Spring 2012 VRPS Magazine

Page 1

Virginia Parks & Recreation

Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Spring 2012

virginia senior games 2012

may 9–12, 2012

Also Inside: • Freedom Park • LTI 2012 • Boxing in Norfolk


Mysterious. Dark. Twisted. Electrifying. There are shocking secrets lurking deep in the heart of the Black Forest. Are you brave enough to face them? This spring, buckle your seatbelt and get ready – our new indoor/outdoor, multi-launch coaster will take you on a trip you’ll never expect.

SINGLE-DAY ADMISSION (SAVE OVER $17)

Ticket & Pass savings are available at the VRPS Central Office or your local parks and recreation department. *Member savings not available at Busch Gardens’ front gate. VRPS savings based on $66.99 single-day admission. Offers expires Sept. 3, 2012. Restrictions apply. Prices and products are subject to change without notice. © 2012 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.


Contents Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Volume 56 Spring 2012

Virginia Recreation & Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Phone: 804-730-9447 Fax: 804-730-9455 vrps@vrps.com www.vrps.com

Executive Director James C. Stutts, CAE, CPRP Administrative Assistant Bernadette Cornelius

Features

Departments

6 2012 Annual Conference

4 Message from the President

7 2012 Annual Conference Registration Rates 8 2012 Annual Conference Questions 10 Senior Resource Group Celebrates Success in 2011

Part-Time Assistant Karen Florey

14 $99,000 and Dropping- News from the VRPS Foundation

Office Manager Marlene Bresee

17 McLean Member Profile

Editor Amy-Jo Hendrix, CPRP Send Articles to:ahendrix@viennava.gov or Amy-Jo Hendrix, CPRP, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA 22180

21 Succession Planning Leading to Change or Changing to Lead?

5 2012 VRPS Board, Key Leaders and Staff 9 VRPS 2012 Calendar of Events 11 News from Newport News 12 News from the City of Bristol 15 News from James City County 16 News from McLean 18 News from the City of Norfolk

Virginia Parks and Recreation is published three times per year by the Virginia Recreation & Park Society, Inc. VRPS is a non-profit professional organization supported by membership dues and contributions. VRPS is affiliated with the National Recreation & Park Association. Subscription Information. Members receive the magazine as part of their annual membership dues. The magazine is available by subscription for $25 per year. Requests for subscription should be directed to VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. Editorial Statement: Statements of fact and opinions are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers, members or staff of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society or the Foundation of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society.

Mission The mission of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

3


A message from the president

Strategic Planning Makes Our Aspirations Realities

W

ho gets excited about writing a strategic plan? Not many of us. But usually there is one person on staff who enjoys the opportunity to do some creative thinking, long range planning and futurecasting. Just to be clear, that person is not me. However, I have learned to value that person and the outcome of the strategic planning process. If done well it will provides extremely useful infor-

alism. Members have less time to volunteer, and need news and information delivered in diverse methods, more quickly and in greater detail than ever before. Broad and diverse services, while of excellent quality, may not meet member core needs or at the very least may be diverting resources (staff/dollars/volunteers) to ancillary services that are either not as valued as others or are more readily available elsewhere.

Get ready, we will be looking to you as the one who can determine what fundamental changes we need to make to lead the Society forward. mation on what is important to members, highlights where an organization has succeeded, where it fell short and what it should aspire to. Determining who our member market really is and what the critical programs and services are that warrant the emphasis of our dollars and resources is of primary importance to your 2012 board. Your board spent their winter holiday reading “Race for Relevance” by Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers. The authors outline five radical changes they believe associations must undertake in order to reposition themselves to respond to market place pressures and achieve better performance. Society members like you and I are are often seeking significant return on investment for our membership dues and are not as likely to buy in as a matter of profession-

4

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

Your Board recognizes that creating capacity within our budget with the revenue streams we currently have will enable us to move forward with technology, communications, programs and other services members deem important. One avenue we can pursue with multiple benefits is to pay down and pay off the mortgage on our office building. With just under $100,000 remaining on the loan, both the VRPS board and the Foundation believe we can retire this debt in the next five – six years and will direct our efforts accordingly with a more aggressive capital campaign. To retire the note on our building will create financial capacity to focus on future initiatives (perhaps those identified in a strategic plan?). So you will hear us vigorously talking about these initiatives in the coming months, and asking for your support and participation. We will need you to help provide the information our goals will focus on; to help share the message with others in your agency, community

Spring 2012

Cindy Roeder

President, Virginia Recreation & Park Society

or profession, to support fundraising efforts, to contribute time and talent to such projects, and to become loyal, engaged members. In return you will receive not only the overwhelming satisfaction from the networking and educational opportunities this will provide, but you will be part of an organization that cares about its members enough to redefine itself in ways that both sustains and enhances its meaningfulness to its membership. Every step VRPS has taken in the last several years has positioned the Society to take these next critical steps. A strategic plan, coupled with a discussion of the five radical changes recommended in the “Race for Relevance,” should result in not only a vibrant, vital Society, but a strategy map that will help us achieve those results over the next three-five years. Our first strategic plan was built by an internal task force who crafted an excellent product that they continued to implement the past four years. The Board and I believe acquiring the assistance of an outside professional consultant, in conjunction with a strategic planning committee, is necessary to lead us to a plan for this iteration. With the challenges ahead, we deserve an in depth and assertive approach that we as members alone cannot easily provide. The Board agreed to raise the necessary funding without diverting dollars from other society projects or sponsors. Get ready, we will be looking to you as the one who can determine what fundamental changes we need to make to lead the Society forward. The board and I welcome your comments, concerns, ideas and support. Contact us at board@vrps.com. Thanks for listening. I look forward to returning the favor throughout the coming year.


