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

WRPAToday Newsletter

Photo of the Month

                                        Olympia Indigenous People's Day

The City of Olympia partnered with the Squaxin Island Tribe to host an in-person Indigenous People's Day Celebration at the newly renamed Squaxin Park. This was a historic celebration, honoring and acknowledging the indigenous people who have stewarded the land since time immemorial and still inhabit the area today - the Steh-Chass Band of Indigenous people of the Squaxin Island Tribe. This photo shows Squaxin Island Tribal Council Chairman, Kris Peters; with Squaxin Island Tribal community members behind him. 

 

How Do You Recreate?

                                                         Spooky Costumes!

This throwback picture was taken a few years ago and comes to us from the WRPA Communications Committee & Conference Chair, Carl Strong, from Spokane Parks & Recreation. With Halloween season in effect, the Strong household loves to dress up. Featured are Abbie-the red ninja, Jude-the skeleton, Carl-as…well, we are not sure, and Elliott-the vampire. 

 

Spotlight Professional: Andy Fuzak

Recreation Supervisor - Outdoor Programs City of Spokane Parks & Recreation

Andy is the Outdoor Program supervisor for the City of Spokane. In his role, he plans and coordinates a variety of outdoor programs all year long that include youth, adults, families, and special interest groups. 

Advice from Andy:

"Make yourself irreplaceable. Build relationships and make sure you are someone people like working with. Do a little more than what is asked and do your best work. This may help you be at the top of the list for a promotion or a special project. You want people to think of you first when a new opportunity appears. "

 

Share Your Story: WRPA is looking to spotlight members with different backgrounds, experiences, and work histories. Please complete this form and send it to our Communications Committee chair, Carl Strong [email protected] if you would like to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

               Placing Equity at the Center of Our Work

By now we are all well-versed in NRPA’s Three Pillars: Health and Wellness, Equity, and Conservation. When developing the NRPA Strategic Plan for 2021 to 2023, the NRPA Board of Directors and staff members took a deep, intentional look at those pillars that underpin our work to assess and define the importance of each. During this process, it was determined that we must place “Equity at the Center.” 

 

    NRPA Foundations of Racial Equity Certificate Program

The National Park and Recreation Association (NRPA) has recently launched a new Foundations of Racial Equity Certificate program for park and recreation professionals. Applications for the February cohort close on October 31, 2022. For more information and to apply, visit NRPA Online Learning: Equity In Practice Certificate Program.

    EIB Committee Blog Article 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge

As many agencies look for ways to build awareness and engagement around diversity, equity, and inclusion, some have taken the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge. The Challenge was originally created in 2014 by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. and Debby Irving as a way for people to make a habit out of anti-racist thinking and behavior.

Announcements & Highlights

November 3
2022 Fall Training

 

Registration is still open for the 2022 WRPA Fall Training taking place on Thursday, November 3, at the Lynnwood Convention Center. You will have the opportunity learn new skills that you can immediately implement within your organization.

 

 

   

Become a WRPA Speaker

 

WRPA is accepting 2023 speaker proposals. This is an excellent opportunity to share your expertise, speak about past success stories, and boost your resume.  Upcoming speaking opportunities will include the Annual Conference, the Fall Training Event, webinars, and more.

2023 Partnership Opportunities

 

WRPA 2023 Partnership Opportunities are now available. Being an WRPA Sponsor provides our members and non-members with educational resources and networking opportunities.

 

 

WRPA Social Media

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

SAVE THE DATES!

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:

  • Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation
  • Bellevue Parks & Community Services
  • Covington Parks & Recreation
  • Kirkland Parks & Community Services
  • Moses Lake Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
  • Walla Walla Parks & Recreation
  • Peninsula Metropolitan Park District (PenMet Parks)

Individual Members:

  • Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation
  • City of Cheney Parks & Recreation Department
  • City of Everett Parks & Comm Svcs
  • Everett Parks & Recreation
  • Lake Stevens School District
  • Outdoors For All Foundation

Member Date from August –September

 

Thank You Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Northwest Playground Logo

Gold Sponsor

Great Western Logo

Gold Sponsor

Play Creation Logo

Silver Sponsor

Musco Lighting Logo

 

Washington Recreation & Park Association

 

Phone: (206) 361-8869

Email: [email protected]