We Are Parks and Recreation

It’s All About Play

By Cicely Enright

Play is children’s work, and playgrounds are their workplace — a place where they can learn and develop coordination, cooperation, imagination and more.

In the ever-evolving marketplace, playground equipment is designed to encourage various activities, as well as to reflect a certain look. Alongside this evolution, the Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use (F1487) has supported children’s safety at play for almost 30 years. A subcommittee in the consumer products committee (F15) oversees the F1487 playground standard and takes the approach of furthering safety without limiting design.

“Instead of focusing strictly on design criteria, we look at the hazards associated with each type of equipment,” says Lloyd Reese, vice president of technical product management at PlayCore. Reese works on the subcommittee on playground equipment for public use (F15.29) as well as the subcommittee on playground surfacing systems (F08.63), which oversees standards for surfaces around playgrounds.

Now, a revision of the F1487 playground standard has been completed that references additional surfacing standards.

The Revision

The F15.29 subcommittee numbers more than 250 stakeholders — manufacturers, playground organizations, labs, academia, government agencies and others — who completed the F1487 revision this past spring.

Kenneth Kutska, executive director at the International Playground Safety Institute, LLC, and chair of F15.29, offers his expert insight. Of the new F1487, he says, “These revisions help clarify changes occurring internationally within the industry. Most significantly, this version addresses performance requirements related to new equipment types introduced in the marketplace that are not covered in the existing standard.”

Julie Boland, F15 member and NRPA vice president of membership and certification, adds, “All of these changes will help to provide today’s youth with accessible, safe and challenging play environments.”

Kutska notes that the F1487 changes begin with the standard’s scope: “There was a basic change in the scope to clarify and alert the users of the standard that ‘clearance and use zone’ requirements related to the playground equipment and its relationship to the protective surfacing and three-dimensional space around the equipment is considered within the standard.”

One newly expanded section of F1487 addresses both fixed and flexible track/trolley rides, which can have seats or a handlebar. The standard includes factors, such as speed and potential impact hazards, by addressing clearance and use zones throughout the path or travel of a suspended seat. “Getting these new requirements in this revision was important because it had gotten to the point where we were seeing many different types of these in the field,” Reese says.

Kutska adds, “We also added a better explanation of what the manufacturer, designer and/or owner needs to do to verify that the playground equipment and its protective surfacing use zones comply with the minimum performance requirements of this standard.” According to the standard, the verification shall be in writing by

The F1487 playground standard is about keeping children safe and engaged in play.

a qualified person and be kept as part of the owner’s documentation papers required by the standard.

In allowing for designer/manufacturer innovation and appropriate documentation, a new appendix addresses how a hazard identification and risk/benefit assessment process might be done. The appendix gives guidance and examples about how to complete this process along with information related to recommended maintenance practices for the functional life of the equipment and/or protective surfacing.

New sections have been added about equipment installation and maintenance that clarify the responsibilities of all those involved. The standard now indicates that installers need to have a qualified person put in writing that the work has been done according to the owner’s/manufacturer’s instructions, plans and specifications.

Boland summarizes: “The F148721 standard revisions help to provide clarity and accuracy to terms, references and responsibilities. These modifications are meant to ensure that the scope is inclusive of clearance and use zones for the safety of users; to reflect new findings related to equipment and safety; and to assist users with hazard identification and risk/benefit assessments through a new appendix.”

Supporting Safer Play

The revised standard covers the equipment itself, and it references standards for the surfaces around a playground that are integral to the entire system. Standards from the F08.63 subcommittee, part of the committee on sports equipment, playing surfaces and facilities (F08) provide further guidance on this component.

Last year, the F08 committee completed various changes primarily related to F1292 (the specification for impact attenuation of surfacing materials within the use zone of playground equipment). These changes addressed the performance requirements for playground protective surfacing. The committee also developed a new standard (F3313) for field testing protective surfacing for impact attenuation performance to surfaces installed around a playground, now referenced in F1487. The test method for determining impact attenuation of playground surfaces within the use zone of playground equipment as tested in the field (F3313) provides a uniform means to quantify how a surface responds to an impact from a falling object. That data guides the estimation of the relative risk of a head injury in children ages 2 to 12 due to a fall. This test provides the ability to compare surface impact attenuation to the results of the threetemperature laboratory test found in F1292.

