KRPA Spring 2012

Today Spring 2012

KRPA

Kansas Recreation & Park Association

Parks & Recreation

in Small Communities p. 11

KRPA Mentoring Program p. 20

The Parents Role in Athletics p. 16

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For as little as $350 per issue, KRPA Today gets you in front of key recreation and park decision-makers.

No other form of advertising gets you so targeted.

Today

KRPA

Kansas Recreation & Park Association

To quickly download advertising information, visit www.pernsteiner.com/ KRPAadvertising2012.pdf or call Todd at (952) 841-1111.

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Today

KRPA

Kansas Recreation & Park Association

Our Mission

Contents Meaningful Customer Service on Purpose............. 4 Perspective................................................................... 5

To advance park and recreation opportunities that enhance the quality of life through education, communication and advocacy.

The Business of Partnerships with Parks and Recreation......................................... 6

Our Vision

Around Kansas........................................................... 8

The Kansas Recreation and Park Association is THE SOURCE for information which advances parks and recreation in the State of Kansas and beyond.

An affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association Kansas Recreation and Park Association 700 SW Jackson St. Suite 805, Topeka, Kansas 66603 www.krpa.org 785-235-6533

Life. Be in it!

Small Communities Zest for Life........................... 11 Making the Case for Parks and Recreation........... 14 The Parents Role in Athletics.................................. 16 2012 KRPA Conference Award Winners............... 19

KRPA Board of Directors President - Ernie Shaw (Lawrence) President-Elect -John Washington (Garden City) Past President - Mike Buchanan (Manhattan) Secretary/Treasurer - Cindy Crandall (Deerfield) Administration Branch - Diann Henderson (Great Bend) Aquatics Branch - Ted Nelson (Hutchinson) Marketing/Customer Service - Amy Conkling (Hutchinson) Park Law Enforcement Branch - Rob Gordon (KDPWT, Tuttle Creek) Therapeutic Recreation and Aging Branch - Rhonda Pollard (Johnson Cty Park and Recreation District) Park and Natural Resources Branch - Logan Wagler (Lenexa) Recreation Branch – Eric Jantz (Holcomb) Sports Branch - Brent Peintner (Cheney)

Developing Future Leaders through Mentoring................................................... 20

Members At Large

Musco.......................................................... Back Cover

West - Paul Lewis (Dodge City) Central - Brian Bascue (Newton) East - Brandy Shoemaker (Ottawa)

Public Restroom Company...................................... 18

Committees/Ex Officio

United Industries...................................................... 10

Discovering Kansas Parks....................................... 22

Advertisers Bell Structural Solutions............................................ 2 Emporia Chamber & Visitors Bureau...................... 7 Future Pro Inc.............................................................. 2 G. Farney & Associates.............................................. 3

Taylormade Company.............................................. 21

Awards - Connie Smith (Emporia) Citizen Board - Bob Johnson, Jr. (Blue Valley) Conference Planning - John Washington (Garden City) Professional Development - Steve Herrig (Blue Valley) Public Policy - John Knight (Shawnee Cty)/ Nancy Wallerstein (Johnson Cty) Colleges and Universities - Janice Jewett (Pittsburg) Parliamentarian - Steve Friend (Baldwin City) Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism - Linda Lanterman (Pratt)

Editorial Staff Managing Editor – Doug Vance Contributing Staff – Bonnie Simon, Cathy Ziegler, Sue Vance

On the Cover: (From the left) Christina Trickey, Anthony Wagner, Talaya Schwartz and Great Bend Recreation Commission Director Diann Henderson.

Photo courtesy of Great Bend Recreation Commission.

Please support our advertisers, they make this publication possible. For information on advertising, contact Todd Pernsteiner at (877) 694-1999 or info@pernsteiner.com.

Editorial Committee Chair – Chris Claxton (Leawood) Roger Steinbrock (Lawrence) Amy Conkling (Hutchinson) Brian Bascue (Newton)

Randy Knight (Johnson Cty) Dawn Harmon (Blue Valley) Paul Lewis (Garden City) Brandy Shoemaker (Ottawa)

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This magazine is the official quarterly publication of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association and is provided complimentary as part of membership in KRPA. The editorial committee encourages the submission of articles and photos for publication. Articles of approximately 1000 words or less may be submitted, but may be edited for length and clarity.

Deadlines for articles, photos and advertising: Fall - September 15, 2012 Winter - December 15, 2012 Spring - April 15, 2012 Summer - June 15, 2012 KRPA reserves the right to approve all advertising in Kansas Recreation and Park Association. All requests for advertising should be made to Todd Pernsteiner, Account Manager, at 952-841-1111 or info@pernsteiner.com.

For Clean, Clear Water, Call Gary OFFICE: (316) 315-0065 CELL: (316) 655-9513 FAX: (316) 315-0065 P.O. Box 780725

Wichita, KS 67278-0725

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 3

Meaningful Customer Service on Purpose: Take-Aways from the Dennis Snow Webinar

By Dawn Harmon, Blue Valley Recreation Commission

O

n the surface, Dennis Snow’s Webinar on World Class Customer Service serves as an example of what customer service looks like for the “big boys.” Snow’s former employee, the Walt Disney Company, is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Snow gave numerous examples of how the entertainment leader turns customer service into part of the guest experience. The grounds crew even plays a role in enhancing a guest’s experience. But honestly, do any of us really see our patrons willingly sweeping up trash while smiling for a photo to post on Facebook? Probably not, but dig a little deeper and you can see how Snow’s message serves as template of how positive customer service increases the worth and image of any organization.

Customer service is not something that happens by luck. You cannot just snap your fingers and immediately have great customer service. It must be cultivated, practiced, and evaluated every single day. If ignored, it exists without direction, guidance, or expectations. If taught and emphasized, it grows into something that rewards the effort. In other words, you get out of it what you put in.

It starts with customer service standards For the most part, parks and rec all have mission and vision statements. Such statements are a large part of how we secure funding and grants, solicit sponsorships, and procure support from the political world. However, do you also have customer service standards? Not procedures, policies, or manuals; standards that are organizational-wide and in which everyone from the top dog down believes? Board members, commissioners, executive directors – they all understand how to serve customers. They know how to dress neatly and smile courteously, but what about part-time staff or that 16-year-old kid on the first day on the job? Does everyone on your staff know what is expected? Do they know what is unacceptable? It all starts with standards.

Recovering from Murphy’s Law Even with service standards, sometimes service goes poorly. It could be your fault. It might not have anything to do with your service. Whichever way, there is an opportunity to shine and enhance the experience. For these situations, Snow, and his Disney Institute colleague Guy Smith, developed a service recovery matrix based on severity and responsibility. It is as easy as a couple of questions. How much has the situation affected the experience with your organization, and how responsible is your company for what occurred? The answer to these two questions sets the tone for how the customer perceives the experience. You can empathize with them, fix the problem, roll out the red carpet, or be the hero.

The bottom line

Dennis Snow

4 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

Customer service is not just for the private sector. Even non-profits (or not-for-profits) need to retain customers in order to remain vital. Research indicates that only 14 percent of customers leave because they are dissatisfied with the actual product or service, but 68 percent of customers leave because of staff’s attitude of indifference to them. The message is clear: taking care of your customers takes care of your business. So, what are you doing to make customer service meaningful? Perhaps the first step is to acknowledge it is important and set clear standards that enhance the experience.

You never know what will happen.

