| Catch up on the latest news and happenings around the state. |
Spokane's Cannon Hill Park circa 1905-1913
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Originally called Adams Park, the 13-acre property was formerly owned by the grandson of President John Quincy Adams. A clay deposit and brickyard used to occupy the space, and the shallow depression left behind once the deposit was depleted eventually became a popular wading pond as it held water.
In their 1908 report to the Park Board, famed landscape architects the Olmsted Brothers recommended further developing the existing wading pool and adding a stone bridge to separate deeper and shallower areas.
The park was later renamed Cannon Hill Park after local real estate developer A.M. Cannon. The shallow end of the wading pool eventually dried up as it began leaking water, leaving the pond you see today.
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This image was taken of the first Girls Basketball Team at Seattle High School. Several of the girls pictured here also played basketball while attending the University of Washington, including Inez (Calhoun) Shaffer (1882-1969), who is kneeling in the center row, the girl farthest on the right.
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1st Seattle Girls Basketball Team–1900
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For some, this time of year sparks nostalgia and excitement, as high schools and college programs strive to win it all. Many people around the state are driving many miles to see their favorites play basketball. It's called "March Madness" for a reason! Read about the first Seattle High School girls basketball team that started as early as 1900.
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Spotlight Professional: DJ Mackie
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City of Pullman - Recreation Supervisor for Pullman Parks and Recreation
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DJ Mackie is the Recreation Supervisor for Pullman Parks and Recreation. One of his main task includes overseeing all of the different sport programs and recreation facility rentals for the City of Pullman. Before joining the Parks and Recreation team, he worked for Washington State University with University Recreation department.
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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 to our Communications Committee chair, Carl Strong at [email protected] ifyou would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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Many of us like to think of ourselves as innovators, or as being creative in our day-to-day jobs. However, that is not always the case. While I do believe everyone can have those attributes, sometimes it takes effort and focus to make innovation and creativity a part of your own repertoire in the business world or a part of your organization’s culture.
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National Day of Racial Healing
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Have you heard about the National Day of Racial Healing?
This annual event hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation was created with and builds on the work and learnings of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) community partners.
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Communities of Opportunity Human Resources and Equity Toolkit
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Racial equity, as a value, is central to the community work that is happening today. Because equity is a common value for many organizations, this toolkit provides tools and resources on how to embed equity into your employment policies.
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City of Seattle Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI)
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Analysis, data, and community stories about racial equity topics like youth wellbeing and food insecurity. Use this research to plan and evaluate your projects.
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Legislative Day Was a Success
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WRPA along with Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition hosted the annual virtual Legislative Day that took place on February 1. The return of the in-person reception at the Governor’s Mansion took place on February 2 where attendees had the opportunity to network with partners of the WWRC/WRPA and legislators.
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Facilities Network Highlight
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The WRPA Facilities/Rentals/Marketing Network provides opportunities for Facilities & Rentals professionals to network, share ideas, and participate in development related to our industry. This WRPA Network hosts a collection of meetings. Check the WRPA Event Calendar to look for upcoming Network events. Take a look at the photo of the Lake Wilderness Lodge on the left and read more about the history of this beautiful location.
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Watch: New Venue in Town - The Podium
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Featured in the image to the left is Spokane's newest sports facility, The Podium. It has received national recognition as the best new sports venue in the country by SportsTravel Magazine. The Podium is adjacent to the location hosting the WRPA Conference's Tuesday Night Social.
Watch this video to learn about the building process and the impact that it's had in the city of Spokane.
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Announcements & Highlights
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2023–2024 Board Nominations
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Calling all WRPA members to submit a nomination for the 2023–2024 Board of Directors. Learn more about WRPA's election process by reviewing the WRPA Bylaws, then submit a nomination for yourself or for a colleague! Missed the WRPA Board: Virtual Open House? View the recording here.
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Mickey Corso Professional Leadership Grant
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Only a few days left to submit your application for the Mickey Corso Leadership Grant. You don't need to be a WRPA member to apply.
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What better way to prepare for the WRPA 2023 Conference than by purchasing your very own WRPA swag to wear during the conference. You can now buy shirts, crewnecks, hoodies, hats, and much more. For a limited time, WRPA Merch Store is having a promotion up until March 17.
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Sign Your Team Up for the WRPA 2023 Annual Conference! This year's WRPA Conference will be taking place May 16–19! Early bird registration is now open and there are great deals for Agency Members!
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2023 Partnership Opportunities
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Want to stay up-to-date and maybe become a top fan? Follow WRPA on social media!
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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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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.
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Thank You Renewing Members
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Agency Members:
- Aardvark Bark Blowing and Landscape Services, LLC
- Burlington Parks & Recreation
- City of Port Townsend
- City of Bonney Lake
- City of Wenatchee Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
- Colfax Parks & Recreation
- City of Poulsbo Parks & Recreation Dept
- City of Quincy
- Ephrata Parks & Recreation
- Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center
- Lacey Parks & Recreation
- Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf
- Marysville Parks & Recreation
- Shore Metropolitan Park District
- Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
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Individual Members:
- Berger Partnership, P.S.
- City of Prosser
- City of Orting
- City of SeaTac
- City of Sequim
- Highwire
- Left Coast Recreation
- Port Angeles Parks & Recreation
- Pullman Parks and Recreation
- Schemata Workshop, Inc.
- Sybertech Waste Reduction Ltd
- Skagit County Parks & Recreation
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Member Data from January –February
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