E-News from WRPA

The WRPA E-news is distributed twice a month to our total membership. Its our tool for providing timely news and information you need regarding current events, grants, training, and great ideas to add value to your work day.

Upcoming Section Meetings

Connect with your colleagues at the next section meeting. Visit the section web page to find agendas and directions posted the week before each meeting. *Remote access via "gotomeeting" scheduled.

July 13: *Program Section , Old Redmond School House
August 10: Park Resources Section, Kent
August 18: *Athletic/Fitness Section, Auburn
September 9: *Program & Teen Section Joint Meeting, Redmond
September 16: Park & Recreation Directors, Edmonds
September 21: *Facility Service Section, Fife
September 23: Aquatic Section, Ellensburg

SALES TAX NOW IMPOSED ON YOUTH AND ADULT "LEAGUE FEES"

Within the last year, an audit of a local city's park and recreation system sparked the question of whether sales tax is to be imposed on adult league fees paid by teams playing in local parks and recreation department sponsored leagues. WRPA introduced legislation this session that asked legislators to exempt this interpretation. Legislators denied the request by not acting on it and now all agencies charging for "amusement and recreation services" to a consumer (all ages) are taxable. More

GREAT WOLF LODGE FAMILY PASS: MID YEAR REALLY EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

MIDYEAR

Register by July 31, 2011 to be entered into a drawing for a free night stay with water passes for a family of 4 at the Great Wolf Lodge! More / Register
Registration: $99 member/$149 non-member
After September 14, 2011 $129 members/$169 non-members

CERTIFIED PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTOR CLASSES NOW OPEN

This course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered anywhere. This course is a must for those responsible for play equipment areas or playgrounds. Two classes now open for registration: August 10-12, 2011 AND November 11-13, 2011. Register today

AQUATIC SECTION TRAINING RETREAT

This training is now offered bi-annually at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound Washington. Members $185 / Non-members $225. Daily rates and CEU's also available. Featured speakers include Jim Wheeler, Chris Nunes, Karen and Kevin Johnston.
More / Register

ON THE MOVE

WRPA is hosting a booth at the Annual AWC Conference on Wednesday and Thursday this week in Spokane. On Tuesday, WRPA President Ray Towry and Brit Kramer will be visiting local agencies as part of our "President's Road Trip." They have visits scheduled with the of the City of Spokane, Spokane County, Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake and plan to connect with many of our city agency members during the conference.

WRPA CALL FOR SESSION PROPOSAL - deadline June 30

The WRPA Conference Education Committee (CEC) is seeking dynamic speakers who can share knowledge, experience, and best practices related to the parks and recreation field. More

JULY IS PARK AND RECREATION MONTH!

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation's official Park and Recreation Month. This year's theme is "Rock Your Park!" NRPA and our new initiative, America's Backyard, encourage you to show the country how parks and recreation make your life extraordinary! Check out some of the ways that you can get involved. More

WASLA/WRPA GOLF TOURNAMENT

Registration is now open for the 2011 Tournament at the Hawks Prairie Golf Club - Woodlands Course, on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. Its a great time with good food, friends, prizes, and a summer round of golf. More / Register / Sponsorship

NRPA SCHOLARSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS

Know your target audience. Who are your most important customers, clients or prospects, and
NRPA is now accepting applications for both Young Professional Fellowships and Diversity Scholarships - (must be part of the young professional fellowship) More Fellowship recipients will receive:

A mentor who serves in a NRPA leadership role
Free registration to 2011 Congress and Exposition in Atlanta, Ga.
Free registration to 2012 National Legislative Forum in Washington, D.C.
Up to $1,000 for each event to assist with travel and hotel expenses

WHAT IS PRORAGIS?

PRORAGIS, short for Park and Recreation Operating Ratio and Geographic Information System, is NRPA's new, cutting-edge, online management tool, designed specifically for public park and recreation agencies in the U.S.--and free to all members of NRPA! This could be the best thing you do this year. Enter your agency's profile to be part of the data. More

Thank You for Your Membership!

We've recently renewed nearly half our members over the past few months. Thank you kindly...your membership makes a big difference. Please contact Jennifer Iverson directly should you be interested in a flexible payment plan or need edits/updates to your renewal information. 1-888-459-0009

THE DISCOVER PASS - YOUR TICKET TO WASHINGTON'S GREAT OUTDOORS

Beginning July 1, 2011, you will need to display the Discover Pass on your vehicle when visiting state recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. More

WRPA is a 501c3 not-for-profit professional and public interest organization. WRPA is dedicated to providing resources for the public and our members who create community through people parks and programs. Thank your for your membership in WRPA.

Sincerely,

Brit Kramer, CPRP, CAE
Washington Recreation & Park Association