Parks & Recreation 2017 Aquatics Guide by Creative By Design

AQ UAT I C S G U I D E 2017 W W W. N R PA . O R G

2017 AQUATICS GUIDE Variable Frequency Drives

A Splash from the Past

Salt Chlorination

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Vortex Aquatic Structures International

eadquartered in Montreal, Canada, Vortex was founded by President and CEO, Stephen Hamelin, in 1995 with the introduction of the first Splashpad®. Vortex has grown into the world leader in aquatic play, with over 6,500 installations in 45 countries, and 11 offices worldwide. The company’s commitment to innovation has been recognized with product innovation and project awards and has driven significant growth. Vortex was named to the PROFIT 500 — Canada’s fastest growing companies for two consecutive years. Splashpad® is a dynamic, zero-depth aquatic play area that provides accessible and engaging play experiences for the whole family. Splashpads can be designed to fit any space and offer low-flow options like Spraypoint® that reduce water usage while maintaining play value. Vortex also provides Elevations™ and Waterslide structures that add an extra dimension to Splashpads or pools. Water Journey™ is a multi-awardwinning solution that mimics water’s behavior in nature.

contents FEATURES

2 Variable Frequency Drives in the Aquatics Industry Bill Babcock, AFO-I

4 How Salt Chlorination Systems Work Steve Pearce

6 NRPA Aquatics Update Matthew Cowan

8 A Splash from the Past: Sutro Baths Michael Hsu

12 Media Engagement

Caroline Seward, CPRP, AFO, and Maria Denison

16 Advertiser Index

COMPANY PROFILES

10 Aquaclimb 1 Aquatix 3 Lincoln Aquatics C3 RenoSys Corp 5 Spectrum Aquatics C2 Vortex 14 Water Odyssey 7 Waterloo Tent & Tarp Co. Inc.

BRING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

13 Waterpark Tech by Creative Polymers 11 Waterplay Solutions 15 WhiteWater West Industries

World leader in aquatic play solutions with over 6,500 installations worldwide 1.877.586.7839 (USA/CANADA) | info@vortex-intl.com

VORTEX-INTL.COM

Cover Photo courtesy of the City of Eugene Recreation, Oregon

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Aquatix

ith more than 25 years of water experience, Aquatix is a leader in water feature and spray park design, fabrication and construction. Our pioneering, integrated recirculation systems provide a sustainable solution that empowers hours of innovative activity without water consumption limits. Quality matters, and that’s why we design and manufacture our products and systems for easy maintenance and long-lasting value. No wonder Aquatix products have been installed worldwide at municipal spray parks, aquatic centers, hotels and resorts, campgrounds, fitness centers, housing developments, military bases and amusement parks.

We create everything from splash pad equipment to custom water spray park designs. When designing water park elements, we focus on the interactive, age-appropriate and safe play value of water and structures. Now Aquatix is entering a whole new dimension. We’re excited to apply the groundbreaking design and innovation that Landscape Structures is known for to the creation of imaginative new aqua play experiences.

AQUATIX 877.632.0503 WWW.AQUATIX.PLAYLSI.COM

We’ve got new designs on water

Formerly Aquatic Recreation Company

952.445.5135 877.632.0503 aquatix.playlsi.com Insta Insta

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Parks & Recreation

Variable Frequency Drives in the Aquatics Industry By Bill Babcock, AFO-I

oday there are approximately 300,000 commercial pools in the United States, and pumps, run by electrical motors, are relied on to keep drained pool water circulating throughout the system and back into the pool. The average size of a commercial pump motor is approximately 10 horse power, and in many cases, they operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, consuming a whopping 2,250 megawatts of electricity. That’s the equivalent of the amount of electricity produced in approximately 4.5 U.S. power plants annually. Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) offer pool operators an opportunity not only to conserve energy, but also to realize big savings for their agencies’ budgets by reducing energy expenses. VFDs slow down pool pump speeds during low use times of operation. Specifically, they reduce the power being used by the pump’s electric motors. Rich Young, managing editor of the sixth revised edition of the Aquatics Facility Operator Manual, explains, “Without getting too technical about how VFDs actually

work, the ‘magic’ of VFDs is the conversion of alternating or ‘dirty’ current (AC) into direct current (DC), adjusting the DC into a smooth or constant current, then converting the DC back to “clean” AC power. This allows for the adjustment of the pump motor ‘hertz’ that will provide the pump RPM adjustment.” Slowing down all commercial pool pump speeds in the United States by 24 percent can, potentially, reduce the required power plant use from 4.5 average plants to two. In other words,

Installed VFD motor at Sahuarita Aquatic Center.

