KRPA Today Fall 2015

Today FALL 2015

KRPA

KANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

2016 Annual Conference Get the Heck into Parks & Rec

Mayors for Monarchs

My Adventure to “Camp” KRPA’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Institute

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Today

KRPA

KANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

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

Our Vision

Contents Perspective: From the President.........................................4 Around Kansas................................................................. 5-6 Members on the Move..........................................................8 Mayors for Monarchs...........................................................9 2016 KRPA Conference & Trade Show........................10-16 Are We Having Fun Yet?...................................................17 My Adventure to “Camp”............................................18-21

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

Shade Spots.................................................................... 22-23

An affiliate of the National Recreation and Park Association

Advertisers

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 – Jimmy Gibbs (Lawrence) President Elect – Brian Bascue (Newton) Past President – Diann Henderson (Great Bend) Secretary/Treasurer – Jeff Stewart (Gardner) Administration Branch – Chris Claxton (Leawood) Aquatics Branch – Jennifer Wegener (Shawnee County) Marketing/Customer Service Branch- Nicole Asquith (Olathe) Park Law Enforcement Branch – Kim Jones (KDWPT) Park and Natural Resources – Ramie Degraeve (Shawnee) Recreation Branch – Candi Fox (Winfield) Sports Branch – Nick Leon (Holcomb) TR/Aging – Rhonda Pollard (Johnson County)

Members At Large West – Eric Jantz (Holcomb) Central - Tony Finlay (Hutchinson) East - Dave Smothers ( Merriam)

Committees/Ex Officio Awards – Caite Kendrick (Ft. Riley) Conference Planning - Brian Bascue ( Newton) Citizen Board – Kim Galbraith (Blue Valley) Professional Development – Steve Herrig (Blue Valley) Public Policy – Scott Schoon (Winfield) / Nancy Wallerstein (Johnson County) Colleges and Universities – Janice Jewett (Pittsburg) Parliamentarian – Steve Friend (Baldwin City) KDWPT – Linda Lanterman (Pratt) KRPA Executive Director – Erika Devore

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For information on advertising, contact Todd Pernsteiner at (952) 841-1111 or info@pernsteiner.com.

2015-2016 KRPA Events

DECEMBER 2015 5 BlueCHIP Award Application Deadline FEBRUARY 2016 2-5 Conference & Expo (Dodge City) MARCH 2016 7-9 CPSI Playground Safety Inspector APRIL 2016 7-8 AFO, Lawrence 21-22 AFO, Salina Contact Bonnie Simon at bonnie@krpa.org for registration details.

Editorial Staff Managing Editor – Erika Devore Contributing Staff – Bonnie Simon 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 1,000 words or less may be submitted, but may be edited for length and clarity.

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Deadlines for articles, photos and advertising: Winter: December 15, 2015 Spring: April 7, 2016

Summer: June 30, 2016 Fall: September 29, 2016

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

Perspective

By Jimmy Gibbs, KRPA President

It’s just a butterfly. A monarch butterfly to be more specific. And it’s an essential, beautiful, flying bug.

Yep, it’s a bug and I don’t often say positive things about any other flying bug. But, the monarch has an important purpose and that is to pollinate fruits and vegetables and flowers. Monarchs are carefree and fun and generally make me happy as I watch them effortlessly flutter from flower to flower. Small in size, yet important and essential and has a lasting impact on an entire community.

All across Kansas, parks and recreation is much like the monarch—happy, healthy, strong and essential. And, just like the monarch, if we don’t nurture it, it too will suffer.

Welcome to the fall issue of KRPA Today.

In your hands (or on your screen) is the latest edition supporting the best of the recreation and parks profession across the entire state of Kansas.

development opportunities. Second in line was the annual conference and trade show. You told us what was most important. As the Board of Directors, we have a huge challenge to make sure you get what you need to remain essential in your own communities. That’s a big responsibility, and one that we take seriously. In October, at our board retreat in Manhattan, we re-confirmed that we are committed to guiding the association in that direction. The 2016 KRPA Annual Conference and Tradeshow—showcased in Dodge City—is a perfect chance to help nurture your professional growth and expand your networking opportunities.

My (cowboy) hat’s off to the conference planning and local host committees!

They have really raised the bar this year by exceeding the challenge of designing meaningful topics presented by recognized leaders.

Coming up in this edition we recognize the need to nurture. I mentioned monarch butterflies earlier—they desperately need our help. Since 1996, the monarch population has declined a staggering 90%. Grassroots efforts to slow that trend are essential.

The National Wildlife Federation is determined to protect habitats and remove barriers that could essentially destroy an entire species. The Mayors’ Monarch Pledge is a step that is gaining awesome momentum. Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the NWF, believes that, “By working together, we can ensure that every American child has a chance to experience majestic monarchs in their backyards and communities.” Be sure to read the story and find out how you and your community can help.

But why is that so important? To start, investing in yourself (and your coworkers) through continuing educational opportunities keeps you healthy, energized and hopefully reignites your enthusiasm for the industry. It’s good to get away from the office, the ringing phone, emails and meetings. It’s good to network and actually talk to folks face-to-face. It’s good to take time for yourself—and nobody deserves it more than you!

We asked, you answered and now is our chance to act. A few weeks ago, we asked you for your opinions about the benefits of our state association. It came as no surprise that the highest rated item was access to professional

So, now is your turn to act. Have you registered yet for Dodge City? Don’t wait too long! Early numbers are showing fantastic excitement about heading out west. However you choose to get there— by plane, train or covered wagon—the

4 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

conference is ultimately power-packed with something for everyone. With over 70 dynamic educational sessions from which to choose, recreation programmers to park law enforcement to board members will have a robust selection to enrich their professional growth. Along with the ever-popular trade show, the socials and networking opportunities will definitely be remembered.

KRPA is excited to announce a few of our featured speakers including Jody Urquhart and Susanne Gaddis. Jody is an acclaimed stand-up comedian with a serious, yet hilarious message on how humor can improve morale and create a more productive work environment. Dr. Gaddis will show you how to attract and build healthy relationships, fuel positive energy and succeed at unbounded levels. And closing the conference we’ll hear from one of the most recognizable personalities in the sports industry, the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs Mitch Houlthus!

My (cowboy) hat’s off to the conference planning and local host committees!

They have really raised the bar this year by exceeding the challenge of designing meaningful topics presented by recognized leaders. Whether you are learning about the “3 C’s of Engaging With Your Staff” or learning a line dance in “Boot Scoot and Boogie in Parks,” interaction is key and the sessions are engaging. The whole crew is excited to show off a fantastic conference in a warm and welcoming community.

And I’m excited that you’ve made a commitment to yourself, your profession and the communities you serve. I can’t wait to see you in Dodge City!

Around KANSAS Fred Saab’s Take Control with Exercise and Fast & Furious From Tracie Strain, Newton Recreation Wellness Director leading an ongoing, twice-per-week class in January 2011. Due to the class’s popularity, in the fall of 2011 he began offering classes three times per week. Since offering Take Control with Exercise, Fred’s class attendance has been as high as 26 people! He continues to have the highest average attendance of all our fitness classes. Participants sent letters to the Arthritis Foundation telling them how classes had improved their health and quality of life.

In the summer of 2010, longtime consistent Newton Recreation Wellness Center member, Fred Saab, said “when I retire for the second time, I want to work part-time for the Newton Recreation Commission teaching an exercise class encouraging other to keep their bodies healthy and moving.” I had just attended the Arthritis Foundation land based exercise leader workshop and to complete the training, a leader must teach six classes per year.

In addition to Fred’s Newton Recreation commitment, he is beginning his fourth year volunteering with the St. Matthew’s Payee program assisting diabled and special needs person with financial budgeting.

Fred brings an incredible high energy, ornery attitude with him as he leads classes. Participants are mostly hist closest friends whom he has personally recruited. Fred wears a leg brace as a result of polio in adolescence.

Dr. Fred Saab began his third career at the tender age of 75; he is currently 80 years young.

Together we offered an initial four-week session in November. After completing his Arthritis land training, Fred began his third career,

2015 Little Apple Paddle

McPherson Scottish Festival Held

On Sat., Aug. 1, Manhattan Parks and Recreation, Tuttle Creek State Park and Manhattan CVB combined efforts to host a new event dubbed Little Apple Paddle. More than 100 participants signed up with a minimal fee to paddle 10 miles (3.5 hours) on the Kaw River. They enjoyed beautiful scenery on a gorgeous summer day paddling at their own pace. We offered hot dogs, chips, a drink and shuttle back to vehicles at the end of the float.

