Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association

Join us for a morning of fun, competition, and bragging rights on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Resch Aquatic Center in Green Bay for the Region II Lifeguard Competition!
Bring your teammates, coworkers, family, and friends to cheer on the competition, but don’t wait. Registration closes June 26! Register here: https://www.wpraweb.org/region-ii-lifeguard-competition

Membership Monday! Today we are highlighting our 2025 Aquatic Facility Design Award Winner: City of West Bend Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department and their Regner Beach Swim Experience! Regner Beach and Swimming Pond is a revitalized community swimming destination located within the City of West Bend’s historic Regner Park. Reimagined through community partnerships, donor support, and innovative recreation planning, the project transformed a struggling and financially unsustainable swimming pond into a vibrant regional attraction for families of all ages. The revitalization included construction of a modern Beach House, creation of a lifeguard pipeline program, and installation of the Westbury Bank Aquapark featuring 50 inflatables, slides, floating obstacles, and water-based play experiences. The project carefully balanced nostalgia with modernization by preserving the traditional swimming pond while introducing exciting new amenities that attract visitors from across the Midwest. Huge kudos to West Bend for preserving a cherished community tradition while creating a fun, sustainable, and family-focused recreation experience for future generations!

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
As parks and recreation professionals, we’re grateful to help create the spaces where communities gather, families connect, and freedom is celebrated!

Today, we pause to reflect, remember, and give thanks.

WPRA is currently accepting nominations for the 2026 Association and Section Awards! If you or someone you know is worthy of being recognized for their continuous dedication and service to the Park and Recreation Profession and our State Association, please submit your nomination and supporting materials to [email protected] by October 1, 2026.

Additional information on how to submit for the Professional and Section 2026 WPRA Awards can be found here: https://bit.ly/458hHni

The Region II Lifeguard Competition is back for year three!

Join us for a morning of fun, competition, and bragging rights on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the Resch Aquatic Center in Green Bay.

-4 timed events
-Teams of 6
-Lunch and a special giveaway included
-Team Spirit Awards encouraged, so matching suits, outfits, and cheering sections are welcome!

Bring your teammates, coworkers, family, and friends to cheer on the competition, but don’t wait. Registration closes June 26! Register here: https://www.wpraweb.org/region-ii-lifeguard-competition

Get to know the 2026 WPRA Board of Directors!

This week, we’re spotlighting our Secretary/Treasurer: Matthew Vanderkamp!

What motivated you to run for the WPRA Board of Directors?
"My primary motivation was a desire to move from the sidelines to the center of our association. I wanted to become more deeply engaged, not just as a member, but as a collaborator. I saw an opportunity to learn from the seasoned professionals on the Board while helping to orchestrate the strategic efforts that keep WPRA successful and relevant for every member.”

How long have you been a member of WPRA and what is your favorite part about it?
"I've been a member since October 2019; roughly 6.5 years. My favorite part by far is meeting so many new professionals in our state, many of whom I now call friends!”

What is your Hometown?
"Deerfield, IL (northern suburb of Chicago)”

What is your favorite Hobby?
"Being outdoors...whether hiking, camping, gardening, or most recently..golf.”

What's your favorite quote?
"“Plant Kindness, Gather Love""

Exhibitor Registration is now open for the 2027 Annual Conference & Trade Show! Join us on February 3, 2027, at the Kalahari Resort & Conventions for an exciting afternoon of networking with more than 500 parks and recreation professionals from across Wisconsin.

We’re also offering a variety of sponsorship and advertising opportunities to help maximize your visibility at the event.

Register online here: https://bit.ly/4wHt7fa by July 15 to take advantage of our Special Promo Rate of $800, which includes your exhibitor booth and a 2027 Commercial Membership!

May PRMonthly is now available!
PRMonthly is sent directly to your inbox and links to the archived issues can be found on the WPRA website: https://bit.ly/3wGNp8s

What a great day at the Brewers game yesterday! ⚾️

The Brewers got the win, and we loved spending time connecting with so many members and friends. Thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a fun event!

A special thank you to the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Foundation for all their hard work planning and organizing such a memorable day. We appreciate all you do!

Bring energy, movement and fun to your outdoor spaces! 🏃‍♂️💪

Save up to 40% on Burke Fitness equipment — ninja-style obstacles, upper-body challenges and fitness courses for ages 5-12 and 13+.

Don’t wait — shop the sale now! 🔗 https://hubs.la/Q04gCLLB0

Sale ends December 4, 2026.