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VFDs are to the pool industry what hybrid cars are to the auto industry: an energy-saving solution that only uses the power you need when you need it. The manufacturing and usage of VFDs has been prominent in Europe for more than three decades. It wasn’t until the 1990s, that VFDs started to gain greater popularity here in the United States. Prior to this, VFDs had been primarily used in heavy industrial applications. Currently, a third of the world’s electrical energy is being consumed by electric motors on pumps and fan compressor applications, with the U.S. aquatic industry consumption referenced above. While, in theory, VFDs are a great cost- and energy-saving solution, they ARE NOT for every facility. Before installing a VFD, an energy audit, along with a mechanical and operational assessment of the system must be done. Always get a copy of your state-approved operational data and compare your pool and facility data against it to ensure accuracy and avoid being noncompliant. Many facilities cannot reduce the speed of their motor because of the gallons per minute (GPM) flow rate dictated by their local health department. “Most states allow for reducing the recirculation flow during non-use hours, such as at nighttime. Others insist the pump run 24 hours per day at the full designed recirculation flow rate,” explains Young. Some DEQs are now allowing dual flow rates (flow rate variance) for occupied and un-occupied times. Provided it doesn’t compromise water quality or damage equipment, going to a slower speed during the un-oc-

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cupied times can save additional energy. It is important to consider VFDs that utilize a seven-day programmable timer in order to facilitate this benefit. The flow rate variance request is part of the overall VFD and equipment change permitting process in many states. The permit must be obtained before the VFDs are installed. This process varies from state to state, so it is important to check with the proper overseeing body prior to making the investment in a VFD for your pump motor. What does the VFD need in terms of service after it’s installed? Fortunately, it doesn’t require much maintenance, in terms of parts, after the installation. However, a few things that appear to need replacing over the years are VFD heat sink fan(s) or the bypass panel contactors. While these “consumables” are a minor cost and only occur periodically, they should be included in your maintenance budget. Despite requiring minimal maintenance, VFDs should remain on your preventative maintenance schedule. A typical checklist should include inspecting connections to and from the VFD pump motor and disconnect, as wires can sometimes work themselves loose, and loose wires can cause serious damage! Finally, it is recommended that VFDs be installed in conjunction with a bypass panel to avoid unnecessary shutdowns. This, so to speak, is your spare tire if you get a flat. The bypass allows you to continue operating your electric pump motor in the event the VFD is nonoperational. In the end, let’s remember that VFDs save money and energy, and provide motor protection, which is great for your facility in the long run. Just remember to determine what your facility needs are first to ensure a VFD will be a beneficial addition to your swimming pool. Bill Babcock, AFO-I, Sales Manager for Aquatic Source, LLC (bbabcock@aquaticsource.com).

Lincoln Aquatics

incoln Aquatics is the leading national distributor of commercial swimming pool equipment, chemicals and aquatics supplies in the country. For more than 60 years, Lincoln’s reputation has been built by our knowledgeable staff, providing prompt personal service, and by carrying the highest quality products available. We know you have a choice of who you buy from, and it is our mission to separate ourselves from the other suppliers in the industry. We accomplish this by exceeding your expectations and offering you value in what you purchase. The 200-page Lincoln catalog and our Lincoln website contain the most comprehensive selection of aquatic supplies in the industry. Our products are organized in an easy-to-use format, allowing you to quickly locate what you need. The Lincoln name is a trusted source for facilities across the country. We look forward to serving you!

LINCOLN AQUATICS (800) 223-5450 www.lincolnaquatics.com

Ready when

you are

With a knowledgeable staff and more than 6,500 products available, we’re always ready to offer expert advice and great pricing. Visit our website or call us for our latest catalog.