Perspective

By Ernie Shaw, KRPA President, Lawrence Parks and Recreation

“The Future is Bright” – Parks and Recreation As with any profession, we see highs and lows throughout our careers. Recently, I think we would all agree has been some of the lowest and hardest tests. Well, it has been the most challenging since I entered the profession – (No cracks about my age –McEvoy).

As a profession, we have adjusted; continued to serve; continued to grow and show how vital and necessary our services are to the communities we serve. I think those of us who have spent a number of years in the profession can agree that we do not consider this a job (most of the time, anyway). It is a way of life for us and our families. Some days it feels like a job. But is there truly anything you would rather be doing with your life or the service you bring to others? In my time in the profession, I have experienced and seen many tremendous leaders that have brought the profession to where it is today. I also see a bright future for the profession in our young professionals currently in the field or students preparing themselves to be the next generation of leaders.

In 2001-02, I was fortunate to be involved with a group of professionals (currently referred to as KRPA Professional Development Committee) that felt we needed to recognize and grow our youth in this profession. So discussions and planning began for the KRPA Tomorrow’s Leaders Institute. In 2003, we held the first institute, and we have continued holding them every year since. These summits teach, explore, develop professionalism and promote camaraderie among the growing youth in our profession. We have had an average of 15 young professionals per year attend the 3-day summit, and we continue to see the tremendous creativity, professionalism and leadership these young people display and bring to their agencies all across the state. In 2012, KRPA will celebrate the leadership institute’s 10-year anniversary and celebrate more than 150 graduates of the program.

A new exciting project, the Mentoring Program, has been introduced to KRPA this year by our Young Professionals group, which was formed by some of our colleagues who attended the leadership program a few

years ago. Special thanks to some of these current young leaders: Kate Kincaid, Kristin Larsen, Jackie Buser, Brandy Shoemaker, Jamie Reed and Brice Soeken for developing and instituting this wonderful new program.

Also, thanks to Michael Meadors for igniting the group to consider this program, one that he was familiar with that was created in Colorado. The group began work on developing the program in February 2011 and got it up and running at the KRPA Conference we held this past January. In the first few months of the program, they have already paired 16 mentees with mentors.

The Mentor Program is such a great tool for not only the mentees but also the mentors.

Most of us have had a parent, supervisor, a boss or coach who has made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats. They acted as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates and friends.

We have all been at the KRPA Awards Banquet, honoring someone in our profession. Or you may have just watched the recent Academy Awards presentation where the award winner is presented their award, and in their acceptance speech they not only thank their agent and their family, they often will name one or more individuals without whom they would not have achieved the honor. Although they may be mentioned by a different name or title, it could easily be a trusted advisor, boss, professor or colleague; typically the people mentioned are actually mentors.

Every employee or professional, at some level, hopes for a strong role model. They hope for someone they respect to take a personal interest in their success and give willingly of the wisdom and life experiences. This is the glue that binds individuals to organizations and cultivates devotion. People do not leave organizations; they leave the leaders. If the good employee does not feel like he has worth to an organization, the work then becomes a “job” to them and the job leads them to dissatisfaction. How easy would you find it to walk away from an environment that brings out the best in you? Leaders that mentor employees show they believe in personal

development. It shows them that they are a priority to the organization and they have the potential to grow within it.

As KRPA professionals and current leaders in our profession, we all need to recognize the great potential of our young professionals and students. We need to commit, whether it be through the KRPA mentoring program or at your own organization, to recognize these future industry leaders. Mentoring has an exceptional impact on the legacy of any organization by providing continuity from one generation of leaders to the next. Values, goals and missions are more deeply held and understood. Mentoring provides a unique training experience for students and young professionals – one that can never be duplicated in a classroom or self-study course.

The professional who is “too busy” to mentor need to consider the following: “If you think training is expensive...Try ignorance.”

Also, mentoring stirs the fires that ward off complacency in the seasoned professional.

Mentoring increases job satisfaction for not only the protégé but also the mentor. Having the opportunity to reflect on our profession, along with the personal abilities required for success, is a refreshing and enlightening experience for even the most seasoned professional.

The future is bright for the parks and recreation profession, but the seasoned leader must set the groundwork for the next generation of professionals. The mentees need to hear and know stories of the legends and circumstances within our organizations that brought us to where we are, providing insight of where the profession must be in the future.

It will not be me, or many of you, that will be the future of KRPA and our profession – it will be the wide-eyed, enthusiastic, creative, inexperienced student or young professionals just entering the field that need a little guidance to “position” our profession to the next level. What better way to leave a legacy than to be instrumental in the development of our future leaders. Be a Mentor - at home for your kids (and grand kids) and take time on the job for our professions future leaders.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 5

The Business of Partnerships with Parks and Recreation Wichita Launches a Business Partnership Philosophy To Help Solve Budget Issues

By Doug Vance, KRPA Executive Director

After joining the Wichita Parks and Recreation Department staff last August, one of the first items on Karen Holmes checklist was the request for a copy of the City of Wichita Yellow Pages on her desk. It’s turned into her most important resource guide.

Karen Holmes, Recreation Superintendent, Wichita Parks and Recreation Department

We had to get off that island and get involved with others in the community.

“I wanted to identify possible targets for business partnerships in Wichita and the Yellow Pages is the best source for that list,“ explained Holmes, who was named recreation superintendent for the Wichita Parks and Recreation Department last August after spending the previous 27 years in a similar role in Spokane, WA. Her goal in combing through the city’s thick Yellow Pages book was simple. Wichita Parks and Recreation has placed a priority on collaboration and business partnerships as a key strategy to offset a shrinking budget. The new approach was launched by parks and recreation director Doug Kupper in an effort to maintain and enhance many of the services offered by his agency.

“It’s somewhat of a response to a nation-wide movement of less government spending beyond core services,” said Kupper, pointing toward his budget bottom line. “We have to become more innovative in offering high octane programming at affordable fees for our patrons.”

Holmes was brought on board, in part, because she had a strong and successful background from her days in Spokane in reaching out in the community, merging the expertise of different commercial business entities, and using them as partners in the programming offered by parks and recreation.

“We are developing a new culture and operating programs more like a business,” added Holmes.

Wichita, like other park and recreation agencies throughout Kansas and nationwide, has been forced to review its operating procedures in direct reaction to being handcuffed by an unhealthy and dismal economic climate that has local government administrators looking for cutback options. The

6 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

collaboration approach is one of the fresh tactics that Kupper and his staff believe will breathe new life into the overall parks and recreation operation.

Holmes, who has been on the job nearly nine months, oversees 10 recreation centers, 11 swimming pools, a host of neighborhood tennis courts, a contract with an ice skating facility and Great Plains Nature Center. It’s her involvement with attracting business partners, however, that has become the major focus of her responsibilities.

The concept, of course, does have serious challenges.

“At first, people didn’t understand how we could connect and involve ourselves with a business or organization that was offering services that were in some instances viewed as being in competition with what we offer,” said Holmes. “I had to explain how it makes sense and how we can work together to make it a win-win situation.”

“It’s the silo effect philosophy and approach that we’ve had to change,” explained Holmes. “We had to get off that island and get involved with others in the community. We have this budget crunch and it forces us to explore how we can offer innovative programming without the same financial resources.

That’s what leads to the partnership concept.”

Holmes hit the ground running and has already established partnerships with, among others, a commercial wellness center, a martial arts business, a dance academy, the Kansas State University Law School and she’s also developing an education program for women with a car repair business.

Knocking on the door of a business that views itself as a competitor to the low cost menu of programs offered by parks and recreation is not always an easy sell. Holmes has faced resistance, but has found ways to change that competition culture by explaining the potential long-standing benefits to both the profit-minded business partner and parks and recreation.

