Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith was appointed to serve a three-year term on the Washington Recreation and Park Association (WRPA) Board. Director Smith will serve as the Northwest Director.
The WRPA was established in 1947 and is a not-for-profit professional and public interest organization comprised of approximately 2,100 members. Their mission is to promote excellence in current and future parks and recreation professionals through advocacy, networking, education, and training.
Director Smith’s role as the Northwest Regional Director allows him to represent Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties. As a Regional Director, he is responsible for the following activities in the Northwest region:
- Representing the interests and supporting membership efforts
- Supporting education and networking opportunities
- Hosting and coordinating at least one gathering event to network and promote the WRPA.
- Act as a liaison for departments
- Share upcoming meetings, grants, collaborative opportunities, and solutions.
- Be a liaison for local colleges in tandem with the PREP Committee to promote the profession and encourage participation in WRPA events and services.
- Serve on the Membership Committee
The recently announced WRPA Board members also include:
- Vice-President Nick Farline – Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities at the City of Kennewick
- At-Large Director Keisha Taylor – Recreation Coordinator at the City of Auburn
- WRPA Southwest Director – Community Center Assistant Supervisor at Metro Parks Tacoma
For more information about the WRPA, visit their website at wrpa.memberclicks.net.