Parks & Recreation April 2015 by Creative By Design

Interview with FWS Director Dan Ashe | Digital Nature Experiences | 2015 Aquatics Guide APRIL 2015 W W W. N R PA . O R G

Plight of the Pollinators Parks may hold the key to saving valuable pollinators Page 40

THE CONSERVATION ISSUE

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contents april 2015 volume 50 | number 4 | www.nrpa.org

COVER STORY

40 Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time We Talked About the Birds and the Bees Pollinators are in trouble. Across the United States there is deep concern over the growing loss of critical pollinators that sustain agriculture, wildlife and plants. Parks can be part of the solution to bring them back.

Read the digital edition of this issue online at http://ezine.parks andrecreation.org.

Richard J. Dolesh

44 Director-in-Chief of Fish and Wildlife Dan Ashe, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, talks conservation, new initiatives and the importance of parks Richard J. Dolesh

Parks & Recreation

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Cover and interior illustrations by Jeff Byrd

Jennifer French, U.S. Paralympic Medalist

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contents april 2015

departments

columns

6 Web Exclusives

8 Perspectives Conservation and the Millennials...Continuing the Movement Detrick L. Stanford, CPRP

12 Letters 14 50th Anniversary Archive Throwback: March 1979

16 Community Center A Virtual War 16 Agency Spotlight: Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Texas 17 Notable News 19 NRPA Connect Hot Topics 19

20 By the Numbers The Birding Effect

23 Meet the Mayor Chandler, Arizona’s Jay Tibshraeny Jayni Rasmussen

25 Member to Member Mud University as an Outdoor Playground Timothy Baghurst, Ph.D., and I-Chun “Nicky” Wu, Ph.D.

49 NRPA Update Parks Build Community in Las Vegas, Nevada 49 MLB’s Pitch, Hit & Run 50 Test Your Park and Recreation Knowledge 52

10 Editor’s Letter Look Ma, No Food! Gina Mullins-Cohen

27 Advocacy Healthy Innovations Make the Case for Parks and Recreation Samantha Bartram

29 Law Review No Liability Precedent in State Park Settlement James C. Kozlowski, J.D., Ph.D.

34 Future Leaders Time for Change: A New Frontier for Digital Nature Experiences Joy Kacorski

36 Health and Wellness Parks: Improving Mental Health and Well-Being Allison Colman

38 Social Equity Addressing Equity in Park Use Samantha Bartram

Member Benefits: 2015 Premier Member Webinar Series 52 NRPA’s Wonderful Waystation 52 Member Spotlight: Amy Fortenberry 53 Staff Spotlight: Richard J. Dolesh 54 Professional Development Calendar 55

56 Operations Free. Clean. Limitless. 56 Becky Clay Making Smart Turf Equipment Choices 58 Kevin Conry

59 Products 60 Marketplace 63 Reader Service and Advertiser Index 64 Park Bench Boston Strong Danielle Taylor 4

Parks & Recreation

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Page 29

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Web Exclusives

Check out our digital edition at http://ezine.parks andrecreation .org

Last year, you submitted your photos for the chance to be featured on the cover of our July 2015 issue celebrating 30 years of Park and Recreation Month. Thank you to all the great photographers out there for your contributions! Our team of judges is currently reviewing all of the shots and the finalists will be posted on NRPA’s Facebook page for voting the week of May 18-22. Stay tuned to www. facebook. Private Funds, com/NationPublic Controversy alRecreationandParkAssociation for the announcement of the finalists and the chance to vote for your favorite photo, and be sure to invite your community to vote on their favorite as well! We look forward to seeing your July cover!

NRPA Congress Preview | Unsupervised Kids in Parks | Q&A: Dr. Maya Rockeymoore OCTOBER 2014 W W W. N R PA . O R G

Minneapolis Park Board opts out of downtown park plan Page 46

Parks & Recreation

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217,808 435,617

21,250 435,617 435,617 217,808 290,411 217,808

96,804 145,206

STANDARDS REPORT

| 3

6,444 3,692 6,000

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3,929 16,375 8,474 8,553

3,696 17,476 7,802 8,487

3,333 21,483

7,579 9,806 12,144 81,405 10,512 2,399 75,961 44,510 75,187

1,361 154,305 26,958 64,846 53,915 57,929 120,133

70,000 27,000 26,288 2014 CO

2014 COMMUNITY

4,413 7,526 43,872 60,645 55,000

124,462 435,617 174,247 217,808 435,617

Do you have enough parkland ?

ion Den per Sq Mil sity e 1,501 To 2,500 34,284 46,233 2,929 14,200

24,804 42,742 3,899 14,000 16,188

174,247 217,808 871,233

3,403 72,603 7,141 7,710 96,804 435,617 145,206

Populat

All Agencie s

20,261 21,781 3,275

MMUN

2,917 20,002

7,182 6,500 12,000 57,477 14,193 2,640 ISD 32,500 65,000 ISD ISD 29,034 53,466 45,390 63,128 58,000 48,282 20,732 20,864

ITY STA

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The digital edition of Parks & Recreation magazine will soon be available as a web app for your mobile device! You can already view our ezine through your web browser, but now you can access current and archived issues with the click of a button. Just visit http://ezine.parksandrecreation.org on your smartphone, tablet or other mobile device, locate the download symbol and add the ezine to your home screen. With the new app you can access our magazine at your convenience, so be sure to add us to your device today!

How m

ParksandRecreation.org

DS REP

ORT | 5

Have you checked out NRPA’s 2015 Field Report included with this month’s issue? NRPA’s Field Report is powered by the data entered into the PRORAGIS™ database by park and recreation agencies nationwide, and agencies can use this comprehensive resource to evaluate their processes and support operations. If you haven’t yet taken a look at the report or have an online subscription, visit www.nrpa.org/PRORAGIS to view it online and to take advantage of the additional resources we have available for agencies. PRORAGIS is the largest source for parks and recreation operating data and provides a great tool for agencies to examine their facilities and operations. Agencies can use the online resources to input data and analyze their performance against comparable agencies nationwide. They can also use the GIS mapping interface to see how they line up with similar agencies across the country. Take advantage of our online resources to help address critical issues and answer important questions about your agency. Explore our report and start inputting your data to see what you can discover about your agency with PRORAGIS online today!

Stay in touch! NRPA website: www.nrpa.org Parks & Recreation website: www.parksandrecreation.org Digital edition: http://ezine.parksandrecreation.org NRPA Connect: www.nrpaconnect.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalRecreationandParkAssociation Twitter: www.twitter.com/NRPA_news, www.twitter.com/ParksRecMag Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/nrpa Instagram: www.instagram.com/nrpa

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P E R S P E C T I V E S A M E S S A G E F R O M N R PA’ S L E A D E R S

Conservation and the Millennials… Continuing the Movement For many Americans, our national parks and public conservation lands are part of our national identity and heritage — Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Everglades — just to name a few. Until now, we’ve reserved and protected unique landscapes, special places and habitats for native species because we recognized we have a responsibility to future generations to ensure America’s natural environment and treasures remain a part of its landscape. However, this view is evolving into a broader understanding of the conservation movement. Increasingly, people are becoming aware that, in addition to the obvious social and environmental reasons, there is an increased understanding of the economic benefits inherent in actively advocating for preservation. The most obvious and immediate economic indicators will reveal the enormous contribution that conservation makes to regional wealth and employment, largely as a result of tourism. Tourism, generally, is a key driver in many regional economies, and there is increasing appeal of natural attractions throughout our country. This paradigm shift has become more evident and is more crucial now than ever before. In light of facing financial challenges, there is an increased need for us to connect the economic dots and shine a light on our worth as a profession that ultimately adds to the economic strength of the communities we serve through our advocacy. Finally, it becomes incumbent upon us to seize the moment and fully educate today’s youth, professionals and advocates alike about the stewardship and preservation of our natural environment, empowering them with the tools to pass the torch for generations to come. Park and recreation agencies are leaders in youth development when it comes to conservation. We must continue to provide crucial opportunities to not only highlight an agency’s environmental education programming and venues, but also to serve as learning laboratories to ensure our young people understand what is needed to carry the conservation movement into the future by balancing both the ecological and economic values as they go.

D E T R I CK L . S TAN FO R D, CPR P Chair of the Board of Directors

Parks & Recreation

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2377 Belmont Ridge Rd. | Ashburn, VA 20148 2 703.858.0784 | www.nrpa.org

NRPA’S MISSION: To advance parks, recreation and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jack Kardys

Chair of the Board of Directors Detrick L. Stanford, CPRP

Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department Miami, Florida

Clayton County Parks and Recreation Jonesboro, Georgia

Michael Kelly

Chair-Elect Susan Trautman, CPRP

Chicago Park District Chicago, Illinois

Great Rivers Greenway District St. Louis, Missouri

Brian Knapp

Past Chair Robert F. Ashcraft, Ph.D. ASU Lodestar Center Phoenix, Arizona

Treasurer Neelay Bhatt PROS Consulting Indianapolis, Indiana

Secretary Stephen Eckelberry

NOVA Parks Fairfax, Virginia

Molly Stevens Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center Austin, Texas

William “Joe” Turner Houston Parks and Recreation Houston, Texas

LIFE TRUSTEES

Bartlett Park District Bartlett, Illinois

Beverly D. Chrisman

President and CEO Barbara Tulipane, CAE

Anne S. Close

National Recreation and Park Association Ashburn, Virginia

Lexington, South Carolina

DOG PARK PRODUCTS & DESIGN

Fort Mill, South Carolina

James H. Evans BOARD OF DIRECTORS

New York, New York

Leon T. Andrews

Rosemary Hall Evans

National League of Cities Washington, D.C.

Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

Barbara Baca

Cullman, Alabama

Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department Albuquerque, New Mexico

Earl T. Groves

Rebecca Benná, CPRP

Charles E. Hartsoe, Ph.D.

Five River Metro Parks Dayton, Ohio

Kevin Coyle National Wildlife Federation Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Harnish Southwest Christian School Fort Worth, Texas

Roslyn Johnson Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Greenbelt, Maryland

Chester W. Freeman

Gastonia, North Carolina

Richmond, Virginia

Harry G. Haskell Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Kathryn A. Porter Mendham, New Jersey

Perry J. Segura New Iberia, Louisiana

R. Dean Tice Round Hill, Virginia

Eugene A. Young, CPRP Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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W W W. N R PA . O R G | A P R I L 2 0 1 5 |

Parks & Recreation

EDITOR’S LET TER

Look Ma, No Food! In 1923, Austrian scientist, philosopher and social innovator Rudolf Steiner predicted that within 80 to 100 years honeybees would be extinct. Now, beekeepers worldwide testify to the fact that an unbelievable loss of honeybees is occurring. This condition — now recognized as a pandemic deemed “Colony Collapse Disorder” (CCD) — is noted through the disappearance of bees from their hives in mass numbers. The queen is present, honey is present, but the bees have vanished.

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Barbara Tulipane, CAE VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLISHING, AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Gina Mullins-Cohen gcohen@nrpa.org EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Danielle Taylor

dtaylor@nrpa.org ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The alarming tale does not stop there. Feral bees are also seriously threatened in the U.S., and pollinators of all kinds are in rapid decline. Each year since the early 1990s, an average of 2.4 avian and mammalian pollinator species have moved from endangered to critically endangered status. This fact poses a significant threat to our global food systems, as well as to human health.

Samantha Bartram

This issue of Parks & Recreation magazine, our second annual Conservation issue, takes a hard look at the challenges before us regarding pollinator loss. Rich Dolesh, NRPA’s vice president of conservation and parks, examines the plight. His piece, “It’s Time We Talked About the Birds and the Bees,” on page 40 provides an overview of all that contributes to pollinators’ decline. Dolesh addresses habitat loss and the impacts of new classes of pesticides and herbicides as key factors, but he also speaks to the significant role park and recreation agencies can play in the solutions to saving pollinators.

Creative By Design

sbartram@nrpa.org EDITORIAL INTERN

Marissa Bracamonte mbracamonte@nrpa.org EDITORIAL INTERN

Catrina Belt

cbelt@nrpa.org PUBLICATION DESIGN

Another must-read feature in this issue is Dolesh’s interview with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. This dialogue sheds light on the challenges of protecting America’s fish and wildlife that are facing unprecedented challenges from the loss of habitat nationwide. According to Ashe, dangerous habitat degradation, caused by water scarcity, changing climate and most recently, invasive species, are factors changing our natural ecosystems. Ashe also speaks to the many reasons it is critical to connect our kids to nature and simply get them outdoors, especially noting the importance of passing on our legacy of conservation. Is there still time to stop the decline of pollinators and circumvent the catastrophic impacts such losses would mean for our nation? Yes, there is time, and park and recreation agencies have the opportunity to lead the way in educating the public in what we must do. We can start by showing kids the true wonders of nature and engaging adults in pollinator conservation. This must be a long-term strategy and include education opportunities and offerings our field provides. We can make a real difference, and over time, our actions could prove pivotal in saving the honeybees, butterflies, birds, wildlife — and so much more.

GINA MULLINS-COHEN Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Publishing Editorial Director 10 Parks & Recreation

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www.creativebydesign.net SENIOR MANAGER OF ADVERTISING

Dana Storm

703.858.2174 dstorm@nrpa.org (ISSN 0031-2215) is published monthly by the National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148, a service organization supported by membership dues and voluntary contributions. Copyright ©2015 by the National Recreation and Park Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of NRPA. Issued to members at the annual subscription price of $30, included in dues. Subscription: $36 a year in the U.S.; $46 elsewhere. Single copy price: $4.50. Library rate: $48 a year in the U.S.; $58 elsewhere. Periodical postage paid at Ashburn, Virginia, and at additional mailing offices. Editorial and advertising offices at 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148. 703.858.0784. Postmaster, send address changes to Parks & Recreation, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148.

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Letters We hope the articles you read in Parks & Recreation are thought-provoking and engaging, and we want to hear your opinions on what you read in these pages. Through social media posts, website comments, emails to staff or posts on NRPA Connect, let us know how the magazine’s articles apply to your job and your agency. To submit feedback for this section directly, email Associate Editor Samantha Bartram at sbartram@nrpa.org.

