NYSRPS The Voice Winter/Spring 2016

Voice WINTER/SPRING 2016

The

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW YORK STATE RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETY

Successful Teen Programming in Central New York

OCFS Healthy Kids

Wellness Parks for Seniors

USTA Eastern Provides Opportunities

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New York State Recreation & Park Society

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Our Mission: The New York State Recreation & Park Society (NYSRPS) is the principal organization advancing the value of parks, recreation, and leisure services through professional development of its members and citizen engagement.

NYSRPS has served the leisure service industry for more than 75 years as an independent, nonprofit, public interest, professional membership association dedicated to the following: • To function in such a manner as will further the interests of the leisure service movement, its professionals and leaders in voluntary, public, private, and commercial agencies.

• To promote principles and standards for the improvement of leisure services and to encourage studies and research in professional relations.

• To affiliate for our mutual benefit and cooperation on local, state, and national levels, and with those organizations in similar or related fields.

• To educate the public in regard to the principles and goals of the leisure service industry.

• To assist in the advancement of the leisure services, recreation and parks, and environmental conservation fields.

• To study legislation pertaining to the leisure services and further that legislation which is in the public’s best interest.

• To provide opportunities for professional growth of individuals employed in the leisure service industry.

• To develop a public awareness of the necessity of recreation as a vital part of life.

• To stimulate a widening interest in leisure services in local communities and statewide through conservation and development of leisure resources.

Executive Office Staff Executive Director: Lisa Morahan Director of Communications: Meaghan J. Wilkins Bookkeeper: Meg Porto Deadlines for articles, photos and advertising: Summer/Fall: May 1, 2016 Winter/Spring: October 30, 2016 All members of NYSRPS receive The Voice, reduced registration rates to the NYSRPS Annual Conference and One Day Seminars, as well as discounts on the Continuing Education Unit Program. NYSRPS areas of involvement and service include Legislation, Workshops and Seminars, Conferences, Membership Publications, Continuing Education Units, Discount Ticket Program, and the Youth Sports Association. The information and articles contained within this publication are for your consideration and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NYSRPS.

CONTENTS President’s Message....................................................................3 Executive Board, District and Area Affiliate Presidents and Committee Chairs.................................................................4 Executive Director’s Message......................................................5 NYSRPS Regions, Districts & Affiliates.........................................6 NYSRPS Downstate Conference................................................7 Membership Renewal...................................................................8

NYSRPS Spotlights......................................................................9 Syracuse University Research Program.......................................... 10 Legislative Updates...................................................................... 11

NYS Parks Corner...................................................................... 12 Our Youth, Our Hope (OCFS)..................................................... 13 Successful Teen Programming in Central NY........................... 14-15 2016 Conference Schedule and Sessions.................... 16-19 Awards and Recognition 2016.............................................. 20-24 USTA Eastern Provides Opportunities.................................. 26-27 Wellness Parks for Seniors..................................................... 28-29 Commercial Membership Guide........................................... 30-31

NYSRPS reserves the right to approve all material in The Voice.

All requests for articles, photos, and advertising should be made to the Director of Communications at 518.584.0321, ext. 12 or to meaghan@nysrps.org The Voice is printed bi-annually. This is issue 1 of 2016.

This issue of The Voice was designed and produced by Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc., Minneapolis

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New York State Recreation and Park Society, Inc. Saratoga Spa State Park • 19 Roosevelt Dr., Suite 200 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.nysrps.org (518) 584-0321

President’s Message

It seems as if it was just yesterday that I sat down to compose my initial President’s Message after taking office.

It seems as if it was just yesterday that I sat down to compose my initial President’s Message after taking office. But, as I jot these thoughts down in early January, my term as President is already more than halfway through. Time does seem to fly when you are engaged in something you enjoy, and being a part of the Executive Board of NYSRPS has been an extremely enjoyable experience.

As my term as President winds down, I look forward to remaining on the Board in the position of Past President.

We have sometimes had a difficult time in finding qualified and willing candidates for the office of President, due to the three year time commitment it involves; you serve one year as President Elect, one year as President, and a final year as Past President. But in my mind, the benefits of the three year term far outweigh the negatives.

As President Elect, one has the opportunity to become familiar with the workings of the Executive Board and the Professional Staff, to learn the issues and challenges we are facing, and to begin to develop a series of goals and objectives for your term as President. This ‘warm up’ year allows you to really get a handle on how things are done, and to watch and learn as the sitting President moves their goals and objectives forward.

As President, you have the chance to pursue items which are important to you, as well as continuing those worthwhile goals which may have gone unfinished during the previous individual’s term.

Finally, as Past President, you can continue to shepherd your goals along, while assisting the new President in implementing their goals, and generally advising the Board on what you have observed and thought about over the past years.

All in all, a good system, one which works extremely well when you have committed individuals working together. We have had a great run over the past few years; during his term, Marty Denecke brought Gregg Goodman into the day to day workings of the Board; Gregg, in turn, got Tom Venniro involved early on in his term; Tom graciously ran so much of what he was working on past me. And I am endeavoring to continue this tradition, by having President Elect Jeff Myers

give me advice, and discuss my goals and objectives on a regular basis. In addition to his own goals, Jeff will incorporate some of our ongoing initiatives into his agenda.

NYSRPS will continue to work on providing a stable financial future for our society, and to increase funding for our Friends Foundation. We will investigate collaborations and opportunities to partner with appropriate organizations, when such partnerships make sense for both parties. Licensure of Recreation Therapists will be pursued as an important step forward for the entire Recreation Profession. Our Strategic Plan, which now has active committees working on implementing the Plan will keep moving forward. Our Annual Conference, and other opportunities for educational programs will continue to be a key component of our Society, and we will continue to develop and nurture our relationships with our Districts, Affiliates, and with NRPA. All of these, important topics, many of which have been included in the goals and objectives of multiple Past Presidents. And that’s a good sign, it signals that there is continuity in the operation of our Society. Because, you see, as an old song goes, “people come, and people go”, but the institution remains. Whether or not it remains solid and stable is up to us. In my opinion, NYSRPS is in a great position to move into the future, because the quality of the people who choose to get involved is outstanding.

It has been a true privilege, and a joy, to have served a second term as President of NYSRPS. I have tried to fulfill the responsibilities of the position in a positive and professional manner. Thankfully, I have been blessed with a terrific Executive Board, all of whom have contributed good thoughts, ideas and actions to our work this year. And to top it off, they’ve laughed at almost all of my bad jokes and corny puns; what more could I have asked for?

Paul Blake NYSRPS Board President

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 3

NYSRPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS / COMMITTEE CHAIRS EXECUTIVE BOARD President Paul Blake, American Pool Consultants 2433 Marshall Drive.

East Meadow, NY 11554 Phone: 516-731-5516 Email: PaulBPool@aol.com Term Expires 2016 President-Elect Jeff Myers, Perinton Recreation and Parks 1350 Turk Hill Rd. Fairport, NY 14450 585-223-5050 jmyers@perinton.,org Term Expires 2016 Past President Tom Venniro, Town of Hilton-Parma Recreation 59 Henry St. Hilton, NY 14468 Phone: 585-392-9030 Email: tvenniro@parmany.org Term Expires 2016 Vice President of Programs & Services Bryon Bissonette bissonette4832@charter.net Term Expires 2016 Vice President of Professional Development Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Recreation Department 301 Brooklea Drive Fayetteville, NY 13066 Phone: 315-637-5188 Email: kzingaro@townofmanlius.org Term expires 2017

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Region I Representative Arne Abramowicz 82-56 214 Street Queens Village, NY 11427 347-635-0640 Email: arne.abramowicz@gmail.com Term expires 2017 Region I Representative Anthony Martino 301 E. Main Street Bay Shore NY 11706 Brain Injury Unit 631-968-3735 Email: amartino@NSHS.edu Term Expires 2018 Region II Representative Vacant Region II Representative Carol Quinlivan City of Binghamton Parks and Recreation 38 Hawley Street Binghamton, NY 13901 Phone: 607-772-7017 Email: caquinlivan@cityofbinghamton.com Term Expires 2016 Region III Representative Josh Haeick Village of Hamburg Parks and Recreation 200 Prospect Ave. Hamburg, NY 14075 Phone: 716-649-6170 Email: jhaeick@villagehamburg.com Term Expires 2017

Treasurer Nathan Nagle, Director of Recreation Village of Horsehead 202 S. Main St. Horsehead NY 14845 Phone: 607-739-5691 Email: nnagle@horsehead.org Term expires 2016

Region III Representative Linanne Conroy Penfield Parks and Recreation 1985 Baird Road Penfield, NY 14526 Phone: 585-340-8655 Email: conroy@penfield.org Term Expires 2016

Secretary Julie LaFave, Sullivan Parks and Recreation 707 Legion Drive Chittenango, NY 13037 Phone: 315-687-3471 Email: jlafave@townofsullivan.org Term expires 2017

Honorary Representative Debra Keville Director, Regional Programs & Services New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Albany, NY 12238 Phone: 518-474-8081 Email: debra.keville@parks.ny.gov

COMMITEE CHAIRS Annual Conference Committee: Gail Lamberta, St. Josephs College Ed Fronckwicz, Garden City Recognition and Awards Committee: Charry Lawson, Onondaga Parks and Recreation Constitution and Bylaws Committee: Gregg Goodman, Gates Recreation and Parks Department Vice President of Programs & Services: Bryon Bissonette, Plattsburgh , NY Vice President of Professional Development: Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Recreation Department Nominations Committee: Tom Venniro, Hilton Parma Parks & Recreation Personnel Committee: Tom Venniro, Paul Blake, Jeff Myers Professional Ethics Committee: Charry Lawson, Onondaga Parks and Recreation Past Presidents Committee: Tom Venniro, Hilton-Parma Parks and Recreation Strategic Planning Committee: • Public Policy Development: Eric Bacon, Jeffrey Myers • Membership Development: Joanne Coast • Professional Development: Kristine Zingaro • Public Awareness: Tom Venniro • Resource Development: Julie LaFave

2016 Board Meeting Calendar February 25, 2016 April 18, 2016 (Annual Meeting) May 19th, 2016 All are encouraged to attend!

Approved minutes posted on www.nysrps.org.

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Executive Director’s Message

Happy New Year, NYSRPS! Celebrating the new year is a wonderful time for reflection.