“We had to show the dance academy that by being partners with us we were, in effect, helping to enhance their customer base by expanding interest in dancing for young people,” said Holmes. “Our target group, for example, in ballet is entry level. We wanted to use their staff as instructors and offer classes that were affordable to a wide audience of customers.”

“Once those customers get that entry-level taste of dance and their interest is peeked, they become a growing customer base potential for the commercial dance academy,” added Holmes.

“Thus, the win-win philosophy. Once they understand that strategy, they generally buy into the approach.”

Wichita Parks and Recreation, as both Homes and Kupper noted, has been pushed into the philosophy of operating more like a business with an eye on cost recovery and operating with a “pay for play” approach.

“It’s always been a function of parks and recreation to be an ever evolving service in the community and we will continue to do that,” said Kupper. “We’ve had to face the realities of cutbacks in our tax revenues. We’ve had to look at new and innovative ways to compensate. “ In addition to partnerships and collaboration, Wichita Parks and Recreation has altered some of its other traditional approaches in marketing and fund raising. Among those changes is the distribution of its activity guide.

“We were printing about 110,000 activity guides and distributing it in the newspaper,” explained Holmes. “It was my belief that about half of those guides probably ended up in the trash. We’ve now changed and we’re printing about 67,000 guides and distributing them more strategically through direct mailing. We are targeting specific demographics in how we mail it. I think it will prove to be a better return on investment.”

Wichita has also hired a new marketing and development director and making a strong effort to promote and publicize its services in the community.

“We had a series of public meetings and learned that we were not doing the job in promoting the services we offered,” added Kupper. “As a result, we were able to hire a marketing director and we’re now putting an emphasis on promotional strategies.

“Since the new blueprint for improvement is still in an embryonic stage, Kupper is taking a cautious viewpoint about the future. He is, however, encouraged about the early results.

The department has already realized a “fairly significant increase” in programming revenue during the first quarter of the budget cycle.

Meanwhile, Holmes will keep knocking on doors and has an ambitious list of business candidates for possible future partnerships. She is already meeting with the Wichita Y, generally considered one of strongest competitors of recreational programs, to develop a future partnership.

“We are talking and I think something good will materialize as a result,” said Holmes of her approach to the Wichita Y. “They are not going away and neither are we; so, why not talk and find a way that we can work together. I think we can both find common ground that, in the end, will not only benefit both of us but also the community.”

It’s a creative approach that offers the hope of a promising future for Wichita Parks and Recreation.

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Around KANSAS “Around KANSAS” highlights KRPA member events, news, people and more. To contribute to this section, please send a 125 word or less article and photos to Doug Vance at KRPA.

The 2012 edition of Tomorrow’s Leaders, KRPA’s young professional leadership institute, will feature former college basketball coach, author and current ESPN basketball analyst Rich Svosec.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 1113 at Tall Oaks Conference Center in Linwood. Other presentations will focus on leadership (Nanette Roberts), The Value of Effective Financial Decisions, Understanding Human Resources (Jim Chladek, Blue Valley) and How To Be Successful in Today’s Workforce (David Grant, Johnson County). Go to www. krpa.org to contact the executive office for registration information.

2012 KRPA Calendar of Events April

1............Administration Branch Board Meeting 16..........Recreation Commission Budget and

More Workshop (Topeka) 25..........KRPA Board of Directors Meeting

(Fort Riley) June 16..........Deadline to apply for scholarships/ NRPA Congress July 18..........KRPA Board of Directors

Conference Call August 17...........Southwest Kansas Golf Tournament

(Garden City) September 11-13......Tomorrow’s Leaders Institute (Linwood) 26-27.....Parks and Recreation Executive

Forum (Kansas City) October 5............KRPA Golf Tournament (Leawood) 16-20.....NRPA Congress & Exposition

(Anaheim, CA)

8 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

The Forum is targeted to Directors, Assistant Directors and professionals in key decision-making positions within agencies providing parks, recreation and similar community services. Shellito, a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy

School of government’s Executive Program as well as the Disney Institute, has been a leader in city government and parks and recreation professions for more than 35 years. His creativity and vision have made him a popular national and international speaker. Younger is founder and President of PROS Consulting, which has worked with more than 500 agencies to develop strategic, business and agency master plans nationwide. He received the 1994 NRPA Distinguished Professional Award. Specific location, cost and registration details will be made available in the near future.

Cost to attend the Executive Forum is $125 or $75 for one day.

BlueCHIP Presentations Made in Derby, Manhattan, Salina and Parsons BlueCHIP

Marlou Wegener of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas along with KRPA Executive Director Doug Vance traveled to Derby, Manhattan, Salina and Parsons during March to make local presentations for the four BlueCHP Award winners honored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. Two other presentations were scheduled to be made at Johnson County Park and Recreation District and Turner Recreation District later in the year.

M

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May

The Kansas Recreation and Park Association along with the Missouri Park and Recreation Association will partner this fall in presenting a two-day leadership conference - The Parks and Recreation Executive Forum - in the Kansas City Metro area. The conference, scheduled for Sept. 26-27, will feature two nationally recognized leaders in parks and recreation and municipal government in Mike Shellito and Leon Younger.

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29-5/1...Midwest Conference

(Grand Forks, ND)

KRPA and MPRA Partner To Host Executive Forum

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Rich Svosec to Headline 10th Annual Tomorrow’s Leaders Workshop

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Scholarship Opportunities are Available to Attend the NRPA Congress, the KRPA Conference and Trade Show and Other Workshops KRPA members are encouraged to take advantage of an opportunity to apply for scholarship support to attend regional or national schools, KRPA workshops, NRPA Congress or the KRPA Conference and Trade Show. Each year, the KRPA Scholarship Committee – which consists of members of the association executive committee – will review applications from KRPA members/agencies for funding support through the Larry Heeb Professional Development Scholarship Fund to attend educational events.

Applications will be accepted for scholarship funding support (registration, travel costs) to attend any local, regional or national

park and recreation related educational training event. The goal of the scholarship program is to provide support to member professionals who have limited financial resources for training and have a desire to enhance their education.

The application deadline for scholarship funding to attend KRPA workshops or local training events is 30 days prior to the event. The deadline to apply for scholarship funding for the NRPA Congress this year is June 16 and the deadline for the KRPA Conference is Oct. 28. For more information on how to apply for a Larry Heeb Professional Development Scholarship, visit www.krpa.org.

Hutchinson Recreation Commission Under New Leadership Hutchinson Recreation Commission recently hired Tony Finlay as its new director, effective May 1. Finlay comes to Hutchinson after serving as the director of parks and recreation for the City of Grandview, MO. Finlay replaces long-time director Tom Cook, who retired April 30 after serving as Hutch Rec’s director for 23 years.

“I couldn’t be more excited about joining the Hutchinson Recreation Commission,” Finlay says. “This is a great opportunity to continue my career with a great organization and be close to family.”

Finlay’s parents are independent farmers in Hamilton County, where he was raised, and his brothers and sister live in Western Kansas.

He has two sons - Deven, 11 years old, and Brant, 13 years old. His girlfriend, Andrea, will join him on the move to Hutchinson.

Finlay graduated from Fort Hays State University in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree

in physical education and an emphasis in parks and recreation management. Previous work experience includes serving as the director and assistant director of parks and recreation for the City Tony Finlay of Olivette, MO, as well as the director of parks and recreation for the City of Odessa, MO. He did an internship with the City of Boulder prior to graduating from Ft. Hays in 1996.