VRPS Staff

Enterprise Group Chairs

Resource Group Chairs

Service Area Chairs

Board of Directors

Executive Board

2012 vrps boards key leaders & staff President Vice President Treasurer Lay Member Executive Director President Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Lay Member Executive Director Central Eastern Northern Southwestern Western

Cindy Roeder Katey Legg, CPRP Art Thatcher, CPRP Ed Hamilton Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Cindy Roeder Lakita Frazier, CPRP Cindy Messinger,CPRP Pamela Sheets, CPRP,CPSI Lisa Cooke, CPRP, AFO Keith Rotzoll, CPRP Kathy Williams, CTRS Katey Legg, CPRP Art Thatcher, CPRP Ed Hamilton, Ph.D Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Lizz Billings, CTRS Tamara Brown Blythe Russian Kevin Dye Jared Hoover

Herndon Parks & Recreation Gloucester Co. Parks, Rec & Tourism City of Norfolk Rec. & Open Space Roanoke College Virginia Rec. & Park Society Herndon Parks & Recreation Suffolk Parks & Recreation Fairfax County Park Authority Shenandoah Co. Parks & Recreation Clarke Co. Parks & Recreation Prince George Co. Parks & Rec Virginia Beach Parks & Rec Gloucester Co. Parks, Rec & Tourism City of Norfolk Rec. & Open Space Roanoke College Virginia Rec. & Park Society henrico Division of Rec & Parks Suffolk Parks & Recreation Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Bristol Parks & Recreation Shenandoah Co. Parks & Rec

703-435-6800 x 2123 cindy.roeder@herndon-va.gov 804-693-1270 klegg@gloucesterva.info 757-441-2400 x 263 art.thatcher@norfolk.gov 540-375-2409 hamilton@roanoke.edu 804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com 703-435-6800 x 2123 cindy.roeder@herndon-va.gov 757-514-7251 l lfrazier@suffolkva.us 703-9692026 cynthia.messinger@fairfaxcounty.gov 540-459-6777 psheets@shenandoahcountyva.us 540-955-5140 lcooke@clarkecounty.gov 804-733-2646 krotzoll@princegeorgeva.org 757-474-8877 kdwillia@vbgov.com 804-693-1270 klegg@gloucesterva.info 757-441-2400 x 263 art.thatcher@norfolk.gov 540-375-2409 hamilton@roanoke.edu 804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com 804-501-7489 bil02@co.henrico.va.us 757-514-4501 tbrown@suffolkva.us 703-359-4624x221 brussian@nvrpa.org 276-645-7275 bpr@bristolva.org 540-459-6777 jhoover@shenandoahcounty.va.us

Aquatics Cultural Diversity Athletics Seniors Outdoors Therapeutic Recreation

Kerstin Severin

Herndon Parks & Recreation

703-435-6800x2128 kerstin.severin@herndon-va.gov

Judy Jones Catharine Yuseuf

Chesterfield Co. Parks & Recreation Newport News Parks, Rec. & Tourism

804-748-1623 jonesj@chesterfield.gov 757-926-1400x1446 cyusuf@nngov.com

Annual Conference Foundation Awards & Citations Hershey Track & Field LTI 2012 Management Conference Professional Education Virginia Senior Games Legislative CEO Office Manager Part-time Assistant Part-time Assistant

Arlana Fauntleroy, CPRP Marcy Durrer, CPRP Katey Legg, CPRP Greg Sager Dean Crane, CPRP Melida McKee, CPRP, AFO Paul W. Berryman Margaret Thorne

James City Co. Parks & Recreation Hanover County Parks & Recreation Gloucester Co. Parks & Tourism Hanover County Parks & Rec Blacksburg Parks & Recreation Roanoke Parks & Recreation Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Portsmouth Parks, Rec & Leisure Services

757- 259-5377 804- 365-4697 804-693-1270 804-365-4690 540-961-1135 x132 540-853-6865 757-496-6766 757-393-8481 x4107

afauntleroy@james-city.va.us mgdurrer@co.hanover.va.us klegg@gloucesterva.info rysager@co.hanover.va.us dcrane@blacksburg.gov melida.mckee@roanokeva.gov pberryma@vbgov.com thornem@portsmouthva.gov

Shannon Moore, CPRP Jennifer Snead Jim Spengler Art Thatcher, CPRP Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Marlene P. Bresee Bernadette Cornelius Karen Florey

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Henrico Division of Rec & Parks Alexandria Rec, Parks & Cultural Activities City of Norfolk Rec. & Open Space Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society

757-385-0420 804-501-5114 703-746-4343 757-441-2400 x 263 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447

smoore@vbgov.com sne02@co.henrico.va.us james.spengler@alexandreava.gov athatcher1@verizon.net jim@vrps.com jim@vrps.com marlene@vrps.com berni@vrps.com karen@vrps.com

Board Liaisons Central Service Area Eastern Service Area Northern Service Area Southwestern Service Area Western Service Area Aquatics Athletics Annual Conference ’11 Cultural Diversty Outdoors Seniors Therapeutic Recreation

Keith Rotzoll, Jim Stutts Katey Legg, Lakita Frazier Cindy, Messinger, Cindy Roeder Pam Sheets Pam Sheets, Lisa Cooke Art Thatcher Lakita Frazier Darrell Crittendon Jim Stutts, Art Thatcher Lisa Cooke, Kathy Williams Kathy Williams

LTI Professional Education Virginia Senior Games Hershey Track & Field Legislation Awards & Citations Annual Conference ‘12 Foundation Management Conference ’13 Southern Region Rep

Jim Stutts, Katey Legg Kathy Williams, Jim Stutts Jim Stutts Lakita Frazier Art Thatcher, Jim Stutts Cindy Roeder Katey Legg, Jim Stutts Jim Stutts Katey Legg,Jim Stutts Lisa Cooke

This QR code will connect viewers to the VRPS Facebook page.

Revised 1/25/12 Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

5


We Want YOU!

Many opportunities are available for you to volunteer at the 2012 Annual Conference. With four days of education, social events and off-sites, the options are endless!

Volunteer opportunities include:

The next Leadership Training Institute, “Engage, Explore, Elevate” will be held on April 22-24, 2012 at the Wintergreen Resort. The L.T.I. board is working diligently preparing exciting sessions, interactive games and social networking that will enhance your professional skills and growth. I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful professional opportunity. Read what Director, Derek Stamey of Goochland County Parks, Recreation & Facilities said below! “LTI gave me an opportunity to learn in a positive group setting from other recreation professionals… it equipped me with experiences that as a Director, I apply to leading my team of staff here in Goochland. I feel more confident, prepared, and motivated to serve the public in these challenging times.” So take advantage of this awesome and affordable opportunity and join us as we “Engage, Explore, Elevate” at LTI 2012! http://www.facebook.com/Leadership.Training.Institute

6

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

Spring 2012

n CEU/Room Monitor (get your CEUs while you help!) n Social events set-up, check-in, and break down n Registration Table Exhibit Hall n Speaker Check-in If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact LaTanya Turner at lturner@isleofwightus.net or 757.357.5951.