I reflect upon my youth when new years meant an exciting time to stay up late and ring bells at midnight through the street (without getting in trouble). My twenties and thirties seemed to be a time I reflected and regretted what I did not do the prior year and what I should have done better. Now in my 45th year I am finding myself still celebrating at midnight (with my 8 yr old boy), looking back not with regret but greater understanding of lessons learned and looking ahead with hopeful anticipation.

For NYSRPS 2015 was a year of cultivation – weeding, seeding programs and positioning people in place that I am most excited we may begin to reap the bounty of our harvest in 2016. The Strategic Plan, carefully crafted over four years has now secured committees and will be put into action.

A hearty thank you to our Strategic Plan’s chairs who have made a commitment to NYSRPS to lead the charge: Joanne Coast for membership development, Thomas Venniro for public awareness, Eric Bacon and Jeffrey Myers for Public Policy Development, and Kristine Zingaro & Julie LaFave for Professional /Resource Development. I am as pleased to report a brand new Ambassador Program that was recently launched the end of 2015. The purpose of which is to employ the use of our dedicated members ‘boots on the ground’ across New York to reach, recruit, and retain park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals to grow NYSRPS. Professional ties with our affiliated organizations have also

experienced a time of growth. NYSRPS board voted to support the legislative efforts for licensure by our therapeutic sector and will continue to help them in their quest during 2016. Another successful Downstate Conference with METRO, WRAPS, LILSA, HVLSA and NYSTRA was enjoyed and earned approximately $9,000, yielding each approximately $1,500 from this terrific one-day conference. I look forward to working cooperatively in 2016 with both our districts and affiliate organizations alike. It is my great hope to provide support in all ways possible to strengthen all our professionals across New York, regardless of how we are associated. I am a firm believer the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and will work hard each day to help all our park and recreation professionals through NYSRPS’ programs and services.

In closing I would like to especially thank Gail Lamberta and Ed Fronckwicz for all their hard work in leading this year’s NYSRPS 76th Annual Conference and Expo. In the pages ahead you will see the very strong program they have collectively put together with the conference’s 20+ committee – special thanks to Jack Fass and Elena Geonie. Hats off to LILSA for their efforts and truly assembling a 3-day conference that embodies our hope to unify our strengths. Looking forward to seeing you all in April in Hauppaugue, NY as we “Come Together, Right Now!” Lisa Morahan NYSRPS Executive Director

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The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 5

NYSRPS REGIONS, DISTRICTS AND AFFILIATES

NYSRPS Regions, Districts and Affiliates New York State is divided into 3 regions (per bylaws) with the intent to provide full representation of park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals across NY State on the NYSRPS Board. two representatives from each region is asked to serve from each region, each for three-year terms. Regional representatives’ terms are staggered in an effort to ensure each region is represented at all times.

Regions: Region 1 – Hudson Valley, Long Island, Metro, and Westchester Region 2 – Central NY, Capital Region, Adirondack-Lake Champlain Region 3 – Genesee Valley & Niagara Frontier

Districts and the counties they service: Central New York – Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga, Tompkins Genesee Valley – Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates Capital Region – Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneonta, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, Washington

Affiliates: The following fellow associations also represent park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals and work collaboratively with NYSRPS on programs and events: Metropolitan Recreation and Park Society, Westchester Recreation and Park Society, Long Island Leisure Services Association, Hudson Valley Leisure Service Association, and Niagara Frontier.

GVRPS Annual Conference & Awards Luncheon Ogden Community Center - November 2015 Front Row: Alix Davidson, Town of Pittsford; Megan Patridge, Town of Pittsford; Christine Winter, Town of Victor; Stacie Paris, Town of Gates; Jeff Ackerman, Town of Perinton; Bill Reilich, Town of Greece; Pete O’Brien, Town of Greece; Kim Vogler, Town of Gates. Second Row: Janelle Drach, City of Geneva; Kelly Bartell, Town of Parma; Ryan Rockefeller, Town of Parma; Tom Venniro, Town of Parma; Jesse Hollenbeck, Town of Pittsford; Matt Steffen, Town of Perinton; Anke Applebaum, Town of Hamlin; Diana Weber, Town of Perinton; Carl Diliberto, City of Rochester. Back Row: Nelson Carman, Jr. Volunteer Town of Penfield; Jeff Dunham, Volunteer City of Geneva

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NYSRPS DOWNSTATE CONFERENCE The 21st Annual Downstate Conference Celebrated November 17, 2015 a Terrific Success!

On Tuesday November 17, approximately 250 park, recreation and therapeutic professionals (including commercial representatives) gathered for the annual downstate day of professional development and networking. This group effort was thanks to several affiliated organizations in New York State: LILSA, METRO, WRAPS, HVLSA, NYSTRA and NYSRPS. Twenty-eight vendors supported the event and we are so grateful for their participation, without which the event could not be possible. Each affiliate enjoyed earning approximately $1,500 for their respective organizations. A very special thank you to our many speakers who truly created a most informative program.

Thank you Latina Ferrer, conference chair from NYSTRA for leading this wonderful event and we look forward to the 22nd Annual Downstate Conference to be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016.

Please be sure to support the following businesses that support the park, recreation and therapeutic recreation community.

• Action Enterprises, Inc • Amilia • Club Getaway • CommunityPass • Copeland Coating Company, Inc. • DESCHAMPS MATS SYSTEM • EDS Presentations • Flaghouse • Go Ape Treetop Adventures • LILSA • Musco Sports Lighting • NYS Recreation Therapy Licensure Committee • Playground Medic • Sound on the Run • US Games/BSN Sports • US Sports Institute

• American Recreational Products • Animal Embassy • Commercial Clearwater Company, Inc. • Core Elements Gym • EASI-SET Bldgs Oldcastle Precast • Funtime Amusements Inc • KOMPAN Playgrounds • Liturgical Publications Inc. • NDS Inc • NYSRPS • Play Power Little Tikes Commercial • RSC Westchester • Special Citizens Futures Unlimited, Inc. • Velvetop Products

Downstate Committee Representatives Left to right: Lisa Goldberg, George Amitrano, Kyle Peterson, Kevin Cook, Steve Olsen, Kim O’Brien and Lisa Morahan

Downstate Conference Attendees Left to right: Ike Kuzio (City of Rye), Brian Gray (Town of Yorktown), Kevin Cook (Westchester County), Matt Arone (Village of Dobbs Ferry), Todd Orlowski (Town of Yorktown), Jim Martorano (Town of Mt Pleasant)

Save the date for the 22nd Annual Downstate Conference, Tuesday, November 15, 2016.

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 7

5

Membership Matters!

New York State Recreation & Park Society

NYSRPS MEMBERSHIP PROFILE

Renewal time is here!

Who makes up NYSRPS? The New York State Recreation and Park Society is the leading membership organization for park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals across New York State.

Below is a depiction of our membership categories.

Active Retire

13

3%

Large Agency Head

6

1%

Large Agency Staff

65

13%

Lifetime

39 8%

New Friend

1

0%

Part Time

4

1%

Professional

105 20%

Small Agency Head

53

10%

Small Agency Staff

202

39%

Students

7 1%

Large Student Chapter Faculty

8

2%

Large Student Chapter Students

16

3%

NYSRPS offers membership for two billing cycles (January through December and August through July). All members have been transitioned and those on a January-December billing cycle have been recently invoiced.

Please RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP today if you have not done so.

Commercial 83 Total NYSRPS Members

602

NYSRPS seeks to grow by 10% annually as part of our Strategic Plan.

If you currently are a professional member and work at an agency that may consider joining as an agency- please encourage them to do so. A small agency covers a total of 5 people and large agency 10. Increasing to either of these would greatly help grow our membership roster and certainly help us reach that goal.

And this is what NYSRPS is saying...

According to 2015 surveys*…

• Over half our agencies have baseball fields, community centers, senior centers, playgrounds, soccer fields and tennis courts • The vast majority (71%) have less than 10,000 acres to maintain •Senior programs, afterschool /summer camps, fitness & wellness and sports top the programs offered.

• 58% are also NRPA members • Benefits enjoyed the most are communications, newsletter and conferences offered.

• NYSRPS rated a 4 out of a possible 5 for overall member satisfaction *Results based on 77 survey respondents

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RENEW/JOIN ONLINE! All renewals are done online by visiting www.nysrps.org and simply visiting the Membership Rates and Networks tab.

You may select “PAY BY CREDIT CARD” or “PAY BY CHECK” if you intend to send in a check or PO. All updates to your roster may be made during your renewal registration.

Thank you so very much for your support!

NYSRPS members receive the following benefit opportunities: • Annual Conference and Business Expo • Conferences and Education • Continuing Education Credits • Networking • Awards and Recognition • Legislative Advocacy • Employment • Publications • Resource Center • Products and Services

NYSRPS SPOTLIGHTS: JULIE LA FAVE / KATELYN SWANTAK

Meet Julie La Fave Director of Sullivan Parks and Recreation NYSRPS’ 2015-16 Outstanding Service Award Recipient I was lucky enough to fall in love with Recreation early in my college career at Central Michigan University (Fire up Chips!). Once I chose that career path, my drive and determination kicked in and I made it a personal goal to explore both the field and the country in my 20s before I had to settle down and concentrate on “adult” things like parenting, pensions, retirement savings, etc. For one summer, I moved to Alaska to work with charter fishing boats as they prepared for and cleaned up after daily trips. From there my college internship took me to Idaho where I worked the whole gamut of outdoor recreation activities on an Air Force base. Immediately upon graduation, I moved around and worked in the Recreation field in Colorado and North Dakota before landing in New York.

Since coming to New York, my career has been solely focused in Community Recreation with 2 municipalities – Cicero and Sullivan.

I’ve also found a love of fundraising and organizing special events

with two charities. With the most talented people around, we organize outstanding fundraising events like the Gus Macker basketball tournament, spaghetti dinners, gift wrapping, New Year’s Eve parties at a historical mansion… and anything else we can dream up.

Outside of working and volunteering, I am the proud mother to an extremely active and spunky four year old named Walden. On weekends we explore festivals, parks, playgrounds and anywhere else the road takes us. I can already see my love of “all things recreation” rubbing off on him! When it’s just me (rare!), I enjoy hiking/snowshoeing, sampling craft beers, watching football (Detroit Lions and Central Michigan!) and going on impromptu adventures. I seem to have issues sitting still (which might be where my son gets it from!).

I am looking forward to becoming more involved with NYSRPS as the new Secretary, while we work together to help this great profession grow and stay current with all the new trends popping up every day.

I truly believe we have the best job providing recreation and leisure services to all ages and abilities. I also know we are the reason people know it is possible to love what you do.