(800) 223-5450 www.lincolnaquatics.com

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Parks & Recreation

How Salt Chlorination Systems Work By Steve Pearce

hile adding chlorine is considered the traditional way to sanitize swimming pool water, salt chlorination uses a proven 200-year-old technology, electrolysis, to convert salt to free chlorine to sanitize the water. In modern commercial pools, small amounts of salt are added to pool water, which then passes over a series of electrically charged plates that produce the chlorine. Commercial salt chlorination systems have the capability to produce 2 to 28 pounds of chlorine per day, which means they can sanitize pools ranging in size from 2,500 to 1 million gallons. The size of a salt chlorinator will vary based on the volume of water to be sanitized. The concentration

of salt is one-tenth that of sea water, approximately 3,500 – 5,000 parts per million (ppm) as opposed to 35,000 ppm. In operation, small amounts of salt — the same chemical composition of table salt — are added to the pool’s water. The saline water then passes through a chlo-

rine-generating cell in a self-contained unit in the pool’s pump room. As low-voltage electricity is applied to the metal plates within the cell, the system produces chlorine, which is pumped back into the pool to kill bacteria, algae and germs. After it kills the contaminates, the chlorine reverts back to salt and is recycled through the chlorinator to begin the process again. Pools with salt chlorination systems require monitoring with the same equipment used for chlorine-based systems. Occasionally, salt must be added to replace what is lost to splash-out, overflow and filter backwashing.

Saline-based sanitization systems are appealing as an eco-friendlier option and can make your pool a lifestyle asset.

This diagram shows the installation of a batch chlorine generation system that uses salt to produce chlorine to sanitize pool water, eliminating the need to handle bulk chlorine. 4

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Commercial-grade saline systems have components that are capable of operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, which allows these systems to adequately sanitize heavy-use commercial pools. Having toroidal salt control technology also helps these systems properly monitor and maintain salt concentrations. Low salt concentrations will cause a number of problems for your system, including shorter lifespan on the cells and lower chlorine production. Automatic salt feeders can monitor and maintain the salt

in your pool at the preset level you desire. Chlorinators designed for commercial use can last for 10 years or more when properly maintained and that can lead to lower lifecycle costs when compared with the replacement costs for units that are not designed for heavy-duty commercial use. Conversely, residential units that are sold to commercial facilities at lower costs donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work properly and seldom last very long. To avoid the cost and safety issues of buying, storing and handling chlorine without having to add or maintain salt in the pool, batch chlorine generators are an alternative to salt chlorinators. They produce pH-neutral liquid chlorine (bleach) from salt stored in a feeder in the pump room. These systems do not require salt in the pool and eliminate the need to add salt and test salt levels. Sized according to pool capacity, they work really well if a pool has heavy use or dilution, or if you simply donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want a salt pool but still want the benefits of producing chlorine on-site. Skid-mounted systems use pool water, which eliminates the need to connect them to freshwater sources. Once the system is installed, owners have the ability to operate their pools as a traditional bleach or salt pool with the only cost being for salt and electricity. In other words, no risk of storing, handling or spilling chlorine. From an operating-cost perspective, salt is less expensive than chlorine and not subject to the same price volatility or special handling and storage needs. Saline-based sanitization systems are appealing as an eco-friendlier option and can make your pool a lifestyle asset. Whichever saline-based sanitization system you choose to replace a chlorine-based system, you will improve safety, water quality and cost-efficiency.

This diagram of a salt chlorinator installation shows the path pool water takes for sanitization.

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Aquatics

pectrum Aquatics designs and manufactures high-quality custom rails, ADA pool and spa lifts and commercial-grade pool deck equipment. Spectrum has great products, skilled employees, knowledgeable

engineers, and an excellent customer service and sales staff. Spectrum Aquatics strives to consistently exceed expectations and to be the total solution provider for our customers. From inquiry to installation, Spectrum Aquatics is here for our customers and the Aquatics community. SPECTRUM AQUATICS 800.791.8056 WWW.SPECTRUMAQUATICS.COM

Steve Pearce is Vice President, ChlorKing, Inc. (steve@chlorking.com).

