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Deserving Award Winners
 Our photos of the week go to these Park and Recreation professionals pictured at National Recreation and Parks Association. At this year’s NRPA Conference, Andre Franklin, City of Seattle received the NRPEMS Achievement Award and Tiffany Johnson, City of Seattle received the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award.
Do you have a must see photo?
Submit your “Photo of the Week,” to [email protected].
Beezley Burn, Race to the Finish!
How do you Recreate?
 City of Ephrata’s Building Inspector, Bill Cox is pictured racing on Beezley Hill for this year’s annual Beezley Burn event!
How DO YOU recreate?
Submit your “How do you recreate” photo to [email protected].
Saving Lives, Paving the Way
Spotlight Professional in Parks & Recreation
Ray Towry began his career in Parks and Recreation as a lifeguard for the City of Ephrata. His very first day on the job consisted of a double victim rescue. What an introduction to the field! After a long career in Parks and Recreation and heavy involvement with organizations to help pave the way for future professionals, Ray will be pursuing a new career this November as the City Manager for Sweet Home, Oregon. Read more about Ray.
Taking Multiple Responsibilities to a New Level
Spotlight Professional in Parks & Recreation
Kim Best has been with the City of Cheney for the past twelve years, during this time, she has advanced from volunteer to Recreation Manager. Kim oversees the city's part-time staff, contracted instructors, an outdoor pool facility, day camps, after school programs and senior and preschool programs. She is even a certified POUND instructor and teaches two to three days a week! Read more about Kim.
Message from WRPA President
Dear WRPA members,
 A few weeks ago, after a 108-year drought, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series – Yes, miracles do happen! As Rizzo, Zobrist and Jon Lester celebrated their win it made me think of the work we do in each of our c communities. I thought of all the front line staff who schedule ball games, athletic program coordinators who organize athletic leagues, ballfield maintenance crews and the thousands of volunteer coaches across our nation who contributed not only to the Chicago Cubs' success but to thousands of young people who dream of professional baseball.
It is November, a month to give thanks, so I encourage each of us to thank our staff members who come to work each day to serve people in the communities where we work. Thank them for their dedication to their jobs. It is these individuals that are helping young girls and boys everywhere fulfill their dreams. Who knows, your athletic field staff could be preparing a soccer field for play for a future Olympic Soccer player, opening a pool early for a future Michael Phelps or helping young people develop a physical exercise lifestyle that improves the longevity and quality of their lives. It is easy when coming to work, dealing with the day-to-day issues, to forget the big picture. So it’s the month of November, the month of Thanksgiving, the time to say thank you. Thanks to all those individuals in our workplace and profession who contribute to healthy communities—to healthy individuals and support dreams. As you walk out of work today, take a moment to tell each other- thanks for the job you do! Thank the profession you have chosen; celebrate the contributions you make! “Go Cubs, Go!”
Warmest regards,
Cheryl M. Fraser, WRPA President Division Director with Seattle Parks and Recreation Department
SBI vs. WRPA Office: Our WRPA Staff, Who is SBI?
WRPA Staff collaborate with the WRPA Board of Directors and Volunteer committees to plan and execute our association’s programs and activities.
In 2014, the WRPA Executive Board changed the organization’s management model from hiring our own Executive Director and support staff to contracting with SBI Association Management to manage our 2,000+ member association. SBI’s mission is to provide innovative solutions, event management and financial management.
So, when you email [email protected] or volunteer on a WRPA committee, you will be in communication with one of the WRPA representatives at SBI, like Tom Tidyman, Sarah Quick, or Shauna Searcy. Tom serves as Executive Director and works with the board to guide the staff team and help with organizational operations and strategy. Sarah Quick manages the area of membership, meeting, and trainings for WRPA. Shauna supports in WRPA’s marketing and communications efforts. Behind this staff leadership team, there is an entire company supporting WRPA’s efforts to further excellence among Park and Recreation professionals.
Rising to the Top...Congratulations!Members on the Move
- Brian Davern, promoted to Interim Recreation and Tourism Manager for City of Mill Creek, previously the Recreation Coordinator for City of Mill Creek.
- Brian Tomisser, promoted to Recreation and Cultural Services Manager for SeaTac Parks and Recreation, previously a Recreation Supervisor.
- Nicole Jones, promoted to Recreation Supervisor for SeaTac Parks and Recreation, previously Recreation Specialist.
- Shawna Davis, Customer Service Supervisor for City of Kirkland, previously Recreation Supervisor for City of Everett.
- Shon Sylvia, Interim Executive Director for Metro Parks Tacoma.
Did we forget someone? Are you a Member on the Move? Email us at [email protected].
In the News...
We Want Your News!
 Do you have news to share with your WRPA colleagues? Send any updates, photos, happenings and socials to WRPA, so that we can feature your article in the next WRPAToday e-newsletter! Send us your news now!
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