Meet Katelyn Swantak 2015-2016 Friends Foundation Scholarship Recipient The Friends Foundation is currently seeking nominations! Please visit www.nysrps.org for scholarship eligibility and application.

Katelyn credits the “enthusiastic professors” who are dedicated to helping their students learn. “Their enthusiasm towards the recreation industry has served as additional motivation for continuous learning.”

Katelyn Swantak, senior at SUNY Brockport, is the recipient of the 2015 Friends Foundation Scholarship. Growing up on a dairy farm in Davenport, NY she enrolled full time at SUNY in the fall of 2012.

There were three factors that initially steered her into a Recreation major : “1. I love working with people as a team to accomplish a goal.

2. I enjoy planning and executing events and activities. 3. I only feel accomplished when guests are pleased.”

This past summer Katelyn interned six days a week at the Lakeview Events Center in West Laurens, New York. Event planning and running for weekend events, social media and networking with local businesses were just a few of her duties. at this popular location Honored to be chosen as the 2015-2016 recipient of the Friends Foundation Scholarship, Katelyn has used her scholarship to pay for her summer internship class at Brockport.

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SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROGRAM

NYSRPS Chosen for Community Links Program by Syracuse University In mid November 2015, NYSRPS was approached by Syracuse University regarding an outreach program that provides students to do important research and analysis for an organization’s needs.

The idea is “From the Campus to the Community” by which a student intern is assigned for up to 100 hours of work, not for pay but academic credit in a specially designed University course.

William D. Coplin, Ph.D. Professor of Public Affairs and the Director of the Public Affairs Program of the Maxwell School in Syracuse University considered a proposal submitted by NYSRPS to measure the socio-economic benefit park and recreation departments have in communities across New York State and decided the project met the criteria which would “require the analysis of data through bar graphs and other quantitative displays,“ The proposal was indeed accepted and on January 22, Intern Shane 2016 the newly assigned intern Shane Patrick Salanger Patrick Salanger and NYSRPS Director Lisa Morahan met to review the survey questions, method of administering with timeline.

NRPA has released recent surveys similar in nature measuring the positive impact parks and recreation have upon local economies.

While these surveys are wonderful testimonies, they are national in nature and give statewide reporting. NYSRPS is hoping to take it one step further with the Maxwell School survey and on a region-by-region basis be able to quantifiably measure the socioeconomic benefits – direct, indirect and derived.

As always a survey is only as good as the participation it receives.

We are specifically sending this survey to departments that are likely to respond and that have the ability to answer with relative ease nine fairly simple questions using the year 2015 as the referenced year.

By using data from outside sources like the US Census & CDC coupled with the survey results, NYSRPS hopes to glean critical information that would substantiate public awareness, legislative advocacy, and grant/fund securing campaigns. Please be advised your department may be reached and your participation is critical.

A sample total of at least 150 participants covering all regions (Adirondack, Central, Genesee Valley, Niagara, Capital, Long Island, Westchester, Hudson Valley and Metropolitan) is the goal.

NYSRPS thanks you in advance for your participation and at the end of the project will provide all NYSRPS members with survey findings.

THE SURVEY DO YOU KNOW? • How many total park acres do you have to maintain?

- Active Recreation - Open Space - Trails (miles) • How much was your operating budget?

• How much did you spend on capital projects?

• What was your total revenue earned by programs offered?

- Community Center Programs - Rentals - Camp Programs - Donations - Misc.

• How many employees did you have?

- Full time (regularly scheduled 35+ hrs year round) - Part-time (regularly scheduled less than 35 hrs year-round - Summer Only Full-Time - Summer Only Part Time • What was the total number of children served by the following programs: - After School - Summer Recreation - Community Center • Total number registered in system for year: - Residents - Non-Residents • What services for seniors do you offer and the approximate number of seniors served by each?

- Outings - Fitness Programs - Community Center Programs • Do you offer public services and how many people were served?

- Food Pantry - Blood Drive - Christmas Stocking - Prevention programs - Meals (lunch) - Share a public library onsite

.

NYSRPS Board deliberated and decided to use this opportunity to survey park and recreation departments (members and non-members alike) to measure the socio-economic benefits they have upon their respective communities.

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NYSRPS LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

NYSRPS Legislation The New York State Recreation and Park Society Inc. advocates for you, our membersip. It is our goal to act as one voice for our park and recreation professionals and speak to the concerns that directly and indirectly impact your ability to serve effectively in your communities. To share local, state or national issues that you would like to see addressed, please contact our Public Affairs Committee.

NYSRPS Public Affairs Representatives: President Elect - Jeffrey Myers, Perinton Recreation and Parks 585-223-5050 jmyers@perinton.org Eric Bacon, Town of Camillus 315-487-3600 ebacon@townofcamillus.com

Around the Nation...

From Our Legislative Committee With special thanks to Rich Rose, Orange County Parks, Recreation & Conservation for providing the latest updates from Capitol Hill to our Legislative Committee (Eric Bacon and Jeff Myers) Advocacy paid off as Congress passed two comprehensive reauthorization bills that positively impact parks and recreation. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, aka No Child Left Behind, was reauthorized for five years as the Every Student Succeeds Act. For the first time ever, environmental education is included as a fundable subject in the federal K-12 federal education bill. Under the Title IV 21st Century Community Learning Centers, parks and recreation agencies are eligible partners with public schools to provide environmental education inside the school room and fieldbased activities conducted in outdoor classrooms, e.g. parks. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers competitive grants will also support physical physical fitness/nutrition programs, which can be provided through a school and park agency partnership.

The federal surface transportation law (Highway Bill) was reauthorized for five years as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST). Biking and walking is again recognized as an integral part of America’s 21st Century multi-modal transportation system in the new law. The Transportation Alternatives Program, including Recreational Trails Program, Rails-to-Trails and Safe Routes to School (and parks), support an expanding multi-use trail systems for non-motorized transportation, and sidewalks to provide children a safe, healthy route to and from schools and in many cases parks and recreation centers. Priorities for funding transportation infrastructure projects has been largely deferred to State Departments of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

NRPA Public Policy team led a campaign that included NRPA and Academy members in advocating for a fully, permanently and equitably funded LWCF Act. The advocacy has paid dividends for state and local parks. This week Congress passed an Omnibus Spending Bill, including a three-year reauthorization of the current LWCF Act. Work will continue to achieve a long term LWCF Act re-authorization. For FY 2016, LWCF has been allocated more than double the $48 million that the State Assistance program received in FY 2015. It should be noted that authorized spending is still subject to the annual appropriations process at the discretion of Congress. This is progress.

LWCF State Assistance (for fiscal year ending September 30, 2016) State Assistance (formula grants)....................$94.8 million Grants to Urban Areas (competitive).................. $12 million Administration............................................... $3.1 million Total State Assistance:..................................... $110 million Here is a summary posted in NRPA’s blog: http://www.nrpa.org/blog/a-win-for-lwcf-and-more-in-thecongressional-spending-package

NY State Information

For NY State specific information regarding LWCF as well as to see a listing of representatives who lent support please visit; http://www. lwcfcoalition.org/new-york.html

NYSRPS is continually looking to protect and serve the needs of our fellow park and recreation professionals. If you would like to lend support to the Legislative Committee by collecting information and sharing specific needs in your community, please contact the Legislative Committee.

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 11

NEW YORK STATE PARKS CORNER

Parks for All

By State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey What do Ganondagan’s new Art & Culture Center, Buffalo Harbor’s nautical-themed playground, and Tai Chi have in common? All are recent efforts by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation to connect visitors of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to actively utilize our state’s wonderful cultural and natural resources.

Connecting people with parks is a leading priority of NY Parks 2020, a seven-point vision supported by Governor Cuomo’s multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment to transform the state park system. We are investing in iconic New York destinations Niagara Falls and Jones Beach; enhancing Letchworth State Park, recently voted America’s Best State Park, with a four-season Nature Center; and improving facilities and amenities statewide to teach new skills and attract a new generation of park users. This mission is integral to everything we do.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, youth spend an average of seven hours a day in front of electronic devices. But, we firmly believe the power of whimsical, imaginative play is not lost. Under the Parks 2020 Plan, 100 playgrounds will be built or improved in parks statewide. 47 have been completed since 2011, with $2.5 million allocated this year alone for new structures at parks on Long Island, the Capital Region, Central New York, Western New York, and the Thousand Islands. Thanks to this initiative, these playgrounds are now destinations, with themes, features for varying age groups, and a range of climbers, spinners, slides and more.

Our free Learn-to-Swim program is a testament to what can be achieved both with the expansion of access to recreation and to meet the needs of underserved areas. It began in 2013 at two State Parks in New York City, teaching 500+ children to swim for free, and each year, has utilized the partnership with American Red Cross, the National Swimming Pool Foundation, and the State Department of Health to reach children who may not otherwise learn the healthy, fun activity of swimming. The program expanded to five parks in 2014, 15 in 2015, and the partnership will support the expansion of the program again in 2016 to 30 parks across the state, aiming to reach 20,000 children over the next three years. Knowing how to swim is 12 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

a lifelong, necessary skill, and providing free swimming lessons effectively increases those who can use our parks safely with training and knowledge of how to prevent accidents.

This year, an adult learn-to-swim class was included, acknowledging the need in urban areas often extends beyond youth.

We partnered again with the State Department of Health to provide Tai Chi classes to New Yorkers age 65 and older.

As an exercise program, Tai-Chi is gentle, slow-moving, safe for older generations, and easy to learn. Through a federal grant, park staff and partners in various areas of the state were trained as instructors to conduct classes focused on preventing falls and accidents, supported by movements to improve balance and muscle strength, increase heart/lung activity, align posture, improve flexibility, and integrate the mind and body. This effectively expanded programming in facilities to a population that is expected to grow by 40 percent over the next two decades and also implemented new programming to attract new patrons to our parks.

Year-round, our parks host kid-friendly guided hikes, nature programming, and more. Still, we are always looking for new ways to encourage families to explore and learn together, making life-long memories and a bond with the outdoors that can be passed down from generation to generation.

