WRPA Newsletter

Photo of the Month

Trick-or-Treat Walk at the Lake! | City of Longview

Each October, families from across the City of Longview gather at Lake Sacajawea for a fun and festive community tradition — the Trick-or-Treat Walk at the Lake!

Local businesses and organizations line the path to hand out candy and bring Halloween magic to little (and not-so-little!) trick-or-treaters. The event began during early COVID-19 as a small, safe way for families to celebrate Halloween and has grown into a beloved tradition, now welcoming 4,000–5,000 children, families, and friends each year.

The Trick-or-Treat Walk is all about community and connection, offering a free, inclusive, family-friendly celebration where neighbors, local businesses, and community partners come together to make Longview a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Upcoming Recreational Activity Opportunity

Start Thanksgiving with the Turkey Trot!

As the weather turns colder and wetter, it can be challenging to stay active. The City of Longview’s annual Turkey Trot Fun Run/Walk offers the perfect motivation — a chance to get outdoors, move your body, and start Thanksgiving morning on a healthy note.

For more than 30 years, this one-lap run around Lake Sacajawea has brought our community together, growing from just 50 participants in its early years to more than 550 each year. With support from longtime sponsors, the event continues to inspire movement, connection, and community spirit at a time when many of us are tempted to stay indoors.

Festive energy from groups like the Mark Morris High School marching band and the R.A. Long cheerleaders and prizes for Best Costume and Largest Family Participation adds to the excitement, making the Turkey Trot a fun way to stay engaged and energized during the fall season.

Make this the year you join us — and help keep Longview moving. Full event details and registration are available on our website.

Learn More & Register Today

Spotlight Professional - Corey Crownhart

Parks Manager for the City of Ridgefield

Corey Crownhart leads Ridgefield’s Parks, Trails, and Recreation Division, focusing on community-centered planning, park design, and capital development. With a background as an outdoor guide, rural organizer, and youth program leader, Corey’s work is driven by connection, collaboration, and creativity. Under his leadership, Ridgefield has implemented innovative cross-departmental strategies to expand parks efficiently while keeping community at the heart.

Read More About Corey

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.

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.

View the Video

Learn More

Registration Is Now Open

Register now for the 2026 WRPA Conference and Tradeshow in Tacoma, WA, April 21–24!

Secure your spot and early bird pricing before January 26, 2026. Join us for networking, learning, and fun. We can’t wait to see you!

Learn More and Register

MLS GO PLAY FUND - NRPA Grant

NRPA is partnering with MLS GO and RCX Sports to distribute up to $100,000 through the MLS GO PLAY FUND to support local park and recreation agencies.

Read More

Announcements & Highlights

You Deserve Some Recognition

January 8

Show off all you have accomplished in 2025. Submit a nomination for a program, facility, or initiative that you took part in this year. The last day to submit your nominations is January 8, 2026!

SUBMIT TODAY

Serve on an RCO Advisory Committee

Be Part of a Committee

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is seeking volunteers for advisory committees that review and score grant applications, advise on policies, and ensure fair, effective use of public funds. Committees focus on areas like parks, trails, boating, and habitat conservation, with remote meetings held over a few days in summer or fall. Learn more and apply on RCO’s website.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

Discover the Benefits of WRPA Membership

Member Perks You’ll Love

WRPA offers year-round opportunities to learn, connect, and grow through:

Access to industry resources, a job board, member directory, discounts, and awards programs
Networking through regional groups and interest-based professional networks
Training, including our Annual Conference, CPSI certification, Fall Training, and CEU-eligible workshops
Advocacy with legislative updates, training, and representation in Olympia

Whether you're an emerging professional or a seasoned leader, WRPA has something for you.

LEARN MORE

Be Featured in the Next Newsletter

WRPA Wants to Feature You!

We’re looking for content for our newsletter and social media, including:

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.
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].
Photo of the Month – Send us your best shot and we'll feature it on the Photo of the Month section.

Email submissions to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in the newsletter and on social media!

Social Media Volunteer Opportunity

Be Our Next Social Media Lead

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity! The WRPA Communications Committee is seeking a Social Media Lead to help create and share content that keeps our community informed about upcoming news and events. This role is an excellent way for Emerging Professionals to gain experience, enhance their resumes, and build connections within WRPA. Interested? Reach out to the WRPA office at [email protected].

VOLUNTEER TODAY

WRPA Social Media

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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Upcoming Event

Auburn Veterans Parade: 60 Years of Honor

Since 1965, Auburn has honored veterans with its iconic Main Street Parade. Join us Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. to pay tribute to veterans and active military members. This year marks the 60th anniversary of one of the largest veterans parades in the U.S., featuring nearly 5,000 participants and 200 units—including military vehicles, marching bands, ROTC, and community groups.

The day begins with a community breakfast at 7–9 a.m. at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, followed by a Remembrance Ceremony and Lighting of the Flame at Veterans Memorial Park at 9:45 a.m. Food trucks will be available along the parade route from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a post-parade lunch will honor Outstanding Service to Veterans Award winners.

The 11 a.m. parade kicks off with a flyover and includes dignitaries, military leaders, and more than 15 marching bands, including America’s First Corps Band and Navy Band Northwest. Don’t miss the antique military vehicles, ROTC units, and a replica Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

Spectators are encouraged to check the website for additional event details: www.auburnwa.gov/vets.