KRPA Today Spring 2011

Today SPRING 2011

KRPA

KANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

How Can We Better Connect Children with Nature Water Park Boom in Kansas Naturalistic Playgrounds Discovering Kansas Parks

Highlighting how recreation and park agencies are engaging residents in outdoor activities – both for fitness and fun.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 1

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2 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

Today

KRPA

Contents

Our Mission

President’s Message.................................................... 5

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

Around KANSAS........................................................ 6

KANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

Our Vision 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

KRPA Board of Directors President - Mike Buchanan (Manhattan) President-Elect - Ernie Shaw (Lawrence) Past President - Jill Geller (Johnson County) Secretary/Treasurer - Connie Smith (Emporia) Aquatics Branch - Ted Nelson (Hutchinson) Park Law Enforcement Branch - Josh DeHoux (KDWP) Therapeutic Recreation - Annette Deghand (Lawrence) Park and Natural Resources - Logan Wagler (Lenexa) Recreation Branch - Nathan Nogelmeier (Fairway)

Members At Large

What’s Inside............................................................... 4

KRPA Conference in Review................... Back Cover The Outdoor Revolution............................................ 9 Water Park Boom Paying Off.................................. 11 “Big Pool” is a Big Plus............................................. 14 A New Old Way to Play........................................... 15 Hutchinson Offers Creative Play............................ 17 “Ready, Set, RUN!”.................................................... 19 Discovering Kansas Parks....................................... 20 Commercial Connections........................................ 20 Putting Emphasis on Customer Service................ 21 2011 KRPA Calendar................................................ 21

Advertisers

West - John Washington (Garden City) Central - Brian Bascue (Newton) East - Brandy Shoemaker (Ottawa)

Bell Structural Solutions.......................................... 17

Committees/Ex Officio

Future Pro Inc.............................................................. 2

Awards - Connie Smith (Emporia) Citizens - Bob Johnson, Jr. (Blue Valley) Colleges and Universities - Clint Longacre (Emporia) Conference Planning - Ernie Shaw (Lawrence) Professional Development - Steve Herrig (Blue Valley) Public Policy - John Knight (Shawnee County) Youth Sports - Brent Peintner (Cheney) KDWP - Linda Lanterman (Pratt) Parliamentarian - Steve Friend (Baldwin)

G. Farney & Associates.............................................. 3

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

Emporia Chamber & Visitors Bureau...................... 7

MUSCO Sports Lighting LLC................................... 2 Paddock Enterprises................................................. 22 Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc............................. 22 United Industries/Swimtime.................................. 14 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) Randy Knight (Johnson County) Roger Steinbrock (Lawrence) John Washington (Garden City) Brian Bascue (Newton) Brandy Shoemaker (Ottawa) 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, 2011 Spring - April 15, 2011

Winter - December 15, 2011 Summer - June 15, 2011

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.

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KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 3

What’s Inside

By Doug Vance, KRPA Executive Director

Early in my tenure as executive director of KRPA, while attending a conference planning committee meeting, one of the veterans in attendance made a passing comment about the park and recreation profession that has always stuck with me.

He reminded those attending the meeting that, “…we work so others can play!”

Since my first introduction to that phrase, I’ve heard it used by several others when discussing their role in the community.

I’ve also adopted it when explaining one of the major values our profession brings to each community.

It energizes and enlivens us. It eases our burdens, renews a natural sense of optimism and opens us up to new possibilities. These wonderful, valuable qualities are just the beginning of what play is.”

In addition, the organization makes a case that play “sculpts our brain” and that play “fulfills fundamental human needs.”

In many instances – along with schools - the vehicle for play in communities all across Kansas begins with the local park and recreation agency or recreation commission. We are the primary resource for play in public parks, in swimming pools, on youth and athletic fields, on trails and in recreation centers.

We provide the varied organized programs for children and adults which encourage active lifestyles.

You will find in this KRPA issue of KRPA Today several articles that focus on the programs and facilities in our local communities that offer opportunities for play. They discuss the development of a new statewide plan that helps children connect with nature, the concept of naturalist playgrounds, the growth of water parks around the state and a national pilot program underway in Kansas which encourages children to run and be active.

Today SPRING 2011

Although it falls short of telling the full story, it’s a simple and direct way of expressing one of the major benefits of park and recreation professionals in each community.

What is play?

According to The National Institute for Play, an organization doing research and compiling data on the topic, it is a “state of being that is intensely pleasurable.

4 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

KaNSaS RecReatIo

N & PaRK aSSocIat IoN

How Can We Better Connect Children with Nature Water Park Boom in Kansas Naturalistic Playgrounds

Discovering Kansas Parks

Highlighting how recreation and park agencies are engaging residents in outdoor activities both for fitness and – fun.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

We hope they help everyone learn more about how to better bring the elements of play to your community.

•1

Perspective

By Mike Buchanan, KRPA President, Manhattan Parks and Recreation

“…it occurred to me that their job of balancing the national budget must seem just as imposing as the vastness of the ocean!”

Well, I’m about ¼ of the way through my presidential gig, and I have to say that, to this point, it’s been “so far, so good”.

I haven’t come across anything yet that has changed my opinion that if I can do it, anyone can do it. If you’re reading this, keep that in mind when it comes time for me to solicit names to go on the election ballot!

To this point, my time spent as President has been highlighted by two particular events. I didn’t see myself writing about these two events because, at first thought, they don’t appear to be related. However, as more time has passed, I’ve come to realize that they have more in common than I ever imagined.

The pair of events that I am referring to occurred in two very hectic, consecutive weeks back in March. The first week, I attended the NRPA Legislative Forum, held in Washington, D.C. A day after returning from that, I repacked my bags and headed off for a Carnival Caribbean Cruise. So, you ask…how in the world are these even remotely related?

The purpose of the NRPA Legislative Forum was to join forces with Parks and Recreation professionals from all over the country to discuss very important issues facing our industry. “Team Kansas” – myself, Doug Vance, Bob Johnson, and Jill Geller – had appointments with our senators and representatives to review and discuss the impact and importance of five particular topics: • Land & Water Conservation Fund • Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act • Surface Transportation Program • No Child Left Inside Act • Healthy Communities Program On the Carnival Cruise, there was also a “Team Kansas”, made up of 21 people, and we too gathered forces to tackle a number of equally serious issues: • What time is breakfast?

• Can we really have as many lobster tails as we want?