In 2015, we hosted more than 2,000 visitors on New Year’s Day for the fourth annual First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative to encourage families to experience the quiet beauty of nature in a season they may not have previously associated with spending time outdoors. Additionally, State Parks has joined with the State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for the past three years to utilize grant support from The North Face’s Explore Your Parks™ Program. In 2013 and 2014, State Parks and OCFS provided more than 100 New York State foster families with gift cards for a free two-night stay at any State Park campground. Participating families also received “new camper packages” with guides, activities, and tips to make the most of their stay. This year, we teamed up again to give 150 New York foster families an Empire Passport, a vehicle pass for unlimited entry to New York’s state parks and recreational

facilities, enabling the families to enjoy 180 state parks and 55 forest preserves free of charge for the 2015-16 season. Such partnerships allow for us to reach new demographics, such as foster children, who face varying degrees of transition in their lives and may not yet have experienced the calm that spending time outside so helpfully instills.

It’s true, state parks are great places for people to disconnect from their phones and other tech gear, but it is also important to appreciate the role technology can play in deepening the connection we so strive for.

Last year we partnered with Avenza Systems, Inc. to provide free PDF maps of trails in more than 50 New York state parks and historic sites through Avenza’s free app for mobile devices.

Additionally, 2015 saw the launch of online boating safety courses. The safety certificate legally mandated for those born after 1996 to operate a motorboat was previously only obtainable through an in-classroom course for a fee. Now, the courses are offered online, accessible through our website, and can be completed at the individual’s convenience and in the case of one provider – for free.

This new step will only increase the number of people looking to utilize our state’s spectacular water recreation who can access the necessary safety knowledge easily.

Our mission is one that will never be finished.

We shepherd in our next generation of environmental stewards by supporting youth outreach and participation at “I Love My Park Day,” a statewide volunteer event to celebrate and enhance New York’s parks and historic sites; by growing the FORCES program to engage college-aged youth in stewardship programs and to lead nature education programs for youth in parks; and supporting the fulfillment of Governor Cuomo’s vision of the Excelsior Conservation Corps, a dedicated workforce to address the environmental needs of New York while providing an avenue for employment training and college scholarships to participants of the program. Through these measures, partnerships, initiatives, programs, and even through technology, we continue to work to make our natural resources accessible to all, and to leave them in good hands.

OUR YOUTH, OUR HOPE – OCFS

New State Regulations Limit TV Time, Encourage Day Care Children to Get Outside and Play Bounding over a bed of wood chips, 2-year-old Kaeden Ash chases down a soccer ball in the backyard of Eco Bay Day Care in Downtown Troy. He scrunches his face into a little boy smile, splashed by golden sunlight and nipped by the crisp October air.

friend, exercise, or speak a new language might be acceptable; one that has characters chasing and hitting each other is not.

Kaeden was the first child through the door when Eco Baby opened in 2013. His mom, Andrea Uvanni, chose this day care center because it emphasizes physical activity and social development.

“Just turning the television off makes kids move,” said Kathleen Pickel, Manager of the OCFS Division of Child Care Services (DCCS) Regional Office Support Unit. “Research shows that children who are moving and more active are physically healthier. Reducing screen time also allows them to be more creative, and it increases social interaction.”

There are no televisions here.

“We walked into other places and saw kids sitting in front of the TV,” Uvanni said. “I said, ‘No thanks.’”

Eco Baby serves 20 children between six weeks and three years of age, with 50 more on the waiting list. Owner Robyn Scotland prides herself on offering all-natural food and vigorous playtime, with no movies or TV shows.

“I think kids get more social engagement with each other and better gross motor development when they’re outside,” Scotland said. “It’s about giving them the healthiest start we possibly can.”

A Healthy Beginning The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) requires child care providers to offer an age-appropriate program of physical activity. Now, the agency is going even further to promote a healthy beginning.

A new OCFS regulation prohibits television for infants in day care centers, and limits screen time for toddlers and older children.

“If television or other electronic visual media is used, it must be part of a planned, developmentally-appropriate program with an educational, social, physical or other learning objective that includes identified goals and objectives,” the new regulation states.

“Television and other electronic visual media must not be used solely to occupy time.”

For instance, a cartoon that teaches children how to be a good

Regardless of the program, the television must be turned off during meals, nap times, and when it’s not part of a planned activity.

A Bright Future The new screen time regulation, coupled with stricter requirements for nutritious snacks and beverages, is part of a multi-agency push to curb childhood obesity and put children on a path to a bright future.

The changes took effect for family day care homes statewide in May 2014, followed by day care centers in Upstate New York and Long Island in June 2015. (Day care centers in the five boroughs are regulated by New York City, not OCFS.) School-age child care programs, such as after-school programs, are also subject to the changes.

“Given the current challenges of dealing with childhood obesity, these regulatory changes will help to support healthier children in New York State, while serving to promote positive healthy behaviors at a young age,” said Jim Hart, DCCS Director of Regional Operations.

As for little Kaeden Ash, each day brings new adventures in the backyard at Eco Baby. In the summer, he enjoyed dashing through the sprinkler. Soon, he will trundle through the snow.

What matters is that he’s moving.

“Kids have an imagination,” his mom said. “I think too many people have suppressed that by plopping kids in front of a TV.”

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 13

Successful Teen Programing in Central New York “It’s not a program, it’s a relationship” Toni Brauchle- Youth Service Coordinator, Cicero An African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” The creation of CanTeen teen center in Central NY proves this adage. Started in 1986, the CanTeen’s mission is to “Provide opportunities to fulfill ones full potential without discrimination, in a safe environment by encouraging youth to make positive life decisions”.

Having gone through many changes in location, programming and support over the ensuing years, in 2011 funds were secured to renovate a home adjacent to the local high school. Volunteers from the community, businesses partners and members of the local Buildings and Construction Trades Union volunteered their time and efforts to build the Canteen a permanent home. In the spring of 2012, the CanTeen welcomed the teens home with open arms.

To maintain important connections to the community, The Youth Board has six key 14 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

partners: Towns of Clay, Cicero, Salina, and the Village of North Syracuse, the North Syracuse Central School District (NSCSD) and the Friends of the CanTeen group. NSCSD is a major contributing partner by providing transportation from the NS Junior High School five days a week to the CanTeen facility, an essential component to the functioning of this program. The Friends group provides the impetus for fundraising events, activities and a means to accept donations from the community. Combined, each partner provide the foundation for the community’s investment in our youth.

The Town of Cicero, as the lead agency, administers the financial oversight for expenditures and revenues as well as administrative duties, personnel management, grant writing and reporting, the Friends of the CanTeen facilitates the fundraising. Under the direction of the teens that frequent the facility, this

collaboration provides the community with a steady stream of funding while meeting the standard regulations through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. These partners work together in concert to provide, channel, and implement programming and the funds needed to support it.

The CanTeen program is the focal point by which all of their services originate.

It is a youth lead program with adult guidance based on positive, proven Youth Development principals and best practices with a focus on the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. The drop-in center, which serves teens in 8th to 12 grade, is open year round with hours of operation based on the time of the year.

Programs and activities are designed and implemented by the youth that attend, facilitated by the Youth Council that meets weekly. Professional staff conveys an atmosphere that fosters opportunities for

teens to interact with their peers, provide homework assistance, leadership experiences, and service learning in a safe, supervised, illegal substance-free environment.

In an effort to provide services not normally within the reach of youth and families in the north area, CanTeen provides space for health and human services organizations. These agencies include; the New York State Health Departments; the Salvation Army, for youth experiencing homelessness; the Prevention Network; Reach CNY; and Contact Community Services whose ability to provide prevention services and staffing enable the center to function at full capacity.

Teens are not an easy population to provide recreational programming for. By engaging the teens as equal partners in the decision making process, they are better able to express their preferences and interests. Encouraging teens to disconnect from their attachment to social media and video games and avail themselves to options that entice them to explore their world and move them out of their seats is the challenge. Left to their own devices during the afternoon, when homes are free of adult supervision, teens can be vulnerable to making unhealthy decisions that may have life long consequences. The resurgence of heroin and synthetic drugs, as well as the abundance of alcohol and marijuana has reinforced the need for healthy options for teens during out of school time.

Having a safe, supportive place to interact with their peers and build solid relationships with adults that can be positive role models can help teens to steer away from the everyday barrage of negative choices. The CanTeen strives to provide those enticements each and every day. The slogan, “It’s not a program, it’s a relationship” keeps us moving forward.

CanTeen 6046 State Route 31, Cicero, NY 13039 Phone Number: 315-699-1391

Essential components for creating an active teen program: • YOUTH VOICE (absolutely critical) • FOOD (even adults would agree!)

• STAFFING CHOSEN BY THE PARTICIPANTS (they have great radar!)

• COMMUNITY PARTNERS (We all need to be invited to the table in order for the discussion to have merit) • A 501 C 3 FUNDRAISING ENTITY TO PARTNER WITH STATE & LOCAL FUNDS (in order to accept donations and raise community dollars)

• LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION (can’t be out in the middle of nowhere!)

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 15

HYATT REGENCY LONG ISLAND AT WINDWATCH GOLF CLUB - HAUPPAUGUE, NY Welcome to the NYSRPS 76th Annual Conference and Business Expo. We are excited to serve as your hosts for this year’s event and welcome all of you to Long Island. This year’s theme, “Come Together Right Now,” provides the foundation for renewing our commitment to becoming a more unified profession rooted in providing our communities with quality programs and services.

To this end, the Conference Committee has worked hard to create a program that will meet the needs of a diverse profession and include cutting-edge educational sessions that target areas such as parks, administration, innovative programming, and therapeutic recreation. Our exhibit hall will showcase the most current and innovative products, appropriate for all populations.

Long Island is rich in history and culture, and is home to many nationally recognized venues and unique facilities. With this in mind, the Conference Committee has included several off-site programs that will provide our delegates with an opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals and receive an in-depth overview of their facilities, programs and services.

As you will see in our program brochure, this year’s social will be held at the LI Aquarium in Riverhead. The social will include

2016 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE Front row (l to r): Tom McGerty, Adrienne Haemmerle, Diane Ramos, Robin Wexler, Gail Lamberta, Lisa Goldberg, Anthony Martino Back row (l to r): Ed Fronckwicz, Jack Fass, Kate Schneider, Paul Blake

16 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

time for networking and visiting with friends, as well as tours of the facility, and of course some fun activities for all to enjoy!

Our student social will be held at Dave & Busters, and will be led by St. Joseph’s College, NY students, who are very excited and look forward to meeting students from other New York State Colleges.

Of course planning an annual statewide conference involves a major commitment from volunteers within our profession. Our Long Island professionals have worked very hard to ensure the 2016 conference will provide all delegates with an educational and memorable experience. If you see any of our committee members, please be sure to introduce yourself, and it would also be a welcoming gesture to thank them for their service.

