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.

WASLA/WRPA GOLF TOURNAMENT

Friday August 19th is the deadline to register 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

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.

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

2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE CALL FOR SESSION DEADLINE - AUGUST 18, 2011

If you or anyone you know is interested in presenting at the 2012 Annual Conference in Bellevue, please submit a proposal. Our selection team is working hard to compile quality sessions early so professionals can plan ahead and get registered, knowing what exactly is in store at the Annual Conference! Questions? Contact Michelle Larsen, mlarson@ci.enumclaw.wa.us.

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

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. November 11-13, 2011. Register today

MID YEAR CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW

Program to be announced real soon! Visit our web site for the most up to date information. More
Remember to Register: $99 member/$149 non-member. After September 14 - $129 members/$169 non-members

ANNOUNCING THE NEW WRPA RISK MANAGEMENT SCHOOL

Save the Date: Wednesday & Thursday January 11-12, 2012 at Shoreline City Hall. Registration rates will be $199 member/$249 non-member. Min 40-max 80. Co-chairs Mary Dodsworth & Charles Sablan; Program Chair, Scott Gallcher. Program development is underway. Registration will open in September.

FACILITY SECTION AWARDS

The Facility Services Section will present three awards at the WRPA Mid-Year: Customer Service Award; Outstanding Professional Award; and Innovative Facility Practice Award. Nominations are accepted at the WRPA Office through September 30, 2011. More

VOTE FOR LUTHER BURBANK PARK ON MERCER ISLAND

Vote NOW for Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island to win the
title of America's favorite park and a grant for $100,000.00! If awarded the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department will re-build the playground at Luther Burbank Park. You can vote as many times as you want! VOTE HERE http://www.livepositively.com/#/americasparks/vote Type in Luther Burbank Park 98040 to find the park.

YOUR NEW FAVORITE MEMBER SERVICE?

The WRPA Public Relations Committee is testing a new forum and list serve tool for the association. Very soon members will have access to greater flexibility in communicating with colleagues, sharing information and archiving those resources on our web site. Stay tuned for launch announcements of this exciting new service.

WSP SPONSORED WEBINAR BASED GRANTS AND LOANS SEMINAR

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission staff are joining with other Washington state natural resource agencies on September 8 to conduct a web-based seminar about grants and loans, what organizations and projects are eligible and how to apply. We encourage you to consider participating to learn about potential support for the important work you do. More

WWRC FUNDRAISING BREAKFAST: SAVE THE DATE

Join over 600 conservation, business and elected leaders to celebrate the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition's successful campaigns to protect parks, wildlife and working farms. A donation will be requested during the program. Friday, September 16, 2011 from 07:30 AM to 09:00 AM - Seattle Westin, 1900 5th Ave. More

FASTER PLANNING WITH PRORAGIS

PRORAGIS, NRPA's cutting-edge, online management tool, is designed for public park and recreation agencies in the U.S. This tool helps benchmark your operations, identify best practices and justify additional support. Best of all, it's free for NRPA members! 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.