Another added standard (F3351) is a specified fall height laboratory test. This impact test allows for reporting head injury criteria (HIC) and g-max (or the impact attenuation of a surface) at specified heights lower than the critical fall height. The critical fall height is the maximum fall height from which a lifethreatening head injury would not be expected to occur, which is still based on the maximum impact threshold of 200 g and 1000 HIC.

Together, these standards support safer play.

Standards in Practice

Boland notes, “The ASTM F1487 standard is a critical component for our Certified Playground Safety Inspector and Playground Maintenance course, but most important, it is necessary for the safety of today’s youth who will be enjoying those very playgrounds.” That training covers hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements and risk management.

“NRPA uses this standard along with other standards and the [U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission] Handbook to certify playground safety inspectors,” Kutska adds. “They have been doing this for over 25 years and have trained approaching 100,000 participants.”

“Standards such as these are necessary to ensure that children are able to safely develop their physical, intellectual, social and emotional skills through play on playgrounds,” Boland says. “The revision of standards such as F1487 is necessary to ensure they remain relevant and current in the ever-changing world of playground equipment education, development and innovation.”

The ASTM groups responsible for these standards continue to refine them as needed.

Take Part in the Discussion

Organizations that develop safety standards play a vital role in identifying opportunities for facility and product improvement — but your voice also is needed in the discussion. NRPA has represented our constituents at many of these meetings, but has found there is a need for more voices to be at the table. Take part in the discussion by joining the NRPA Park and Facilities Safety Standards Network on NRPA Connect (connect. nrpa.org).

Cicely Enright is Associate Editor for ASTM International (cenright@astm.org).

A Journey to Accreditation and Excellence

By Nancy McCormick

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population in Loudoun County, Virginia, grew 35 percent since the previous census and projections indicate the region will continue to see exponential growth in the coming years. The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) maintains 17 centers, four historic sites, a performing and visual arts center, 127 athletic fields, 3,100 acres of parks and open space, 60 miles of trails, and delivers more than 11,000 activities each year. Staff strive to provide outstanding programs and services for people of all ages, spanning a diverse range of topics and activities to promote the best possible quality of life for residents and visitors.

PRCS Director Steve Torpy saw the journey toward accreditation from NRPA’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) as an opportunity to reinforce the department’s foundation, keep projects mission focused, and guide staff to develop excellent programs and services for the community.

“At PRCS, we continually strive for excellence in all of our endeavors,” says Torpy. “Achieving and maintaining CAPRA accreditation confirms we are catching excellence and serves as a foundation for creating the best possible community through people, parks and programs for years to come.”

Maximizing staff involvement was a high priority throughout the process of working toward national accreditation. Whether it was writing narratives for the selfassessment, developing various plans or updating policy, staff from all levels were invited to participate.

“We want best practices to form the core of the department’s culture,” says Accreditation Coordinator Nicole Falceto. “Putting a priority on an inclusive process also meant we could offer unique opportunities for professional development to our team members.”

From the beginning, the department implemented key components to organize a self-assessment and used technology to improve the visitor’s experience. Staff started by identifying standards that required the assistance of other Loudoun County agencies and began working on these standards early in the process. The department also appointed a single person to act as project manager and assist staff to create narratives, collect evidence of compliance, and keep major projects on task and on time. Team members challenged themselves to find new digital methods of managing and sharing documentation. When the coronavirus (COVID-19) forced CAPRA visits to a virtual format, staff jumped into action to create video tours for the Site Visit Team. The videos allowed the Visit Team to see PRCS facilities and get to know the PRCS family.

It is important to recognize that accomplishments are rarely achieved in a vacuum. PRCS sent staff to learn about the accreditation process from educational sessions led by other agencies at the NRPA Annual Conference and the Virginia Recreation and Park Society Annual Conference. These sessions provided valuable insights into what other agencies learned throughout their accreditation process.

“I could not be prouder of the efforts by PRCS staff in achieving excellence in everything that we do,” says Torpy. “But earning national accreditation is merely the beginning. We will continue to check our foundation against best practices outlined in the CAPRA standards and share our experience with agencies in hopes of helping others achieve national accreditation in the future.”

Achieving CAPRA accreditation is a way for agencies to demonstrate that their staff provide the community with the highest level of service.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Nancy McCormick is Communications Specialist for Loudoun County Public Affairs and Communications.