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Parks & Recreation

PUBLICATIONS

NRPA Aquatics Update By Matthew Cowan

ver the past year, NRPA and multiple teams of volunteers have been working to reinforce our commitment to aquatic professionals. We trained 13 new Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Instructors in 2016, hit a milestone of exceeding 8,000 currently certified AFOs, announced the addition of a new aquatics track at the NRPA Annual Conference — scheduled to take place September 26-28 in New Orleans, Louisiana — released two new online courses in aquatics management and increased our aquatics network membership by 1,000 members. NRPA Aquatics Network for ongoing discussions among AFO professionals about aquatics-related issues and best practices or to take full advantage of the following member benefits:

PUBLICATIONS 2017 looks to be even more exciting, with the planned release of the seventh edition of the AFO Manual. Thanks to the efforts of the AFO Manual Task Force and our aquatics committees, the AFO certification course will remain a state-of-the-art operator training and certification program, benefiting professionals, agencies and communities worldwide. We will continue to expand our existing pool of highly qualified trainers, and we will continue to increase the availability of NRPA’s flagship aquatics offering. A few aquatics-related things to be on the lookout for in 2017 include: • The release of three new online courses -- Aquatic Risk Management -- Aquatics Programming -- Marketing for Aquatics Professionals • A Premier webinar on Innovative Learn to Swim Programs (scheduled for April 13) • Water Safety Month in May And, don’t forget to check out the 6

Parks & Recreation

We hope you enjoy the articles featured in this year’s Aquatics Guide. CAREER Don’t forget that almostCENTER every issue of Parks & Recreation magazine features at least one article pertaining to aquatics. Topics include operations, design, management, programming, revenue NRPA RESEARCH generation,PUBLICATIONS safety, trends and risk management, to name a few.

ADVOCACY CAREER CENTER The NRPA Career Center is a great place to post your vacant positions, gaining access to RESEARCH a national “pool” NRPA of candidates. Increase the number of qualified candidates you reach and the number of applications you receive. Seasonal and internship job postings ADVOCACY are free to NRPA members, so take advantage of this resource by posting your open lifeguard and seasonal staff positions.

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CAREER CENTER

NRPA RESEARCH NRPA Facility Market Reports offer key data and insights about the market served ADVOCACY by your agency’s aquatics facilities or proposed facilities. You can gain a greater understanding of the residents you serve, particularly about their habits and interests: Demographics & Forecasts: Learn about the size of the market, age trends, exercise habits, recreation spending and social media usage. Map: See the size of area served (or that could be served) by your facility, based on a driving or walking time that you determine (e.g., 10-minute walk time or 5-,10-,15- or 30-minute drive time). NRPA Facility Market Reports are offered at a low cost to NRPA members

Agencies Offering Aquatic Activities in 2016

79% and are free to Premier members. NRPA Park Metrics is the most comprehensive source of data standards and insights for park and recreation agencies. Launched in 2009 and formerly known as PRORAGIS, these agency performance resources assist park and recreation professionals in the effective man-

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agement and planning of their operating resources and capital facilities, as well as PUBLICATIONS offerings and programming. You can use this database to determine the average number of municipal swimming pools per resident, what agency sizes are most CAREER CENTER likely to offer a waterpark or what agencies are offering learn-to-swim programs. Park and recreation professionals can use this benchmark data to gain more funding support, improve operations and NRPA RESEARCH better serve their communities.

ADVOCACY NRPA’s legislative team is hard at work promoting beneficial policies for park agencies nationwide. This year, consider reaching out to your federal representatives and telling them you support the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. The PHIT ACT lowers the out-of-pocket costs of physical activity and helps you promote the preventative health benefits of aquatics programming. The PHIT Act would allow individuals to use pre-tax dollars in Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts to pay for pool memberships, aquatic fitness classes and other aquatic wellness programming. Inform your representatives that passing the PHIT Act would improve the health and well-being of your community. Again, I encourage you to visit www. nrpa.org/certification/aquatics/ for a complete listing of NRPA Aquatics benefits and, to stay up to date on all NRPA offerings, to join and frequent our Aquatics Network at www.nrpaconnect.org/ home. In 2017, consider taking an active role in our Aquatics Network or on any of the volunteer committees. And, as always, thank you for supporting NRPA and the AFO program.