• Favorite excursion – ziplining in the forest canopy, swimming with stingrays, or snorkeling?

• Schedule for reserving prime deck-chair locations • Which pool – salt water or fresh water?

Something else I remember about the NRPA Forum was the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. There were people. Lots of people. People everywhere! Tourists.

Lobbyists. Politicians. Interns. Joggers.

Bicyclers. Security guards. Everybody with places to be and things to do. In particular, I recall what seemed to be the prevailing dress code; men in dark suits, women in dark skirts.

The Kansas Team – Representing KRPA at the NRPA Legislative Forum in Washington, D.C. were Executive Director Doug Vance, KRPA President Mike Buchanan, Past President Jill Geller and Citizen Board Chair Bob Johnson, Jr.

It was the same way on the cruise! Hustle and bustle, only in a more confined space.

People everywhere! There were just about

4,000 folks on that boat. Tourists. Joggers.

Room stewards. Security workers.

Musicians. Places to be, things to do.

(No, really!) And again, a prevailing dress code; men in swim trunks, women in bikinis. I vaguely remember the bikinis!

One other vivid memory I recall that pertains to both events occurred while I was standing on the upper deck of the cruise ship. We were somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico, and the only thing I could see was water. In all directions, there was nothing but deep, blue seas that stretched clear to the horizon. It made me appreciate just how massive our world is.

After speaking to some of the staffers in Washington, it occurred to me that their job of balancing the national budget must seem just as imposing as the vastness of the ocean! I remember thinking how desperate it would feel to be stranded in the middle of that ocean; our political leaders probably have that same feeling of desperation when it comes to our national debt. Just as I felt a sense of awe regarding planet Earth, I also feel a sense of respect for the task that lies before them.

Less we get too depressed, I’ll conclude by paraphrasing a comment made during a speech by Ron Sims, the Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, at the Legislative Forum. In assessing the importance of the Parks and Recreation industry, Secretary Sims ended by stating that “Parks are the souls of our communities.”

Very true, indeed, and most inspiring to those of us that were there. Yes, times are tough, but there is hope for the future!

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 5

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.

KRPA To Co-Host Webinar on Customer Service KRPA will partner with five other state associations to host a special webinar – “Leading A Culture of Service Excellence” – and featuring Dennis Snow, who spent over 20 years developing service excellence concepts with the Walt Disney World Company. The webinar is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 10 a.m.

Snow has presented to audiences in diverse locations around the world, such as South Africa, Australia, Mexico and England and has consulted with some of the world’s largest companies including ExxonMobil, AT&T, General Motors and Coca Cola.

Johnson County Opens New Century Fieldhouse One of the largest indoor recreation centers in the state – New Century Fieldhouse – has its grand opening scheduled for June 11. Johnson County Park and Recreation District acquired the 88,000 square foot facility, originally constructed as an indoor soccer facility, after financing fell through for the original ownership group.

The District, looking for a replacement for an older indoor facility, had originally planned to upgrade an existing 55,000 square foot facility, Okun Fieldhouse in Shawnee. However, JCPRD officials learned of the availability of the larger

building (near Gardner, in south Johnson County) and found they were able to purchase the building, complete renovation needs, for the same cost ($8.5 million) as the upgrade of Okun Fieldhouse and provide much more space for activities.

The building will be multi-purpose in scope with artificial turf and court surfacing splitting the building and offering the possibility of four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, four Futsal courts, an Astroturf soccer field area, plus a multi-purpose room and party rooms. It will also have an upper level for observation and seating.

He has authored two books, Unleashing Excellence: the Complete guide to Ultimate Customer Service; and Lessons From the Mouse: A Guide for Applying Disney World’s Secrets of Success to Your Organization, Your Career, and Your life.”

In addition to KRPA, other state associations also involved in hosting the webinar are Colorado, Missouri, Texas, Illinois and Connecticut. Registration information for the webinar is available at www.krpa.org.

Dates Set for Southwest Kansas Golf Tournament, KRPA Golf Tournament Two of the outstanding municipal golf courses in Kansas will serve as the sites for two annual park and recreation golf tournaments. Prairie Dunes Golf Course in Garden City will once again serve as host of the annual Southwest Golf Tournament on Aug. 12 . The annual KRPA Golf Tournament is scheduled for Sept. 16 at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton. Look for more information on how to register your group in the near future for both of these outstanding and fun events.

6 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

KRPA Partners to Offer Unique Golf Course Workshop Remodeling a golf course, particularly in this tough economic environment, is a project that must be considered carefully. Is it feasible, both financially and demographically?

How could it fit in with other land use and green space plans? Can it work environmentally? How will a remodel affect the maintenance budget?

KRPA will join with The American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), in partnership with The Toro Company, will present a day-long “Remodeling University” course in late September (specific date to be determined) to address these and other questions about investigating a golf course remodel. Members of ASGCA and GCSAA with experience working with municipal golf operations will craft the curriculum with the KRPA member in mind.

The event will be at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America headquarters in Lawrence.

Salina Hires New Director Dion Louthan, 41, started work in April as the new director at Salina Parks and Recreation. He was selected from among 110 applications for the position.

Prior to his appointment in Salina, Louthan served as recreation manager in Henderson, Nev. where he worked for 14 years. He also worked for the Hugoton (KS) Recreation Commission for three years prior to moving to Henderson, the second largest city in Nevada. Louthan is a native of Hugoton and he received his bachelor’s degree in recreation management from the University of Kansas.

Louthan replaces Steve Snyder, who retired last fall after 36 years of service.

Parks and Recreation Offers Substantial Economic Benefits Funds spent in Kansas recreation and parks programs or facilities, activities and employees return $1.70 for every $1 invested, according to an economic impact study conducted by Jayhawk Consulting, University of Kansas School of Business.

“This means that spending for Kansas parks and recreation activities are additive, not detrimental, to the overall Kansas economy,” said Wallace W. Meyer, Director of Entrepreneurship Programs, University of Kansas School of Business.

“It’s a statement that funds invested into Kansas recreation and parks produce a positive economic value and may be better investments than other alternatives which produce lower returns as evaluated using the same model,” added Meyer.

The economic impact study was commissioned by KRPA to examine the economic benefits provided in local communities and on a state-wide basis. The study was conducted by a six-person team representing Jayhawk Consulting, an outreach program primarily made up of MBA students and coordinated through the KU School of Business.