Giving Tuesday: Join the Generosity Movement on November 30

We are in the season of thanks. Despite the challenges and tragedies of the past year, many of us have much to be thankful for. Whether it’s family, health or a job, 2021 has given us the opportunity to take stock of what really matters.

One thing that matters is the role parks and recreation continues to play in getting us through the evolving pandemic. Now, it is nearly impossible to imagine life without parks and recreation. Never before has the profession’s contribution to our mental, physical and emotional health been more evident. What we once took for granted, we now know is fundamental and essential. During this season of thanks, show your appreciation and celebrate the role of parks and recreation and the thousands of professionals and volunteers who make it happen by making a donation to NRPA on Giving Tuesday, which takes place November 30.

Giving Tuesday is an important day during which millions of people express their love for the causes they hold dear. You, too, can join them and express your passion and love for parks and recreation.

Whether you gift a one-time contribution, set up a monthly donation, give through your Donor Advised Fund, make a gift of appreciated stock or a legacy gift, you can help ensure that we have vibrant parks and recreation. What’s more, your generous offering will provide our professionals with the support they need to serve millions of users and participants who are adapting to the changing pandemic and recovering in the aftermath.

In 2020, 35 million individuals donated on Giving Tuesday. This year, don’t be left out. Stand out and join the global generosity movement by making a donation in support of NRPA’s work to elevate the role of parks and recreation; prepare the professional for the future; and create more healthy, resilient and inclusive communities through parks and recreation.

On November 30, make your gift by visiting nrpa.org/Donate or by contacting us at development@ nrpa.org or 703.858.2163. We would be happy to discuss the many ways you can support NRPA’s work and parks and recreation.

AAPRA Honors 2021 Pugsley Medal Recipients

On September 15, two prominent Illinois local park and conservation leaders and a leader in the National Park Service — Elizabeth S. Kessler, executive director of the McHenry County Conservation District, Illinois; Arnold Randall, general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, Illinois, and NRPA board member; and John J. Reynolds, former National Park Service employee — received the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration’s (AAPRA) Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal. The Pugsley Medals are prestigious awards that recognize outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of public parks and conservation in the United States.

To learn more about AARPA’s Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal, visit tinyurl.com/ 2fzmdmpj.

NRPA’s Brenda Camacho Named a DCA Live Non Profit CFO Star of 2021

NRPA is proud to share that Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Brenda Camacho has been named one of DCA Live’s Non Profit CFO Stars of 2021. This recognition honors CFOs in the Washington, D.C., area who have made extraordinary contributions to the growth and health of their organizations over the past 12 months in this challenging health and economic environment.

Meet the 2021-2022 NRPA Board of Directors’ Executive Committee

Each year, during the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference, the NRPA Board of Directors meets not only to welcome its incoming class of board members, but also to inaugurate a new group of Executive Committee members. We are excited to introduce the 2021-2022 NRPA Board of Directors officers.

Chair-Elect

Carolyn McKnight-Fredd, CPRP, has been named chair-elect. McKnight-Fredd retired from her role as superintendent for recreation and park commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC) in 2019 and has since founded Eagle Methods Management Consulting in Dallas. She has served as a board member since 2017.

Treasurer

Xavier D. Urrutia, chief of staff to the chancellor for the Alamo Colleges District in San Antonio, Texas, will serve as treasurer during the 2021-2022 term. Urrutia has been a board member since 2017.

Secretary

Dr. Joshua Medeiros, Ed.D., CPRE, superintendent of parks, recreation, youth and community services for the City of Bristol, Connecticut, has been elected to the position of secretary. Medeiros has served as a board member since 2018.

Jack Kardys Leaves NRPA Board After Seven Years of Service

After seven years of dedicated service, Jack Kardys has finished his tenure as a member of the NRPA Board of Directors.

Kardys’ time as a board member is marked with numerous commitments and accomplishments, including service on the executive committee as secretary from 2016 to 2017, chair-elect from 2017 to 2018, chair from 2018 to 2020, and past chair from 2020 to 2021. Kardys also served on the Governance Committee; Public Policy Committee, including as chair from 2016 to 2017; Diversity Committee; and was involved in Park Champions™.