GetYour“Rec”On!

The 2012 Conference will feature a new “Rec Block” on Monday afternoon. This four-hour period will provide the opportunity for off-site adventures, golf outings, sight-seeing and more, all while earning CEUs!! From kayaking and canoeing to wine tasting, the Rec Block will have something for everyone. Look for more detailed information in the pre-conference mailer, set to hit mailboxes in May.


2012 Conference Rates Register Online Early and SAVE!

Register online on or before July 2nd to receive discounted pricing on full and daily conference registration. VRPS Member

NonMember

Full Conference Registration $250 $300 Saturday (Includes educational sessions & Opening Social) $85 $135 Sunday (Includes educational sessions, Exhibitor Dine-A-Round & Social) $150 $200 Monday (Includes educational sessions, Exhibitor Brunch) $150 $200 Tuesday (Includes educational sessions only) $75 $125

Missed the Online Early Savings? Non-Member VRPS Member By 8/15 8/16 & By 8/15 8/16 & After After Full Conference Registration

$275 $300 $325 $350

Saturday (Includes educational sessions & Opening Social)

$95 $105 $145 $155

Sunday (Includes educational sessions, Exhibitor Dine-A-Round & Social) $160 $170 $210 $220 Monday (Includes educational sessions, Exhibitor Brunch)

$160 $170 $210 $220

Tuesday (Includes educational sessions only)

$85 $95 $135 $145

Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

7


Join your fellow Parks and Recreation Professionals at the 2012 VRPS Annual Conference at Wintergreen.

Don’t Make a Mountain out of a Mole Hill

Learn the ropes to lodging in condos, deposits, restaurants and more... We have to stay in a Condo? Isn’t Wintergreen expensive?

Actually, the per person, per night rate is only $69 (with a full condo) or only $99 (Studio or Lodge Room). Like any hotel stay, there are taxes and fees associated. Wintergreen rates are subject to 18% (fees and taxes).

I’ve rented condos before and it’s complicated, won’t reserving these be the same?

Not at all! There are 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom condos available to rent. At $69 per person per night (with a full condo), it’s a great deal! In fact all condos, studios and lodge rooms are fully furnished, featuring equipped kitchens and living areas. Wintergreen’s exceptional service makes the group reservation process easy! Group Reservation forms are available on VRPS.com or you can call Wintergreen directly (reference #40P8UB). Multiple credit cards can be charged, separating the nightly charges per person.

What’s a full condo and do I have to make a deposit?

A deposit is due at the time of the reservation. This will be charged to the credit card (or broken onto cards) provided. The deposit is equal to one night’s stay at the full condo rate, plus 18% (fees and taxes).

Number of bedrooms per Condo 2 3 4 5

Minimum number of people per reservation for “full condo” per person rate 3 4 5 6

Number of beds per Condo 3 4-5 5-6 6-7

Deposit (per night rate) due at time of reservation $ 245.92 $ 327.89 $ 409.86 $ 491.83

Wintergreen is all about skiing...is there really conference space, and isn’t everything spread out?

Wintergreen doesn’t just specialize in playing! The condos blocked for the VRPS conference are just a few steps from the Mountain Inn and on “The Ridge” with spectacular views, still just a few minutes from the Mountain Inn, where the resort features 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space—there are endless opportunities for traditional and experiential education.

I’m on top of a mountain, will there be places at Wintergreen to eat?

On the mountain, there is The Edge (restaurant/bar) for lunch and dinner, Devil’s Grill and Restaurant (lunch at the clubhouse at Devils Knob Golf Course), and The Coppermine (dinner). Along with the fully equipped kitchen in your condo or lodge room – attendees can come prepared to stock their fridge, and use their coffeemaker, microwave and stove!

Are we going to have to drive to get to the sessions and other amenities at Wintergreen?

There is a complimentary shuttle service that will take you in and around any areas that you choose not to walk to. Remember that the condos are just minutes away from the Mountain Inn.

8

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

Spring 2012


Annual Conference Planning Meeting Virginia Senior Games Meeting President’s Newsletter Eastern Service Area Meeting VRPS Board Meeting Foundation Board Meeting

Charlottesville Henrico Submission Deadline Portsmouth VRPS Central Office VRPS Central Office

may 2012

May 1st 10am May 3rd May 9th – 12th May 9th 10am May 15th May 16th 3pm

Annual Conference Planning Meeting Central Service Area Meeting Virginia Senior Games Event Northern Service Area Meeting Virginia Parks & Recreation Magazine Eastern Service Area Meeting

Charlottesville Fredericksburg Greater Richmond Area Arlington Submission Deadline Norfolk

june 2012

June 12th June 13th June 13th

Annual Conference Planning Meeting Virginia Senior Games Meeting Alternative Fund Development- NSA Workshop

Charlottesville Henrico Leesburg

July 2012

July 10th 10am July 11th 10am July 15th July 19th 10am July 20th 10am

Annual Conference Planning Meeting Northern Service Area Meeting President’s Newsletter VRPS Board Meeting Foundation Board Meeting

Charlottesville Centerville Submission Deadline VRPS Central Office VRPS Central Office

aug 2012

August 14th 10am August 30th

Annual Conference Planning Meeting Central Service Area Meeting

Charlottesville Hopewell

Sept 2012

Sept 8th – 11th 10am Sept 15th Sept 19th -21st

Annual Conference Wintergreen President’s Newsletter Submission Deadline National Playground Safety Inspector Course & Exam Henrico

oct 2012

Oct 10th Oct 16th October 26th

10am 3pm 10am

Northern Service Area Meeting Eastern Service Area Meeting Foundation Board Meeting

Leesburg Chesapeake VRPS Central Office

nov 2012

Nov 2nd Nov 2nd & 3rd Nov 7th 3pm Nov 15th 10am

Fall Workshop – SRG Events 101-NSA Fall Workshop Eastern Service Area Meeting VRPS Board Meeting

Henrico City of Fairfax Newport News VRPS Central Office

Dec 6th

Senior Resource Group Meeting

VRPS Central Office

April 2012

April 10th 10am April 11th 10am April 15th April 18th 3pm April19th 10am April 20th 10am

Dec 2012

VRPS Calendar of events

10am 10am 10am

10am

Virginia Senior Games May 9 -12, 2012 in Henrico/Hanover Virginia Over 30 events! Go to www.virginiaseniorgames.org Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

9


News from senior resource Group

Senior Resource Group Celebrates Success in 2011

W

hat a year it has been for the Senior Resource Group (SRG)!

Without the hard work of volunteers from around the state, we would not have been able to accomplish so much. Our newsletter, “The Connection…” premiered in May 2011 with the goal of keeping leisure A session on NIA Dance provided a fun diversion for participants at the SRG Fall Conference. professionals, colleagues, associates and students, informed of opportunities available for networking, educational resources SRG members will always be needed to volunOur first survey and events; as well as to provide teer on committees, develop and distribute a was completed, information on current trends, R. David Ross, with the Older Dominion Partnership, an- which lead to the more extensive survey, assist at the annual coninnovative senior programming swers Ms. Whiting’s question at the SRG Fall Conference. development of a ference or workshops, volunteer at the Virginia and research on aging. Senior Games in May 2012, and help inform contact list of senior centers in Virginia. From co-workers and friends about the benefits of that survey we gathered information to help “Travel Planning Options for the Senior MarSRG. us maintain better contact with our peers and ket” was a workshop made available both onserve those recreation professionals who prosite at the Senior Center in Charlottesville and Please add “attend at least one SRG meeting” vide programs to older adults. through a webinar hosted in partnership with to your list of goals for 2012. Our first meeting SeniorNavigator. Our fall conference, “The is scheduled for Friday, February 10, 2012 at But there is much more to do in 2012 and Big Boom: Planning for a New Generation the VRPS office in Mechanicsville. All meetthere is plenty of room for you at the table. of Seniors,” featured speakers who ing dates as well as other scheduled addressed topics ranging from Life events and by-laws are posted on as We Know It; Daring to Live to the VRPS web site http://www.vrps. 100; Trendy Games & Activities for com/AboutUs/ResourceGroups/SeBoomers; along with enlightening niorResourceGroup.aspx. techniques for communicating with those suffering with Alzheimer’s; and Information provided by Judy Jones, information on the Older Dominion Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Partnership – why they exist and how SRG’s Fall Conference Keynote Speaker, John W. Martin, provided tips on understanding and and Bobbi Hutchko, Newport News they can help with regional planning. communicating with different generations. Parks, Recreation & Tourism.

10

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

Spring 2012


News from newport news

In the Holiday Spirit: Newport News’ Modern Sparkles to the Season Continue to Shine Brightly!

I

In 2004, Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism turned an old (and somewhat stale) event - the City’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting, attended by a few hundred people, into Hollydazzle - a wildly successful holiday event that now attracts well over 30,000 spectators from all over the State. Simply put, Hollydazzle is an evening of holiday entertainment that culminates in a worldclass fireworks and special effects show. This one-of-a-kind event takes place in “City Center in Oyster Point”, Newport News’ largest business-retail “new urbanism” development. The central feature of City Center, and the focal point for Hollydazzle, is a five acre decorative fountain pond, surrounded by lawn, walkways, restaurants, retail stores and multi-story businesses and apartment-style residences. Hollydazzle was the brainchild of Newport News Parks, Recreation and Tourism, which,

siastic corporate and media sponsors. In true high-tech fashion, the Hollydazzle fireworks show, filmed by the City of Newport News Video Production staff, can be viewed year-round online at: http://newportnews. granicus.com/MediaPlayer. php?view_id=2&clip_ id=1317

in 2004, was challenged to increase awareness of the City’s new Oyster Point development through public programming and special events. Starting with the purchase of a new 30 foot high, high tech LED color-and-patternchanging Christmas tree (the first of its kind on the East Coast), Hollydazzle expanded to include a myriad of activities, musical entertainment, food and the spectacular fireworksand-special-effects show set to holiday music. This show features fireworks that are shot from floating islands within the fountain, as well as from around the entire perimeter of the circular-shaped pond. Special effects lighting illuminates the shooting fountains as well as the buildings surrounding the plaza. The LED lit tree, which has “grown” over time from 30 feet to 45 feet, is illuminated at the finale of the fireworks show. The event attracts visitors from across the state and is supported by enthu-

Newport News is also home to Celebration in Lights, which open in 1993 as the first drive-through holiday light event in Virginia (some might remember that Celebration in Lights won the VRPS award for Best New Parks and Recreation Program back in 1993). Held in the City’s 8,000-acre Newport News Park, this two-mile drive features traditional holiday scenes as well as displays that highlight Newport News’ history, including the Battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack and Captain Christopher Newport’s landing (yes, he was the 17th Century seaman credited with influencing the City’s eventual name). Since first opening, the Celebration in Lights has been visited by over 475,000 vehicles and close to 2.3 million people. During this same time, the event has seen many changes - including numerous new displays and most recently, an ongoing conversion from energy hungry incandescent bulbs to newer, and more energy efficient, LED lighting (the latter which has also resulted in a 50% reduction of the event’s annual electrical bill). The event continues to be an iconic holiday tradition in the Hampton Roads area and is going strong as it looks forward to celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2012. See Celebration in Lights on-line at: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=FcmL2EWWl7c

Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

11


News from the city of bristol

Sugar Hollow Park

H

“It’s not just Rain Gardens”

ave you ever seen a rain garden? What about a no-mow zone? What if you could understand and even explain these things after a short walk in the park?

By Meg Short, TMDL Conservation Specialist, Holston River Soil Water and Conservation District

Christine Smith Hannen,

Conservation Education Specialist, Holston River Soil Water and Conservation District

Kevin Dye,

Low Impact Development (LID) practices like these continue to receive widespread attention and support for their numerous environmental quality enhancement potentials. Many LID practices are simple, practical, and even funded by various agencies/organizations which make them a perfect match for many urban parks. Parks located within a developed watershed are uniquely positioned to implement best management practices that will have a positive impact on the environmental quality of their local community. Nearly 70% of the pollution in our waterways comes from stormwater runoff. We’ve all seen it. After a heavy rain, the creeks and rivers start to look like chocolate milk. Fast moving runoff picks-up sediment, chemicals and oils, carrying these pollutants to the closest body of water. As impervious surfaces increase, managing runoff has become a high priority for all urban planners, urban residents, and conservationists alike. Many municipalities understand this fact-of-life and have begun taking steps to curb these “new” issues. The City of Bristol, VA is one of these localities. Working within a partnership of numerous government agencies, the Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District (HRSWCD) and the City of Bristol installed a series of

12

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

Director, City of Bristol Virginia Parks and Recreation Department

relaxation and now conservation education. During 2010, the first of hopefully many projects was completed, due to the strong partnership aforementioned. The 2010 project included the installation of 3 rain gardens, a now mow zone, planting of oak trees and willow stakes to create buffer zones, and a 600 foot stream restoration. In 2011, additional buffer plantings were added. Now in 2012, an additional stream restoration and buffer zone creation has been planned for the park. Each LID practice mentioned in this article is accompanied by large, easy to read educational signs. Four artfully crafted fiberglass signs present a straightforward explanation of the popular LID practices implemented along a high-use walking path. Visitors are treated to a wonderful example of a user friendly, maintenance friendly, and environmentally friendly park which results in the sentiment that the city is making smart choices. Over the past year, the HRSWCD has hosted several educational workshops that highlighted not only the technical aspects of specific LID practices but focused on the successful partnerships that made this project possible.

LID practices that help the City manage their stormwater runoff on public lands like Sugar Hollow Park and Clear Creek Golf Course. Sugar Hollow Park, located within a bustling and growing Interstate-81 commercial district, provides regional residents and visitors with an accessible outlet for outdoor recreation,

Spring 2012

Inspired by the LID projects’ partnership successes and educational potential, planning for what will be known as the Sugar Hollow Park Great Outdoors Educational Station (GOES) is currently underway. Building upon a fruitful partnership, the HRSWCD and Sugar Hollow Park will take the lead roles in developing the first stages of GOES. The HRSWCD will donate educational resources,


equipment and staff time. Sugar Hollow Park is providing the facility which is conveniently located within walking distance of a retreat center, campground, wetland, and multiple trails that traverse the park. Park rangers recently worked to clean and paint the existing building in preparation to meet a latewinter move-in goal. Outdoor education opportunities abound in Sugar Hollow Park! Enhancing the community’s connection and interest in the park land, water and facilities will be a major focus. The Education Station will provide professional educators with a “base camp” within the park to allow a widevariety of meaningful outdoor educational programs to be offered on a regular basis. Educational programs will be adjusted to

meet the needs and interests of coinciding park events. The potential for GOES to be a successful addition to Sugar Hollow Park is huge and exciting!

resources and created an educational showcase at Sugar Hollow Park. As a result of the projects completed at the park; water quality, wildlife habitat, and park infrastructure were

The Education Station will provide professional educators with a “base camp” within the park to allow a wide-variety of meaningful outdoor educational programs to be offered on a regular basis. By reaching out and forming good partnerships, a strong foundation for potential projects was created. Step by step, the City of Bristol Parks and Recreation Department, Holston River Soil and Water Conservation District, and many other organizations pooled financial and labor

improved. Sugar Hollow Park and all public parks are the perfect location to install best management practices. This is due mainly to public ownership and access. People can see what works, and what needs to be worked on, and take those lessons home. A permanent educational opportunity is created. In general public parks will not likely change hands, as private land does. The public will constantly be using the parks. The installed best management practices can be evaluated by the test of time, and we can all learn and win – the environment, the park, and the people.

Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

13


news from the vrps foundation

$99,000 and dropping... Thanks to all who so generously contributed to the Society’s capital campaign and building fund during 2011!

T

he gracious contributions from individuals and surplus revenues from several of the service areas and resource groups, coupled with some additional funds the Society was able to apply to the office building loan, has reduced the balance owed on the VRPS headquarters to just under $100,000. In 2007 the VRPS Board, under the leadership of then President Cindy Messinger, made the bold move to purchase office space for the Society’s operations. This investment in our future was notably far-sighted, and has had significant benefit to the organization in the last four years.

Because of its central location in Mechanicsville, just outside Richmond, many boards and committees are able to comfortably meet in the office conference room. VRPS staff has adequate working space in a pleasant environment with modern amenities. While there was certainly charm to the old house in the historic cemetery where VRPS lived for more than twenty years, the cramped conditions and nearly antique utilities did not make it easy to sustain a professional operation. Now, the VRPS Board, along with the board of the VRPS Foundation, look

forward to a day in the near future when VRPS and its members will own the building outright. With less than $100K remaining on the note, it is reasonable to believe we are capable of raising $20-25,000 per year for the next 4-5 years and seeing that debt evaporate. This will free up critical funds that can then be redirected to other organizational and member needs. If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to the capital campaign, visit the Foundation webpage at http://vrps.com/Foundation/Donate.aspx or mail a check to 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Complete Park and Playground Solutions from the Company You Trust Sport/Fitness Equipment Playground Equipment Surfacing Products Shelters & Shade Custom Themes Custom Design Site Amenities Water Play Bleachers

800.438.2780

www.cunninghamrec.com

14

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

Spring 2012


news from james city county

C

Freedom Park Interpretive Center Opens

itizens and visitors now have a new amenity to visit in James City County’s Freedom Park. The Freedom Park Interpretive Center Freedom Park Interpretive Center opened on November 16, 2011, and was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to thank the many partners who have assisted with the park. Representatives from the Sons of the American Revolution, Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association, Virginia Master Naturalists, and the Williamsburg Botanical Garden were on hand to cut the ribbon and celebrate the completion of the $1.2 million facility. The new Center features an artifacts exhibit, an interactive kiosk offering a visual tour of wildlife and history, indoor meeting space with fireplace, a kitchen, an outdoor patio with grill, and an outdoor bike wash station.

lutionary War Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary. Artifacts, pictures, and interpretive signage from these historic times can be found in the new interpretive center.

inspired by the freedom granted to the slaves of William Ludwell Lee in 1803, and honors those who lived on site in what is recognized as one of, if not the earliest, free black settlement in America. The park also houses the remains of a large 17th century homestead that upon archeology study showed how a society based on slave labor developed during the rise of Williamsburg. Adjoining the homestead were 160 graves from the 18th century that were studied by a forensic expert for insight into colonial life. Lastly, the park is also the site of the 1781 Revo-

In addition to the new interpretive center, the park also boasts hiking trails, 20 miles of mountain bike trails with over 30 technical features to challenge the most experienced riders, the Williamsburg Botanical Garden Ellipse Garden featuring more than 800 species of native Virginia vegetation, as well as three historically accurate recreated cabins complete with furnishings authentic to the period. Freedom Park is located at 5537 Centerville Road in James City County. For more information, visit www.jccEgov.com/recreation.

Green building designs were also incorporated into the new center. An underground cistern collects water runoff which is then used for the bike wash and plants, permeable pavers in the parking lot allow water to be absorbed and routed to an infiltration system reducing surface runoff and pollutants, and a geothermal heating and cooling system will lower energy costs and increase the life of the mechanical systems. The 600 acre Freedom Park is home to significant American history. Its name was

Park visitors at the recreated free black cabins dating 1803-1850 Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

15


News from Mclean

McLean Community Center Receives ECNV Community Partner Award

M

SPARC provides dynamic and enduring learning opportunities for adults with life-long disabilities in a community setting.

cLean Community Center has received a Community Partner Award from the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia, Inc. (ECNV). Every year, ECNV presents an award to a community partner that goes “above and beyond” to make the community more accessible to people with disabilities. The award was presented at the organization’s Annual Meeting on December 16, 2011. MCC is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue. The award reads “In recognition of its support for the community integration of citizens with disabilities, which has demonstrated by the establishment of a Specially Adapted Resource Club (SPARC) program for youth with autism at the Old Firehouse Teen Center.” According to ECNV Executive Director David Burds, “ECNV is familiar with the recent generosity and accessibility that McLean Community Center has provided to SPARC at the Old Firehouse Teen Center.” MCC Executive Director George Sachs spearheaded the effort to establish a SPARC site at the Old Firehouse Teen Center (OFTC) after the Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships informed him of the club’s need for a new location. Sachs met with SPARC Executive Director Donna Goldbranson and through a cooperative effort a new club opened at OFTC in September 2011. “This program helps keep young adults with special needs connected to their communities, and gives them an opportunity to give back,” said Sachs. SPARC provides dynamic and enduring learning opportunities for adults with life-long disabilities in a community setting. The nonprofit organization, in partnership with Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services’ Therapeutic Recreation Division, gives club participants the opportunity to make self-directed choices. The new club at OFTC meets from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

16

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

Spring 2012


Mclean member profile

Ryan Brooks Place of work:

McLean Community Center

Position:

Intergenerational Program Director

Education:

B.A. Outdoor Studies, Alaska Pacific University

Professional memberships: V.R.P.S., N.R.P.A.

Hometown:

Vienna, Virginia

Family:

I have a loving wife, Kristi, three wonderful children, an old dog and a lazy lizard.

Favorite experience on the job:

Building team cohesion, mentoring younger staff and watching them grow.

Favorite book:

Toughest part of the job:

Finding enough hours in a day to get it all done.

Favorite recreational activity:

I love to teach my children how to thrive outdoors. They love camping, kayaking and hiking. They all began camping as early as six months old. The oldest two survived an overnight canoe camping trip in the month of July when they were two years and six months old, respectively. My love of the outdoors and the positive experiences it has given me and my family is the reason I started MCC’s Be Fit McLean Outdoor Expo two years ago. In February, families can come can learn about a range of activities that can help them develop a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Too many to have a favorite! From technical outdoor skills books to adventure non-fiction, to magazines, I love reading about and seeing pictures of other peoples adventures. For one thing, they inspire me, but there are also tons of lessons to be learned if you pay attention.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be:

Right now it would be Northern Italy to visit my sister who is stationed there with the Air Force. She just told me she was going to Venice for lunch!

IllumInatIng Generations You’re not just buying lights. You’re buying an affordable system that reduces energy and maintenance costs year after year. That means while decreasing wasted energy, you’ll save money and help protect the environment for his future.

To learn more visit: www.musco.com/generations Local area representatives: Steve Wiley 800/825-6030 (toll free) 804/836-6785 (mobile) steve.wiley@musco.com

Joe Forche 800/825-6030 (toll free) 804/385-8950 (mobile) joe.forche@musco.com

For Your Budget For The Environment ©2012 Musco Sports Lighting, LLC · ADVA12-1

Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

17


News from the city of norfolk

Turning Partnerships into Parks

Norfolk and CSX Team Up To Create a More Beautiful City

O

ver 170 volunteers gathered at Norfolk City Hall on a sunny Saturday morning with a common goal: to turn a dusty, vacant building lot into a park in the middle of the city’s downtown. By 5:00 p.m. a new ¼ acre passive park was complete. Norfolk Recreation, Parks & Open Space (RPOS) partnered with CSX Transportation Corporation and City Year to complete the project. Volunteers, including CSX employees, City of Norfolk employees and Norfolk residents, worked to build the park in the city’s mostly “builtout” downtown area and plant new landscaping along a major thoroughfare leading into the city. In total, over 6,000 shrubs and 19 trees were planted.

city is good for our citizens and the environment.” This is the second time Norfolk has partnered with CSX for a day of service event. In 2009 Norfolk and CSX volunteers planted landscaping and painted benches at local elementary school.

BEFORE

The event was made possible by a $60,000 donation from CSX Transportation as part of their “Beyond Our Rails” program, where they partner with cities along their rail lines for community service projects. The event in Norfolk was one of 20 service day events held by CSX in 2011. Norfolk RPOS Director, Darrell Crittendon states, “It is always good when the public and private sector can come together for noteworthy quality of life events and activities. Maintaining the urban tree canopy in addition to providing additional open space in an urban

AFTER

18

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

“It is always good when the public and private sector can come together for noteworthy quality of life events and activities...”