In addition, the study also revealed that real estate values in Kansas communities are consistently higher when located next to or near local parks.

“We knew that our agencies provide essential services in local communities and now it is clear from this study that parks and recreation brings meaningful economic value in our local communities,” said KRPA Executive Director Doug Vance. “We believe this is powerful information that illustrates we are an industry that offers a meaningful return on investment.”

Among the findings of the report was that parks and recreation offers healthy lifestyle benefits to its users at a “significantly reduced cost” and as a result has a “substantial impact” in reducing the overall cost of health care for citizens and state agencies.

Vance said this is the first statewide economic impact study that focused exclusively on the park and recreation industry. “In addition to the positive impact on the economy, the study also provided insights into usage and perceptions of park and recreation.”

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Photos: GameTime, A PlayCore Company

Highlighting how recreation and park agencies are engaging residents in outdoor activities – both for fitness and fun.

8 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

The Outdoor Revolution: Connecting Children With Nature

By Laura Downey, Executive Director, Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education

If you were asked to close your eyes for a moment and imagine your favorite childhood memories, most of you will probably recall times spent outside. Maybe you recalled time spent climbing your favorite tree, wading in the creek, playing hide and go seek in the neighborhood or simply digging in the dirt.

When our children become adults and we ask them to recall their favorite childhood memories, one wonders what those memories will be.

According to a 2010 Kaiser Family Foundation study, our children today are spending an average 7.5 hours a day in front of electronic equipment. How will that translate into childhood memories of endless hours of texting, video games or watching TV? This changing landscape of child’s play became the focus of Richard Louv’s 2005 book, Last Child in the Woods. Louv noted that this declining time spent in nature was having devastating consequences on our children’s physical and mental health and well-being. Louv raised the alarm, correlating decreasing time spent in nature with rises in childhood obesity, attentiondeficit/hyper-active disorder (ADHD), and social and cognitive delays.

Louv wasn’t the only one to take note. In a recently published research article, Using Nature & Outdoor Activity to Improve

Children’s Health, written by McCurdy, et. Al & published in the journal, Current Problems in Pediatric & Adolescent Health Care (May 2010), the authors note that the sedentary lifestyle of our nation’s children is linked to rises in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, increased childhood asthma, sleep apnea, vitamin D deficiency and depression, in addition to Louv’s previous observations.

The authors sum it up with this startling statement: “Today’s children may be the first generation to have a shorter lifespan than the previous generation.”

Kansas was one of the first states in the nation to take definitive steps toward addressing these issues for our state’s children. In 2009, Governor Kathleen Sebelius issued an Executive Order creating Kansans for Children in nation, to be led by the Kansas State Department of Education and Board of Education, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, as well as the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education, the Kansas Wildlife Federation and representatives from business and industry and other non-profit organizations related to outdoor learning and recreation.

Building on the momentum from national efforts including “No Child Left Inside” (www.nclicoalition.org) and the Children and Nature Network (www. childrenandnature.org), Kansas took bold steps to create a plan to foster Kansas youth’s appreciation, understanding and involvement with the outdoors. More than 100 volunteers from across the state of Kansas - including many park and

recreation professionals - came together to develop a comprehensive plan to increase opportunities and access for our children to learn and play outdoors.

The KCN Plan (www.kacee.org/kansascoalition-children-nature) outlines eight broad goals across three primary opportunities: early childhood education, K-12 education and community experiences.

Rather than creating new programs, the plan seeks to build on, enhance and expand existing programs and opportunities.

The KCN plan identifies key strategies to achieve the following goals: • Goal 1. From birth, kids engage in outdoor learning and nature play.

• Goal 2. A Kansas Environmental Literacy Plan will help kids learn about and appreciate the environment.

• Goal 3. Outdoor learning spaces at schools will become an integral part of K-12 education.

• Goal 4. Schools will have resources to implement green school projects and curriculum.

• Goal 5. Increase physical activity and outdoor experiences in schools and on public lands.

• Goal 6. Develop facilities and programs that encourage outdoor activity.

• Goal 7. Increase collaboration between community organizations and schools for outdoor programming and service learning.

• Goal 8. Increase access to parks and other public lands.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 9

Endorsements for the Kansas Children and Nature Plan: While this is an important first step, there is still a great deal of work to be done. With a road map in place, Kansas parks, nature centers, schools, early childhood programs, community and state organizations, local and state agencies and businesses and industry all play a supporting role in implementation.

With a collaborative, coordinated and concerted effort, achievement of the eight goals outlined in the KCN can be realized.

Take a moment to review the plan (www. kacee.org/kansas-coalition-childrennature), lend your support to the plan by endorsing it and most importantly, find those areas where your park or organization can be a part of insuring that our children lead long and healthy lives, playing and learning outdoors.

KRPA Plays Major Role In KCN Plan Development Representatives from KRPA were heavily involved in helping develop the KCN Plan.

Executive Director Doug Vance served as a member of the Convener’s Group and was among three of that group that helped author the final text of the plan. In addition, Jerry Hover (recently retired from the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks) also served as a member of the Convener’s Group.

Among others involved in various KCN committee’s were Bill McGowen (Ernie Miller Nature Center, Johnson County Park and Recreation District), Susan FowlerHentzler (Shawnee County Parks and Recreation), Jabeth Coachman (Parks and Recreation of Topeka), James Boyd (Ottawa Recreation Commission), Roger Steinbrock (Lawrence Parks and Recreation), Ronna Stump (Liberal Parks and Recreation), Brandi Andersen (Grant County Parks and Recreation).

10 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

As of April 12, 2011: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Miami County Boy Scouts of America Troop 289, Springhill, KS – James R. Nemer Camp Wood YMCA – Anne Clark Central Plains School District #112, Steve Woolf, Superintendent Child Care Aware of Kansas – Leadell Ediger Clifton-Clyde School District #224 – Brian Pekarek, Superintendent

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks – Secretary Robin Jennison Kansas Master Naturalist Program Kansas Recreation & Park Association – Doug Vance Kansas State Board of Education Kansas State University, Research and Extension - Gary Pierzynski, Ph.D., Interim Director Cooperative Extension and Applied Research- Daryl Buchholz, Ph.D.

Dillon Nature Center

Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Programs-Paula Peters, Ph.D.

Douglas County Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) -Janelle Martin

Department of 4-H Youth Development - Gary W. Gerhard, Ph.D.