On Nov. 7, an evening “Glow Paddle” will be offered with a shorter route, lanterns, glow sticks and S’mores!

The 22nd annual McPherson Scottish Festival & Highland Games was held on September 26-27 in McPherson’s beautiful Lakeside Park. The festival is a two-day event that celebrates Scottish heritage and traditions, athletics, music, and dance. One of the festival’s goals is the educate adults, youth and children to appreciate their own and other cultural heritages. The event is open to everyone – Scot or not! For more information visit macfestival.org.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 5

Around KANSAS Johnson County Park & Recreation District celebrates 60 years

Burnin’ Down Main Cook-Off

The Johnson County Park & Recreation District celebrated six decades of having fun and making memories during a 60th Anniversary Celebration event, which took place on Sept. 20 in Shawnee Mission Park, Shawnee and Lenexa.

Regional bands, food trucks, and giant colorful kites were all part of this event, which drew an estimated 3,600 people for a free six-hour celebration. JCPRD departments and facilities, as well as affiliated organizations, presented an assortment of family-friendly activities.

“We wanted to thank folks who already use our programs and facilities and show the variety of services we offer to those who don’t,” said JCPRD Executive Director Jill Geller.

Creation of JCPRD stems from Feb.7, 1955, when the inaugural board for the first, and still only, special park district in Kansas, was appointed.

The event was so well received, discussions about the possibility of presenting a similar community event fall 2016 have already begun.

Saturday, October 3rd was the Burnin’ Down Main Cook-Off in Downtown McPherson at One Main Plaza Park where 15 Chili and Soup contestants and 14 Dessert cooks competed in the 14th annual Burnin’ Down Main celebration! Attendees were able to sample all entries with the purchase of a $5 wristband and then vote for their favorite chili and soup as well as choose the best team spirit team. After judges finished tasting all 14 dessert entries, samples were brought out to the crowd.

Anyone who was still feeling the need to eat was able to fill up on Wendy’s chili, ensuring that no one left hungry!

Local businesses brought vehicles like dump trucks, road graders, ambulances, fire trucks, police cars and tractors to Touch-A-Truck where kids were able to interact with the vehicles and the operators. Kids were also treated to free face painting and pumpkin decorating. Partnering with other non-profits like the Boy Scouts, who sold popcorn, and the McPherson Dog Park, who sold concessions, allowed us to offer more options as well as help other groups raise money.

A big hit was the “Look Ma, No Hands” pie eating contest where up to 10 entries could gobble up a cream pie for cash prizes. Last, but not least, our custom designed T-Shirts were available where each shirt came with a free entry into a drawing for Blazin’ Bucks to spend in 60 participating stores.

Edwardsville Parks & Rec’s “Stadium Series” Soccer event a huge success Edwardsville’s Parks & Recreation Supervisor Mike Martin envisioned their youth playing soccer on a big stage, so he went to Chris Browne, GM of the Kansas City T-Bones and pitched his idea. Eight months later, 38 teams, from 4 cities played 30 games inside the over-6,000 seat capacity CommunityAmerica Ballpark in KCK. The jumbotron, pictured, featured every player’s photograph displayed during their game.

Youth from Edwardsville, Turner, Basehor and Piper played in the 2-day event. Each player was given a custom 3.5” commemorative medal after their Stadium Series game. More than 3,500 people attended the Inaugural Stadium Series. The event offered the youth a chance to play on premier natural turf, in a professional stadium.

Young Professionals present at Pittsburg State University KRPA Young Professionals traveled to Pittsburg State University to present to PSU recreation majors on Thursday October 15th.

Pictured at left are: Ticia Herd, Jaima Nicholson, Jeff Stos, Jennifer Smith, Tanner Ford, and Audrey Gann.

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Welcome to John Deere. What’ll it be today: A Gator™Utility Vehicle? A versatile mower? Would you like fex wing cutters with that? Whatever you’re in the mood for, streamlined purchasing and a range of fnancing options make it easy to get what you want and get on your way. Drive up to your John Deere dealer or visit JohnDeere.com/Local for a taste of what’s in store.

The object is simplicity.

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Members ON THE MOVE Marc Trent to retire from Hutchinson Recreation Commission Marc Trent, superintendent of recreation and sports for Hutchinson Recreation Commission, is retiring in December 2015 after working for 32 years in the recreation profession. Trent, a graduate of Emporia State University, started his recreation career as a program director for the McPherson YMCA and Recreation Commission in 1982. In 1992 he was hired by Hutch Rec, where he as worked for the past 23 years, with a majority of them being the superintendent of adult/youth sports programs. Early on in his tenure with Hutch Rec, Trent oversaw the wellness and aquatics programs. Most recently, he became the superintendent of recreation and sports, not only overseeing youth/adult sports programs, but also the enrichment programs for the organization.

In 1987 Trent was awarded the KRPA Outstanding Young Professional and has served on the KRPA Board of Directors as the chairman of the Recreation Branch and as a board member at-large for western Kansas. He also volunteers for various organizations outside of work, including: Carey Park Golf Course Advisory Board, Hutchinson CVB Sports and Recreation Committee, Hutchinson Noon Optimist Club, and Hutchinson Civitan Club.

“The thing I have enjoyed the most during my career is seeing young kids come into sports programs and watching them grow, gain knowledge and skill in a sport, and then seeing them compete at the middle school, high school, and college levels,” Trent says.

There’s a place where suppliers & KRPA members connect. Here.

KRPA TODAY magazine is published quarterly by Kansas Recreation & Park Association (KRPA). It features industry trends, upcoming events and editorial content related to the park and recreation industry. This is your opportunity to market directly to the people who need your products, services, classes and facilities.

Contact Todd Pernsteiner for advertising information at: info@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

8 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

Lawrence Parks & Recreation hires Josh Maike “I worked with Manhattan Parks and Recreation for 6 years after graduating from Bethany College with a degree in Sports Management. I recently got engaged and Lawrence provided me with a better opportunity to be closer to my family.” - Josh Maike

Manhattan Parks and Recreation hires Randi Clifford as new Director Randi Clifford has been hired as the Director of Recreation at Manhattan Parks and Recreation. Clifford has over 30 years of experience in the recreation field including his most recent positions as YMCA Branch Executive and Recreation Superintendent in Dodge City. He has previously served as an administrator for recreation agencies in St. John, Coffeyville and Salina.

Mayors for

Monarchs

By Patrick Fitzgerald

The monarch butterfly is in trouble and cities, counties and communities of all kinds have a critical role to play in helping to save the monarch butterfly. Public parks, schools, median strips, homes and businesses can all provide critical habitat. Simple, common sense changes in landscaping ordinances or school policies can make a big difference for the monarch. Educating citizens about how and where to grow milkweed is also a critical piece of the puzzle. This is why the National Wildlife Federation has launched the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge to engage mayors and local government chief executives in the effort to help save the monarch butterfly! www.nwf.org/ MayorsMonarchPledge.

Monarch Butterflies in Decline Twenty years ago more than one billion monarch butterflies migrated to Mexico from the Eastern U.S. In the winter of 2014, only 60 million made the trip. The North American monarch population has declined by more than 90 percent in the past two decades. This is due to decline in summer breeding habitat in the U.S. and decline in winter habitat in Mexico.

One third of the monarch’s summer breeding habitat has been destroyed, largely in the Midwest. Expansion of row crop agriculture and, to a lesser extent, development, has destroyed 90 percent of our nation’s native grassland ecosystems, on which monarchs depend.

Milkweed, the only host plant for monarch caterpillars, had declined in the U.S. due

to overuse of herbicides by commercial agriculture and conventional gardening practices in suburban and urban areas.

Cities, Towns, Counties & Communities to the Rescue Cities, towns, counties, neighborhoods and homeowners associations all have programs and policies that impact the monarch butterfly, native bees and other pollinators (which are also in decline).

There are numerous actions that Mayors and local policy makers can take to support the monarch. A review of policy responses to date uncovers a variety of initiatives ranging from proclamations to innovative landscaping ordinances to environmental education programs. Each of these responses is valuable, but all and even more are necessary if we hope to have a fundamental and lasting impact for the monarch butterfly.