In closing, we would like to welcome you to Long Island, and hope you enjoy your stay and participation in this year’s annual conference.

Come Together Right Now! Your Conference Co-Chairs, Ed Fronckwicz and Gail Lamberta

SUNDAY APRIL 17 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Fab Four Golf Classic 11:00 a.m.

Registration Begins 1:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Exhibitors Set Up 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Sessions 2:15-3:15 p.m.

3 rooms for sessions. 3 rooms for Districts/ Affiliates/Executive Board meetings.

Light refreshments in each room provided by districts/affiliates.

3:30-4:15 p.m.

KEYNOTE by Barbara Tulipane, NRPA (SALONS A, B & C) Sponsored by: Landscape Structures 4:15 - 4:45 p.m.

Check-In Hotel / Refresh for Dinner and Awards 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Awards Ceremony - TERRACE 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Grand Exhibit Hall Opening Cocktails & light refreshments 7:00 p.m.

Dinner/ Beatles Social / Cash Bar

MONDAY, APRIL 18 7:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast VENDOR HALL Sponsored by: BSN Sports

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Sessions 10:45-11:45 a.m.

Exhibit Hall 11:30-1:30 p.m.

Rolling Lunch 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Sessions 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Great Raffle Giveaway Final Vendor Hour 2:00-5:30 p.m.

Sessions 6:00 p.m.

Student Social DAVE & BUSTERS 6:00 p.m.

Social with food LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM

TUESDAY, APRIL 19 7:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast VENDOR HALL

1:15 - 2:15 p.m.

Sessions 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Sessions

∫ Monday 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport Monday 8:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay Tuesday 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Pal-O-Mine Equine Assisted Learning Center, Islandia Tuesday 8:30 - 1:30 p.m.

United States Tennis Center, Flushing

*On own to Terrace for hotel breakfast.

8:15 - 9:15 a.m.

Sessions 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Offsite PAL-O-MINE EQUESTRIAN CENTER 8:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Offsite UNITED STATES TENNIS CENTER

*On own to Terrace for hotel breakfast.

9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Sessions

8:15 - 9:15 a.m.

Sessions

10:45 - 11:45 a.m.

Sessions

8:30 a.m. - 11:30am Offsite VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Rolling Lunch

8:30-1:30 p.m.

Offsite SAGAMORE HILL

12:30 - 1:30pm NYSRPS Annual Meeting TERRACE

Sunday, April 17 - 6 p.m.

Beatles Party with Dinner Monday, April 18 - 6:30 p.m.

Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead Monday, April 18 - 6 p.m.

Student Social, Dave & Busters

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Sessions *Proposed session schedule subject to change.

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 17

KEY:

M

Municipal /

TR

Therapeutic Recreation /

B

Both

More than 75 sessions for park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals planned!

1. Community Gardening in Your Park 2. Public Gardens

M

M

3. Creating Good Flyer Design

B

4. Character Education through Creative Recreation: A Back2BasicPlay Initiative – M 5. Movies on the Lawn Program

M

6. Growing a Park System through Cooperative Partnerships – Town of Huntington as a Model M 7. Mighty Milers: Start a Youth Running Program M 8. How to Plan or Enhance Your Annual Field Day M 9. Building Relationships with Elected Officials B 10. Breaking the Barrier: Civil Service and Labor Relations M 11. Security Concerns for Large Scale Events M 12. Protecting the Natural Resources of Parks- Balancing Resource Protection with Large Recreation Events/Environmental Education as a Management Tool M 13. Using Universal Design in Parks – New York State Parks - Long Island Region M 14. How to Increase Funding & Support Through Friends Groups M 15. Risk Management

M

21. Trends in Municipal Golf

M

22. Lets’ Include Everyone! Strategies on How to Include People with Developmental Disabilities in all Programs B

23. Equine Assisted Learning – off site

B

43. Using Adaptive Golf as a Therapeutic Recreation Intervention – TR

TR

26. Building Productive Relationships through Eclectic Creative Cooperation Models – TR An American Red Cross Aquatics Update M 27. Children’s Camp Injury and Illness Prevention M 28. Teaching a Miracle: Integrating Special Education Practices into a Medical Model of Recovery TR 29. Uniting our Strengths

30. Citizen-Based Science as a Tool for Working Together M 31. New Games: The Foundation of Cooperative & Non-Competitive Play & Games B 32. Designing Performance Based Playground Safety Surfacing Specifications M

33. Concussion: The Fundamental Basic Truths of It TR TR

36. The Use of Mindfulness in Recovery from Mental Illness TR 37. Patients Choice Programming

44. Adaptive Cycling, Kayaking, and Archery – offsite B 45. Veteran’s Music Access Course

TR

46. Best Practices: Volunteer Resources Management TR 47. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

TR

48. Generating Revenue Through Grants B

B

35. Project C.A.R.E. – Self Esteem & Teambuilding TR

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41. Leisure Education – Lorraine & Students from St. Joe’s TR

25. Fall Prevention

17. Fire Island National Seashore: Managing a Dynamic Landscape in the 21st Century M

20. Enhancing Recreational Programming Utilizing Positive Youth Development B

TR

42. The Choices We Make: Drugs & Society Today B

34. The Anatomy of a Healthcare Interview

19. Putting Art in the Park: Cooperative Approaches to Public Art M

40. Licensure for Therapeutic Recreation

24. Accessing Inner Wisdom: Tools and Resources for Resiliency TR

16. Practical Turf Grass Cultivation & Fertilization Practices M

18. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site – Offsite B

39. Comfort Rooms: A safe Therapeutic Environment that Fosters Healing TR

TR

38. The Evolution of Recreation Therapy in Outpatient Mental Health TR

49. Social Media and You

B

50. Growing Tennis Participation with the United States Tennis Association M on site* 51. Risk Management for Public Recreation Programs M 52. Food Concessions: What are the Expectations from the Vendor and the Municipality M 53. Adaptive Chair Yoga for People with Limited Mobility TR 54. Recreation Supporting TBI Patients in Community Re-Integration TR 55. Recreation Music Making: Unlock the Benefits of group Drumming TR 56. Transformational Health Care Management of Traumatized Individuals: Integrating Effective Holistic Treatment Options through the Practice of Therapeutic Touch TR 57. Pool Health Codes Facts vs. Fiction

M

58. Add 16 Years to the Year of Birth - The Baby Boomers and Beyond: The Importance of Research for Quality TR Programming TR 59. Navigating the Internship Process

Full Conference Registration: $275.00 Full Conference Registration (speaker, committee, spouse): $150.00 One-Day Registration (Includes all sessions, lunch and access to the exhibit hall on Monday): $125.00 Speaker Registration (not attending conference): No charge Student/Retiree Registration: $75.00

TR

60. Pedestrian and Bicycle Project Planning, Funding, and Development M

Sunday Night Social (fee for one-day registrants only): $60.00 Monday Aquarium Event (fee for one-day registrants only): $60.00

61. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Parks will be a Lifesaver M 62. Mandala-cise

TR

63. Preparing for a Quality Indicator Survey in Long term Care Settings TR 64. Spirituality & Healing

To register for the 2016 Annual Conference please visit www.nysrps.org. Payment may be made by check, PO or credit card. ALL registrants attending must individually register.

TR

65. USTA Tennis Center Tour – offsite 66. Developing Reasonable, Practical, and Defensible Tree Risk Management Programs for Park Systems M 67. Transforming Lives – Living Healthier

A very special rate for lodging of $149.00 (taxes not included) per room has been secured at the Hyatt Regency.

Be sure to book your room early as a limited number of rooms have been reserved for this special rate.

All room reservations must be made by March 16th, 2016 to be eligible for this greatly reduced room rate.

M

68. Fun and Educational games for Your Summer Camp M 69. Offering Strength Training at Your Parks and Trails M 70. Successful Job Search Strategies 71. Water Warrior

B

For more information visit: www.longisland.hyatt.com

B

72. American Red Cross Aquatics Update

M

73. Come Together: Best practices for Including Youth of all Abilities in Recreation Programs B 74. Dealing with an Active Shooter

B

75. Restoring a Hurricane Ravaged Park and how one Community Came Back M

Take this opportunity to secure a sponsorship TODAY! Be visible months before the Annual Conference and consider one of our many opportunities to advertise. Custom sponsorships also available – please call NYSRPS at (518) 584-0321.

76. National Standards vs. User Group Screening – Are You at Risk M *As of press time.

Keynote Sponsor

Breakfast Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 19

aWaRds and

Recognition u

2016

u

Recognizing the PRofessionals Who imPRove ouR Quality of life IndIvIdual awards

agency awards

Lifetime Achievement Distinguished Service Outstanding Service Young Professional Robert W. Miner “Good Guy” Frances Wallach “Good Gal” ABCD Award Distinguished Citizen Elected Official of the Year Memorial Hall of Fame Therapeutic Recreation

Special Events Program of Merit Multimedia The Excellence in Landscape Design The Exceptional Facility Design The Exceptional Park Design Inclusion Program of Excellence

5

IndIvIdual/agency awards Environmental Leadership Outstanding Corporate Partnership Promoting HealtHier, Safer and greener CommunitieS 19 Roosevelt Drive, Suite 200 v Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518.584.0321 v 518.584.5101(fax) v info@nysrps.org v www.nysrps.org

New York State Recreation & Park Society

20 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

Selection of Winners

E

ach year the New York State Recreation and Park Society presents a series of awards that have become a coveted honor for the people and organizations singled out for their contributions to parks and recreation. These awards are presented at the Annual Awards Luncheon, held each year during the Annual Conference & Business Expo. Only current members of NYSRPS are eligible to nominate qualified candidates for these awards. The nomination form must be clearly and completely filled out and postmarked by the deadline indicated. Supplemental material such as videos, pictures, news releases, flyers, etc. will be accepted, but must be packaged together with the completed nomination form. You may make copies of the nomination form as needed.

nomination PRoceduRe • • • • • • • • •

NYSRPS District and Affiliate award winner nominations (selected via local award luncheons) must be submitted by the District/Affiliate Chairperson. These nominations must be submitted together, in one package, and each entry must be accompanied by the official nomination form with award category indicated.

It is required that all nominations include photo(s) or electronic artwork of the individual, organization, publication, facility or program for presentation purposes, preferably on CD Rom. Please submit six (6) copies of the nomination form and all supporting documents (letters, narratives, DVDs, pictures, CDs, original publications, etc.). Nominations with less than six copies will be disqualified.

If required, current NYSRPS membership will be verified. Nominations submitted by non-members will be disqualified.