Spring 2012

CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation’s leading transportation companies, connecting customers to ports, distribution centers and markets across the eastern United States. Through grass-roots volunteerism and focused corporate giving, CSX is committed to supporting the communities where it operates. City Year’s mission is to build democracy through citizen service, civic leadership and social entrepreneurship. It is through service that we can demonstrate the power and idealism of young people, engage citizens to benefit the common good, and develop young leaders of the next generation. City Year is a nonprofit AmeriCorps national service organization.

Event video available here: http://www.beyondourrails.org/giving/ videos/493-csx-city-year-service-day-at-cityhall-and-downtown


News from the city of norfolk

C

Norfolk Boxing Coach Featured in CNN Special

oach Gloria Peek of the Norfolk Recreation, Parks & Open Space’s Team Norfolk Boxing Club was featured in a recent Headline News (HLN) television special highlighting “Breakthrough Women” for her long history as a female boxing coach. Reporters from HLN, a CNN affiliate network, visited Coach Peek at the City-owned Barraud Park Boxing Center in the heart of Norfolk to interview her about her love of the sport and how she forged her way to such a successful career as a woman in a male dominated sport.

Coach Peek began coaching the Team Norfolk Boxing Club in 2006. She coaches and trains over 40 youth boxers, ages eight to 16, and 15 adults, ages 17 to 34, daily at the boxing center and accompanies them to boxing competitions throughout the United States. For Coach Peek coaching is about more than boxing, it’s about saving lives. Coach pushes her boxers to excel inside and outside of the ring. Only boxers with good grades are allowed to participate in the boxing program.

She recently set up a resource room at the gym for students to do homework while they wait for their training time, as many youth spend their entire afternoons and evenings at the gym. Coach is in the midst of creating a mentor program for her youth as well, partnering with nearby college students to assist boxers with homework and serve as positive role models. With a waiting list of 100 plus to get into the boxing program, Coach does not tolerate bad grades, attitudes or behavior.

In 2011, three Norfolk youth boxers took home Police Athletic League (PAL) championship titles and one youth boxer won the Silver Glove championship title.

Her high standards for her boxers pay off as well. In 2011, three Norfolk youth boxers took home Police Athletic League (PAL) championship titles and one youth boxer won the Silver Glove championship title. Three youth boxers have also qualified for the 2012 Silver Gloves national competition where they will fight for the championship title. A native of Rochester, New York, Coach fell in love with the sport at age eight. While she has boxed her entire life, she was never able to do so competitively as USA Boxing at that time was male only. Instead, she turned to coaching, which she has been doing for over 30 years. Coach Peek served as the head coach of the male and female U.S. boxing teams for the 2011 Pan-American Games held this past October in Guadalajara, Mexico. Coach Peek is one of a handful of women’s amateur boxing coaches and the only female coach in the U.S. men’s elite boxing league. She is also currently in the running for a coaching position on the 2012 Olympic Boxing Team. Official coach selections will be announced in February 2012.

Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

19


20

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

Spring 2012


succession planning

Succession Planning

Leading to Change or Changing to Lead? By Teresa Penbrooke, CPRP, MAOM

I

but are they ready to assume those positions? n the next five to ten years, the parks and Senior management of agencies have a choice – recreation industry is going to see a tredo they want to be reactive to these challenges, mendous change in staffing levels and or pro-active in their planning to have a wellavailability of qualified personnel. Estimates trained and ready work force? and demographics indicate that roughly 30 to 50% of our seasoned professionals are nearing Three basic questions to ask when traditional retirement age. This mass exodus contemplating succession of experience and Not all parks and recreation agencies planning are: institutional knowl• How do you develop leaders in edge will present choose to become accredited, but it is your agency? unforeseen chal- interesting to note that in 2009, the • How do you prepare for succession lenges for our field. Commission for Accreditation of Parks planning for key leadership posiThere needs to be and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) retions in your agency? a strong focus on vised their standards for accreditation • How do you handle poor performers? planning for proto include a standard for Succession The big question many agency leadfessional leadership ers ask is, “So, how do we create a and organizational Planning (Standard 4.6.3) stating: Succession Plan and what should strength for agen- “Agencies should formulate a it include?” The broad overview of cies, and that type succession plan to ensure the what to address involves: of planning is called continued effective perfor• Leadership identification “succession plan- mance of the organization • Employee development ning”. by making provisions for the • Leadership training development and replacement • Knowledge transfer and legacy Part of the challenge creation is, of course, related of key people over time.” • Possible reorganization to the economic re• Creation and communication of THE PLAN cession in the United States. Many older professionals that may have retired in the last few years Recognizing the Diversity of have held off retiring, as they saw the economy Employees affect the levels of their retirement savings. As The first thing to recognize is that every orgaeither the economy starts to improve, or these nization has a unique population of employstill working but eligible workers just get oldees. There is not a “one size fits all” succeser, there will be a large increase in the annual sion plan that works for every agency. Often number of retirees. In addition, for many agenretiring employees are in leadership positions cies, budget woes are impacting the ability to or possess institutional knowledge critical to fill positions, with mandated hiring freezes, or organizational sustainability, but this is not reorganizations to help reduce staffing costs. In always the case. To create a plan, you need addition, most universities are seeing a reduced to be aware of the age demographics of the number of undergraduates in their parks and employee workforce, their qualifications, recreation majors, which is in turn producing and their plan for their inevitable departure. fewer qualified professionals at the entry-level. Agency demographics change depending on The good news for younger parks and recreagency lifecycle, community profile, and ation professionals is that soon there will probmaturity. ably be a wide variety of positions opening up,

Change Can Be Scary Employees are humans (yes, it’s true…), and as such, they are made up of a mix of folks who may be “risk adverse” (they don’t like change and will try to avoid it) or “risk takers” (they don’t mind change and look forward to it). It is important to recognize which employees have which characteristics, and that will help both in the planning and communication stages. It is necessary to develop a culture to support innovation…through recruitment, appraisal, and recognition. One way to help avoid negative impacts of the changes is to involve employees in the process to create alignment with the plan. It helps to remember that really good employees like working for a forward thinking agency.