Why is there even any debate about this? These public lands are set aside as a refuge for native wildlife and for visitors to enjoy the native wildlife. Why in the world would you allow a highly destructive, non-native invasive species to live there, let alone be fed by people there? Domestic house cats should be handled the same way we handle feral hogs and Burmese pythons. Comment from J.J. McKibbin, an independent environmentalist, regarding Mark Battista’s March 2015 article, “Public Lands Besieged by Cats,” www. parksandrecreation.org/2015/March/ Public-Lands-Besieged-by-Cats I wanted to let you know that as a 24-year professional member of NRPA, that the Agency Spotlight is one of the best ideas that Parks & Recreation magazine has ever come up with. It should be kept in the magazine for a long time. It allows small, rural, urban, and midsize park districts, and public park and recreation agencies to all be highlighted on a national level. Our department is a Premiere Agency Member and our staff truly supports and appreciates what NRPA employees do for our national association and the profession. Keep up all of the good work. Email from Walt Bratton, CPRP, Assistant Director for the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department 12 Parks & Recreation

Open Streets is a great concept. Louisville designates streets for pedestrian and bicycle use only at various times during the summer. It’s a linear park with a diversity of recreation activities. It is important that we advocate for clean streets policy... making streets safe and accessible for all modes of transportation...connecting parks and trail systems. Connectivity should be integral to 21st-century transportation policy! Comment from Mark Alan Young, a consultant with Kentucky-based Parks Forever Consulting, regarding NRPA Vice President of Urban and Government Affairs Kevin O’Hara’s March 2015 Open Space blog post, “Playing in the Streets,” www.nrpa.org/Blog/Playing-in-the-Streets We were successful in securing a local health and natural food product store as a partner to provide loaves of whole grain breads and all sorts of fruits from the tropical to the regular fare as a large daily basket, at no cost to us, which we share with staff and patrons alike at our

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main recreation center and district offices for no cost. It has been a huge success in changing eating habits of especially the youth who frequent our facility — they look forward to a piece of fruit as a free and healthy snack instead of a snack from the vending machines, in which we continue to offer more and more healthier fare, too! Comment from Seve Ghose, CPRE, Deputy Superintendent at Willamalane Park and Recreation District in Springfield, Oregon, regarding NRPA Senior Program Manager Kellie May’s February 2015 Open Space blog post, “Are You Committed?” www.nrpa.org/Blog/ Are-You-Committed The Town of Manchester, Connecticut, Parks and Recreation Department’s online and mobile app for Manchester Town trails is another way trails are going high tech! You can visit and utilize the Manchester Trails website at home and the mobile app on your phone/ tablet by visiting http://mytowntrails.com/manchesterct. Comment from Rob Topliff Jr., Recreation Supervisor at Manchester Parks and Recreation Department, regarding NRPA Vice President of Research Travis Smith’s October 2014 Open Space blog post, “Trails Are Going High Tech. Are You Ready?” www. nrpa.org/blog/trails-are-going-hightech-are-you-ready

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Archive Throwback: March 1979 By Samantha Bartram

his month, NRPA Vice President of Conservation and Parks Richard Dolesh tackles the subject of our dwindling pollinators and what must be done to shore up their populations. Springtime some 36 years ago, authors Donna Kostka and Ron Bowen, in their Parks & Recreation feature article, “Prairie Makes a Comeback,” were focused on prairie restoration, although with different goals in mind. “Faced with conflicting demands for tight budgets and improved esthetics, alternatives are being sought to provide additional natural beauty, interpretive value, animal habitat and economy,” they write. “Because manicured lawns and traditional landscaping limits these things, more and more park departments are restoring some of their space to native habitats. Prairie, with its diverse community of native grasses and flowers, is especially well-suited for this ‘new’ kind of landscaping.” Kostka and Bowen go on to provide a how-to guide for agencies looking to jump on the prairie restoration bandwagon, suggesting seed collection methods, land preparation and maintenance strategies. Although they don’t couch these efforts in conservation terminology, their suggestion of low-maintenance native plantings certainly tracks with the concept and, to Dolesh’s presumed delight, would provide habitat and food for pollinating insects. Kostka and Bowen may not have had pollinators on the brain when penning their practical prairie guide, but their maintenance- and budget-friendly suggestion of including such areas within our public parklands could prove an effective strategy for mitigating the loss of pollinator species. Stinky Sneakers and Community Engagement Professionals in our field are always

14 Parks & Recreation

looking for innovative ways to bring more people into their recreation centers and parks — the 1976 iteration of the Montpelier, Vermont Recreation Department (MRD) stumbled upon an intriguing method to do just that, and shared it with readers of the March 1979 issue. Author Terrence Costin, then-director of recreation at MRD, described the origins of the “Rotten Sneaker Contest” thusly: “The contest started when a local sporting goods store wanted to run a picture with a beaten up, old pair of sneakers and a new, clean pair of sneakers in an advertisement. They approached our department with the question — ‘Are there any old sneakers kicking around the recreation center?’ We invited them over with a camera, and a quick survey of the sneakers present revealed at least five pair that were eligible for the advertisement. We examined shoes from the sidelines and select-

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ed four finalists. From these we selected a winner. The group’s picture appeared on the front page of the local papers, and we received incredible response. In fact, the response was so good, we decided to make the contest an annual event.” The contest is held to this day — it’s now a nationwide event dubbed the “Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest,” after the insole manufacturing company became the contest’s official sponsor in 1988 (www.odor-eaters. com/rotten-sneaker-contest). When it was still MRD’s baby, the contest was open to anyone in the town and judging was based on six categories: tongue, sole, eyelets, heel, toe and smell (gross). Today, it’s open to children ages 5-15 with judging based on the less-specific categories of odor (still gross), condition and the child’s verbal account of why and how his or her sneakers are the stinkiest. While its purpose has changed, back in 1979 MRD’s Rotten Sneaker Contest provided a good example of how, with the right mindset, an innocent search for a nasty pair of shoes can become a fantastic public relations event. “From a program perspective, the contest has been a tremendous success,” Costin writes. “Virtually no cost is involved. We attract all ages and all styles. And it is a fantastic promotional tool that has resulted in extensive local and national publicity.” We should all be so clever — preferably without having to stick our noses in a stranger’s stinky shoes. Samantha Bartram is the Associate Editor of Parks & Recreation magazine (sbartram@nrpa. org).

Community Center A Virtual War

Augmented reality comes to our parks with Ingress By Linda Oakleaf, Ph.D.

here’s a sculpture near my office that I never noticed was there, at least until I captured it. Now I walk past it with proprietary pride. It’s my first portal.

There is a game going on in your parks, and you may have no idea it’s there. Developed by Google and played in part on smartphones, Ingress is best described as a combination of geocaching and capture the flag. Two teams, Resistance (blue) and Enlightened (green), battle over portals. Portals are located at sites of public art, important buildings, and commemorative markers and signs. Even those “In memory of...” benches and trees often serve as portals, so chances are good that people are battling it out in facilities that you manage right now. Players must stand within 40 meters of a portal if they want to capture it, so you can’t sit on your couch to play this game. The game explicitly encourages walking by tracking distance walked while playing and awarding badges for walking long distances. Many players state that what they like best is that the game encourages them to see new places, learn new things and meet new people. Ingress can pose both challenges and opportunities to park managers. On the one hand, it’s a great way to get people to visit your parks. On the other hand, you may sometimes end up with unwanted visitors when your parks are closed or when players encroach on areas where they’re not allowed to be. Here are three steps to help you both manage potential issues and maximize the opportunities that Ingress offers.

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First, you will need to learn about the portals in your parks. To do that, you’ll have to download the app and create an account (www.ingress.com/intel). Take note of the signage, buildings or art in your parks that serve as portals, as well as how many portals are on your properties. You may find some surprises. When I checked NRPA’s headquarters on the map, I found a portal located right in the lobby!

Author Linda Oakleaf captured Siegel Park in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for the Resistance faction, which turned this portal blue and gained points for her team.

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Second, you should reach out to your local Ingress players. Players must work together to meet many of the objectives in the game, so active groups have formed in many communities. You can find a list here: www.ingress.com/community/directory. Understanding the needs and expectations of Ingress players will net the same benefits as with other users. Ingress groups can be a great resource of help and expertise in the game. Finally, you may wish to incorporate Ingress into your programming efforts. Use the interpretive signs or art that serve as portals and work with local players to build missions that are both fun and informative. Encourage physical activity in your community by holding a walking challenge for Ingress players, and track their progress with their “distance walked” statistic. You might also consider hosting an Ingress event. Local groups often hold informal gatherings, and larger sites may even play host to international events with hundreds of participants. You can be a part of this by contacting your local group of Ingress players to help them coordinate events in your park. Ingress is just one game that incorporates the GPS capabilities of our ubiquitous smartphones. We will likely see more applications of this technology in the years ahead. However, the better we understand how our parks are being used, the better we can serve the diverse needs of our participants. Linda Oakleaf, Ph.D., is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Leisure, Sport and Tourism Studies program at Middle Tennessee State University (oakleaf@gmail.com).

Agency Spotlight: Austin Parks and Recreation, Texas By Samantha Bartram Municipality: Austin, Texas Population: 885,400 Year Agency Founded: 1928 Annual Operating Budget: $72,591,252 Director: Sara L. Hensley, CPRP Full-time Employees: 665 Seasonal Employees: 1,272 Volunteers: 13,221

Essential Information More than 29,000 acres of parkland, 271 parks, 211 miles of trails, 94 sports fields, 77 basketball courts, 50 aquatics facilities, 20 recreation centers, 12 off-leash dog areas, 11 museums/arts and cultural centers, 10 stages/amphitheaters, six golf courses and five cemeteries. Connecting Children to Nature “We set our goals high,” says Ryan Eaker, program coordinator at Austin Parks and Recreation’s Lorraine “Grandma” Camacho Activity Center. “Austin is changing and growing, and our type of programming is in high demand. We want to reach as many different populations as we can to provide that outdoor programming for everyone.” Camacho employs a unique nature outreach program designed to work with its sister recreation centers, rather than angling for an audience all its own. Eaker points out that Camacho is an “activity center,” not a traditional recreation center, and thus is without gym space or traditional sports programming. It’s located on a hike and bike trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake in east-central Austin with access to a lagoon that provides oppor

tunities for nature-based education. “Especially in the summertime, we use the trail as our highway,” Eaker says. “Every day, all day, we’re outside on bikes and boats.” Because Camacho lacks the sports programming that typically draws in youth and families, Eaker said its after-school activities were suffering. “We were competing with recreation centers within our own organization,” he says. “We decided a couple of years ago to focus on something we’ve been doing for a several years anyway, and expanded the nature-based outreach for after-school enhancement programs. We offer those programs to 20 other rec centers in Austin on a daily basis.” This means children in more urban areas of the city can access the same nature- and

arts-based programming offered to regular Camacho visitors, without having to travel. “We put on different programs including geocaching, Waterbugs (a hands-on water ecology program), natural tie-dyeing where kids make dyes out of natural plants…We also do archery and nature photography, and we invite closer rec centers to participate in mountain biking or kayaking on the lake with us.” Eaker also points out Austin Parks and Recreation has completely overhauled its public-facing efforts and is now fully immersed in the social media universe with a YouTube channel, Facebook page and Twitter handle. “That combination of online presence in different platforms means people are finally finding us, and now our

This enthusiastic group of teens is out for a bike ride along Lady Bird Lake’s Hike and Bike Trail, just one activity offered at Camacho Activity Center.

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Community Center biggest challenge is to meet that demand,” Eaker says. Leveraging Environmental Assets Just across Interstate 35 lies Pease Park, another gem under the Austin

Parks and Recreation umbrella. Here, park leaders have undertaken a major effort to restore the Shoal Creek watershed, plant hundreds of new trees and improve playground and trail sites. Last October, a master plan

focused on Pease Park was adopted, outlining an initiative to increase its tree canopy, species diversity and overall health. Applying the plan in concert with the community-funded Pease Park Conservancy, Kim McKnight, MHSP and project coordinator and cultural resource specialist with Austin Parks and Recreation’s Planning and Development Division, says major strides have been made. “Through this $6 million stream and riparian rehabilitation project at Shoal Creek, we have seen incredible large-scale stream bed and creek restoration,” she says.

“We decided to focus on expanding the naturebased outreach for afterschool enhancement programs.” “The Pease Park master plan is, from a planning perspective, one of the best examples of our conservation efforts,” McKnight continues. “We know we’re the fastest-growing city of our size in the country. We will have to absorb that population increase and prepare our parks so they can absorb this vast population explosion. “I’m really proud of the work we’ve done as an agency. Our partnerships help us foster greater conservation and nature programming. There are a lot of people in central Texas who are working hard to connect children and nature, and our department plays a large role in implementing those initiatives.” Samantha Bartram is the Associate Editor of Parks & Recreation magazine (sbartram@ nrpa.org).

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Notable News For more information and instructions of how to get involved, go to www.get-to-know.org/contest/us.

n Begin making plans now for youth participation in the international children and youth wildlife and nature art contest sponsored by the Wild Neighbours Society. The online contest kicks off May 1 in the United States. Begun almost 15 years ago, this innovative contest allows children and teens to create and submit a variety of art inspired by wildlife and nature, which is then grouped by category and posted in an online gallery for everyone to view. The contest encourages a variety of submissions of original art including drawings, paintings, writing, photography, videography and music. It is open to children and youths up to age 18. According to the Wild Neighbours Society, more than 600 entries last year were inspired by or created from park settings. Several park and recreation agencies held their own competitions and displayed kids’ work online or at their facilities. The Get to Know contest is a great way to get kids connected to nature and the outdoors, and the impact of kids creating art from scenes in nature lasts a lifetime.

n In mid-March, the John S. and James L. Knight and William Penn Foundations announced nearly $11 million in grants to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park Conservancy in support of efforts to reimagine the city’s public spaces. Funded by these grants, the Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative will revitalize and connect libraries, parks, trails, plazas and community centers with the aim of attracting and retaining talented workers to the region, advancing economic opportunity, boosting civic participation and leveling the playing field between affluent communities and those in need. n In mid-March, a panel from the Idaho House of Representatives approved a proposal that would allow the state’s Department of Recreation and Parks to receive money from corporate sponsors. The proposal, which would allow sponsor logos to appear on informational signs or on a mobile app, would generate approximately $20,000 in the first year and up to $100,000 per year beyond that. The bill unanimously passed in the Senate a few weeks prior to its approval by the House panel, but it will likely undergo minor changes before it is considered by the full House. For more news from around the industry, visit www.parksandrecreation.org/2015/April/Notable-News.

NRPA Connect Hot Topics

pring is here and the weather isn’t the only thing that is heating up! Connect is full of HOT topics. Check out the below preview of what’s being discussed on the only professional networking platform dedicated to the park and recreation profession: 1) Bench and Tree Memorials: Does your agency offer bench and tree memorials in your parks? Your colleagues share many of their pricing and location policy recommendations, including how to handle damaged property, length of time for memorials and allowing decorations. 2) Employee Incentive Programs: Employee incentive programs are a great way to show appreciation to your staff and help boost employee morale. Want to start a similar program, but have a limited budget? Visit the discussion for low-cost suggestions to recognize your deserving staff. 3) Negative Behavior in Adult Basketball Leagues: Does fining, ejecting players or suspending teams from tournaments work best to combat bad behavior on the courts? Professionals weigh in on handling sportsmanship issues in basketball and other sports leagues. 4) Concessions in Parks: Are you looking for guidelines for food vendors? How about private instructors wishing to hold classes in parks? Read this discussion for suggestions on permit fees, usage charges and more. NRPA Connect is now responsive on all mobile devices! Just visit www. nrpaconnect.org to learn more and join the conversation. — Hayley MacDonell, NRPA’s Membership Programs Manager

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By the Numbers

The Birding Effect Spring is here, and with the warmer weather and blooming flowers come swarms of migratory birds returning home after the cold North American winter. This time of year is prime season for birdwatchers, better known as “birders,” who are attracted to the concentrated flocks and bright plumage of the breeding birds. You may be familiar with birding, but many may be surprised at the significant impact birders have on the environment and the economy. In 2011, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sought to provide more comprehensive information on the identity of birders and their economic impact with its National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Below, find some highlights from the survey, which helps shed some light on the true value of birding — and by extension, the value of birds.

47 million:

Number of birders, 16 years of age and older, in the United States as of 2011.

88:

Percentage of birders who “backyard bird,” aka, watch birds around their homes.

38:

Percentage of away-from-home birders, or those who travel more than a mile from home to bird watch on both private and public lands.

53: Average age of a birder in the United States in

2011.

75: Percentage of away-from-home birders who

observe waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.), making those species the most-watched type of bird.

110:

Average number of days spent birding for all birders in 2011.

$15 billion:

Estimated trip-related expenditures for birders in 2011.

$26 billion:

Estimated equipment expenditures for birders in 2011.