Kansans Are Taking Action Kansas is right in the middle of the Central Monarch Corridor, a critical area in the central U.S. where monarchs need the most habitat. Fortunately, Kansas is also the home base of Monarch Watch (www.monarchwatch.org), a cooperative network of students, teachers, volunteers and researchers dedicated to the study of the Monarch butterfly. Monarch Watch has many initiatives that might be of interest to municipalities. Their Monarch Waystation program helps create places that provide necessary habitat (especially

milkweed) for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. Many cities and towns in Kansas have already created monarch waystations from Lawrence to Kansas City to Lexana and beyond. Park departments are also working to engage and educate citizens about the monarch. One such example is the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department which held a monarch education and tagging event at the Prairie Park Nature Center. Tagging monarchs helps scientists to better understand the monarch’s migration.

Take the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge In late September, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) launched the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge – a campaign to get mayors AND other local government chief executives to commit to help save the monarch butterfly by improving habitat and engaging citizens. Cities and municipalities of all types and sizes are encouraged to take the pledge. It only takes about two minutes to take the pledge at www.nwf.org/ mayorsmonarchpledge. Mayors will be asked to sign the pledge statement and assign a staff member to follow up with NWF on the specific actions you will undertake in your community. These actions range from issuing a proclamation to changing mowing practices to creating a demonstration garden at city hall. If you have any questions, please contact NWF at mayorsmonarchpledge@nwf.org.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 9

Schedule MONDAY FEBRUARY 1 8:00am - 6:15pm

Registration United Wireless Arena and Conference Center

9:00 - 10:00 am Meeting Room A

2016 KRPA Board of Directors Orientation Presiding: Jimmy Gibbs, KRPA President, Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department and Brian Bascue, KRPA President Elect, Newton Recreation Commission. 2015 KRPA Board of Directors will conduct their board orientation. It is mandatory that all newly elected board members attend this orientation meeting.

10:00am - 12:30pm Meeting Room A

2016 KRPA Conference and Trade Show February 1-4, 2016 United Wireless Arena and Conference Center Dodge City, Kansas

2015/16 KRPA Board of Directors Meeting and Lunch Presiding: Jimmy Gibbs, KRPA President, Lawrence Parks and Recreation. Board Meeting for 2015 Board Members. 2016 KRPA Board Members are encouraged to attend.

12:00 - 5:30 pm Meeting Room D

Student Summit 1:00 - 3:30pm .2 CEU Meeting Room B

Maximizing the benefit of advocacy for Recreation & Parks Melissa Ness KRPA Lobbyist, KRPA Public Policy Committee

Hospitality Suite Open Sunday, January 31 7:00-10:00pm 1st floor Hampton Inn Snacks and beverages provided

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Learn about how KRPA set its advocacy agenda, advocacy benefits we provide our members and the 2016 legislative platform. Hear from experts on the political and policy environment, state budget and how you can use your advocacy efforts more efficiently. There will be guest speakers who will talk about legislation passed in the 2015 legislative session on Ad Valorem, KPERS, and the Machinery Equipment tax.

1:00-5:00pm

Small Communities Recreation Workshop How do you define a mill levy?

What are the statutes for recreation commissions? How do you hold a sports league with a small community? Have these questions answered and more at the small communities’ recreation workshop.

We will be covering operations (budgets, mill levy, statues, policies, etc) and programming ( rules, supplies, set up, etc).

4:00 - 5:15pm .1 CEU Meeting Room C

General Session: Master your moments, Master your life Dr. Susanne Gaddis In this powerfully moving, life-affirming keynote, Dr. Susanne Gaddis shares insights and strategies that will potentially change you to your CORE. If you’re ready to attract and build healthy relationships, fuel positive energy, and succeed at unbounded levels, then you won’t want to miss this empowering presentation.

5:15 - 6:15pm Meeting Room A

Meet and Greet New to KRPA? Never been to conference? Interested in meeting other park and recreation professionals? Come meet the KRPA board at an informal meet and greet. Learn about KRPA, how to get involved, and the best way to experience the conference. We will not have a formal presentation.

This will be a time for attendees to ask questions and meet new friends.

Refreshments provided.

6:15pm

Social Barnyard Olympics – Western State Bank Expo Center bus will pick up attendees at 6:15pm and 6:45pm at the Conference Center. Shuttle will run one early and one late route back to hotels. Dinner will be provided.

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 2 7:30am - 4:30pm

Registration United Wireless Arena and Conference Center

8:00am - 5:30pm Arena Concourse

Hospitality Room open 8:30 – 10am .1 CEU Arena

Opening General Session Keynote: Jody Urquhart – The Nerve to Serve, Say Hello to Humor and Goodbye to Burnout Sponsor - Landscape Structures/Athco, Matt Cline Humor helps. The ability to laugh at life helps us deal with daily disappointments and setbacks. Humor gives professionals the nerve to serve in our increasingly complex and challenging environment.

Join us as we demonstrate how humor helps you stay in control, stay positive, and maintain balance and perspective.

Laughter and humor effectively and inexpensively counter stress, improve morale, and create a work environment that is friendlier, less stressful, and more productive.

Meeting Room B

Meeting Room F

Follow Me I’m Right Behind You! How to Lead and Influence Others, Jody Urquhart

Building Partnerships to Bring Economic and Community Development Together Through Entertainment and Recreation, Joann Knight, Dodge City/Ford County Development Association

The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. With today’s rapidly evolving workplace, strong leaders must work harder than ever to influence and engage others. Great leaders consistently ignite the fires of hope in others. Leaders today need tools to both influence, energize and engage staff members and keep their own fires of hope burning. Through humor, insight and inspiration Follow Me I’m Right Behind You provides a lively, interactive look at how to inspire a spirited and resilient workforce that stays focused and productive.

Meeting Room C

The Power of Positive Communication, Susanne Gaddis, The Communications Doctor Behavior. Words. Actions. Attitudes. All can POSITIVELY affect or NEGATIVELY infect your organization. This exciting and interactive “wellness check” is designed to improve the way you communicate. You will learn how to diagnose and treat common communication breakdowns, and to motivate the people you work with every day.

Meeting Room D

Small Town to MLB…The Stories of Todd Tichenor Come and enjoy this fun and upbeat session.

Todd will share his experiences from both a youth participating in rec sports and how those lessons stuck with him through life. He’ll also share some humorous experiences from the Minor and Major Leagues. Don’t miss out!

Meeting Room E

10:15 – 11:30am .1 CEU Meeting Room A

Community Assistance Fisheries Program, Brian Sowards, KDWPT The Community Fisheries Assistance Program was designed to remove barriers to fishing access and to provide family friendly fishing areas close to where people live. What does that mean for your recreation agency and how can you participate? Bryan Sowards will speak about the CFAP program and the partnership with Salina.

Concealed Carry Updates, Charles Klebe, Kansas Attorney General’s Office Carry Concealed laws and how these affect Kansans today. Discussion will follow the presentation.

This session will feature the process and outcomes that have brought together successful economic development to a community originally struggling to provide quality of life and workforce needs. See how the community worked together to build entertainment facilities that changed the face of their community. The purpose of “Why Not Dodge” is to fund areas of tourism and recreation for the future of Dodge City. On June 10, 1997, the residents of Dodge City and Ford County voted to approve the adoption of a combination one-half cent county retail sales tax and a city one-half cent retail sales tax to fund four specific public projects. The initial projects were installing airconditioning at the Dodge City Civic Center, an Outdoor Motor Sports Complex, Field Sport Facilities (baseball/softball and soccer) and a Special Events Center. The latest “Why Not Dodge” project is a $12.3 million destination Aquatics Park that will open in May of 2016.

High Plains Room

User Groups, are they putting you at risk? Chris Goodman, SSCI Do you issue facility use permits? Are you Concerned about keeping know “high risk” individuals from gaining access to children on public facilities under your control? Pitfalls uncovered and policies in place help keep the deep pockets of public agencies protected from substandard background screening procedures.

11:45am - 1:00pm Arena

Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Kansas Honors Lunch Honoring our BlueCHIP Healthy Community Award winners and Kansas Wildscape OK Kids program winners.

Presiding: Jimmy Gibbs, KRPA President, Lawrence Park and Recreation; Presenting the Blue ChipAWARD: Marlou Wegener, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Presenting the OK Kids Award Winners: Charlie Black, Kansas Wildscape

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 11

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 2 1:15 - 2:30pm .1CEU Meeting Room A

Maintaining Liquid Assets, Steve Blackshire, Otterbine Barebo Understanding the cause and effect of poor water quality and how to address the issues with a simple solution will give nature a boost and harness the natural processes for maintaining a healthy water body. Once you have Identified the causes of poor water quality you will be able to implement a sound long lasting solution that will help maintain ponds and lakes as assets and not let them become eyesores or a public health hazard.

