California
PARKS &RECREATION www.cprs.org
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CALIFORNIA PARK & RECREATION SOCIETY
Volume 76, Number 4 • Fall 2020
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
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PARKS &RECREATION FALL 2020 • VOLUME 76, NUMBER 4 www.cprs.org
ageism
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solidarity friendship
social enlightenment
honesty
park equity education reform
peace
cooperation together
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health
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benefits humanity
balance economy
rights work
distribution
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change public health
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relations
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I S S U E
civil public fair people social inequality equality
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disabled individual
T H I S
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Spotlight
I N
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Buyer’s Guide
6 42 52
freedom
From the President
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teamwork
multi-racial
JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN PARKS AND RECREATION .................................................................8 Defining justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and what is the role of park and recreation agencies in fulfilling those definitions.
ONE AGENCY’S JOURNEY INTO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION................................................. 12 Editor Stephanie Stephens, CAE Executive Director Managing Editor John Glaeser Director of Communications Advertising Melonie Zarzuela Advertising Manager CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION (ISSN 0733-5326) is published quarterly by the California Park & Recreation Society, Inc., 7971 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95832-9701. Opinions expressed in credited articles are those of the author and not necessarily those of the society. Subscription rate is $30.00 per year and is included in membership dues. Individual subscriptions apart from CPRS membership are available only to colleges, libraries and members of CAPRCBM. Single copy price for all other issues is $7.50 for members and $12.50 for nonmembers. Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, California, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION, 7971 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95832-9701. Send manuscripts, query letters and artwork to John Glaeser. Advertising materials should be forwarded to the address above or call 916/6652777. Guidelines for submitting articles and advertising rates are available from same address, or from the CPRS website (www.cprs.org). ©2020, California Park & Recreation Society, Inc.
The Cosumnes Community Services District launched an internal and external campaign to increase diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its community. Learn what they have accomplished so far.
RACIAL EQUITY: GETTING TO RESULTS............................................... 20 A synopsis of the resource tool from the Government Alliance for Race & Equity (GARE). A free download from the GARE Website.
UNVEILING THE ROOT CAUSES OF PARK INEQUITY IN SOUTH LOS ANGELES..................................................................... 26 Identifying and understanding the park inequity in south Los Angeles plus a look at ways to “Parkify” your city.
WHY WE NEED PARK EQUITY..............................................................32 A look at the importance of access to greenspace in a community.
IT’S WINTERTIME: HEAD FOR THE HILLS.............................................34 Learn about programming ideas to increase the number of Hispanics visiting sno-parks.
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An EPIC Year So Far!
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION
by Tara Gee • CPRS President Sympathy looks in and says, “I’m sorry.” Compassion goes in and says, “I’m with you.” Sympathy looks in and says, “I would like to help.” Compassion goes in and says. “I’m here to help.” Sympathy says, “I wish I can carry your burden.” Compassion says, “Cast your burden on me.” Sympathy often irritates with many words. Compassion helps and hears in quietness and understanding. - Author Unknown
W
ow! 2020 has been quite a year so far. Not only have we had the on-going, never ending COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve had the largest fires throughout the state in history, we continue to have earthquakes, we continue to see racial strife and dare I say, the political divide is greater than ever. All we need now are the murder hornets to migrate south from our neighboring states to the north. But look at us. We continue to “bob and weave”, navigating through the ever-changing needs and crises that affect our communities up and down the state. We started to see fatigue set in as all of us continued to serve in ways we never dreamt we could. We thought that summer would bring relief, but then the rules changed and we continued to plan and cancel and plan and postpone. Understandably, regional fall forums were canceled and even Maintenance Management School was postponed until November 2021. That would be the first time in over 35 years that the School will not be held. In spite of all of this, our resilience showed through bright and shiny. 2020 was to be the year that the School of Rec (formerly Super Cal) was to make its updated debut after a
slight break and wow, did it ROCK! In September, under the leadership of Recreation Section President Tiarra Warner and the Recreation Section Board, 150 members were able to virtually come together and participate for three exciting days to acknowledge our challenges, refresh and re-energize. Congratulations to District 10’s Mark Freeman, Jake Hopkins, Ben Dieterle for finding a creative way to celebrate their 2019 award winners in a creative and funny video featuring many familiar members. Congratulations also to District 4’s Executive Board, for their swag store to help offset memberships for those impacted by pandemic caused budget cuts. District 2, partnering with the Administrators Section and the Development & Operations Section, is planning a training related to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in November, District 12 continues to plan their Fall Forum also in November and Region 1 will be offering a virtual conference called CAREs (Corona Ain’t Ruining Everything!). I’m so excited to see these offerings!
Redefining Diversity
In this issue, we are focusing on continued on page 54
1. Publication Title: California Parks & Recreation 2. Publication No. 0733-5326 3. Filing Date: November 4, 2020 4. Issue Frequency: Quarterly 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 4 6. Annual Subscription Price: $30.00 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: California Park & Recreation Society, 7971 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95832-9701 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Same as #7 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher: same as #7; Editor: Stephanie Stephens, California Park & Recreation Society, 7971 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 958329701; Managing Editor: John Glaeser, California Park & Recreation Society, 7971 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95832-9701 10. Owner: California Park & Recreation Society, 7971 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95832-9701 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 12. The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during the preceding 12 months. 13. Publication Name: California Parks & Recreation 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Summer 2020 (mailed August 2020) 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Actual No. Copies Single Issue Published Nearest To Filing Date Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 months
A. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run) B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation 1. Paid/Requested Outside-Co. Mail Subscrib. State on Form 3541 2. Paid Inside-Co. Subscrib. 3. Sales Through Dealers & Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales & Other non-USPS Paid Distrib. 4. Other Classes Mailed Through USPS C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circ. D. Free Distribution by Mail 1. Outside Co. stated on Form 3541 2. In Co. stated on Form 3541 3. Other Classes Mailed Through USPS 4. Outside the Mail E. Total Free Distribution F. Total Distribution G. Copies Not Distributed H. Total J. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circ.
5189
4800
5000 0
4682 0
0 10 5010
0 6 4688
0 0 3 20 23 5033 156 5189 99.5%
0 0 2 17 19 4707 93 4800 99.6%
16. Publication of Statement of Ownership: Publication required. Will be printed in the Fall 2020 issue of this publication. sig. John Glaeser, Managing Editor, November 4, 2020
Tara Gee is the 2020-21 CPRS President and the Park Planning & Development Superintendent at the City of Roseville. 6
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Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Parks and Recreation The terms justice, equity, diversity and inclusion are increasingly common words to hear By Dr. Heather Vilhauer
Cal State East Bay and Dr. Brandon Taylor Fresno State
in the field of parks, recreation and leisure services as those in the field work to meet the fundamental goal of providing all members of their communities with access to parks and recreational opportunities.
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u J EDI
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hile these concepts are not new, there is a renewed focus on these words and what they mean to the profession and the communities that they serve. Suppose the field of park, recreation, and leisure services fully embraces and serves the entire community. In that case, it would genuinely take all dimensions of diversity into account, explicitly identifying, examining, and dismantling any discriminatory and racist practices that have been upheld by organizational barriers and stereotypical program offerings. In 2017, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) launched Parks for Inclusion, an initiative to improve access to parks, specifically activities that aid health and wellness for over one million people. A survey completed at that time indicated only 40 percent of parks and recreation organizations had a formal inclusion policy. This number was higher (53%) for urban parks and recreation organizations and much lower (24%) for rural parks and recreation organizations (2017 NRPA Parks and Recreation Inclusion Report, p. 3). This year, NRPA took another step forward and hired its first Chief Equity Officer. Like CPRS, other state parks and recreation organizations have also embraced the efforts of providing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for all. These organizations include Illinois, North Carolina, and Maryland, amongst others.
California’s Diversity
Over the past 50 years, California’s population has tripled and become increasingly diverse. As of 2014, Whites no longer constituted a majority racial group. In fact, no race or ethnic group is a majority in California. According to the American Community Survey, 39% are Latino, 37% White, 15% Asian American, 6% African American, 3% multiracial, and less than 1% are American Indian or Pacific Islander. Of the close to 40 million people currently living in California, 27% (10.6 million) are immigrants. Additionally, based on research from the Public Policy Institute of California (2019), between 2010 and 2017, 56% of immigrants arrived from Asia, representing 48 countries, then Latin America at 29% representing 33 countries.
Equitable Services from the Beginning
It is of grave importance to acknowledge the impetus of the profession in the United States. Jane Addams (1860-1935) considered the grandmother of the profession, and Ellen Gates Star (1859-1940) founded one of the country’s first community centers. The Hull House provided services to the women and children living in under-resourced communities and immigrant populations in Chicago. The Hull House represented the profession’s aspirational intentions by offering educational, recreational, social,
and creative programming for those without the privilege of traditional access. Ernest T. Attwell (1878-1949) promoted inclusive service opportunities for African Americans in the early 1900s instituting the National Recreation School when the number of African Americans trained in the field was low. Notable historical members of our profession recognized the importance of providing services to all: “It is as if our cities had not yet developed a sense of responsibility in regard to the life of the streets, and continually that recreation is stronger than vice, and that recreation alone can stifle the lust for vice.” ~ Jane Addams “The welfare of any segment of a community should be of concern to all.” ~Ernest T. Atwell “Although it is easy to lose sight of it, the recreation and park profession does not have a role, except what it can do through its efforts to improve the lot of humanity.” ~ Charles K. Brightbill From Profiles in Leadership, NRPA, 2009 These quotes showcase that from its inception, the park, recreation, and leisure services field has been littered with champions for equity in its various forms, if not in its entirety. Our task is to continue this great work as it has evolved and facilitate programs, services, and park spaces that provide for those in our communities.
Justice
Equity
Diversity
Inclusion
Dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities in society so that all individuals & communities can live a full & dignified life. These barriers are essentially the “isms” in society: racism, classism, sexism, etc.
Allocating resources to ensure everyone has access to the same resources & opportunities. Equity recognizes that advantages and barriers—the ‘isms’— exist. Equity is the approach & equality is the outcome.
The differences between us based on which we experience systemic advantages or encounter systemic barriers to opportunities.
Fostering a sense of belonging by centering, valuing, & amplifying the voices, perspectives & styles of those who experience more barriers based on their identities.
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
Definitions from the Arvana Group
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J EDI u lates into the displeasure of inequities presented and forced upon communities of color, LGBTQ+ folks, underresourced communities, and so many other dimensions of diversity which are used to disenfranchise. To do this, an examination of this rail’s confluence between organizational culture and dimensions of diversity that withholds access to our services. Organizational culture is defined as “A pattern of shared basic assumptions learned by a group as it solved its problems of external adaptation and internal integration, which has worked well enough to be considered valid and, therefore, to be taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think, and feel in relation to those problems.” (from Leading Organizations, 2016). • Privilege is a special right, advanTraveling Parallel Paths An organization’s culture is expressed tage, or immunity granted or availImagine walking along train tracks. as open, flexible, and adaptable to the able only to a particular person or We know that the two rails must be needs of those within and outside of group. laid along the same path for the train the organization; or closed rigid and of equitable park and recreational ser• Microaggression is a statement, restrictive in meeting those needs. vices to progress to its destination of action, or incident regarded as an Think about your organization’s abilserving our entire community. One of instance of indirect, subtle, or unity to adapt and meet the needs of the the rails we are traveling along is that intentional discrimination against diversity within your community. Are of intra/interpersonal growth. This members of a marginalized group the barriers easily removed? Access to rail provides us the opportunity to gain such as a racial or ethnic minority. our services typically boils down to needed internal and inter-relational three things for those we serve: abunAs defined in the Oxford Languages insights of ourselves and others. We dance of financial resources, efficient Dictionary begin to realize the ideologies and reliable transportation, of racism, bias, and prejudice and location of services. we hold and work to break “Individual behaviors can shape As we continue our travel them down. We also seek to the success of individuals. But policies down the train tracks, it aplearn about others and allow determine the success of groups.” pears that the rails will evenany harmful ideologies to Dr. Ibram X. Kendi tually collide. Those of us be challenged and dissolve How to be an Antiracist who have walked along train over time. In this work, it is tracks know that this is not the essential to name and review case. However, for the train of generally accepted definitions of conequitable recreational services to reach The second rail focuses on orcepts addressed within on this rail. its destination, it must rely upon each ganizational policies and structures It is not enough to understand the rail’s resiliency undergirded by the railthat permit our profession to serve practical meanings of terms related to road ties. The ties represent the timeand underserve those residing in our racism and oppression (listed below). tested theories utilized to examine and communities. We must remove this The goal should be to gain a more address justice, equity, diversity, and rail’s non-racist, non-biased, and noncomprehensive understanding of how inclusion concerns. One such theory prejudiced inclinations that claim to these terms are operationalized within that has been a part of conversations be inclusive of all yet seem only to our lives. This knowledge should then of late is Critical Race Theory provide for a certain few. ‘Non’ can be inform our examination of the second Critical Race Theory includes six, defined as an absence of something but rail. generally agreed upon, characteristics does not present an opposing stance • Prejudice is a preconceived opinion, paraphrased below: as does the term ‘anti.’ Non removes not based on reason or experience. any personal responsibility to dismantle 1. That race is a made-up concept the idea or concept it is associated • Bias is prejudice in favor of or 2. Racism is still alive and kicking with. Park, recreation, and leisure against one thing, person, or group 3. White privilege is real service organizations must begin to compared with another. adopt the anti-framework that trans10
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
u J EDI 4. People are multifaceted, have several identifiers, and are not monolithic
Intra/interpersonal growth
5. The voices and perspectives of people of color are valuable, and
2. What privileges do you have based on how you self-identify?
6. Space and opportunity should be provided for those voices and stories to be shared. This theory, and many others like it, provides the context we as professionals need to examine our communities and our work and then address the inequities. Now, consider that photo of the train tracks. How many of our communities are separated by this imaginary barrier, keeping the others at bay?
Examining our Past
An essential part of this work is examining organizations from the perspective of our differences. Through those differences, we experience systemic advantages or encounter systemic barriers to opportunities and other oppressions. Throughout our country’s history, decisions by those in power have created inequities in our systems. These inequities include practices like redlining, segregation, and other policies that decrease or stop access to things like programs, facilities, fields, aquatics, parks, and other resources your organization may provide based on identifiers such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, cultural background, income level, sexual orientation, and religion. Now, think about the configuration of the community you serve. What discriminatory practices and policies have taken place in your community and organization over time that have led to current inequities? It is time for the park, recreation, and leisure ser vices profession to become justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) champions so that the communities we serve can address the concerns of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for everyone in our communities. As you become a JEDI champion and begin your work on the parallel paths, here are some questions to ask yourself:
1. How do you self-identify?
3. What biases do you currently hold? 4. How do these biases impact the work you do? 5. What scares you the most when you think about race?
Organizational Policies and Structures 1. Who participates in your programs? Who doesn’t? 2. What are their barriers to participation? 3. Who are the rules in your park written for? Do they impact one group more than another? 4. What languages do you use to promote your programs? 5. Do the demographics of your staff and leadership reflect your community?