$107 billion: Total birding industry output across the United States in 2011.

666,000:

Number of part-time and full-time jobs created from birding expenditures in 2011.

$31 billion:

Estimated employment income created from birding expenditures, consisting of both employee compensation and proprietor income.

Source: National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, 2011.

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NRPA would like to thank Disney, ABC and ESPN for their support of local parks through this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parks Build Community campaign, giving 16 parks across the country $20,000 each to help kids in their communities be active, live healthier and connect with nature.

Want to get involved? Visit nrpa.org/BeInspired throughout April to nominate a park in your community to be entered in a random drawing to win $20,000. Then submit your votes to help us select parks across the country to receive grant funding.

nrpa.org/BeInspired

Meet the Mayor Chandler, Arizona’s Jay Tibshraeny By Jayni Rasmussen

ay Tibshraeny is now serving an unprecedented sixth term as mayor of Chandler, Arizona, a Phoenix suburb of 250,000. Nestled in the Sonoran desert, Chandler enjoys year-round warm weather and picturesque desert views, but it’s community sets the city apart, attracting several high-tech companies along with a dynamic and active population. As a native of Chandler, a lifelong public servant of Arizona’s East Valley, and an avid runner and bicyclist, Mayor Tibshraeny knows amenities like health and wellness programming, parks and open spaces, and recreational trails make Chandler an excellent place to live. He recently shared some of his city’s highlights with Parks & Recreation. Parks & Recreation magazine: What sets Chandler apart from other communities in terms of its amenities, programs and services? Mayor Tibshraeny: We operate, protect, maintain and conserve Chandler’s 1,214 acres of park land, ensuring residents and visitors alike have the opportunity to connect with open space. At the same time, our programs provide educational opportunities to help our community engage in conservation practices. Our focus on health and wellness is our commitment to make Chandler healthier, stronger and more active by providing easy access to parks, as well as free or low-cost opportunities to recreate, swim and attend community events. P&R: Chandler has a goal of developing a neighborhood park in each square mile of the city. Why is that important to you? Tibshraeny: Chandler has always been a very family-oriented community. Giving people the ability to walk to a neighborhood park promotes a healthier community and instills greater pride and ownership in neighborhoods. We have 48 existing neighborhood parks with four left to devel

op, so we are just a couple of years away from completing the goal. P&R: In 2012, you launched an initiative called Health Connect. Tell us what compelled you to emphasize fitness in your community. Tibshraeny: A few years ago, my staff was approached by the city of Phoenix with a free prescription drug card program with which Phoenix was having some success. Instead of just rolling out the cards, I thought it would be nice to promote a more well-rounded health and wellness effort by combing financial health with the drug cards, physical health through the promotion of our many recreational amenities, and mental health through a series of Monday Tweets on stress relief. We’ll continue to add new aspects to the Health Connect Initiative where we see needs in the community. P&R: The city of Chandler is one of only 14 communities to win the Playful City USA distinction from KaBOOM! for eight consecutive years. Why do you think that is? Tibshraeny: A large part of it is the park amenities and recreational programming that we have in place. But

it goes beyond that. We enjoy so many strong partnerships in Chandler with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, youth sports associations and, of course, our school districts. If you step back and take a look at all we have managed to do, through good times and bad, it really makes for an impressive story. P&R: What drove the development of Chandler’s network of alternative transportation options? Tibshraeny: It has been the city’s goal for decades to be a well-connected community. We currently have about 333 miles of bike lanes in our planning area of approximately 72 square miles. With our weather, cycling is very popular. We also developed several miles of trails along an irrigation canal system that runs through Chandler. It is lighted and used for biking, walking and horseback riding. Currently our planning staff is working closely with the development community to bring more walking- and biking-friendly projects into our downtown area. Jayni Rasmussen is NRPA’s Advocacy and Outreach Specialist (jrasmussen@nrpa.org).

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Member to Member Mud University as an Outdoor Playground By Timothy Baghurst, Ph.D. and I-Chun “Nicky” Wu, Ph.D.

ark and recreation professionals are searching for more cost-efficient ways to build outdoor playgrounds that promote children’s physical activity, connect them with nature and attract more users to parks. Aside from installing the traditional “post-and-deck” playground, utilizing unused or vacant land in the park to develop a unique mud obstacle run for kids may be an alternative. “Mud University” is one such effort that has transformed some of this underutilized space to provide a temporary outdoor playground for children and youth. Mud obstacle running — sometimes referred to as obstacle course racing or OCR — is a relatively new phenomenon whereby participants complete a series of obstacles or challenges during a run that often, although not always, includes mud. Some of the more famous examples of mud runs include Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash and the Spartan Race. OCRs are a big business. For example, from 2010 to 2013, Tough Mudder had more than 1 million participants. At approximately $60 to $150 per entrant, the potential revenue is signifi-

cant, and there are few indications of this trend in participation stopping anytime soon. So, if such courses are big business, why shouldn’t parks and recreation areas cash in, too? Until recently, mud obstacle running was an adult-only event. Yes, sections of the course might include an option for kids, but little effort has been made by these established mud-run companies to offer such experiences specifically to children and youth. This is surprising, given that mud and kids seem to be such a commonsense match. That changed

Kids indulge their natural attraction to messy fun during a Mud U event at Lake McMurtry in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

in 2014, with the arrival of Mud University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Mud University Mud University, with the slogan “Fun in the First Degree,” was developed to encourage children and youth to get outside and be physically active in a fun natural environment. The first Mud U was held in April 2014 at Lake McMurtry in Stillwater, Oklahoma, a publicly owned recreational area. Over the course of two days, 533 children aged between 6 and 13 completed the 15-obstacle course, which measured 1-1.5 miles depending on the participant’s age. With the success of the inaugural Mud U, an additional fall event was offered, but with a 50 percent increase in participation to more than 800 kids. Interestingly, more than 200 of the inaugural participants returned to complete the second event. Mud U required an enormous amount of management and organization, but several steps were implemented to ensure that the two events ran smoothly and safely. First, to avoid saturating the course, participants chose a particular wave time on either of the days. Waves were limited to 10 participants, which helped to alleviate congestion on the course. Second, volunteers were recruited and placed throughout the course to assist participants where needed. In these events, parents were not permitted on the course, as one aim was to encourage participants to work

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Member to Member together. Therefore, the use of volunteers was vital to Mud U’s success. Third, participants and their respective adult were required to wear matching wristbands bearing the adult’s cellphone number to be used in the event of an emergency. Use of Resources Mud U provides an example of how an underutilized area can be transformed into an extremely popular outdoor playground. In this case, the course was developed using some of the bike trails already in existence, deviating from them at times. Some of the obstacles were erected near but off of the trail, in order to avoid disturbing the trail itself. Example obstacles included a mud pit, climbing net, log walk and a rope bridge. An unused hayfield provided a location to include a variety of different obstacles including shooting an oversized slingshot at a target, climbing over hay bales, running and hopping through a tire course, walking on planks as a team, and finding a coin in a mud puddle. Finally, when participants had completed the course, the lake was conveniently available for them to wash off. Almost all of the structures used for obstacles were made from the surrounding resources. Cedar trees were cut down to create fencing and obstacles. This helped to keep the initial cost of building the obstacles reasonably low. Water-based obstacles were developed from natural ponds and gullies within the terrain. Less construction meant less environmental damage and time needed to deconstruct the course after the event. Functionality How each park organizes a children’s mud run might differ — in this case, the collaboration between Lake McMurtry Friends Inc. (LMF) and Flying 26 Parks & Recreation

Squirrel LLC (FS) was organic. The LLC was initially created to ensure adequate liability insurance. For the first event, an agreement was made between LMF and FS to share in both costs and profits based on initial outlay of expenses, where LMF took the primary financial burden but also received the majority of revenue. Within this agreement, each party was accountable for specific responsibilities. For example, LMF was responsible for physically building the course, securing food options, raising sponsorships and marketing the event. FS was responsible for managing the website, registration, securing photographers and recruiting participants and volunteers. Following the success of the first event, responsibilities for both parties were re-evaluated. For the second event, LMF was contracted by FS to only carry out course building and event-day responsibilities, and cost and profit sharing did not occur. This worked to the benefit of both parties. LMF was guaranteed a specified income and was able to dedicate more time to its daily park activities. Although FS was burdened with greater responsibilities, profits were not shared. Application An outdoor playground need not be a permanent structure, and it is important to consider the benefits of developing a mud obstacle run. If the responsibility of a park is to increase its use, such events do just that. In the above example, it is estimated that more than 3,500 people visited Lake McMurtry specifically for the two Mud U events. Further, using post-evaluation surveys, it was determined that 70 percent of participants and volunteers had never been to Lake McMurtry before, even though 50 percent of them lived within 20 miles of the lake.

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Therefore, the lake had almost 2,500 new visitors in just four days! This provides evidence that a focus on children’s play can breathe new life into a park or recreational area. Whether a park should be the primary party responsible for developing, constructing and running an event such as Mud University is open to debate, but based on our own experiences, we recommend that developing a relationship with an outside entity and contracting with them provides the most cost-efficient solution during the economic downturn. However, choosing an outside entity should be carefully considered in terms of longterm environmental impacts and the priorities of the entity. Some of the larger mud-run businesses may be more concerned about profit margins than seeing hundreds of happy smiling faces enjoying the outdoors. Natural environments provide a dynamic and rugged playground for young park visitors to explore and develop their motor skills, muscle strength and agility. Mud obstacle runs foster team building, leadership and the development of social skills. Progressing through this problem-solving adventure in a safe but challenging natural environment not only strengthens the bond between children and our land, but also helps to develop their self-confidence. Here’s to our next generation raising their gaze from digital devices, going outside and having “Fun in the First Degree” with our outdoor playground! Timothy Baghurst, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Physical Education in the Program of Health and Human Performance at Oklahoma State University (tim.baghurst@ okstate.edu). I-Chun “Nicky” Wu, Ph.D., is a Research Professional at Oklahoma State University in the Leisure Studies Program (wuichun@msu.edu).

ADVOCACY

Innovation Lab attendees participate in an exercise to reimagine a section of Miami’s Liberty City in terms of health, equity and access.

Healthy Innovations Make the Case for Parks and Recreation By Samantha Bartram

hen modern ideas about leisure and recreation were first being explored in depth in the early 1900s, most influential thinkers made the connection that exercise and access to nature resulted in a healthier society. This was considered true regarding both physical and mental health. Whole theories of recreation and physical education revolved around the idea that in order to raise a healthy, well-adjusted society, children needed to be fit and connected to the world outdoors. Somehow in the ensuing 100 years or so we got away from those ideas. As NRPA Director of Health Initiatives Zarnaaz Bashir recently pointed out to a group of almost 30 NRPA Innovation Lab attendees, “We’ve engineered physical activity out of our environment.” One purpose of NRPA’s first Innovation Lab was to get a closer look at an agency with a mission to achieve precisely the opposite.

Innovating for Health NRPA’s Miami Innovation Lab was held March 12-13 at the Mayfair Hotel in historic Coconut Grove (www. nrpa.org/Innovation-Labs). Miami-Dade County is home to one of the most forward-thinking agencies when it comes to health and how parks, recreation, doctors and families can work together to reverse negative health trends. Jack Kardys, director of Miami-Dade County’s Department

of Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS), and Maria Nardi, chief of planning at PROS, pulled together their brightest partners for two days of sharing, brainstorming and informative site visits designed to illustrate why today’s park and recreation professional should add “healthcare provider” to their title as well. Miami-Dade County is all about placemaking with four areas of focus in mind: policy, fitness programs, the built environment and media communications. It achieves this through innovative thinking and strategic partnerships that leverage particular areas of expertise including healthcare, socioeconomics, land use and safety. Basically, county leaders are looking out their windows and reimagining

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ADVOCACY

the landscape as one that should contribute to everyone’s overall health and well-being, regardless of race, class or geography. As park and recreation professionals, we know the wide-reaching effect we have on the health of the communities we serve, but leveraging that knowledge to capture the attention of policy makers and those holding the purse strings is a tricky matter. PROS is a model of how to get it done. In league with the University of Miami School of Architecture, the Florida Department of Health and Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, Kardys and Nardi endeavored to craft a 50-year master plan focused on engineering for equitable health outcomes. “The open space master plan…shapes how we approach things as a culture,” Kardys said. “Miami-Dade County, as a result of that plan, adopted the idea that parks are not just a destination — they’re a metaphor for a healthy environment, with the public realm, natural spaces, cultural spaces, greenways and blueways tying it all together.” Now, almost eight years into the 50year master plan, PROS is building its case with hard numbers and reliable data that will illustrate to politicians and financiers the value of a holistic parks system. “No department in local government touches more people than we do,” Kardys said, adding, “yet no department has been cut as much as we have. I wonder, in larger systems that have had similar cuts, if people take us for granted because we’re not messaging that.” Showing, Telling and Imagining The Innovation Lab featured a day of presentations from some of Kardys’ strategic Miami-based partners, as well as health leaders from across the country. Attendees were invited to consider how they might make the case to their own elected bodies and patrons that, 28 Parks & Recreation

although municipal budgets are tight, priority should be put on the parks departments and professionals who arguably have greater influence over the well-being of their patrons than any single heathcare provider. To illustrate the natural connectedness of parks, health providers, land use and social equity, Joanna Lombard, professor at the University of Miami School of Architecture, and Dr. Lillian Rivera of the Florida Department of Health took the group on a field trip to Liberty City, traditionally one of the most underserved communities in Miami-Dade County. Recently it was the recipient of the new Frederica Wilson/Juanita Mann Health Center, located just adjacent to Gwen Cherry Park, an almost 40-acre recreation area with various amenities. Gwen Cherry is the subject of a study by Lombard’s students who are considering how to connect patrons of the health center to the park, as the two are currently separated by an active railroad track, industrial areas and brownfields that are unfriendly or impassible to pedestrians. Lombard, Kardys and their colleagues want to see the area revitalized to track with the master plan, so that residents can see and enjoy the benefits of accessible healthcare connected to a place to get fit, stay healthy and enjoy nature. Back at the Mayfair, attendees split into four groups, assimilated the information gathered during the site visit and workshopped their own solutions to connect and revitalize this area of Liberty City. For purposes of the exercise, they were given an unlimited budget and encouraged to forget the typical restraints of feasibility and instead focus on creating an ideal landscape that would promote walking, safety and deeper social connections among residents. It took a few minutes for the concept of “unlimited budget/

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unlimited possibilities” to sink in for a group so accustomed to being told “no,” but soon all were deeply involved in realizing their visions. They imagined elevated walkways to cross over the railway line, partnerships with the Miami-Dade County Extension Office to create community gardens, cultural arts plazas to encourage connections, fitness areas, teen centers and still more. What mere hours ago seemed a pie-in-the-sky concept of cross-department cooperation now seemed both obvious and imperative to achieve. It may take a while for such concepts to take root, but you can spot the trend growing. Five hundred park sites across the country will implement Commit to Health standards, which support healthy eating and physical activity (www.nrpa.org/committohealth). Dozens of agencies, including PROS, are exploring the possibilities of Park Prescriptions, a concept that links the healthcare system and public lands, including parks, to combat disease (www.nrpa.org/Grants-andPartners/Recreation-and-Health/ Park-Prescriptions). Park and recreation professionals are learning how to become Park Champions, shouldering the task of communicating with their local leaders the value of their park systems (www.nrpa.org/ Park-Champions). As the American demographic landscape continues to evolve, we must ask ourselves: How can we ensure that park and recreation professionals become solution providers for myriad public health concerns, and what are the specific policies, programs and partnerships that can be leveraged to create a greater culture of health? Samantha Bartram is the Associate Editor of Parks & Recreation magazine (sbartram@ nrpa.org).