E.A.R.T.H. (Earth Awareness Researcher’s for Tomorrow’s Habitat) Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, Inc. – Shelly Chenoweth Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri – Barbara Brown Goddard High School – Denise Scribner Grant County Recreation Commission, Brandi Andersen Hiawatha High School – Mandy Kern Johnson County Park and Recreation District Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education – Laura Downey Kansas Association of Accredited Zoos Kansas Accredited Zoo Educators Kansas Chapter of the Wildlife Society – Brad Simpson Kansas Department of Agriculture – Secretary Dale Rodman

Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE) and Kansas Water Resources Institute (KSRI)-Dan Devlin, Ph.D. School of Family Studies and Human Services – Elaine Johannes, Ph.D. Kansas Wildlife Federation – Steven G. Sorensen Lee Richardson Zoo, Garden City – Kathy Sexson Marshall Elementary School – Pamela Collinge Outside for a Better Inside – John McGrew Pass It On- Outdoor Mentors, Inc. Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation – Nick Prough The Sunflower Foundation – Billie Hale US Fish & Wildlife Service, Kansas Ecological Services Field Office, Michael LeValley

Water Park Boom Paying Off for Many Kansas Communities

By Doug Vance, KRPA Executive Director That old sports movie line - “if you build it, they will come” – is a fitting description for what has happened in recent years for many Kansas communities that have invested in building aquatic facilities that feature water park style amenities.

Existing evidence suggests that the money being spent to build water parks is not down the drain. More appropriately, it appears to be floating to the surface.

Consider the following attendance increases from seven Kansas communities: • Salina opened Kenwood Cover in the summer of 2010, replacing a 50-year-old rectangular-shaped swimming pool. The $11 million park averaged 1,600 visitors per day in year one compared to 118 daily customers at the previous facility.

• Black Bob Bay in Olathe, a $3.9 million water park built over 4.5 acres, opened its doors in 2010 and saw annual attendance jump from 28,909 the previous year to 98,456 in its first year of operation.

• Following an expansion and enhancement of its aquatic center in 2007, Gardner has seen attendance rise from an average of 20,000 visitors to 97,650 annually over the last four seasons.

• Manhattan spent $8.4 million to renovate its City Park Pool in 2010 and saw a 62% increase in attendance in just over six weeks of operation last summer.

• Since opening Rock River Rapids and its array of water park features in 2004, Derby has averaged 118,921 in yearly attendance the last five years. Before its opening, the municipal pool attracted 28,436 in 2003.

• Shawnee added water park features to its Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center in 2001 and opened Splash Cove in 2007 to replace a 35-year-old pool. Combined, their attendance at the two facilities – after enhancements – went from 10,000 a year at one pool to an average of 140,000 combined customers.

• Shawnee County Parks and Recreation opened the gates to the $3.6 million Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center in 2006 and saw attendance in its first year balloon to more than 78,000 after averaging 300-500 in daily attendance in previous years.

As the turnstiles of these enhanced water parks turn more frequently, so does the ring of the cash register inside the ticket window As the turnstiles of these enhanced water parks turn more frequently, so does the ring of the cash register inside the ticket window.

Conversely, facility operators and administrators of these civic showpiece facilities now find themselves swimming more comfortably in the deep end of an increased revenue stream.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 11

“A thoughtfully planned regional attraction such as Rock River Rapids (Derby) is an example of how public facilities when properly financed and professionally managed can not only reverse the trend of subsidizing public pools, but add to the economic and physical health of an entire community,” said Frank Seitz, Superintendent of Recreation for Derby Recreation Commission.

Seitz knows first-hand about the positive economic impact resulting from the construction of a creative water park complex.

Prior to Rock River Rapids, the 2003 aquatics ledger sheet in Derby reflected a negative balance. In 2009, Rock River Rapids generated an impressive total of $671,000 in aquatic revenues.

The new water parks offer a diverse range of amenities that appeal to the entire family

The overall economic impact factor for a community of increased pool attendance is a somewhat overlooked added bonus to the process. Derby Recreation Commission regularly conducts a comprehensive zip code

12 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

survey of its customers which helps illustrate how its facility attracts customers and spending from outside the community. The most recent survey showed that 51 percent of those in attendance were from outside Derby, with a large influx of users (40%) on weekends coming from neighboring Wichita.

The dramatic increases in attendance and revenue demonstrated through recent water park construction and enhancements are even more impressive when the negative factors of bad weather and an unhealthy economic climate are constant detriments in attracting customers.

“The trend we’ve continued to see since the early 1990’s begins with a need to replace a deteriorated pool along with an almost universal desire to build more than a traditional pool,” explained Dave Swartz, of Water’s Edge Aquatic Design. “Traditional pools almost always lose money each summer.”

The local community water park concept, an outgrowth of large theme parks such as Disney World, Six Flags and Worlds of Fun, first started to appear in public pools in early 1990’s, according to Swartz, and now represent an emerging trend as communities – both large and small - recognize the financial impact introduced in communities such as Derby and many others in recent years.

“A traditional pool used to be a lap pool with diving and a separate wading pool,” pointed out Swartz. “Traditional pools typically had no shade. The pool water depths could range from three feet to diving depths of 10 feet or more.”

“We often use the water park name for public pools 20,000 square feet or so in size with a good balance of features for all ages,” added Swartz.

The new water parks offer a diverse range of amenities that appeal to the entire family such as high-tower slide concepts, long, meandering river rides, themed landscaping, interactive spray and play features for children, shade structures, a full range of water depths and much more.

pool became a difficult issue for residents and for Salina Parks and Recreation. Despite its inadequacies, replacing the pool drew minimal interest as two sales-tax measures to replace it had failed in recent years.

Finally, after seeing attendance take a dramatic drop as Salina residents were lured to surrounding communities in the summer where they enjoyed updated and more modern aquatic facilities, city officials took an aggressive, creative approach.

“It was pretty obvious after seeing the attendance numbers fall that we had to do something,” recalled Steve Snyder, former director of Salina Parks and Recreation. “We had tried unsuccessfully a couple of times to find the funding through sales-tax measures, but at that point I don’t think residents had experienced the new trend in water parks.”

Funding the high cost of a new waterpark construction is one of the major challenges communities face…

The dilemma of funding the high cost of a new water park construction and daily maintenance is one of the major challenges communities face in meeting community demands for enhanced aquatic facilities.