Meeting Room B

I Love My Job, It’s the People I Can’t Stand! Jody Urquhart You can learn to handle the most difficult situations and the most challenging people and how to get through to others without giving in.

Never again fall victim to those who love to make life miserable for the rest of us! Knowing how to deal with difficult people at work will allow you to approach your job with more enjoyment and your coworkers with greater confidence.

Meeting Room C

Connectivity and Communication: How to use verbal and non verbal skills to connect at a higher level, Susanne Gaddis, The Communications Doctor “It’s written all over your face!”

“Did you even hear a word I said?” Fact: We communicate every moment we interact with others in a thousand different ways we don’t even realize.

And MIS- communication runs rampant when we’re not in tune with how we connect with those around us. Did you know that 70-90% of everything we communicate is NON-verbal? Master verbal and non-verbal communication skills to keep people talking and unlock the hidden meanings in the word choices of those around you.

Meeting Room D

A Formal Approach to Doing More with Less, Dion Louthan, Salina Parks and Recreation Every parks and recreation agency claims to subscribe to the “do more with less” mantra but few have made it a formal way of doing

12 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

business. The City of Salina has adopted a formal approach to identifying the most efficient ways to achieve success by following a specific model. Dion Louthan, Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Salina will discuss some of the savings his department has realized through following a continuous process improvement program. Attendees will learn techniques that they can take back to their own agencies that will save them time and money.

The Johnson County Park & Recreation District commissioned a study by The Trust for Public Land to identify these benefits, including increased property values, storm water reduction, air pollution removal, tourism, direct use value, health promotion, and economic development. Learn the results of this study, and develop a whole new appreciation for the value of parks and recreation.

Meeting Room E

What’s new with Toro and Caterpillar?

Tracy Bales, Toro and Tony Mana, Caterpillar

Investing and Planning for your Retirement: Social Security, KPERS and Beyond, Aric Harrington, Waddell & Reed This is an educational presentation about how proper investing and planning can help you have a sustainable retirement through Social Security, KPERS, and other investing options.

High Plains Room

Little Black Book of Aquatics Programs, Sara Vacca and Kim Vogel, Pittsburg Parks and Recreation This presentation will cover a variety of special events that are held at various aquatics facilities throughout the state; events will be submitted throughout the season and post season and will be compiled into a powerpoint presentation. We will also present on our local youth TRYathalon (main event) that takes place at the Pittsburg Aquatic Center and review various collaborations and partnerships to organize this type of event.

1:15 - 5:15pm Meeting Room F

Meeting Room B

Join us for a conversation about new equipment and products from Toro and Caterpillar. Come with your questions!

Meeting Room C

Leave No Art Gadget Behind, Kari Baesel, Johnson County Parks and Recreation District and Jenny Smith, City of Mission Parks and Recreation Jump in on a hands-on session utilizing supplies to expand your program by exploring projects using art gadgets and equipment. A portion will include developing 10 projects using a list of only 10 supplies.

Perfect opportunity to take back tons of ideas to your community! Take home your very own “Book of Ideas”!

Meeting Room D

HR as a Template, John Washington, Garden City Parks and Recreation

.1 CEU

What is human resource development and Why do you need it? Human resource development (HRD) is the framework for helping employees develop their personal and organizational skills, knowledge, and abilities. Now, if I was 21 years of age and in my first job, and I find myself in charge of interviewing, hiring, and firing, I need to know about my role in human resource development. Today you will learn about legal ways to conduct interview, “What did you say” moments towards harassment, opportunities for employee training, career development, performance management, coaching and mentoring.

Meeting Room A

Meeting Room E

The Economic Benefits of Parks and Recreation, Jill Geller and Bill Maasen, Johnson County Parks and Recreation District

Leadership – The Essence of our Profession, Clint Longacre, Emporia State University

Officer Survival Mentality and Use of Force Considerations, Mike Willis, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association ( Session is Closed to KPLEA Members Only) This presentation will discuss officer tactics, conduct and professionalism. There will also be demonstrations and a few exercises dealing with weapons handling and safety utilizing training replica firearms

2:45 - 4pm

Park and recreation agencies not only provide valuable greenspace and recreational opportunities, but generate numerous economic benefits within local communities.

This session is for anyone at any level aspiring to be a true leader. The session will take a close look at the leader’s message and methods. This section of the session will take a close look at replicating the leader, the central

message of the leader, and the challenge of teaching aspiring leaders. The session will also examine the art of sharing the positives of an organization, how to share the good news, and recognizing opportunities. Training is the backbone of leadership and will be the subject to round out the session.

Meeting Room F (Continued from 1:15 session)

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 3 8:00am - 4:45pm

Registration United Wireless Arena and Conference Center

8:30-9:45 .1 CEU Meeting Room A

Officer Survival Mentality and Use of Force Considerations, Mike Willis, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association ( Session is Closed to KPLEA Members Only)

Round Up for Students and Professional Interaction, Janice Jewett and Laura Covert, Pittsburg State University

This presentation will discuss officer tactics, conduct and professionalism. There will also be demonstrations and a few exercises dealing with weapons handling and safety utilizing training replica firearms

Roundtable discussion between recreation students and professionals. Learn from one another. Bring your questions and prepare to have them answered.

High Plains Room

Cost Recovery – A new approach, Susan Hentzler, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation The guiding principles of the cost recovery policy are based on a clear understanding of what the total service cost is to provide the level of benefit and exclusivity to users. Trough implementation of our master plan Shawnee County Parks and Recreation established a policy and worksheet that enables staff to determine direct and indirect cost, pricing standard, cost recover target, lifecycle placement, programs/services progress or decline. Join the discussion on viewing parks and recreation with a business approach, while continuing to efficiently offer the most diversified recreation and cultural services.

KRPA Trade Show

4:00 - 8:00pm - Trade Show 7:00-8:00pm - Dinner Arena

Silent Auction

4:00 - 7:30pm Winning bids announced at 7:30pm

KRPA Social

8:30-11:30pm Meeting Room B and C

Branch Networking Social 8:00-9:00pm

Meeting Room B and C

Dueling Pianos

9:00-11:30pm Meeting Room B and C

Meeting Room B

Healthy Parks By Design, Delores Silkworth and Michael Bell, RDG Planning Do you consider health and well-being when you design or renovate your community park?

Do your assessments and recommendations put healthy living at the forefront? This presentation will include a case study of a design and decision making process that considers community health as a main goal.

We will provide a blue print for park and recreation professionals to integrate healthy living principles into their physical park plans.

Meeting Room C

Camp Memories, Experiences, and Challenges, Kari Baesel, Johnson County Parks and Recreation District and Jenny Smith, City of Mission Parks and Recreation Design your camps to help make dreams come true and not just an everyday experience.

Journey with us as we explore start-up plans, day to day operations and ways to make lasting memories. Whether you are new to camps or it is your twentieth year this session will open up endless possibilities. By the end even you will want to go back to camp.

Meeting Room D

Succession Planning, Noel Rasor, KU Public Management Center Succession planning describes those efforts designed to ensure the continued effective performance of a division, department or workgroup by planning for the development, replacement and deployment of key people over time. These are activities that we all know leaders ought to be prioritizing. But the reality is that succession planning falls in the importantbut-not-urgent category of tasks that it’s hard to make time for. In this session we’ll identify three key steps you can take to support the need for succession planning that will simultaneously support more effective day-to-day performance among staff in your unit. You’ll leave knowing how to get started on succession planning and you might even be excited to do so.

Meeting Room E

Inject Energy and Excitement into Youth Sports and Award Nights, Mike Martin, City of Edwardsville Add excitement and creativity to youth sports, with special events and innovative awards nights. Discuss ways in small and large communities to use local resources to offer youth unique special events and recognition nights. Use global resources to offer one-ofa-kind awards on a limited budget. Present creative sponsorship ideas to help fund special events, scholarship pools, etc. Design a playfor-FREE program to help community members lower their cost to zero, while not reducing your revenue. Open dialogue to explore what other towns may be doing that offer a variety to the ordinary.