Justice Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Efforts within CPRS By Tara Gee, CPRS President
As you start on this work, know that you won’t be alone. CPRS is committed to embracing a cultural change within this organization and throughout our membership. This is an ongoing conversation at both the state and headquarters level as well. We feel we have to start somewhere and lead that conversation. Did you know that, based on a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, 43% of people surveyed feel it is inappropriate to talk about cultural diversity in the workplace? Yet, over 70% of those working in human resources think it is. Many of us have been brought up not to talk about diversity and inclusion at all, but we need to talk to move forward. It is uncomfortable, but after a while, it will not be that way. It was recently shared with CPRS leadership that JEDI concepts would not be embraced in this individual’s organization. Well, not everyone is ready, and that is ok. However, let us start with ourselves and lead the way with our actions as models for others. Things do not need to be harsh, just real and heartfelt. As we begin to talk more openly, we will make mistakes. That is ok. CPRS is optimistic that its membership will provide one another with the grace to make those mistakes and, rather than react, use any opportunity to provide perspective. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. CPRS is in the process of developing a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion working group. To become involved with the group, complete the form at this link: https://tinyurl.com/CPRSJEDI All are welcome; no experience in JEDI work is necessary. CPRS is also developing a survey on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to guide our profession. Additionally, professional development experiences created around JEDI concepts are offered throughout the year. These experiences range from open conversations at the District and State Level to one-hour workshops to half-day sessions. Each has a different focus and commitment level. For more information, watch for announcements from CPRS. You can also check out the JEDI community on the CPRS website. This community is a place where you can share resources and work with others from around the state interested in the same work.
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All photos courtesy of Cosumnes Community Services District
One Agency’s Journey Into Diversity, Equity and Inclusion By Kelly Gonzalez
Director of Business and Public Affairs and Traci Farris Recreation Manager Cosumnes Community Services District 12
The California Park & Recreation Society asked members about their role advancing equity in local government. Cosumnes Community Services District shared their successes, as well as some of the challenges. FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
Building stronger communities. together.
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DEI J o u r n e y u Kelly Gonzalez is the Director of Business and Public Affairs for Cosumnes Community Services District. She serves as the Champion of the district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Kelly, tell us a little about your background and why championing DEI work is important to you? I have been passionate about this work as long as I can remember. I grew up in a diverse neighborhood in South Sacramento. As a second generation Mexican American, I have been afforded opportunities that were not always available to those within my community. I believe this work comes naturally to those of us who have worked in the field of parks and recreation. We have the responsibility to create opportunities so that all people can gain access to high-quality parks and recreation services. What was the biggest impetus for DEI work in your community? Cosumnes Community Services District recognizes the importance in creating access and ensuring equity. The original ignition that sparked the district’s depth into DEI work was an unfortunate series of racially charged hate crimes, which stirred the entire community. In 2011, two elderly SikhAmerican men were murdered while on a walk and later that year, an Elk Grove cab driver, who was also Sikh, was beaten by two men who yelled anti-Muslim slurs. Six years later, hate mail was left at a local African American owned business, and, in a separate inci-
dent, a social media video went viral of a local student making disturbing and racist remarks. Community and civil rights activists began lobbying all local government agencies to take a stand for underserved, underrepresented, and communities facing discrimination and injustice. Cosumnes CSD recognized its role in educating the community and supporting employees through the impacts felt as a result of these incidents. Staff actively engaged with other local government agencies, to partner and collaborate, to create dialogue on diversity, equity and inclusion. Throughout this process the Cosumnes Community Service District carefully examined organizational commitment toward diversity, equity and inclusion. How did you get started after the community demanded change? First, we assessed our district’s commitment to equity. We met with individuals and organizations from underserved groups including members
Cosumnes CSD Equity Statement Cosumnes Community Services District is committed to: • Ensuring equity and inclusion in recruitment and hiring processes. • Promoting a climate that is welcoming and conducive to the success of all employees through respect, inclusion, equity, and cultural awareness. • Developing and supporting policies and procedures that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Providing equitable access to District services, events and activities that further develop diversity and inclusion in our community.
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from racial and minority groups, the LGBTQ+ community, and those with physical and mental disabilities. In addition, we hired an unbiassed outside consultant to conduct a diversity audit of the agency. Data validated our gaps which allowed staff to create a roadmap for improvement. Staff collaborated together to create an equity statement, which was adopted by the Board of Directors. The equity statement includes four major goals, each with initiatives or calls to action, which focus upon recruitment, workplace culture, policy and procedures, and how the agency will take a proactive stand against injustice, hate, and discrimination. Cosumnes CSD joined other regional leaders in the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE). The district’s entire executive team, as well as volunteers from management staff, attended a yearlong series of trainings from GARE which created “buy-in” and established the foundational framework for moving forward. We developed a shared and deeper understanding of racial equity. We discussed difficult topics including government’s history in the development of systemic barriers and structures that promote racism. Cosumnes CSD found success in updating and reviewing the district’s policies and procedures with an emphasis on equity. We updated our harassment policy, created a commitment to equity and inclusion policy, and updated our compensation policy to include language on fair and equitable wages. A considerable amount of time went into reviewing and updating the district’s hiring policies and practices.
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DEI J o u r n e y u
As a result, the following actions have been instituted: • Remove names from the resume review process; • Recruit for external candidates through local, statewide and national diversity networks; • Mandate bias awareness training before all interview panels; • Require hiring managers include community partners to sit on interview panels; and • Offer internships targeted towards diverse communities. In addition, we started looking at the district’s communication and marketing strategies. We revamped fliers, forms, and brochures to better reflect the diverse community served by the district; often challenging our own materials to ensure stereotypes were excluded and inclusion was promoted. Language in our job descriptions, forms and marketing materials were changed to be gender neutral and inclusive. The district now offers translation services to residents during registration. The district has altered social media strategies, making statements against racial injustices. We created an inclusive culture for our employees, by focusing on equity, and acknowledging our rich diversity. We emphasize people-first inclusive language. We evaluated a robust calendar of celebrations to ensure we are thoughtful when planning agency 16
events. We placed signage which demonstrated our commitment to diversity in both public and staff only areas. Staff wear pins that celebrate diversity. We updated our guiding documents such as strategic plans and master plans to reflect the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. The first year we held a series of bias awareness trainings. During these trainings we paid attention to individuals who engaged in conversation and demonstrated a passion and/or a curiosity for wanting to learn more. During trainings, we looked for staff members that were open to evaluating their own biases. We recruited staff members to learn more and invited them to assist in leading change for the district. This effort became our DEI Committee. Our first year was challenging as we worked through the discomfort of conversations, but we emerged with a high functioning team focused on outcomes. What have you found to be most successful in moving DEI work? It is hard to identify one successful action in moving DEI work. Cosumnes CSD has made a lot of small gains that collectively have changed the organizational culture of the district. Our district has had active participation from our line personnel, as well as regular participation and support from the executive team, especially our General Manager. Most importantly, we have been fortunate to have incredible
leadership by our elected officials. This includes support on several proclamations and celebrations such as Pride Month, Juneteenth, Hispanic Heritage Month and Indigenous People’s Day. Both staff and elected officials have participated in a Pride Parade, walks honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., cultural awareness trainings and continually recognize organizations and individuals which represent underserved communities. The most significant change in culture as an organization, is when we started to speak out against racial and social injustices. The response from our community and staff was overwhelmingly positive. Historically we remained silent or neutral during reports of hate crimes or racism. We learned remaining silent was hurtful to members of our community and painful for our own employees. Once the agency was willing to speak up and take a public position against racism, others followed and supported our position. Cosumnes CSD teaches equity as a core competency to our employees. We recognize and reward employees who maintain cultural humility and practice cultural competence. Our senior leadership staff support and reward employees for practicing cultural humility. At Cosumnes CSD, we are normalizing conversations of equity at all levels of the organization. In 2019, we grew our DEI committee. We recruited Traci Farris, a Recreation Manager, to chair the DEI Committee. We carefully selected new members for the committee that represented all levels of the organization and understood the difference between equity and equality. Traci has been an inspiration to staff and has helped our committee and agency grow. She ensures that all members of the committee are heard and invites each member to participate. I am grateful she accepted the challenge to chair the committee and she continues to inspire others to join our efforts of creating a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all. Today, employees at all levels of the organization are beginning to lean into discussions about equity. In my 20+ years serving at the Cosumnes Com-
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DEI J o u r n e y u munity Services District, I am pleased to see a culture shift. I am proud to work at an organization and serve alongside such passionate and influential leaders that will continue to stand up and work towards social justice. Traci Farris is serves as a Recreation Manager for the Cosumnes Community Services District. She serves as the chair of the district’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Traci Farris how were you selected as the DEI chair and tell us about your journey in leading the DEI committee. I remember the first time I heard I was going to be appointed as the Chairperson for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. My first thoughts included feeling inadequate, ill-prepared, and incredibly nervous. After all, what did I really know about diversity, equity and inclusion? Prior to this appointment, I had participated in the district’s GARE cohort and attended a workshop on the recently created equity statements. I was a newbie in the DEI world and was not sure I could do such an important role justice. What if I said something that offended? What if I showed bias in some way? How would I bring this committee together and move this sometimes-uncomfortable work forward? I use the word uncomfortable because the discussion of DEI can be uncomfortable at times. Change is tough, talking about race can be scary, and confronting our own biases or long held beliefs is hard. During our very first committee meeting in Januar y, ever yone sat around the table, watching me as I nervously fiddled with the laptop, attempting to bring up a video I had found by my personal hero Brene Brown. The topic was vulnerability, and I was feeling vulnerable in that moment. I was planning to have my girl Brene do the talking for me and was hopeful it would set the tone. It was only supposed to be a 10-minute video clip, however I inadvertently clicked on the wrong link, instead choosing one that was over 60 minutes in length – the same amount of time 18
for the whole meeting! I realized my mistake about 6 minutes in, much to my embarrassment. I made a selfdeprecating joke about vulnerability, everyone laughed, and the correct clip was played. Brene’s words touched many of them in the same way she has touched my life, and the ice was officially broken. I had successfully demonstrated how wholly unprepared I felt to lead this group, and they responded with grace. The video by Brene Brown is “Seven Super Tips.” How did you establish your goals for the year? One of the first tasks we had was to establish goals for the year. Given this was the second year of the committee, and we had several new members, myself included, it was decided we would focus on working from within. Count this as one of two pieces of advice for those looking to begin DEI work in their agency: Make sure everyone seated at the table wants to be there; they are invited, not appointed members. This is HUGE because it can make or break the committee if someone feels forced into this type of work. You need individuals who will embrace it, seek to educate themselves, and ultimately who will become champions and help spread the good word.
Begin the process of DEI by addressing it within the committee members first. It is important to establish trust and have the tough conversations. Tell your story and actively listen to those of the other members. This can be done with diversity activities such as My Fullest Name and I Am, But I Am Not. See sidebar on page 19. We begin every meeting with a Community Agreement, our guiding principles: we will maintain confidentiality when necessary, agree to disagree, move up and move aside so everyone around the table (or zoom video) has a chance to speak, and use “I” statements when having discussions. Next, we have a group activity to share about ourselves. These activities have been instrumental in helping us come together – we have recently coined ourselves the Ride or DEI’ers. Once we found our groove, maybe two or three months in, we started to branch out into providing opportunities to our fellow co-workers. We started by choosing which holidays or initiatives were celebrated in our community and we built upon those. We brought forward several proclamations this year to the Board of Directors for approval - Pride Month, Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Hispanic Heritage Month. We have supported each proclamation with
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u DEI J o u r n e y a training, video or social media message. During the month of June, we produced a “We Welcome Everyone” video in support of Pride and hosted a guest speaker to educate us on the history of Juneteenth. My next piece of advice – find the advocates in your community. Are there any cultural groups who are especially active, someone you might be able to partner with to assist with a training or who can provide a guest speaker? What proclamations have gone before the Board of Directors in the past? Were they well-received? If so, build upon those. Survey your fellow co-workers to find out what is important to them. You never know who may have an idea your committee may be able to work on. A few small projects can quickly turn into some big accomplishments. What is the biggest accomplishment of the DEI Committee to date? The biggest accomplishment so far is the roll out of the Inclusive Language Guide. The guide emphasizes the importance of person-first language with regard to ability. The DEI Committee is currently conducting trainings with staff, which have allowed the committee members the opportunity to engage one-on-one with staff, often times sparking deep conversations. Perhaps the most important takeaway in all the work we do surrounding DEI is simply this: We will all mess up at one point or another. Acknowledge it, lean into the moment as a learning opportunity, apologize and make a commitment to do better, and raise your awareness. Kelly and Traci work for the Cosumnes Community Services District. The Cosumnes CSD is an independent special district dedicated to saving lives and enriching community by providing superior fire and emergency medical services and award-winning parks and recreation facilities and programs to the residents in Elk Grove and areas of South Sacramento County. Questions about the article or for more information to assist your agency, please reach out to kellygonzalez@csdparks.com or tracifarris@csdparks.com.
DEI Ice Breakers Description of the ice breakers mentioned in the accompanying article.
My Fullest Name We will all share the story of our names. Please try to answer the following questions and tell the story behind it: • Who gave you your name? Why that name? • Do you know the ethnic origin of your name? • Do you have any nicknames? If so, how did you get them? • What is your preferred name? The goal of this activity is to share histories, cultural stories, and cultivate interpersonal understanding. It’s a non-confrontational way to show difference that requires no “us vs them” dynamics. There’s also an opportunity for people to ask questions and make conversation after everyone in the group has the chance to talk about their Fullest Name.
Confront Stereotypes Head-On This particular inclusion activity suggested by MIT is a great way to break down misconceptions and stereotypes by allowing individuals to report on how they identify themselves, while also allowing them to address the stereotypes behind these identifying factors. Here are the steps for “I Am, But I am Not” 1. Each participant should fold a piece of paper in half to create two separate columns. 2. In the first column, write “I Am”. 3. In the second column, write “I Am Not”. 4. In between these two columns, write the word “But”. 5. The final phrase will read “I am _____, but I am not _____.” 6. Participants should fill in the first blank with some mon identifier, such as their race, religion, etc. ond with a common stereotype about that group true of them (whether the stereotype is positive Ex: “I am Asian, but I am not good at math.”
kind of comand the secwhich is not or negative).
7. Make sure there are no questions and have everyone write at least 5 statements. 8. Allow participants to share their statements with the team and have an open and respectful discourse on stereotypes.
If you really knew me, you’d know that… Go around the table and have everyone on your team finish this statement: “If you really knew me, you’d know that… “ It can be something as simple as: “I missed the bus this morning so I feel a bit stressed. I need a minute to collect myself.” Or, something a bit more revealing such as: “I have a family member who is not well and I’m having trouble focusing”.
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Racial Equity: Getting to Results
A resource guide from the Government Alliance on Race & Equity
The following is an overview of the resource manual “Race Equity: Getting to Results” created by the Government Alliance for Race & Equity (GARE). To download the entire By Erika Bernabei, PhD
Principal Equity & Results
manual, please visit the GARE Website at racialequalityalliance.org. The resource guide contains more in-depth coverage of the ideas presented plus case studies.
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u Getting To Results
C
urrently across the country, regardless of region, racial inequities exist across every indicator for success—including health, criminal justice, education, jobs, housing, and beyond. We know these inequities are incongruent with our aspirations. The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a joint project of the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society at the University of California, Berkeley and Center for Social Inclusion, recognizes that we can and must do better. We know that government has a key role in advancing racial equity, and therefore are modeling at the local level how it is truly possible for government to advance racial equity and to develop into an inclusive and effective democracy. We know change is possible with intentionality and focus. We must recognize that from the inception of our country, government at the local, regional, state, and federal level has played a role in creating and maintain-
ing racial inequities. Though we’ve made many strides toward racial equity, policies and practices have created and still create disparate results—even if the intention to discriminate is not present. Despite progress in addressing explicit discrimination, racial inequities continue to be deep, pervasive, and persistent across the country. We are at a critical juncture with an exciting new role for government—to proactively work for racial equity. Our goal goes beyond closing the gaps; we must improve overall outcomes by focusing efforts on those who are faring the worst. Deeply racialized systems are costly for us collectively and depress outcomes and life chances for communities of color. To advance racial equity, government must focus not only on individual programs, but also on policy and institutional strategies that create and maintain inequities. GARE uses a six-part strategic approach geared to address all levels of institutional change.
