leadership.  Deadline to apply is March 15.  Qualifications and applications available today. 

Apply Now!

Members on the Move 

Bekah Bennett was appointed Recreation Program Manager in December of 2015. Prior to her current position, Bekah served as Aquatics Program Coordinator for Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center in Downers Grove, Illinois. She also served as Assistant Fitness Director at Gonzaga University in Spokane, and has held aquatics positions in the cities of Spokane, Bellevue and Pullman.

Bekah is passionate about recreation and wellness, which led her to complete her Bachelor of Science Degree.

WRPA Needs You to Select Your Network!

Why select a network? By selecting your network(s), you will ensure that pertinent information and trainings that apply to your job and your interests will be sent to you. So help us help you by logging in to your WRPA member profile, and selecting a network today!

Select 1 or more networks based on your job responsibilities:

• Administrative
• Aquatics
• Athletics
• Board & Commissions
• Commercial
• Facility
• Park Resources
• Programming
• Technology

We're here to help!  Please contact the WRPA Office with any questions you may have about logging in to your profile or choosing a network.

In the News:

• 13 Reasons Why Every Career-Driven Millennial Should Work at Camp for A Summer
• Start you Day Networking and Learning with you Fellow Industry Professionals at Recreation Northwest Expo
• Have You Ever Wondered What Happens to Old Tennis Balls?  Try Something New and Start A Successful Recycling Prgram in your Community Today! 
• Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Needs Volunteers to Evaluate Grants for Parks, Trails, and Wildlife

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!

Recent Job Postings

• Summer Day Camp Counselor, City of Puyallup
• Summer Day Camp Assistant Director, City of Puyallup
• Graphic Design & Production Specialist, Metro Parks Tacoma
• Park Ranger, Metro Parks Tacoma
• Northwest Trek Maintenance Tech., Metro Parks Tacoma
• Animal Keeper - Northwest Trek, Metro Parks Tacoma
• Maintenance Laborer, Metro Parks Tacoma

Visit the WRPA Career Center

Why We Need You!

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 about opportunities that have recently become available!

ANNUAL PLATINUM SPONSOR

Washington Recreation and Park Association
[email protected] | 206-361-8869 | www.wrpatoday.org