Meeting Room F (8:30-11:30)

Prescription Drug Abuse, Mark Gonzalez and Shane Tiernan, National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, or NADDI, is a non-profit membership organization that works to develop and implement solutions to the problem of prescription drug diversion. NADDI advocates for the responsible use of prescription drugs by people who need them, and at the same time, works with law enforcement and state regulatory agents to pursue those involved in related criminal activity. Our primary focus is training and education for our members, which include law enforcement personnel, regulatory agents, health professionals, health care fraud investigators, advocacy and treatment professionals and the pharmaceutical industry.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 13

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 3 High Plains Room

Cost-Effective Aquatic Solutions: A Renovation Guide to Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, Jeff Bartley, Waters Edge Aquatic Design There are many ways to design an innovative aquatic facility with a range of exciting features on a limited budget. Waters Edge Aquatic Design has many years of experience with communities and municipalities creating successful facilities on a tight budget.

10:00-11:15am .1 CEU Meeting Room A

Hiring Professional Design Services, PJ Novick, Confluence Attendees will learn how to craft a Request for Qualifications / Request for Proposal tailored to their specific project. They will learn how to best evaluate the submittals and choose the right design professional for their project.

Finally learn the options for scope, fee and contracts for their project.

Learning Objectives 1. How to develop an RFP that best meets your specific project needs 2. How to choose the right design professional for your specific project 3. Learn options for scope of services, fee development and contract options Meeting Room B

Branding – Why it is Key, Amy Conkling, Hutchinson Recreation Commission and Angie Sutton, Manhattan Parks and Recreation Join Amy Conkling and Angie Sutton as they take you through the process and importance of building and maintaining a strong brand – and how it affects your agency’s entire image.

Meeting Room C

American Discovery Trail, Brian Anderson, Leawood Parks and Recreation and Eric Seaborg, President of the American Discovery Trail Society Information about the American Discovery Trail that crosses Kansas for 570 miles. Learn about current issues and the status of the ADT and its history. There are currently a US House and Senate bill to give a new national trails designation to the ADT.

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Meeting Room D

High Plains Room

Building a Strengths Based Workplace, Noel Rasor KU Public Management Center

Muffin Top to Six Pack, Troy Fitzgerald, KC Running Company

Research has established a strong link between employee engagement and organizational performance. That is, the more employees feel passionate about their work and the organization, the more likely they are to put discretionary effort into their work; when they do this, it translates into better organizational outcomes. So how do you build employee engagement? One approach is to build a strengths-based workplace where deliberate effort is invested in aligning each individual’s responsibilities with their natural strengths.

While this may sound difficult or unrealistic, in fact there easy ways to not only identify employee strengths, but also to take this into account when creating project teams and assigning tasks. You’ll leave this session with an understanding of how a strengths-based workplace can help staff thrive in this “do more with less” environment and how you can start to build one.

Meeting Room E

Sports Lighting: Moving Ahead While Maintaining, Brad Thompson, Musco Lighting Discussion about the use of LED vs. HID for sports lighting and how it relates no and in the future. We will have examples of each type of fixture in the room and there will be time for questions about each, along with handouts.

Lastly, a short discussion about the use of LED in other applications.

Meeting Room F (continued from 8:30 Session)

Prescription Drug Abuse, Mark Gonzalez and Shane Tiernan, National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, or NADDI, is a non-profit membership organization that works to develop and implement solutions to the problem of prescription drug diversion. NADDI advocates for the responsible use of prescription drugs by people who need them, and at the same time, works with law enforcement and state regulatory agents to pursue those involved in related criminal activity. Our primary focus is training and education for our members, which include law enforcement personnel, regulatory agents, health professionals, health care fraud investigators, advocacy and treatment professionals and the pharmaceutical industry.

Looking to start a 5K/10K in your community or spice up your existing one? Making your first time event a success or your current event bigger than ever is your mission? Learn the logistics from timing, management to marketing from Troy Fitzgerald of the KC Running Company.

11:30am – 1:30pm Arena

Awards of Excellence Lunch Presiding: Jimmy Gibbs, KPRA President, Lawrence Parks and Recreation; Caite Kendrick, Warrior Zone, Awards Committee Chair Awards to be presented: Hall of Fame; Distinguished Fellow, Distinguished Professional; Distinguished New Professional; Distinguished Public Service; Distinguished Board or Commission Member, Distinguished Service, Tomorrow’s Leaders Class of 2015 and President’s Award.

Swearing In of New KRPA Board of Directors: TBA, Officiating

1:45-3:00 pm .1 CEU Meeting Room A

JCPRD U and the Future of Wellness, Sarah Shaw, Lockton Keeping our youth healthy and well goes beyond providing them with physical activity programs. As Park & Recreation professionals, we have an opportunity to provide programming that will help our youth learn healthy habits they can carry with them throughout all areas of their life. From physical to intellectual to mental health many programs and partnerships exist to assist with holistic wellness or wellbeing. How these programs are packaged and marketed can make a significant impact to the success of the program. During this session, we will discuss the importance of incorporating long term wellness programs into our communities; dive into one example of a holistic youth wellness program, JCPRD U; as well as discuss ways to incorporate more wellness programming into recreation offerings and employee wellness.

Meeting Room B

3:15 – 4:30pm

Meeting Room D

Communication Tips and Tricks for Low to No Cost, Amy Conkling, Hutchinson Recreation and Angie Sutton, Manhattan Parks and Recreation

.1 CEU

Sports Roundtable, Nick Leon, Holcomb Recreation Commission

Building on the popular 60 in 60, this session will bring great tips to success communication and marketing to help increase brand awareness and program success Meeting Room C

There are No Bullies, Joe Coles, Joe Coles Consulting and Rachel’s Challenge The 3 R’s in knocking out bullying behavior – Recognize, Respond, Relationships. A common sense approach to stop bullying behavior.

Meeting Room D

ALICE training, Mo Loridon, Shawnee Police Department This session will focus on the ALICE program and what we can do in crisis situations at a workplace. We focus on an intruder based scenario and how to use the information you get to make a informed decision and course of action. We will discuss past incidents and how we can use those situations to help us in the future.

Meeting Room E

3 C’s of Engaging with your staff: Coaching, Communicating & Connecting, Chad Beasley, Midwest Pool Management Come explore language and techniques to connect with your staff in a coaching format vs. stale old supervisory format. Generation of teens today expect more from their employer and we will discuss ways to do that. We will top it off with a round table discussion.

Meeting Room F (continued from 8:30 Session going until 3:45)

Prescription Drug Abuse, Mark Gonzalez and Shane Tiernan, National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators 2:00 - 5:00pm .1 CEU

Park Tour

Meeting Room A

Picture our Parks: A Master Plan Journey, Susan Henzler, John Knight, Olivia Mayer, and Mike McLaughlin

Discussing key issues in youth and adult sports in a casual setting. Participants should bring ideas and topics to discuss with the group.

Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Department is combined city and county park system that was developed to service the needs of the city of Topeka and Shawnee County residents. Let us share our department’s process of implementing a Master Plan to guide the combined departments. The guiding principles and objectives that developed this Master Plan are as follows:

Meeting Room E

• Sustainably grow the best practices and quality services of the department

Meeting Room F (continued from 8:30 Session going until 3:45)

• Serve the relevant park and recreational needs of existing City of Topeka and Shawnee County residents who help support the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Department in meeting those needs.

• Ruther position the county as a regional and statewide destination, while protecting the accessibility of city and county facilities for residents • Support the county to qualify for enhanced partnerships and funding opportunities in both the public and private sectors • Leave a positive legacy for current and future generations of Shawnee County.

Meeting Room B

Programming 101, John McClain, Raymore Parks and Recreation Back to the basics…in this interactive session discover how to set up a successful program.

Take a closer look at such tactics as a catchy name, finding the right instructor, planning, effective marketing, ideal percentages for direct costs, ratios, and equipment needs. Work smarter, not harder!

Boot Scoot and Boogie in Parks, Janice Jewett and Laura Covert, Pittsburg State University Participate in country western line and partner dancing and see how you can incorporate dance in many recreation programs and activities.

Prescription Drug Abuse, Mark Gonzalez and Shane Tiernan, National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators High Plains Room

Administrators Roundtable, Chris Claxton Attendees will have the choice of several different topics to discuss and explore during this session.

Social

6:00 - 9:00pm Boot Hill Museum Dinner and Variety Show Meal times at 6:30pm and 7:45pm.

Buses will pick up from Conference Center at 6:00pm and 6:15pm and return at 9:00pm.