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Normalize
Use a racial equity framework: Jurisdictions must use a racial equity framework that clearly articulates our vision for racial equity and the differences between individual, institutional, and structural racism—as well as implicit and explicit bias. It is important that staff—across the breadth and depth of a jurisdiction—develop a shared understanding of these concepts. Operate with urgency and accountability: While it is often believed that change is hard and takes time, we have seen repeatedly that when we prioritize change and act with urgency, change is embraced and can occur quickly. The most effective path to accountability comes from creating clear action plans with built-in institutional accountability mechanisms. Collectively, we must create greater urgency and public will in order to achieve racial equity.
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Getting To Results u build infrastructure that creates racial equity experts and teams throughout local and regional government. Partner with other institutions and communities: The work of government on racial equity is necessary but not sufficient. To achieve racial equity, government must work in partnership with communities and other institutions to achieve meaningful results.
Operationalize
Organize
Build organizational capacity: Jurisdictions need to be committed to the breadth and depth of institutional transformation so that impacts are sustainable. While elected leaders and other top officials are a critical part, change takes place on the ground. We must
Implement racial equity tools: Racial inequities are neither natural nor random—they have been created and sustained over time. Inequities will not disappear on their own; tools must be used to change the policies, programs, and practices that perpetuate inequities. Using this “Focusing on Racial Equity Results,” along with other tools, such as our Racial Equity Tool, will help us to achieve better results within our communities. Be data-driven: Measurement must take place at two levels— first, to measure the success of specific program-
matic and policy changes, and second, to develop baselines, set goals, and measure progress towards goals. It is critical that jurisdictions use data in this manner for accountability. Racial equity means that we no longer see disparities based on race and we improve results for all groups. We believe that in order to disrupt our nation’s deep and pervasive inequality of opportunity and results, generate new possibilities for community ownership of government, and establish a new narrative for a truly inclusive democracy, it is essential to transform government. Indeed, in order to advance racial equity and success as a nation, we must transform government.
Begin with Data
Often, the work of identifying, collecting, and using qualitative and quantitative data to inform community change processes is left to staff or partners doing work behind the scenes. But, the role of identifying, collecting, and using data must be shared and owned by
(Soils & Barks)
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u Getting To Results community leaders and the early adopters (or Core Team) of staff responsible for developing a plan of action. The design and usefulness of the data will hinge on whether transparent, proactive data analysis and use become a part of the culture of your group. This is different from the compliance structures often required in funding reports or the deficit orientation affixed to communities of color because of poor outcomes. The use and analysis of data are about empowering you to make good decisions–and to advance racial equity.
What Is Racial EquityCentered Results-Based AccountabilityTM?
Results-Based Accountability™ (RBA) is a tool that starts with the desired results and works backwards towards the means, to ensure that your plans work toward community results with stakeholder-driven implementation. This disrupts historic patterns of “doing what we’ve always done, because we’ve always done it that way.” That way of work, done with the best
intentions, does not produce the racial equity we demand in our communities. RBA also helps distinguish between population level (whole groups) indicators, that are the responsibility of multiple systems and take a long time to shift, and performance measures (activity-specific) that organizations can use to determine whether what they do is having an impact. Tools are not the work, but they are a part of the work. The following guide will help you begin the process of using a powerful tool, Results-Based Accountability™ that incorporates a racial equity lens.
Population Accountability: Start at the End What are the desired results? First, you need to be clear about what desired racial equity conditions you and your group want to see in your whole community. This requires the recognition that the whole community cannot experience well-being when communities of color experience it at disproportionately lower rates. Results focus on a city, county, or state and are
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articulated as positive conditions of well-being—such as people are healthy in [city], or Latino children are ready for school in [state]. This requires you to think about the larger context—toward the transformation of systems to get equitable results for communities of color. Because changing results is a bigger responsibility than any one agency can shoulder, you need institutional, agency, and community partners to accomplish your goals. What would the result look like? The next step is to answer the following question: What would this result/condition of well-being look like if you experienced it in the community? What would it physically look like? What would it feel like? What are the community indicators that would measure the desired result? The next step is to identify community indicators, of the populationlevel result(s). Indicators may not be quick to move because they should be community-level measures that reflect
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Getting To Results u generations of policy and systems failures that have produced racial inequity. Nevertheless, they are powerful measures that focus and hold your efforts accountable to population-level systems change over time. What do the data tell us? Your group then needs to look at the data trend for each indicator, disaggregated by race/ethnicity and whatever relevant demographic breakdowns matter to your work, while asking “what would happen if we did nothing different?” Longitudinal indicator trends can help you see the racially disproportionate results for communities of color over time, and therefore past data is critical at this point in the process. Who are your partners? After you’ve completed your rootcause analysis, your group should consider which partners you should work with in order to reach your goals. As
noted in the Racial Equity Action Plan manual, in order to do systems change work, government must partner not only with community leadership, but also with a range of types of institutions. The group should consider: • other government agencies; • local government leadership; • nonprofits; • philanthropy; • community-based advocacy and community organizing groups; • the private sector; and • any other partners that would be required. What works to change the data trend towards racial equity? When determining what might work to transform results in your community, begin by having brainstorming sessions. No one program or policy will change an entire result, but any can be a good starting point.
Results-Based Accountability™ starts with these categories of ideas: • Low-cost, no-cost ideas: free or nearly free ideas that members of the group identify. Because these solutions are not resource dependent, they may help the group get started more quickly than other activities that require money. • Community knowledge: ideas and solutions that are culled from the wisdom and experience of residents and community members who have already informally tried out actions and have found them to be effective. • Promising practices: solutions that are not considered “evidencebased” because they haven’t been rigorously studied, but that people in or outside of the community have tried that show promise. • Evidence-based practices: actions that research has shown to be effective. • Out-of-the-box/“Imagine if” ideas: ideas that may seem unorthodox or
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u Getting To Results nontraditional but that just might work. With a diverse partnership come a diversity of ideas, and RBA believes that the more initial ideas the better. Creative, out-of-the-box ideas that relate to the root cause analysis can be particularly impactful. What actions should you start with? Once you’ve recorded the brainstorm, the group should use the following RBA criteria to determine which actions to begin with: • Values: Is it strengths-based, peoplecentered, and culturally relevant/ anti-racist? Does it advance a racial equity agenda? • Leverage: How likely is it to change the trendline? What additional resources for change does it activate? • Reach: Is it feasible? Will it actually benefit communities of color experiencing racial inequities? • Specificity: Does it have a timeline with deliverables that answer the
questions who, what, when, where, and how?
Performance Accountability For Actions: The Road to Getting Results
The hard work begins after the groundwork has been laid. For each community indicator, the group has already identified a set of actions. Now, as noted in the Racial Equity Action Plans manual, facilitated action planning sessions—within departments, across departments, and sometimes with nonprofit or other partners—help to refine the potentially broad set of actions. The Core Team should bring population-level indicators and results to these sessions and begin to build a performance plan.
A Commitment To Racial Equity and Better Results
of itself is not the work; authentic and principled engagement with community is the work. If a tool could accomplish the hard work of transformative public systems change that would produce better results for communities of color, jurisdictions would have solved racial inequities. On the other hand, without tools and a disciplined and focused way of doing work, communities can unintentionally perpetuate inequity by relying on goodwill and intellect alone. In places like Fairfax County and Dubuque, and many places around the country, hard work is underway— laying the foundation for systems change by investing in both a common understanding of racism and tools for transformative change. To download the entire resource tool, visit https://www.racialequityalliance.org/resources/racial-equitygetting-results/
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Unveiling the Root Causes of Park Inequity in South Los Angeles
Think of a time you spent at a park – maybe it was at a family BBQ, a picnic with friends, walking your dog –the options are endless. Personally, I find myBy Naomi Humphrey Student Intern In Build Health LA, Youth Engagement National Health Foundation
self happiest while in touch with the outdoors and utilizing parks for their scenic hiking trails. If you have not noticed yet, parks are a pretty big deal and are an important aspect of a healthy community.
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Park Inequity u
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arks serve as a communal space by bringing people together and play an integral role in the fabric of our society. They are places where we can enjoy a slice of nature and the outdoors; a relaxing respite from the everyday hustle of city life. Ultimately, parks are a great, free resource that yield tremendous social, physical and mental health benefits. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a park in their neighborhood.
Defining Park Inequity
Park equity is the idea that all people – regardless of who they are or where they live – have the right to clean, welcoming, well-maintained and accessible green spaces. On the flipside, park inequity refers to the lack of accessible and well-maintained green spaces. I was first introduced to these concepts in high school, when I participated in National Health Foundation’s BUILD Health Initiative. Here, my peers and I conducted park assessments on all fourteen parks in our district using an audit tool that evaluates parks based on
amenities, the condition of facilities, and accessibility. To see if our parks fared any differently from a neighborhood similar in size and population density, we used the same audit tool to assess parks in Santa Monica. We assigned each park a letter grade, with “A” as the highest score and “F” being the lowest. Santa Monica parks averaged a “C” grade (72%), while parks in Historic South Central averaged an “F” (59%) on our audit tool. Several conditions contributed to the low park grades in my community including: graffiti, damaged equipment and old playground sets, broken lights, unkempt bathrooms, and limited amenities like volleyball and tennis courts. In addition, Historic South Central has fewer park acres (84 to Santa Monica’s 134) despite having a larger population (138,000 to Santa Monica’s 93,000). While seeing the low park grades for my community was disheartening, the truth is, the results were not surprising. Graffiti, broken lights, indecent facilities… these are all things I have heard about and seen in my parks. Like many
of my peers, this was something we had accepted as fact: parks have always been this way, and they probably always will be. However, this information better informed my peers and I about the institutional structures that set the stage for park inequity in my community.
Identifying Park Inequity in South Los Angeles
Lower-income communities and urban areas experience the most limited access to green spaces because somewhere along the road, someone in power decided not to make parks in these neighborhoods. A look into the history of mapping the city’s parks helps paint a clearer picture of park inequity. Data tells us that accessibility varies greatly across neighborhoods, income levels, and race. Over half of Los Angeles County’s population lives in communities that are in high need of parks and park improvements. My neighborhood in South Los Angeles, Historic South Central, is one of those communities. Growing up, it was common for families in my neighborhood to travel to different parts of the city to enjoy ‘nice’ parks. Yet, something I have learned in this work is that like many injustices, people regard park inequity as happenstance, when in reality, it was very much purposeful. After all, most parks in Los Angeles County were developed by people.
Understanding the Root Causes of Park Inequity in South Los Angeles
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Many of Los Angeles’s first public parks were not designed with the intention of improving accessibility to greenspace. Some were built simply to activate donated or municipal land that was considered inhospitable for development. Lands that were intentionally acquired to build public greenspace were in wealthy neighborhoods comprised of predominately white, affluent families. Lower-income households and families of color were inevitably restricted to living in Los Angeles’ central neighborhoods (now known as South Los Angeles) which, much like today, held multi-family homes without yards or greenspaces. Public park
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u Park Inequity
space wasn’t a concept until much later because the correlation between wealth and greenspace was firmly established. The same efforts to build parks in the city could have been done at the time, but instead, people in power intentionally chose not to, thus contributing to racially unjust systems that have been shaping the health of people of color in South Los Angeles ever since. The argument that there is not space for nice, big parks in the city is only half-true: there was space for parks everywhere, developers just chose to use the land for other reasons. The city of Los Angeles’ 1904 zoning code made it possible for industrial sites to settle in lower-income neighborhoods in order to protect more affluent communities from environmental hazards such as water, air and soil pollution. In fact, Ross Snyder Recreation Center – the park that scored the highest grade in our neighborhood audit – stands right next to two industrial sites. It isn’t enough to have a handful of parks in a community; we need access to clean and safe parks too. Not only did these oil, electric and chemical companies take up greenspace, but so did the freeways and highways being built throughout the inner city. These changes shaped the built environment to what it is today, with very little space left for parks.
What Comes Next?
This idea of giving more to those that have less so that we can all be equal is not novel, yet it is controversial and
therefore uncommon; but we need to do it in order to achieve park equity. Measure A, which passed in 2016, will provide 13% – about $12 million per year – in funding strictly to high-need areas across Los Angeles County. This funding is allocated to issues dealing with park safety and access, greenspace and greenway development, urban canopy development and refurbish-
ment or expansion of current parks and park amenities in Los Angeles County. The truth is, it will take so much more than $12 million to eliminate spatial disparities in our communities. As these funds begin to be disbursed, the work towards park equity continues, especially the work of making sure people from communities like mine have a seat at the table to bring about positive changes. Having representation of people of color and community members is crucial to addressing the root causes of park inequity. We need to fix inequitable systems so that our communities can have equal access to everyday resources like parks, which ultimately contribute to the betterment of their health and happiness.
Exploring Creative Ways to “Parkify” a Neighborhood
We explored how decades of discriminatory policies have contributed to the disparate access to greenspace experienced by low-income neigh-
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Park Inequity u borhoods and communities of color. Now let’s highlight unique methods for incorporating new greenspace into communities where open space seems like such a rare commodity. Creating greenspace in a concrete jungle requires creativity, but it can be done. Let us look at some unexpected ways different communities have developed greenspace.
crime rates, which was effective, yet the alley could simultaneously lower crime rates and be environmentally beneficial to the neighborhood. Simply adding lights, benches, grass, and trees would make a world of difference in neighborhoods that don’t typically see greenery in their daily lives.
Exploring Abandoned Underpasses
Properties with abandoned buildings such as old industrial sites and warehouse districts can also provide park space. Landschafts Park in Duisburg, Germany was once a steel and ironworks plant and as it was decommissioned it became an integral part of the community as a park. Birmingham Alabama’s Railroad Park was once a premiere part of the steel works industry’s warehouse district before it was converted into a park. Similarly, Gas Works Parks and Olympic Sculpture Park are parks in Seattle that were converted from manufacturing sites.
One example includes the activation of an abandoned or rarely used underpass – an extremely effective way to create park space in park-poor communities. “Parkifying” an underutilized underpass would turn a desolate place into a piece of nature people look forward to visiting. Cultivating some of these underpasses as recreational spaces would in turn, activate the surrounding neighborhood by providing a space for residents to live, work and play. Cities across the country have utilized this technique and as a result have revitalized their neighborhoods.
Beautifying Alleyways
Underused alleys can also be “parkified” to add greenery into asphalt filled neighborhoods and could also potentially make safer neighborhoods by deterring criminal activities that often flourish in alleys. Alleys have been blocked off in park-poor neighborhoods before in order to reduce
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Re-designing Industrial Buildings & Warehouses
Re-Visiting Park Space in Los Angeles
The list goes on – communities across the nation and internationally have shown that we can “parkify” the most unexpected places, including old elevated railways and rooftops, and even landfills! This sounds idealistic, especially in a heavily regulated city like Los Angeles. However, to think more critically about the feasibility of these types of projects, I spoke to Jenny Aleman-Zometa, Program Director of the Los Angeles River State Park Partners (LARSPP). LARSPP works to better the state parks near the Los Angeles River by engaging with the community through group discussions, local events and distribution of resources. Jenny shared with me that both parks she works with, Rio De Los Angeles and LA State Historic Park, were once train yards and brown fields that were very separate from the public until community organizations advocated and reclaimed the space for park land. She states that people truly deserve the connection to nature that parks offer, and the deconstruction of those industrial spaces and the transformation into parks is not only necessary,
but also feasible, as she has seen it done across many parks in Los Angeles. Indeed, there is work already being done across Los Angeles. Just one example is the Adopt-A-Lot pilot program (launched in early 2019) which aims to turn empty, city-owned lots into community spaces. In addition, the works of groups such as Free Lots Angeles, Kuonkuey Design Initiative, Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, and many others demonstrate that shaping the built environment to create more parks is achievable. We like to think there is no space for parks in urban communities because all the abandoned and unused spaces for parks are out in the desert or rural areas, but in our own cities there are prime locations for fundamental parks and recreation centers. It is important that we think creatively to reverse the decisions of the past that led us to this state because those in park-poor communities are more likely to suffer health conditions from the lack of greenspace and overabundance of industrial sites. By reimagining landfills, dump sites, old elevated rails ways, overpasses, etc. as parks we would be giving communities access to parks and a healthier way of life. Naomi Humphrey is an alumna of National Health Foundation’s BUILD Health Initiative at Thomas Jefferson Senior High. She is currently an undergraduate student at UCLA, and continues to advocate for park equity and spatial justice for her home community as a member of Prevention Institute’s Powering Healthy Lives through Parks Community Advisory Board, and serving as NHF’s Health Equity Fellow. This article is the second of a series authored by Naomi exploring current issues regarding health equity and the built environment.
