A Message from Ed Bronsdon, Executive Director, Outdoors for All Foundation
In a world turned upside down by the pandemic, many people are struggling to connect with others, get exercise, and find ways to increase their mental and physical fitness. The Outdoors for All Foundation is a Seattle Seahawks Spirit of 12 program charity that continues to help people with disabilities to adapt and enrich their lives despite the pandemic.
The Eastern Washington University RCLS Programs (Outdoor Recreation Leadership, Recreation and Tourism Management, and Therapeutic Recreation) are on a list of proposed programs to be cut at the end of this academic year. The University is facing historic budget cuts as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
The EWU Division of Academic Affairs has been asked to cut $16 million dollars from a $55 million dollar budget. As a result, a good number of campus programs are under consideration for discontinuance. The university has already begun the review process that will extend through most of this academic year and expects to make final decisions by June of 2021.
The celebration kicks off in TWO WEEKS. We are excited to celebrate with WRPA members again this year.
As with all events and activities happening in 2020, WWRC is doing a few things differently this year. In the past we have held an annual breakfast fundraising event which featured amazing speakers, inspiring award winners and statewide trail updates. WRPA has always had a big presence at this event so we will want to get the word out so WRPA members can still participate in whatever way works best. This year, from Monday, Sept 21 – Saturday, Sept 26, WRPA members can check the WWRC website here to watch daily videos and meet some amazing individuals dedicated to preserving Washington’s open space areas. Also, instead of breakfast – a live interactive “happy hour” will be held - and you know that WRPA members love a happy hour! The Virtual Happy Hour will be held Wednesday, September 23, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Online via Zoom (register in advance to receive access link)
The WRPA Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB) Committee was formed to support WRPA’s capacity to uphold equity as a core value and support the work change agents throughout the professional community. It builds on the legacy of WRPA’s Cultural Competency Committee formed 20 years ago.
It has always been the right time for this work.
A Message from Maryke Burgess, WRPA Sponsorship Co-Chair
Have you found yourself laid off, furloughed, or with reduced hours during this pandemic? Being a member of the WRPA is more important than ever.
A Message from Paul Simmons, WRPA President
Dear WRPA Members and Supporters,
Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals (SORP) has opened its next round of the Christopher K. Jarvi Scholarship to Advance Partnerships. This scholarship fund was created to help dedicated professionals explore ways to integrate more partnerships into their work to benefit and bring value to parks, public lands, and the communities that host them. The scholarships are meant for professionals focused on enhancing recreational assets or programs and should be focused on training that can enhance the partnership potential of the individual.
Chris Jarvi was active in leadership with prominent organizations working to support recreation and parks professionals. At his request, this scholarship was created to encourage parks and recreation professionals to continue to explore how partnering efforts can help them to achieve parks, recreation, and community goals. Scholarships range from $500-$1,500 and may be used over the 18 months following the award. Based upon the current COVID-19 situation, SORP recommends a primary focus for this round on:
On behalf of the WRPA Board of Directors, we are deeply saddened to have learned of the sudden and unexpected passing of Key Pen Parks Executive Director and long-time WRPA member Scott Gallacher. Scott was an active member of our association who regularly attended regional meetings, legislative events, and state conferences. He will be greatly missed both within the Key Pen Parks community and throughout our state.
A message from his organization related to this sad news is posted on the Key Pen Parks website. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott's family during this very difficult time.
Hiking and Other Outdoor Activities Restart COVID-19 Requesremts and Recommendations.This week an amendment was made to Proclamation 20-25.2. Read the full proclamation from Governor Jay Inslee and view the quick guide banner.
I hope this email finds you healthy and well during this difficult time. We have heard from many of you about the extraordinary work you are doing on behalf of your community. We know that special park districts are in a difficult place with respect to the ability to receive funding while still facing the challenges that COVID-19 has brought.
NRPA has drafted a memo that will provide you additional information about the federal response along with a letter that we plan to send to federal leaders on behalf of special park districts. This letter asks for equitable treatment when funding is provided.
Connect with Your Industry Peers Online
April 20 - 24, 2020
Now more than ever is the time for the membership to connect, collaborate, and share resources. In order to bring the organization together, we are offering virtual WRPA Network meetings during the week that we otherwise would have had the conference, April 20 - 24, 2020.
A Message from the WRPA President
We know the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting you in a variety of ways, affecting your communities, your families, and your work. With that in mind, we simply wanted to reach out to let you know we are thinking of you. Your own health and wellbeing, and of those you love, should be your top concern right now.
A Message from the WRPA President
We know the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting you in a variety of ways, affecting your communities, your families, and your work. With that in mind, we simply wanted to reach out to let you know we are thinking of you. Your own health and wellbeing, and of those you love, should be your top concern right now.
We have received some inquiries from conference registrants and sponsors/exhibitors about how our plans are evolving in light of the emerging public health concerns posed by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). WRPA is closely monitoring updates from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the situation in communities where cases of the virus have been confirmed.
We are currently in the process of planning for a future date, however, nothing has yet been confirmed. At this time, our cancellation policy still stands (April 1, 2020, minus a $20 fee). WRPA will not be issuing refunds until a new date is set. For our vendor-partners, in particular, cancellations will be assessed on a case by case basis. We request all current attendees, speakers, and partners to stay tuned for additional communication before making the decision to cancel. Thank you for your support during this time.
Good Morning, Everyone!
Here is my usual Weekly Report and Weekly list of hearings – I’d note that on the Weekly Hearings list, with fiscal committees coming down the homestretch and public hearings reducing in numbers, all my recommendations for today (2/10) and tomorrow (2/11) are “MONITOR.”
The WPRA Student Connections Committee is dedicated to providing engaging professional development opportunities for students and young professionals who are looking to further gain insight into the exciting field of parks and recreation. One way we achieve this is through our mentoring program.
This program pairs distinguished professionals (our mentors) with a student or young professionals (our mentees) who can benefit from have a networking relationship with a current professional in the industry. If you’re interested in participating in this unique mentoring program for the 2020 campaign please fill out the simple form below no later than Feb 15th, 2020.
The WRPA Fitness/Athletic Networking Network gathered in Leavenworth, WA for a two-day retreat on November 14–15, 2019. They discussed various hot topics, pain points, and the latest trends in municipal fitness and athletics. There were 21 park professionals present and everyone had a great time learning and networking together. Chelan County PUD graciously provided the meeting location at no charge, just a couple blocks away from downtown Leavenworth. It was a wonderful time to be in Leavenworth, as the Christmas lights were up, but it was not crowded.
WRPA is excited to announce the 2020 Legislative priorities. Some of the initiatives include:
