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MRPA

WE CREATE COMMUNITY THROUGH PEOPLE, PARKS AND PROGRAMS

PROfessional QUARTERLY

Summer 2009 • V S Volume l 1, IIssue 4 The official publication of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association

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Youth Teens Youth Symposium

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Gives Voice to Michigan’s Teen Leaders page 8 MRPA’s FEATURED LEGISLATOR Presorted Std. U.S. Postage PAID FARGO, ND PERMIT 43

REPRESENTATIVE REBEKAH WARREN A Strong Believer in Parks and Recreation as Essential Services page 25

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MRPA PROfessional Quarterly magazine is a publication of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA), 2465 Woodlake Circle, Suite 180, Okemos, Michigan 48864; phone: 517.485.9888; fax: 517.485.7932; www.mrpaonline.org. MRPA is a memberdriven organization committed to providing quality professional development, advocacy, parks and recreation programs and services with fiscal integrity and progressive leadership to Michigan’s parks and recreation trade. The views expressed herein are fi xed expressions of the contributing writers and not of MRPA. All rights reserved.

MRPA

2009 MRPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Darrin Duistermars Director, Holland Charter Township PRESIDENT ELECT Linda Walter, CPRP Director, Clinton Township Parks & Recreation PAST PRESIDENT Kendall Klingelsmith, CPRP Deputy Director, Kentwood Parks and Recreation VICE PRESIDENT Carrie Klingelsmith, CPRP Recreation Director, Byron Township VICE PRESIDENT ELECT Jason Jones Director, Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation TREASURER Greg Hohenberger Business Manager, Canton Leisure Services SECRETARY Art Serafinski, CPRP Director, Ypsilanti Township Recreation REGION 1 DIRECTOR Adrienne Schumacher Recreational & Special Events Coordinator, Holland Recreation Division REGION 2 DIRECTOR Mary Scheurer, CPRP Director, Portland Parks, Recreation & Cemetery REGION 3 DIRECTOR Deb Bilbrey-Honsowetz, CPRP Recreation and Facilities Manager, Canton Leisure Services REGION 4 DIRECTOR Susan Wells Administrator, Parks and Recreation Operations, Oakland County Parks and Recreation REGION 5 DIRECTOR Kyle Langlois, CPRP CYSA Recreation Coordinator, Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation REGION 6 DIRECTORS Marcie Post, CPRP Recreation Manager at Midland Parks and Recreation

PROfessional QUARTERLY

Summer 2009 • Volume 1, Issue 4 The offi cial publication of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association

4 From the President Darrin Duistermars

6 From the Executive Director Dennis L. Schornack

7 New Members 8 Featured Event

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Youth Symposium Gives Voice to Michigan’s Teen Leaders

13 Featured Policy Your Passport to State Parks

14 Featured Department Wyoming Parks and Recreation, Building Relationships by Investing in After-School Programs

17 Featured Committee Student Committee – the Next Generation of Park Professionals

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20 Meet the MRPA Scholarship Recipients of 2009-2010 22 Featured Training Program NPSI Keeps Playgrounds Safe for Kids

24 Do You Know an Outstanding Park and Recreation Professional?

25 Featured Legislator Representative Rebekah Warren: A Strong Believer in Parks and Recreation as Essential Services

27 Advertiser.com 27 Advertisers’ Index

MPRA Editor: John Nevin jnevin@mrpaonline.org Contributing Writer: Jessica Makolin Published by Naylor, LLC, 5950 NW First Place, Gainesville, FL 32607 1.800.369.6220 • Fax: 352.331.3525 www.naylor.com Publisher: John Kilchenstein Naylor Editor: Christine Cusatis Publication Director: Shane Holt Project Manager: Jason Dolder Marketing Associate: Patti Callahan Advertising Sales: Jessica Alexander, Mark Tumarkin Pagination: Catharine Snell Advertising Art: Elaine Connell

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2009 Naylor, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

MRPA

Michigan Recreation and Park Association

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PUBLISHED AUGUST 2009/MRP-Q0309/7961

Cover photo: M. Paul Karalius www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 3

From the PRESIDENT

By Darrin Duistermars MRPA President

Inspiring Youth

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e all have had our share of “bad days.” it was the way For Parks and Recreation professionals, it may be he carried hima parent that has gotten out of line. Or maybe it’s self that was so just frustrating putting the time and effort into a program impressive. As he only to have budget and/or staffi ng issues get in the way. came around the We’ve all been there. final curve durBut I have a few stories that might make you remember ing the 200 meter why we do what we do and the powerful impact we have on dash he looked people’s lives …especially young people. We have the ability, almost Olympian, responsibility and opportunity to affect the lives of our young his people and they, in turn, give back to us in ways they may not even realize. Imagine that? The very individuals many of us create programs for may also be some of the most helpful and inspiring people to us.

It’s a beautiful summer night at If we do our jobs as well as we the ball field and the game features two girls’ T-ball teams. The stands know we can, our young people are full and the excitement is sky will learn much more than just high. The bases are loaded and stride was I’m coaching third base. I look so beauthe mechanics of a given sport at the young lady standing on tiful. One third (just as proud as can be) had the feelor program. They’ll learn about and tell her to be ready. As soon ing you were respect, teamwork, leadership – as the ball is hit and if it’s on the watching greatground you need to “run home” ness in action, life lessons that will change lives as fast as you can! She looks at me and the fans rose with her beautiful smile and says, to their feet before for the better.

“Okay, Dad. I’ll run home as fast as he even crossed the finish line. But I can.” The batter synchronizes her bat upon receiving his ribbons, it was also with the tee and the ball. She takes 10-12 very obvious that Kyle was just an excited practice swings trying to align the bat perfectly. and nervous kid. He smiled and humbly said Finally, the ball is hit and my daughter takes off … right “thank you.” That’s it...nothing more. That moment into the dugout on the first base side, totally not crossing reminds me that true winners carry themselves with class on home plate. I stood there, speechless, as all of the fans gave and off the field...and sometimes the best examples are kids her a standing ovation. Jokingly someone yells, “What’s the we get to work with in our respective communities. How cool call, Mr. Director?” I smile and say, “… that’s my kid, she’s is that! safe.” That moment reminds me kids just want to have fun, Here’s a story about dedication, heart, and love. Joey Metand if we’re lucky, they may learn something along the way. zlaars was a Little League umpire for Holland Township. He I sure did. and his family were (and still are) very instrumental in the Here’s another one. Last year I had the pleasure of announcdevelopment of many programs, especially his father, Mike, ing at the Hershey’s Track and Field Meet in Holt. While all who seemed to coach anything we threw at him. Joey was the kids were talented, I will always remember Kyle Redwine of a gifted athlete who played football, basketball, and lacrosse.

Rochester Hills. Yes, he won the events he was entered in, but Was he the best on the team? Not really. But did all the kids

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MRPA PROfessional • Summer 2009

love him and want to be like him?

You bet! He was so likable and fun it was easy to see why young people flocked to him. Joey was so helpful and encouraging to the kids that players would arrive at the field and get excited when they found out he would be their umpire.

This is where the story turns into two tales … one of sorrow and one of inspiration. The “sorrow” is that Joey passed away due to meningitis about a year and a half ago. This young man was a member of one of the first families that I became close to through their involvement with Parks & Recreation. In his memory we named the fields at our Quincy St. Little League Complex, Fields J, O, E, & Y. This way all are reminded that even a high school student can impact the lives of people of all ages. That is truly a gift.

Joey’s death also provided inspiration. His father, Mike, has embraced coaching even more, coaching recreation sports as well as high school teams. Why? Because he loves working with young people and because that’s what his son would want him to do. It’s that simple. And because of that love and respect of his son’s memory, many more students will not only get the benefit of his coaching expertise, but they’ll get his heart as well. Sometimes in sorrow, inspiration can emerge.

The latest issue of this magazine is focused on youth/teen initiatives and programs. Though many of us organize programs for all ages, our youth programs may be the most important. More than just fun and games, they are an opportunity for kids to learn and grow. If we do our jobs as well as we know we can, our young people will learn much more than just the mechanics of a given sport or program. They’ll learn about respect, teamwork, leadership – life lessons that will change lives for the better. If you’re lucky, maybe they’ll work for you or someone else someday and showcase that knowledge. That would be a great reward!

Times may be tough right now. This is when I challenge you to remember moments just like the ones I’ve shared. We all have them and they make us better, stronger, and more diligent in what we do. We have a huge responsibility within our communities. Remember the smiles we generate, the inspiration we give and receive, and the future leaders we are helping along the way. When it comes to influencing positively the lives of young people, MRPA members truly are dedicated to “Creating Community through People, Parks, and Programs.”

Not everyone has this opportunity. Let’s make sure we give it our all! ●

Mid America Trails & Greenways Conference

October 25-28, 2009 • Radisson Hotel & Suites • Kalamazoo, Michigan Professionals, advocates and trail users are working together to create a growing network of greenways and trails tying together people, places and opportunities for recreation. In the spirit of working together, the 4th Mid-America Trails & Greenways Conference celebrates existing and new connections and offers an excellent opportunity for all those involved in trails and greenways to share our experiences, learn from each other and continue connecting our trails and greenways.

Kalamazoo combines a wealth of recreational trails, parks and natural areas with a vibrant mix of historic neighborhoods and a renovated and vibrant Art Deco downtown. Named by the Urban Land Institute as a “Top Ten Turnaround Downtown”, Kalamazoo offers many award-winning visitor destinations from brewpubs and wineries to outstanding museums to sparkling lakes and rivers that will offer an enjoyable experience for all participants.

MN WI

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Hosting Organization

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e conference is comprised of several pre-conference field trips, an evening reception, two full days of conference workshops and plenaries, and a day of post-conference sessions. To register, please go to www.michigantrails. org and click on the Mid-America Trails and Greenways Conference logo.

For questions, call Michigan Trails and Greenways Hosting Organization Alliance at 517-485-6022.

www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 5 6/24/09 7:46:12

AM

From the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

By Dennis L. Schornack Executive Director, MRPA

“Y

oung people are 25 percent of MRPA’s own Student Committee has been busy the population but 100 percent of our as well (see page 17), building on their efforts at future.” I heard a school superinconference to teach our members about Web tendent make that statement many years 2.0 networking and marketing opportuAs you will read ago in testimony to a legislative comnities through sites such as Facebook mittee in the State Capitol. Now, and Myspace. In this issue, we also throughout this issue, as I approach my first anniversary learn about the latest crop of student as MRPA’s executive director, the scholarship winners (pg 20). parks and recreation importance of that statement has When it comes to the youngprofessionals all across become even more evident to me est customers of Michigan’s local today. As you will read throughparks, safety is paramount, so take Michigan are making a out this issue, Park and Recreation a look at an insightful article (page professionals all across Michigan 22) about the National Playground difference in the lives of are making a difference in the lives Safety Institute (NPSI) and their young people. of young people. work with MRPA to provide critical For example, the City of Wyoming safety training to our members.

Parks and Recreation Department’s This issue also includes an interview T.E.A.M. 21 (Teach, Enrich, Achieve, Move) with State Representative Rebekah Warren, After-School program (page 14) is an award-winchair of the Great Lakes and Environment Comning initiative that reaches across school district lines to serve mittee and strong advocate of the “passport” proposal to creat-risk kids both during the school year and in the summer. ate a dedicated funding source for both state and local parks.

We also learn about youth councils and good work of Adrian Representative Warren shares our fundamental belief that Mayor Gary McDowell when he hosted the Michigan Youth parks are essential services—essential to our communities and Symposium in his community earlier this year. especially to young people.

MRPA Launches New Web Site The new and improved MRPA Web site is officially up and running. The site, www.mrpaonline.org, is one of the most important ways for members to find information and receive updates about the people, parks and programs of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association.

While the site features an improved look, feel and functionality, these enhancements are just the beginning of the Web site project. The new site will be constantly updated and new opportunities to share information and network will be available in order to provide the best service possible to MRPA members.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the new www.mrpaonline.org, and visit some of the site’s new features, including the Job Board and Career Center.

MRPA would like to thank I2Integration for their help in the creation of the new site.

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New MEMBERS

MRPA Welcomes New Members The Michigan Recreation and Park Association would like to welcome the following new members: Michael Ager, Canton Leisure Services Elizabeth Arnold, Adrian Parks and Recreation Dale Benish, Village of Caro Gary Brown, Mecosta County Parks Commission Neil Brown, Portland Parks, Recreation and Cemetery Lois Calderone, Burnham Brook Center Tyler Champt, Student, Central Michigan University Sara Distelrath, Tecumseh Parks and Recreation John Engh, COO, National Alliance for Youth Sports Jeff rey Enos, Student, Central Michigan University Rebecca Field, Student, Michigan State University Katy Fitzpatrick, South Lyon Area Recreation Authority Larry Gee, Oakland County Parks and Recreation Justin Givens, Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation Michelle Goist, Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Mary Grant, Eastpointe Parks and Recreation Amanda Green, City of Clare Parks and Recreation Jill Hargrove, Charter Township of York Christina Harman, Van Buren Township Jeremy Hodges, Chelsea Recreation Isaac Hood, Space Walk of Westland Kenneth A. Huotari, Jr., Michigan Department of Natural Resources Dan Husek, Student, Central Michigan University Philip Keller Doug Kelly, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation David Kirbach, Huron-Clinton Metorparks Elaine LaFayette, Student, Spring Arbor University Emily LaFollette, Student, Central Michigan University David Larson, Student Gayle LaVictoire, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Scot Lautzenheiser, Fitzgerald, Henne & Associates Jessica Lenaway, Student, Western Michigan University Ryan Longoria, Midland Community Center Robb MacGregor, Student Stephanie Mackey, Oakland County Parks and Recreation Samantha McLeod, Student, Central Michigan University

Kathleen McIlmoyle, Intern, Midland Community Center Terry Miller, Flat Rock Recreation Department Scott Montalban, Midland Parks and Recreation Kimberly Mortson, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Brandy Norton, Alpena County Plaza Pool Molly Notarianni, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Michael O’Malley, Taylor Parks and Recreation Alex Pardy, Student, Central Michigan University Ashley Price, Student, Central Michigan University Jennifer Price, Van Buren Township Jennifer Prieskorn, Flat Rock Recreation Department Jana Ray, Student Holly Rhodes, Saline Parks and Recreation Chris Rosselit, Student, Central Michigan University Vicki Sheffield, City of Manistee Pam Simmons, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Jeff Smith, Professional Engineering Associates, Inc. Sue Smith, IDC Edge Inc. Lisa Sokol, Orion Township Richard Sokol, Huron Clinton Metroparks Dan Spangler, Grosse Ile Recreation Department Vanessa Springer, Student, Central Michigan University Ashley Rae Stone, Student, Central Michigan University Tracy Swanger, Downriver Recreation Commission Laura Tune, Student, Central Michigan University Steve Van Der Heide, Student, Ferris State University Patricia Varner, Student, Central Michigan University Chris Wall, Heavner Canoe Rentals Andrew Walton, Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Cherie Wisdom, Okemos Community Education Vincent Witt, Student, Calvin College Karl Zueger, City of Marquette

The new members feature will be a running item in each magazine, beginning with this current issue. The above names are new MRPA members beginning from January 2009. MRPA would like to recognize each new member, so if your name has been omitted by error, please contact MRPA at 517-485-9888.

www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 7

Featured EVENT

Youth Symposium

Gives Voice to Michigan

T Youth council members participate in an activity during the Symposium keynote session.

Teens marching to the beat of a different drum during a Youth Symposium session.

The Huntington Woods Teen Council, with advisor Tracy Shanley (far left) gather together for a photo during the Michigan Youth Symposium.

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hroughout Michigan, there are youth and teen groups working to make a difference in local communities and municipal governments. Often, these groups take the form of youth or teen councils, which serve as a forum for teen leaders who aim to make their community a better place.

Youth councils are organizations through which teens can play an active role in local government, community building and volunteerism. Many youth councils are run through municipal Park and Recreation departments, and why not? Park departments “are community based departments, with connections to both schools and local government,” said Derenda Howard, recreation specialist with Oakland County Parks and Recreation and member of the MRPA Youth and Teen Initiatives Committee. In addition, MRPA and local park departments “have a large network, the necessary connections to the community, and much of what we do is already youth centered,” said Howard. “We are set up quite well to facilitate the building of youth involvement in communities.”

Tracy Shanley is a Youth and Teen Initiatives committee member, recreation programmer at Huntington Woods Parks and Recreation, and the supervisor of the Huntington Woods Teen Council. Shanley feels that “recreation agencies are definitely the right organizations to engage youth, because everyone is somehow and in some way involved in recreation.” Shanley also added that “recreation is a low risk way for teens to participate, without the threat of having to get a good grade on a project through school, or being forced by parents to be involved.”

The benefits of community youth councils extend not only to the teen participants but to the surrounding community as well. The organizations provide a venue for team building, civic engagement and leadership development for participants and also contribute greatly to local municipalities. For example, teen councils host fundraising events and activities for local teens. In addition, councils frequently volunteer their time to facilitate activities run through municipalities and community organizations.

Connecting Youth Councils the MRPA Way The MRPA Youth and Teen Initiatives Committee serves as a network for members of local government, such as city administrators, council members, mayors, parks and recreation professionals and youth councils, to connect and share ideas through statewide youth and teen initiatives. Like Shanley, many members of the committee are involved with youth councils in their

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an’s Teen Leaders own community. Bryan Farmer is one such member. Farmer, who is the recreation supervisor with Farmington Hills Special Services, is also the advisor to the Farmington Hills/Farmington Mayor’s Youth Council.

Founded in 1999, the Farmington Hills/Farmington council was the first Michigan youth council developed under an ordinance, which cemented its status as a permanent organization in the community. Farmington Hills Special Services, the park and recreation agency for the city, “began getting phone calls from other mayors, community leaders and recreation departments looking to start their own youth councils,” said Farmer.

To meet the needs of other inquiring communities, the Youth and Teen Initiatives Committee set to work planning the first ever MRPA Michigan Youth Symposium, which was held in Traverse City in 2002. The symposium, held in partnership with the Michigan Municipal League, was a one-day event that brought together city managers, mayors, park professional and youth councils to help other municipalities start councils of their own.

More than 120 people attended the first Youth Symposium.

In recent years, the Youth Symposium has become even more youth centered and now serves as a forum where councils from across the state can connect and share information with one another. The now multi-day symposium “is a great place for resources, for teens to share their ideas and get involved,” said Shanley. The event “empowers our young population to share their ideas and let their voices be heard.” She also added that the Symposium is a place for teens “to network with other young people in our state to band together and make a difference.”

The Michigan Youth Symposium is unique in that it is an event which councils attend and participate in as a team, building not only individual leadership, but group bonding and teamwork skills as well. The event “provides a forum and opportunity for teens and councils to share and learn,” said Howard, who has served as the Youth Symposium chair for the past two years.

“There are other youth leadership conferences out there, but Youth Symposium is unique in that it’s a team and communitybased event.”

According to Howard, one of the main benefits of the Symposium “is meeting other teens and finding out what groups are doing across the state.” To aid in the sharing of ideas, an exhibit hall is set up at the Symposium with booths that highlight the current and recently completed projects of each council.

Symposium participants are given time throughout the event to view the accomplishments of other councils, while sharing ideas Continued on Page 10

Participants leave their mark on the Youth Symposium banner.

Symposium attendees join in during an icebreaker activity.

www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 9

The benefits of

and resources to aid in current projects. “Many youth community youth councils are very goal oriented and have big projcouncils extend not only ects they’re working on,” to the teen participants added Howard. “To get support and information but to the surrounding to help them with those projects is an important community as well. thing.”

Participants in the Youth Symposium are able to network not only with each other but with representatives from municipal government who can also attend the event. In addition, the teens attend sessions, learn from keynote speakers and participate in other activities throughout the weekend,

Featured EXECUTIVE

Mayor Gary McDowell is highly involved with the Mayor’s Youth Council in Adrian, Michigan. Mayor McDowell played an integral role in the creation of the council and assisted the group in the planning and hosting of the 2009 Michigan Youth Symposium in Adrian.

Mayor McDowell, who is the current president of the Michigan Association of Mayors, sat down with MRPA to discuss youth engagement, the importance of youth councils, and his advice for municipal leaders looking to start their own councils. Read on for excerpts of the interview, and visit www.mrpaonline.org to view an extended video of the interview.

MRPA: Why do you think it is important for cities and municipalities to have youth or teen councils?

GM: We think that the youth of today are just an instrumental part of how we work our way out of the problems that we have in our society, particularly the economic problems. They have such refreshing ideas about what needs to be done, they are very creative, they think out of the box, and it’s an inspiration to just come to a youth council meeting and sit and listen to them deal with the issues that are before them. I am just inspired by that and I try to encourage that in any way that I can.

MRPA PROfessional • Summer 2009

The 2009 MRPA Michigan Youth Symposium: The Power of Community This year, the MRPA Youth Symposium was hosted by the City of Adrian Mayor’s Youth Council. More than 100 teens from councils across Michigan attended the conference, which was held at Siena Heights University. Mayor Gary McDowell is highly involved with Adrian’s Mayor’s Youth Council and was a big supporter of the event. “We are happy to have so many youth come to our community to learn about Adrian and the theme of this event, which is ‘The Power of Community,’” McDowell said at the symposium.

Festivities began on Friday night, with inflatable games, Wii, food, music and more at the Siena Heights University

Adrian Mayor Gary McDowell Talks Youth Engagement with MRPA

Mayor McDowell (far left) and members of the Adrian Mayor’s Youth Council receive a plaque from MRPA Youth and Teens Initiatives Chair Bryan Farmer (fourth from right). The plaque recognizes their work in hosting the 2009 Michigan Youth Symposium.

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all toward the goals of enhancing leadership, creative thinking and teamwork skills.

MRPA: What benefits do you believe the Mayor’s Youth Council provides to the Adrian community?

GM: This youth council that we have currently has done a number of things to benefit our greater community. Last fall, they took on the project of going to third and fifth grade classes, providing workbooks and talking about the election, to make sure that these young kids understood that we had a very significant event taking place in our country. They had tremendous dialogue with the young kids about the entire process. It was a great contribution to our school system here in Adrian.

The youth council has been working very hard on the Youth Symposium, but at the same time they have also gone through the development of an art contest for area youth. It was an effort that dealt with photography, drawings, paintings and 3D art.

The council sponsored the art contest, and the top three would earn an award, but the piece of art had to be auctioned off, with the money raised to go to homeless kids, boys and girls clubs and the teen centers in the local library. So I would certainly say that they have also contributed financially to the community, and they have been very much involved.

Continued on page 11

Mayor McDowell and his wife at the Michigan Youth Symposium.

Fieldhouse. The activities allowed the teens to get to know one another before diving into the sessions planned for the rest of the weekend. To mix things up, the Adrian Mayor’s Youth Council invited teens from throughout the county to attend the social as well, with the intent of highlighting what youth councils are all about to other local teens. Inviting other area youth “gave us an opportunity to expose MRPA and the Youth Symposium,” said McDowell. “Now those kids can go back and get their local communities excited about becoming involved.”

Participants spent the rest of the weekend networking, sharing ideas and attending sessions. Topics for the 2009 Symposium ranged from diversity to grant writing and advocacy to eco-friendly initiatives. Additional sessions focused on specific council projects, which allowed council members Continued on page 12

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Youth Council members working on a project during a council meeting.

MRPA: How do you as a mayor and community leader promote involvement with the youth council?

GM: We try to work very, very closely with the media in our city about our activities. Many of our members have been on numerous radio programs talking about the activities of the Mayor’s Youth Council. They have covered many of our activities in the local newspaper and we are very much in tune with promotion. We understand that the youth have much to say about where we are [as a community] and it’s a signification conversation that we have with them about our situation. In this crucial time in our country, with the economy being what it is, it’s amazing how they play an important role in figuring out what we can do about it, and ways that we can help alleviate this problem.

MRPA: What advice would you give to community leaders who are interested in starting a youth or teen council in their area?

GM: I would encourage them with a lot of gusto, because as I’ve said, the youth council is a very integral part of what we’re doing, and we are certainly seeing the benefits of incorporating youth into our decision-making process. Our city commission is very supportive and has given money to the budget so that we can conduct this youth council, and allow them to play these roles in our community and help give that youth perspective. After all, it is the youth in our community that we want to keep in our community after they are done with school, it’s the youth that are going to be the leaders in our communities at some point in the future, and to not integrate them at this point is a mistake in my view. I would encourage other communities to recognize the importance of incorporating the youth into much of the planning that they do in the city government side.

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to experience a leadership role while at the symposium. The symposium “is an opportunity for youth to experience a leadership role,” said Mayor McDowell. “It’s very rewarding to see kids who are at first reluctant to speak up transform into leaders that have the confidence to share their great ideas.”

This transformation is one of the most important aspects of the Youth Symposium.

Visioning for the Future While the 2009 Michigan Youth Symposium was a success, the Youth and Teen Initiatives Committee has plans for expansion in the future. “I would like to see a state-wide youth council develop,” said Farmer, “which statewide associations

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could approach to get that youth perspective on any number of issues.” The greater youth council would draw representatives from existing youth councils throughout Michigan, and would be able to assist organizations throughout the state with youth and teen initiatives.

Another vision for the future is to create an event, much like the original Youth Symposium, that would join together city leaders, representatives from community organizations, foundations and more. The event would serve as a forum for adult leaders looking to engage youth in their communities. “I think that the Youth Symposium has great value in the way that it currently exists,” said Farmer, “but I would like to see an additional event for adult leaders, so they can learn what they need to do to engage the youth in their communities.”

In addition, the committee is dedicated to improving and expanding the Michigan Youth Symposium each year. Often “teens will come to a youth council meeting, and may not ‘get it’ right away,” said Farmer. “It takes a few meetings before it really clicks, and the kids understand that they have ideas that adults want to listen to, and that they can make changes in their community happen.” Farmer believes that the symposium “helps with that realization that youth can make a difference in this world, and can affect a lot of people.”

Looking to Start a Youth Council in Your Community?

Mayor McDowell has advice for community leaders interested in starting youth or teen councils. “I encourage city leaders to start councils with a lot of gusto,” McDowell said. “We are certainly seeing the benefits of incorporating youth into our decision-making processes.”

One way to start on the path towards a youth council is to sign up for the MRPA Youth Symposium. “Even if you don’t have a teen group yet, the Youth Symposium is a place to network with teens and their supervisors and find out how it’s done,” said Shanley. “It’s a great place for resources, to share your ideas and to get involved.”

An additional resource for Park and Recreation professionals interested in starting a youth council is the MRPA Youth and Teen Initiatives Committee. The committee has valuable experience with youth councils and teen programs, and can serve as an excellent resource for professionals new to the idea of youth and teen councils. To reach the Youth and Teen Initiatives Committee, contact committee chair Bryan Farmer at bfarmer@fhgov.com, or contact the MRPA office at 517-485-9888. ●

To learn more about thee Michigan Youth Symposium, visit the MRPA Web site at www.mrpaonline.org.

Included on the Web sitee is a link to an article in the Adrian Daily Telegram regarding the Youth Symposium, as well as a photo gallery with images from the event. To learn more about the Michigan Youth th Symposium, contact the MRPA office at 517-485-9888.

Featured POLICY

Your Passport to State Parks Dennis Schornack Executive Director, MRPA

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wo of Michigan’s strongest supporters of parks and recreation are State Senator Patty Birkholz (R – Saugatuck), MRPA’s 2003 Legislator of the Year and State Representative Rebekah Warren (D – Ann Arbor), the Featured Legislator in this issue.

This dynamic distaff duo recently teamed up to pass the Great Lakes Compact to prevent water diversions and establish a sustainable framework for conserving and managing the Great Lakes. Now, they have set their sights on enacting a sustainable source of funding for Michigan’s 98 state parks.

In March, Birkholz and Warren each introduced identical bills based upon a proposal from the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks chaired by MRPA’s own Murdock Jemerson. Modeled on a successful Montana program, the original bills would: • Eliminate State Park entrance and boating access fees ($24/ yr. or $6/day) in exchange for a $10 voluntary Passport Fee added to car registrations ($5 for motorcycles), • Index the Passport Fee to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and • Distribute the revenues for capital improvements (50%), operating expenses (30%), matching local park development grants (10%), state forest and campground trails (7%) and historic park resources (3%).

Advocates anticipate that if participation in Michigan approaches 65% (near Montana’s rate) of the 7.1 million cars and 248,000 motorcycles, enough revenue will be generated to cover operating expenses and fi x the $300 million backlog of capital needs to restore the luster that Michigan’s governor has called our “crown jewels.” At the same time, the plan doubles the resources available for local park development projects.

Hundreds of citizens have voiced their support for sustainable funding, including MRPA’s own President Darrin Duistermars. Since the Legislature eliminated general funding for state parks in 2004, facilities have crumbled and programs have suffered. User fees have failed to provide sustainable funding, demanding a new approach.

But as with any significant legislation, specific challenges emerged: Fee structure. The original bills gave consumers the choice to “opt-out” of paying the Passport Fee. It was included in the vehicle registration fees unless consumers checked a box requesting deduction of the fee and promising not to use the vehicle to enter state parks. This “opt-out” format increases payment participation and revenues. However, the Senate ultimately changed “opt-out” to “opt-in,” requiring consumers to choose between paying or not paying. The House retained the “opt-out” feature.

The Constitution. Article IX, Section 9 of the Michigan Constitution requires all vehicle registration fees, except regulatory fees, to fund roads. The Michigan Supreme Court in Bolt v. City of Lansing said that to qualify as a “regulatory fee” they must: 1) be voluntary, 2) be reasonable, and 3) actually regulate behavior. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the County Road Association of Michigan, who prefer doubling vehicle registration fees for road repairs, both oppose the Passport bills on legal grounds .

Enforcement. While the Passport Fee is clearly voluntary and reasonable (a 60% discount from existing fees), it must actually regulate behavior. The original proposal envisioned an honor system with rangers conducting spot audits, making enforcement slow and ineffective. MRPA recommended marking existing registration stickers by color so that enforcement could be quick and effective.

State/local competition. Some local parks charge nominal entry fees and are located close to state parks that would become “fee-free.” Day users may shift their preference to these state parks , losing local revenue. Oakland County’s park commission voted to oppose the bills because of potential revenue loss, poor enforcement, and the proposed “honor system” that allowed ”free riders” to enter state parks without paying.

State and local parks are partners that together weave the fabric of community life and establish a unique and wonderful identity for Michigan. In this spirit, MRPA strongly supports sustainable funding for state parks. But to make that funding legally and financially sustainable, MRPA advocates keeping the “opt-out” fee structure and strong, effective enforcement.

State parks provide general services to every citizen – outdoor recreation plus clean water, clean air, and carbon sequestration. As Michigan celebrates the 90th Birthday of our State Park system this summer, Senator Birkholz and Representative Warren have their work cut out for them to find the compromise plan that will achieve the goal of sustainable funding for state parks. ●

The collapse of the roof at Ludington State Park’s Visitors Center occurred in March 2009. The event was a result of an inability to apply routine preventative maintenance measures, causing catastrophic infrastructure failure. Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 13

Featured DEPARTMENT

Wyoming Parks and Recreation Building Relationships by Investing in After-School Programs

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here are countless statistics that confirm what many Park and Recreation professionals already know: after-school activities are crucial for Michigan’s youth. According to research conducted by the Afterschool Alliance, more than 14 million school-age children in the U.S. are on their own after school. In addition, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids (an organization of police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors and youth violence experts) found that the hours between 3-6 p.m. are the peak times for juvenile crime in America.

The City of Wyoming Park and Recreation Department is one of many organizations that understands the need for positive after-school programming.

In the fall of 2004, the department began a partnership with Wyoming Public Schools to make a difference in the lives of local students through relationships with adult mentors. What began as a project to reach students at three facilities has evolved into an award-winning program that extends not only to various student age groups, but across district lines as well.

“Our intent was to build strong, healthy relationships with students,” said Dr. Thomas Reeder, associate superintendent for Wyoming Public Schools.

The idea was to include programming that would promote academic gains, while also meeting student needs for mental and social support, healthy meals, character enrichment and physical activity.

The program, now known as T.E.A.M. 21, became a reality with the help of a 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grant.

The 21st CCLC initiative is the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to after-school programs, and the awarding of grants is administered by state education agencies. The initial grant was approved for three elementary schools within the Wyoming Public School District: Parkview, Rogers Lane and Taft.

“T.E.A.M. 21 stands for Teach, Enrich, Achieve and Move,” said City of Wyoming Recreation Programmer Jessica Hughes. The name represents different facets of the program, with the 21 designation paying homage to the grant

T.E.A.M. 21 partners with the first annual Connecting with Community Award, from Grand Rapids WOOD-TV8.

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program itself. “All 21st Century sites are trying to give kids the skills they need for the 21st century,” she said, “including innovation, creative thinking and other things students can’t always get during the regular school day.”

The free program serves at-risk kids within the City of Wyoming, providing structured activities for three hours after school during the academic year. In the summer, T.E.A.M. 21 expands to seven and a half hours of programming per day for seven weeks.

Academics, Enrichment and Activity Each day of T.E.A.M. 21 programming involves academic support, including homework help and additional academic activities. Another key tenet of the program is to teach participants that fitness can be fun. A variety of traditional fitness, physical education and active recreation components are incorporated to achieve that goal. Other enrichment activities include cooking classes, drama and theater, gardening, arts and crafts and dance.

“We provide a large variety of activities for any given week,” said Hughes. “We want to keep it fresh for the kids so they can have a rich and full experience while they are with us.” Often T.E.A.M. 21 is a chance for “kids to experience things they may not get to otherwise,” she said.

Students also have the ability to become leaders within the program.

“T.E.A.M. 21 brings together many different age groups in one building,” said Hughes. “You see a lot of socialization, as well as older students assuming leadership roles and I think those social and emotional components are really important.”

A site coordinator oversees the program at each building and directs a staff

Students from the city of Wyoming participate in a variety of activities, including academics, nutrition, physical fitness and technology at T.E.A.M. 21.

of 6-8 group leaders, many of whom have Park and Recreation or Education backgrounds. “We keep our student to adult ratio very small, so those adults can really get to know these kids and spend quality time over the continuous weeks of programming,” said Reeder. He says that ratios in the classroom often reach 25 to 1, but T.E.A.M. 21 limits the balance to 8, or at most 10 to 1.

Collaborating to Achieve Results The collaborative nature of T.E.A.M. 21 is crucial. “The city park and recreation department has more expertise in the recreation arena, while the school district is well equipped to deliver academics,” said Reeder. ‘We both use our best resources, and there’s a lot of give and take and inkind with both organizations to get the work done.” Reeder believes that program is “a combination of the best of both” departments.

Hughes agrees. “I think it’s a case of the sum of the parts being greater than the whole,” she said. “When so many people come together with different viewpoints, ideas and creativity, it makes a program great.”

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and Wyoming Public Schools have been the primary partners in T.E.A.M. 21, but additional volunteers from non-profit organizations, local churches, and other community organizations have pitched in to make the program a success. The program’s spirit of collaboration “has allowed us to pull in more organizations and have a stronger base,” said Reeder.

“We have a great partnership,” said Reeder. “We have broken down barriers, allowing us to sit down and talk

about different opportunities outside the grants.”

The results of the collaboration have been substantial. “We’ve seen kids that were considered to be our most atrisk students now scoring at or above the other kids in their building,” said Reeder. In addition, administrators have witnessed better attendance at school and school related functions, fewer discipline issues and more involved parents due to the community that is built within T.E.A.M. 21.

“This program is not just child care,” said Reeder. “Kids are receiving the

The idea was to include programming that would promote academic gains, while also meeting student needs for mental and social support, healthy meals, character enrichment and physical activity.

support they need and the resources to get their work done.” He also feels that T.E.A.M. 21 is able to remove some of the barriers that poverty can present for young students, many of whom come from families facing tough economic times.

“I think the biggest impact we have on students is the relationship they build with the staff, who serve as great role models and figures that they can trust, have fun and feel safe with,” said Hughes. The staff function as “adults who care about them and want to see them succeed.”

The success of T.E.A.M. 21 has led to new 21st CCLC grants and rapid expansion of the program. Just two years after the pilot program launched at Parkview, Rogers Lane and Taft elementary schools, T.E.A.M. 21 received a second grant, allowing the program to add two middle schools as T.E.A.M. 21 participants. At that point, all T.E.A.M. 21 sites were part of Wyoming Public Schools, yet program administrators wanted to expand even further.

“Wyoming is unique because it has multiple school districts within city boundaries,” said Hughes. Through the most recent 21st CLCC grant approved just last summer, five additional schools

Want to Learn More about the nter Grants?

21st Century Community Learning Center More information on the 21st CCLC grants is available on the U.S. Department of Education Web site at www.ed.gov/programs/21stcclc. More detailed etailed information is available on interior pages within the Michigan Department partment of Education Web site http://michigan.gov/mde. Using Google and nd searching ‘21st Century Community Learning Centers Michigan’ will provide the exact URL for the MDE information on the grants. www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 15

were added from three surrounding school districts. T.E.A.M. 21 now operates in nine buildings within four different school districts, all within the City of Wyoming. The new sites provide the opportunity for T.E.A.M. 21 to reach more students and have a greater impact in Wyoming.

Recognition within West Michigan The greater West Michigan community has taken notice of T.E.A.M. 21’s success as well. In January 2009, the program was awarded the first ever ‘Connecting with Community’ Award from Grand Rapids television news channel WOOD-TV 8. According to the station, the award was granted based on the organization’s “ability to utilize

T.E.A.M. 21 plans to apply for additional 21st CCLC grants, with the goal of serving nearly every school building in the city. Reeder’s next grants, if approved, would increase the program from 10 to 19 school program sites and would significantly increase the number of students attending T.E.A.M. 21 programs throughout each of the school districts within the city.

To learn more about T.E.A.M. 21, visit the program Web site at www.wyoming.k12.mi.us/012/team21/.

To access the research referenced in this article, visit the Afterschool Alliance at www.afterschoolalliance.org and Fight Crime: Invest in Kids at www. fightcrime.org.

To view a video of the WOOD TV-8 feature on T.E.A.M. 21 visit the MRPA PROfessional Quarterly section of the MRPA Web site (www.mrpaonline.org). mrpaonline.org).

The video includes footage ge of T.E.A.M. 21 programs in action, as well as an interview with Director of Community Services ices Rebecca Rynbrandt. ●

community collaboration to better the quality of life” in Wyoming.

The award was “quite an honor,” said Hughes. “We were very excited, and saw the award as a victory for after-school.

We believe in the importance of afterschool programming, and we wanted it to be on everyone’s radar so people could become more aware of the need for programs like T.E.A.M. 21.”

The award allows the staff of T.E.A.M. 21 to “receive acknowledgement of the work that they have done,” said Reeder. “It also gives people more fuel to say ‘how can we get better?’”

Moving Forward With recognition from WOOD-TV just the beginning, the partners involved in T.E.A.M. 21 have plans to expand the program even more. “I have grants waiting on the table to expand T.E.A.M. 21,” said Reeder. “The economy in Wyoming is hurting and our parents have had to weather a lot of changes. Being able to offer this program to help them out is a great thing for our community.”

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Featured COMMIT TEE

MRPA’s Student Committee – the Next Generation of Park Professionals

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he Michigan Recreation and Park Association works hard to provide member benefits for park and recreation students throughout the state. Student members receive access to a variety of professional development activities, educational workshops and opportunities to network with established professionals. Many MRPA members become involved with the organization as students and continue to be active members for their entire lives.

While students can gain a lot from membership, they also contribute to the organization, providing fresh perspectives and valuable insight.

Students from Central Michigan University play a game of Twister during a Scholarship Social at the MRPA Conference.

Drew Burns presents during the Student Committee’s social networking session.

Drew Burns and Whitney Knollenberg working at the conference registration desk.

Networking, Education and Professional Development One of the most valuable benefits for student members is the opportunity to network with park professionals. Students will quickly find that MRPA members are ready and willing to share their knowledge with those who are eager to learn.

“When professionals see a student that is active in MRPA, they notice,” said Student Committee Chair Brandy Boyd. “Students who are active and invested will have a better chance at internships and future employment, not to mention the opportunity to really interact with industry leaders and get a lot out of the organization.”

In many ways, member benefits for students in the Michigan Recreation and Park Association are a great complement to the education received in various collegiate programs. “As members of MRPA, students are able to take advantage of

Students from Central Michigan University volunteering in the Vendor Exhibit Hall during the MRPA Conference.

www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 17

professional development and educational opportunities such degrees in the field of Park and Recreation, which I feel is as workshops, conferences and guest speakers at monthly critical,” said Cowan. “In addition, the scholarships provide committee meetings,” said incoming Student Committee an avenue to recognize up-and-coming professionals for their President Erin McCarty. “Through involvement with MRPA, scholastic achievements, leadership and volunteerism.” Funds students are able to build on what they have already learned for the scholarships are raised by the Scholarship Commitin the classroom…to gain a more real-world perspective of the tee, which hosts fundraisers such as the summer Scholarship field and to become well-rounded professionally.”

Golf Outing and Scholarship Social events at the annual conBoyd was a student member herself, and remembers the ference. Six scholarships totaling $10,500 were awarded for value-added of MRPA membership. “I went into recthe upcoming 2009-2010 academic term. To learn more reation later on [in college], but still decided to about student scholarship opportunities and this become a member of MRPA,” she said. “Even year’s recipients, see page 20. though I was a late bloomer, I was able to become involved with the conference and Giving Back One of the most met a lot of people. Becoming a member Student members of MRPA receive numercertainly benefitted me.” ous benefits and opportunities, and many valuable benefits for Former Student Committee Chair students are dedicated to giving back to student members is the and MRPA Vice-President Elect Jason MRPA in return. Students help out at Jones experienced the benefits of student a variety of events throughout the year, opportunity to network membership as well. “There are boundless the largest being the MRPA Conference opportunities for networking in MRPA,” he and Trade Show. Students work tirelessly with park professionals. said. The membership of MRPA comes from throughout the week assisting at registraa variety of park and recreation backgrounds, tion, greeting conference speakers, helping at and Jones feels that this aspect of the organization the Vendor Exhibit Hall and so much more. The “allows students to see inside many different professtudents are a crucial part of hosting a successful consional jobs.” In his opinion, the exposure to a wide arrange of ference, and are always up for the challenge. professions “helps students to determine what they really want In 2009, members of the Student Committee took their to do with their degree.” conference involvement to a whole new level, not only volFormer Student Committee President Whitney Knollenunteering, but presenting a session at the February event. berg agrees. “Being a MRPA member gave me the opportuTheir session, ‘Social Networking Sites for Your Department,’ was an instant hit with attendees. The hour-long workshop, nity to get to know professionals in the field and learn what which provided overviews of websites such as Facebook and direction the [industry] was moving in. Many of my goals and MySpace, was one of the most popular sessions of the entire aspirations have been shaped by conversations that I have had conference. During the presentation, Committee members with members.”

Tyler Champt, Brittany Bushard and Lea Chandonnet from Central Michigan University covered issues such as Student Scholarships setting up accounts, privacy policies and security settings.

An additional benefit of being a student member of the MichiKnollenberg, Drew Burns and Michele Flickinger gan Recreation and Park Association is access to annual student scholarships granted by the Scholarship Committee.

Committee Chair Nancy Cowan is a former scholarship award winner who now volunteers by raising money and awarding scholarships to the new generation of park professionals. “The The Michigan Recreation and Park Association is on Facebook, and many committee provides financial assistance to students pursuing members have already joined the MRPA group. To be a part of the conversation, visit www.facebook.com to sign up for a personal account. Once completed, you can search for the Michigan Recreation and Park Association and join the group.

Members who are already part of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association group will notice some changes as well. MRPA has added a Facebook ‘Fan Page,’ which allows for better organization of photos, videos and other multimedia items. All members are encouraged to become fans of MRPA in addition to group members. Both the group and fan page can be found by searching for the Michigan Recreation and Park Association in the search box on Facebook. In addition, there is a Facebook group for the MRPA Student Committee, which can be found by searching MRPA Student Committee on the site.

If you have any questions regarding MRPA’s Facebook site, please contact CMU student Sam McLeod chats with a park professional during the Take a Student to Lunch event at Jessica Makolin, Miranda Scripter or Shannon Sellers at 517-485-9888. the MRPA Conference. Photo courtesy of JL Photo Co.

Speaking of Facebook…

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MRPA PROfessional • Summer 2009

James (Jim) Dunleavy, Chief of Recreation Oakland County Parks; Emily Lafollete, Student, Central Michigan University; and Michele Flickinger, Student, Michigan State University during Take a Student to Lunch. Photo courtesy of JL Photo Co.

– students from Michigan State University – covered marketing and communication topics.

“This was a classic example of the students becoming the teachers,” said 2009 Conference Chair and MRPA PresidentElect Linda Walter. “The students delivered a thoughtful, researched and well rehearsed presentation. They made it so attendees could easily go back and implement what they had learned.”

The students not only discussed how to use sites like Facebook, but elaborated to include common mistakes and online etiquette rules, so that members could become effective users of these new networking tools. The students concluded their presentation with examples of how park and recreation agencies could use the sites as effective tools for employee screening, communication and marketing.

The migration of residents looking for information online, rather than in more traditional media such as newspapers, is often viewed as a generational shift. “A lot of current recreation professionals are not necessarily Facebook or MySpace people, yet that’s how you need to reach young parents and high school students,” said Walter. The student session covered “very timely information, and was of extreme value to the professionals who attended,” she added.

Jones agrees: “Each generation has a lot to learn from each other, and the students are a huge asset for the association,” he said. “The students are able to bridge a generational gap, and they also exemplify what a young parent new to a community would want out of their park and recreation department.”

“The goal with this presentation was for attendees to walk away understanding that Facebook was a powerful tool that they could use to connect to their communities,” said Knollenberg. “The participants had really great questions, as well as ideas for us to cover in future sessions. I hope attendees were able to take the information we provided to help promote their programs and parks.”

Anita Twardesky, a MRPA member from Riverside Kayak Connection, is one of many members who attended the social networking session. Prior to the session, Twardesky had limited knowledge of Facebook as a personal site and no experience with MySpace. During the session, Twardesky experienced what she has called her “a-ha!” moment, gaining confidence and the knowledge to use both sites from a business perspective.

“The session was awesome,” she said. “It was a bit of everything, but the biggest thing I came away with was the encouragement and ability to separate my personal and professional life. Our online presence has increased sales for

Riverside Kayak Connection and has created a whole online community.”

Since the conference in February, Twardesky has set up a Facebook profile, a Facebook group and a MySpace page, all dedicated to Riverside. Within the sites, Twardesky utilizes a variety of applications, including video, photos, and events to engage with the online community. To date, Riverside Kayak Connection has 315 Facebook friends and 291 Facebook group members, many of whom correspond with the company using the online “wall.” Using newfound Web 2.0 proficiency, the company has also branched off to Twitter, a micro-blogging site consisting of status messages that are 140 characters or less.

Learn More If you missed the Student Committee session on social networking, don’t worry! MRPA student members have been working to further enhance the seminar for the upcoming year, with plans to host various workshops throughout the state. Be sure to check the MRPA Web site, www.mrpaonline.org, as well as the weekly E-blast for notifications about any upcoming social networking seminars, hosted by the Student Committee.

For professionals who want to start learning now, the Student Committee plans to post informational items about using Facebook on their group page. Search MRPA Student Committee on www.facebook.com to view the discussion board topics with helpful hints from MRPA students. ●

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• MRPA PROfessional 19 PM 4/2/09 12:00:52

Meet the

MRPA Scholarship Recipients of 2009-2010 E

ach year the Michigan Recreation and Park Association awards scholarships to deserving college students pursuing degrees in the Park and Recreation field. Funds for the awards are raised by the Scholarship Committee, which hosts various events including the annual Scholarship Golf Outing and activities at the MRPA conference, such as the scholarship socials and the “Take a Student to Lunch” networking event.

“Tuition costs are rising and the economy is struggling right now,” said Scholarship Committee Chair Nancy Cowan. “Hopefully these scholarships will contribute enough to each student’s overall tuition costs to allow them to focus on their education and to encourage them to stay within the Parks and Recreation curriculum.”

This year, five outstanding park and recreation students were selected. Read on to learn more about the 2009-2010 class of MRPA scholarship recipients.

Jamie Elliott’s father was a wildlife photographer who traveled to many parks throughout the country. Elliott says she fell in love with the National Parks and decided to pursue a degree in parks and recreation in order to be a part of parks forever. A 2009 graduate of Lake Superior State University, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Parks and Recreation, an Associate degree in Natural Resource Technology and a minor in Geographic Information Systems. She was selected as the 2009 Outstanding Parks and Recreation Graduate, the Jamie Elliott, 2009 Outstanding Natural Resource Technology Graduate, Lake Superior the 2009 Recreation Club Member of the Year. Elliott gradState University uated Summa Cum Laude.

This summer Elliott will begin her internship at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois, where she will be doing prairie restoration work. Scholarship funds from MRPA will contribute to the costs of her internship.

Elliott is the recipient of the Jack Golden Award and the Becky McCann Scholarship, both from MRPA. The Jack Golden Award was initiated in 2001 to commemorate the life of Jack Golden, a charter of member of MRPA who fostered education and service. Golden often spoke of this award as a way to contribute to the future of Parks and Recreation.

The Becky McCann Scholarship was established in 2000 by professors and students of Central Michigan University in honor of Becky McCann, a professor who showed tremendous leadership in the Park and Recreation profession. The recipient of the Becky McCann award is selected based on essay questions regarding leadership in the field of Parks and Recreation.

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MRPA PROfessional • Summer 2009

Erin McCarty, Michigan State University

Erin McCarty is a senior studying Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources at Michigan State University. She is also pursuing a specialization in Community-Based Recreation. McCarty chose to major in Recreation in order to help people live healthier, more active lives and to make a positive impact in communities.

McCarty became a member of MRPA to become more involved in community recreation, to gain professional development opportunities and to network with other students and professionals. McCarty is the president of the MRPA Student Committee for the 2009-1020 academic school year and is completing an internship this summer with the DeWitt Area Recreation Authority.

McCarty is the recipient of a MRPA Scholarship.

Alex Pardy, Central Michigan University

Alex Pardy is a fifth-year undergraduate student at Central Michigan University pursuing a degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services with a concentration in Commercial Recreation.

While at CMU, Pardy has served as a resident advisor for two years, and is a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary. He has also volunteered at the MRPA Conference and as a camp counselor at Special Days Camp, which is a camp for children with cancer and their siblings. The camp is one of Pardy’s great passions.

Pardy is embarking on an internship with Walt Disney World, which he hopes will lead to a job within the organization. He says he joined MRPA after talking with his brother (also an MRPA member) and learning what the organization does for students. “I knew that this was an organization I had to be a part of,” he says.

Pardy is the recipient of the Herb Jennings Award, which was established in 2008 by the Shane Group. The award recognizes a student that has realized their path into the recreation industry through lifelong participation and volunteering.

Janelle Reava is a senior attending Central Michigan University, majoring in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration. She is also pursuing minors in Event Management and Hospitality Administration. Reava is a member of the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association, the Student Recreation Association and the High Adventure Club.

Reava is an active volunteer and has lent her time to various projects including a dance for the disabled through Mount Pleasant Janelle Reava, Access Recreation, a black-tie fundraiser for the Parade Company Central Michigan in Detroit, SIBS Weekend at CMU, the MRPA Conference, University Habitat for Humanity builds, and church childcare.

This fall, Reava will be studying abroad at the International College of Management in Sydney, Australia. Currently Reava interns with the Kids Klub department at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, where she aids in the implementation of new programs for children visiting the resort. Reava will participate in an additional internship during the summer of 2010.

Reava is the recipient of the Bruce Ross Excellence Scholarship, which was established in 2002 by conference keynote speaker Ian Hill and serves to honor a student who exemplifies excellence in the Park and Recreation field. The award bears the name of member Bruce Ross, who received the MRPA Excellence Award at the 2009 conference.

Ashley Stone is a fifth-year undergraduate student at Central Michigan University studying Therapeutic Recreation.

During her junior year, Stone realized that her true passion is helping individuals with special needs enjoy life to the fullest. While at CMU, she has been honored as the Volunteer of the Month, is active with her sorority and has been recognized by the university at the STARS Awards for her campus Ashley Stone, involvement.

Central Michigan This summer, Stone plans to work for the Wisconsin EasUniversity ter Seals Camp Wawbeek at the rock wall and ropes course.

Stone says her goal in life is to “give back to others as much as possible, in hopes that recreation and leisure can brighten up their day.”

Stone is the recipient of the Rob Nagle Award, which was established in 1995 by the Shane Group to commemorate the life of Robert J. Nagle, Jr. The intent of the award is to encourage college students to invest the same enthusiasm, integrity and positive attitude in their careers as Nagle displayed in providing quality recreation opportunities to others.

MRPA would like to congratulate the five outstanding scholarship recipients. To learn more about student scholarships, contact the MRPA office at 517-485-9888 or visit the MRPA Web site at www.mrpaonline.org. Scholarship information is listed under the ‘Education and Conference’ section. To donate to the MRPA Scholarship Committee, please call 517-485-9888. ●

www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 21

F e a t u r e d TR A I N I N G P R O G R A M

NPSI Keeps Playgrounds Safe for Kids

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MRPA PROfessional • Summer 2009

A

municipal departments and keep playgrounds safe, while ccording to the Consumer Products allowing for challenging and creative play opportunities.

Safety Commission, nearly 200,000 American children are treated each year in emergency rooms for playground related injuries. Of those injuries, an estimated A Program for Park Professionals, by Park Professionals 148,000 will involve public playground equipment. While NPSI is currently the only program of its type in the world to the statistics may be a source of concern for park managers, offer playground safety inspection certification. To date, more there are specific steps each and every park department can than 15,000 Certified Playground Safety Inspectors have sucdo to keep local children, and the department’s reputation, cessfully completed the course and examination. While most safe from harm.

CPSI’s are park professionals, other individuals with a vested The first and most important step is to have all park interest in playground safety, including school and public employees responsible for playground maintenance attend works employees, have recognized the value of NPSI and the the National Playground Safety Institute. The Institute, CPSI designation. often referred to as NPSI (NIP see), is an intensive, hands-on “For many people in the courses, it’s a new experience learntraining course and certification examination offered by the ing what may be hazardous for a child,” said Parker. “Then all National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The proof a sudden, it hits. The main values of the course are defining gram, which incorporates a fifteen-hour course, a hands-on what we know to be hazardous, where to find it, and what to site visit and a comprehensive examination, was designed to do to resolve the risk all within the context that the idea is compliment the guideline efforts of the American Society not to rip playgrounds out but to make them compliant,” he of Testing Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer added.

Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Those In April, 92 professionals attended the NPSI who successfully complete both the course training course held in Troy, Michigan, and and examination will earn the CPSI 97 professionals were administered the Many researchers, designation, which stands for Certicertification examination. (The differfied Playground Safety Inspector. ence in numbers reflects the fact that parents and park professionals The Michigan Recreation and Park CPSI’s who are re-certified, while worried that childrens’ needs Association administers the course still responsible for new and updated and examination annually, in partinformation, are not required to for play were being stifled. nership with NRPA and NPSI retake the NPSI training course).

The benefits of having a Certified instructors.

Luckily for park departments Playground Safety Inspector on staff and children nationwide, NPSI are many. Retaining staff that hold the Early History CPSI designation, or encouraging curThe first NPSI certification course entered the scene. rent staff to undergo the training, shows and exam were administered by NRPA in 1990. Dave Parker, a current NPSI local communities that your department instructor, was involved with the program is committed to working proactively to prefrom the very beginning. “In the late ‘70s and vent playground injuries. By preventing injuries early ‘80s, the profession became more cognizant of on playgrounds, the park department is ensuring that the issues with playgrounds,” said Parker. In 1981, the CPSC’s both the children and the reputation of the agency, will be Public Playground Safety Handbook was released, but the safe from harm. In addition, CPSI’s can perform thorough guidelines included too much information and were written playground inspections and audits, without consulting outin language that was difficult to understand. In the meantime, side experts, and are able to recommend corrective action if municipalities began to worry that their playgrounds posed any flaws are discovered. With properly trained playground too much of a liability threat. “The original response was to inspectors, equipment is likely to last longer as well. get rid of them all,” said Parker. “The threat was too much to deal with.”