Nominees must be in the appropriate category.

All nominations and supplemental materials should be sent to the NYSRPS Awards and Recognition Chairperson at the address listed on the nomination form.

The NYSRPS Awards Committee will be solely responsible for the review, evaluation, and selection of award winners.

Nominators will be informed in writing of the decision of the Awards Committee prior to the Annual Conference.

Decision of the committee will be final.

All award entries will remain the property of the NYSRPS.

Past winners of our highest honors Distinguished Service 1987- Joseph M. Caverly, Westchester County Parks 1988- Robin Kunstler, Patricia Urquhart, & Professor Lestor Rhoads 1989- John P. Silsby, Town of Tonowanda 1990- Joseph P. Davidson, City of New York 1991- Patricia Urquhart, Town of Manlius 1992- Uluss (Gus) Thompson, NYS Parks & Recreation 1993- Jim Donahue, Town of Perinton 1994- Salvatore Cresenzi Village of Rye Brook 1995- Edward Wankel, New York State Department of Parks & Recreation 1996- Gary Lane, Town of Tonowanda 1997- Bryon Bissonette, City of Plattsburgh 1998- Judith A. Gordon, Suffolk County Department of Parks 1999- Mr. Daniel Drake, Town of Southport 2000- Mr. Tom Kehoskie, Town of Camillus Park and Recreation 2001- Mr. Michael Cooper, Town of Penfield 2002- Mr. Paul Blake, Sales Representative, Mid-Altantic Products 2003 - Dr. Arthur Mittelstaed, Jr., Recreation Safety Institute 2004 - Justin Pokines, Town of Sullivan 2005 - Frank Allkofer, Monroe County Parks 2006 - William Zimmermann, City of New Rochelle 2007 - Richard Rose, Town of Orangetown 2008- Joseph A. Stout, Westchester County PRC 2009 - Charles Connington, Clarkstown Parks & Recreation 2010 - Sally Rogol, City of Rye 2011 - Ann Smiley, Town of Lysander 2012 - Jack Voelker, Chautauqua Institution 2013 - Jeff Myers, Town of Perinton 2014 - N/A 2015 - N/A

Outstanding Service 1987- Village & Town of Mt. Kisco, NY 1988- Ontario Beach Program Committee Inc. of Rochester, NY 1989- Rosaline Preudhomme 1990- Bill Diamond, Diamond Studios & Associates, Inc. 1991- Daryl Willenbrink 1992- Jeanie T. Piatt, Project Playground Citizens Group,Town of Newburgh 1993- E. William Miller, Town of Tonawanda Parks & Rec Committee 1994- Jean Marshall, Town of Gates 1995- Cheektowaga YES Program 1996- Genesse Region Telephone Pioneers 1997- Onondaga Park Association 1998- Bernadette Castro 1999- Vergie Mingo, Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center 2000- William Murray, NYSOPRHP- Central Region 2001- Jody Rogers, Town of Cicero 2002- James Smiley, Oswego County Catholic Charities 2003- Tom White, City of Syracuse 2004- Bonnie Brown, City of Syracuse Aquatics Director 2005- Peggy Kenyon, Town of Manlius 2006- Jim Raulli, City of Manlius 2007 -Elaine Apfelbaum, Town of Clarkstown 2008 - Martin Denecke, Town of Hamburg 2009 - Jeff Myers, Town of Perinton 2010 - Bob Ellis, Onondaga County Parks 2011 - Patrick Driscoll, City of Syracuse 2012 - Wayne Morris, Town of Clay 2013 - Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius 2014 - Karen Keast, Town of DeWitt 2015 - Julie LaFave, Town of Cicero

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 21

individual aWaRds

agency aWaRds

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This special award is to recognize a person who live(d) or work(ed) in the State of New York and has achieved prominence for his/her excellence in achieving outstanding and lasting contributions to the advancement of recreation and parks on the local and/or state levels. These contributions should be of long term impact upon the recreation and park movement. A minimum of 20 years in the field of Recreation and Parks is required. Nominee is to be a resident of/or work in the State of New York at the time of prominence.

EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN The Excellence in Landscape Design Award projects include garden design, landscape art, sculptures and pathways, and improvements on landscape projects and maintenance.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD This is the most prestigious award that the NYSRPS offers. To receive the Distinguished Service Award, the nominee shall be an individual who has made significant contributions, over a period of 10 years or more, to NYSRPS and their local district/affiliate.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD To receive the Outstanding Service Award, the nominee shall be a professional in the field and/or an organization which, over a period of at least five years, made outstanding contributions to enrich the lives of individuals or groups of individuals in neighborhoods, communities, or the State of New York, through recreation, parks, and conservation.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD The Young Professional Award is presented to a current parks and recreation professional who exhibits the attributes of an emerging leader, as displayed through their initiative, innovation, and contributions to the park and recreation field. Nominees should possess a record of career advancement, be engaged in professional and/or community organizations, and demonstrate outstanding service to their agency. Must be an NYSRPS member and have less than five years experience in the field of parks and recreation in their current position.

DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN The Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes a citizen, community park board member, or volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional efforts towards enhancing and supporting parks and recreation in their community and/or New York State. Nominees may be recognized for a record of cumulative service or for their endeavors related to a single project or activity of significance.

ELECTED OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR The Elected Official of the Year Award will be presented to an individual who provides exemplary support to parks and recreation. This individual has made significant contributions to the parks and recreation field through active participation, advocacy, or through policy and legislation.This individual can be at the local, county, regional, state or federal level.

ROBERT W. MINER ‘GOOD GUY’ and FRANCES WALLACH ‘GOOD GAL’ A member of any section of NYSRPS; an individual who is actively involved in the Society and in activities related to the field of leisure services; an individual who has unselfishly contributed time, expertise, and effort to further the principles and goals of the field of leisure services.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION Nominee must be a member of NYSRPS or NYSTRA with a minimum of 5 years in the field. Nominee is deserving of recognition for dedication and commitment in the field of therapeutic recreation or in helping to provide programs for people with disabilities.

ABCD Award The individual should have gone “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” by having made an outstanding contribution to the field of public recreation and parks, significant enough to have had a stimulating effect on recreation at a town, city, state or national level. This award is open to volunteers and part-time/ seasonal, park or secretarial staff. This award is not intended for full time Park and Recreation Professionals. Membership in NYSRPS not required.

22 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

EXCEPTIONAL FACILITY DESIGN The Exceptional Facility Design Award projects include indoor pools and indoor sports complexes, community centers, information centers, gymnasiums, picnic shelters, restrooms, lighting, water sewer systems and parking lots, or other amenities.

EXCEPTIONAL PARK DESIGN The Exceptional Park Design Award is for a project that contains facility and landscape components. Examples would be sports fields, playgrounds, splash pads, trails and linear parks, skate parks, dog parks, and outdoor aquatic facilities.

PROGRAM OF MERIT This award will be given to a department that has developed an outstanding ongoing program that is innovative, creative and unique in nature or that demonstrates a new twist on an old theme while still being consistent with current trends. This program must enrich a group, community, or individual and is characterized as an organized recreation or leisure activity that is offered either on a daily, weekly, seasonal, or annual basis. The program must be in existence for a minimum of two (2) years.

INCLUSION PROGRAM OF EXCELLENCE The Inclusion Program of Excellence Award praises an organization or agency for their achievements pertaining to a program or project that increases awareness and benefits of parks and recreation for everyone.

This award highlights and acknowledges the organization’s effort and determination to provide inclusive opportunities and programming to their community.

SPECIAL EVENT AWARD To receive the Special Event Award, the nominated event shall be a specific, one-time program held between February 3, 2015 and February 26, 2016 that made outstanding contributions to enrich the lives of individuals or groups in neighborhoods or communities in recreation, parks, or conservation.

MULTIMEDIA Presented to the agency that has most effectively created awareness and gained exposure through Video/Audio/Electronic coverage including website, social media, special videos, etc...

individual/agency aWaRds ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP This award recognizes a park and recreation professional or agency who has made an outstanding effort during the last one to five years to sustain and improve the environment and/or reduce the environmental impact made by the agency.

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP The Outstanding Corporate Partnership Award recognizes a vendor, company, or individual who has significantly contributed to the field of parks and recreation and developed a strong partnership with NYSRPS, a local organization or agency. This vendor, company, or individual has shown great leadership and support to the parks and recreation field by providing equipment, volunteer time, in-kind services, or other contributions to a project or program that benefits the community and demonstrates the importance of parks and recreation.

2016 Award Nomination Form Photocopy this form for multiple nominations. Deadline is February 26, 2016. Nominations not postmarked by the deadline will be disqualified.

nominee infoRmation: Nominee’s Name:

Title:

Agency: Address: Work Phone:

Email:

aWaRd Being nominated foR (Please check): INDIVIDUAL AWARDS __Lifetime Achievement __Distinguished Service __Outstanding Service __Young Professional __Robert W. Miner “Good Guy” __Frances Wallach “Good Gal” __ABCD Award __Distinguished Citizen __Elected Official of the Year __Therapeutic Recreation

AGENCY AWARDS __Special Event __Program of Merit __Multimedia __The Excellence in Landscape Design __The Exceptional Facility Design __The Exceptional Park Design __Inclusion Program of Excellence INDIVIDUAL/AGENCY AWARDS __Environmental Leadership __Outstanding Corporate Partnership

Reason foR nominating: Please describe how the nominee meets or exceeds the criteria. If necessary, attach a separate sheet with specific accomplishments, etc. Include letters of recommendation and other supporting documentation. Please submit 6 copies of the nomination form and all supporting documents (letters, narratives, DVDs, pictures, original publications, etc.)______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nominated by: Agency:

Title: Work phone:

Address: Email: Signature of nominator:

Please submit nomination by February 26, 2016 to: Charry Lawson Onondaga Parks & Recreation 4834 Velasko Rd, Syracuse, NY 13215 For questions contact Charry at (315) 469-3464

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 23

T

Memorial Hall of Fame Nomination Form

he purpose of this special award is to recognize posthumously persons who lived or worked in the State of New York and have achieved prominence for their excellence in achieving outstanding and lasting contributions to the advancement of recreation and parks on the local, state, and/or national levels. Through this medium, we will pay tribute to these individuals so they may serve as shining examples and symbols for future generations.

cRiteRia foR the memoRial hall of fame nominees is as folloWs:

1. Nominees will be considered for their contributions to the recreation and park field on the local, state, and/or national levels. These contributions should be of long term impact upon the recreation and park movement.