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Why We Need Park Equity
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arks, trails, community gardens, and other urban green spaces serve as fundamental building blocks to create healthy, vibrant communities. In principle, public parks belong to everyone. In practice, access to parks and recreation areas is anything but equal. Many communities with low household incomes and communities of color have few—or no—green spaces, and existing parks and recreation areas may be poorly maintained, understaffed, unwelcoming, and unsafe. Urban green spaces create myriad social, health, environmental, and economic benefits for communities. Access to neighborhood parks can: • Facilitate social interaction and bring communities together. Parks can serve as meeting places where social ties are strengthened, making community residents feel more connected and secure.[1] • Support physical health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that people who live within walking distance of parks are three times more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity than those who live beyond walking distance. [2]
By Elva Yañez Director of Health Equity Prevention Institute Originally published https://www.preventioninstitute.org/blog/why-we-need-park-equity Reprinted with permission.
• Support mental wellbeing. Research shows that proximity to parks and natural spaces provide respite and stress relief from the pressures of urban life,[3],[4] lengthen the lifespan,[5] and improve people’s moods and sense of wellbeing. • Enhance child development and help protect children from preventable chronic diseases.[6] • Prevent youth crime, aggression, and violence.[7] • Boost local economic development by preventing health problems, improving workforce opportunities, and generating new commercial opportunities. • Provide environmental benefits like regulating air temperature, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, dampening noise, capturing stormwater runoff, and protecting habitats for urban wildlife. Park-poor communities, on the other hand, are systematically limited in their access to these benefits.
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FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
u Park Equity Strategies to promote park equity
Inequities in park access across neighborhoods are the result of policies, laws, and practices— some deliberate, some inadvertent, some historical, some ongoing—that have segregated communities along racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. And it’s no coincidence that communities that don’t have their fair share of parks and green spaces often have more than their fair share of polluting land uses and freeways. But because we didn’t arrive at this point by accident, we can legislate, fund, plan, and design our way out. Strategies include: • Fund community-based organizations that work in and with parkpoor communities to undertake organizing and other power-building strategies to change the structural policies and systems that created park inequities in the first place. This funding would primarily need to come from private foundations. • Increase local, state, and federal funding allocations for green space and recreation services, prioritizing areas of high need. • Advocate for formal recognition by relevant government agencies of the existence of park inequities and impacts on specific populations. Importantly, make sure there is agreement about what equity is and isn’t. • Enact local, state, and federal policies that prioritize budget allocations to reverse inequities in the distribution of park space. • Secure commitments from sponsors of state and local conservation finance measures (e.g., bonds, assessments, etc.) to include line item funding to ameliorate park and recreation inequities. Then continue to monitor the implementation of the funding measures to ensure that equity is a through line from concept through grant-making implementation. • Ensure community input in selecting, designing, and improving parks and green spaces by codifying inclusive public outreach, participa-
tory budgeting, and engagement guidelines and processes as standard elements of park planning within government agencies. • As part of park development efforts, examine the potential for displacement of long term residents, especially renters, and proactively incorporate anti-displacement strategies, such as increasing affordable housing, rent control, or related policy measures; co-locate parks and affordable housing wherever possible. • Conduct comprehensive park needs assessments, incorporating relevant park, health, and other data as well as proven GIS methods to document park inequities and evaluate the efficacy of potential sites and strategies to alleviate them. • Acquire small and non-traditional parcels in park-poor areas—such as vacant lots, alleyways, public utility right of ways, and unnecessarily wide streets—and transform them into parklands as a cost-effective means to alleviate the lack of park space. • Ensure that parks are safe and welcoming places for people to socialize and be physically active. Pay special attention to the needs of low-income individuals and families, people of color, non-English speakers, older adults, people with disabilities, and women—groups that often face additional barriers to taking advantage of parks and recreation areas. • Collaborate across sectors—from public health, planning and transportation agencies to environmental and social justice groups—to maximize the reach and effectiveness of park advocacy and planning efforts. Develop partnerships with community-based organizations and other public facilities, such as schools, to expand free and low-cost recreational options. Metro areas like Los Angeles County are exploring ways to close the park gap. In 2016, LA County voters overwhelmingly approved Measure A—the Safe, Clean Neighborhood
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
Parks and Beaches Measure—which is expected to generate $95 million per year—money that could make a real difference when it comes to addressing inequities in park funding and upkeep in LA’s park-poor communities. Now—as the county moves toward implementing Measure A—equity commitments that voters made at the ballot box need to become reality by ensuring that funding guidelines and processes steer investments toward communities that need parks the most.
Resources
1. Kleinberg, Eric. Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life. New York: Penguin Random House, 2018. 2. Physical Activity: Built Environment Approaches Combining Transportation System Interventions with Land Use and Environmental Design. Retrieved June 5, 2017:https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/physicalactivity-built-environment-approaches 3. Ulrich, R.S., Simons, R.F., Losito, B.D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M.A., and Zelson, M. “Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments.” Journal of Environmental Psychology, Volume 11, Issue 3, September 1991, Pages 201-230. 4. Hartig, Terry. “Green Space, Psychological Restoration, and Health Inequality.” The Lancet 372, 9650 (2008): 1614-15. 5. Payne, L., Orsega-Smith, B., Godbey, G., Roy, M. “Local Parks and the Health of Older Adults: Results from an Exploratory Study.” Journal of Parks and Recreation 33, 10 (1998): 64-71. 6. Potwarka, L.R., Kaczynski, A.T. & Flack, A.L. J. “Places to Play: Association of Park Space and Facilities with Healthy Weight Status among Children.” Community Health (2008) 33: 344. 7. Butler, Katherine, Kelly Fischer. “Potential costs and health benefits of Parks After Dark: Rapid Health Impact Assessment.” September 2014. Retrieved June 7, 2017: http://publichealth. lacounty.gov/ivpp/pdf_repor ts/ Final%20Parks%20After%20Dark%20 Rapid%20HIA%20September%202014. pdf
33
It’s Wintertime: Head for the Hills
D By Jason W. Whiting, Ph.D. Associate Professor California State University Fresno
34
uring winter months punctuated by short days and long nights, California’s Central Valley gets trapped in the annual doldrums marked with lots of fog, drizzly rain, and cold, cloudy days. Many go to work or school in darkness, spend a large portion of the day confined indoors, then trudge back home in the evening twilight, rarely getting a chance to see a glimmer of sun before it slides below the horizon. It is the time of year when it can be a challenge to keep a positive attitude and optimistic outlook. However, when snow begins to spread across the Sierra’s, savvy valley dwellers have a secret weapon to use against the gloom; they head for the hills. Today, there are twenty-one Sno-Park sites scattered throughout the Sierra Nevada Range. Each is set aside to host a variety of snow-based recreational activities that can be enjoyed in a unique majestic mountain setting. One Sno-Park website sums up its recreational offerings by telling the reader: “Frolicking and playing in a fresh blanket of powdery snow is a simple winter joy that captures the hearts of both the young and the young at heart. It is a rite of passage to jump, fall, roll, and toss fresh snow with glee in celebration of winter and its simple wonders. Snow play has something for everyone and encompasses a variety of activities, such as: making snow angels, building snow people, creating snow sculptures and mazes, engaging in snowball skirmishes, and enjoying FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
u Wintertime gravity-driven snow play with sleds, saucers, and tubes.”1 These unique recreational resources are authorized and operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, partnering with the United States Forest Service (USFS), California Department of Transportation (CalTran), and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Year upon year, each site continues to grow in popularity. A recent survey of Central Valley residents shows that backyards and municipal parks are the preferred settings for winter recreation activities. However, California’s Sno-Park sites ranked a close third in the survey.
Population Change Demographics
There is no question that the population of the United States is changing, and it is changing rapidly. United States Census Bureau statistics suggest that by 2050, all current racial-ethnic minority groups will continue their steady growth. Collectively, racial-ethnic groups will tip the current population scale to become the new American majority.2 As part of that rebalancing, the Hispanic population in the United States is on track to double in size. With that expected doubling, those who claim a Hispanic heritage will then represent over 30% of the country’s total population.3 Right now, California’s Hispanic population is significantly ahead of the national trend and is calculated to be at least 40% today. This dramatic population shift will have a substantial impact on traditional Sno-Park use patterns. Historically, Sno-Park planning, construction, and management were carried out by a leadership whose background and experience tended toward serving the needs and expectations of a white majority visitor base.4 The continuing population realignment points to inadequacies inherent in an outdated management model. A model that favors a fading homogenous constituent group, while neglecting the evolving needs of California’s culturally diverse population.
Greenville Towers: Think Big! Discover our high-rising climbing Towers! www.berliner-playequipment.com
Winter Recreation Constraints
A casual visit to winter recreation venues make it apparent that not all sections of the country’s population base are equally represented in winter activities.5 Former Ski Magazine editor, Hal Clifford, describes Alpine skiing as the “Whitest and least integrated popular sport in America.”6 That lack of racial diversity in Alpine skiing specifically, along with winter recreation participation generally, finds its roots firmly planted in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, destination ski lodge resorts worked with the advertising industry to craft an image to imitate European ski culture. That culture intentionally “excluded people of color, helping create an ethnic white-out on the ski slopes.”8 That narrow elitist view was securely linked with prevailing cultural norms that tolerated disparities and inequalities between ethnic groups. Winter recreation could not escape the social taint that mirrored the same marginalization, underrepresentation and bias existing in the American culture of that era. Restraints imposed by race and ethnic intolerance is not the only limiting factor faced by many Californians. Participation in alpine ski resort-based winter recreation options tend to be expensive. With a typical visit to an alpine ski CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
Exclusive Berliner Representative in Southern California 800-669-2585
Bridget Muck Direct Representative for Berliner in Central Valley and Northern California 864-627-1092
Exclusive Berliner Representative in Greater Bay Area, North Bay, South Bay, East Bay Region 800-475-1071
35
Wintertime u resort costing $100 or more per person per day, many feel that avoiding winter recreation altogether is their only viable option. The cost factor can be especially burdensome for the Hispanic population. This ethnic group enjoys participating in outdoor activities in groups that are generally larger and more inclusive than those of their white counterparts.7 The availability of winter recreation spaces allowing and even encouraging extensive group participation, and offered at an affordable price, can be a limiting challenge for primarily Hispanic groups.
A Unique Option for Winter Recreation Programming: Sno-Parks
Many recreation professionals continually search for ways to provide meaningful leisure opportunities for the diverse communities they serve. Their goal is to provide a satisfying winter recreation experience while avoiding the inherently high cost and lingering race-ethnicity issues that have
evolved within the alpine ski resort culture. A solution many parks and recreation districts have adopted is increased use of publicly available Sno-Parks to provide a platform for their winterbased programming. A 2018 California State University, Fresno study of winter recreation participation patterns in the Central Valley, found that Hispanic visits to public Sno Parks were significantly higher than like visits to alpine ski resorts in nearby areas. The Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Sanger serves a Hispanic constituency representing 83% of the total population base. Department employees have successfully utilized Sno-park sites to introduce diverse special interest groups such as adjudicated youth, and kids in after school care programs, to the wonders of winter recreation. Sanger employees describe their delight as they watch young people play in the snow, many for the very first time in their life. Sno-Park sites provide a
unique environment where employees can introduce new, often skeptical participants, to the pleasures inherent in snow-based recreation. Employees report that sharing winter recreation activities with new patrons proves to be one of the rewarding and satisfying aspects of what they do as recreation professionals.
Benefits of Sno-Parks
California Sno-Parks provides distinct advantages for recreation programming: Accessibility: • Parking areas adjacent to Sno-Park recreation sites are routinely maintained and cleared of snow allowing safe vehicle access and travel. • Sanitation facilities are accessible and compliant with all ADA requirements. Restrooms are monitored and maintained throughout the season. • Most Sno-Park sites include ample parking space for oversized and extended stay vehicles. • Visitors can take full advantage of Sno-Park recreation resources without the need for specialized skills or the expensive snow gear equipment. • Bilingual signage and site-specific Sno-Park information are posted in both English and Spanish. Flexibility: • Sno-Park regulations and facilities allow visitors to enjoy snow play in a festive, playful environment, much like that of traditional tailgating done at a sporting event. Visitors are often seen sitting together on the fringe of parking areas tending their barbeque grills while watching their family and friends participate in nearby activities. • Sno-Parks provides groomed trails to accommodate visitors wanting to explore the forest by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. • Most parks have a variety of hills appropriate for sledding. • In most cases, these unstructured, non-revenue generating activities would be banned at alpine ski resorts.
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FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
u Wintertime Cost: • All California Sno-Park sites are located on public lands managed by the United States Forest Service. USFS is empowered to help people to share and enjoy the forest while conserving the environment for generations to come. • The $5 per day use fee for vehicles, represents a bargain price that park and recreation districts can afford even on a tight budget.
Reaching Hispanic Participants
Access to wintertime recreation need not be limited to those who have the financial resources, and a traditional alpine ski resort mindset to enjoy them. Parks and recreation professionals can offer stimulating programs that engage local communities in winter recreation that is readily available, low cost, and utilize public-owned SnoPark resources. Transportation to and from the activity may be the most significant programming challenge. Still, it is also the greatest benefit for participants who may not have access to reliable transportation. Recreation program development utilizing Sno-Park facilities do not need to be either complicated or taxing on scarce community resources. Simply arranging accommodations for a sledding and snow play outing will invariably lead to a successful and wellattended community activity. Unique events can be programmed to target special interest groups like a winter photography excursion, a ‘doggie day in the snow’ outing, or even a snowshoe hike, would all prove rewarding and appreciated by the participants. The variety of activities planned are limited only by the needs and interests of the community they serve. Whatever program is provided or whatever group is served, snow-based recreational activities consistently represent an enjoyable, out-of-the-ordinary experience for underserved Californians. A vital key that leads to program success is linked to the ability of managers to provide timely, accurate, and quickly understood news regarding recreational opportunities. The in-
formation must be widely distributed and available in the variety of languages common to the community constituents. Research conducted by California State University, Fresno, suggests Hispanic constituents are among the non-participants in communitysponsored activities due to either a lack of essential program information, or the essential information is unavailable in Spanish. Ensuring news of an upcoming event is widely distributed in Spanish as well as English can prove critical in effective Hispanic-based programming. Having people from diverse backgrounds enjoying the mountains creates a richer experience for all. Is it any wonder California’s Sno-Parks have become such popular locations for winter recreation participation?
Endnotes
1 https://mltpa.org/projects/planning/focused-planning-efforts/ mammoth-lakes-winter-recreationsummit/snowplay-in-mammothlakes
2060. US Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, US Census Bureau. 3 Brown, A., & Patten, E. (2014). Statistical portrait of Hispanics in the United States, 2012. Washington, DC: Pew Research Center. http://www. pewhispanic. org/2014/04/29/statistical-portrait-of-hispanics-in-theunitedstates-2012. 4 Washburne, R. F. (1978). Black under-participation in wildland recreation: Alternative explanations. Leisure Sciences, 1, 175-198. 5 Coleman, A. G. (1996). The unbearable whiteness of skiing. Pacific Historical Review, 65, 583-614. 6 Whiting, Larson, Lankford, Greenwood, (2020). Public sno-parks help Latinos negotiate constraints to winter recreation in California’s Central Valley. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 1
2 Vespa, J., Armstrong, D. M., & Medina, L. (2018). Demographic turning points for the United States: Population projections for 2020 to
SWEET SHADE PARK City of Irvine, CA
CA 1891 . NV 396
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
DBE . SBE
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Parks Make Life Better!® u
Be a Brand Partner!
