Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association

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Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association, 6737 W Washington Street, Ste 4270, Milwaukee, WI.

The mission of the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association is to empower and support WPRA members by fostering professional growth, advocating for the parks and recreation profession, and enhancing the quality of life for communities across Wisconsin thro

06/10/2026

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 online here: https://bit.ly/458hHni

06/08/2026

Membership Monday! Today we are highlighting our 2025 Silver Star Youth Programming Award Winner: West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation & Community Services Dept for their Kindermarket! Kindermarket is a youth-led holiday craft fair where children become the vendors, showcasing and selling handmade items directly to the public in a fun, supportive, and no-cost community setting. Designed to encourage creativity, introduce basic entrepreneurship, and strengthen community connection, the event gives young participants real-world experience in pricing, customer interaction, and small business skills while celebrating their artistic talents.
In its inaugural year, Kindermarket featured 24 youth vendors and welcomed over 100 community attendees, with strong engagement and several child vendors selling out of their products. Supported by staff facilitation, school outreach, and community promotion, the event quickly established itself as a meaningful opportunity for youth expression and confidence-building.
Kindermarket stands out as an innovative program that reimagines the traditional craft fair by placing children in leadership roles as creators, sellers, and entrepreneurs—building confidence, creativity, and community pride in a festive, family-friendly environment.

06/05/2026

Join other Emerging Professionals on Wednesday, July 15 at Noon for another Lunch & Learn session! This interactive discussion will focus on navigating difficult conversations with staff and coworkers while building stronger, more effective communication skills.
Registration is FREE! Register online here: https://bit.ly/4fgDxfp

06/04/2026

Last week, the 2026 WPRA Summer Staff Workshop brought camp counselors, recreation staff, supervisors, and managers together for a day of learning, inspiration, connection, and fun. Through keynote presentations, hands-on activities, and breakout sessions, participants explored ways to create safe, welcoming, and memorable experiences for the thousands of children they'll serve this summer.

Thank you to all of the presenters, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who helped make this year's workshop a success.

Take a look at some of the energy and excitement from the day, and here's to an amazing summer in Wisconsin's parks, playgrounds, camps, pools, and community programs!

06/03/2026

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

06/01/2026

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!

05/25/2026

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.

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

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

05/20/2026

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""

Address

6737 W Washington Street, Ste 4270
Milwaukee, WI
53214

Telephone

+14144231210

Website

http://www.wpraweb.org/

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