Dillon Nature Center, operated by Hutchinson Recreation Commission, will also see a change in leadership this spring. Longtime naturalist Mary Clark was promoted to the director of Dillon Nature Center, effective May 1. Clark replaces Jim Smith, who was the director of the Nature Center for more than 35 years. Smith retired on April 30.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center Opens its Doors The $24.5 million Flint Hills Discovery Center, after more than a year of planning and construction, opened its doors April 14. Approximately 300 people attended the opening ceremony and about 2,900 visitors toured the facility on its first day.

On hand for the opening ceremony was Gov. Sam Brownback, Mayor Jim Sherow and former major and Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation President Bruce Snead. The facility is the showpiece of the south redevelopment area and operated by Manhattan Parks and Recreation. Pictured is the building which is located adjacent to the Blue Earth Plaza in Manhattan. Special thanks to Rod Mikinski and Bowman Bowman Novick, architects for the Blue Earth Plaza (Named after a Native American Lodge that once stood near downtown), for providing the photo.

KRPA 2013 Conference and Trade Show Moves to Manhattan The KRPA Board of Directors at its March 9 meeting approved moving the site of the 2013 KRPA Conference and Trade Show from Hutchinson to Manhattan. The dates of the 2013 conference will continue to be Jan. 28-31. The change in location for the upcoming state conference is due to legal issues that are on-going with the Ramada Inn in Hutchinson, which had been originally awarded the bid to host the event.

In looking for another host option for 2013, Manhattan entered the picture due

to the opening this year of a new hotel and conference center. As a result, the Hilton Garden Inn and Manhattan Conference Center will serve as the new site for the 2013 conference.

In addition, the new Flint Hills Discovery Center which recently opened is located within walking distance of the new hotel and conference center, will also be an option for facility involvement in the 2013 conference.

Manhattan last hosted the KRPA Conference and Trade Show in 2005.

Mike Shellito and Ian Hill To Headline KRPA Conference The KRPA Conference and Planning Committee have announced that Mike Shellito and Ian Hill will serve as opening and closing keynote speakers for the 2013 KRPA Conference and Trade Show in Manhattan (Jan. 28-31). Shellito, who has delivered over 500 keynote addresses and training programs over the past 20 years, served as the City Manager of Roseville, CA until his retirement in 2010. He also served as the parks and recreation director in Roseville where he oversaw the planning, development and operations of the city’s Gold Medal Award winning park system.

Hill is recognized as one of North America’s foremost advocates for the recreation and park profession. He is one of only a hand-full of individuals that have served as a keynote speaker for both the NRPA and the Canadian Park and Recreation Association national conferences.

He has spearheaded the development of the first of their kind youth centers, recreation programs and parks initiatives across the country. His latest project is Leading the Heart of the Community in Changing Times, which is a professional development series that has been heard by some 6,000 professionals across the country over the past two years.

Corporate Update Ecoturf Surfacing, a division of Taylormade Co., provides sustainable green solutions to save the earth. Since 1997 they have been specializing in the manufacturing and installation of playground safety surfacing using pre- and post-recycled products otherwise destined for the local landfill. Visit their Web site to learn more about their products and services at www.ecoturfsurfacing.com.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 9

McCarthy Chevrolet Supports Blue Valley Rec Youth Sports in an On-Field Presentation at Kauffman Stadium Blue Valley Rec commissioners Lou Wade (middle) and Cindy McAlister (right) were presented a check from Lauren McCarthy (left) of McCarthy Chevrolet. The on-field presentation, held at Kauffman Stadium prior to the start of the Royals-Indians game on April 14, was part of the Chevy Youth Baseball program Chevy’s nationwide commitment to support youth sports, one community at a time.

Have A Suggestion for the 2013 KRPA Conference and Trade Show?

Want to suggest a breakout session, a speaker, a social event or have something new you’d like to propose related to any aspect of the conference? Below are your contacts involved in planning next year’s conference. We welcome your suggestions!

Conference Planning Committee Chair – John Washington (Garden City)

Park and Natural Resource Branch – Logan Wagler (Lenexa)

Local Host Agency – Mike Buchanan (Manhattan)

Park Law Enforcement Branch – Rob Gordon (KDWPT, Tuttle Creek)

KRPA – Doug Vance or Bonnie Simon

Recreation Branch – Eric Jantz (Homcomb)

Administration Branch – Diann Henderson (Great Bend)

Sports Branch – Brent Peintner (Cheney)

Aquatics Branch – Ted Nelson (Hutchinson) Marketing/Customer Service Branch – Amy Conkling (Hutchinson)

Therapeutic Recreation and Aging – Rhonda Pollard (Johnson County) Social – Ryan Mckee (Manhattan)

Scott Erickson Promoted As New Director in Atchison After spending the past 25 years as Program Director in Atchison, Scott Erickson was promoted as the new Superintendent of Recreation at Atchison Recreation Commission.

Erickson replaces Herb Wyrick, who retired March 30 after spending 41 years as the superintendent in Atchison. Also, Nick Rebant was hired to replace Erickson as the Program Director.

Other Staff Changes Around the State Skyler Rorabaugh resigned his position as director of Turner Recreation Commission to accept the director’s position in Estes Park, CO. Also, as a result of his resignation, Rorabaugh also stepped down as chair of the KRPA Recreation Branch.

He was replaced by Eric Jantz of Holcomb Recreation Commission.

Former KRPA President Janice Pankratz Passes Away Friends, family and many from the KRPA family said goodbye to Janice Pankratz, who served as Supervisor of Senior Programs/ Special Populations for Salina Parks and Recreation since 1987, during a memorial service April 11 in Salina.

Pankratz, a victim of cancer, passed away April 7.

She was just the fourth female in KRPA history to serve as president of the organization when she assumed the leadership role in 2006. In addition, Pankratz spearheaded the effort to activate KRPA’s Therapeutic Recreation Branch as among her achievements as president of the organization.

10 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

Life. Be in it!

By Diann Henderson, Director - Great Bend Recreation Commission

Small Communities Zest for Life

Photos courtesy of Diann Henderson, Great Bend Recreation Commission

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 11

Let’s play tennis!

Let’s go canoeing!

Let’s go to the park!

1980’s Life. Be in it. Campaign logo and caricatures

I had an unexpected source of inspiration for this article as our agency is in the process of organizing dated records and documents. While in that process, I noticed a stack of old activity program guides from across the state dated back to the early 1980’s. Flipping through the aged, colored pages, I noticed a repetitive message being portrayed on the front cover and throughout the program guides: “Life. Be in it!”

In 1980, this was a new marketing strategy to promote healthy active lifestyles, leisure and recreational activities for all.

As a member of a small organization, this was the first marketing initiative that the Great Bend Recreation Commission and other agencies utilized to identify their agency’s values and mission. In essence, this was our first mission statement.

The 1980 National Recreation and Park Association Congress held in Phoenix, Arizona saw the official kick-off of the “Life. Be in it.” campaign. The campaign was projected to run through 1985 with 700 agencies nationwide participating. The “Life. Be in it.” caricature logo and cartoon characters depicted a family of four and occasionally the family dog participating in a variety of recreational activities. This nationwide marketing program depicted active lifestyles, fun, creative indoor and outdoor experiences that encouraged people to “Live More of Your Life and Be More Active.”

Thus, park and recreation agencies that became associated with this new “Life. Be In It.” program benefited by being promoted in a positive manner while increasing public awareness, expansion of programs and services to their communities.

