Catch up on the latest news and happenings around the state.

WRPAToday Newsletter

Photo of the Month

Long Lake Park by Aaron Bartleson

Kitsap County is known for its many distinctive features including its glacier-carved rolling topography, evergreen forests, freshwater lakes, inlets, bays, and Puget Sound. Kitsap County’s nature-oriented park system reflects this diversity of settings and provides for developed recreation facilities to serve a population of diverse ages, ethnicities, abilities, and outdoor interests.
 
Kitsap County is relatively small in population but is ranked as one of the most densely populated counties in the State. Although there are only four cities; Bremerton, Port Orchard, Bainbridge Island, and Poulsbo, the growing commuting connection to King, Pierce, and Snohomish County populations, and the presence of the U.S. Navy adds significant needs for parks, facilities, and natural open space. There is increasing interest to provide wildlands for trails and outdoor adventures, in addition to active recreation areas.

How Do You Recreate?

The Kitsap County Team Enjoying the Outdoors

These pics come to us from Kitsap County. Aaron B., Arno B., Brian H., Marc B., Alex W., Breanna C., Gianna G., and Sam H. are featured in the photos.

The Kitsap County Parks Department is committed to providing quality-of-life-enhancing opportunities through the management of natural areas and specialized facilities, fostering community stewardship, and offering an outstanding service-oriented environment.

Spotlight Professional: Chuck Cuzzetto

Public Relations and Communication Coordinator, Kitsap County Parks

Chuck is the Public Relations and Communication Coordinator for Kitsap County Parks. He brings awareness to the joy of being active, giving back, and showcasing parks and recreation. His role entails gathering facts and media to tell our story in a detailed and transparent way.

Advice from Chuck:

"Take chances, make mistakes, and do it more than once. Some of the biggest programs I have seen grow came out of trying things twice."

Share Your Story: WRPA is looking to spotlight members with different backgrounds, experiences, and work histories. Please email WRPA if you would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

"Celebrating Earth Day"

March 17, 2022 | By Ayanna Williams, MSW

When I was the director of community building at Park Pride, where I was tasked with managing community engagement in City of Atlanta parks, April seemed like the busiest month of the year. There were events with corporate and nonprofit partners, requests for volunteer days for 50 to 500 volunteers, and invitations to speak with students and employees. A lot has changed in the past two years due to global events, such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and increasing weather events caused by climate change, which has led to new challenges and opportunities. Read More

Announcements & Highlights

April 13–15 Conference

We welcomed more than 400 parks and recreation professionals, sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers to celebrate the 75th Annual Conference. Thank you to everyone who participated.

WRPA Award Winners

Congratulations to the more than 20 individuals and agencies who were honored at the 75th Annual Conference during the 2022 Awards Banquet.

WRPA Social Media

Want to stay up-to-date and maybe become a top fan? Follow WRPA on social media!

Online CEU Events

You are invited to join Northwest Playground at 1:00 PM PT every third Thursday of the month for the rest of 2022! This is a great way to expand your knowledge and earn CEU credits.

SAVE THE DATES!

Industry News & Legislative Updates

FEATURE: WRPA's Legislative Priorities

Have you taken some time to review WRPA's Legislative Priorities?

Learn about how WRPA is helping the parks and recreation industry on a government level!

Here are a Few of Our Priorities:

  1. Provide Local Parks and Recreation Agencies with new Funding Options to Address Vital M&O and Preservation Needs which only became more challenging under COVID-19
  2. Actively partner with the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) to ensure a sound plan is in place for the use of a one-time, $42 million allocation from the Stadium & Exhibition Center Account
  3. Actively participate in efforts to replace and recover lost revenue for parks and recreation agencies – while protecting existing resources

Volunteer Opportunities

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!

Join a WRPA Network

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.

Thank You Renewing Members

Agency Members:

  • Bothell Parks & Recreation
  • Burlington Parks & Recreation
  • City of Fife
  • City of Monroe
  • Clallam County Parks, Fair & Facilities Dept.
  • Edmonds Parks & Recreation
  • Fidalgo Pool & Fitness Center
  • Kennewick Parks & Recreation
  • Lakewood Parks & Recreation
  • Renton Community Services Department
  • Seattle Parks & Recreation
  • Snohomish County Parks & Recreation
  • Tukwila Pool Metropolitan Park District
  • Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
  • Vashon Park District
  • Whitman County Parks & Recreation

Individual Members:

  • Anacortes Parks & Recreation
  • Audits+Inspections+Safety LLC
  • Cascade Recreation, Inc.
  • Chehalis Parks and Recreation
  • City of Bremerton
  • Enumclaw Parks & Recreation
  • iZone Imaging
  • King County Department of Parks & Natural Resources
  • Kitsap County Parks
  • Longview Parks & Recreation
  • Musco Sports Lighting
  • Wildwood Playgrounds NW

 

 

 

Data From March–April 2022

Thank You Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Northwest Playground Logo

Gold Sponsor

Great Western Logo

Gold Sponsor

Play Creation Logo

Silver Sponsor

Musco Lighting Logo