| All things WRPA! |
Bi-Monthly WRPA Newsletter
June 2026
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Photographer: Gil Camacho
Organization: Kitsap County Parks
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While out in the parks, Gil from our Maintenance & Operations team happened to glance up and spot this curious raccoon keeping watch from high above. The furry visitor lingered just long enough for a quick photo before disappearing back into the trees.
Moments like these are a wonderful reminder that no two days in our parks are ever the same. From unexpected wildlife encounters to the natural beauty that surrounds us, there is always something new to discover in Kitsap County Parks.
Thank you for the opportunity to share a glimpse of the beauty and wildlife that make our parks so special with the WRPA community.
Have a photo to share for this section? Submit it here!
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Recreation Through Adventure and Family Time
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Recently, David and his family had the opportunity to unwind in a pretty magical way by cruising aboard Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny. It was a great chance for them to disconnect from the daily routine and spend intentional time together.
One of the highlights of the trip was their stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Instead of just relaxing on the beach (which was tempting!), they decided to explore the island by bicycle. Riding along the palm-lined paths, feeling the ocean breeze, and discovering different parts of the island together was the perfect mix of recreation and family adventure.
For David, unwinding is all about being active, enjoying the outdoors, and most importantly, spending quality time with family. Whether it’s biking on a tropical island or simply exploring somewhere new together, that’s his favorite way to recharge.
Have a photo to share for this section? Submit it here!
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Spotlight Professional Call Out
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Share Your Story: WRPA is looking to spotlight members with different backgrounds, experiences, and work histories. Please download and complete this form and send it to [email protected] ifyou would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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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:
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Meaningful Connections: Build relationships with peers who do the same work you do.
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Ongoing Support: Tap into the knowledge and experience of fellow professionals through regular meetings and online discussions.
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Renewed Passion: Surround yourself with others who inspire, motivate, and help you grow in your career.
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.
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Announcements & Highlights
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The nationally recognized Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) course is a comprehensive training in playground safety and risk management, covering hazard identification, risk management tools, legal considerations, and testing methods for entrapment, protrusions, and entanglements.
Location:
North Kirkland Community Center
12421 103rd Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98034
Dates & Times:
- Wed., September 9: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thurs., September 10: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Fri., September 11: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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Help Shape a New Accessibility
Grant Program
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The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is exploring the creation of a new capital grant program to support accessibility improvements and barrier removal at existing parks and recreation spaces across Washington.
Potential funding could support ADA upgrades, universal design enhancements, and adaptive recreation features at parks, trails, water access sites, and outdoor athletic facilities. To better understand the statewide need, RCO is seeking input from agencies and organizations through a brief survey.
Please take a few minutes to share your feedback. Survey responses are requested by Tuesday, June 30.
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Get Early Bird Pricing for the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference
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Early Bird Rates End August 7
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Join thousands of park and recreation professionals at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 29–October 1.
Register by August 7 to receive early bird pricing and secure your spot. For more than 50 years, the NRPA Annual Conference has brought the parks and recreation community together to learn, connect, and grow.
Conference highlights include:
- Educational sessions and CEU opportunities
- Networking with peers from across the country
- Access to 500+ exhibitors and interactive exhibits
Don’t miss your chance to experience “The Power Of…” parks and recreation. Early bird pricing ends Friday, August 7, 2026.
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Share Summer Opportunities
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Help Connect Students With Opportunities
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Share your agency’s summer internships or seasonal roles with us, including position details and application instructions. Your input helps us connect students and emerging professionals to opportunities in the field.
Post your opening on our Job Board.
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Discover the Benefits of WRPA Membership
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WRPA offers year-round opportunities to learn, connect, and grow through:
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Access to industry resources, a job board, member directory, discounts, and awards programs
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Networking through regional groups and interest-based professional networks
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Training, including our Annual Conference, CPSI certification, Fall Training, and CEU-eligible workshops
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Advocacy with legislative updates, training, and representation in Olympia
Whether you're an emerging professional or a seasoned leader, WRPA has something for you.
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Be Featured in the Next Newsletter
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WRPA Wants to Feature You!
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We’re looking for content for our newsletter and social media, including:
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How Do You Recreate? – Share how you stay active! Whether it’s hiking, running, or simply enjoying your local park, send us a photo and a brief description of your favorite way to recreate.
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Spotlight Professional – We want to highlight members from all backgrounds and experiences. Interested in being featured? Complete this Word Doc form and email it to [email protected].
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Photo of the Month – Send us your best shot and we'll feature it on the Photo of the Month section.
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Email submissions to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in the newsletter and on social media!
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Follow WRPA on Facebook and Instagram to never miss an update!
- Follow us today and engage with our posts.
- Share your thoughts and comments.
- Tag us in your photos and stories.
- Be the first to know WRPA news and updates.
Be a part of our growing, vibrant online community!
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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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No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Grant: Letters of Intent Now Open
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Letters of Intent Now Open
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The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) for the No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grant program, which supports outdoor learning and recreation opportunities for underserved youth in Washington. The LOI helps inform future funding and policy discussions, though it is not scored. The full application cycle is expected to open in early 2027.
This program is administered by RCO on behalf of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Key details:
- Letters of Intent due: July 30, 2026 PT (11:59 PM)
- Virtual workshop: July 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM PT — overview + Q&A on program and 2027 cycle
- Purpose: Support outdoor programs for underserved youth
- Next full application cycle: Early 2027
For eligibility details, applicants are encouraged to review the NCLI program page before submitting.
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Thank You, Renewing Members
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Agency Members:
- Bellingham Parks and Recreation
- Bothell Parks & Recreation
- City of Camas Parks & Recreation
- City of Fife
- City of Sequim
- City of Shelton
- Kennewick Parks & Recreation
- Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services
- Key Peninsula Metro Park District
- Kitsap County Parks Department
- Lynnwood Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts
- Mountlake Terrace Recreation & Parks
- Maple Valley Parks & Recreation
- Parks Tacoma
- Snoqualmie Parks & Recreation
- Snohomish County Parks & Recreation
- Spokane Valley Parks & Recreation
- Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District
- Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
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Individual Members:
- AstroTurf
- Aquatic Specialty Services
- City of Washougal
- Left Coast Recreation
- Wildwood Playgrounds
- Eastern Washington University
- Ellensburg Parks & Recreation
- YMCA of Snohomish County
- ORCA Pacific
- Pullman Parks and Recreation
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Member Data from April - June 2026
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