The following agencies, companies and universities have completed the Parks Make Life Better!® logo policy/agreement application. They are using the logo in their marketing efforts, using the key messages in their promotions and are living the brand promise. Now is the time for you to join the Parks Make Life Better!® branding compaign. Please visit the CPRS Web site (www.cprs.org) and click on the Parks Make Life Better!® logo on the home page for more information on the campaign. California Agency City of Agoura Hills City of Alameda City of Albany City of Alhambra City of Aliso Viejo Aliso Viejo Community Association Ambrose Recreation & Park District City of American Canyon City of Anaheim City of Anderson City of Antioch Town of Apple Valley Arcade Creek Recreation and Park District City of Arcata Arden Manor Recreation & Park District Arden Park Recreation & Park District City of Arroyo Grande City of Artesia City of Atascadero City of Atwater Auburn Area Recreation and Park District City of Azusa City of Bakersfield City of Baldwin Park City fo Banning Beaumont Cherry Valley Recreation & Parks District City of Bell City of Bell Gardens City of Bellflower City of Belmont Belvedere Tiburon Joint Recreation City of Benicia City of Berkeley City of Beverly Hills City of Bishop City of Blue Lake Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District City of Brawley City of Brea City of Brentwood City of Brisbane City of Buena Park City of Burbank City of Burlingame Buttonwillow Recreation & Park District City of Calabasas City of California City California State Parks City of Calistoga Cameron Park Comm. Svcs. District
38
City of Campbell City of Capitola City of Carlsbad Carmichael Recreation & Park District City of Carpinteria City of Carson Central Plumas Recreation & Park District City of Ceres City of Cerritos Chico Area Recreation & Park District City of Chino City of Chino Hills City of Chowchilla City of Chula Vista City of Claremont City of Clovis Coalinga-Huron Recreation & Park District City of Concord Conejo Recreation & Park District Cordova Recreation & Park District City of Corona City of Coronado City of Costa Mesa Cosumnes Community Services District City of Cotati City of Covina City of Culver City City of Cupertino Cypress Recreation & Park District City of Cypress City of Dana Point Town of Danville City of Davis City of Del Mar City of Delano Desert Recreation District City of Diamond Bar City of Dinuba Town of Discovery Bay City of Downey City of Duarte City of Dublin East Bay Regional Park District City of East Palo Alto City of El Cajon City of El Centro City of El Cerrito El Dorado Hills Community Services District City of El Monte City of Emeryville City of Encinitas City of Escondido
City of Exeter Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District Feather River Recreation & Park District City of Folsom City of Fontana City of Foster City City of Fountain Valley City of Fremont City of Fresno City of Fullerton Fulton-El Camino Recreation & Park District City of Galt City of Garden Grove Georgetown Divide Recreation District City of Gilroy City of Glendale City of Glendora Green Valley Homeowners Recreation Association Greater Vallejo Recreation District City of Gridley City of Grover Beach City of Half Moon Bay City of Hanford City of Hawaiian Gardens City of Hawthorne Hayward Area Recreation & Park District City of Healdsburg City of Hercules City of Hermosa Beach Hesperia Recreation & Park District Highlands Recreation District City of Hughson City of Huntington Beach City of Huntington Park City of Imperial City of Indio City of Inglewood City of Irvine City of Irwindale Isla Vista Recreation & Park District Jurupa Area Recreation & Park District Jurupa Community Services District Kensington Police Protection & Community Services District City of Kerman County of Kern City of King City City of Kingsburg City of La Habra City of La Mesa City of La Mirada
City of La Palma City of La Puente City of La Quinta City of La Verne City of Lafayette City of Laguna Beach City of Laguna Hills City of Laguna Niguel City of Lake Elsinore City of Lake Forest City of Lakewood City of Lancaster City of Larkspur Recreation City of Lathrop City of Lawndale City of Lemon Grove City of Lemoore City of Lincoln Livermore Area Recreation & Park District City of Lodi City of Long Beach City of Los Alamitos City of Los Altos City of Los Angeles County of Los Angeles City of Los Banos Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation City of Lynwood City of Madera City of Malibu Town of Mammoth Lakes City of Manhattan Beach City of Manteca County of Marin City of Martinez McKinleyville Community Services District Mendocino Coast Recreation & Park District City of Menifee City of Menlo Park City of Merced City of Mill Valley City of Milpitas Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District City of Mission Viejo City of Modesto City of Montclair City of Montebello City of Monterey County of Monterey Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District City of Moorpark
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
u Parks Make Life Better!® Town of Moraga City of Moreno Valley City of Morgan Hill Mt. Shasta Recreation & Parks District City of Mountain View City of Murrieta City of Napa City of National City Navy Region South West City of Nevada City City of Newark City of Newport Beach City of Norco North County Recreation & Park District North Highlands Recreation & Park District North of the River Recreation & Park District North Tahoe Public Utility District City of Norwalk City of Novato City of Oakland City of Oakley City of Oceanside City of Ojai City of Ontario City of Orange Orangevale Recreation & Park District City of Orinda City of Pacifica City of Palmdale City of Palm Springs City of Palo Alto Paradise Recreation & Park District City of Pasadena Human Services & Recreation City of Pasadena Parks & Natural Resources City of Paso Robles City of Patterson City of Perris City of Petaluma City of Pico Rivera City of Pinole City of Pismo Beach City of Pittsburg County of Placer City of Placerville Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District City of Pleasanton City of Pomona City of Port Hueneme City of Porterville City of Poway City of Rancho Cucamonga Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District City of Redding City of Redondo Beach City of Redwood City City of Reedley City of Rialto City of Richmond
Rim of the World Recreation & Park District Rio Linda Elverta Recreation & Park District City of Rio Vista City of Riverbank City of Riverside County of Riverside Regional Park & Open Space District City of Rocklin City of Rohnert Park Rosamond Community Services District City of Rosemead City of Roseville Rossmoor Community Services District City of Sacramento County of Sacramento City of Salinas Town of San Anselmo City of San Bernardino City of San Bruno City of San Carlos County of San Diego City of San Diego City of San Dimas City of San Fernando City of San Francisco County of San Francisco City of San Gabriel County of San Joaquin City of San Jose City of San Juan Capistrano City of San Leandro City of San Luis Obispo County of San Luis Obispo City of San Marcos City of San Mateo County of San Mateo City of San Pablo City of San Rafael City of San Ramon City of Sanger City of Santa Clara County of Santa Clara City of Santa Clarita City of Santa Cruz County of Santa Cruz City of Santa Fe Springs City of Santa Maria City of Santa Rosa City of Santee Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve City of Saratoga City of Sausalito City of Scotts Valley City of Seal Beach City of Selma Shafter Recreation & Park District City of Sierra Madre City of Signal Hill County of Solano City of Solano Beach South Coast Air Quality Management District City of South El Monte City of South Gate City of South Lake Tahoe
CALIFORNIA 39 CALIFORNIA PARKS PARKS & RECREATION & RECREATION • FALL • 2020 FALL 2020
City of South Pasadena Southgate Recreation & Park District County of Stanislaus City of St. Helena City of Stanton City of Stockton City of Suisun City City of Sunnyvale Sunrise Recreation & Park District City of Tahoe City Tamalpais Community Services District Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District City of Temecula City of Temple City Templeton Community Services District City of Torrance City of Tracy Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District City of Tulare City of Turlock City of Tustin City of Twentynine Palms City of Ukiah City of Union City City of Upland City of Vacaville County of Ventura City of Victorville City of Visalia City of Vista City of Walnut City of Walnut Creek Wasco Recreation & Parks District City of Watsonville City of West Covina City of West Hollywood City of West Sacramento West Side Recreation & Park District City of Westminster City of Whittier City of Wildomar Town of Windsor City of Woodland City of Yorba Linda Town of Yountville City of Yuba City City of Yucaipa Out-of-State Agency Brownsburg Parks, Indiana City of Bluffton, Indiana City of Butte-Silver Bow, Montana Clarksville Parks & Recreation, Indiana City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Friends of Maryland State Parks City of Franklin, Indiana Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department, Indiana City of Johnson City, Tennessee City of Logansport, Indiana Mooresville Park & Recreation District City of New Albany, Indiana
City of Olivette, Missouri New Haven-Adams Township, Indiana Noblesville Parks & Recreation, Indiana City of Shelbyville, Indiana City of South Bend, Indiana Washington Township, Ohio Company Alfa Products All About Play/Little Tikes Commercial - Nor Cal Buell Recreation California’s Great America Callander Associates Capitol Enterprises Inc. Columbia Cascade Company Community Works Design Group David Evans and Assoc. Inc. David Volz Design Landscape Architects, Inc. Firma Design Group Friends of Rockhaven Goric Marketing Group USA The HLA Group, Landscape Architects & Planners Innovative Playgrounds Company KPCRadio.Com Land Concern Ltd Leader Manufacturing, Inc./Fairweather Site Furnishings Division Maximum Solutions, Inc. Melton Design Group Murdock-Super Secur National Academy of Athletics National Parks Promotion Council NLM Consulting Services Nuvis Landscape Architecture PlayCore PlaySafe, LLC Play Smart Surfacing Play-Well TEKnologies Poimiroo & Partners Public Restroom Company Recreation Republic RHA Landscape Architects Planners, Inc. RJM Design Group, Inc. Robertson Industries, Inc. Schmidt Design Group Shade Structures Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation SpectraTurf SSA Landscape Architects, Inc. Stone Soul Music StructureCast Sybertech Waste Reduction Ltd. Tri Active America Western Wood Preservers Institute Windsor Parks-Recreation Foundation Verde Design, Inc. Vermont Recreation & Parks Association University/College CSU Long Beach CSU Northridge San Jose State University SDSU MOVE
SPRING 2017 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION 39
Advertisers Index A-G Sod Farms, Inc. 800-247-6348 www.AGSod.com
Aqua Source 800-574-8081 www.aquasource.com
Aquatic Design Group 800-938-0542 www.aquaticdesigngroup.com
Arch Pac 760-734-1600 www.archpac.com
p. 17
Crane Architectural Group 714-525-0363 www.cranearchitecturalgrp.com
p. 29
p. 55
David Evans & Associates 909-481-5750 www.deainc.com
p. 24
p. 2
David Volz Design 714-641-1300 www.dvolzdesign.com
p. 3
GameTime 800-235-2440 www.gametime.com
Architerra Design Group 909-484-2800 www.architerradesigngroup.com p. 21
Berliner Seilfabrik Play Equipment 864-627-1092 www.berlinerplayequipment.com p. 35
Columbia Cascade Co. 800-547-1940 www.timberform.com
40
p. 56
p. 4
p. 13
Integra Planning & Landscape Architecture 707-545-5235 www.integrapla.com p. 36
Jones & Madhaven 805-777-8449 www.jmae.com
p. 47
Lincoln Aquatics 800-223-5450 www.lincolnaquatics.com
p. 27
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
Most Dependable Fountains 800-552-6331 www.mostdependable.com p. 31
Turf Star Western 800-585-8001 www.turfstar.com
Musco Lighting 800-825-6030 www.tlc4led.com
p. 25
Water Odyssey by Fountain People. Inc. 512-392-1155 www.waterodyssey.com p. 7
My Bark Co. 209-786-4042 www.mybark.net
p. 22
West Coast Arborists, Inc. 800-521-3714 www.wcainc.com
Nuvis 714-754-7311 www.nuvis.net
p. 37
p. 23
p. 15
2020-2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Tara Gee, City of Roseville, 916-774-5253, tgee@roseville.ca.us
RHA Landscape Architects-Planners 951-781-1930 www.rhala.com p. 45
PRESIDENT-ELECT Tom Hellmann, City of Folsom, 916-461-6617, thellmann@folsom.ca.us VICE PRESIDENT Frank Carson, City of El Cajon, 619-441-1756, fcarson@cityofelcajon.us SECRETARY-TREASURER Nicole Acquisti, City of Burlingame, 650-558-7337, nacquisti@burlingame.org REGION 1 REPRESENTATIVE (Dist 1, 2, 3) Adam Chow, City of San Ramon, 925-973-3321, achow@sanramon.ca.gov
SSA Landscape Architects 831-459-0455 www.ssala.com
REGION 2 REPRESENTATIVE (Dist 4, 5, 6) Juliene Flanders, City of Patterson, 209-895-8080, jflanders@ci.patterson.ca.us
p. 43
REGION 3 REPRESENTATIVE (Dist 7, 8, 15) Theresa Johnson, City of Kerman, 559-846-9383, tjohnson@cityofkerman.org REGION 4 REPRESENTATIVE (Dist 11, 13, 14) Helen Hernandez, City of Baldwin Park, 626-214-1601 x360, hhernandez@baldwinpark.com
Schmidt Design Group 619-236-1462 www.schmidtdesign.com
REGION 5 REPRESENTATIVE (Dist 9, 10, 12) Jenni Worsham, Cypress Recreation & Park District, 714-229-6675, jworsham@cypressca.org
p. 28
SECTION REPRESENTATIVES (Administrators, Development & Operations, Educators and Recreation Therapy) Doug Grove, RHA Landscape Architects, 951-781-1930, dougg@rhala.com (Aging, Aquatics, and Recreation) Leah Martinez, Town of Danville, 925-314-3431, lmartinez@danville.ca.gov Please contact any Board Member with questions or comments
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
41
Company Members through October 16, 2020
A-G Sod Farms, Inc. (951) 687-7581 www.agsod.com 2900 Adams St., Ste. C-120, Riverside, CA 92504 SERVICE: Five farms in California & Colorado producing high quality sod for sports fields and parks.
Aqua Source (209) 745-6401 www.aquasource.com P.O. Box 1146, Galt, CA 95632 SERVICE: Commercial swimming pool equipment, automated chemical & filtration systems, commercial pool vacuums, heaters, deck equipment.
Abey Arnold Associates (415) 258-9580 www.abeyarnold.com 1005 A Street, Suite 305, San Rafael, CA 94901 SERVICE: Landscape Architecture.
Aquatic Design Group (760) 438-8400 www.aquaticdesigngroup.com 2226 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008 SERVICE: Programming, planning, design and engineering services for competition, recreation, and leisure aquatic facilities.
All About Play/Little Tikes Commercial - Nor Cal (916) 923-2180 www.littletikescommercial.com 3844 Presidio Street, Sacramento, CA 95838 SERVICE: Accessible outdoor playground equipment including unique theme playscapes and park service equipment. American Solutions for Business (714) 504-2274 www.pmlbstore.com 400 Princeland Ct, Unit #1, Corona, CA 92879-1341 SERVICE: Providers of printed documents, promotional products, corporate logo apparel, brochures, uniforms, stationery, catalogs, forms. Aqua Body Strong Water Fitness (949) 395-2878 www.aquabodystrong.com 28101 Paseo Azteca, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 SERVICE: Creator of unique aquatic fitness equipment, workouts, and certification that promote health, selfesteem and community.
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Arch Pac, Inc. (760) 734-1600 www.archpac.com 1341 Distribution Way Suite 11, Vista, CA 92081 SERVICE: Consulting Architects, Landscape Architects, Engineers, & Planners specializing in aquatics, pools, and associated architecture. Architerra Design Group, Inc. (909) 484-2800 www.architerradesigngroup.com 10221-A Trademark Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 SERVICE: Landscape architecture and site planning: new and renovated parks, streetscapes, community gardens, nature parks, trails. BCI Burke Co, LLC (920) 933-6711 www.bciburke.com P.O. Box 549, Fond Du Lac, WI 54936 SERVICE: BCI Burke has been manufacturing high-quality and innovative playground equipment for 95 years.