Today’s small community public park and recreation agencies are inventing their own

12 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

“Zest for Life”. Current social and economic influences on preventing obesity are providing new opportunities for individuals to use recreation services as an alternative to remain active and healthier. A good example of how a small community in Kansas is taking advantage is Winfield Recreation Commission where Scott Schoon, recreation commission superintendent, found himself with a facility space that was under-utilized.

“We tried a youth fitness center for children ages 9-13 years of age,” noted Schoon. “The facility had moderate success the first year, but saw very little interest the following year. After closing the youth fitness center, staff made a recommendation to the Commission that we remodel the room and make an investment to offer spin classes.

“The board approved the idea which led to a new wood floor, new paint, replacement of windows, in addition to the purchase of 13 LeMond RevMaster spin bikes,” he added.”The response from the public has been tremendous. To meet the demand, classes are offered Monday thru Friday, morning, afternoon and evenings. This is the third year of spin classes and it hasn’t slowed down yet! We have new people registering for classes every session. It has been a great revenue boost to the budget and a great fitness class for both young and older adults. We are even looking at offering spin classes for teenagers this summer.

A great success indeed!”

Cooperative planning and creative programming resulted in the development of the “Active Aging” program promoting active and healthy lifestyles in Great Bend for individuals 50 years and older who are not currently active and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle as they age.

This eight week program was developed as a result of a poorly attended senior fair at the local Senior Center. The Recreation Commission staff, ElderCare, Inc., and the Barton County Extension agency formed a partnership to provide a free eight week program that included: group exercises, games and physical challenges, door prizes, healthy refreshments and healthy lifestyle presentations of: My Plate, Portion Distortion, Label Reading-Taking it to the store, Carb Counting, Sodium/Salt, Whole Grains and Fibers, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

Megan Hammeke, Recreation Program Coordinator, indicated, “Each week between 30 to 40 individuals attended. It is inspirational to see everyone having a good time, experience low level exercise activities, learn how to utilize the wellness center equipment and try nutritional snacks. Participants received imprinted “Active Aging” fly swatters to use in SWAT chair aerobics and everyone enjoys them. A GBRC staff person dressed up as an old man to assist in the instruction of SWAT aerobics, and the ladies kept asking if he was coming back. They had a great time!”

Small communities are creating “Life. Be in it.” standards when responding to their community’s specific needs and interests.

Creating connections and engaging people in programs is a challenge in small communities. Often, new residents or individuals that do not have children involved in the local school systems tend to feel disconnected in the community.

Holcomb Recreation Commission is rising to the challenge of providing opportunities for their residents to feel needed and connected. Eric Janz, Director of the Holcomb Recreation Commission, “Holcomb is five

miles away from Garden City,” said Eric Janz, Director of Holcomb Recreation Commission. “We have identified that there is a significant challenge for new people in the community to get out and meet people. We do have a few businesses in town, but for the most part, it is very difficult if you are new in town to socialize, especially if you do not have children in school.”

“To address this need, we have added two special events: Summer Fest in August and the Family Fall Roundup held in October.

These events are free to the community and a way for us to say thank you for supporting the Holcomb Recreation Commission. We have between 200-450 people attend each event. It’s a great way for new residents in the community to come out in a relaxed environment and meet long time residents. In both events, we offer a wide range of activities to keep both the young and the young at heart entertained.”

Coffeyville Recreation Commission continues to make a difference in their community by putting “Life” back into the community after the flood of 2007.

Director David Rains faced the loss of their Recreation Center which displaced programs and activities.

“With scarce resources encountered in this economy in addition to the challenges of repairing and remodeling their damaged facilities, it is a consistent battle to fund capital improvements and to maintain structures,: explained Rains.

“Prior to the flood, we had sponsored the Daddy/Daughter Ball since 2002. Staff organized a DJ, snack bar, picture taking area, and provided a keepsake for each daughter and decorated our facility in a 1

Small communities are creating “Life. Be in it.” standards when responding to their community’s specific needs and interests.

manner that we thought Daddy’s and their princesses would enjoy. That year we had 275 participants in attendance. Annually, we had held the event at our Recreation Center with a capacity of 500 in our gymnasium. Each year the Ball was attracting more and more participants. We were setting records for the event. With the loss of the Recreation Center, we suddenly had no facility. This brought about the challenge of needing a facility for the Ball. Field Kindley High School was made available to us

by USD#445. Its gymnasium is more than adequate to handle the traffic and creative ideas of our staff for the Ball. In 2012, we again set an attendance record for the Ball with 778 people in attendance. This event has become a signature event for our community and the surrounding area. We are extremely proud of what it has become and the enjoyment it brings!”

New cultures and communities will continue to merge. Their differing interests and values will continue to change the way recreation agencies meet their community needs. Crossing such barriers in a small community can be challenging and rewarding.

Recreation Director, Cindy Crandall of Deerfield Recreation Commission is putting more “Zest for Life” into her community. She noted, “Our community has a population of 700 of which 51% is of the Hispanic origin. We have new Hispanic families moving into our community who do not engage in our recreation programs.

In visiting our school district’s ESL (English as a Second Language) class, I took the first step in trying to reach out to this group by offering a one day trip specifically for these children and their families. The enrollment was overwhelming! We had over 30 children and their families enjoying a fun and educational trip at the Rolling Hills Refuge in Salina. I now have thirty more children and their families involved in our programs and activities!”

“Life. Be in it.”...Then and now!

Small community park and recreation departments and recreation commissions continue to be a service provider promoting active lifestyles, committed to providing leisure and recreation activities which strengthen our communities, creating wellness initiatives that enhance our lives, and developing outdoor experiences which allows you, your neighbors, and your children to enjoy more of their “Life.”

History tends to repeat itself...Or Does it?...

Life. Be In It!

Additional information is available by writing NRPA, Regional Office, 600 East Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Ill 60016. www.lib.niu.edu/1981/ip810133.html

2

Life Be in it Organization, www.lifebeinit.org. “Life. Be in it.” was established in 1975 by the Australian Victorian Government and because of its popularity and rapid rate of public awareness-was adopted by the Australian Federal Government in 1978 and subsequently launched in the United States from then on.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 13

Making the Case for Parks and Recreation

By Doug Vance, KRPA Executive Director KRPA members joining me this year for the two days of education, networking and visit to Capitol Hill were KRPA President Ernie Shaw (Lawrence), KRPA Citizen Board Committee Chair and NRPA Board of Directors Chair Bob Johnson, Jr. (Blue Valley), KRPA ex-officio board member Linda Lanterman (KDWPT, Pratt), Kathy Pritchett (KDWPT, Pratt) and Doug Kupper (Wichita). We were among approximately 200 attendees at the NRPA Legislative Forum representing parks and recreation from all across the country.

From my perspective and from the viewpoint of other KRPA members who have made the journey to Washington, D.C. for the conference in past years, this is clearly one of the most intriguing and meaningful events hosted by NRPA each year. It offers insight into the national political system and how we can effectively advocate and possibly influence major decisions which have significant impact on the industry we represent.

Everyone loves parks, but they think that what they offer happens by accident.

They don’t always understand the needed investment.

A visit to Washington, D.C. in late March often results in an opportunity to enjoy a sighting of the cherry blossoms in full bloom at locations adjacent to the National Mall. Unfortunately, the warmest March in over a century in our nation’s capitol, coupled with some heavy rains, altered Mother Nature’s pattern this year.

The signature cherry blossoms were gone when I arrived in Washington, D.C. March 26 to join forces with five KRPA members at the annual NRPA Legislative Forum. Our mission for this trip, however, was not about enjoying the beauty of nature on display in local park settings.