L AW R E V I E W

No Liability Precedent in State Park Settlement By James C. Kozlowski, J.D., Ph.D.

iability exposure is only one of many considerations in managing public park resources. Public safety in public parks is and should be a paramount consideration. That being said, popular media reports of lawsuits tend to perpetuate public misperceptions regarding the state of the law and liability. Unfortunately, overreaction to news of a significant cash settlement in a lawsuit may prompt the unwarranted closure of park resources and unnecessary elimination of public recreational opportunities. On February 3, 2015, the Des Moines Register issued a news report entitled “Park liability results in closed Iowa facilities” (www.desmoinesregister. com/story/news/2015/02/02/park-deadtree-campers-settlement/22773901). According to the report, the state of Iowa decided to settle a lawsuit for $390,000 involving “a family injured after high winds brought a tree down on their tent as they camped in a state park.” The lawsuit alleged, “Iowa had negligently failed to identify or warn campers of the 98-foot

dead cottonwood that fell and struck them and their 3-year-old son in May 2010 during a storm at Lake Manawa State Park near Council Bluffs.” In response to the settlement, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had reportedly shut down a DNR recreational area used by off-highway vehicle enthusiasts over “concern that falling trees there might pose a similar threat to riders.” According to DNR, the settlement “won’t change legal precedence as much as it has changed practice.”

In a settlement, there is no admission of liability. On the contrary, in a settlement agreement, the parties simply agree to resolve a lawsuit without full trial proceedings to test the legal merits of a particular claim. The ultimate decision to settle is not necessarily limited to the applicable law and available defenses. In addition to legal considerations, available public resources, the negotiable amount of damages, public relations, political considerations and other factors may influence the decision whether or not to settle a particular claim. It may be cheaper in terms of public time and resources to settle, rather than assume the significant cost and uncertainty associated with trial litigation and potential appeals of an adverse judgment. The vast majority of claims are settled and not litigated to the fullest extent.

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Parks & Recreation

L AW R E V I E W

Liability Misperceptions Accordingly, as acknowledged by Iowa DNR in this particular instance, there is indeed no “legal precedence” or legal significance in a settlement of this or any negligence claim for an allegedly dangerous tree. That being said, fueled by reports of liability claims in the news media, the public perception of liability remains much worse than the legal reality. As characterized in the Des Moines Register report, “[a]gencies that oversee the use of public property are commonly held liable for injuries resulting from their negligence.” Moreover, the report found the “general premise” regarding governmental liability is that “taxpayers expect governments to perform certain duties, like provide for safe parks.” The news report goes on to state, “Government liabilities for injuries within parks have been a recent point of concern across the United States.” This “general premise” regarding “governmental liabilities” for park injuries is patently false. Based on reported case law from the state and federal courts, liability in public parks and recreation is generally the exception, rather than the rule. In most jurisdictions, including Iowa, many variations of limited governmental immunity against negligence liability exist for public park and recreation agencies. Had Iowa decided to litigate rather than settle this lawsuit, one can only speculate whether the Iowa DNR would have been found liable for negligence under the circumstances of this particular claim. That being said, as described below, existing precedent under the Iowa Tort Claims Act may have provided a significant defense to negligence liability for failure to warn of a dangerous tree in a state park campground. 30 Parks & Recreation

Discretionary Function Immunity The Iowa Tort Claims Act mirrors the language of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) in that both provide an exception to negligence liability for “discretionary functions.” With minor variations, some form of discretionary function immunity against negligence liability exists in most jurisdictions. Such discretionary function immunity has been applied to claims alleging negligent failure to warn or remove hazardous conditions in public parks, including dangerous trees.

“the state’s alleged tortious conduct fell within the discretionary function exception to the state tort claims act.” Shelton appealed to the state supreme court. As noted by the state supreme court, the general waiver of governmental immunity under the state tort claims act is “subject to several exceptions, including the one at issue here: claims based on ‘the exercise or performance or the failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function,’” Iowa Code § 669.14(1). Accordingly, the issue before the court was “wheth-

The issue before the court was “whether the park authorities’ actions — or lack of them — criticized by Shelton as tortious (i.e., negligent), involved a discretionary function.” In the case of Allen v. State of Iowa, 644 N.W.2d 27 (Iowa 5/2/2002), the Iowa Supreme Court applied discretionary function immunity to a negligence claim arising from a catastrophic injury in a state park. In this particular case, plaintiff Robert Shelton was severely injured when he encountered loose gravel and fell more than 40 feet from a state park trail that passed along the edge of a cliff. Shelton brought a claim under the state tort claims act alleging “park authorities were negligent in failing to maintain trails or erect guardrails in the park, failing to protect members of the public using the park and failing to ensure that the park was safe for members of the visiting public.” In response to the state’s motion for summary judgment, the trial court dismissed the claim, holding

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er the park authorities’ actions — or lack of them — criticized by Shelton as tortious (i.e., negligent), involved a discretionary function. If so, governmental immunity bars the claim.” In determining whether the challenged actions fell within the discretionary function exception, the state supreme court would apply the following “two-step test:” The first step is to consider whether the action involved a matter of choice on the part of those acting for the government. If so, a second step must be satisfied. It must also appear that the challenged judgment call is of the kind the discretionary function was designed to shield. As characterized by Shelton, “wrongly locating trails, failing to maintain them, failing to protect the public by placing guardrails or warning signs — are charges of wrong choices, not nonchoices.” Moreover,

Shelton claimed there was no “matter of choice” in the broad language of Iowa Code Section 308.7(3), which required DNR to “maintain, improve and beautify according to plans made (for) all conservation areas.” The state supreme court disagreed, finding the DNR statute “vests discretion with the department in the matters at issue” by “directing state authorities to make plans which, by their very nature, are combinations of choices.” Further, the state supreme court found “the choices at issue were of the sort intended for protection under the discretionary exception.” The substances used in forming the trails, the placement of the trails, the omission of guards or handrails, placement or omission of warning signs and trail maintenance were all matters for park professionals. These administrative choices, driven as they were by economics and aesthetics, are clearly matters into which courts in general and judges in particular are ill-equipped to intrude. In so doing, the court noted that the policy basis for the discretionary exception is to “prevent judicial ‘second guessing’ of legislative and administrative decisions grounded in social, economic and political policy through the medium of an action in tort.” The state supreme court, therefore, affirmed “the trial court’s refusal to consider Shelton’s negligence claims.” In reaching this determination, the Iowa Supreme Court found it was “especially appropriate” to be “guided by federal decisions interpreting federal statutes on which our own statutes are modeled.” As noted by the state supreme court, federal decisions “are close to unanimous” dismissing negligence claims challenging “discretionary decisions implicating governmen

tal policy choices in park management and maintenance.” Tree Inspection Immunity One such federal “guiding” decision cited by the Iowa Supreme Court was Autery v. United States, 992 F.2d 1523, 1530-31 (11th Cir. 1993), which held the discretionary function exception applied to the alleged negligent failure to inspect for hazardous trees. In this particular case, one individual was killed and another injured when a black locust tree fell on a car driving through Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP). The tree in question was approximately 50 years old, approximately 70 feet in height and fell due to root rot. GSMNP did not have in force a written tree hazard management plan. In October 1976, the National Park Service (NPS) had issued Special Directive 76-9 (Health and Safety of Park Visitors), which stated in part: Protection of the visitor, and park and concessioner employees, from violations of laws and regulations and from hazards inherent in the park environment, is a prime responsibility of the National Park Service. The saving and safeguarding of human life takes precedence over all other park management activities, whether the life is of the visitor, concessioner or park employee. Pursuant to this directive, the unwritten policy at GSMNP at the time of the accident was to make every reasonable effort within the constraints of budget, manpower and equipment available to detect, document, remove and prevent tree hazards. The specific issue before the federal circuit court was, therefore, “whether the government’s conduct violated a mandatory regulation or policy.” According to the court, it was “the gov-

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Parks & Recreation

L AW R E V I E W

erning administrative policy, not the Park Service’s knowledge of danger” that determines whether certain conduct is mandatory for purposes of the discretionary function exception;” Whether employees were negligent in making any decisions is irrelevant. Negligence is simply irrelevant to the discretionary function inquiry…The relevant inquiry here is whether controlling statutes, regulations and administrative policies mandated that the Park Service inspect for hazardous trees in a specific manner. If not, then the Park officials’ decision to employ a particular inspection procedure — and its execution of that plan — is protected by the discretionary function exception. As noted by the federal appeals court, Special Directive 76-9 “does

constraints of budget, manpower and equipment available to recognize and report” hazardous trees. Accordingly, the policy prescribed neither a particular method of inspection nor special rules for inspecting black locust trees. Specifically, the inspection plan in effect at the time of the accident did not compel park employees to inspect certain trees on certain days or remove a particular number of trees per week. Moreover, the federal appeals court found information known to the park officials regarding the potential danger of black locust trees did not remove their discretion to plan and implement the tree inspection plan. On the contrary, the National Park Service’s awareness that the black locust trees were especially likely to decay was only “relevant to whether

In this particular instance, the unwritten policy required only that employees “make every effort within the constraints of budget, manpower and equipment available to recognize and report” hazardous trees. not mention tree inspections, nor how the agency should implement the goal of safety or balance it against other considerations.” In the opinion of the court, “such a general guideline is insufficient to deprive the federal government of the protection of the discretionary function exception;” Only if a federal statute, regulation or policy specifically prescribes a course of action, embodying a fixed or readily ascertainable standard, will a government employee’s conduct not fall within the discretionary function exception. In this particular instance, the unwritten policy required only that employees “make every effort within the 32 Parks & Recreation

it was negligent in failing to discover and remove the tree that caused the accident.” However, as stated above, within the context of discretionary function immunity, negligence is irrelevant absent a mandatory policy. Further, the federal appeals court found decisions about what safety measures to employ in national parks and how to execute them generally involve balancing the same considerations that inform all policy decisions regarding the management of national parks: safety, aesthetics, environmental impact and available financial resources. In the opinion of the court, such balancing of safety considerations and natural resource

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preservation interests necessarily involves decision making grounded in policy and discretion. Accordingly, the appeals court held that “the decisions made by GSMNP personnel in designing and implementing its unwritten tree inspection program fall within the ambit of the discretionary function exception.” To decide on a method of inspecting potentially hazardous trees, and in carrying out the plan, NPS likely had to determine and weigh the risk of harm from trees in various locations, the need for other safety programs, the extent to which the natural state of the forest should be preserved and the limited financial and human resources available. Having found that discretionary function immunity barred plaintiffs’ negligence claims, the appeals court dismissed this case. Campsite Tree Immunity Similarly, in the case of Snider v. United States of America, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 105580 (W.D. Ok. 6/29/2013), a federal district court reiterated the reasoning of Autery. In this particular case, plaintiff Kristy Snider was injured when a dead tree snapped and fell on her while she camped at Fort Supply Lake, a federal park site operated by the Army Corps of Engineers (COE). The incident occurred in an area of the park where COE had individual campsites for patrons to rent. There were picnic tables, grills, electrical outlets, rest areas and other conveniences generally located in the campsite area. The tree that fell on Snider was approximately 10 feet away from the picnic table located at her campsite. In her complaint, Snider alleged COE “had a duty to maintain its premises and to correct the danger-

ous condition created by the failure to maintain its premises, to warn plaintiffs of the dangerous condition or to otherwise exercise due care.” In response, COE claimed immunity under the discretionary function exception to the FTCA because “no federal statute, regulation or policy imposed an obligation upon it to respond to the threat of hazardous trees differently than it did.” On the contrary, the relevant regulation relating to maintenance of COE recreation projects did not prescribe any mandatory course of conduct for government employees: It is the policy of the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to manage the natural, cultural and developed resources of each project in the public interest, providing the public with safe and healthful recreational opportunities while protecting and enhancing these resources (36 C.F.R. § 327.1(a)). COE contended that its “conduct in maintaining its campsites and its decision as to whether or not to warn patrons of any hazards were discretionary.” In so doing, COE noted federal courts have held that such “general admonitions to make the campsite safe are not specific enough to make governmental decisions nondiscretionary.” Further, COE argued that its “conduct in maintaining its campsites and its decision as to whether to warn were based on considerations of public policy.” Specifically, as to the safety of visitors, COE maintained that it also had to take other considerations into account, including aesthetics, available manpower and the availability of budgetary resources. Moreover, COE claimed any “decision about the placement of signs would have to be made pursuant to an overall policy

governing the agency’s stewardship of public lands.” Accordingly, COE claimed a policymaking decision “not to place warning signs of general hazards at campsites” also fell “squarely within the scope of the discretionary function exception.” The federal district court agreed. In the opinion of the court, “the conduct complained of by plaintiffs — failing to maintain the park premises by removing dead trees — is the sort of conduct of which the discretionary function exception was designed to shield;” Decisions involving tree removal can quite clearly be policy-driven matters. On government property (or any other property) that is wooded, there will inevitably be dead trees. Dead tree removal, if it is to occur at all, must get in line for government resources along with all of the other demands on the operator of a campground. The court, therefore, concluded the discretionary function exception applied to COE’s alleged negligent failure to maintain the premises by removing dead trees. Similarly, in the absence of a specific statute, regulation or policy mandating a warning, the court held the decision whether to give a warning about dead trees was discretionary and immune: Esthetics would be an obvious consideration as to whether to put up warning signs to keep people away from dead trees in or near the campground at Fort Supply Lake…The decision as to which natural hazards to bring to the attention of the public through signs implicates public policy concerns. Faced with limited resources and unlimited natural hazards, defendant must make a public policy determination as to which dangers merit the intrusion of a sign. Too many signs would reduce the impact of individual warnings on the pub-

lic. Defendant must balance the goal of public safety against competing fiscal concerns as well as the danger of an overproliferation of warnings. Having found COE’s “decisions or nondecisions” were “susceptible to policy analysis,” the federal district court found immunity under the discretionary function exception to the FTCA applied to this dead tree claim. Conclusion According to the Des Moines Register story, following the $390,000 settlement described above, Iowa DNR had “stepped up efforts to identify and remove potentially dangerous trees, particularly in areas such as campgrounds, trails and parking areas.” According to Iowa DNR, “we felt this was something we needed to step up, to take a look at some of those trees that could potentially be hazards.” These statements beg the question whether DNR had a mandatory policy in place at the time of the reported accident in the state park campground that required inspecting hazardous trees in a specific manner. More than likely, DNR did not have such a detailed mandatory policy that dictated the specific details for tree inspections in state parks. As illustrated by the Autery decision described above, an informal unwritten policy to identify hazardous trees, while arguably negligent, is more than likely to be within the scope of discretionary function immunity under a state tort claims act that follows the FTCA federal court decisions for “guidance.” James C. Kozlowski, J.D., Ph.D., is an attorney and Associate Professor in the School of Recreation, Health and Tourism at George Mason University (jkozlows@gmu. edu). Webpage with link to Law Review articles archive (1982 to present): http:// mason.gmu.edu/~jkozlows.