Waterloo

ince 1884, the team at Waterloo has a strong tradition of providing quality custom canvas and shade products to a variety of industries. Our client list includes carnivals, amusement parks, landscape architects, aquatic facilities, and the parks & recreation industry. Waterloo makes a variety of items, including Clear-span coverage, Dugout Covers, water-resistant Umbrellas, Shade Panels, Concession Coverage, Replacement tops and so much more! A variety of colors, fabrics, and designs are available to choose from as well as the opportunity for marketing and sponsorship opportunities by adding your custom logos! Whether your facility or event is in need of a custom umbrella, ride canvas/coverage, or even vinyl table and seat covers, Waterloo will turn “What if ” into “WOW”! Call today and let the helpful staff at Waterloo help you to create your custom shade or canvas solution.

WATERLOO 800.537.1193 WWW.WATERLOOTENT.COM

Matthew Cowan is NRPA’s Education Program Specialist (mcowan@nrpa.org).

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Parks & Recreation

A Splash from the Past: Sutro Baths By Michael Hsu

et the statistics of the world’s largest swimming palace wash over you: 500 feet by 250 feet, built with 3.5 million feet of lumber and 270,000 cubic feet of concrete, all covered by 100,000 square feet of glass (the equivalent of two football fields)! But, arguably the most impressive aspect of the Sutro Baths, now an oceanside ruin at a national park in San Francisco, is that it was completed 123 years ago. “When construction began, in the 1880s, we’re still talking about the Wild West — not long after Doc Holliday and Dodge City and gunfight at the O.K. Corral,” explains historian John Martini, a leading authority on the Baths. “There was no Panama Canal, there were no roads across the United States and the railroad was incredibly expensive, so California was remote. They were really trying to make a statement out here.” The Baths were an audacious huzzah,

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heralding San Francisco’s ascension from frontier outpost to cosmopolitan metropolis. Adolph Sutro, a German immigrant whose rise to prominence paralleled that of San Francisco, “had a flair for doing things that were oriented to the public,” Martini says. Compelled by noblesse oblige,” Sutro envisioned a gift for all the people. As the owner of wide swaths of western San Francisco, the millionaire had the ambition — and the resources — to establish at the northwestern corner of

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the city a vast public “pleasure grounds.” They would include the gardens around his estate, Sutro Heights; a handful of amusement rides along a midway; a fantastical, castle-like restaurant called the Cliff House; a railway line to the Cliff House; and, of course, a world-class natatorium. His gargantuan swimming palace began modestly enough. Mesmerized by the surf of Point Lobos, Sutro originally conceived of an “aquarium” — a manmade tide pool replenished with sea creatures borne by the waves. While the aquarium was not very successful at trapping specimens (Sutro was no marine biologist), he began planning his next improvements to the cove. A saltwater-bathing health fad was

sweeping the nation, and Sutro seized the opportunity to bring European bathhouse culture to San Francisco. He called for six, interconnected swimming tanks: one main pool and five smaller ones tucked in its L-shape — all walled with concrete, filled by natural wave action, heated to varying temperatures (50 to 90 degrees) and covered by an immense iron-and-glass roof. Built for nearly $1 million (entirely from Sutro’s pockets), the Sutro Baths & Museum officially opened March 14, 1896. Admission to the building was 10 cents and it cost another 15 cents to swim. Stormy weather discouraged many from taking the inaugural plunge, but there was plenty to see and do. On one level of the multistory complex, galleries housed artifacts from Sutro’s world travels. These “cabinets of curiosities” showcased suits of armor, replica statuary, Egyptian mummies, precious gems, Inuit skis and stuffed animals (a polar bear, anacondas and a mammoth sea lion named Ben Butler were especially popular).

To keep the public coming back, the Baths hosted an ever-changing mix of programs: the Pacific Coast Swimming Championships (which featured legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku), cross-pool tug-o-war competitions, dramatic re-creations of shipwreck rescues, tightrope walkers, boxing exhibitions, vaudeville shows and underwater-walking contests. “On weekends, especially if there was a special event, there could be over 25,000 people in that building — which is actually rather terrifying, considering the fire-safety standards in those days,” Martini says. Given the risks of aquatic

activity, it’s unsurprising that legal troubles shadowed the Baths. One case in particular secured Sutro Baths’ place in U.S. history. On two occasions in July 1897, John Harris — an African American — was denied entry to the dressing rooms and pools. He brought suit against the Baths, and the jury ruled in his favor. His test case for racial equality affirmed the brand-new Dibble Bill passed by the California State Legislature, prohibiting

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Aqua Climb

T INNOVATIVE

OPTIONS FOR

AQUATIC

RECREATION! Aqua Climb

A safe, engaging alternative to slides and diving boards, AquaClimb® walls make a great addition to your fitness and recreation programs.