2. Nominees are to be residents of/or worked in the State of New York at the time of prominence.

3. No nominee will be considered until at least one year following their death. This is a posthumous honor.

The name, biography and photo of the honoree will be added to the Memorial Hall of Fame and displayed at the 2016 Annual Conference and all subsequent conferences and exhibitions.

nominee infoRmation: Nominee’s Name: Name of Kin, if known:

Phone Number of Kin, if known:

Address of Kin, if known: Date of Birth: Date of Death:

BiogRaPhical infoRmation of nominee:

On a separate sheet, please provide nominee’s background as to where he or she was born, lived, and/ or worked at the time when in New York, plus high school or college attended, etc. Also, please include a photo of the nominee.

Reason foR nominating:

On a separate sheet of paper, please furnish the Committee sufficient information to properly judge how your nominee has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the advancement of the recreation and park movement on the local, state, and/or national levels.

Nominated By: Name:

Phone Number:

Address:

City:

State:

Please submit nomination by February 26, 2016 to: Graham Skea NYSRPS Hall of Fame Committee Chair 84 Grove Street • Montgomery, NY 12549 24 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

Zip:

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USTA Eastern Provides Opportunities to Play Tennis USTA Eastern is a not-for-profit community service organization focused on growing participation in tennis. In an effort to develop tennis participation, the section continually seeks to partner with organizations that share the desire to provide opportunities for people of all ages to play and learn tennis, have fun and get fit. The Eastern Section offers several grants to organizations throughout the year, aimed at increasing tennis participation.

York area parks allows for a diverse network of parents and kids to be reached.”

One of USTA Eastern’s main grant opportunities is provided by the Eastern Junior Tennis Foundation (JTF). The JTF offers grants to help non-profit organizations, such as park and recreation departments, to initiate or expand tennis activities. Grants may be used for instructional programs or leagues geared toward juniors.

Applications for the JTF grants will be available in late winter or early spring of 2016.

Participation Growth Incentive and Start-Up and Expansion Program grants, referred to as PISE grants, are also given out to organizations looking to start or expand new tennis programs at all levels. These particular grants can focus on growing tennis for youth and/ or adults through programming that could include USTA flagship programs such as Junior Team Tennis, Eastern sanctioned tournaments for juniors and adults and USTA Adult Leagues.

The long-term goal for all of these funding streams is to help programs become self-sufficient.

“The grants provide kids with the opportunity to start or continue playing tennis,” Joe Steger, USTA Eastern Western Region Tennis Service Representative said. “Offering support to New

Another one of USTA Eastern’s grant opportunities is provided by the Eastern Adult Tennis Foundation (EATF). The EATF offers grants to help non-profit organizations as well, with a focus on adult programming. These applications are made available in June.

Tennis continued on page 25…

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26 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

Children are introduced to tennis easier than ever before using an interactive and educational format.

Children are introduced to tennis easier than ever before using an interactive and educational format. Use of smaller racquets, low compression tennis balls and smaller courts allow children to rally and be successful from the start. A great way to introduce new players into programs is through USTA Play Days. Tennis providers can host and register their Play Days on YouthTennis. com, making it easy for parents and children to find events in their area. The USTA conducts two special promotions during the year encouraging organizations to hold play events in the months of March and September by offering special incentives to providers.

For more information on USTA Eastern’s programs, resources and support, contact Joe Steger at steger@eastern.usta.com or 914-282-4153, or visit www.eastern.usta.com. USTA Eastern is comprised of six regions, all of which have a Tennis Service Representative (TSR) in the field to develop programs and support the organizations that help to grow tennis participation.

“The use of age-appropriate equipment is key to ensuring that children have a positive first experience with tennis,” Steger said. “We work with manufacturers that provide discounted equipment to organizations we refer.”

With a team of experienced staff and clinicians, USTA Eastern also offers workshops tailored to the needs of providers. There are several resources, including Coach Youth Tennis (www. coachyouthtennis.com), available to park and recreation departments. The Coach Youth Tennis program will help anyone working with kids to ensure that they have a great time and want to keep playing. The website offers six online courses that are free of charge, and includes a calendar listing of 10 and Under Tennis workshops taking place across the country.

USTA Eastern conducts workshops periodically throughout the section, and also has access to curriculum materials and other resources for instructors and program providers.

In addition, park and recreation departments can renovate or expand tennis facilities with help from the USTA. Facility resources include grants to help with court construction, renovations and lines for smaller courts, blacktops or playgrounds. Services also include free technical support to help assess, develop, design and plan facilities.

Call Today 1-800-FOR-PARK www.quassy.com

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 27

Wellness Parks for Seniors: Serious Play

By Donald A. Rakow, Associate Professor, School of Integrative Plant Science Section of Horticulture, Cornell University

Play. It’s that series of activities that children delight in and use to hone their motor skills, social abilities, and sense of self. But is play the sole domain of kids? Michael Cohen, longtime playground designer and member of the staff at ‘Play by Design,’ doesn’t think so, and he’s devoting the latter stage of his career to designing play areas tailored to the older set.

28 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

Cohen was inspired to address the recreational needs of seniors after viewing a video of a playground for elders in Manchester, England. He was struck by the delight on the older residents’ faces, and immediately recognized a need that was not being met in this country. We build housing and community centers for seniors, so why do we ignore the value of outdoor exercise?

Researching the topic further, Cohen learned that the Chinese and other Asian societies have long addressed this need by providing outdoor gyms for elders in the communities where they live. Since the 1990’s, the concept has spread to a number of European countries and one or two sites in British Columbia. But Cohen was frustrated by the lack of interest in the United States.

In response, Cohen has designed wellness parks that address two critical needs of older populations: exercise to remain healthy and limber and socializing to prevent isolation. His designs include adaptive exercise equipment, some of which he’s developed and some which is based on prototypes from Asia or Europe.

He blends the built features with trees and other plantings to make the sites shady and attractive, while avoiding secluded corners that could feel insecure to seniors. Cohen’s

vision “is a park or garden that is inviting. A place that has a serenity, lightheartedness about it.”

As Cohen sees it, seniors enjoy being challenged by new workout modes, but must feel confident that they won’t be embarrassed by an apparatus they can’t control. He addresses this issue in two ways- by ensuring that pieces of equipment are low impact with minimal opportunities for failure, and by placing benches within sight of equipment, so bench sitters can see how easily peers master the gear.

But what about those geriatric individuals with limited mobility or in wheelchairs?

Cohen has incorporated game tables to accommodate wheelchairs, and exercise machines that can be accessed from a seated position. And by minimizing grade changes and avoiding steps, senior playgrounds can be made accessible to most individuals.

For parks managers, designating a recreational area specifically for seniors can present challenges, and it isn’t Cohen’s intention to exclude children from playing in them. But he has found that so called ‘multi-generational’ playgrounds tend to focus on the needs of kids to the exclusion of elders. Slides, see-saws, and

traditional swings simply aren’t designed for older generations.

And safety, certainly, is a major issue.

While working out on equipment in a senior park can improve one’s balance and range of motion, special concern needs to be taken when individuals with cognitive impairments are present. Cohen regularly seeks the input and advice of gerontology experts, many of whom are members of the impressive board he’s built to guide him in this process. But he feels that persons with Alzheimer’s or similar conditions are most often accompanied by a caregiver and thus unlikely to harm themselves or wander away from the park.

The goal is to get every senior outside, regardless of their physical or mental capacities.

The process of getting Americans to awaken to the outdoor recreational needs of seniors has been a slow one, and Cohen is hopeful that the first of the wellness parks he’s designed will be constructed this coming spring. But simply by raising this neglected issue, he has demonstrated yet another way that our parks and recreational areas can provide for greater health and wellness throughout an individual’s lifespan.

The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 29

2016 Commercial Membership Guide AQUATIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

Deschamps Mat Systems Inc. 618 Little Falls Rd. Unit 7-8 Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 973-928-3040 northeast.sales@mobi-mat-dms.com

Fun Flicks Timothy Bennett PO Box 685 Cortland, NY 13045 315-663-5005 timothy@funflicks.com

Quatic-FTSystems Jeff Betz 216 River St. Troy, NY 12180 518-266-0964 jeff@floattech.com Mateflex.com Kevin Wheelock 2007 Beechgrove Place Utica, NY 13501 315-733-1412 kwheelock@matflex.com ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS

Quassy Amusement Park Ron Gustafson PO Box 887 Middlebury, CT 06762 203-758-2913, ext 109 ron@quassy.com The Brain Show Jeffery O’Lear 145 Lake in the Clouds Road Camademsos, PA 18325 570-676-9741 beverly@thebrainshow.com

LARID LA Jim Laird 547 Edwards Lane Martinsburg, PA 16662 315-857-6027 jim@lairdla.com

Young Explosives Corp.

Display Fireworks Jim Young PO Box 18653 Rochester, NY 14618 800-747-1781 young@frontier.net

*Maxian + Horst Terry Horst 306 Hawley Ave. Syracuse, NY 13203 315-472-2461 thorst@maxianhorst.com

WonderWorks Ashley Doss 9090 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13204 315-466-7700 x 417 adoss@wonderworksdestiny.com

Timber Homes, LLC Timo Bradley PO Box 106 Vershire, VT 05079 802-685-7974 timo@timberhomesllc.com

LIGHTNING PREDICTION AND WARNING SYSTEMS

Weston & Sampson Paulette Barlette 22 High St Rensselawe, NY 12114 barlettep@wseinc.com Whitacre Greer Andrew Karas 400 W 43 St. #45B New York, NY 10036 330-206-7689 akaras@wgpaver.com CONSULTANTS C. Pine Associates Christopher Pine 4 Barlows Landing Road Suite 12 Pocasset, MA 02559 508-564-4465 chris@cpineassociates.com Parks and Pastimes, Inc. Dr. Marilynn R. Glasser 16 Mt. Ebo Road South, Suite 12A-6 Brewster, NY 10509 845-279-6057 mrglasser@aol.com Wright Risk Management Company, Inc. Robert Blaisdell 333 Earle Ovinton Blvd Suite 505 Uniondale, NY 11553 518-330-8591 rblaisdell@wrightinsurance.com DISK GOLF SUPPLIES