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Parks & Recreation

FUTURE LEADERS

Time for Change: A New Frontier for Digital Nature Experiences By Joy Kacoroski

hildren are heard laughing, yelling and jumping around as they hunt for macro-invertebrates in the river. Occasionally, a high-pitched shriek is heard as a child leans over a net that another has drawn from the water. They are so absorbed in the activity that they do not even notice the rain falling down. Notebook and pen in hand, I stand shivering and squint through foggy glasses at the children in the river. They are captivated by their activity in the river; nature seems to completely engross their every move. Later that afternoon the children sit huddled on benches, and only a few focus their attention on the two adults up front. The adults are explaining the afternoon’s activity to the group but many of the children are lost in their own thoughts. One adult holds up an iPad for all to see and in an instant the children’s attention is focused. They sit up straighter, a few can be heard gasping in excitement, and one girl raises are her hand eagerly. Previously bored

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and unengaged, they are now captivated and intrigued. I sit on a bench in the back, hands numb from the cold as I jot down notes, fascinated by the children’s reaction to the device. A group of four students stand around a white bucket as one girl designates herself the leader and orders others. An adult comes by and offers the group an iPad to record their data. The girl tells the adult that her group is not ready for the iPad yet and quick-

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ly explains that they have not finished their assignment and turns her back. The other members in the group look hungrily at the iPad but continue their tasks as the adult walks away. As an observer, I am enthralled by one girl’s determination to complete the assignment one step at a time. Sometime later the adult returns to once again offer the group the iPad. The girl refuses, giving the same explanation as before. This routine is completed one more time before the adult gives up on the girl and passes the iPad to a different group member. The young boy quickly snatches the device from the adult and all of the group members crowd around the device in interest. Another boy notices a crayfish attempting to make a dash for freedom. With much

laughing and screaming, the group members return to their assigned tasks and the iPad is left alone on the bench. As a graduate student, I thought it would be interesting to understand the role of digital technologies in outdoor environmental education programs. In the beginning, it was challenging telling others about my graduate research. I would usually stumble through an explanation, never knowing if the individual listening would be accepting of my research or strongly against it. When I first started my research, the field of environmental education was split between two philosophies. One was vehemently against digital technologies, claiming the integration would negatively affect the positive and beneficial influence of nature. The other,

a drastically different philosophy, believed that the integration of digital technologies is an appropriate way to present information to youth through more readily connected means. It has been interesting, during the past year and half, to see firsthand how the field has changed. Before, when told about my research, many people would express their opinions negatively, finding no importance to my study. Now, people are only slightly wary, expressing interest and curiosity instead. Many have come to the conclusion that there is a time and place for these digital technologies. We cannot fight them, so instead we should embrace the educational potential and develop a method of integration that does not detract from the natural experience. Nelson Mandela once said, “Ed-

ucation is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As environmental educators, we aim to increase environmental literacy in those we educate and to instill a fierce love for nature that will encourage our children to choose to protect nature for their children and their children’s children. If fully educating our children means accepting possibilities for teaching that are not as conventional, but present the information through a means that better connect with our children, shouldn’t we at least give it a shot? Joy Kacoroski is a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point where she is working toward a Master of Science in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Interpretation (joy.kacoroski2@uwsp.edu).

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Parks & Recreation

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The Portland Department of Parks and Recreation established its community gardening program 40 years ago. Since that time, participants have not only enjoyed the bounty of fresh, local produce, but also made meaningful connections with nature and their neighbors.

Parks: Improving Mental Health and Well-Being By Allison Colman

t is a well-known fact that physical activity and a nutritious diet can improve health and well-being. Most of us know that we are supposed to eat more vegetables and consume fewer fats, that we need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, and that we need to engage in strength training and recreational activities to maintain our physical health. While these things are undeniably good for us and do contribute to being healthier and reducing chronic disease, it’s important to note that these recommendations don’t cover every aspect of health and wellness. In addition to being physically healthy, we also need to consider the mental components of health and wellness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), mental illness affects approximately 13 million American adults each year. Mental health plays a major role in people’s ability to maintain good physical health and participate in health-promoting behaviors. People who are mentally healthy are happier, have lower levels of depression and anxiety, maintain healthier relationships with others

36 Parks & Recreation

and feel that they are making a contribution to society. Several studies support the idea that more green space (e.g., community parks) results in greater mental health for communities. A recent study from England’s University of Exeter titled Longitudinal Effects on Mental Health of Moving to Greener and Less Green Urban Areas, illustrates just how important parks are for long-term mental health and well-being. The study determined

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that people who moved to urban areas with more green space reported higher mental health scores — meaning they were happier and had lower levels of depression and anxiety. Interestingly, the study also showed that the mental health scores continued to improve each year for the duration of the study. In the United States, another study titled “Exposure to Neighborhood Green Space and Mental Health: Evidence from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin” found similar results. This study examined the relationship between environmental green space and mental health in both urban and rural areas and found that “higher levels of neighborhood green space were associated with significantly lower levels of symptomology for depression, anxiety and stress.” Both of these studies provided signif-

icant evidence that parks have a positive impact on the mental health of their communities. Parks can help to improve mental health in a variety of ways, from simply providing the actual green space for people to engage in their natural surroundings, to facilitating programs like tai chi, yoga and qigong classes that engage the mind and body, to sponsoring and developing neighborhood gardens that reduce stress and anxiety. Many park and recreation agencies already foster programs that help support mental health. The San Diego Park and Recreation Department provides “openspace parks” within their community (www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation). These parks provide community members with opportunities to engage in nature through hiking, walking, biking and other activities. In addition to the open-space parks, San Diego offers the popular tai chi and yoga classes in their parks and community centers. Tai chi, an ancient Chinese practice, uses a combination of physical movements, deep breathing, focus and energy flow to reduce stress and anxiety. With these open-space parks and through its classes, San Diego’s community is experiencing both physical and mental health benefits. Gardening is another tool that parks can use to help stimulate mental health. Researchers have found that gardening can help to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, increase brain activity and produce endorphins. The Portland, Oregon, Parks and Recreation Department’s community gardens program has offered gardening opportunities since 1975. The program provides the chance for community members to garden, volunteer, engage socially with

neighbors, learn from other cultures and give back to the community (www.portlandoregon. gov/parks). Heading into its 40th year, the program features 50 community gardens located throughout the city with more than 2,180 individual garden plots. The program is facilitated by four staff members and more than 2,300 annual volunteers. Another large part of their garden program, Produce for People, provides produce for food pantries in an effort to help combat Portland’s high poverty rate. In 2014, Produce for People donated 36,545 pounds of produce to food pantries across the city. Both San Diego’s and Portland’s efforts to provide environments and programming that encourage mental health are prime examples of how park and recreation agencies across the country can make a difference. So what should we do with this information? Well, we know that parks are a major contributing factor to community health both physically and mentally. As park and recreation professionals, we need to: • Take the lead on encouraging communities to strategically incorporate parks and green space into their initial design plans; • Form partnerships within our local governing bodies and community agencies to collaborate on health-driven projects; • Establish programming that encourages mental and physical

Green space helps promote mental health and feelings of well-being. Community gardens are a great way to introduce residents to the green spaces around them.

health and well-being for all members of our communities; and • Monitor progress and stay up-todate on current trends in the health and wellness industry. By taking these steps, we can ensure that members of our communities will have access to park and recreation facilities and programs that encourage the many components of health and wellness. Detailed references for this article can be found at www.parksandrecreation.org/2015/April/Parks-Improving-Mental-Health-and-WellBeing. Allison Colman is a Program Manager at NRPA (acolman@nrpa.org).

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Parks & Recreation

Addressing Equity in Park Use By Samantha Bartram

he look of America is changing. Undeniable demographic shifts during the past half-century have shown the makeup of U.S. households is becoming more racially diverse and many residents have seen flat or declining annual incomes. Nonwhite households with lower income levels also report higher incidence of chronic disease, including obesity, diabetes and hypertension. These same households also report lower park usage overall, despite parks and recreation being some of the most accessible and readily available outlets for exercise and connections to nature. There are many factors that contribute to the state of affairs as described above, and many of them — income inequality, institutionalized racism, stigmas attached to single-parent households, cultural differences, comprehensive healthcare availability, etc. — cannot be wholly addressed through parks and recreation alone. However, leaders in our field can have a significant impact in reaching traditionally underserved communities and encouraging their

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use of parks. The problems are varied and complicated, but some solutions may be easier than we imagine. Targeted Communication In 2011, Yingling Fan, a McKnight Land-Grant assistant professor at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, partnered with several other researchers and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board to quantify the incidence of park use

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among communities of color in specific Minneapolis neighborhoods. The three study areas were racially and culturally diverse, with a higher than average population of families living below the poverty level, as well as single-parent and minority families. Through surveys and follow-up questionnaires paired with targeted incentives, researchers identified several impediments to park use with the top results including weather, time and a general lack of information. While we can’t do much about the weather, park and recreation leaders can play a role in addressing time and awareness concerns. “There are many different barriers to park use,” Fan says. “There needs to be a very coordinated effort including better marketing of the benefits of park use, but at same time,

we need to tailor that language and customize it so that the message will be embraced by specific culture groups.” Fan says considering the social needs and expectations of Latino, Asian, African-American and Native American groups will inform the way park and recreation programming and available amenities are communicated. “For example, certain groups see parks as places for social interaction, family and social gatherings, so it would be important to emphasize those benefits of parks, while at the same time telling them a bit more about how parks are places for physical activity, stress mitigation, etc.” Strategies for Inclusion In 2014, the Minnesota Metropolitan Council (MMC) produced the study, Regional Park Use among Select Communities of Color, which sought to identify barriers to regional park visitation among communities of color (http://bit.ly/10sQ2LV). In partnership with several community-based organizations, the MMC facilitated 16 focus groups involving Asian immigrants or Asian-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos/Latinas, African immigrants, African-Americans, Caucasians and individuals from mixed-race backgrounds. Participants were interviewed about their preferred outdoor activi-

When it’s time to produce program schedules, Fan advises park and recreation professionals put themselves in the shoes of those constituents who may not take advantage of their community park systems. “[Dual-worker and single-parent families] face a lack of leisure time,” she says. “They have longer working hours, and in many cases, all household responsibility falls on a single parent. Lack of leisure time is one of the most significant barriers to park use, so it is very important that park planners have this information in their mind when devising schedules for park programs. Unfortunately, a lot of park programs are scheduled during work days, so more weekend programs are important, too.” Studies like Fan’s and that of the MMC are rich in data and possibility. They remind us that solutions for increased access among underserved groups are varied, creative and well within reach — all we need to do is ask and act. Samantha Bartram is the Associate Editor of Parks & Recreation magazine (sbartram@nrpa.org).

Considering the social needs and expectations of Latino, Asian, AfricanAmerican and Native American groups will inform the way park and recreation programming and available amenities are communicated. ties, their concepts of what a “park” entailed, whether they had visited a regional park in the past, what barriers prevented them from visiting regional parks, their concerns related to parks and trails, and their suggestions for ways to enhance the park system. Their answers track closely with Fan’s observations, suggesting attainable solutions like producing various informational materials in different languages, making sure parks are safe and well-maintained, and diversifying programmatic offerings, among others.

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Parks & Recreation

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It’s Time We Talked About the

Birds Bees and the

By Richard J. Dolesh

here comes a time when we just have to talk about the facts of life. It’s a talk that is easy to put off — I know I have had a difficult time with this subject. In fact, for many people, it’s one of those topics that is just so difficult that if you put it off long enough, well, you don’t have to talk about it anymore — time has moved on and there is no longer a need to have that uncomfortable discussion. Well, it’s time we had that talk. There is mounting evidence that populations of many species of wildlife worldwide are in serious decline, and losses are being seen in the United States as well. There is special concern regarding the disappearance of certain invertebrates, particularly pollinating insects that have exceptional value to man because of their ecological and economic importance. And there is also growing concern over the loss of well-known and muchloved species of birds as well. What’s at Stake? A growing body of scientific evidence points to a significant loss of biodiversity in the U.S. Recent studies by the Smithsonian Institution, the National Audubon Society, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology have noted not just the decline of endangered and rare

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Parks & Recreation

Illustration by Jeff Byrd

Yes, I know it may be difficult and perhaps even uncomfortable for some, but it is time. We simply must have a discussion about the birds and the bees. Oh, you thought I meant THAT discussion. No, this discussion is much more important. You see, the birds and the bees are in big trouble and things are getting worse rapidly.

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES

Whole Foods Market

bird species, but also the decline of once-common birds of field, farm and woodland. Pollinating insects may be in even bigger trouble than birds. Darryl Fears, the Washington Post environmental writer, recently reported on findings of the Endangered Species Coalition that highlighted 10 things in nature that might vanish before your kids ever see them. Some of these species could simply be gone before our children and youth ever get a chance to encounter them in nature, including insects such as the monarch butterfly and rusty-patched bumblebees, once among the more common insect species in North America. The National Audubon Society’s comprehensive report on the decline of bird species across North America identifies 314 species that are at risk due to climate change. Bald eagles may lose much of their summer range, and the Baltimore oriole, symbol of the state of Maryland and the

Whole Foods Market has partnered with the Xerces Society to help protect vital pollinators. This striking image shows what your produce aisle might look like without help from honeybees.

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Major League Baseball team of the same name, may no longer be able to nest anywhere within the state. The decline of pollinators perhaps can be best demonstrated by this simple fact: One in every three bites of food we take is dependent on pollinators. Pollinators are vital to wildlife and ecosystem health, but they also have extraordinary economic importance to American agriculture. The pollinating services of bees and other insects are valued at $24 billion annually in the U.S. alone. The continuing decline of domesticated honeybees, vital to U.S. agriculture, from causes such as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), parasites, diseases and unknown impacts from neonicotinoids, a new class of insecticides, is seriously depleting pollinators and leaving large farms and orchards scrambling for viable bee hives. The resulting loss of productivity in many crops such as almonds, cashews and other fruits and nuts is having a large impact, while some beekeepers have reported hive losses of 30 percent or more in recent years, a trend that is clearly unsustainable. Whole Foods Market has instituted a Responsibly Grown produce rating system and rates farms on their agricultural practices. The value of wild pollinators to U.S. crops is estimated at $9 billion per year, but these insects, birds and bats are in almost as much trouble as honeybees. Loss of habitat, urbanization, impacts from nontarget insecticides and other factors are causing significant declines in wild pollinator species as well as domesticated pollinators. “People are stunned to learn that there are almost 4,000 species of wild bees in North America,” says Mace Vaughan, co-director of pollinator conservation for the Xerces Society, a national conservation organization focused on invertebrate

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wildlife species (www.xerces.org). “And things look grim for wild pollinators,” he continues. “This is a national crisis.” Vaughan says that a shocking number of wild pollinators have been lost in just a short time. “One quarter of bumblebees, the panda bear of bees, are at risk of extinction, some within just a few years.” There is no one simple explanation of why the diversity of our bird and insect species is in a tailspin. Loss of overall biodiversity is a key factor, and it has been hastened by largescale industrial agricultural practices, the loss of quality natural habitat and the introduction of neonicotinoids, which have been implicated in the decline of some songbird species, CCD in honeybees and other negative impacts on both birds and bees. The European Union took the unprecedented step of banning all use of neonics for two years till the effects could be studied more closely. There are other factors that come into play such as the accelerating loss of open space, the increasing urbanization of our landscapes due to the growth of cities and suburbs, fragmentation of forests, loss of wetlands, loss of wildlife habitat corridors, the impact of climate change conditions and still more. What Can Be Done? Just as there is no single cause of the problem, there is no one simple solution that will fix the problem. Longterm solutions are complex, but there are actions that will help, according to Vaughan. “What is amazing is that as soon as you take action to correct the causes of the decline, much can be returned.” Paul Baicich, a consultant and author of books and articles about birds, declares, “We can make a difference. It starts in your own backyard and in

our own lives.” He urges people to create backyard habitats. Colin O’Meara, president of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the organization that promotes backyard and community wildlife habitats nationwide, says, “Unlike many other environmental conservation crises, we don’t have to wait to take action. Pollinators benefit from each patch of native nectar plants, wherever they are.” Baicich points to the shade-grown coffee movement that began more than two decades ago. Through collective purchasing power, conservation organizations encouraged growers and distributors to ensure environmentally sustainable practices by certifying that their coffee was bird-friendly and grown organically in natural forests. Such practices have helped preserve millions of acres of habitat for neotropical migratory songbirds such as warblers, orioles, fly-catchers and other songbirds that migrate to the United States to breed and raise their young each spring. Another way to reverse the decline is to start buying bird-friendly rice, says Baicich. U.S.-produced rice is grown on about 3 million acres in the U.S., according to Baicich. “It’s the most bird-friendly crop grown in North America,” he says. “Increase your consumption of U.S.-grown rice and you’ll be saving birds in America.” The Role of Parks Virtually every expert consulted for this article spoke to the pivotal role of parks in producing real-life solutions that will help solve the challenges facing pollinators. All agree that public education is one of the most important roles that parks can play. Additionally, as the largest landowners of public lands in most jurisdictions, park and recreation departments may be one of the most important stewards of natural re

Volunteers for the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District in Oregon prepare planting areas and place rocks for basking and hibernating reptiles and insects at the Rock Creek Greenway Polinator Project.

sources and protectors of biodiversity in the nation. We maintain and manage habitat in exactly the areas that are often at the most risk — in urban cores, developing communities and exurban open spaces. Mary Phillips, director of Garden for Wildlife for NWF, says, “Parks are a critical part of the solution” if we hope to reverse trends of declining birds and pollinating insects (www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Community-Habitats.aspx). “They are uniquely situated to accomplish this. [Parks] help create wildlife corridors that are essential for birds and insects,”she says. Bruce Barbarasch, superintendent of natural resources and trails management for Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District in Oregon, describes one of his agency’s habitat management projects for pollinators. The Rock Creek Greenway Pollinator Project consists of about 8 acres of land under power line right-ofway adjacent to a regional trail that is set aside and managed for birds, butterflies, bees and bats. Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District

engaged the community, held a public meeting and invited volunteers to help with the project. “When you tell the public that you are going to invite butterflies and hummingbirds to your park, people love it,” he says. Barbarasch describes how kids from a nearby elementary school who found nesting wild bees in their baseball diamond got engaged. The kids conquered their fear of dealing with the nonbiting wild bees, and eventually named them “tickle bees” for the way they tickled the palms of their hands when they held them. “It’s not a lack of interest in pollinators that people have,” says Barbarasch. “When you show them, they just say, ‘Wow!’” “I cannot emphasize enough the role that parks can play in demonstrating best practices in pollinator conservation — from formal gardens to wild, weedy places,” says Vaughan. “Parks are essential.” Well, aren’t you glad we had this talk about the birds and the bees? I sure am. Richard J. Dolesh is NRPA’s Vice President of Conservation and Parks (rdolesh@nrpa.org).

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Parks & Recreation

Defender-in-Chief of The director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service talks conservation, new initiatives and the importance of parks for all communities By Richard J. Dolesh

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he federal agency charged with the protection of our nation’s fish and wildlife resources has a big portfolio when it comes to conservation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), a bureau of the Department of the Interior, has responsibility for the management of the 551 wildlife refuges of the 150-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System. In addition to the National Wildlife Refuges, FWS manages thousands of smaller wetlands, special management areas, and fish hatcheries and management areas. These lands comprise some of the most outstanding wildlife habitat in the nation, and as such are afforded some of the highest protection for public lands. FWS enforces the nation’s fish and wildlife laws, protects federally designated endangered species and manages migratory birds. Since most wildlife resources are on private lands, U.S. law and regulations apply to these species that FWS regulates. Recently, FWS has seen increased news coverage regarding endangered species protection, the impact of climate change on our nation’s fish and wildlife resources, and new initiatives that FWS is taking including the launch of the Urban Wildlife Program, which focuses on their role in urban environments and with

U.S. Fish the purpose of engaging and Wild life Serv ice Direc the public in the mission tor Dan Ashe of conserving our nation’s fish and wildlife resources. FWS is headed by Director Dan Ashe, who spent much of his Atlanta the National Wildchildhood on national wildlife refuglife Refuge System. es and in fish hatcheries in the SouthNRPA had a chance to catch up east, where he learned to band birds, with Ashe recently to discuss his fish, hunt and, most importantly, views on the challenges the simply enjoy the outdoors. Prior to agency faces heading into his appointment as director of FWS, the future and how parks Ashe served as the Service’s deputy can work with FWS on director for policy, as science advisor national conservation to the former director and as chief of objectives.

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Parks & Recreation

U.S. FWS

The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, located in central Minnesota, provides an excellent opportunity for education and conservation in a heavily urban area.

A N I M A L A D V O C AT E

Richard Dolesh: What are the biggest conservation challenges that FWS is facing, and what are the top priorities going forward in the next year? Director Dan Ashe: The biggest challenge we face is dealing with threats to our nation’s natural resources and the loss and conversion of wildlife habitat. This is not just the traditional challenges of the conversion of wildlife habitat to agricultural land, or the dredging and filling of wetlands, but a more insidious form of habitat degradation caused by water scarcity, changing climate and most recently, invasive species. These factors are changing natural systems. It’s becoming much more complicated to do our jobs. The top priorities for us right now are priority species and priority landscapes. The monarch butterfly is a great example of how we are prioritizing conservation efforts to address the needs of a species in need of conservation. Certain wildlife species strike a deep chord in people. With the monarch, there is very strong public support, and people want to help the monarch. If we can get them engaged, they are not only helping the monarch but helping to protect and enhance habitat for many other important species.

The efforts to protect the sage grouse in some ways are similar to protecting the monarch. When we talk about threats to the sage grouse — fire, invasives, soil moisture — we are really talking about ecological function of 200 million acres of habitat for this species. Yes, it’s about the sage grouse, but it’s also about sagebrush habitat. Some want to assign blame — to chemical companies, agriculture or other reasons. We want American agriculture to be as efficient as possible. We need to figure out how to we can make alternative habitats. Let’s focus on things we can agree on, and we can move forward and build consensus and find solutions. Dolesh: We have heard about some exciting new initiatives from FWS. In addition to the new partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for monarch conservation, we are learning about the recently announced Urban Wildlife Refuge program. Tell us more about some of these new initiatives. Ashe: Building a connected conservation constituency is a priority for the entire Service. This is grounded in the

U.S. FWS

Bison roam across Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge with the Denver skyline in the background.

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notion that we have to make conservation relevant to all American citizens, citizens who are becoming increasingly urban and increasingly disconnected from nature and wildlife. We have been trying to achieve this for years, and in my mind, it has been largely unsuccessful. Connecting to a new generation of Americans is vital. It is a vision that respects diversity and engages people in conservation stewardship. And there are abundant opportunities for cooperation to do this in city parks, local parks and state parks. We understand that much of this effort needs to be local. The urban refuge partnership is founded on the notion that conserving urban, suburban, and local open spaces and natural resources is important. A great example of an urban wildlife refuge prototype is Masonville Cove near the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. The centerpiece is a local city park. Partners include the National Aquarium, the city of Baltimore, the Port of Baltimore, local civic associations and the FWS. Another example can be found in New Haven, Connecticut. There are no federal assets here; it’s really focused on local participation and support. We are putting together an urban refuge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Valle del Oro. It will be connected to city parks on the northern end of the refuge, and visitors will be able to hike and bike on trails through the parks to access the refuge. Our new partnership with the National Wildlife Federation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation on monarch conservation is another example of how we want to engage the public. Monarchs are such a great opportunity to engage young people. In addition, monarchs give an opportunity to explain and understand pollinators. If people get monarch conservation, they will also be supporting pollinator conservation and understand the issues and needs

of all pollinators. The fact is that if you love wildlife, you know that everything depends on plants, which are the foundation of the food chain. Without pollinators, we lose the foundation that supports the pillars. Dolesh: NRPA and NWF have partnered on the 10 Million Kids Outdoors initiative, which is intended to connect kids to nature. How important do you think it is to connect kids to nature and the outdoors? Ashe: It’s vitally important to connect young people to the outdoors. Kids need the opportunity for unstructured time outdoors and in nature. It’s important because of what we know about the benefits of such time, especially from the standpoint of both physical and mental health. We also need to do this to build a constituency for conservation. If we don’t build that belief in kids, especially from urban areas, we will lose the support of that generation. The key for us is to create opportunities for kids to be in nature. We need to enable kids to be active, creative and outdoors. Dolesh: What possibilities can you envision for how FWS can cooperate with local, state and urban park agencies? Ashe: There is very good opportunity through the Urban Wildlife Refuge program. The notion of an urban or city park as wildlife refuge is something we wholeheartedly support. We feel that building this kind of understanding in people will pay dividends for fish, birds and wildlife. There is plenty of wildlife for kids to see and wildlife-related activities to do in local parks. We can play a role in helping. Nature play and unstructured play is the path to appreciating our natural environment. By the way, I feel that there is nothing more unstructured than a kid with a fishing pole. Kids need to learn about their

Monarch Conservation Update •

•

One of the best ways to help save the monarch is to plant milkweed. For most parts of the country, it is not too late to plant milkweed for this spring. Milkweed plant plugs can be purchased from the Milkweed Market, a project of the nonprofit Monarch Watch. Visit the Milkweed Market for information on plants grown from regionally appropriate sources for your location: www.monarchwatch.org/ milkweed/market. Orders are still being taken for this spring’s plants, and plants can also be shipped later for fall planting. If your agency has experience propagating plants from seed, milkweed seeds are available in 1-ounce quantities from Monarch Watch. Contact them through the Milkweed Market to learn more. Many park and recreation agencies are initiating monarch conservation projects and educational programs as a great way to connect kids to nature and involve the public in conservation stewardship and citizen science. Some park agencies have installed and registered Monarch Waystations, an excellent project for parks since it both educates the public and provides critical habitat for migrating monarchs. For more information on how to establish a waystation and numerous other resources, visit www.monarchwatch.org. Read about the new waystation at NRPA headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia, on page 52. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), have committed to a partnership to promote monarch conservation and will soon announce a program to provide grants for monarch education, conservation and research. An initial fund of more than $3 million for these projects is expected to be buoyed by additional contributions and will be announced soon. It is expected that park and recreation agencies would be highly suitable for education and conservation-related grant projects. Check NFWF’s website in the coming months for information: www.nfwf.org/Pages/default.aspx#.VRXMe010ypo. NRPA, in conjunction with Monarch Watch and Monarch Joint Venture, has developed a Resources Guide for parks and refuges. This simple guide is chock full of information and links on where to find information about supplies, educational resources and more. Visit NRPA’s webpages under Resources for Conservation at www.nrpa.org/About-NRPA/Impacting-Communities/Conservation to learn more. — Richard J. Dolesh, NRPA’s Vice President of Conservation and Parks

environment. They will learn, fail, test and then succeed. If we get kids introduced through their backyard or a city park or a state park, then when they hear about a grizzly bear or Yel-

lowstone, they will understand how nature connects them all. Richard J. Dolesh is NRPA’s Vice President of Conservation and Parks (rdolesh@nrpa.org).

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Parks & Recreation

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NRPA Update Annual Parks Build Community Project in Full Swing By Jimmy O’Connor

obert Baden-Powell, known as the founder of the Scouting movement, is credited with the phrase “Leave this world a little better than you found it.” In a similar vein, NRPA’s annual Parks Build Community initiative recognizes that a quality park makes a community better. Continuing a tradition of leaving its annual conference city a little better, NRPA is helping renovate a deserving park in the city of North Las Vegas, Nevada. Joe Kneip Park, the site of this year’s Parks Build Community project, is within a short walk of more than 4,000 children and their families. While Joe Kneip’s 2.2 acres include a basketball court, picnic area, playground and open field for playing soccer and catch, this park is in real need of renovation. The park and recreation staff of North Las Vegas helped us find this park; NRPA and a number of dedicated individuals and companies have committed to leaving it better. If you are headed to this year’s September conference in Las Vegas, you will have the opportunity to judge for yourself if we’ve succeeded in accomplishing this goal. Without a doubt, NRPA is aiming for this year’s project to be a great success thanks to those who have stepped up to generously donate play, leisure and fitness equipment.

Joe Kneip Park in North Las Vegas, Nevada, is ready for a facelift, and NRPA and its partners are preparing to provide one that will energize the local community.

The current playground, with its broken and missing pieces, will be ripped out and replaced with a brand-new structure from Playworld Systems. If last year’s project is any indication of what is in store, the kids

who live near Joe Kneip Park will be treated to some really fun, and perhaps never seen before, play pieces thanks to Playworld. Kids playing on the new playground will play more safely with resilient surfacing donated by FlexGround and kept cool with shade from Sun Ports. When not running and climbing on the new play equipment, children will likely be gathered with family and friends in the renovated picnic area thanks to BCI Burke Premier Play Equipment. And when it is time to work off some of those extra treats from the picnic, the outdoor fitness zone donated by Greenfields Outdoor Fitness will provide an inviting opportunity to move and get fit with their easy-to-use and durable equipment. Guiding communities to and through the park will be easy with brand-new signage thanks to iZone Imaging. Thanks to all of these great donations, Joe Kneip Park certainly will be left better than it was found. NRPA is still looking for additional support. If you have a park product that you would like to provide to a deserving community, please contact me for opportunities. Jimmy O’Connor is NRPA’s Director of Grants and Partnerships (joconnor@nrpa.org).

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Parks & Recreation

NRPA Update

Take Me Out to the Pitch, Hit & Run MLB’s annual sporting competition engages hundreds of kids in our national pastime while connecting them with community parks and recreation By Kate Viebrock

ach spring, NRPA encourages departments to host a free Pitch, Hit & Run (PHR) Presented by Scotts Local Competition. MLB PHR provides boys and girls the opportunity to compete and advance separately through four levels of competition, including Team Championships at each Major League ballpark and the National Finals hosted during MLB All-Star Week. Hosting this one-day event is free, easy, and an exciting and educational program for kids of all skill levels. From the all-star players in your town to those just learning the sport, PHR brings families together as a community to enjoy our country’s national pastime. For some lucky youngsters, your local event is just the starting point to an experience of a lifetime. Last summer, eight of the 24 PHR national finalists began their journey by participating in local competitions hosted by their community park and recreation

department. The cities of Mesquite, Texas, and Suffolk, Virginia, are two of the many recreation departments that have advanced players to the National Finals and MLB All-Star festivities. Fourteen-year-old Amy Jensen of Parker, Texas, is no stranger to community recreation departments. In 2014, Jensen’s journey started when she competed at Mesquite Parks and Recreation’s local competition and concluded at the National Finals at Target Field in Minneapolis. Not only did she advance with the help of

recreation department staff, she also grew up on these fields. Amy’s father, Richard Jensen, attributes his daughter’s success to the dedication and effort by local recreation departments. “The journey started with the local event sponsored by the recreation department,” he says. “Without them, Amy would not have had the opportunity to participate in PHR and would not be playing softball at an elite level.” Across the country in Suffolk, Virginia, 10-year-old Clay Grady began his journey to Target Field by competing in the Suffolk Parks and Recreation local competition. When Clay found out about the competition, his family had to explain it was only the first stop along the way to make it to the finals, but Clay knew he would be at Target Field all along. “Clay’s story shows what recreation departments are all about — creating opportunities for kids to have fun, grow physically and emotionally, and achieve their dreams, even when they seem impossible. Every day these programs impact children in a positive way. I will be forever grateful that they gave my son the experience of a lifetime and taught him it’s okay to dream big,” says Clay’s mother, Tracy Grady. Give the kids in your community the opportunity to feel like All-Stars by signing up to host a MLB Pitch, Hit & Run competition of your own. Visit www. pitchhitrun.com to sign up today! Kate Viebrock works with MLB Pitch, Hit & Run (k.viebrock@lejsports.com).

