Greetings!

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.

Membership Matters 

WRPA Satisfaction Benchmarking Survey

Please make it your office goal to have everyone partake in the WRPA member survey. This survey will measure member satisfaction and help the WRPA leadership make strategic decisions to strengthen and improve programs and services.  It's fairly short, it's easy to take, and it's one of the most important ways you can contribute right now to an even better WRPA.  WRPA Benchmark Membership Survey.

Teaching Safe Springboard Diving

May 20, 2012: Hazen Pool, Renton WA. 
Patti Southerland will be offering this course on how to teach diving that is safe, fun and informative for beginners-advanced level diving!   

More / Register

Summer Skillbuilder

Saturday, June 9 - Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center
Summer Skillbuilder is perfect for any agency or organization that works with youth or teen programs. Bring your entire summer staff and join us
for an opportunity to network with other youth workers in the area and receive a unique, memorable training experience. More / Register

Membership News
All Inclusive Agency Membership 

We are continuing to explore the "All Inclusive Agency Membership" category and invite an administrative-level representative from your agency to join us for an advanced focus group discussion. We had originally scheduled two call times but have consolidated to the following:  

Wednesday May 16 10:00am - Agency members of all sizes  

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/244699386   

Dial +1 (636) 277-0137     Access Code/Meeting ID: 244-699-386

Banquet Permits Now Online

When you purchase your banquet permit online, an email copy of it is sent to your local liquor enforcement office. Officers can visit gatherings, so it is important that you sign and post a copy of your permit at the location where you will be serving the alcohol at your event. More 

New Plan For State Parks 

How to Get Involved

A new strategic planning process is now under way, involving recreation, heritage and conservation groups, park neighbors and supporters, legislators and other governments. We are exploring choices and setting direction for the next five years and beyond. We especially want those who love state parks to be involved in the process. Information gained through the process will be used to develop the transformation strategy intended to succeed the Centennial 2013 Plan. More

WRPA Annual Conference & Trade Show Highlights... 

Thank You 2012 Conference Committee!  Colin Walker - Conference Chair; Michelle Larson, Conference Education Committee Chair; Cameron Amann; Brad Bennett; Amber Britton; Cherie Clayton; John Dunn; Kevin Henry; Katie Herzog; Brenda Kramer; Kirstin May; Tara Mizell; Joanna Puthoff; Sarah Sandquist; Bret Wilson.  

Thank You Speakers! At least 70 professionals from across the state donated their time and expertise in hosting over 45 different breakout sessions which created one of our most dynamic and diverse programs ever.

Thank You Students Over 45 students from WWU, CWU and EWU attended the student summit on Tuesday and then volunteered 

throughout the conference. They provided assistance at the registration table, introduced session speakers and stepped up to every odd job needed to provide us with amazing conference support.

Thank You Exhibitors  Over 45 companies joined the Trade Show to display and discuss the latest in parks and recreation products and services. Exhibitor line-up.

Congratulations to our Award Recipients! 

The Washington Recreation & Park Association has seven established awards to recognize organizations and individuals (volunteers and professionals) for their contributions to the Park and Recreation field. In addition, WRPA offers a spectrum of Spotlight Awards to recognize excellence in park and recreation projects, services and media.  More  

Bob McGarvey, Kit Ledbetter, Daryl Faber and Jeff Watling took first place...again. 

Photos posted on our facebook page. 

Speaker Presentations

As they become available WRPA staff are posting speaker presentations to our web site under the resources tab so they can be available post conference.  Please encourage speakers to send us their presentations or other support materials.  2012 Conference speaker presentation bank

The Numbers 

• 31 Pre-Institute delegates
• 73 Post- Institute delegates
• 195 Full Conference delegates
• 45 Daily Wednesday delegates
• 34 Daily Thursday delegates
• 49 Students
• 65 Speakers
• 80 Exhibitors
• 38 Golfers

RCO Proposal

Allowable Uses

The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) wants your feedback on proposed policies for allowed uses on grant-assisted sites. Please review the discussion paper and the draft proposals. Comments deadline May 21, 2012. 

WSDOT Grant     

Applications due June 30, 2012

Red Cross Partnership  

WRPA and our local Red Cross have entered a partnership which provides WRPA Agency members a discount of 40%. This applies to all of our courses with the exception of our Learn-to-Swim (LTS) courses.  For more information contact Marty Mullins, Sales Manager or Mike Dilley. Washington Territory Aquatic Specialist.

Quick View of Upcoming Training

Visit our registration page for more information on all these trainings.

• May 20: Springboard Diving
• June 09: Westside Summer Skillbuilder
• August 15-17: Certified Playground Safety Instructor
• November 9: Mid Year Conference & Trade Show 

Brit Kramer, CPRP, CAE

Executive Director 

Washington Recreation & Park Association

Upcoming Section Meetings

We believe ALL kids are created equal

At Landscape Structures, we're creating play environments where all children and their families can play together, regardless of their abilities.

Like Us on Facebook