CPRA Byline – cpra-web.org/page/byline

Enjoy the Outdoors ...with Pilot Rock Site Products

Across our different product lines we offer hundreds of choices in style, size, features, materials and colors.

Commercial quality products able to withstand years of use and exposure.

Made in the USA since 1959.

RJ Thomas Mfg. Co., Inc. • Cherokee, Iowa • 800-762-5002 • customerservice@rjthomas.com • pilotrock.com Benches • Picnic Tables • Trash Receptacles • Bear Resistant • Bike Racks • Custom Signs • Site Amenities • Charcoal Grills • Campfire Rings

Targeted reach!

When you can’t connect in person, we have ways to connect with park and recreation decision makers!

New! CPRA WEBSITE

New!

EMAIL MARKETING

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

6

Tips for Creating Fitness & Recreation Centers in Colorado

cpra-web.org | Winter 2020

+• MEET YOUR CPRA BOARD

• MEAN(INGFUL) TWEETS: PUBLIC LANDS EDITION

• NIGHT OF THE STARS GIVES

COLORADO YOUTH A CHANCE

TO SHOWCASE TALENTS

• HOW PARKS AND RECREATION

PROFESSIONALS CAN BE A

CHAMPION FOR COLORADO’S

OUTDOOR PARTNERSHIP

BYLINE MAGAZINE

2022 COMMERCIAL BUYER’S GUIDE

Value-added packages available! Inquire for details.

To reserve your placements, contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

2021 Byline Deadlines*

Spring issue - Deadline: April 5, 2021

Special sections: CPRA member awards; park maintenance teams; fire prevention and preparation, park and trail safety; facility design; graduate programs and continuing education

Summer issue - Deadline: July 8

Special sections: Leadership strategies; trends for outdoor spaces - sports fields, fitness, courts and trails; photo contest winners

2022 Buyer’s Guide - Deadline: July 8

Commercial resource for agencies with listings and editorial content; includes grants tool kit

Fall issue - Deadline: September 27

Special sections: New and innovative programming; product innovations, trends and design; ADA and inclusive products, services and case studies

*Content subject to change. Contact Todd Pernsteiner for more information at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111, or watch www.cpra-web.org.

View the rate card: www.bit.ly/CPRA2021

FITNESS TRansformED

EAGLE POINTE RECREATION CENTER GETS A FACELIFT

By Victoria Webster, Project Assistant, Essenza Architecture

Eagle Pointe Recreation Center is an 80,000 square foot facility located in Commerce City and offers a wide variety of health and fitness activities and programs. In December of 2018, the recreation center completed a major renovation and addition that focused on the adaptation of available spaces and transforming them into a facility that better met the programmatic needs of the community. The innovative expansion of the facility included a large multi-use group exercise room designed for maximum program flexibility, a dance studio with a parent’s viewing area, and a therapeutic focused natatorium geared towards the senior population and expanded aquatic programming. The exterior of the building addition integrated brick and metal siding to create a cohesive design with the existing brick building while providing an updated modern touch. The remodeled and expanded fitness floor includes a free weight area, selectorized equipment space, and state-of-the-art cardio theater where fitness enthusiasts can watch movies while getting a great workout. The cardio theater concept is an homage to the last original drive-in movie theater of the area that is located in Commerce City. A yoga/cycling studio with bike storage was added along with a new functional training area allowing for maximum adaptability for the facility’s programs and activities. A new front entry canopy is designed to invite users into the facility and into a warm and welcoming lobby that was redesigned to provide a single point control desk. In addition to being remodeled to improve ADA compliance, the facility is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and engaging to all members of the community. Some features of inclusivity include multiple lounge areas with seating and writing surfaces at varying heights,

gender neutral restrooms, remodeled accessible locker rooms, and a zero-depth ramp entry with handrails to better accommodate all abilities in the therapy pool. Flexible lighting contributed to the adaptability of spaces for multiple uses. Innovative solutions for adapting and refreshing the facility were introduced through a cohesive interior design concept that, balanced the color palette with both warm and cool colors, smooth and textured surfaces, and playful light sources, creating a design that shines. Sustainability and low maintenance items were top priorities. Energy efficiency building and pool systems, durable and low-maintenance materials, costeffective LED lighting, natural lighting through Solatubes are all elements we incorporated into the design. The project design exceeded the requirements of Xcel Energy’s Energy Design Assistance (EDA) program, creating an energy efficient facility that reduced overall operating costs. Creative design solutions were implemented to enhance entry points, reception areas, and fitness spaces through careful space planning, consideration of adjacencies, and comfortable and open circulation.