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NRPA Update

Premier Webinar Series

ow do you improve walkability in communities and ensure safer routes to parks? How can you host a fun and successful summer camp on a tight budget? If you want to learn the answer to these questions and many others, participate in the 2015 Premier Member Webinar Series! This new webinar series (www.nrpa. org/premier-webinars) offers free training on a variety of topics including “Innovative Programming on a Budget,” “Do the Right Thing — Social Equity in the Field of Parks and Recreation” and more intriguing themes. These webinars are free to Premier members and are a great professional development opportunity, so mark your calendar! If you are part of a Premier Member Agency, your employer has already made an investment in

your career development, so be sure to take advantage of this benefit. The webinars will occur on the second Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. ET. Want to collect CEUs? No problem. You have the option to pay $25 at the time of registration and start racking up those credits. If you miss any of this series or wish to search for other archived webinars, be sure to visit www.nrpa.org/webinars. Don’t forget, the Premier Webinars are free for Premier members only, but also available to all members for a small fee. Not a Premier member? Just go to www.nrpa.org/premier to sign up today. For questions, call Customer Service at 800.626.6772 or email customerservice@nrpa.org. — Hayley MacDonell, NRPA’s Membership Programs Manager

NRPA’s Wonderful Waystation

RPA HQ’s new monarch waystation is currently in progress thanks to work by Eagle Scout candidate Jacob Schaffner, his Boy Scout troop, his family and NRPA’s Director of Facilities and Administrative Services Ted Mattingly. The garden, which officially broke ground December 20, 2014, is registered as monarch waystation No. 9712 and will be completed in early May 2015. Baptisia,

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kalimeris, coreopsis, amsonia, phlox and milkweed (both asclepias tuberosa and asclepias incarnate) are some of the plants that have already been put in place to ensure that late this spring and throughout the summer and fall, the waystation will be home to a variety of birds, bees, and other pollinating insects and butterflies, including migrating monarch butterflies. These butterflies are a threatened wildlife species, and the garden will be part of a larger effort across the country to protect these insects and help with monarch conversation, as well as a beautiful nature display. The NRPA Green Team will also be part of the effort to keep the monarch waystation thriving, and they hope to add additional beds in the future. — Marissa Bracamonte, Parks & Recreation magazine’s Editorial Intern

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Test Your Park and Recreation Knowledge The following question is a sample Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) examination question. Staff development activities are most often successful when: A. Orientation is required for all staff B. Continuing education is required C. Staff members are involved in establishing goals D. Staff evaluations are merit-based Calling all beginning to midlevel professionals! The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is the national standard for all park and recreation professionals who want to be at the forefront of their profession. For more information on the CPRP certification program and the answer to the above question, please visit www.nrpa.org/cprp.

Member Spotlight: Amy Fortenberry, CPRE

s director of the Plano, Texas, Parks and Recreation Department, Amy Fortenberry oversees 185 full-time employees and about 600 part-time employees in parks and recreation, plus another 40 full-time employees with the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau and “about a bazillion contractors,” she laughs. However, as a lifetime park and recreation professional who started her career in high school as a camp counselor, she understands the concerns of her employees at every level. She also makes a concerted effort to stay in touch by meeting with every new full-time employee upon hire, and she still teaches CPR and lifeguarding classes each year. We caught up with her to talk about her career, her experiences with NRPA’s PRORAGIS™ database and her advice for new park and recreation professionals just starting out in the field. Parks & Recreation magazine: You started as a camp counselor when you were a teenager and then got your parks and recreation degree from Texas Tech University. What jobs have you had since then that led you to where you are today? Amy Fortenberry: After college, I started in Grand Prairie as an athletic marketing specialist for four months before moving to Plano for a job as a recreation specialist. From that recreation position I became an aquatics supervisor, then aquatics superintendent, then recreation superintendent, then recreation services manager. Then we started succession planning because the longtime director before me was leaving, so a deputy director was selected, which was me. For six months, he directly mentored me before he retired, and I moved into the director position. That was in late 2008, and he left in April 2009. P&R: What are some of your biggest struggles in your current position? Fortenberry: This isn’t a great struggle — it’s just that we have a lot going on. Our citizens are incredibly engaged, which is a great thing, and they’re incredibly supportive. They also have very high expectations of what we

provide, and that translates into them voting “yes” on bond projects. But that level of ownership and engagement also sometimes seems to slow down our progress. We have to find ways to balance that and change with the times. P&R: I understand you have used PRORAGIS at your agency. What have you gotten out of this tool? Fortenberry: It’s kind of like the old standards, but what’s good about PRORAGIS is that you can pick out those that you want to compare to. We’re on the cutting edge of certain things, and we want to see where we stand in terms of facilities, but we also know we’re not the going to be the same as a park district in Illinois. PRORAGIS helps us make deliberate decisions of what we’re going to offer and what relates back to our strategic plan, mission and vision statement. Plano has been an early adopter of a lot of these things, and we try to support NRPA’s initiatives. However, PRORAGIS is only going to be as good as the information that goes into it, so the more people that participate, the better the tool gets.

Fortenberry: Be willing to try something you’re not incredibly comfortable with, and raise your hand for the jobs that people don’t want to do. People notice. When I was at that entry-level position as a recreation specialist, somebody came around and said, “We need a CPR instructor.” I was the new kid and thought, “I’m not going to teach CPR — somebody else should do it who’s more qualified.” But no one raised their hand, so I did and said I’d try it. A few months later, the aquatics supervisor job opened up, and because I was a CPR instructor and a lifeguard, I was qualified. It opened a door I didn’t expect to have opened to me. I think back to that day, and if I hadn’t hesitantly raised my hand, I wouldn’t have become an aquatics supervisor or superintendent or everything else that happened after. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was really a pivotal point in my career. I had some lucky things happen along the way, but you have to take advantage of those opportunities.

P&R: What advice do you have for those just entering the field?

— Danielle Taylor, Executive Editor of Parks & Recreation magazine

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NRPA Update

Staff Spotlight: Richard Dolesh

f you’re a regular reader of Parks & Recreation magazine, the subject of this month’s Staff Spotlight is sure to ring a bell. Richard Dolesh, NRPA’s vice president of conservation and parks, is our go-to guy when it comes to the history, trends and of-the-moment concerns of the park and recreation profession. His career as a naturalist, educator and advocate spans more than four decades, but his love of nature and staunch belief that parks and recreation should play a major role in our day-to-day lives has been cultivated over a lifetime. Dolesh contributes frequently here as both a feature writer and curator of our Conservation pillar column, so we were extremely pleased to corral him for a more personal chat about his career and what he predicts for the future of the field. Parks & Recreation magazine: How did you get your start in this profession? Richard Dolesh: I started out as a middle school teacher, teaching English and science. As a teacher I was poor as a church mouse, so I got a part-time summer job at Patuxent River Park for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning

Commission (M-NCPPC). I eventually was hired as a park naturalist, worked my way up, and became division chief of M-NCPPC’s Natural and Historic Resources Division. I worked for M-NCPPC for 29 years. In 1999, I was appointed by the Maryland secretary of natural resources as the director of the state Department of Natural Resources’ Forest, Wildlife and Heritage Service. In 2002, I came to NRPA as a senior public policy associate in our public policy office and was promoted to chief of public policy in 2005. In 2008, I was made vice president for conservation and parks, where I’ve served since. P&R: Describe your day-to-day activities. Dolesh: My primary responsibility is to engage park and recreation agencies around the country in conservation at the community level. I also serve as a resource for our members and a voice for the cause of parks. P&R: The field of parks and recreation has evolved significantly since NRPA’s inception 50 years ago. What do you think are the most notable changes?

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Dolesh: The challenges we face are much more serious and the stakes are much higher. When you consider the challenges park agencies face — the loss of open space, declining funding to do our work, impacts of climate change and disconnection of kids from nature — all these are serious things that we have to deal with in order to be successful in the future. If we don’t meet these challenges, we will lose many of the things we really value. P&R: What current trends do you see having a major impact on our field going forward? Dolesh: The trends I see are a continuing decline in public funding of parks and the need to create more public-private partnerships to achieve our missions. Technology will be very important in reaching the public — agencies will have to be technologically savvy and go mobile. Perhaps the greatest challenge will be reconnecting kids to nature and the outdoors. We must keep kids connected to nature. They will become the stewards of our parks in the future, and the only way they will care about parks is if they value them. P&R: What advice would you wish to impart to today’s park and recreation professional? Dolesh: Be clever, curious and creative. Always have an open mind about alternative and innovative ways to do things, meet challenges and solve problems. And, have a love of nature and the outdoors that lasts a lifetime. — Samantha Bartram, Associate Editor of Parks & Recreation magazine

NRPA is dedicated to providing learning opportunities to advance the development of best practices and resources that make parks and recreation indispensable elements of American communities. Find out more at www.nrpa.org/education.

The Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program provides the most comprehensive training on playground safety standards and the credentials to inspect playgrounds for safety compliance.

The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification is a state-of-the-art certification for pool operators and aquatic facility managers.

3-5 14-16

Raleigh, North Carolina

15-17 23-25 28-30 29-Oct. 1

Westminster, Colorado Leesburg, Virginia Griffin, Georgia Dublin, Ohio

SEP

JUN

Winter Park, Florida Langhorne, Pennsylvania Fairbanks, Alaska Riverside, California Arlington, Texas

JUL

5-7 5-7 6-8 18-20 19-21

Hillsboro, Oregon

www.nrpa.org/CPSI

ONLINE LEARNING

AFO and CPSI Online Prep Courses AFO: Member: $100 Nonmember: $130 CPSI Bundle: Member: $300 Nonmember: $390 Get ready for summer! Pools, playgrounds, possibilities! Too busy to attend an AFO or CPSI classroom course? Take advantage of the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) online prep course and the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) prep course bundle. Visit the online learning page (below) for a free guide to becoming certified. www.nrpa.org/elearning

MAY

AFO PROGRAM

MAY

CPSI PROGRAM

4-5 4-5 7-8 11-12 11-12 11-12 13-14

Jacksonville, Florida Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Springfield, Oregon Vallejo, California Jonesboro, Georgia Leavenworth, Washington Thonotosassa, Florida

www.nrpa.org/AFO

SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES NRPA Conferences and Schools are forums where the park and recreation community comes together to exchange ideas and information. Register now for these upcoming events. All NRPA Schools are held at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia, unless otherwise indicated.

August 23-28, 2015

September 15-17, 2015 Las Vegas, Nevada

November 1-5, 2015

January 15-20, 2016

January 29-February 3, 2016

March 13-18, 2016

www.nrpa.org/education

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Parks & Recreation

Operations Free. Clean. Limitless.

Community solar power offers agencies a sustainable source of operational energy By Becky Clay

hat could possibly be free, clean AND limitless? The sun. That ball of gas almost 93 million miles away is an undeniable necessity to humankind, but the potential of solar energy is just starting to unravel in the 21st century.

Solar energy is currently one of the fastest-growing energy sources, with Solar Energy Industries Association reporting that demand increased 41 percent in 2013, second only to natural gas. Its customers range from environmentally conscious individuals to billion-dollar corporations. Solar is quickly becoming mainstream with the potential to change the way we think, and more importantly, act, on energy policies.

These national trends should inspire park and recreation departments to think twice about their efforts and reconsider if they can do more to conserve. There are a number of compelling reasons why departments should make the switch to solar, including building public support, conserving resources, education/interpretation opportunities, opportunities to reduce your agency’s reliance on fossil fuel, and a

Colorado’s South Suburban Parks and Recreation Department purchased 725 panels in two community solar arrays like the ones shown here, which they estimate will save between $90,000 and $100,000 in energy costs each year.

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chance to save money on your operational costs. The reasons behind switching may vary, but the motivation to choose solar over fossil fuel should be deeply connected to the mission of the agency. It is a responsibility that organizations have to the communities they serve and the world in which they live to choose sustainable actions. What Communities Want The mindset of our communities is quickly evolving, and park departments must adapt. Maryland’s Montgomery County Department of Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), is a fantastic example of an organization that has adapted to their community needs while creatively using their resources. The agency held a public forum regarding the possible installation of solar arrays at two parks designated as unsuitable for recreation. At this forum, the department received “overwhelmingly favorable support,” according to M-NCPPC Park Planner Dominic Quattrocchi. The agency anticipates that they will see a 21 percent reduction in their electricity consumption, which translates to an estimate of $140,000 to $220,000 in annual electrical cost savings. The department plans to extend opportunities of solar power into parking lots, roads, trails and stand-alone systems through photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Some communities may think more favorably of these actions than others, but overall the consensus is shifting toward a more eco-conscious mindset. A recent study by Sungevity indicates that nine in 10 Americans believe that “solar energy should account for a bigger part of the country’s energy supply.” Considering that solar energy only makes up less than one percent of the world’s energy consumption, the future for solar energy looks bright with plenty of room for expansion. Moreover, 81 percent of those surveyed agreed that reducing our dependency on coal, oil, gas and nuclear energy is the best choice for the environment and the economy. The speculative nature of fossil fuels leaves many people weary of our reliance on them. Switching to solar can reduce our heavy dependence on fossil fuels, which would in turn decrease greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As more people start to understand the impacts of fossil fuels, they will seek more conservation-minded solutions. In California, the county of San Diego has created a way for the public to better understand the impacts of solar energy. In 2010, the county was awarded funding from a Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) grant to install two PV systems at two community centers. As part of that initiative, they created a web-based dashboard that shares the benefits of each PV system at the community centers. Converting hard data into easily understandable information allows the public to fully appreciate the efforts behind new energy solutions. Turning On the Switch Solar power is a new technology, but it isn’t out of reach. Take, for example,

the Celery Bog Nature Area in West Lafayette, Indiana. The parking lot for the nature center needed lighting, but only when the nature center offered evening programs. Dan Dunten and the staff at West Lafayette Parks found that running electricity to the parking lot was expensive and required ei-

solar technology. South Suburban Parks and Recreation (SSPR) located just south of Denver, Colorado, is a great example of a department that is leveraging community partnerships to use solar. The district recently purchased 725 panels within two community solar arrays through a partnership

Switching to solar can reduce our heavy dependence on fossil fuels, which would in turn decrease greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

ther overhead wires or underground installation. Instead, they opted for solar-powered, motion-detector lights that stay on for six minutes unless additional motion is detected. This environmentally friendly, budget-ready and safety-oriented solution is a great example of an organization that is thinking innovatively and making wise decisions. Park and recreation departments that take steps, whether small or large, to reduce their impact speak loudly about their mission and environmental standards. Economic Incentives The environment should be a contributing factor to an agency’s goals, but the economic viability of a project must be considered as well. Solar equipment is quickly shifting from expensive to practical because of advancing technology, higher demand and commercial investment. As a consequence, according to GTM Research, solar equipment prices dropped 10 percent from 2013 to 2014. Partnerships with utility companies and clean energy organizations allow even more opportunities for utilizing

with Clean Energy Collective. The energy collected in the panels will be applied to four irrigation pumps for their golf course. SSPR predicts that they will see a return on investment (ROI) between years six and seven, with annual energy savings between $90,000 and $100,000. In 20 years, they expect a ROI of 233 percent. This kind of payback allows the department to invest in more solar equipment, which will continue to save money and resources. Thinking Forward Park and recreation departments are a reflection of the values, goals and mindsets of their communities, and it is your responsibility to show that conservation can and should be a priority. Whether lighting a parking lot or watering an entire golf course, solar energy is quickly become a cost-effective method of saving resources. Ask yourself what free, clean and limitless energy could mean to your organization, and take action. Becky Clay is a Customer Sales Team Member for Boulder Parks and Recreation in Colorado (beckyaclay@gmail.com).