Instead, our objective was more about walking the hallways of congressional office buildings as advocates and planting seeds with a variety of decision makers to make sure current and future generations of Kansans would continue to enjoy visions of cherry blossoms along with the many benefits offered around this country because of the parks and recreation industry.

We convened to make the case for parks and recreation and explain why our public officials should continue to invest in what we all know is the cornerstone of any vibrant and economically successful community.

14 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

More importantly, this trip often serves as an eyeopener into the realities, opportunities and frustrations involved in making that case for parks and recreation. As one of this year’s speakers, former Pittsburgh, Pa. mayor Tom Murphy noted in his presentation: “Everyone loves parks, but they think that what they offer happens by accident. They don’t always understand the needed investment.”

The first day of each NRPA Legislative Forum is one in which breakout sessions focus on strategies for promoting and advocating on behalf parks and recreation, how government works on the national level and how to sell NRPA’s legislative priorities.

Clearly, the most important part of the NRPA Legislative Forum is the day dedicated to visits to Capitol Hill which is scheduled for day two. After arming attendees with information and advocacy strategies this year, NRPA bused the groups divided by state boundaries to visit with their respective congressional delegation and preach the park and recreation gospel.

It was my job to schedule appointments- which range from 15- 20 minutes - for our contingent with each Kansas congressional member. Offices for members of Congress are primarily in five large buildings which flank both sides of the Capitol.

Quite often, we are directed to huddle with a congressman’s legislative assistant in either a small

conference room, the outer office of a senator or representative or even in the adjacent hallway. Occasionally, we have an opportunity to have an audience with an actual Kansas member of Congress either for discussion or picture pose. That opportunity seems to increase in election years.

It always intrigues me when we visit Capitol Hill each year and see the variety of advocacy groups from all across the country visiting a congressional office. You pass multitudes of collaborative partners, all dressed in their power suits, and all with the same mission of trying to influence support of their cause. You march into an office as another group is leaving and as you exit from your visit, you see the next set of huddled troops with yet another cause waiting for its turn at the table.

And, like others, we approached each stop on our tour with a specific blueprint of how we wanted to illustrate our message and elevate our voice above the others. For our visits this year, each KRPA representative launched the meeting by sharing their name, agency, how many people he/she employed and how many patrons the agency services impacted. The goal was to clearly define up front that parks and recreation also is about jobs and has a far reach in each community.

After introductions, our focus was specific issues and everyone in our party had a message and facts to support what we were asking. We narrowed down a list of legislative issues and identified three specific priorities to discuss: Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Transportation Reauthorization and its impact on LWCF along with the Recreational Trails Program and Health and Wellness legislation.

We started with a 10:30 am appointment in Sen. Pat Roberts office in the Hart Senate Office Building where we assembled in a conference room with Darin Guries, deputy legislative director. In addition to leaving behind impactful fact sheets about our important legislative issues, we also presented each office with one of the Louis Copt park landscape prints that we developed in partnership with the Kansas Lottery.

Hopefully, the prints will be framed and mounted in their offices and serve as daily reminders of the beauty and value of Kansas parks.

From Sen. Roberts office, we paraded outside and around the corner to the Russell Office Building for a hallway meeting with Will Ruder, legislative assistant for Sen. Jerry Moran. We followed our script and our message continued to evolve as it was presented.

Next on our ambitious schedule was a lengthy walk to the Cannon Office Building, located on the opposite side of the Capitol, and a visit to the office of Rep. Mike Pompeo.

Our journey took us past a well organized demonstration related to on-going health care issues in front of the Supreme Court.

We paused to observe the curious scene and also for a quick group photo opportunity in front of the Capitol. We made our scheduled appointment time, spending about 15 minutes with Keith Dater, legislative assistant to Congressman Pompeo.

Beyond our message and crowding into offices that already had other advocacy groups waiting, the other consistent theme of the trip was the display of Kansas Jayhawk material in each office. Being astute politicians, each Kansas congressman was not going to let an opportunity pass to show pride in the accomplishments of the state’s representation into the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament.

The frequent display of Jayhawks served as a conversation piece for one of our representatives – Doug Kupper – who wanted to remind everyone that his alma mater and KU’s foe in the national semi-final game – was Ohio State.

The fourth stop on our tour was just one floor above in the Cannon Building and in the office of Rep. Kevin Yoder. While waiting for our appointment, we were honored to have Rep. Yoder join us in his outer office where we posed for a group picture. Later, we met with his senior legislative assistant, Jordan Austin.

After hearing our presentation for the fourth time and seeing it improve with each delivery, I was gaining more enthusiasm and more respect for what we were accomplishing. Rest assured, the people in our group represented everyone in KRPA with a well conceived, fact-based and passionate message about the issues we discussed.

I also am convinced we opened eyes and scored points with most of those that granted us an audience. How could they not be impressed with Linda Lanterman and Kathy Pritchett’s passionate plea to allocate 40% of total LWCF appropriations to the State Assistance Program? Or, by Doug Kupper who skillfully explained why support of a long term Transportation Reauthorization bill would benefit his community and others.

Then, there was Ernie Shaw who provoked a better understanding of how parks and recreation impacts the health and wellness of communities.

Finally and quite often, it was all put into a total perspective by Bob Johnson who helped bring distinction to our group as the NRPA board chair and had a citizens viewpoint on all topics.

Our fifth appointment was in the adjacent Longworth Building and the office of Rep. Lynn Jenkins. We were welcomed by Wayne Stoskopf, a staff assistant, who ushered us into the congresswoman’s office. Within a short period of time, Rep. Jenkins joined our discussion and listened intently to our message before having to hurry back to the floor of the House of Representatives.

Finally, we wrapped up our day on Capitol Hill back in the Cannon Building and a meeting with Richard Henkle, senior legislative assistant to Rep. Tim Huleskamp.

It proved to be a long and challenging day for everyone. We returned to our hotel with tired feet, a degree of encouragement and a much better understanding of advocacy and how the political system in Washington operates.

Reflecting back on the day and our visits, I can’t say with certainty how much traction we gained in our efforts to attract significant support of our pending issues. People listened, took notes, nodded their heads in agreement and thanked us for sharing the information.

Some expressed stronger interest than others and, in a few instances, indicated they were in support of our issues.

The only thing we all know for certain is that while we missed the cherry blossoms, we didn’t miss an important opportunity to invest our time into an important day making the case for parks and recreation.

PHOTOS opposite page: KRPA members at the annual NRPA Legislative Forum in Washington, DC (from the left), Doug Vance, Bob Johnson, Jr., Kathy Pritchett, Doug Kupper, Linda Lanterman and Ernie Shaw.

left: Posing with Kansas Rep. Kevin Yoder (from the left are Ernie Shaw, Kathy Pritchett, Bob Johnson, Jr., Rep. Yoder, Linda Lanterman, Doug Kupper and Doug Vance top: Doug Kupper (back to camera) and others in our group meet with a legislative assistant in the hallway.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 15

the

Parents Role Bruce E. Brown Excerpts from the booklet– The Parent’s Role in Athletics and from the DVD – The Parent’s Role in Athletics

in athletics

The involvement of parents in the athletic experience of their children is a given.

Without question, all parents should be part of this area of potential growth. But it is often a larger responsibility than realized. Their involvement affects their own child, the coach, the rest of the team, the other parents and the officials. How they choose to be involved often will become the reflective memories their son or daughter have of the whole athletic experience.