Buses will then drop off at each of the conference hotels.

Meeting Room C

Partnering with the Bureau of Health Promotion to Increase the Education and Physical Activity Opportunities for People with Chronic Disease, Amanda Bridges, Kansas Department of Health and Environment Topics discussed will include: what is the Kansas Arthritis Program, education on chronic diseases, and programs and activities to help people with chronic disease.

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 15

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 7:45 - 11:30am

Registration United Wireless Arena and Conference Center Thursday February 4th

8:00 – 9:15 am .1 CEU Meeting Room A

The Value of Agency Accreditation, Jill Geller, Johnson County Parks and Recreation District and Dion Louthan, Salina Parks and Recreation The accreditation process can be a daunting task. Is it worth it? Learn both the pros and cons from KRPA professionals who have been through the process, and what accreditation has meant to their agency and their community.

Meeting Room B

Golf Gets a Kick in the Butt! Troy Houtman, Wichita Parks and Recreation This session will explain the efforts placed by the Wichita Golf Division to increase golf revenues. This will include marketing strategies, selling of sponsorships, introduction to FootGolf, tournaments, course improvements, new target market, lessons and focus on the future – teaching kids.

Meeting Room C

How is a tiny snake saving a forest?

Matt Garrett, Johnson County Parks and Recreation District How is a tiny snake saving a forest? Learn how JCPRD and KDWPT collaborated on an ongoing restoration project to improve 46 acres of a degraded Oak-Hickory forest in Shawnee Mission Park. Learn how staff leveraged volunteer assistance and about the management techniques used including prescribed fire, timber stand improvement, invasive plant control, and deer management.

Most oak- hickory woodlands are at a breaking point in KS, learn techniques to improve your seedling recruitment and evaluate success.

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Meeting Room D

High Plains Room

AmeriCorps NCCC: A Surge Force to Accomplish Your Goals, Geoffrey Hickox, AmeriCorps NCCC and Michelle Campbell, KDWPT Perry State Park

Aquatics Forum, Jennifer Wegener, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation

Do you have a vision for new trail or restoring existing infrastructure? Do you have a backlog of projects that you just haven’t had the manpower the tackle yet? Imagine what you could accomplish if you had a dedicated team of 10 young adults working 45 hours a week to complete your projects. Come to this session and learn about AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) and you can turn these possibilities into reality as early as this April.

You’ll come away from this session with a strong understanding of what an NCCC team can accomplish and concrete action steps to submit a competitive request for your own team. Finally, you’ll hear from past AmeriCorps NCCC Sponsor, Perry State Park, and their tips for successfully hosting a team accomplish your goals.

Meeting Room E

The Green Fair, Bill Gaskill and Mark Neubrand, Discover Salina Naturally The subject of going green is a hot topic these days, but let’s go beyond that and talk sustainability. The Salina Natural Fair started as a small event that looked at self- sustainable practices. The fair now incorporates 70 presenters/exhibitors that want to get their word out with their ideas and efforts to help people/communities get their “green” on. The presentation will cover exhibitors, funding, sponsors, and volunteers that all make this event happen.

Meeting Room F

Bait and Hook – How to Attract Baby Boomers, Michelle Alexander, Johnson County Parks and Recreation District and Bettie Partington, Lenexa Park and Recreation This session will begin with a brief overview of the baby boomers. From there learn easy & fun marketing tips to engage them into participating in your programs and activities.

Get ideas on how to involve the community to make your programs more enticing to boomers. Don’t forget about volunteerism as an opportunity to get boomers started with you…develop jobs to interest them. Finally, learn about trips, trips and more trips – a sure fire bait & hook to attract boomers.

Members of the KRPA Aquatic Branch will discuss hot topics in the aquatic industry and field questions aquatic professionals may have.

9:30 – 11:30am .1 CEU Arena

Closing Keynote: Mitch Houlthus, Voice of the Kansas City Chiefs – Going Back to School…and Getting all F’s When does achieving all F’s on your report card put you on the honor roll? This inspiring presentation takes a ‘total person’ approach to success. You could be magna cum laude and have all F’s instead of all A’s!

Are We Having YET?

By Jody Urquhart Some people say, “I’ll play when I feel better.”

As parks and recreation professionals we know that you feel better when you play!”

The power of our work in parks and recreation is that we help maintain our parks and create meaningful recreation programs that help and encourage our communities to play. As we work in an industry where we get “paid to play”- The importance of play can never be underestimated.

Play is valuable because it brings about whole brain thinking. Using the logical left brain and creative right brain together enables you to see the big picture. In the book IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE the authors state, “Success is a function of one’s ability to innovate, which in turn is a function not of one’s capacity for focused, analytical logic - but freewheeling flights of fancy.” This is the kind of thinking people indulge in when they think humorously.

Roger Von Oech, author of the book A WHACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD has this view: “If necessity is the mother of invention, play is the father. It’s when you’re not taking yourself seriously that your defenses are down, your mental locks are loosened, and there is little concern with the rules, or being wrong.”

Another perspective on the value of play comes from Dr. George Sheehan: “We need play to leaven what we do. Without play, work is labor; it is doing something for money. But if we have work that’s play then we have beaten the system.”

Healthy people tend to be the most productive and laughter contributes to good health - mental and physical. Laughter improves circulation, fills the lungs with oxygen-rich air, stabilizes blood pressure and causes beneficial changes in the chemistry of the body. Dr. William F. Fry has been studying laughter for more than 40 years. He says that 20 seconds of intense laughter, even if faked, can double the heart rate for three to five minutes, an accomplishment that would take three minutes of strenuous rowing exercise. Also, according to Dr. Fry, laughter stimulates the production of catecholamines, the alertness hormones.

Why we need to have more fun while working: - Studies on Employee satisfaction report staff want to work in a fun, lighthearted environment - Humor and Fun increase energy and enthusiasm for the job - Laughing ignites whole brain thinking that enhances creativity and productivity - Laughing instantly decreases stress - Happy employees create happy customers - Fun broadens your perspective - People with a good sense of humor are easier to get along with

As Parks and Recreation Professionals it is important to keep our own work environment fun. Here are some things to remember: • Humor should always feel good (happy, relaxed, and effective) • Humor should poke fun at stressful situations not people • Humor has very little to do with jokes (less than 12% of what we laugh at is joke like) and more to do with laughing at common stresses • Humor should not be used to insult or sarcastically get away with inappropriate comments Consider starting your meetings with humor.

As humor becomes more a part of your routine, the more it will be perceived as acceptable.

With humor in every meeting there would be a portion that everyone would look forward to.

Humor, as a natural part of communication, also helps.

The best way to use humor is to have the self confidence to laugh at yourself. Make sure people understand why you are encouraging humor, most people have only one way to deal with stressful situations and it is a negative response you are training them to see things in a positive way.

- Humor builds self confidence when you are able to laugh at yourself it makes you less afraid to communicate mistakes - Well placed humor softens criticism - Humor and Laughter defuse tension

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 17

My adventure to “Camp“ KRPA’S TOMORROW’S LEADERS CONFERENCE

By Alison Dudley, Recreation Center Programmer, City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation KRPA’s star, Bonnie Simon, is always sending out a variety of informational emails in regards to sessions with professional development opportunities, grants, surveys, informative lectures, golf tournaments, luncheons, and a plethora of other Recreation and Parks related activities. Bonnie, I don’t think people realize how much time you spend on KRPA items, but I’d like to give you a shout out and huge THANK YOU for all that you do.

When I saw Bonnie’s email about the Tomorrow’s Leaders Conference I got curious and began to do some recon on it. Once I saw the agenda – Ice breakers, ropes courses, and speakers - Oh My! I was all in and couldn’t stop pestering my supervisor if I could go. Thankfully he gave in and said yes! I began talking with fellow programmer’s about who else is going from our department, and the boys weren’t nearly as excited about the ice breaker sessions as I was. The suspense and excitement built as the first day of “camp” approached. Concerned about not being in the best of shape for the ropes course I began doing additional work outs to prepare. A

18 • KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

few Tomorrow’s Leaders Conference alum’s in our department noticed my excitement and attempted to rain on my parade by talking about the presentation portion of the conference and to be prepared for how intense and brutal it was going to be. I soon began to stress, but my positive outlook on this conference wasn’t going to be crushed.