Aqua Zip’N A cross between the traditional rope swing, combined with the thrill and exhilaration of zip lining.

he market leader in aquatic adventure, AquaClimb provides you with personal service from concept through installation. We specialize in aquatic recreation and adventure products so we can give you unparalleled expertise, service and support every step of the way. AquaClimb products serve the needs of multiple demographics, attracting new members to your facility while providing unique offerings to current members. Kids of all ages enjoy the benefits and excitement of AquaClimb Adventure. A safe, fun offering, AquaClimb’s line of products make a great addition to your fitness and recreation programs, provide supplemental training for aquatic sports teams and are a unique fun way for kids to develop healthy skills for life. Call us today to learn how you can bring innovative and original, aquatic adventure and recreation solutions to your pool with AquaClimb!

CALL US TODAY!

800-956-6692 REQUEST A QUOTE ONLINE — AQUACLIMB.COM

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AQUACLIMB 800.956.6692 AQUACLIMB.COM

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discrimination against any “well-behaved citizen, no matter what his color” and serving as a forerunner to the nation’s Civil Rights Act. The Baths began a rapid decline after 1920, as maintenance and upkeep suffered deep cuts. The addition of an ice skating rink in 1937 — and the patronage of enlisted men (and their dates) during WWII — provided a temporary bump in business. But, by the 1950s, “going to the Cliff ” had lost its allure as other attractions became more accessible. “The real death knell was that people got mobile,” Martini explains. “After WWII, people could afford cars, and highways were going in. Suddenly, destinations that were just travel-brochure dreams — like the Russian River, Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz — became reachable.” The Baths closed for business March 1, 1966, and, three months later, the entire structure burned down. The land was acquired by the National Park Service in 1980 and folded into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. According to Stephen Haller, chief of cultural resources at Golden Gate, the management plan for the site calls for preserving the character of the mysterious ruins — to keep the area “safe, but not tidy.” “We all love the ruins, and I think it’s because they evoke something now gone, but not quite lost,” Haller says. “The long-gone Baths were such an unusual place that the ruins capture peoples’ imagination.” For more information, visit www. parksconservancy.org or www.nps.gov/ goga. Martini’s authoritative history, Sutro’s Glass Palace: The Story of Sutro Baths, includes an indispensable fieldguide to identifying features of the old natatorium. Michael Hsu is Director of Editorial Content & Strategy for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (mhsu@ParksConservancy.org).

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Waterplay

ith thousands of installations across the world, we’re excited to be part of the movement toward a healthier, happier, global community by offering innovative aquatic play solutions designed for developing minds, thrill seekers, budding explorers and the young at heart. Our full suite of products provides a complete solution for your next aquatic play design. AQUATIC PLAY COLLECTIONS are comprised of freestanding play elements designed to adapt to any environment. Each collection features optimized product and color groupings to tell the story of your play theme — from a nautical adventure on the high seas to a nature-inspired oasis with a flowing discov-

ery stream and action-packed fun for kids of all ages. Elevate your design with ACTIVITY TOWERS, a modular play solution that fits the unique needs of your project. Define your footprint and customize your structure with activity pods, stairs and connections, flumes and spray features. Compatible with zero-depth, wading pool and sloped-entry aquatic spaces, activity towers are the perfect play solution for both indoor and outdoor environments. Complete your play space with WATER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS by Waterplay. Our cutting-edge smartPLAY™ controller takes water management to the next level with automated data reporting, maintenance scheduling and remote access capabilities. Choose from recirculation, retain and reuse and flowthrough systems to find the right solution for your project. A great addition to aquatic facilities, community spaces, holiday parks, hotels and resorts, housing developments, waterparks and attraction facilities — visit www.waterplay.com to learn more and join our movement to connect the world through play.