The concept of Kenwood Cove in Salina was born in 2008 with city officials found themselves – like many other communities – in desperate need of replacing an aging swimming pool.

Described by many residents as old, outdated and boring with annual high maintenance costs just to open each year, the Salina city

“Since that time, many other communities around Salina built water parks and that become the norm rather than neighborhood pools, or replacement, stand-alone rectangular pools with little to offer.”

The city hired a consulting firm to help plan, promote, design and construct a modern aquatic facility. In the fall of 2008, city residents passed an extension of a sales tax that was due to sunset that included a variety of city improvements, including the building of a new water park.

“Kenwood Cove is, without a doubt, an achievement I look back upon with great pride,” added Snyder. “I truly believe the addition of Kenwood Cove has had a tremendous impact on the economic benefit for the community but not just serving our citizens, but also by inviting and including people from outside the community.”

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 13

“Big Pool” is a Big Plus in the Community While the trend of building modern water park facilities continues to gain momentum, some communities are seeing positive results with older facilities simply by adding enhancements to the existing pool.

Through creative planning and listening to public suggestions, Garden City has been able to maintain a vintage public pool while creating modern, water park features.

Since 1922, residents of Garden City and surrounding communities have been flocking to the Big Pool to enjoy the waters of what was once labeled as the “world’s largest free outdoor concrete municipal swimming pool.”

The attraction, recognized as a historic Garden City landmark, is a jaw-dropping mammoth, larger than a football field with a surface area of 72,600 square feet and holding just under $2.6 million gallons of water. It’s so large that even a modest western Kansas wind drives miniature waves across the water’s surface.

Since 2002, the facility has undergone several changes to improve its pool concept into a water park approach.

Among the additions have been a multi-generational pool with zero-depth entry and interactive water features, a lazy river, two waterslides, a raft ride, new bath house, shade areas and spray ground areas. Annual attendance jumped from nearly 30,000 in 2005 to 45,314 in 2006 and has maintained those numbers ever since.

In addition to being one of the largest municipal pools in existence, the facility is also one of the best entertainment bargains offered by a community. Prior to 2002, the pool was open free of charge to residents.

A modest admission fee of $1 was charged starting in 2002 and continues to be in place today.

POOL PROBLEMS?

FEEL LIKE YOU’RE SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS?

KRPA Agencies: Don’t miss out on the summer issue Get listed in the 2011 Meeting & Event Planner Issue of KRPA Today - AT NO COST! The Summer 2011 issue of KRPA Today magazine will mail to over 500 event and meeting planners, members of the Kansas Society of Association Executives. In addition to stories about planning meetings and events in Kansas, we will include a chart and listings of meeting and event spaces available at Kansas parks and sites.

TO THE RESCUE!

800-835-3272

United Industries, Inc. • SwimTime Division • 202 E. Cleveland • Sterling, KS 67579 www.swimtime.com ®

14 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

KRPA agencies can get their facilities listed at no charge in the summer Meeting & Event Planner Issue.

Complete and submit the form on page 23 for each of your facilities.

A New Old Way to Play

Photos by: Doug Pickert, Indego Design

By Dawn L. Harmon, Marketing Supervisor, Blue Valley Recreation Commission

Sometimes old is old.

And sometimes old is… well, new!

Increasing childhood obesity rates through Kansas are forcing parks and recreation agencies to look beyond slides, jungle gyms, and other plastic-coated structures for playgrounds. Agencies are revamping an old concept – fitness and nature focused playgrounds – to disguise exercise and childhood development as fun.

The Massachusetts Emergency and Hygiene Association created the first sand garden of record in the United States in 1885. The association dumped a pile of sand in the yard of the Parmenter Street Chapel in Boston as a supervised play area for immigrant children. By the early 1900s, 14 other U.S. cities sponsored similar playgrounds all based on supervision, rules, and regulations.

The strictly supervised style of play remained popular until after World War II when children in Western Europe began creating their own play spaces in bombed out area neighborhoods.

The adaptation to the environment sparked the idea of adventure playgrounds in the states. Instead of traditional play spaces that instilled youngsters with discipline, new playgrounds fostered fitness, creativity, and independent thinking.

Today’s trend in playgrounds combines the adventure-theme with elements of how kids play in back yards. Kids are active - they run outside, play in sandboxes, crawl under bushes, dig in the dirt, climb trees, and enjoy every bit of free space to be found. Nature play spaces, fitness trails, and fitness-focused equipment from the past all contribute to a new style of play.

Why natural play space?

Naturalist playgrounds operate on the idea that kids learn best through free play and discovery. Loose parts such as sticks and water in an unconfined space stimulate creativity, imagination, and a sense of wonder. Studies support the theory that exposure to natural environments improves cognitive development by improving awareness, reasoning, and observational skills.

However, don’t expect to find a bunch of rocks sprawled on the ground. Instead, the space is a careful design of landscape elements, movement corridors, and sun paths combined with natural materials and structures. Prairie Village Parks and Recreation incorporated the upgrade of several parks in its Master Plan. The space allows for creative and imaginative play. Kids play in a fantasy world of their own complete KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 15

with play streams, crawl-through logs, shrub mazes, and mini-evergreen forests.

Affordability and sustainability are two reasons for naturalist playgrounds. A 22,000 square foot natural play area featuring a rain garden, a labyrinth, an amphitheater, a large sand play area, a fairy village, a stream, a teepee village, caves, climbing elements, a slide, fruit trees, benches, and a discovery path costs the same as a traditional playground that measured 3,000 square feet. In addition, the carbon footprint of a natural play space was much smaller than that of a traditional playground’s metal and plastic equipment.

Combating Nature Deficit Disorder The City of Lenexa Parks and Recreation transformed damaging storm water runoff into an environmental and community asset. The department’s Rain to Recreation program reduces flood damage, improves water quality, and provides recreation and

educational services. The newly renovated 240-acre Black Hoof Park features a uniquely designed damn and spillway with cascading pools and a destination play area.

“The trails and natural beauty attracted adults,” said Logan Wagler, Lenexa parks superintendent. “But viewing the scenery isn’t always a favorite activity of kids who are inclined to stay indoors.”

The play area opens this summer and blends traditional playground equipment with naturalistic elements to make the outdoors attractive to kids. “They can play in the hideand-seek area, climb on boulders, conquer a timber fort, or enjoy the play stream,” said Wagler. “It is important for families to be able to easily engage with nature while keeping kids outside and active.”