For nearly four decades, Kardys dedicated his career to public service, including 35 years with MiamiDade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (MDPROS), a Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies-accredited and Gold Medal Award-winning agency. In 2007, Kardys became the director of MDPROS, a position from which he retired in 2017. Under his leadership, MDPROS earned two Florida Governor’s Sterling Awards and the Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) Agency Excellence Award.

Today, he serves as president of J. Kardys Strategies. Throughout his career, Kardys has received several notable accolades, including the NRPA R.O.S.E., FRPA Distinguished Service and American Society for Public Administration Administrator of the Year awards.

In a February 2020 column for Parks & Recreation magazine (tinyurl.com/4jj8684u), Kardys wrote, “Early in our careers as park and rec leaders, we learn the distinction between managing, or doing things right, and leadership, which implies doing the right things.” NRPA thanks Kardys for being a true leader and advancing the field of parks and recreation.

At-Large

Nonet T. Sykes, chief equity and inclusion officer for the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., and Mike Abbaté, FASLA, LEED AP, principal of Abbaté Designs based in Portland, Oregon, have both been appointed to at-large positions on the Executive Committee. Sykes and Abbaté have both served on the NRPA board since 2017.

To learn more about the individuals joining the 2021-2022 NRPA Board of Directors’ Executive Committee, visit tinyurl.com/ ypevbedh.

Park and Recreation Pioneer Leaves a Legacy in South Carolina

The field lost a pioneer park and recreation leader with the passing of Anne Springs Close in August 2021. Close, a noted conservationist and philanthropist, was a past chair of the NRPA Board of Directors and a NRPA Life Trustee. Jodie Adams, another past member of the NRPA Board of Directors, first met Close when first considering joining the board. “She was a tremendous role model for our field’s practitioners and citizens who served on their local park boards/commissions,” Adams says. Close was the daughter of Elliott Springs, a decorated World War I pilot, author and successful businessman. After college, she would return to her hometown and live on her family’s property, close to the South Carolina border with North Carolina.

Out of her family’s business ventures came the Springs Close Foundation and Leroy Springs and Company, Inc. Close stepped up as chair of the board for both organizations, expanding her father’s efforts to provide park and recreation opportunities to communities by donating money to projects designed to improve the lives of local people, according to her biography by The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (tinyurl. com/27epurm3).

As development around Charlotte, North Carolina, encroached on her family’s property, Close reached out to The Nature Conservancy and a planner for greenways to develop a land-use plan that would place 2,100 acres of the property in a conservancy while retaining 4,000 acres for development, according to her Legacy obituary (tinyurl.com/srmsw6h). The Anne Springs Close Greenway, which opened in 1995, stands as a natural buffer to urban sprawl, giving those in the nearby communities a place for outdoor recreational activities.

“Anne made a great positive impact on all who knew her, as well as all who have benefited from her efforts on connecting people through trails for all,” says Fran Mainella, past member of the NRPA Board of Directors.

For more information about Close’s inspirational life, visit nrpa. org/InMemoriam.

Member Benefit: Background Screening Best Practices

Background Investigation Bureau (BIB) and NRPA’s partnership helps park and recreation agencies conduct better background screenings. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help prevent risk:

What is your background check costing you?

Not all background checks are the same. The best approach is to ask, “Are we getting the best quality screen for a fair price?”

How healthy is your data?

Most information received by states is through county records. Ideally, the information would be correct and complete; however, in many cases, the records are either missing data or inaccurate. You’ll need to assess what screening methods you are using to get the best data from every state relevant to your applicants.

Are you getting the full story?

When records are missing or pertinent information from a record is lost, such as final dispositions, it becomes challenging to make effective hiring decisions. Making sure you’re receiving the best data possible from as many sources as possible ensures you’re getting the full story.

What is the turnaround time?

While the majority of quality background checks are completed in less than 72 hours, most delays experienced are related to jurisdictions being searched. For example, a court runner is physically going to a courthouse. While this is a highly effective process, it can lead to longer turnaround times because of court access hours, staff or technology available. It’s important for you to know of any jurisdictions you may be accessing regularly that could cause common delays.

If you would like more information on how your agency can develop the best background screening methodology, visit bib.com. NRPA members will gain immediate peace of mind knowing that your volunteers and employees are well-vetted using some of the most powerful and advanced background checks available.