Day 1: I coordinated in advanced with one of the other lucky ducks who was attending conference form my department, Mr. Robert Wilson, aka Bobbie … or Bob. We planned to arrive at the Tall Oaks Conference Center not right as registration opened, but to be fashionably late. I began taking us on the scenic route towards Linwood, confident in my ability to read the map and printed out directions list I had on hand. Long story short- EPIC FAIL, I have no sense of direction even with printed out directions. Bob finished leading the way to

our adventure and we made it to the check in with plenty of time, and we were still fashionably late as planned.

As we pulled in I saw a few familiar faces, Ryan Crowley of Spring Hill Recreation Commission and another Danny Huntsinger of Lenexa. I was off to a good start.

Walking in we saw some of the “Big Dogs” aka other department directors and KRPA board members, this is always a bit intimidating but also comforting knowing that they took time out of their day to come see us. Bob and I finished checking in and then split our separate ways to go find our rooms. As I went into my room I was graced by the presence of a girl I’ll never forget, previously we had tag teamed the mock interviews a few years earlier at another KRPA conference, the one and only Ms. Meghan McFee of Garden City Recreation Commission.

After check in everyone gathered at the tables in the meeting space off the side of the lobby, the tables were sprinkled with a variety of candy… the chocolate items went quick. During announcements I noticed there

were a lot of folks that had some unique accents that made me wonder, where are they from and why are they in Kansas?

I soon found out that half of our group attending was from Oklahoma City; mind blown- what on earth were they doing in Kansas? We soon got over it and just rolled with it, they all turned out to be very nice people, even Frank the Tank!

Our first speaker, Dennis Tyner of Ottawa University, how to increase your odds of a successful future really set the tone of the conference with his opening question to the group, “what makes a leader?” A few folks chimed in but it wasn’t what he was looking for. Puzzled the room got silent, only a few brave souls mumbled answers (hoping Tyner wouldn’t hear them- I was one of them). Some of the key points he made were things we’ve all heard before, but he went deeper. Tyner was truly passionate about what he was preaching to the group which then spread through the crowd like a contagious smile.

No matter what type of person you are, you will be noticed whether you’re good or bad.

Adapt to survive and may the odds be ever in your favor.

After our first speaker we meandered over to the lunch hall for our home cooked meal. The spread was pretty filling and satisfying. Some of us gorged ourselves while others were cautious of what they ate, nervous about the upcoming ropes course. Following lunch we herded ourselves down a gravel road towards our doom (mosquitos, ropes courses, and ice breakers). The Tall Oaks staff went through introductions and tried talking over the few chatty individuals in our group, no matter what, any parks and recreation event I’ve gone to, it is almost impossible to get everyone to stop talking to listen to the

directions. The first icebreaker we did was something I hadn’t seen before. Then it got interesting with the next icebreaker where we ended up in Conga lines? It was hard to resist and not do a foot kick and sing some cha-cha song. The second ice breaker broke some folks out of their comfort zone and started to show some of the more outgoing personalities in the group as they shouted out one of the commands.

We broke off into our assigned groups for the ropes course and began heading to our first challenge as a group. Luckily I had a super awesome group! Everyone

was creative and wanted to be involved, however as the challenges went on you could tell who was mentally and physically exhausted, and then the stubborn sides of us came out. I did want to apologize to my group for volunteering us for the extra challenge at the end instead of going back early to rest up; and thank you Mike Dizney of Johnson County for having pity and being my partner for the last gruesome challenge of the day (we dominated it by the way in case anyone was wondering).

Thank you Marlene of Oklahoma City for staying positive and cheery throughout the experience, you were like a pink shining star and very fun to be around. There were also three particular gentlemen on

our ropes course team that made things really happen; Alex Goossen, Mike Dizney, and Matt Lamb of Manhattan Parks and Recreation. During our challenges, their creative out of the box thinking helped us dominate through the stations. After the ropes course we were all in agreeance that the Tall Oaks staff have the best patience, as leaders that is a must. We gained a lot of new respect for the Tall Oaks staff after that activity.

In the evening some of us ventured back to our cabins to get some R&R for the next day while the others kept ourselves preoccupied with other activities. I won’t go into details about our extracurricular activities but just list some of them: bonfires, baseball games, rapping, racing coyotes, card games, sharing stories, attempting to be a DJ, and then at the end of the night we all came together as group to divide and conquer.

Day 2: Up and rolling nice and early the next day we started off with an awesome breakfast in the dining hall with light conversation about what’s to come for the next activities. Our next speaker Laura Howard, the Director of KU Public Management Center was a champ with the back to back presentations on budgeting followed up by how to deal with elected officials and boards in the work place. Granted, like I said earlier it’s almost impossible to get a room full of park and recreation employees to stay quiet for too long, even during a speaker, thankfully for those folks Laura got us involved with group conversation and we were able to discuss prior experiences on the topics. This was more educational for some of us who had never dealt with a Recreation Commission but instead only with a department. continued on page 19…

KRPA Today - www.krpa.org • 19

After sitting still for two sessions we got an extra-long break before lunch to enjoy recreational activities around the grounds and also to talk amongst each other about the different programming, policies, current issues and to share ideas. After talking with Steve from Oklahoma City, he informed us that they actually have security guards at their sites because the crime rate is so high.

Hearing that really made me thankful that any of the problems we’ve had in Lawrence are nothing in comparison to theirs.

Networking and sharing experiences with the other parks and recreation professionals truly was one of the best aspects of this conference; everywhere you go someone has a different set of problems, but we’re all here to do the same thing, provide services to our communities.

Lunch again was amazing of course; the staff at Tall Oaks really knows what they’re doing in the kitchen. The pink stuff they had out on the salad bar was awesome!

However we then learned of the tree nut allergy that poor Manni had, (Manuel

Carmona of Johnson County). This information then led up to many bad jokes about Manni’s nut allergy, but thankfully he was a good sport and joined in on the fun.

Even though we were all a little tough on each other, we all made sure we were never laughing at someone, but always laughing with them. During the obstacle course after lunch, we learned that our group was by far the most peppy and supportive of each other with us being voted most spirited team! Even though we had the slowest time, we had a super positive experience.

As the other groups went through the course we also learned the multiple ways to accomplish some of the stations, and each group improved by learning from the previous group. After speaking with many other campers, everyone agreed that so far the obstacle course and ropes course were the best parts of the conference so far.

After wearing ourselves out, being super competitive on the obstacle course, we started back in with another presenter who really opened our eyes when it came

to learning styles and personalities.

Jana Dawson, Director Corporate Communications of Westar, gave by the far the most interesting and accurate presentation I’ve ever attended. She started out by having us complete a questionnaire so we could use the results to place ourselves into a category in regards to our learning styles. I ended up being an “upper left”; as Jana explained the personality traits of each quadrant a lot of us were shocked as if she was a fortune teller we’ve never met but she knew everything about us, super eerie! As she continued on about the different learning styles and how they don’t always jive up she then offered solutions to those who have issues with conflicting learning styles. After stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, everything made sense now. I even took an extra copy of the packet to use back in Lawrence!

Jana got a huge round of applause for her presentation; it was awesome and kept everyone engaged!

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Roger Steinbrock, the Marketing man of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department followed up with another hands on and crowd engaging activity. The Adjective Project; we go around the room and list words to that we use to describe us, how the public views us, and so forth. This project got many of folks in the crowd talking amongst themselves about the subject at hand. It was a rude awakening for some of us to see the reality of it, others already knew but the positive descriptive words we tried to focus on.

After dinner we gathered to get our team presentation assignments. I’m pretty sure everyone was dreading this, I know I was. This was the part all the alums were talking about how we’ll get grilled and it’s not a fun experience. After meeting with our team I noticed all the different types of quadrants we had in our group, one from each quadrant; it was interesting to say the least.

Thank goodness for Meghan (Garden City Recreation) for keeping it a positive experience and stepping up to lead the group. Alex Goosen (Meade State Park) really knew what he was talking about when it came to the maintenance portion of our presentation. After the group discussion everyone had awesome ideas and input, but we had to finally put it all together.

That evening groups were still preparing for the presentations. Finally after all the chaos of the presentations settled we were able to partake in some social activities to let loose and network. We participated in similar activities as the previous evening, minus the coyotes joining in this time, thank goodness.