Fitness Trails with a Twist The old fitness trails of the 1970s are getting a new look because of the benefits they provide. Gone are the traditional exercise stations with jumping jacks, sit-ups, and push-ups. Today’s play trails offer interactive exhibits throughout the path. Each station has a theme, coordinating activities, and informational signage. Kids learn about the transformation of a butterfly while climbing on a caterpillar, gliding down a wing of the insect, or spinning in a chrysalis.

It’s a concept suitable for the entire family.

Each play pocket features critters or local flora and fauna. Kids are encouraged to hang from a spider web, ride on a huge ant, or crawl through honeycombs. The relatively new trend is gaining exposure and interest thanks to the interaction it creates amongst families as they discuss their activities on the path to the next pocket.

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board and the Springfield School District in Missouri collaborated on the area’s first play trail. The trail includes several play pockets located along South Creek Trail, which runs through Nathanael Greene/ Close Memorial Park.

Photos by: Doug Pickert, Indego Design

16 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

Combating Video Game Mania A new option is available for recreation agencies without parks or space in which to create naturalist playgrounds. Blue Valley Recreation in Overland Park installed a Playworld Systems® NEOS 360 at its Recreation Complex. It’s the first electronic play system for the playground and combines the fun of video games with explosive movement for a fun, physical challenge.

“The idea of playground equipment encouraging fast-paced movement and activity for all ages appealed to us,” noted Steve Baysinger, Blue Valley Recreation executive director. “The NEOS 360 also provides unique opportunities for our special populations and Boomers and Beyond segments.”

Variable speeds and programs allow all ages and fitness levels to reap the benefits of physical exercise. It’s a chance to connect, compete, collaborate, and have fun – and it’s not just for kids. The company’s website brags that passive playtime for parents is over and it will have parents running, reaching, and laughing right along with their kids.

Designing for Life Experts agree that quality play involves the whole body. Kids develop gross motor and fine motor skills; develop senses and intellect; display emotion; and improve individual growth and social interaction through play. Lessons learned early through play leads to healthier adults. Today’s emerging playgrounds borrow from the past and add new strategies for fresh designs that promote both distinct and creative play and health opportunities. Simply put, fitness and naturalist play areas offer more inventive and creative things with which to play for all ages.

Hutchinson Offers Creative Play “in” the Outdoors

By Amy Conkling, Hutchinson Recreation Commission Little minds will wander, little hands will discover, and little feet will explore this summer as Hutchinson Recreation Commission’s Dillon Nature Center will open an outdoor playscape that encourages young children’s imaginations to run wild.

The playscape came as a result of Nature Center staff brainstorming a nature-related play area for several years.

“We had exhibits and displays and trails for older children, but not much for younger kids to do on their own,” says Jim Smith, superintendent of the Nature Center.

In 2008, the Nature Center hired a professional design company to create a master building plan for the area north of the Visitor Center they opened in 1994.

The plan included a building that could accommodate several Nature Center programs, namely preschool and early childhood activities.

“We saw the building as top priority and a nature play area as the lowest in planning,” Smith recalls. “However, we finalized the master plan in the fall of 2008 – the same week that the stock market crashed.

We basically put all fund raising for such a project on hold.”

A few months later, though, Smith and Mary Clark, chief naturalist for the Nature Center, attended a natural playscapes workshop. Rusty Keeler, a designer for Earthyplay, Inc., discussed the concepts of open-ended, free, creative play in the outdoors – some of the same concepts that Smith and Clark had discussed years earlier.

Smith and Clark left the workshop buzzing with ideas – and moved into fast forward motion.

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KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 17

Funding Sources Smith’s top priority was coming up with funding. Due to the economy and other factors, the Nature Center “just did not have the money for it.” Later in 2009, Hutch Rec Director Tom Cook and others encouraged Smith to apply for a grant under the United Methodist Healthy Ministry Fund’s Think of the Possibilities grant.

The Nature Center ended up receiving the $75,000 grant, with Rusty Keeler serving as the master planner. But Smith admits he still had his doubts on how he would raise the remaining playscape funds as well as upkeep costs in future years.

The Hutchinson community, however, thought differently.

To date, actual cash pledges and donations total about $160,000. In-kind donation already has exceeded $75,000.

“The actual cost of completing the project has been hard to pin down because of all the people who are generously giving us materials and their labor that we had not

planned on. That is a good thing,” Smith says.

fountain and streams that wind their ways throughout the playscape.

Smith is also interest in developing an additional funding concept by selling recognition bricks to help with on-going costs of the facility.

Future musicians can play in the natural sound and music area, while nature-lovers will enjoy the bird observation and garden area.

Playscape Features As soon as Nature Center staff found out they received the Think of the Possibilities grant, they formed a playscape committee to come up with ideas and hired Keeler to serve as the planner. Keeler arrived in the spring of 2010 and stayed for several days, working up ideas and sketches for the site based on the committee’s proposed needs and desires.

Dillon Nature Center’s playscape includes several activities that cover a variety of learning skills. Children can build their own structures using natural materials or create a natural art project. They can get dirty as they play with water and sand and then touch and wade in water in the

“There will be lots of little hands-on displays and activities that we plan to keep adding to the area in the next few years,” Smith says. “We want the area to be for both play and discovery. We want the kids to have fun and get dirty, but at the same time learn something.”

Smith says he sees staffdeveloping more preschool programming in the future, thanks to the playscape.

“This area will serve as a great site for much of it,” he says.

For More Information: Check out the playscape progress at www. dillonnaturecenter.com or become a friend of Dillon Nature Center on Facebook.

Children can build their own structures using natural materials or create a natural art project.

18 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

Hutchinson Pilots “Ready, Set, RUN!” Youth Program

By Amy Conkling, Hutchinson Rereation Commission Hutchinson youth are finding out that running is more than a sport – it’s a lifestyle.

Sixty-one tweens and teens are participating in a pilot youth running program called “Ready, Set, Run!”, hosted by Hutchinson Recreation Commission and sponsored by the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS). NAYS selected six pilot sites in the nation this spring – Hutchinson being one of them.

“There are many great sports programs available for youth such as basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, golf, and baseball/softball,” says Ted Nelson, superintendent of wellness at Hutch Recreation Commission and coordinator of the program. “It’s exciting that now running can be included as an opportunity for kids to enjoy and stay active.”