Berliner Seilfabrik Play Equipment Corporation (864) 627-1092 www.berliner-playequipment.com 96 Brookfield Oaks Dr. Suite 140, Greenville, SC 29607 SERVICE: State of the art play structures from the world’s leader in net climbing playground equipment. Berry Bowling Systems (347) 892-1115 www.berrysportsurfaces.com.au 3 Cochrane Street, Mitcham, Victoria 3132 SERVICE: Designers, suppliers, & installers of world bowls approved synthetic lawn bowling greens. BFS Landscape Architects (831) 646-1383 www.bfsla.com 425 Pacific Street, Suite 201, Monterey, CA 93940 SERVICE: Parks, trails and open space planning; design for healthy and sustainable communities. BMLA Landscape Architecture (951) 737-1124 www.bmla.net 310 North Joy Street, Corona, CA 92879 SERVICE: BMLA Landscape Architecture - Designs that build lasting communities. California Dinner Adventure (714) 690-1497 http://www.piratesdinneradventure. com 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620 SERVICE: Restaurant and show with pirates theme.
California Land Management (650) 322-1181 www.clm-services.com 675 Gilman Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301-2528 SERVICE: Provides professional park management, security, maintenance, ranger patrol & related services. California State Soccer Association South (714) 778-2972 www.calsouth.com 1029 S. Placentia Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92831 SERVICE: The official state soccer association of USSF providing recreational youth and adult programs, coaching education and referee certification services. California’s Great America (408) 986-5947 www.cagreatamerica.com 2401 Agnew Road, Santa Clara, CA 95054 SERVICE: Theme Park that offers exclusive rates for visits & events. Camp Doc (734) 619-8300 https://www.campdoc.com/ 4750 Venture Drive, Suite 101, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 SERVICE: The leading electronic health record system for camps, offering free online registration and more. CH Bull Company (650) 837-8400 www.chbullco.com 229 Utah Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080 SERVICE: Stocking distributor, Genie lifts, Ridgid, ladders, material handling, safety equipment, including engineered fall protection systems.
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
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Buyer’s Guide u CivicRec (888) 228-2233 www.civicrec.com 302 S. 4th Street, Suite #500, Manhattan, KS 66502 SERVICE: Recreation Software built specifically for local government so you can grow memberships, participants and activities.
Community Works Design Group (951) 369-0700 www.comworksdg.com 4649 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506 SERVICE: Your source for creative park planning, landscape architecture, irrigation design, and CASp/ADA services.
Coast Recreation Inc. (714) 619-0100 www.coastrecreation.com 15335 River Rock Drive, Fontana, CA 92336 SERVICE: Representing Landscape Structures, playground equipment, landscape brands site furnishings, and Icon Shelters in Southern California.
Counsilman-Hunsaker (310) 734-2282 www.chh2o.com 10733 Sunset Office Drive, Suite 400, Saint Louis, MO 63127 SERVICES: Aquatic design, engineering, and operation services.
Columbia Cascade Company (503) 223-1157 www.timberform.com 1300 S. W. Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310, Portland, OR 97201-3464 SERVICE: TimberForm and PipeLine playground and outdoor fitness equipment, TimberForm site furnishings and CycLoops & CycLocker bicycle security products. Combitile Pty Ltd +61 416 268896 http://combitile.com/ 241/1 Hewstead Tce, Newstead, QLD, 4006 SERVICE: Surfacing materials playgrounds - dry - aquatic - critical fall height. Community Pass (201) 689-2323 www.communitypass.net 141 Dayton Street, #204, Ridgewood, NJ 02450 SERVICE: CommunityPass is a cloud-based recreation management software for your registration, membership, facility and payment needs.
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Crane Architectural Group (714) 525-0363 www.cranearchitecturalgrp.com 110 E Wilshire Ave # 300, Fullerton, CA 92832-1934 SERVICE: Architectural services - community centers, senior centers, sports complexes, concession stands, park restrooms, ADA improvements. Dahlin Group Architecture Planning (925) 251-7200 www.dahlingroup.com 5865 Owens Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588 SERVICE: Architectural and planning services with a passion for placemaking, including community, senior, recreation, and aquatic centers. Dave Bang Associates, Inc. (800) 669-2585 www.davebang.com P.O. Box 1088, Tustin, CA 92781 SERVICE: Suppliers of high-quality park, playground, athletic equipment, & site equipment since 1979. David Evans and Assoc. Inc. (909) 481-5750 www.deainc.com 4141 E. Inland Empire Blvd. Suite 250, Ontario, CA 91764 SERVICE: Multidisciplinary firm specializing in landscape architecture, civil, and transportation engineering, surveying, and construction management.
David Volz Design Landscape Architects, Inc. (714) 641-1300 www.dvolzdesign.com 151 Kalmus Drive, Suite M-8, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 SERVICE: Award winning park planners and sports facility experts! DVD provides assistance with project planning budgets. EcoFert, Inc (714) 580-4659 www.ecofert.org 1237 S. Wright Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705 SERVICE: Landscape care solutions through a full service program utilizing organic based amendments applied through fertigation systems. ELS Architecture and Urban Design (510) 549-2929 https://elsarch.com/ 2040 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 SERVICE: Architecture and planning services for sports/recreation/aquatics, education, theaters/performing arts, mixed-use, historic renovations, and urban design. ExoFit Outdoor Fitness (800) 527-0797 www.exo.fit 1694 NW 82nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126 Service: ExoFit is a leader in designing and installing outdoor fitness gyms. FieldTurf Commercial (760) 745-7026 x1341 www.fieldturfcommercial.com 2750 La Mirada Drive, Vista, CA 92081 SERVICE: Manufatcturer and installer of artificial turf for any and all commercial applications. First Service Residential (949) 338-1908 LaderaLife.com 28192 O’Neill Drive, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 SERVICE: Property Management company offering recreation and community services to residents living within the property.
Flexground (916) 275-3588 www.flexground.com 2029 Opportunity Drive, #3, Roseville, CA 95678 SERVICE: FlexGround is the premier provider of rubberized poured in place and recreation surfacing. Fun Express, LLC (800) 228-2003 www.funexpress.com/corporate 4206 S. 108th Street, Omaha, NE 68137 SERVICE: Crafts, art supplies, educational items, active play, camp, and seasonal items at discounted prices. G & G Builders Inc (925) 580-8385 https://www.ggbuildersinc.com/ 4542 Contractors Place, Livermore, CA 94551 SERVICE: General Contractor GameTime (800) 235-2440 www.gametime.com 150 Gametime Drive, PO Box 680121, Fort Payne, AL 35967 SERVICE: GameTime is the leading manufacturer of commercial playground and outdoor fitness equipment. Gates & Associates (925) 736-8176 www.dgates.com 2671 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583 SERVICE: Landscape Architecture. Glass Architects (707) 544-3920 www.glassarchitects.com 200 E Street, #100, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 SERVICE: Architectural design and master planning. Specializing in indoor and outdoor aquatic, community and recreational facilities.
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
u Buyer’s Guide Goals Soccer Centers (626) 484-4966 www.goals-soccer.com 9599 Pinehurst Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280 SERVICE: Develop and operate small size fields soccer centers offering leagues, clinics tournaments, concessions, and events. Gold Bug Park and Mine (530) 642-5207 www.goldbugpark.org 2635 Gold Bug Lane, Placerville, CA 95667 SERVICE: Gold Bug Park is Gold Rush History! Offering mine tours, gem panning, blacksmith, stamp mill, museum, and hiking trails. Grand Slam Safety, LLC (925) 997-6266 www.Grandslamsafety.com 130 Alcosta Court, San Ramon, CA 94583 SERVICE: Design, manufacture indoor/ outdoor safety fencing system-permanent, or removable for multi-sport parks-baseball, softball, and little league. Great Western Recreation (435) 245-5055 www.gwpark.com 975 S. State Hwy 89, Logan, UT 84321 SERVICE: Turnkey design-build firm providing playgrounds, shade/shelters, surfacing, site amenities, splash pads, beachers, etc. Greenfields Outdoor Fitness (888) 315-9037 www.greenfieldsfitness.com 2617 West Woodland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92801 SERVICE: Outdoor fitness equipment. Griffin Structures, Inc. (949) 497-9000 www.griffinholdings.net 2 Technology Drive Suite 150, Irvine, CA 92618 SERVICE: Griffin provides program and construction management services, leading on-time, on-budget public agency projects.
Gro-Power, Inc. (909) 393-3744 www.gropower.com 15065 Telephone Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 SERVICE: Go “green” with Gro-Power products. They’re safe for the environment and naturally conserve water. Group 4 Architecture Research + Planning, Inc. (650) 871-0709 www.g4arch.com 211 Linden Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080 SERVICE: Architectural, research, and planning services. GSM Landscape Architects, Inc. (707) 255-4630 www.gsmlainc.com 1700 Soscol Avenue, Suite 23, Napa, CA 94559 SERVICE: Award winning landscape architectural design for parks, sports fields, recreational, and educational facilities throughout California. HAI, Hirsch & Associates, Inc. (714) 776-4340 www.hailandarch.com 2221 E. Winston Rd. #A, Anaheim, CA 92806 SERVICE: Landscape architecture, park planning, master plans, sports facilities, redevelopment, & public work projects. Harris Design (510) 647-3792 www.hd-la.com 755 Folger Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710 SERVICE: Creative, community-based planning & design from concept through construction. Parks, trails, master plans, sports facilities, open space. Hermann Design Group, Inc. (760) 777-9131 www.hermanndesigngroup.com 77899 Wolf Road, Ste.102, Palm Desert, CA 92211 SERVICE: Landscape architecture, planning, and project management for community parks, sports parks, and dog parks.
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
Park Planning Design Build Plan Checking Budget Analysis Consensus Building Inclusive Playgrounds Demonstration Gardens Skateparks Splash Pads Feasibility Studies Historical Site Design Athletic Field Planning Park & Recreation Master Plans
The Prop 68 Round 4 deadline has been extended to March 12, 2021. With almost $400 million in available funding, let us help you realize your park vision and guide you and your community to a successful application! Please contact us for more information at dougg@rhala.com or the number below. 6800 Indiana Avenue, Suite 245, Riverside, CA 92506
951-781-1930 ext 121
www.rhala.com 45
Buyer’s Guide u The HLA Group Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc. (916) 447-7400 www.hlagroup.com 301 University Avenue, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95825 SERVICE: Landscape architecture and planning emphasizing parks and recreation, urban design, community design, and land planning.
Integra Planning & Landscape Architecture (805) 441-7537 www.integrapla.com 5128 Dupont Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95409 SERVICE: Planning and landscape architecture design services including parks, aquatic centers and recreation facilities.
Hunter Industries (760) 583-4479 www.hunterindustries.com 1940 Diamond St., San Marcos, CA 92078 SERVICE: Irrigation Manufacturer - MP Rotator, Sprays, Rotors, Smart Controllers, Valves, Drip.
IZone Imaging (254) 778-0722 www.izoneimaging.com PO Box 368, Temple, TX 76530-0368 SERVICE: Sign Solutions and Custom High Pressure Laminate (CHPL) graphic panels and decorative surfaces.
Imagen (626) 593-9618 www.imagenagency.com 346 W. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016 SERVICE: We are a promotional marketing agency that produces custom branded apparel, promotional products, and print. Innovative Playgrounds Company (877) 732-5200 www.innovplay.com 12407 East Slauson Avenue, Unit D, Whittier, CA 90606 SERVICE: Sales, designs, and project management for BCI Burke playground equipment, safety surfacing, shade structures, and fitness/sport/ site amenities. Inspector Playground (888) 293-7889 http://www.inspectorplayground.com P.O. BOX 16654, Encino, CA 914166654 SERVICE: Independent inspector, surface impact testing with Triax, early childhood certified, playground inspections, compliance certificates, insured.
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JetMulch (866) 306-8524 www.jetmulchinc.com P.O. Box 1667, Capitola, CA 95010 SERVICE: Blown-In Mulch and ASTM certified playground materials. Jones & Madhavan (805) 777-8449 www.jmae.com 100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd Ste 211, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-8134 SERVICE: Planning, architecture, & engineering services for public aquatic facilities. Kay Park-Recreation (319) 987-2313 http://www.kaypark.com/ 1301 Pine Street, Janesville, IA 50647-0477 SERVICE: Manufacture bleachers, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, drinking fountains, bike racks, pedal boats, litter receptacles, outdoor games, & more! Keeper Goals (262) 781-7800 www.keepergoals.com 12400 W Silver Springs Dr., Butler, WI 53007-1003 SERVICE: Manufacturer and distributor of athletic facility equipment including goals, nets, bleachers, windscreens, benches, and shelters.
Kidz Love Soccer (408) 774-4629 www.kidzlovesoccer.com 353 Bel Marin Keys Blvd STE8, Novato, CA 94949 SERVICE: Age-appropriate youth soccer instruction. Classes and camps for children 2-12 years of age. King Plastic Corporation (941) 493-5502 www.kingplastic.com 1100 N. Toledo Blade Blvd, North Port, FL 34288 SERVICE: King Plastic is the leading manufacturer of quality polymer sheets, slabs, and massive shapes. Knorr Systems, Inc. (714) 754-4044 www.knorrsystems.com 2221 S. Standard Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707 SERVICE: Quality aquatic equipment and services including: water treatment, filtration, recreation, maintenance, service contracts. KOMPAN Playgrounds (800) 426-9788 www.kompan.com 605 West Howard Lane, Austin, TX 78753 SERVICE: KOMPAN is a world leader in playgroud and outdoor sport & fitness solutions. KTU + A Planning & Landscape Architecture (619) 294-4477 www.ktua.com 3916 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103 SERVICE: We Provide Award Winning Landscape Architectural Planning and Design Services for Parks and Recreation Facilities. KYA (714) 659-6477 www.KYASurfacing.com 1800 East McFadden Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705 SERVICE: Industry specialist in surface solutions and sustainable plantscapes supported by project management, design, and maintenance services.
L.A. Steelcraft Products, a Division of Americana Outdoors (626) 798-7401 www.lasteelcraft.com PO Box 90365, Pasadena, CA 911090365 SERVICE: Equipment Manufacturer Playgrounds, schools, fiberglass tables & benches, court & field equipment, bike racks, flagpoles & site amenities. Landscape Structures, Inc. (763) 972-5200 www.playlsi.com 601 7th Street S, Delano, MN 55328 SERVICE: Commercial playground designer and manufacturer. LDA Partners, LLP (209) 943-0405 www.ldapartners.com 222 Central Court, Stockton, CA 95204 SERVICE: Architectural services. Lincoln Aquatics (925) 687-9500 http://www.lincolnaquatics.com 2051 Commerce Avenue, Concord, CA 94520 SERVICE: Distributors of commercial swimming pool equipment, chemicals, and aquatic supplies since 1954. LPA, Inc. (408) 780-7203 www.lpainc.com 60 South Market Street, Suite 150, San Jose, CA 95113 SERVICE: Sustainable design solutions in architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering for community centers, aquatics, and parks. Mack5 (510) 595-3020 www.mack5.com 1900 Powell Street Suite 470, Emeryville, CA 94608 Service: Project/Construction management and cost planning/estimating services for park & recreation capital projects.
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
u Buyer’s Guide Most Dependable Fountains, Inc. (800) 552-6331 www.mostdependable.com 5705 Commander Dr., Arlington, TN 38002-0587 SERVICE: Outdoor drinking fountains, pet fountains, showers, misters, play towers, hydrants, jug fillers, handwash stations, & grills.
Melton Design Group (530) 899-1616 www.meltondg.com 820 Broadway Street, Chico, CA 95928 SERVICE: Landscape architecture, providing design services for parks, sports complexes, skateparks, & masterplans. We focus on providing personal service.