Day 3: The next day during presentations got intense, there were different twists and turns and everything they warned me about before camp came true. At the end it didn’t turn out as nearly bad as I expected, even though I studied extra and was more or less freaking out – instead of getting my two cents in, I got maybe half a cent in…. another epic fail. Overall everyone agreed that this was a good experience for all of us. I’d like to send a big thank you on behalf of all of us at conference to the professionals, “Big Dogs”, who were grilling us and took the time out of their day to come help us grow from this experience. Another thank you to everyone who came to learn and grow from this experience and being you, with all the different quadrant personalities this conference experience wouldn’t have been nearly as memorable as it was. I was able to gain some real world experience and firsthand experience that will prepare me for this journey I’m on in the field of recreation. Stay positive, be proactive versus reactive, build your employees up versus tearing them down, don’t sweat the small stuff, be able to see the bigger picture and the purpose, and always remember why we’re in this field – to provide enjoyable opportunities for all to lead a healthy lifestyle through recreation.

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C O M M E R C I A L

H I G H L I G H T

Shade

By: Richard D. Hamilton, CPSI

SPOTS

We have survived the heat of another Kansas summer. For some, however, survival may come into question years or even decades from now.

During a sunny hot day there are few things more pleasing than the comfortable protection in the shadow of a beautiful old tree where the sensed ambient temperature can be 20 degrees cooler. As children we enjoy the intricate play systems which have been provided by many municipalities. We enjoy cool pool water which has not been overheated by the sun, as often occurs in shallow kiddy pools. As we mature we continue socializing in the ambiance of a pool or keeping a watchful eye on our children or grand children as they enjoy the water or playing ball. Unfortunately, a large shade tree is seldom available at playgrounds, ball field bleachers and pools.

The comfort we seek is the immediate gratification of shade. But, just 8.4 light

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minutes from Earth is a raging inferno on the surface of a mass of materials which represent 98% of our total solar system.

We can see Sun Spots where every second 700 million tons of hydrogen is converted to helium ash. This process produces a constant radiating heat of 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Earth as we know it could not exist without this constant source of energy.

However, there is a darker side to this source of light and heat. The American Academy of Dermatology and American Cancer Society researchers agree that one sunburn as a child can result in skin cancer thirty or more years later and five or more sunburns in youth can double the risk of developing skin cancer. In 1930, 1 in 5,000 Americans were likely to develop melanoma during their lifetime. By 2004 those odds had increased to 1 in 65. Today, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. This is a rate of 1,250,000 million cases diagnosed each year and of those 50,000 cases will be melanoma, the most aggressive and deadly form of skin

cancer. Another startling statistic is that one person dies of melanoma each hour.

The Handbook for Public Playground Safety, Publication # 325, recommends that utilizing existing shade, designing play structures as a means of providing more shade, or creating more manmade structural shade are all potential ways to protect children’s skin from the sun. Natural shade can require a lifetime to produce and is accompanied by issues such as cleaning up debris, liability, and trimming limbs.

Manmade structures can take the form of permanent structures which are expensive and often hold heat rather than vent it.

Frame and canopy structures are much less expensive, require minimal maintenance and with the proper canopy material, are capable of venting heat up and out. These structures will maintain the same perceived cooling effect of up to a 20 degree differential just like mature tree. Shade structures can also make a significant architectural statement.

Although the shade structure market is very diverse there are only two basic designs.

The first is a canopy supported by frame.

These are almost unlimited in design from simple single column structures with canopies stretched on rafters supported only on one end, to complex octagon structures with eight columns and no center support. Regardless of complexity, these designs are almost always symmetrical, with canopies tightly tensioned by plastic coated stainless steel cables or other no stretch low abrasion rope embedded into seams along each outside edge. There are designs available in higher grade systems which can provide square mega span designs which can shade up to 60’ X 60’ with only 4 columns and no center support. Heights are available from 7’ up, the minimum requirement for distance from a standing surface. But, it is important to remember that the higher the shade is from the surface the smaller the pattern of usable shade.

The second basic design employs canopies suspended from the columns without joining frames, with support coming only from tensioned plastic coated stainless steel cables embedded in seams at the edges of each canopy and terminated in factory installed stainless steel plates designed with an easy attachment system to the vertical columns. This type of structure is best for asymmetric designs. The asymmetric design extends to each corner of each canopy being at various heights to allow precipitation runoff as well as providing visual variety. Any design envisioned from a combination of triangles, quadrangles or a combination of both, can be created with this methodology. The only limit in these designs is your imagination. These “sail” designs can be marginally more expensive per square foot of shade because of the increased column size required for adequate support, but often the effect is more than worth the price.

Columns in both cases should be available in round or square steel. Either can also be fitted before baked on powder coating with optional conduit and electrical boxes which will allow for later addition of LED (low heat) ambient lighting and/or speakers systems. Columns in both cases also can be terminated with in-ground or pier footings, each of which provide adequate support but each with their own advantages. The installation of large, very heavy reinforced concrete footings is essential to provide stability against 90 mph winds with the canopy in place or 150 mph winds with

canopy removed. Smaller structures with portable footings or which can be terminated in existing floors are available but usually are stable against 25 mph or less winds, a problematic limitation in much of Kansas.

The diversity of the shade structures market is represented by numerous manufacturers.

Each manufacturer builds using their own technology ranging from patented easy attachment systems to primitive combinations of clamps and shackles which can be very maintenance intensive.

They also each build to their own quality standards. Unfortunately those quality standards are often compromised in an effort to create lowest first cost.

Lowest first cost is the path of least resistance in selecting a product. However, first cost does not always equal best life cycle value. Best life cycle value can usually be obtained by establishing strict, but realistic standards and specifications when requesting quotes, bids or proposals. Then enforce those standards when selecting a product. The result will be a positive price without compromising quality. You should consider all of the following minimum standards as you request proposals and make a product selection to meet the shade needs of your organization and your constituents: A. Warranty – Limited 20 year nonprorated warranty on all steel upright columns and support structure against failure due to rust through corrosion.

Limited 10 year non-prorated warranty on all fabrics and stitching thread against degradation, cracking or material breakdown resulting from ultra-violet exposure. Stability against 90 mph winds with canopy in place and 150 mph winds with canopy removed.

B. Canopy- fabric knitted of monofilament and tape construction high density polyethylene weighing an average 1.12 ounces per square foot or more, with Ultra Violet (U.V.) stabilizers and flame retardant providing UV-Block of 90%-99% and shade factor greater than 75%. Cables of non-stretchable material are individually measured, cut and pre-terminated to exactly the length individually required along each side of each canopy to maintain a tightly tensioned fit without adjustment during the life of the canopy. Any cable system requiring adjustment to working length in the field or during the life cycle should never be accepted.

C. Easy attachment systems provided to anchor and tension the canopies to the steel structure. These should be operable with hand tools. Any open slots in these systems must be on the underside to prevent accumulation of moisture. Easy attachment systems are especially important at installations in climates subject to snow and ice. The weight of snow and ice will stretch all polyethylene fabrics leading to wear and shortened life. This can only be avoided by removing for storage during the winter season. Easy attachment systems minimize this maintenance effort resulting in savings every year of the systems life.

D. Physical inspection of the quality of an example system which has been installed through at least three summer seasons.

If there are no installations close enough to visit, the option would be a series of photo images from a trusted agent. Public relations or advertising photos from your supplier are not an option unless they can be independently verified. Additionally, any supplier should be able to give you contact information for a person or agency who purchased one of the considered systems 3-10 years ago. Should you have more than one bid in final consideration, visually inspect each example system rather than deciding based solely on price. Always document, even with pictures, why quality made price secondary.

These standards will place you on the correct path to fulfilling the provisioning of Shade Spots for your clients. The bottom line is improving their comfort, their opportunity for long term good health and all with the best long term stewardship of your scarce resources.

The author, Richard D. Hamilton, CPSI is V.P. Operations/Partner of Out & About, LLC, a Kansas WBE established in2003 in Lenexa, Kansas. Richard is a member of KRPA and the Manufacturer’s Representative in this region for Shade Systems, Inc. of Ocala, Florida. He is available for consultation visits and proposal submissions at outandaboutllc@swbell.net or by calling (913) 962-7633. Shade Systems is the premier manufacturer of heavy-duty outdoor shade structures designed to help protect people and property from the harmful effects of the sun’s dangerous UV (Ultra-Violet) rays.

Out & About, LLC can also propose aluminum seating, bleachers and tables manufactured in Kansas as well as UV protectant sealed rubber mulch manufactured from recycled Kansas sourced tires. He would look forward to visiting with you at your convenience.

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Today

KRPA

KANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

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