Marc Trent, superintendent of athletics for HRC, learned of the Ready, Set, RUN! program in late 2010. Trent, Nelson, and Amy Conkling, marketing director of Hutchinson Recreation Commission, applied to become a pilot program which occurred in early 2011.

The program is for youth ages 8-13 years old and is divided into different age groups for both boys and girls. Each participant receives a training manual and a t-shirt from NAYS. Ready Set Run is done over the course of 12 weeks, with 24 total lessons.

Participants will culminate their experience by running in Hutch Rec’s Firecracker 5K Run/Walk on July 2.

Nelson says he appreciates NAYS taking the time to research and create customized lessons in the training manuals.

curriculum,” Nelson says. “It encourages running and activity through games – the kids are running a lot, and they don’t even realize it. Lessons on pacing and breathing also are taught within the activities. The program also incorporates lessons such as goal setting, self-esteem, healthy eating, and friendship.”

Nelson and Trent worked to get area running enthusiasts and cross country/ track and field coaches to help lead or volunteer sessions. Both were surprised at the interest in helping out with the program.

“They help develop a goal of the program – that running can be a lifelong fitness activity that doesn’t require extra equipment, a playing field, or a court,” Nelson says.

Thanks to a local grant from the Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Cooperative in Reno County, Hutch Rec was able to provide 50 entries at no cost. The remaining entries were from the Boys and Girls Club of Hutchinson, who also received a HEAL grant to cover the cost of participation.

“We stress that running can be a fun and great way to stay active,” Nelson says. “Some kids have the aspiration to run competitively in track or cross country, and we support and encourage them. But, we also explain that they can run to remain active and healthy and achieve personal goals.”

A program of

the

way 2050 Vista Park ch, FL 33411 West Palm Bea 800.729.2057 nays.org nays.org readysetrun@

For More Information: Check out www.nays.org/Sports_Programs/ Ready_Set_RUN/ for more information on the Ready, Set, RUN! program and other pilot programs across the nation or how your community can get involved.

“They took age and gender into consideration when they developed the

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 19

Discovering Kansas Parks

By Bob Ash, City of Salina Superintendant of Parks and Forestry

The Oakdale Fountain in Salina

At that time it was decided to include money in the 2002 Park and Recreation Capital Improvement Program to restore the fountain. Robinson Iron of Alexander City, AL. was chosen to do the work.

Jesse James still roamed the prairies and American homes still were lit by oil lamps, but the citizens of Salina could enjoy picnicking along the Smoky Hill River in Oakdale Park. In 1881 this 45 acre track of land was purchased for use as a county park. Four years later an ornate cast iron fountain was installed in the park.

In the summer of 2002, the fountain was removed and shipped to Alabama where a determination was made on the condition and method of restoration. The process consisted of stripping the fountain, replacing all of the missing castings, creating a new four-foot bronze figure for the top, priming, painting and assembling.

Fortunately, Robinson Iron had molds for making new castings.

This fountain was comprised of a large base bowl, a five-foot pedestal that features the “three graces,” and a top bowl, all of painted cast iron. On the top was mounted a four foot bronze stature of a girl with a raised vase.

In 1942, because vandals had destroyed part of the fountain and also because metal was needed for the war effort, the bronze top figure was scrapped. Luckily, the cast iron part of the piece was not scrapped, nor was it lost. In 1968, after being stored for 26 years, the fountain was repaired

by Robert Levin of the Salina Antique Club.

Another female figure, the Greek pitchercarrying Adriene, replaced the original top figure. The fountain was reinstalled at its present location as the focal point in the mall area of the botanical garden. It was painted white and remained so for the next 34 years.

The Salina Park Division looked at the possibility of completely restoring the fountain to its original condition in 2001. Inspections showed that the repair work done in 1968 consisted of filling in the missing cast iron parts with body putty. Also, the concrete top figure had deteriorated to a point that it needed replacement.

Also, a determination of origin was made.

Although there are no foundry marks on the piece, Robinson iron researched and found that many fountains of this era came from the Mott iron Works of Trenton, NJ. A Mott Catalog of the 1800’s shows pieces that look exactly like the Oakdale Fountain.

On Dec. 11, 2002, the fountain was reinstalled in Oakdale Park and the overall cost of the project was $31,600.

The Oakdale Fountain now looks as much like the original as possible and should continue to grace the park for another 126 years.

“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.

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20 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

Commercial members of KRPA are invited to submit COMMERCIAL CONNECTIONS briefs, up to 125 words or less, along with a photo (optional) of new products or services, company news, special events or anything related to the profession of parks and recreation. There is no charge for this space. Consideration will be given for future issues of KRPA Today magazine. We reserve the right to edit content. Submissions placed based on when submitted and space availability. Send your article and photos to info@pernsteiner.com two months prior to publication date.

Putting an Emphasis on Customer Service

By Brandi Tubb, Recreation Coordinator, Turner Recreation Commission

What is a customer worth?

Well, it depends on who you ask.

What everyone can agree on is that it’s considerably more expensive to attract a new customer than it is to retain an existing one. In fact, a recent study showed that retaining a customer was five to seven times more profitable than attracting a new one. The question then becomes, how do you keep your customers coming back?

Turner Recreation Commission (TRC) believes that there is not one particular solution, rather a comprehensive, ongoing plan. When creating your plan there needs to be flexibility. What works for us may not work for your organization. At TRC, we take a holistic approach to customer service, comprised of three key areas: evaluation, feedback and loyalty rewards.

When we introduced a new customer service plan to help encourage repeat customers we wanted to get back to the basics. To accomplish this we sent “secret shoppers” into our buildings and programs to find out what really happened when we weren’t looking.

The results were uplifting, surprising and some were even a bit scary.

Every month we have different shoppers come in person or call us undercover and report their findings back to us. Once the reports are back we meet with each staff member that was shopped and discuss ways to improve, and praise the positive notes.

Since starting this program, our staff has become more cognizant about their customer service skills and daily customer interactions.

Customer Service feedback was something that we have been

2011 KRPA Calendar July 12 �������������������������KRPA Board of Directors Meeting (Conference Call)

attempting to gather for quite some time. We tried a comment card box, soliciting feedback in person, and even internet surveys – nothing seemed to work quite like we intended. Thus, the comment card board was created.

Placed strategically in our main entrance corridor, the comment card board provides a space for customers to voice their opinions, praises or complaints in an anonymous forum.