MRC (800) 922-0070 www.mrcrec.com 505 Montgomery St, Ste 1100, San Francisco, CA 94111 SERVICE: Leading supplier of playground, park, recreation, fitness and sport equipment; site amenities and surfacing.
MIG, Inc. (510) 845-7549 www.migcom.com 800 Hearst Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710 SERVICE: Landscape architecture, architecture and recreation and environmental planning for parks, open space, museums, zoos, and the public realm. Miracle Playground Sales/ Miracle Recreation (800) 264-7225 www.miracleplayground.com 9106 Pulsar Ct, Ste C, Corona, CA 92883-4632 SERVICE: Innovative playground equipment, playground safety surfacing; park shelters & gazebos; tables, benches & athletic equipment & splashpads. Miracle Playsystems Inc. (800) 879-7730 www.MiraclePlayGroup.com PO Box 263, Alamo, CA 94507 SERVICE: Play equipment design, distribution, and specialty contracting firm serving all of central and Northern California.
Musco Sports Lighting (949) 754-0503 www.musco.com 3002 Dow Avenue, Suite 504, Tustin, CA 92780 SERVICE: Providing sports lighting solutions for your budget, for the environment.
WE DESIGN
WATER YOU CAN USE
Since 1990, Jones & Madhavan has worked with public agencies throughout California to develop hundreds of successful aquatic facilities. If you are planning a new aquatic facility or are
considering modernization of an existing facility, Jones & Madhavan can provide the professionalism you will appreciate from beginning to end.
SERVICES
Mark Thomas (916) 381-9100 www.markthomas.com 701 University Ave, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95823 SERVICE: Landscape architecture, transportation/civil engineering, structural engineering, surveying, construction management.
• Renovation Analysis • Needs Analysis • Master Planning • Programming • Architecture • Engineering • Aquatic Design • Construction Administration
Dominguez Aquatic Center
Van Nuys / Sherman Oaks Recreation Center
Terra Linda Aquatic Center
Granite Hills High School
My Bark Co., Inc. (209) 786-4042 www.mybark.net P.O. Box 932, Linden, CA 95236 SERVICE: ReadyPlay, EWF from virgin forest wood, bark products, colored enhanced mulches, and soil amendments. National Academy of Athletics (707) 541-2365 www.NationalAcademyofAthletics.com 1260 North Dutton Suite 243B, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 SERVICE: Year round Sports Camps and Clinics offering 8 different sports for players, coaches, and parents. National Alliance For Youth Sports (561) 684-1141 www.nays.org 2050 Vista Pkwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33411-2718 SERVICE:Youth sports education, membership, and programming - coaches, parents, officials, administrators.
Date: 08.26.03 CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020 Client: Jones & Madhavan
Job #: 1922JM Description: Ad for California Parks & Recreation magazine Filename: 08.26_JM_Ad_1922JM Size: 3-1/2"x 9-1/4" vertical
100 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite 211 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 T 805.777.8449 F 805.777.8489 E info@jmae.com W jmae.com
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Buyer’s Guide u Neptune-Benson (612) 414-5098 http://www.neptunebenson.com/ P.O. Box 7871, Warwick, RI 028877871 SERVICE: We offer filtration and disinfection solutions for water parks, competitive pools, aquatic facilities, zoos, aquariums and more. NGI Sports a Division of River City Athletics (775) 544-6306 www.ngisports.com 2807 Walker Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421 SERVICE: NGI Sports’ tennis and track surfaces=guaranteed solutions. We specialize in innovations for sports construction. Noll & Tam Architects (510) 649-8295 www.nollandtam.com 729 Heinz Avenue, Suite 7, Berkeley, CA 94710 SERVICE: Architectural design, programming, and planning for recreation/community/senior centers and other civic buildings. NUVIS (714) 754-7311 www.nuvis.net 3151 Airway Avenue, Suite J-3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 SERVICE: NUVIS landscape architecture - over 40 years of design solutions for people, environments, and experiences worldwide. O’Dell Engineering (209) 571-1765 x102 www.odellengineering.com 1165 Scenic Drive, Suite B, Modesto, CA 95350 SERVICE: Multi-disciplinary firm providing landscape architecture, civil engineering, land surveying, and 3D laser scanning. Opti-Fit International Inc. (916) 939-3690 www.opti-fit.com P.O. Box 6716, Folsom, CA 95763 SERVICE: Opti-Fit Inc. is your one stop total fitness solution. Planning, design, supply, and service. 48
ORTCO, Inc. (714) 998-3998 www.ortcoplays.com 2163 N. Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92865-3307 SERVICE: We install playground equipment, shelters, & safety surfacing. Outdoor Creations, Inc. (530) 365-6106 www.outdoorcreations.com 2270 Barney Road, Anderson, CA 96007 SERVICE: Precast concrete site furnishings, includes picnic tables, benches, BBQs, fire pits, planters, signs, and concrete products for outdoor use. Pacific Park and Playground, Inc. (714) 846-4885 www.PacParkPlay.com 3640 N Pankratz Way, Meridian, ID 83646-6866 SERVICE: Providing park and playground products and services to Southern California cities, counties, schools, churches, and others. PDPlay (760) 597-5990 www.PDPLAY.com 2235 Meyers Avenue, Escondindo, CA 92029-1005 SERVICE: California manufacturer of commercial play structures, site furnishings, and poured-in-placed rubberized surfacing. Percussion Play Ltd (866) 882-9170 www.percussionplay.com Staple Ash Lane, Froxfield, hapshire GU33 7AN SERVICE: Outdoor Musical Instruments PerfectMind (877) 737-8030 http://www.parks.perfectmind.com 4333 Still Creek Drive, 2nd Floor, Burnaby, BC V5C 6S6 SERVICE: PerfectMind’s parks & recreation management software helps municipalities of all sizes connect with their community.
PlayCore (423) 425-3168 http://www.playcore.com/ 544 Chestnut Street , Chattanooga, TN 37402 SERVICE: PlayCore helps build stronger communities by advancing play and recreation through research, education, partnerships, and products.
Public Health Advocates (916) 213-6380 www.phadvocates.org 1114 McKenny Court, Folsom, CA 95630 SERVICE: Non-profit research & advocacy fighting obesity and diabetes, leading the statewide complete parks project.
Playgrounds by Design, Inc. (925) 426-6705 3086 Boardwalk Street, Pleasanton, CA 94588 SERVICE: Park Structures, playground safety, surfacing material, concrete products, site furnishings, bleachers, recycled plastic picnic tables and benches. Murdock Super Secur restrooms and drinking fountains.
Public Restroom Company (888) 888-2060 www.publicrestroomcompany.com 2587 Business Parkway, Minden, NV 89423 SERVICE: Public Restroom Company is a design build specialist for odor free, vandal resistant, park restroom, and concession buildings.
Playgrounds Unlimited (408) 244-9848 www.playgroundsunlimited.net 980 Memorex Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95050 SERVICE: Construction services; site preparation; play equipment; water play; shade shelter installation; pour-in-place & synthetic turf safety surface. PlayMax Surfacing, Inc. (951) 250-6039 www.playmaxsurfacing.com 1950 Compton Avenue #111, Corona, CA 92881 SERVICE: Manufacture and install rubber playground safety surfaces and tiles. PlaySafe, LLC (505) 899-9532 www.play-safe.com PO Box 66056, Albuquerque, NM 87193-6056 SERVICE: Playground audits, maintenance training, strategic master plan development, feasibility studies, expert witnesses, & recreation program development.
R. E. Schultz Construction, Inc. (714) 649-2627 www.reschultzconstruction.com 1767 N. Batavia Street, Orange, CA 92865 SERVICE: General engineering contractor/playground eq. installation/ park rehabs/fitness eq. installation. Site work/concrete/shade shelter installations. R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co./Pilot Rock (800) 762-5002 www.pilotrock.com P.O. Box 946, Cherokee, IA 510120946 SERVICE: Manufacturing and direct sales of park grills, picnic tables, benches, campfire rings, trash receptacle holders, etc. Raging Waters Los Angeles (909) 802-2200 www.ragingwaters.com 111 Raging Waters Drive, San Dimas, CA 91773 SERVICE: Raging Waters Logn Angeles, California’s largest waterpark, announces our newest heart-racing waterslide - Bombs Away!
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
u Buyer’s Guide Recreation Management Magazine (847) 963-8740 www.recmanagement.com 50 North Brockway Street Suite 4-11, Palatine, IL 60067 SERVICE: Recreation Management Magazine provides news, trands, and educational information for parks & recreation professinals.
ROMTEC, Inc. (541) 496-3541 www.romtec.com 18240 North Bank Road, Roseburg, OR 97470 SERVICE: Design, build, and install recreational structures ie: restroom buildings,concessions, kiosks, pavilions, storage buildings, gatehouses, cabins, sidewalk restrooms, etc.
RecWest Outdoor Products, Inc. (818) 735-3838 www.recwest.com 31316 Via Colinas, #118, Westlake Village, CA 91362 SERVICE: Representing Landscape Structures Inc., DuMor Site Furnishings.
Ross Recreation Equipment Company, Inc. (707) 538-3800 www.rossrec.com 100 Brush Creek Road #206, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 SERVICE: 44 years of providing superior recreational & outdoor products and service with attention to quality, safety, and design.
RHA Landscape Architects - Planners, Inc. (951) 781-1930 www.rhala.com 6800 Indiana Avenue, Suite 245, Riverside, CA 92506 SERVICE: Park & sports facility planning, LEED certified, water conservation design, community consensus building, park rehabilitation. RJM Design Group, Inc. (949) 493-2600 www.rjmdesigngroup.com 31591 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 SERVICE: Park and sports facility master planning and design; park and recreation master planning; landscape architecture; LEED Certified; community consensus building. Robertson Recreational Surfaces (800) 858-0519 www.totturf.com 2414 W 12th Street, Suite 5, Tempe, AZ 85281 SERVICE: Robertson Recreational Surfaces sells, manufactures, and installs resilient rubber safety surfacing, synthetic turf, and accessories.
Royston, Hanamoto, Alley & Abey (415) 383-7900 www.rhaa.com 225 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941 SERVICE: Landscape architecture, site planning, master planning, urban design, and recreation planning services locally, nationally, and internationally. RRM Design Group (805) 543-1794 www.rrmdesign.com 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 SERVICE: RRM Design Group designs award-winning recreation areas by collaborating with people who use them. RWP Landscape Materials (877) 476-9797 www.rwpmulch.com 1313 E Phillips Blvd, Pomona, CA 91766-5431 SERVICE: RWP FIBER FALL-Impact attenuating and ADA wheelchair accessible engineered wood fibers for playground safety surfacing.
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
S.R.Smith LLC (503) 266-2231 x2278 http://thermalpoolcover.com/ 1017 SW Berg Parkway, Canby, OR 97013 SERVICE: Manufacturer of “EnergySaver” thermal swimming pool covers, storage reels, and automatic re-winders.
Shade ‘N Net (800) 290-3387 www.shade-n-net.com 5711 West Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85043 SERVICE: Tension cable breathable fabric shade structures/vents out heat/88% sun blockage/97% UV ray protection.
Safe 2 Play - Certified Matters (925) 999-0117 www.PlaygroundSafetyInspections.net 1008 Veterans Court, Martinez, CA 94553 SERVICE: Certified playground safety inspections, safety surface impact testing on playgrounds, & sports fields.
SMG Equipment, LLC (253) 350-8803 www.smgequipment.com 2002 West Valley Hwy N. Suite 200, Auburn, WA 98001 SERVICE: World’s leading manufacturer of tools & equipment for the installation and maintenance of synthetic turf and running tracks.
SafePark (800) 734-4882 www.SafePark.com 23052 Alcalde Drive, Suite C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 SERVICE: Playground audits, inspections, Impact Testing-Traix-2010, playground maintenance, repair, complete certified playground refurbishment, and upgrades. Sator Sports, Inc. (888) 887-2867 www.satorsoccer.com 1455 W. 139th St., Gardena, CA 90249 Service: Retailer of top-quality Agora Goals & Equipment. Call for Volume Pricing and free catalog. Schmidt Design Group, Inc. (619) 236-1462 www.schmidtdesign.com 1310 Rosecrans Street, Suite G, San Diego, CA 92106 SERVICE: Landscape architecture, park planning, and design that balances artistic expression with environmental sensitivity. SCI Consulting Group (707) 430-4300 www.sci-cg.com 4745 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield, CA 94534 SERVICE: New revenue feasibility studies, ballot measures, assessment district formations, and administration.
SoCal Shade Sails (619) 972-1100 10449 Roselle St., San Diego, CA 92121 SERVICE: Manufacture and install custom made, commercial grade shade sails, triangles, rectangles, side panels, steel. SofSurfaces Inc. (800) 263-2363 x224 www.sofsurfaces.com 4393 Discovery Line, Petrolia, ON N0N 1R0 SERVICE: Rubber tile solutions for playground, fitness facility, and architectural applications. Sol Inc. (844) 492-2243 www.solarlighting.com 250 Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8N 1T6 SERVICE: Sol provides cost-effective, reliable solar commercial lighting for streets and parks - with 10-year municipal grade warranty. Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation (626) 448-0853 x16 www.scmaf.org P.O. Box 3605, 823 Lexington Gallantin Road, South El Monte, CA 91733 SERVICE: Professional training, education, and networking; insurance services; sport rules, training, and competition for youth and adults.
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Buyer’s Guide u Spohn Ranch, Inc. Custom Skate Parks (626) 330-5803 www.spohnranch.com 6824 S. Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90230 SERVICE: Skate park design, construction, operation, and insurance. The leader in responsible skatelite, concrete, and hybrid parks. Sports Facilities Group, Inc. (951) 351-1313 www.sportsfacilitiesgroup.com P.O. Box 7024, Riverside, CA 92503 SERVICE: We sell, install & repair sports equipment (bleachers, scoreboards, marquee’s, basketball, football, soccer, & fields equipment) Sports Turf Solutions (831) 484-2138 www.turftest.com 29001 Falcon Ridge Road, Salinas, CA 93908 SERVICE: Athletic field safety testing - specializing in G-max testing of synthetic and natural turf sports fields. SSA Landscape Architects, Inc. (831) 459-0455 www.ssala.com 303 Potrero Street, 40-C, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 SERVICE: Award winning parks & recreation master planning, community workshops/consensus building, construction documentation/administration. Standguard Aquatics (844) 651-1990 http://standguardaquatics.com/ 5665 Atlanta Hwy Ste 103-168, Alpharetta, GA 30004 SERVICE: Management solutions for all aquatic facilities and water parks. Stonehenge Signs (530) 249-6000 www.stonehengesigns.com PO BOX 387, Quincy, CA 95971 SERVICE: Proudly providing world class engraved natural stone signs for park entry monuments since 1978.
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StructureCast (661) 833-4490 http://www.structurecast.com/ 8261 McCutchen Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311 SERVICE: Precast, pre-engineered restroom, & concession buildings. Sunnycal Solar Inc. (209) 464-6100 www.ShadeCharger.com 842 E. Highway 88, Jackson, CA 95642 SERVICE: Solar power picnic table for mobile charging and internet with lights and 911 call box. SVA Architects, Inc. (949) 809-3380 www.sva-architects.com 6 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite1150, Santa Ana, CA 92707 SERVICE: SVA Architects is a full-service architectural firm committed to creating sustainable environments for our communities. SyberTech Waste Reduction Ltd. (888) 888-7975 www.swrl.com P.O. Box 3009 - 33191 1st Avenue, Mission, B.C. V2V1G0 SERVICE: Our in-ground trash system, self-watering planters, and other products greatly save operational costs. Synthetic Surfaces, Inc. (908) 233-6803 www.nordot.com P. O. Box 241, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 SERVICE: NORDOT Adhesive for installing synthetic turf athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, recreational and aquatic surfaces. TD Sports Group, LLC (714) 315-8061 www.gotdsports.com 150 Lincoln Blvd 104-99, Lincoln, CA 95648 SERVICE: Synthetic sports surfaces specialists. Providing field maintenance and repair services for sports parks.