Keeping Up with Trends and Regulations Designers responded by creating play structures that miniRealizing the need for a program like NPSI is not to say that mized children’s exposure not only to risk, but to challengall playground equipment is inherently dangerous. To the ing and engaging play. Fall heights were minimized, slide contrary, many designers have risen to the challenge of creatlengths reduced and compacted structures became the trend. ing structures that not only meet the standards for safety, but “Regulation was overriding recreation,” said Parker, who has invite users to embark on challenging and creative play advenreferred to the phenomenon as “the dumbing of American tures. While designers have incorporated new trends such playgrounds.” as taller slides, track rides and stepping pods, there has also Many researchers, parents and park professionals worried been a “move to the thought process of free play,” said Parker. that childrens’ needs for play were being stifled. Luckily for Often, the purpose and intended use of ‘free play’ equipment park departments and children nationwide, NPSI entered the is less strictly defined for users. This allows the child or parscene. With it came information that would equip Park and ticipant to determine how to incorporate the equipment into a Recreation professionals with the knowledge needed to protect play activity, leaving room for interpretation and creativity. www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 23

Awards season is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about the park professionals and advocates who deserve recognition from MRPA. Honors include individual awards, such as New Professional, Fellowship, Park Resource Leadership, Recreation Leadership and awards for elected officials. Organizational award categories include Landscape/Site Design, Facility Design, Innovative Park Resources and Recreation Programming and numerous Marketing awards. In addition, MRPA hosts the Community Service Awards, recognizing leaders who go above and beyond to support Parks and Recreation in local communities throughout Michigan.

This year’s award nominations will be due on October 9, 2009. Start thinking about the individuals you would like to recognize in both the park and recreation industry and your community, and watch for award updates on the MRPA Web site (www.mrpaonline.org) and in the weekly E-blast. Nomination forms will be available later this summer.

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MRPA PROfessional • Summer 2009

As free play equipment opens new play horizons for users, it also creates new challenges for playground safety inspectors. “With the different look of free play equipment, it becomes more challenging for inspectors to determine the intended use” of the structure, said Parker. “Guidance from the experts at ASTM is a dynamic process,” he added. While some changes are a clarification of existing requirements, when new components are introduced to the market, new sections on guidelines are developed to accommodate them.

As trends in playground preferences and designs shift, it’s important that park departments keep up with changing safety regulations and standards. It is for this reason that the CPSI designation is valid for only a three-year period. Without recertification, it is impossible to keep on top of the ever-changing trends in equipment and understand the possible dangers in new equipment. When participants completed the NPSI course and exam in spring 2009, their handbooks had been updated just the previous October.

Interested in Becoming a Certified Playground Safety Inspector?

The National Playground Safety Institute is held once annually in Michigan. Hosted by MRPA, the program is a 15-hour course, followed by a comprehensive examination. Course materials are available in advance of the Institute, and a minimum of three weeks intensive preparation is strongly recommended. The MRPA-hosted NPSI course is generally held in the spring. To learn more about the NPSI program in Michigan, contact MRPA at 517-485-9888 or visit www.mrpaonline.org.

Would Your Playground Benefi t from the Help of a CPSI? Even if your department does not currently employ a Certified Playground Safety Instructor, you may request a playground audit from a CPSI in your area. The National Recreation and Park Association maintains the National CPSI Registry.

CPSI’s who choose to be listed in the registry may be referred to communities who require assistance within their state of residence.

To find a CPSI near you, simply complete the electronic form, which is accessible under the ‘National Playground Safety Institute’ section of the NRPA Web site, www.nrpa.org. ●

Featured L EGISL ATOR

Representative Rebekah Warren A Strong Believer in Parks and Recreation as Essential Services

Representative Rebekah Warren

G

reat dedication, extraordinary leadership, stellar, unswerving, effective, progressive, courage – all powerful words describe MRPA’s featured legislator, State Representative Rebekah Warren. A lifelong resident of Michigan and a nearly 20-year resident of Ann Arbor (since her days as a University of Michigan student) Warren is now serving her second term in the Michigan House of Representatives. Her district (53rd) includes virtually all of the city of Ann Arbor, where she lives on the historic west side with her husband, Washtenaw County Commissioner Conan Smith.

MRPA Executive Director Dennis Schornack and Communications Coordinator Jessica Makolin recently interviewed Representative Warren in her Lansing office. Of special interest to MRPA members, Warren explained that she was actually married in a ceremony at Independence Lake Park (Washtenaw Parks and Recreation Department) but she didn’t say if any of her guests traded their formal wear for swimsuits to enjoy the “Spray Zone.”

Rep. Warren is clearly an advocate for local parks and understands how important park and recreation programs are to communities in her district and statewide. When asked if parks are essential, she replied: “I think absolutely. I think what we know is that it’s essential to building and maintaining a diverse and growing economy, and I think it’s also essential to quality of life.”

Warren added: “So I do think it’s an essential service, and I think especially because our local parks provide accessibility to nature right in your backyard.”

Since Rep. Warren had 13 years of experience both as a legislative staffer and as executive director of MARAL Pro-Choice Michigan on her resume when she was elected in 2006, it’s not surprising that her first term was unusually productive for a freshman. In particular, Warren has been praised for her bipartisan efforts to negotiate legislative approval for the multi-state Great Lakes Compact that will protect the lakes from diversion outside the basin. Her work getting both the Compact and related implementing legislation through the State Legislature even led to an award from the Alliance for the Great Lakes, the region’s leading organization advocating for the protection and restoration of the lakes. Her “Ally of the Year” award from the Alliance is but one of the many awards and honors that reflect Warren’s commitment to getting things done.

As Chair of the Great Lakes and Environment Committee, Warren is building on her record of success with her advocacy for the State Park Passport Plan. MRPA strongly supports the vision

Rep. Warren is clearly an advocate for local parks and understands how important park and recreation programs are to communities in her district and statewide. When asked if parks are essential, she replied: “I think absolutely. I think what we know is that it’s essential to building and maintaining a diverse and growing economy, and I think it’s also essential to quality of life.”

www.mrpaonline.org • MRPA PROfessional 25

to establish a sustainable source of funding for state parks, boating facilities, forests, campgrounds and recreation areas.

By assessing a general motor vehicle registration fee in exchange for eliminating daily and annual park entry and boating fees, access to state recreation resources will be made more affordable to Michigan resident. At the same time, additional resources will be provided to address crumbling infrastructure, maintenance and operational costs.

What’s critical to MRPA members is that the proposal allocates 10 percent of net revenues to local units of government to development funding for local

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parks, nearly doubling the amount of such funding. The funds would be distributed through the familiar Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund application process. As a result, the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation will be enhanced for all Michigan citizens.

However, MRPA has raised some specific recommendations to improve the plan, especially with regard to enforcement so that county parks with entrance fee that are within close proximity of state parks do not suffer revenue losses.

Rep. Warren explains the rationale for the initiative: “We know that a lot of our local governments are struggling to make their budgets work and we want to make sure that there are opportuniAs Chair of the Great ties again to not just help with the dayLakes and Environment to-day management and running of the parks but also really those infrastrucCommittee, Warren is ture needs. So I think that really this proposal was put together in such a way building on her record that our parks from the most local to of success with her all the way up to our sort of big crown jewels, our state park system, will have advocacy for the State access to funding to maintain them.”

Like her colleague Rep. Harold Park Passport Plan.

Haugh, who was featured in the last issue of MRPA PROfessional Quarterly, Rep. Warren understands that tough times make it all the more important that affordable recreation options are available to Michigan citizens. As Warren puts it: “I think that for so many of our families, when they’re struggling, parks are a really low cost recreation opportunity – a way for families to bond – and that is a critical part that we can’t overlook.”

The bottom line is that while a family might not be able to go to Disneyland, they must still have the opportunity to enjoy their local parks and the programs they provide.

Warren also knows firsthand from constituents that natural resource pro12/16/08 11:14:42 PM tection and economic development go Cannonsburg Wood Products hand in hand. In particular, she says: 10251 Northland Drive “We hear from so many of our local Rockford, MI 49341 community economic development (616) 866-4459 Fax: (616) 866-7090 organizations saying people want to be www.cannonsburgwoodproducts.com near the parks, businesses near the parks We supply to Commercial, Educational, & Municipalities. really thrive and do good business.

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