August 12 ���������������������Southwest Kansas Golf Tournament, Great Bend, KS

Once the completed comment card is dropped in a locked comment card box (right next to the comment card board) a TRC staff member posts a response directly on the card, and then posts the card and response on the comment card board for all to view. To keep everything timely, the response is posted to the comment card board within one business day. We have found that this process empowers our customers to make suggestions without traditional barriers.

Customers are now more engaged and are filling out more comment cards than ever before.

September 16 ���������������KRPA Golf Tournament, Newton, KS

To complete this plan we introduced a customer loyalty program. For every 10 purchases a customer makes, they get a $30 program for free; it’s that simple. We’ve found it doesn’t have to be complicated, it just has to work, and so far it’s working like a charm.

Customers feel like they are getting a good bargain and our retention rates are higher than they have ever been.

That’s a win-win in our book!

Customers are the reason our organization exists and why we started this customer service plan.

They are important to us and we want to keep them happy, involved and engaged. Based on feedback and retention rates we know our customer service has improved and by constantly evaluating and improving our processes, we feel we are taking steps in the right direction.

August 23 ��������������������KRPA Board of Directors Meeting, Hutchinson, KS September 8 �����������������Webinar: A Culture of Excellence by David Snow September 13-15 ����������Tomorrow’s Leaders Institute, Linwood, KS

September 28 ���������������Aquatics Branch Workshop, Hays, KS October 5-6 �����������������Built Environment and Outdoors Summit, Lawrence, KS October 25 ������������������KRPA Board of Directors Meeting, Lawrence, KS November 1-3 ��������������NRPA Congress, Atlanta, Ga. January 24-27, 2012 �����KRPA Conference and Trade Show, Topeka, KS

Make Plans to Attend...

Tomorrow’s Leaders KRPA’s Leadership Development Institute for Young Professionals

September 13-15, 2011 Tall Oaks Conference Center Linwood, KS Watch for program details soon!

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 21

KRPA Today Magazine Meeting Space Form for Summer Issue 2011 The Summer 2011 issue of KRPA Today magazine will mail to over 500 event and meeting planners, members of the Kansas Society of Association Executives. In addition to stories about planning meetings and events in Kansas, we will run a chart and listings of meeting and event spaces available at Kansas parks and sites.

Please complete this form to have your facility(ies) listed in the Summer 2011 Meeting Planning issue. You can submit one for each facility you have. When completed, print and fax to (952) 841-3460 or mail to: Pernsteiner Creative, 7841 Wayzata Blvd, #100, Minneapolis, MN 55426. You may also complete online at www.pernsteiner.com/ meetingspaceform.html Optional: Submit a high quality photo of your space to: info@pernsteiner.com. Forms/photos due by: Friday, June 10, 2011 for inclusion in the summer issue.

Questions? Call Todd Pernsteiner at (952) 841-1111 or email info@pernsteiner.com.

Community/Organization: On Site Catering?

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Open Catering

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Kitchen Rental

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No

Number of Meeting Room(s) Available_________________________ # of Attendees

Max Meeting Capacity - Theater Style_ _____________

# of Attendees

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22 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

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Better How Can We Connect Children with Nature m Water Park Boo in Kansas Naturalistic Playgrounds Discovering Kansas Parks

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8.5" wide x 11" high (add .125" bleed)

$1,000

$900

$850

$800

C) Inside Back Cover

8.5" wide x 11" high (add .125" bleed)

$1,000

$900

$850

$800

D) Back Cover

7.875" wide x 8.25" high

$1,200

$1,150

$1,100

$1,000

E) 1/2 Page Horizontal

7.875” wide x 4.75” high

$600

$550

$500

$475

F) 1/2 Page Vertical

3.5” wide x 10” high

$600

$550

$500

$475

G) 1/3 Page Vertical

2.5” wide x 10” high

$500

$450

$400

$350

H) 1/3 Page Island

5.1875” wide x 4.75” high

$500

$450

$400

$350

I) 1/4 Page

3.5” wide x 4.75” high

$400

$375

$300

$250

J) 1/8 Page

3.5” wide x 2.325” high

$350

$325

$250

$200

A B C K

F

D E

4x Ad Rate

G I H

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*Based on 4x rate for 1/8 page ad with distribution to over 1,100 readers.

Advertising

Deadlines:

15, 2011 Summer - June 15, 2011 r Fall - Septembe r 15, 2011 be Winter - Decem , 2012 15 Spring - April

Each issue is distributed to over 1,000 professional recreation and park professionals, as well as 100 commercial KRPA members, from throughout Kansas.

The Summer 2011 issue will be a special “Meeting & Event” planning issue and mail to over 500 meeting and event planner members of the Kansas Association of Association Executives. Don’t miss out!

For advertising information, call Todd at (877) 694-1999 or email info@pernsteiner.com.

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

2011 KRPA Conference & Trade Show In Review

Brad Delay (left) of Overland Park Park and Recreation and KRPA President Jill Geller (right) present Jack Kline (center) with his Hall of Fame Award.

Travis Scheele (left) of Salina Parks and Recreation along with KRPA President Jill Geller (right) present Steve Snyder (center) with his Hall of Fame Award

Gary Ristow (left) of Lenexa Parks and Recreation along with Jill Geller (right) present the Distinguished Commission Member to Nancy Klunder (center).

Toyla Frondorf (left) of Hutchinson Recreation Commission presented the Distinguished Volunteer Award to Opal Wilson. At right is KRPA President Jill Geller.

Betty Zeka (left) of Hutchinson Recreation Commission and KRPA President Jill Geller (right) present the Distinguished New Professional Award to Amy Conkling (center) of Hutchinson Recreation Commission.

KRPA President Jill Geller (left) presented the BlueCHIP Award for medium size communities to Amy Conkling, accepting on behalf of Hutchinson Recreation Commission

KRPA Executive Director Doug Vance (left) and KRPA President Jill Geller (right) presented the Distinguished Public Service Award to Billie Hall (center) and the Sunflower Foundation

KRPA President Jill Geller (left) presented the BlueCHIP Award for large size communities to Roger Steinbrock, accepting on behalf of Lawrence Parks and Recreation

Bill Maasen (center) of Johnson County Park and Recreation District receives the Distinguished Professional Award from Mike Ray and KRPA President Jill Geller, both from Johnson County Park and Recreation District