Techline Sports Lighting, LLC (800) 500-3161 www.sportlighting.com 15303 Storm Drive, Austin, TX 78734 SERVICE: LED outdoor sports lighting systems. Terracon (925) 348-9059 www.terracon.com 1981 N. Broadway Suite 385, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 SERVICE: Aquatic design and swimming pool engineering, geotechnical engineering, materials testing and inspections, environmental engineering. Tetra Tech, Inc. (949) 809-5042 www.tetratech.com 17885 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 500, Irvine, CA 92614 SERVICE: Tetra Tech is a full-service consulting and engineering firm. TMT Enterprises, Inc. (408) 432-9040 www.tmtenterprises.net 1996 Oakland Road, San Jose, CA 95131 SERVICE: Bulk Material Supplier baseball surfaces, playground materials, top dress sand, topsoil, soil mixes, decomposed granite, organics. TRK Playground Safety, L.L.C. (559) 642-4939 www.trkplay.com 46853 Chukchansi Road, Coarsegold, CA 93614 SERVICE: Statewide; playground audits and inspections; attenuation surface impact testing; playground design; and safety education and awareness. Trueline (951) 817-0777 http://gotrueline.com 1651 Market St., Ste B, Corona, CA 92880 SERVICE: Resurfacing of tennis courts, basketball courts, game courts, playgrounds, striping, installation of equipment, and refurbishment.
Turf Star, Inc. (800) 585-8001 www.turfstar.com 2438 Radley Court, Hayward, CA 94545 SERVICE: Commercial mowing equipment & irrigation. Urban Design Fencing/Environmental Specialty Products (951) 371-5792 www.environmentalspecialtyproducts.com P.O. Box 77806, Corona, CA 92877 SERVICE: Recycled plastic lumber structural & non-structural decking, fencing, posts, picnic tables etc. USA Shade & Fabric Structures (707) 257-7296 www.usa-shade.com PO Box 3467, Coppell, TX 750193406 SERVICE: USA Shade provides shade solutions for everything under the sun! USGreentech (513) 371-5520 www.usgreentech.com 5076 Wooster Road, Cincinnati, OH 45226 SERVICE: USGreentech provides progressive infills for the synthetic turf market including their products Envirofill and Safeshell. Verde Design, Inc. (408) 985-7200 www.verdedesigninc.com 2455 the Alameda, Suite 200, Santa Clara, CA 95050 SERVICE: Multi-disciplinary office of landscape architects and civil engineers with a focus on community projects. Vineyard Rock Products (831) 637-6443 www.vineyardrockproducts.com 1781 Limekiln Road, Hollister, CA 95023 SERVICE: Decorative granite products.
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
Water Odyssey By Fountain People, Inc. (512) 392-1155 www.waterodyssey.com P.O. Box 807, 4600 Hwy. 123, San Marcos, TX 78667-0807 SERVICE: Leading manufacturer of aquatic playground and fountain equipment. Waterline Technologies (714) 564-9100 www.waterlinetechnologies.com 620 Santiago Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 SERVICE: Sales and service for aquatic facilities - chemical delivery West Coast Arborists, Inc. (714) 991-1900 www.wcainc.com 2200 E. Via Burton Street, Anaheim, CA 92806 SERVICE: WCA provides public agencies, school districts, and colleges with urban forestry management and maintenance services.
West Coast Turf (760) 340-7300 www.westcoastturf.com P.O. Box 4563, Palm Desert, CA 92261 SERVICE: Growers and installers of premium quality natural turfgrass sod. Westberg White Architecture (714) 508-1780 x400 www.wwarch.com 14471 Chambers Road, Suite 210, Tustin, CA 92780 SERVICE: Westberg White Architecture is a collaborative and creative firm that designs environments for greater opportunities. Western State Builders (760) 270-8639 www.westernstatebuilder.com 2141 Orange Avenue, Escondido, CA 92029 SERVICE: Playground Installation, shade structure installation, site furnishing installation.
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
Whitewater West Industries Ltd (604) 273-1068 www.whitewaterwest.com 108-6651 Fraserwood Place, Richmond, BC V6W 1J3 SERVICE: WhiteWater is the global leader in waterpark design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation. Who Built Creative Builders Inc. (707) 763-6210 www.whobuilt.biz P.O. Box 1568, Shafter, CA 93263 SERVICE: Installation of play equipment and athletic equipment. Zamorins Solutions Inc. (515) 778-2677 www.parkzapp.com 5730 NW 4th Ct, Des Moines, IA 50313 SERVICE: Parkzapp is a customizable park inspection application to inspect playgrounds, sports fields, parking lots, sidewalkts etc.
Zasueta Contracting, Inc. (619) 589-0609 www.zasuetacontracting.com P. O. Box 866, Spring Valley, CA 91976 SERVICE: Playground equipment installation. ZGolf Food & Beverage Services, LLC dba Wedgwood Weddings (951) 491-8110, Ex. 326 www.wedgewoodweddings.com 43385 Business Park Drive #210, Temecula, CA 92590 SERVICE: Professional full service food & beverage management and operations with a focus on weddings, special events, and golf course F&B operations.
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CPRS Welcomes New Director of Education: Crystal Bolaños
After years of working in law offices in the Bay Area advocating for injured workers, Crystal moved to Sacramento in 2015 and started a new career as a Director of Education at an attorneys’ association. She immersed herself in event planning and successfully managed educational programs for attorneys throughout California. Crystal managed bi-annual conventions, numerous seminars and online events. When the pandemic struck earlier this year, she had to reimagine an in-person convention, and convert a Summer convention into a virtual one that delivered a comparable level of education. With that experience, she realized that the way we interact and connect has drastically changed this year but the need for 52
information and desire to learn hasn’t. She stated, “I think it’s become more of a priority for everyone regardless of profession. I think we are all looking to not only cope but to also learn and get stronger from this year and having a community like CPRS is extremely valuable in accomplishing this. I’m honored to serve CPRS membership and hope to help you obtain tools to advance your profession.”
IN MEMORIAM Dan Iwata Passes
Danny Iwata completed his journey on Earth March 27, 2020 after a four-year battle with cancer. Adored by friends and staff alike, Danny began his career as a Recreation Leader with the City of Cypress after graduation from Western High School in 1971. Danny found his passion in recreation and received a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation Administration at California State University Long Beach in 1976. Ultimately, he returned to teach on a part time basis at the University in the Recreation Department. Dan spent thirty plus years in recreation and park administration. He left the Cypress Recreation and Park Department for a
supervisor’s position with the City of Newport Beach where he stayed until 1990. He was hired by the City of Monrovia as a Community Services Manager responsible for the Parks Division. During his time there he was instrumental in the development of Canyon Park. He created a nature center in the heart of the park and developed a partnership with the local school district for educational purposes with elementary school children. Danny retired from the City of Monrovia in 2008. Throughout his career, Dan was very active in CPRS. He chaired or cochaired numerous breakout sessions at annual conferences. All included slideshows with exceptional photography. He created a statewide photography contest for CPRS which he chaired. Additionally, he chaired numerous committees for District 10 and ultimately served as Vice President, President and Past President. He was honored with the District 10 Coveted Merit Award for exceptional service. Because of his extensive service to the various levels within CPRS, he was honored with the Citation Award in 1991.
In memory of Lydia Rodriguez
As a Recreation Professional we develop a camaraderie similar to that of a family. Today we mourn with the City of San Leandro and their loss of Recreation Professional Lydia Rodriguez. We thank her for her dedication to the profession and the impact that she made on the lives of those in her community. As District 3 we feel the loss
and offer our condolences to the City and staff. CPRS Member and City of San Leandro Recreation Supervisor, Lydia Rodriguez, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2020. In honor of her dedication as a professional in the parks and recreation field, with 20 years working in the service of the San Leandro community, we highlight her many accomplishments and major successes. With a bachelor’s degree in Adult Development and Gerontology and Master’s in Public Administration (graduating With Honors), a devoted wife and mother of three, Lydia oversaw various city programs and events, collaborated with numerous community based organizations, mentored up and coming parks and recreation professionals, and created lifelong memories for those whom she has worked with, befriended, and inspired. Within the City of San Leandro’s Recreation and Human Services Department, Lydia’s passion for service was evident through her commitment to her staff and programs; her persistence to make things happen and her
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
u Spotlight
Remembering Pat Delaney
Patricia Delaney was a Professor Emeritus at California State University-Los Angeles. She received her B.S. and M.S. from the University of California at Los Angeles. Patricia taught fourteen different undergraduate and six different graduate courses, all requiring different readings, preparations, forms, materials and examinations. Her articles have been published in the California Parks and Recreation magazine, Parks and Recreation (NRPA), Spirit (Minnesota Recreation and Park Association), and The Anchora of Delta Gamma. She has also given forty-seven presentations at conferences, meetings, workshops and training sessions in fifteen states. Honors and awards consist of the Fellow Award from the CPRS (1975); and the Special Award from the California Association of Park and Recreation Commissioners and Board Members (1978). Patricia’s active membership in the National Recreation and
Park Association include position such as Chair of the National Registration Board; Chair of the Pacific Southwest Regional Council; and Research Chair and Awards Chair on the Board of Trustees.
teaching water safety and swim lessons. Important to Mary during her term was founding of the Children’s Memorial Grove, a reflective respite for parents who have lost a child.
RETIRED
Mary Ellen Burns
July 23, 1944 - August 22, 2020 Mary Burns arrived in San Francisco, fresh from the small farming community of Oakdale with a purpose achieving a life of public service, appreciation for the cultural fruits of the earth and a wide network of loyal friendships. After graduating from San Francisco State, Mary began volunteering in political campaigns for local notables Milton Marks and John Burton and in 1967 applied her work ethic to a staff position with the California State Assembly where she honed her problem-solving skills on the staff of Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr. She followed that role as an assistant to California State Senator George Moscone, then joined him as Program Manager when he was elected Mayor of San Francisco in 1974. After his assassination, she continued to serve in the office when current California Senator Dianne Feinstein was sworn in as the City’s Mayor. As a teenager, Mary had been a lifeguard and playground director, so sliding into her next role as Assistant General Manager of the Recreation and Parks Department was serendipitous, and well deserved, as Mayor Feinstein appointed her General Manager two years later, a position she subsequently held with May-
CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION • FALL 2020
https://scvnews.com/phillipsretires-after-3-plus-decades-assuper-at-hart-park-castaic-lake/
ors Art Agnos and Frank Jordan, and incidentally, among only nine women to have served as department head during that period in the 80s. Through Mary’s drive and dedication, Recreation and Park thrived during her tenure with creation of the Giant Panda exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo, and AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park. The 1992 Golden Gate Park Master Plan, a $75 million bond to improve 1017 acres of infrastructure, while preserving its historical and aesthetic significance, were further proof of her foresight and tenacity. During her tenure as Director of the San Mateo County Parks Department from 1998 through 2004, millions of dollars were raised for outdoor facilities through the formation of the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation. As Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks from 2004 through her retirement in 2010, Mary hearkened back to her roots, and in response to drowning incidents in the Russian River, conceived Vamos a Nadar (“let’s go swimming!”) a free program
Phillips Retires After 3-Plus Decades as Super at Hart Park, Castaic Lake
Stephen K Peeples Norm Phillips is back in northern Illinois on the family farm where he grew up, retiring this spring after 37 eventful years as a superintendent with the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation Department, mostly at Hart Park, and most recently at Castaic Lake. “There’s a lot to do on the farm ’cause it’s just kind of fallin’ apart,” said Phillips, 63, on a recent call from Prophetstown, pop. 2,100, about 130 miles due west of Chicago, nestled on the south bank of the winding Rock River, and just a wide spot on State Highway 78 with no apparent need for traffic signals.
Photo by Leon Worden
continuous enrichment to the lives of those she served was heartening and a testament to the strong and kindhearted spirit that she embodied. Lydia’s passing is a devastating loss for her family, her Recreation and Human Services family, the City of San Leandro, and to CPRS District 3. We will deeply miss her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and vibrant spirit.
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President’s Message u Continued from page 6 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). As I mentioned in the last issue, Parks & Recreation is well positioned to be an effective leader in positively advancing JEDI. We have seen ongoing interest on this topic throughout our membership. This is an organizational cultural change and something that will take long-term commitment, not just a check mark on a “to do” list. We need to open up about how we have traditionally defined “diversity” and realize this means all of us. Each of us are infinitely unique. We are snowflakes, as defined by our kindergarten teachers, where we are all human, but each of us are beautifully different. We each are special in our own way. As we start to learn how to ask questions, understand our personal biases and embrace our differences, I hope that we can give one another grace when we stumble and make mistakes, because we will make mistakes. Let’s focus on edu-
Continued from page 53 Phillips’ mother is 87 now, and needed a hand around the spread, he said. Not unlike the condition William S. Hart Regional County Park was in when Phillips arrived there as superintendent in 1986. By the time he was promoted and reassigned as superintendent of the Castaic Lake State Recreation Area three decades later, Hart Park’s facilities and programs were vastly improved. And now, with Phillips’ return to Prophetstown, the family farm is once again in good hands.
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cating rather than casting judgement. Let’s appreciate the effort. Let’s be committed to moving forward. Let’s be compassionate.
Parks & Recreation, A Compassionate Profession
It is with great pride that I am associated with this profession. Parks & Recreation is made up of passionate and compassionate professionals. Now, more than ever, it is easier to share and illustrate how essential and vital our work and services serve to address mental wellness, health and fitness, social services, economic development, social equity and more. Our communities have flocked to our parks, trail and public spaces and craved for our services and programs. In a recent National Park & Recreation Association survey (during the pandemic), 82% of the respondents agree that Parks & Recreation is essential. Others are “telling our story”! I started this article describing the difference between sympathy and
After Santa Clarita incorporated as a city on December 15, 1987, Phillips was instrumental in helping the new city establish its own parks system. He assisted on the interview panel that chose Anaheim Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Jeff Kolin as Santa Clarita’s first Parks & Recreation director and served as a liaison between the county and city. At the July 2017 “Silents Under the Stars” gala, L.A. County and Santa Clarita officials honored Phillips for his 30 years of exemplary service at Hart Park.
compassion. In all we do, we serve with compassion. We have become the “go to” professionals that stand ready to pick up the mantle and run with it. We are “in it with one another and with our communities”; we are here “to help” not watch; we are “carrying the burdens” of our communities; and “quietly hearing, listening” and finding solutions for the needs of our residents. This year, what we’ve done, what we are about to do and the resiliency we continue to show will change our profession forever. Through one crisis after another, we are leaning in and supporting each other. We are better together. Have you watched the newest Blue Shield commercial? It ends with a simple statement, “When we go back to normal, let’s not go back to normal.” How fitting!
“Norm has been the backbone of (L.A. County) Parks and Recreation,” said Kathryn Barger, Supervisor for the county’s 5th District, which includes the SCV, that night. “He is more than an employee, and when you have a passion for what you do, it shows. His vision and leadership engrain the spirit of Bill Hart.” Phillips had been considering retiring early and heading back to Prophetstown for some time; the timing of L.A. County Public Health’s first “Safer at Home” order on March 19 helped seal it. He of-
ficially retired eight days later on March 27, started packing, and as soon as it was safe, hit the road for the roughly 2,000-mile drive from Santa Clarita to his hometown. “Norm leaves his role as Superintendent of Castaic Lake with a legacy of community service and commitment to the Santa Clarita Valley,” Barger said. “His dedication and time at both William S. Hart Park and Castaic Lake will leave these local landmarks better for generations to come.”
FALL 2020 • CALIFORNIA PARKS & RECREATION
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