The architect of the remodel and addition, Essenza Architecture, embraced the challenges and opportunities of repurposing existing buildings by bringing them back to life, creating facilities that represent our communities, and providing places and spaces where people go to get fit and have fun!

Breaking Barriers

THE IMPORTANCE OF THOUGHTFUL INCLUSIVE PLAY

By Leslie Amico, Sales and Marketing, Rocky Mountain Recreation, Inc.

Inclusive play is about creating spaces where all kids can explore in a variety of settings, addressing a variety of interests, senses and skills. As we have seen many children switch to remote learning in 2020, municipal playgrounds have become more essential for children to have access to outdoor play and social interaction. School closure have been particularly challenging for children with disabilities and therefore, their need for the development of physical, social and cognitive skills on a municipal playground has grown significantly over the past year. A need that has always existed, but now should be addressed so that access to playgrounds becomes available to all children, of all abilities. Municipal playgrounds have a wide range of options when it comes to offering inclusive play to their community, whether the project is a new park installation, a full remodel from an outdated playground or even a retrofit by adding 1-2 play elements. How do you identify what types of play are lacking? A playground consultant can provide play features that address specific developmental benefits and that reach a particular age group.

Trends in Inclusive Play

New trends are being set when it comes to playground materials. Traditional wood, steel and plastic are now partnered with recycled plastic lumber, GFRC realistic rock climbers, fish net, polyester wrapped, steel-reinforced climbing cables, marble panels, belt and net climbers provide a wide range of materials and textures.

Playgrounds should be full of sensory stimulation, especially the two internal senses – Vestibular and Proprioceptive. Vestibular stimulation is the sense of movement and balance. Swinging, spinning, swaying and sliding are common examples of vestibular activities. We get proprioception stimuli from sensory receptors in the muscles and joints. Climbing, overhead events, slowing oneself on a slide, increasing speed on a swing are all examples of proprioceptive use. A good way to assess your existing or proposed play space for inclusivity would be to examine the play features and how they each provide sensory stimulation. Roller slides that allow for wheel-chair access are excellent ways to incorporate inclusive play. Play structures such as net climbers and towers should offer various points of access, allowing children with mobility devices to enter and exit the climber. Another growing trend is an ADA wheelchair path navigating a playground with accessible play features throughout. Children on the autism spectrum often want increased vestibular stimulation and love swinging. Swinging can be broken out into two types: to-fro swing and that of a rotating swing. Both are unique and inclusive play would ideally include both types to offer maximum vestibular stimulation. The tire swing is also a place where social skills and the vestibular sense come together. Many children on the autism spectrum need help with social skills. Tire swings are a very non-threatening way to practice. In addition to the back-and-forth movement the swings provide, you also want to provide an opportunity for children to use their vestibular system in going around and around. The inclusion of specific spinner that allow wheelchair access, with platform size large enough for multiple children are excellent examples of spinners that are designed for inclusion.

Integrated cable net climbers offer a wonderful experience both alone or with other children. The tension in the cable produces an action-reaction bouncing sensation like no other. Parents and caregivers of children with sensory processing disorders say their children love these on the playground. The design of the play environment is equally as important as offering sensory play experiences. They need to be designed in such a way as to make the space welcoming and not threatening, engaging, interesting, and challenging at the appropriate level. This is a very important element, but often overlooked. Finding a playground installer that has the knowledge and expertise to create a uniquely inclusive Sensory Playground Design specific to your situation, site and budget will ensure overall project success.

COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION

PO BOX 1037 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034

Discover AquaSmart™ Packages

Save money, energy, power and space with the AquaSmart™ packages powered by HydroLogix™. These compact and affordable splash are perfect for any site. Add one next to an existing playground, smaller pocket parks, campgrounds, daycare facilities and compact urban areas to provide years of fun in the sun with minimal maintenance. Even better, this low-fl ow, low-water option greatly reduces water consumption while still providing plenty of opportunities for splashtastic play.

Rocky Mountain Recreation now offers turnkey solutions on AquaSmart packages and all offerings from Aquatix. Contact them at 303.783.1452 or info@rmrec.com to get started on your upcoming splash play projects today.