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Parks & Recreation

Operations

Making Smart Turf Equipment Choices: What to Consider By Kevin Conry

hen considering what turf equipment best suits your needs, there’s a lot to think about. Acquisition and operating costs are the first things that come to mind, but there are many other factors that are often overlooked. Machines that cost about the same up front could have a substantially different total cost of ownership. That’s why it pays to do your homework. Analyzing the total cost of ownership gives you a clearer overall picture of what you’re really getting for your money. So, what should go into a cost-of-ownership analysis? Take a look at the below list of obvious (and not so obvious) things to consider as you evaluate your turf equipment options. Getting Started As you research products, keep your needs in mind. What types of areas do you maintain? How many acres are you responsible for? Do any of these areas require specialty equipment or snow removal? Look for equipment options that do more than one job. Acquisition Costs This includes more than just the purchase price of the machine. For example, what sort of parts inventory does the manufacturer recommend you keep on hand? Do any tax incentives apply to the purchase (for example, on hybrid or electric models)? In addition, when you’re comparing models, review the specifications to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. How many different tasks can you do with the machine? Can it be used year-round, or only in certain seasons? How many accessories are available — and how many of them would be useful for you?

58 Parks & Recreation

You may be able purchase accessories to convert a mower to snow removal for year-round use. Or you may be able to purchase a product that performs multiple functions for less than the cost of purchasing separate, dedicated machines. These considerations might uncover unexpected savings with a particular model.

You may also want to consider if your local representative has had formal manufacturer training and is a knowledgeable resource. A good local distributor can add value to the mix in many ways, from parts availability to training to helping you configure the machine you’re purchasing for your specific needs.

Ease of Use Is your staff full-time or part-time? For operators working longer shifts, comfort features can be important for productivity. Do you have seasonal/temporary employees? If you have a lot of operators running your equipment with different skill sets, they probably require more training time and resources. Ask if your local distributors or manufacturer’s representatives offer training and safety classes or videos on the equipment and whether they are free or for a fee.

Word of Mouth Other owners can also tell you a lot about the true long-term cost of a product. Read online customer reviews and forums, and reach out to your colleagues who own equipment that’s similar to what you’re considering. You could even ask your colleagues’ operators and service technicians for their input.

Service and Support When a machine breaks down or needs service, are the parts in stock or readily available? Does the distributor offer loaner equipment or do they rent equipment when your machine is in the shop for service? Is there someone you can call when your technicians need help troubleshooting a service issue?

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Helpful Resources Websites such as www.nationalipa. org, www.gsa.gov, www.tcpn.org and others are good resources for researching products and suppliers that have been through the vetting process. Bottom line, your turf equipment is a significant investment. Analyzing your total cost of ownership will help you make an informed decision that could save you a lot of money in the long term. Kevin Conry is the Senior Marketing Manager for The Toro Company (kevin. conry@toro.com).

Products Park Table Tennis

Sod Cutter

Cornilleau’s Park Outdoor Table Tennis Table is not just designed to look great, it’s built to last. Backed by a 10-year warranty, this sturdy outdoor apparatus is weatherproof, shockproof, fire- and graffiti-resistant and supports more than 3,000 pounds. With a choice of two anchoring systems or a ballast option, the Cornilleau Park Outdoor Table Tennis Table adapts to any environment and provides years of maintenance-free enjoyment. CORNILLEAU USA, 888.647.2778, WWW.CORNILLEAUUSA.COM

Classen, an industry-leading brand of commercial and residential turf-care equipment, is adding a new sod cutter to its innovative line of turf equipment. The Classen HSC18 Pro Sod Cutter is designed for top-of-the-line transport and cutting speeds, easy operations and maximum versatility for any application ranging from repositioning or relocating sod at a home, business or golf course to expanding landscaping areas. CLASSEN, 877.596.6337, WWW. CLASSENTURFCARE.COM

Electric Submersible Pumps

Trail Markers

Atlas Copco’s WEDA electric submersible pumps give users a fast and effective dewatering solution for a variety of applications, including excavation and construction sites. The pumps are compact, lightweight and easy to maintain, which make them ideal for many industries, including construction and rental. The WEDA pump range is designed to improve durability and simplify maintenance. The pumps feature a small high-efficiency motor and their triple-shaft seal design ensures reliability. For easy maneuverability, the pumps weigh just 20 to 30 pounds and come with a 33-foot cord. ATLAS COPCO, 800.732.6762, WWW.ATLASCOPCO.COM

das Manufacturing Inc.TM Trail Markers are permanently applied to concrete or asphalt with das Adhesive. Durable and fade-resistant, they can be used on paved trails and paths as an alternative to conventional signage. The markers are an unobtrusive yet highly visible method of placing information and features directly on trails. Custom markers are available in just about any size, shape or color. Numbering, distances, emergency numbers, locations and QR codes can be imprinted. DAS MANUFACTURING, 800.549.6024, WWW.DASMANUFACTURING. COM

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Parks & Recreation

marketplace

AND

PARKS TRAILS MARKING PRODUCTS • TRAIL SIGNS & POSTS • PLAQUES & MONUMENTS • TRAIL & PATH MARKERS

Aim high with Greenville ! www.berliner-playequipment.com

ORDER BY PHONE 877.686.8565

FIND US ONLINE www.berntsen.com

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Berliner Seilfabrik Play Equipment Corporation 48 Brookfield Oaks Drive, Suite D, Greenville SC 29607, Toll free: +1.877.837.3676

Keeping Dog Friendly Areas Cleaner Since 1994 Providing Aesthetically Pleasing Commercial Duty Products

INCREASE PARK Junior Bag Dispenser 1002-2

RENVOECNOSUT!E

Header Pak Dispenser

1002HP-4

Header Pak 1402HP

Poly Junior Bag Dispenser 1007-2

Pet Station 1003-L

Roll Bags 1402

Poly Pet Station 1010

All Dispensers & Trash Receptacles Include FREE Standard Preloaded SMART Litter Pick Up Bags™ & SMART Liner Trash Bags™. Hardware & Specification/Instruction Sheets Included.

DOGIPOT.com

800.364.7681

Ask about the all inclusive DOGIPOT DOGVALETS®.

60 Parks & Recreation | A P R I L 2 0 115 | W W W . N R P A . O R G DOGIPOT_0035_PARK&REC_3.375x4.75.indd

12/30/14 10:27 AM

rks hip with pa In partnerse US, Go Ape across th ll the capital provides a the adventure tes and opera hile adding an w e rs cou creational exciting re your park. amenity to

SEE IF OUR REQUIREMENTS MATCH! email newcourse@goape.com or call 415.553.0769

marketplace

The Easiest Way To Build

Precast Concrete Buildings For All Your Park & Rec Needs VERSATILE • DURABLE • FAST • ECONOMICAL • SECURE Standard and custom plans, styles, colors, finishes • Sizes from 10’ x 12’ to 50’ x 250’ Pre-engineered, Pre-assembled, Pre-plumbed, Pre-wired • Minimal site preparation Outperforms all other materials • Resistant to rot, vandalism, fire, blast, and storms Installation in just hours • Available nationwide from a network of Licensed Producers Concessions • Dugouts • Electrical/Mechanical • Hazmat • Maintenance Sheds • Oﬃces • Press Boxes Pump Houses • Restrooms • Locker Rooms • Field Houses • Security Shacks • Shelters • Storage & more!

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Our Signs Work Hard at Recreation Made for Extreme Environments Fade, Scratch and Graffiti Resistant Fast Delivery, Ten Year Warranty Recycled Content

888.464.9663 izoneimaging.com/NRPA15

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Parks & Recreation

marketplace

THE HIGHEST QUALITY GOAL MARKET ON THE MARKET.

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PORTABLE SOUND SYSTEMS

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Anchor Audio has a portable sound system for just about any application - small and large crowds, music and speech, indoor and outdoor. Anchor Audio Portable Sound Systems are easy to use, simple to setup and simple to pack up and GO! Available from:

markertek.com The Future of Broadcast Supply.â&#x201E;˘

62 Parks & Recreation

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Request free information from the manufacturers of the products found in this issue.

I prefer to receive the information via

Mail

Phone

Email______________________________________________

Name________________________________________________________________ Phone__________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________________State________________Zip_________________________ What industry trends are informing your purchasing decisions this year?

reader service

YES! I would like free product information!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please email your answers to gcohen@nrpa.org.

Check the product(s)/company(ies) that you would like information from: SPECIAL AQUATICS INSERT American Red Cross..................................C2, 1 800.RED.CROSS www.redcross.org/aquaticsrepresentatives AquaClimb........................................................2 800.956.6692 | www.aquaclimb.com Aquatic Access ...............................................C3 800.325.5438 | www.aquaticaccess.com Aquatic Recreation Company........................8 877.632.0503 | www.arc4waterplay.com DuraPlay...........................................................7 512.847.2473 | www.duraplay.net Lincoln Aquatics®.............................................9 800.223.5450 | www.lincolnaquatics.com Pentair...............................................................3 800.831.7133 | www.pentaircommercial.com

DOG PRODUCTS DOGIPOT.................................................. 31, 60 800.364.7681 | www.dogipot.com Livin The Dog Life™.........................................9 800.931.1562 | www.livinthedoglife.com FOUNTAINS Most Dependable Fountains.......................13 800.552.6331 | www.mostdependable.com OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT Greenfields Outdoor Fitness.........................3 888.315.9037 | www.greenfieldsfitness.com TriActive America..........................................C2 800.587.4228 | www.triactiveamerica.com PARK PRODUCTS

GameTime®.....................................................C4 800.235.2440 | www.gametime.com Landscape Structures®.................................C3 888.438.6574 | www.playlsi.com SIGNAGE Berntsen International.................................60 877.686.8565 | www.berntsen.com iZone® Imaging..............................................61 888.464.9663 www.izoneimaging.com/NRPA15 STRUCTURES/SHELTERS Easi-Set Buildings..........................................61 866.252.8210 | www.easisetbuildings.com Shade Creations by Waterloo......................39 800.537.1193 | www.shadecreations.com

Ramuc Pool Paint....................................C3, C4 800.745.6756 | www.ramucpoolpaint.com

Excel Dryer......................................................11 888.376.1981 | www.exceldryer.com

RenoSys®.........................................................10 800.783.7005 | www.renosys.com

Go Ape.............................................................60 415.553.0769 | www.goape.com

S.R.Smith™......................................................C3 800.824.4387 | www.srsmith.com

Paris Equipment Manufacturers Ltd............7 800.387.6318 | www.peml.com

Vortex International......................................11 877.586.7839 | www.vortex-intl.com

Pilot Rock................................................. 18, 61 800.762.5002 | www.pilotrock.com

GroundSmart®...............................................21 800.961.0909 www.groundsmartrubbermulch.com

Rent National.................................................62 800.352.5675 | www.rentnational.com

RubbeRecycle.................................................24 888.436.6846 | www.rubberecycle.com

Water Odyssey...............................................13 512.392.1155 | www.waterodyssey.com ATHLETICS/SPORTS Major League Baseball/ Pitch, Hit & Run™.51 866.800.1275 | www.pitchhitrun.com Scoremaster...................................................62 888.726.7627 | www.scoremaster.com AUDIO PRODUCTS Anchor Audio/Markertek® Professional....62 800.522.2025| www.markertek.com

Tree Stabilizer.................................................62 800.691.1148 | www.treestabilizer.com PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT Berliner Seilfabrik..........................................60 877.837.3676 www.berliner-playequipment.com Cemrock..........................................................35 520.571.1999 | www.cemrock.com

Shade Systems Inc...........................................1 800.609.6066 | www.shadesystemsinc.com SURFACING

SofSURFACES.................................................15 800.263.2363 | www.sofsurfaces.com TURF MAINTENANCE Club Car.............................................................5 800.258.2227 | www.clubcardealer.com Superthrive®.....................................................9 800.441.8482 | www.superthrive.com

Mail the completed form to Gina Mullins-Cohen at NRPA, 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148-4501 or email to gcohen@nrpa.org.

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Parks & Recreation

Park Bench

Landscape Structures Inc.

Boston Strong Boston has long had a park champion in Thomas M. Menino, who worked as the city’s longest-serving mayor in his term of office from 1993 to 2014. His health declined over the past few years, and during one hospitalization at the city’s Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, he noticed an unused parcel of land between the facility and the adjacent Boston Harbor waterfront. When he learned it was city property, he quickly began making plans to convert it into a park. Boston Parks and the Boston Redevelopment Authority soon enlisted the help of Landscape Structures Inc. (LSI); M.E. O’Brien & Sons; and Spurr, Weston and Sampson’s Design Studio to execute the creation of the park. Due to the site’s proximity to the hospital and a citywide commitment to going beyond minimum ADA requirements in its public spaces, park officials stressed the importance of accessibility throughout, and the design team gladly accepted the challenge. When the park opened in fall 2013, excited kids found a number of traditional play elements coupled with innovative design concepts by LSI, and patients at the hospital also found plenty of therapeutic equipment they could use in their rehabilitation. Ramps and transfer stations open up play structures for kids of all mobility levels, and even swings and whirls there can accommodate wheelchairs. The park also features a number of sensory elements, such as LSI’s Roller Table, which were specifically included to appeal to kids on the autism spectrum. The park’s color palette was also created to pop but not visually overload individuals sensitive to louder hues. Many victims of the April 2013 Boston Marathon bombings were still rehabilitating at Spaulding when the park opened, and its outdoor elements provided them with a wider variety of therapeutic equipment as well as restorative fresh air and green space. The park’s name, Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park, was a surprise to its visionary when it opened, and following his death a year later, it remains a lasting tribute to the city’s enduring park champion. For more on the late Mayor Menino, see www. parksandrecreation.org/2013/March/Meet-the-Mayor--Boston-Mayor-Thomas-M--Menino. — Danielle Taylor, Executive Editor of Parks & Recreation magazine

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Playground color. At the forefront of design.

Color—it’s one of the first things you see when you look at a playstructure. So it shouldn’t be an afterthought when designing one. All of our colors take a cue from nature, because that’s where your playground will be. But there’s more to nature than green trees and blue sky. We took inspiration from minerals, birds, spices, fruits and more to create vibrant hues that stimulate the senses and perfectly coordinate with the outdoors. See what color can do for your playstructure at playlsi.com/color-inspirations 763.972.5200 • 888.438.6574 • playlsi.com Insta

SWING

With Me! Introducing the first playground swing that promotes social and intergenerational play with a patent pending, face-to-face design. Expression Swing™ See What You’ve Been Missing.™ GAMETIME.COM/EXPRESSION

800.235.2440

gametime.com

PARKS&RECREATION APRIL 2015 ◆ POLLINATOR CRISIS ◆ INTERVIEW WITH USFWS DIRECTOR DAN ASHE ◆ 2015 AQUATICS GUIDE