This message of the parent’s role, in its entirety, has evolved from 35 years of coaching in junior high, high school, community college and college. It focuses on the parent’s role from the perspective of the athlete. For more than three decades I frequently asked the

players on my teams a series of questions about the role of the adults (both coaches and parents) in their experience. In this process, I learned many things that helped me as a coach. I also learned many things that young people would like to tell their parents, but probably never will. This information is one of my gifts back to three decades of great young people on my teams. It is how we can show respect, help performance and enjoyment from their perspective. The longer I am in this profession the more I become an advocate of the athlete.

When parenting and coaching are done correctly, they are traveling the same path. Coaches and parents need to understand that when closely examined we are both attempting to teach the same lessons. We are hoping that the young person will learn something from the athletic experience that will help them become a better adult. Sport can provide the opportunity to teach many important lessons of life; work habits, selflessness, confidence, perseverance, accountability, courage, discipline, teamwork etc. Too many households and too many coaches

No matter how well intended

most parents may not be aware

16 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

of how they can meaningfully help the athletes reach their goals and improve performance

place an overemphasis on sports at the expense of sportsmanship and learning these lessons. If we listen to the responses of athletes on what they really need from us before, during and after competition, it will help the adults keep our focus where it should be – on the needs of the athlete and the life lessons sports can teach.

No matter how well intended, most parents may not be aware of how they can meaningfully help the athletes reach their goals and improve performance. If handled correctly, with both parent and coach working together for the benefit of the athlete, the athletic experience can provide a tremendous positive developmental encounter for all the participants. In order to ensure that the athletic experience is, indeed, positive, everyone in the process must always remember that the kids needs come first. What I am going to suggest, works, benefits them, and most of all, has credibility because it comes from them.

As a rule, when parents start a young child out athletically, it is a “joint venture”. The general feeling among most parents is that they are experiencing their child’s athletic experience with them. In turn they have a requirement to be involved. In the process, athletics becomes a link with their children…

an enhanced level of communication… something that is shared. Another factor that impacts the situation is the fact that when children are under the age of ten, their main goal is usually to please their parents. The parent is a credible source of knowledge.

Everything the parent says is right, a scenario most parents like. To the dismay and shock of many parents, a number of things change as the athlete enters adolescence. As such, learning when and how to diminish the parent’s involvement becomes an issue for both parties.

As kids grow older and more independent, parents need to realize that they need to stay close, but focus on the kids needs and choices. If nowhere else but athletics, this is their time. Parents and coaches constantly send powerful messages to athletes, and although no two adults can completely agree on how to raise each child, as much as possible, those messages should not conflict.

Since 70% of all young people in the United States are done competing in a team sport activity by the age of twelve, it becomes even more important that a child’s parents, as early as possible, do what they can to facilitate growth, help performance and keep their own perspective. With regard to the role of parents in athletics, to the right are some of the things that I learned from having my athletes write answers to questions I posed to them. In over thirty years of coaching, I have heard the same responses, regardless of age, gender or sport.

These suggestions reflect the athlete’s point of view. The issues covered in the book, booklet and video focus on three important times – before, during and after the game.

Booklets The Parent’s Role in Athletics How Parent’s Can Help Build a Confident Athlete

DVDs The Parent’s Role in Athletics For more character related books, booklets and DVD’s by Bruce E. Brown visit: www.proactivecoaching.info To schedule Proactive Coaching email: dana@proactivecoaching.info Phone: (360) 387-5998

What athletes say parents do that make them

feel good during the game Cheer for everyone on our team, not just certain players Just having them there tells me it was worth my time I love it when people cheer for me and tell me I’m doing a good job Show up for every game you can, cheer for us and get excited

Cheer positively and support us win or lose Cheering me on even when I do not have a good game Cheer and encourage at appropriate times in a civilized manner I can accept correction for bad behavior, but not for mistakes on the field

Cheering pleasantly and not getting on the refs, players or coaches It is great to see them sit by people they know and catch up on old times Cheer for me and give me support even when I am not playing much Cheer for us, but not too much When we go home from practice or a game, letting me show them what I have learned without trying to teach me more and more.

Playing catch or shooting baskets when we get home

Just being there whenever possible

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 17

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2012 KRPA Conference

Award Winners KRPA President Mike Buchanan and presidential citation winners Sue Vance (left) and Shelly Buchanan (right).

Distinguished Elected Official Award winner Bruce Snead (center), his wife, Leslie Sneed, and Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director Curt Loupe.

Mike Ray (left) of Johnson County Park and Recreation District presents the Distinguished Public Service Award to Linda Lehrbaum, Program Manager and Jason Dremsa, Steering Chair of Kansas City WildLands.

Distinguished New Professional Dawn Harmon (left) with Steve Baysinger of Blue Valley Recreation Commission.

Scott Gill (center) of Winfield was presented the Distinguished Commission Member Award and is shown with KRPA Executive Director Doug Vance (left) and Scott Schoon (right) of Winfield Recreation Commission.

Newest KRPA Hall of Fame recipient Betty Zeka (center) and staff members at Hutchinson Recreation Commission.

Distinguished Service Award winner Marilynn Luttrell and Catherine Niedt of Blue Valley Recreation Commission.

Diann Henderson of Great Bend Recreation Commission, recipient of the Distinguished Professional Award, and Chris Umphres.

Distinguished Volunteer winner Cliff Metzger (center) with Janice Pankratz and Tim Kerbs of Salina Parks and Recreation.

KRPA Distinguished Fellow winner Michael Meadors (third from left) of Johnson County Park and Recreation District with (from the left) Bill Maasen, Jill Geller and Mike Ray.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 19

Developing Future Leaders Through

Mentoring

By Jaclyn Buser, Blue Valley Recreation Commission

The Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA) Young Professionals Committee thought a Mentor/Mentoree program would be a great tool for the future leaders of our state. The committee began working on this concept last February and rolled the program out at the KRPA Conference in January. In our inaugural year of the program, we currently have 17 pairs of mentors/mentorees.

This unique program is created to help all KRPA members and intended to complement the career counseling relationship an employee may have with their supervisor. It is not intended to replace any of the formal or informal counseling/mentoring relationships that already exist within or outside a person’s place of employment.

As a matter of course, KRPA members are encouraged to develop several informal mentor/mentoree relationships throughout their careers as an effective way to nurture and foster the park and recreation professional.

The program is voluntary and provides individuals with an opportunity to: • Build

professional relationships.

• Discuss

career goals and project issues with someone outside of the employees’ direct reporting relationship.

• Provide

a forum where ideas, questions, and career development are openly discussed.

• Share

the KRPA knowledge capital, foster networking within the career, and professionally enhance the career of KRPA members.

Below are the general guidelines of the program and specific information about the role of the mentor.

• Mentor/Mentoree

relationships will ideally last for one year, but can be longer.

• Mentors

and mentorees are encouraged to contact one another at least once a month and more often as necessary or desired.

• Meetings

are most productive if they are held in settings that allow professional interaction.

• If

at anytime during the program the coaching relationship is not meeting the needs of the pair, a re-assignment may be required.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentoree, please contact Kate Kinkaid at 913.742.6403.

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Discovering

By J. Mark Shoup, Associate Editor, KDWPT

Kansas parks

Park Yourself in Paradise

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Kansas state parks defy stereotype. In the southeast, Elk City State Park nestles in steep hillsides of the cross-timbered Osage Questas, the park and its adjoining reservoir surrounded by a dense jungle of oak, hickory, walnut, and a variety of other hardwoods. A hike through one of the area’s many trails imparts the full impact of the forest. Steep in places, the trails offer a mini-mountain hiking experience.