WATERPLAY 800.590.5552 WWW.WATERPLAY.COM

C on n e c ti ng t h e wo r ld t h r ou g h p lay. Waterplay® is committed to making the world a better place by offering innovative aquatic play solutions to the global community. FR EESTAN D I N G A Q U A T I C P L A Y ACTI VIT Y T O W E RS WATER M A N A G E M E N T

www.waterplay.com

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Parks & Recreation

Media Engagement By Caroline Seward, CPRP, AFO, and Maria Denison

edia engagement and information consumption are fast and furious, and if there’s one thing we learned last year, it’s that engagement is fostered best through high-quality content, relevance, tactic diversity and personalization. For municipal marketers promoting aquatic facilities and programs, it can seem more furious than fast because we’re often challenged with increasing engagement and creating content on multiple platforms with limited resources. We’re also often faced with the idea that in order to spend more on one marketing platform we have to reduce spending on another. The challenge to creatively engage has become an increasing necessity as we widen the gap between offline and online marketing and promotions to accommodate a whopping 86 percent of Americans who are now online. What makes this an even bigger challenge for municipal aquatics marketers is that we’re competing for attention online with platforms that are forecasted to gain $35.98 billion in social advertising in 2017 and expected to grow 20 percent a year by 2019. Fortunately, marketers love a challenge, and one of the best ways to in-

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corporate new strategies in 2017 is by making the most of what we learned in 2016. Knowing the media landscape and identifying trends can help marketers improve both media and consumer engagement to increase sales and ROI. Here’s how to clamor for attention: Drive Quality Content Reliable and relevant content is as important to consumers as it is to the media. We know this because the 2016 PWR News Media Survey reveals that 85 percent of consumers regularly seek content from

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trusted sources. To execute a strategy that creates a following, shift your approach to think more like a reporter and less like an advertiser. Create credible content by using resident experts and customer testimony for posts, tweets, videos, blogs and emails. Doing so can increase customer engagement, while also encouraging a rise in media coverage given that journalists research their stories online with 79 percent using Facebook and 63 percent using Twitter. Maximize Tactic Diversity There’s no doubt online platforms can lift engagement. It’s a hard target to miss with 2.5 billion active social media users. Combining a diverse mix of tactics to educate and entertain specific audiences can maximize strategies that stimulate engagement. In other words, don’t just rely on Facebook because it reigns supreme. By the end of 2017, marketers can expect to see a rise in the use of email mar-

Media Engagement By Caroline Seward, CPRP, AFO, and Maria Denison

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Water Odyssey

ater Odyssey, a PlayCore Company, is an innovator of waterpark design and aquatic play equipment. We work with the aquatics, architectural, and themed entertainment industries around the world to provide compelling solutions for aquatic play. Water Odyssey was established in 1996 as a division of Fountain People, the leading fountain equipment manufacturer in the United States, to serve the growing splash park market

with the same quality and service of the fountain division. Water Odyssey can accommodate any splash park theme through colorful spray features, unique water effects, and interactive solutions. From themed products to architecturally inspired features, Water Odyssey works with you to create an immersive experience through multigenerational play. Visit the website to learn more about available products and custom capabilities, view product galleries to get ideas for your next spray park, and locate a Water Odyssey Representative in your area.

www.waterodyssey.com

Tailored Online Aquatics Training NRPA offers a wide variety of education for aquatics professionals including online courses you won’t find anywhere else. Keep up to date with the latest trends from the convenience of your home with these online courses: Budgeting and Finance for the Aquatic Professional (.2 CEUs) • Learn how to properly manage your budget, determine alternative funding sources and much more. Aquatic Facility Maintenance Management (.3 CEUs) • Learn how to properly maintain your facility and develop a maintenance management plan. Aquatic Facility Technician Training (.4 CEUs) • Learn how to better operate your facility including training on filtration, water chemistry, testing and much more.

SPECIAL OFFER:

Creating Fun Ways to Spray & Play! ColorCast™, Water Odyssey’s newest design line, incorporates an architecturally-inspired canvas of colors, shapes, textures, and spray effects to create compelling aquatic play experiences for all ages. Contact us for your next aquatic play experience. 512.392.1155 | www.waterodyssey.com

