WRPA Newsletter

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 12, 2025, as Mercer Island’s largest one-day event returns stronger than ever and focused on reuniting our community!

Start your day with the parade at 10:00 AM along 78th Ave SE, then head to Mercerdale Park in the afternoon for family-friendly fun, live music, food vendors, and more. The celebration continues into the evening at Luther Burbank Park, ending with a spectacular fireworks show.

Join us for a full day of community, entertainment, and summer memories!

July is Park and Recreation Month, and the City of Auburn’s Parks, Arts & Recreation Department is making it easy (and fun!) to get outside and celebrate!

They’ve put together a jam-packed calendar of free recreational activities happening all month long. From outdoor adventures to family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss out! Check out the July events calendar above and start planning your summer fun!

Chelsea Kapica, Park Operations Lead Ranger with Snohomish County Parks, brings over a decade of experience and a passion for mentorship and public service. She leads operations across a vast region, trains rangers in vital field skills, and is deeply committed to creating welcoming, well-maintained spaces for the community. Chelsea’s dedication to both the land and her team makes her a standout in parks and recreation.

Find Your WRPA Network
Connect with professionals who do the same work you do. WRPA Networks offer a space to collaborate, share ideas, and build lasting connections. Join a network to stay inspired, informed, and supported in your career.

By joining a WRPA Network, you’ll gain:

• Meaningful Connections: Build relationships with peers who do the same work you do.

• Ongoing Support: Tap into the knowledge and experience of fellow professionals through regular meetings and online discussions.

• Renewed Passion: Surround yourself with others who inspire, motivate, and help you grow in your career.

Network Events
Check the WRPA Event Calendar for upcoming gatherings. Hosting an event? Submit final event details and budget at least two months in advance using the Event + Budget Form. Note: All events are subject to a project fee.

Stay Connected with Network E-Lists 
Each WRPA Network has an e-list, a group email tool for members to share updates, ask questions, and collaborate easily. No login required! View the step-by-step video below. 

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom in the United States, honoring the day when the last enslaved Black Americans were finally freed. Communities across Washington marked the federal holiday with commemorations and events.

The City of Auburn, Washington, held its Juneteenth celebration on June 22nd at Les Gove Park, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration, hosted by the city's Office of Equity, Engagement and Outreach, commemorated the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the end of slavery in the United States. The event aimed to promote community fellowship, support local small businesses, and provide educational opportunities about African American history and culture. 

In Tacoma, an estimated 20,000 people gathered at Stewart Heights Park for the state’s largest Juneteenth celebration, hosted by WayOut Kids. People from all walks of life came together to honor the strength, resilience, and liberation of Black Americans—while many also took the opportunity to learn more about the holiday's profound significance.

Snohomish County marked Juneteenth with community events celebrating African American culture, history, and resilience. Hosted in cities like Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Mountlake Terrace, the festivities featured live music, food, educational activities, and art created by local students. Organized by groups like the NAACP Snohomish County and Sno-Isle Libraries, the events highlighted Black joy and unity while honoring the end of slavery. Juneteenth served as both a celebration and a call to reflect, learn, and continue the pursuit of equality.

• 2025 WRPA Awards Recipients
• WISC - Urban Forest Pest Summit
• Water Recreation Facilities Rule Revision - What’s Happening
• Special Discount to Attend NAYS + Athletic Business Show in San Diego

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!

Agency Members:

• Asotin County Public Facilities District
• Bellingham Parks and Recreation
• City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation
• City of Shelton
• Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services
• Lynnwood Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts
• Parks Tacoma
• Sammamish Parks & Recreation
• Snohomish County Parks & Recreation
• Si View Metro Park District
• Spokane Valley Parks & Recreation
• Vashon Park District
• Whitman County Parks & Recreation

Individual Members:

• Aberdeen Parks & Recreation
• City of Lynden Fleet and Family
• City of Pasco
• Readiness Programs (US Navy) 
• WCRP
• White River Community Activities Program
• YMCA of Snohomish County

Member Data from May - June 2025

VIP Partners

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Allplay Systems

Xplor Recreation