At one point, you may be strolling through dense thickets of huge, ancient cedars, the forest floor so carpeted with cedar needles that you hardly make a sound. The experience is almost mystical.

stunning landscapes in the Midwest lies a mere 12 miles north of town at Lake Scott State Park. The area was carved when the great Rocky Mountains blasted skyward some 63 million years ago, propelling rivers and streams eastward, and with them, a deluge of rocky debris that laid immense sheets of sand and gravel over the arid landscape that eventually became a stone blank for the Great Sculptor.

Seeps and streams continue to shape the landscape, slicing through a veneer of younger deposits, including a soft, limy cement called “caliche” that was used as mortar by early settlers.

At another point, you may find yourself climbing through a stone chute, solid rock jutting high above you on either side. As you exit this natural wonder, your breath is taken away by rocky bluffs and meadows bursting — if it’s late spring — with American columbine and a palette of other wildflowers. A few feet off the trail at many points, you find bluffs to sit and absorb a view of the 4,450-acre lake, surrounded by miles of lush green trees reflecting the glimmering water. Least flycatchers, painted buntings, tufted titmouse, and pileated woodpeckers are just a few species not normally found throughout much of the U.S. Hummingbirds are one of the most popular species with long-term park visitors, who often hang feeders near their campers for constant entertainment. And it’s not uncommon to see deer and turkey wondering through the campgrounds in this, or any, Kansas state park.

The first permanent structure here was built by Taos Indians. Apparently fleeing Spanish oppression in New Mexico, these native people found a perfect place to settle in the arid High Plains about 1664. The canyon was protected from the sight-line of wandering enemies and the worst winter winds, and natural springs provided ample water year-round. They dug irrigation ditches to water crops and built the northernmost pueblo in the United States, the remains of which may be viewed in the state park.

To the opposite extreme, anyone who has driven through far west central Kansas knows that K-96 is a long, flat, straight road. Passing through Scott City, most people never realize that one of the most

What about north central Kansas? The Smoky Hills are as ruggedly beautiful as landscape comes. Highway 24 twists and dips the 8 short miles from Stockton, north of Hays, to the Webster State Park, comforted on the south by trees feeding

22 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

Today, a 100-acre spring-fed lake graces the canyon in which Lake Scott State Park is nestled. If one were to suddenly snatch L. Frank Baum’s “Dorothy” from her bland silver screen farm into this environment instead of Oz, she still would likely say, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Toto.” She would be as mistaken as the movie studios.

off the Solomon alluvium and buffeted on the north by Dakota sandstone, limestone, and chalk bluffs. As you round a curve, your eye may catch an old limestone cellar nestled in a hill next to the road, a lone yellow arch surrounded by little bluestem and gamma grasses, as if embedded there just to see if it could be done. No other structure remains to tell its story. Such landmarks are common points to ponder near Kansas state parks, but the park itself its the story. Climb the rise as the road crosses just north of Webster Dam, and the landscape opens to the shimmer of Webster Reservoir, some 3,800 acres of crystal clear water, a god-sized diamond pressed into the rugged High Plains.

These are just three of 26 state parks managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), and each one is unique in its own multifaceted beauty. All are much more than just places to park a camper or pitch a tent. Most provide utility and primitive camping, and access to reservoirs, trails, and wildlife areas. A few are preserved natural areas, allowing visitors to enjoy unspoiled wild Kansas. Many parks host annual events such as concerts, festivals, and competitions. Whatever your outdoor interest — hiking, camping, wildlife observation, fishing, boating, bike riding, horseback riding, hunting, or just plain relaxing, a Kansas state park has what you’re looking for.

In addition to the above activities, park staff schedule a variety of special events to enhance the state park experience. Some events are in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days; some celebrate a special historical event or geological attribute of an individual park; and others are just for entertainment. From Tuttle Creek

Cabins at Cheney State Park

El Dorado State Park

Lake Scott State Park

State Park’s annual “Country Stampede,” featuring the biggest acts in country music, to more neighborly events such as Lovewell State Park’s annual Sand Castle Contest, Kansas state parks tender events for every sensibility. Marathon races, boating courses, equestrian rides, and much more are tailored to meet seasonal and visitor interests. Many are educational, and all make visiting Kansas state parks exciting.

For a number of years, KDWPT has put emphasis on developing and maintaining trails at state parks and adjacent wildlife areas. Currently, the agency maintains 480 miles of recreational trails, enhancing the economic and environmental value of the Sunflower State’s park system. Kansas trails provide a wide range of benefits. Many trails have historic value, tracing the footsteps of pioneers such as Lewis and Clark, Zebulon Pike, and John C. Fremont. Trails also provide people with a better appreciation for wildlife and natural resources. They put people close to flora, fauna, and natural

geological formations that roads and highways just can’t access. Not the least of trail benefits is personal health. Studies show that walking and bicycling can condition the heart and lungs, reduce weight, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. And the natural settings of Kansas state park trails provide a renewing of the spirit and peace of mind seldom found in the urban landscape.

For those who prefer the comforts of home in a park environment, state parks offer more than 90 cabins across the state, located at 20 state parks and five wildlife areas. The cabins offer a wide range of amenities. Deluxe cabins feature heating and air conditioning, and most have furnished kitchens with refrigerators, stoves, microwaves and coffee pots, as well as separate bedrooms and full bathrooms with showers. Basic sleeper cabins are more rustic with fewer amenities. Most cabins can sleep four to six adults while others can sleep as many as 10 adults. About half of the cabins are ADA accessible. Nightly rental rates vary depending on location, season, day

of the week and available amenities. Reserve your cabin online at reserve.ksoutdoors.com.

You can review cabin amenities, check prices and availability, and reserve a cabin up to a year in advance. Online instructions guide you through the reservation process.

Natural environments few who have visited the Sunflower State can imagine, exciting activities statewide, and staff ranked among the friendliest and most dedicated in the United States: that’s what you’ll find when you visit a Kansas state park. What are you waiting for?

NOTE: For a complete listing of Kansas state park rules and regulations, contact a state park office or KDWPT, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 671248174, or phone 620-672-5911. Complete regulations are also available at the KDWP website, ksoutdoors.com.

“Discovering Kansas Parks” will be a regular feature of KRPA Today highlighting unique parks and park features in Kansas cities, counties and state lands. Have a park you’d like to see highlighted? Send your suggestions to Doug Vance at doug@krpa.org.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 23

Today

KRPA

Kansas Recreation & Park Association

Kansas Recreation and Park Association 700 SW Jackson St., Suite 805 Topeka, Kansas 66603 Change Service Requested

Showcase your meeting and event rental spaces!

The summer issue of KRPA Today will again feature the popular Meeting and Event Space rental section. This is an opportunity for KRPA members to promote their rental spaces. The issue will mail to KRPA members as well as over 500 members of the Kansas Society of Association Executives (KSAE).

List your rental facilities free of charge at www.pernsteiner.com/krpaspaces.html

by Friday, May 25, 2012. Advertising is also available to highlight your spaces. Call Todd at (952) 841-1111 for more details.

IllumInatIng Generations You’re not just buying lights. You’re buying an affordable system that reduces energy and maintenance costs year after year. That means while decreasing wasted energy, you’ll save money and help protect the environment for his future.

To learn more visit: www.musco.com/generations Local area representative: Brad Thompson 800/825-6030 (toll free) 641/660-9554 (mobile) brad.thompson@musco.com

For Your Budget For The Environment ©2012 Musco Sports Lighting, LLC · ADKS12-1