14 Parks & Recreation

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Get 25% off one of these Online Courses if you attend an AFO Certification Course by April 30, 2017

www.nrpa.org/Aquatics

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WhiteWater

hiteWater, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of Waterpark attractions, has been serving U.S. municipalities for more than 30 years. Our Parks and Recreation Division is dedicated to the needs of the municipal market, providing a full range of products that will thrill and engage guests of all ages. Whether your project requires an exciting waterslide or an interactive water play area, we have the know-how and experience to serve you on-time and on-budget. Built to last, our best-in-class slides can be tailored to kids, teens, and families, and can be designed to fit within any site requirements. Add a WhiteWater slide to your park and create an iconic attraction that’s sure to wow your guests or keep teens engaged with our FlowRider surf waves. Our AquaPlay play structure is an all-in-one waterpark solution that comes in an assortment of sizes and configurations. Specially-designed to engage children for hours, AquaPlay’s interactive elements allow hundreds of guests to join in on the fun at one time. To see some of the great work we’re doing with municipalities, you need to look no further than Grand Prairie’s The Epic.

We were thrilled to be chosen to make Epic Waters’ impressive indoor waterpark come to life with a slide complex, wave pool, sheet wave, AquaPlay, and more. Experienced in partnering with municipalities across the United States, our team of experts is here to help turn visions into realities. From our online Design Center to our Parks and Recreation-devoted Slidepath Designer, we make it quick and easy for you to get the deliverables you need, when you need them. To learn more about WhiteWater or to get in touch with our Parks and Recreation team, visit www.whitewaterwest.com.

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Parks & Recreation

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Advertisers Index AquaClimb...................................................................................Pg. 10 800-956-6692 www.aquaclimb.com

Vortex........................................................................................ Cover 2 877-586-7839 www.vortex-intl.com

Aquatix...........................................................................................Pg. 1 952-445-5135 www.aquatix.playlsi.com

Water Odyssey.............................................................................Pg. 14 512-392-1155 www.waterodyssey.com

Lincoln Aquatics............................................................................Pg. 3 800-223-5450 www.lincolnaquatics.com

Waterloo Tent & Tarp Co., Inc. ......................................................Pg. 7 800-537-1193 www.waterlootent.com

Pentair Commercial Aquatics............................................ Back Cover 888-534-7946 www.pentaircommercial.com

Waterpark Tech by Creative Polymers........................................................................Pg. 13 314-524-0191 www.waterparktech.com

RenoSys....................................................................Inside Back Cover 800-783-7005 www.renosys.com

Waterplay Solutions Corp...........................................................Pg. 11 800-590-5552 www.waterplay.com

Spectrum Aquatics........................................................................Pg. 5 800-791-8056 www.spectrumaquatics.com

Whitewater West..........................................................................Pg. 15 604-273-1068 www.whitewaterwest.com

Dive Into New Opportunities Become a Certified AFO Aquatic Facility Operator Certification

Get 25% Addition Off al Online Training if you att end an AFO Course b y April 30, 2017

www.nrpa.org/AFO 16 Parks & Recreation

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About RenoSys®

enoSys has been fixing pool and deck problems all over the United States for almost 30 years. We manufacture a full range of renovation products for the aquatic industry and offer turnkey design and build solutions for new pool construction projects.

The Superior Interior™ RenoSys® PVC Pool Shells™ are the perfect interior lining for any commercial pool. Our PVC Pool Shells are crafted from 60 mil.thick, custom-textured, reinforced PVC material that forms a watertight membrane for use in any public pool application. The Pool Shells are suitable for pools constructed from concrete, stainless steel, fiberglass or aluminum and may also be used to line fountains and other water features.

DuraTech™ Gutters & Grating The DuraTech product line offers pool grating to accommodate any gutter width or style. T-Bar, I-Bar, Interlocking and PolyGrate™ styles are certified slip-resistant and are made in the USA from colorfast, UV-resistant, outdoor-grade polymers and are available in a variety of colors. Fiberglass, granite and stainless steel options are also available. Many grating styles and colors are currently in stock and are ready for immediate shipment and installation. DuraTech gutters are available in either robust stainless steel or versatile PVC. PVC gutters are compatible with saltwater pools and are an ideal solution for indoor facilities searching for a cost-effective alternative to stainless steel. RecDeck™ PVC Flooring RecDeck recreational PVC flooring is the easy fix for worn, cracked or peeling pool decks. The water and slip-resistant PVC is also ideal for locker rooms.

RenoSys Corporation 800.783.7005

RenoSys.com 2825 E 55th Place Indianapolis, IN 46220