Thor Guard Inc Bob Dugan 1193 Sawgrass Corp Parkway Sunrise, Fl 33323 954-835-0900 sales@thorguard.com MARINE ACCESSORIES Morgan Recreational Supply, Inc. Tim Prokop 6013 Denny Dr. Farmington, NY 14425 585-924-7188 salesinfo@morganrec.com PAINTS & COATINGS Franklin Paint Company Lauretta Taddeo 259 Cottage St. Franklin, MA 02038 518-528-0303 lauretta@franklinpaint.com Super Seal Sealcoating Gregory Duffy PO Box 925 Penfield, NY 14526 585-248-5770 Duffygj@aol.com PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT American Recreational Products Bob Brown 1535 Locust Ave. Bohemia, NY 11716 631-244-0011 bob@americanrecreational.com

Innova Disk Golf Ryan Baker 2850 Commerce Drive Rock Hill, SC 29730 800-476-3968 ryan.baker@innovadisgolf.com

30 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

Bears Playgrounds Danny Bears 7625 E. Main Rd. Lima, NY 14485 585-624-5694 info@bearsplaygrounds.com BigToys Playgrounds John LaRue 35 Oak Forest Dr. Little Compton, RI 02837 800-986-3716 info@jplarue.com Commercial Recreation Specialists Carrie Becker 415 Investment Court Verona, WI 53593 608-848-8781 shannon@crs4rec.com Gametime/Marturano Jim Marturano PO Box 106 Spring Lake, NJ 07762 800-922-0070 james206@optonline.net KOMPAN, Inc Jeff LaRue 930 Broadway Tacoma, WA 98402 917-697-8183 jeflar@kompan.com Miracle Recreation Joseph Denzak PO Box 15517 Syracuse, NY 13215 800-925-1545 drecreat@twcny.rr.com *Parkitects, Inc./ Site Specialists Karen Armstrong 138 Ludlowville Rd. Lansing, NY 14882 607-533-3517, ext 101 karen@playgroundinfo.com ParkPlanet Nick Santos 1555 Tahoe Court Redding, CA 96003 888-668-9778 nick@parkplanet.com Play and Park Structures Jill Hagen PO Box 1003 Amherst, NY 13226 jhagen@parkandplay.com R.E. Woodson Bob Woodson 3520 Dewey Ave Rochester, NY 14616 585-865-0554 rwoodso1@rochester.rr.com Schoolscapes Incorporated Christopher Leavold 38 West Main St. Clifton Springs, NY 14432 315-906-0050 chris@schoolscapes.com Universal Play Systems Lauren Martelli 1 Madison Avenue Larchmont, NY 10538 914-834-7692 lmartelli@universalplay.com Vortex Aquatic Structure Anne LeDuc 328 Avro Pointe Claire, QC H9R5W5 514-694-3868 aleduc@vortex-intl.com

PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTION Peggy Payne & Assoc. Inc Peggy Payne 146 Broadway Hawthorne, NY 10532 914-747-3237 ppaplay@aol.com SURFACING Copeland Coating Company Albert Giamei PO Box 595 Nassau, NY 12123 518-766-2932 agiamei@copelandcoating.com Chameleon Ways Robert LaBarre 188 Jefferson St. Emmanus, PA 18049 877-426-5687 r.labarre@cameleonways.com CST Pavers Mark Pitcher 23 Ridge Rd. Branchville, NY 07826 973-534-9779 mark@cstpavers.com Experienced Brick and Stone Dawn Snyder 4536 Main St #102 Amherst, NY 14226 dsnyder@exbricks.com Playsites + Surfaces, Inc. Darrell Wilson 908-B Long Island Ave. Deer Park, NY 11729 631-392-0960 dwilson@playsitesplus.com SealMaster – Buffalo Richard Ortiz PO Box 7257 Buffalo, NY 14240 716-891-4197 smbuffalo2@yahoo.com Velvetop Products Bill Walsh 1455 NY Ave Huntington Station, NY 11746 631-427-5904 bwalsh@velvetop.com SITE AMENITIES Jamestown Advanced Products Shari Eckman 2855 Girts Rd Jamestown, NY 14701 716-483-3406 seckman@jamestownadvanced.com Most Dependable Fountains Bob Beachum 283 Kimbrough Place Memphis, TN 38104 800-542-8269 rbeachum@comcast.net Oldcastle Precast Inc. Steve Grischott 3900 Glover Rd. Easton, PA 18040 484-548-6502 sgrischott@modcon.com R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. Inc. Bob Simonsen PO Box 946 Cherokee, IA 51012 712-225-5796 pilotrock@rjthomas.com

* Signifies business partners

2016 Commercial Membership Guide SOFTWARE

SPORTING GOOD SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT

Capturepoint.com Caitlin Carrier Caitlin Carrier 215 East Ridgewood Ave. Rm 205 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-689-2323x203 lsands@capturepoint.com

Advantage Sport & Fitness 2255 N Triphammer Rd Ithaca, NY 14850 607-257-2107 ajwoodworth@advantagefitness.com

CityReporter Rachel Huston 200-1840 Third Ave Prince George, BC, Canada v2M 866-264-2236 cityreporter@noratek.com Maximum Solutions Inc. Jesse Parker 4570 W 77th St.

Suite 365 Edina, Mn 55435 763-235-2174 rfp@maxsolutions.com My Rec.com Ray Foley po box 302 Killington, VT 05751 866-466-9732 ray@myrec.com

RecDesk Software Mike Morris 222 Pitkin Street East Hartford, CT 06108 860-467-4325 mike.morris@recdesk.com ReCPro Software Dale Geiger 35807 Moravian Drive Clinton Township, Michigan 48035 586-469-4200 dgeiger@recprosoftware.com Tyler Technologies Inc AbiGaile Kane 1 Tyler Drive Yarmoth, ME 04096 207-518-4111 abigaile.kane@tylertech.com *Vermont Systems Kathy Messier 12 Market Place Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-879-6993, ext 3028 kathym@vermontsystems.com

C&C Vending Michael Weiss 70 Macquestern Pkwy Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 914-665-2730 michael.weiss@ccvend-usa.com Century Sports Sandy Hunt 1715 Oak Street, Suite 1 Lakewood, NJ 08701 732-905-4422 info@centurysportsinc.com Core Elements Gym Esther Hollander 492-c Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666 646-408-7486 esther@coreelementsgym.com G&G Fitness Equiptment Inc. 7350 Transit Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221 800-537-0516 tony@livefit.com *Sport Supply Group Inc/ BSN Sports Elliot Schwebel 27 Schalren Dr. Latham, NY 12110 518-783-1632 eschwebel@sportsupplygroup.com SPORTS LIGHTING Musco Lighting Don Rhuda 22 Chestnut Dr. Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-4577 don.rhuda@musco.com Lightspec Inc. Steve Danzig 1501 Monroe Ave. Rochester, NY 14618 585-242-8888 sdanzig@lightspec.com POOL CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLIES *RenoSys Corporation Shanda Lybrook 2825 East 55th Pl. Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-251-0207 shandal@renosys.com

Aquatic Facility Design, Inc. JaCinda Tuesing 183 Moore St. Millersburg, PA 17061 800-680-7946 jacinda@aquaticfacilitydesign.com Aquatic Development Group David Keim 13 Green Mt. Dr. Cohoes, NY 12047 518-783-0038 davidk@aquaticgroup.com Commercial Clearwater Co., Inc. Paul Meilink P.O. Box 909 Plandome, NY 11030 516-294-7985 help@911pool.com H Krevit Inc Blake Brock 67 Welton Street New Haven, CT 06534 rbbrock@comcast.net Vortex Aquatic Structures Ann LeDuc 328 Avro Pointe Claire, QC Canada H9R 514-694-3868 aleduc@vortex-int.com TENNIS SUPPLIES Century Sports, Inc. Sandy Hunt 1995 Rutgers University Blvd.

PO Box 2035 Lakewood, NJ 08701 732-905-4422 centurysportsinc@cs.com Retour Tennis Sarah Dermody 9413 Lost Pine Trail Verona, Wi 53593 sarah@retourtennis.comm

*All prices are quoted at NYSRPS Commercial Member rate per ad, per issue. Non-member rates higher - inquire for details.

FIRST AID SUPPLIES Masune First Aid Karen Wenner 500 Filmore Ave Tonawanda, NY 14150 716-743-8400 karen.wenner@pattersonmedical.com SKATE RINKS Outdoor Rinks by Iron Sleek Michael Barbanente 1555 Industrial Drive Itasca, Il 60143 877-825-2334 mike@ironsleek.com STAGE RENTALS AND SALES Stageline Mobile Stage 700 Marsolais St L’Assomption, Quebec j5w2g9 450-589-1603 mark.higgins@stageline.com

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION

Alternative Earth Care Kristine Fitzpatrick 1 Jem Court Bay Shore, NY 11706 www.Alternativeearthcare.com

SPACE 1 issue 2 issues Back Cover................................. $875............... $800 Inside Front or Back Cover............ $775............... $725 Full Page (7.625 x 10.25 in)............ $725............... $675 Half Page (7.625 x 5.125 in) ........... $515................ $475 Quarter Page (3.813 x 5.125 in)...... $315................ $275

National Alliance for Youth Sports Eric Burns 113 Shetland Pl., Warners, NY 13164 315-657-3782 Eburns@nays.org

Amereq Inc. 19 Squadron Blvd.

New City, NY 10956 845-634-2400 bkalter@amereq.com

TURF SPECIALISTS

Ink: Full Color Publication frequency: Printed two times per year Issues: Winter/Spring 2016, Summer/Fall 2016

US Sports Institute Mark Tolley 12 Maiden Lane Suite 3 Bound Brook, NJ 08805 732-563-2530 Markt@usasportgroup.com

STRUCTURAL SOILS

*USTA Eastern Joe Steger 70 West Red Oak Lane White Plains, NY 10604 914-282-4153 steger@eastern.usta.com

The Voice Advertising Rates*

TRAINING

Creative Clinics Nina Priya Ma David 101 West 12 Street Apt 7A New York, NY 10011 917-293-7702 ninapriyamadavid@gmail.com

* Signifies business partners

Submit advertisements as: print-ready PDF file. Resolution should be 300-350 ppi.

When supplying PDF files, embed all images and fonts.

Magazine trim size is 8.5 x 11 in. Live area is 7.625 x 10.25 in. If supplying full page bleed ad, please add 1/8 in bleed to trim size.

To become a Commercial Member, or to purchase ad space contact: Meaghan J. Wilkins, MRST Director of Communications meaghan@nysrps.org or 518-584-0321 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org 31

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People, Parks & Playgrounds

516.338.1630 / sitespecialists.net Westbury, New York Serving Zip Codes: 100-119

32 The Voice | Winter 2016 • nysrps.org

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