Developing Leaders Fortunately, although gaining experience often takes time in a variety of situations, leadership is a craft for which you can continuously learn and adapt to become better. Some ways to develop better leaders include: • Having personal and agency support for continuing education - Unfortunately many parks and ecreation professionals feel that if their agency won’t pay for their continuing education (conferences, webinars, online learning, etc.), they won’t pursue it. In many other professions there is a personal responsibility for continuing education – as an investment in long-term personal growth. While it is important for agencies to support their employees in their career growth for both personal and agency benefit, it is also important for individuals to invest in their own growth throughout their career – especially if they want to move ahead and be successful. • Mentoring or Executive Coaching – This can be provided at minimal cost by agencies through mentoring programs or joining groups such as civic organizations or Toastmasters®. Some state professional associations offer free mentor programs for their members. Executive

Spring 2012

continued on next page n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

21


succession planning

continued from previous page

coaching can help too, especially if an individual recognizes that they have specific limitations on some of the necessary strengths that they need to develop. • Job Rotations – Having employees periodically gain experience in other areas helps ready them for more responsibility, and also helps if there are sudden gaps in personnel. Senior leaders need to include periodic delegation of their own responsibilities and duties to those who are ready, so that when the time comes for them to move up, they have some of that experience. • Feedback on the job – This can be handled through well-handled performance appraisals, 360 degree appraisals, and “Just in time feedback” in between scheduled appraisals. • There should be an ongoing focus on building on strengths not weaknesses, developing a culture of personal accountability, and supporting continuous habits of reading everything that you can.

Recognizing the Need for Development of Core Competencies for Agency Leaders Most parks and recreation staff start their careers as programmers in a certain type of activity, or technicians or front line personnel in maintenance or customer service. As they move up the ranks, it is important in any field that staff gain experience in not only supervision, but also the five major areas of executive competencies. Many university undergraduate parks and recreation programs do not spend significant time on preparation for all of these areas. They generally include: • Communication – Leaders must be able to foster good internal and external relationships,create and implement marketing and communication strategies, communicate the agency’s vision and mission, and foster and formalize collaborations and partnership planning. Financial Analysis – Leaders must be able to prepare and manage budgets for areas of respnsibility, conduct cost recovery analysis relative to their agency’s specific mission, and procure and mange traditional and alternative funding mechanisms. There are many newer and effective methodologies and tools such as the “Pyramid Methodology” and the “Services Assessment Matix” related to funding and identification ofcore service provision that are not yet taught in the undergraduate programs, so can only be learned through continuing education settings or on the job. • Human Resources – Beyond basic re-

22

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

n

cruitment, hiring, supervision, and documentation for staff, leaders need to understand and have skills in dealing with personnel issues (those darn humans again…), performance measurement, evaluation, and specialties such as dealing with unions and independent contractors. One key bit of experience needed is understanding and using the concept of “managing up” – that the higher you go inn leadership, the more time you spend managing those folks above you (council, legislators,, the public, etc.), rather than supervising those who work for you. Good leaders have to do this very well. • Operations – Good leaders have at least a basic over view of all aspects of running an organization and the divisions that report to them, including administration, programming,, conservation, and maintenance. This includes an awareness of new trends and best practices used by other agencies and other related disciplines.. • Planning – In reality, planning should be part of the job descriptions of all employees at all levels, but as leaders emerge, they need to gain the bigger picture and the overall context of the interactions of each an d all divisions and areas o f the organization. This includes community needs assessment, capital planning, assets and programs management, plans for various aspects of thee agency, performance measurement, and evaluation. New tools for planning have emerged with growing technologies in recent years –– most specifically the inclusion of Geographic In formation Systems (GIS) for agency inventories, along with the management of needs for resources through the use of the Composite-Values Methodology (CCVM) for Level of Service Analysis.

Recognizing That Not Everyone Will “Retire” Another shift that is happening is that many long-time professionals, once they qualify for retirement or leave their full-time positions at their organization for other reasons, are choosing to continue to work, at least part-time, as consultants or independent adjunct contracted staff. This is causing some challenges related to continued professional development through parks and recreation associations, as they don’t often have ways to classify these retirees or consultants as “professionals” (since they are no longer employed full-time by agencies), but they still offer years of experience and commitment to the field. It should be recognized that many agencies are shifting to utilizing these contracted

Spring 2012

experienced staff, as they offer a lower cost (no full-time benefits package) and strong experience in the field, but require different handling than “traditional” full-time or part-time employees. How will your agency handle this shift?

Writing the Succession Plan So, how does an agency take all of this information and formulate it into “a plan”? Many agencies have pieces of this work addressed in various different ways, but not pulled together into a cohesive written plan. To pull the plan together, each section requires some work, but the basic outline for a five to ten year Succession Plan can be as follows: • Introduction • History of the Agency • Agency Demographics • Upcoming Anticipated Retirements and Changes • Leadership Development Support Opportunities • Recruitment and Training Strategies • Plans for Organizational Change and Adaptation • Strategic Implementation Steps It typically works best if someone (can be an individual, team, or a consultant, depending on staff workloads and capabilities) is assigned the role as the lead person charged with working with staff and Human Resources (if a separate department for your agency) to gather the information for each of the sections, and then writing it up into a formal document. The process should be announced to all staff to promote involvement at all levels of the organization, broad information gathering, and to encourage a culture of openness. There are some areas that require finesse, sensitivity to personnel issues, and maybe an “objective third party” to garner consensus on the best strategies for future development. Once the plan is outlined, it should be shared with all staff. Adoption of the plan by your governing bodies and communication should be part of the process, not only to foster awareness, but to create adherence and buy-in to the plan so it is successful over time. Teresa Penbrooke is the CEO and Founder of GreenPlay, LLC, a national management consulting and planning firm for parks, recreation, open space, and related agencies. She is also faculty and cofounder for GP RED, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides research, education, and development for health, recreation, and land management agencies. She can be reached at teresap@ greenplayllc.com.


GOOD-ANY-DAY TICKETS ONLY $30

Valid Any Regular Operating Day in 2012

SPECIAL INDEPENDENCE DAYS TICKETS ONLY $26 Valid July 1 – 31, 2012

DISCOUNT PARKING VOUCHERS

ONLY $10

Valid Any Regular Operating Day in 2012 DISCOUNT TICKETS Available at the VRPS Central Office or at your local park and recreation department. HURRICANE HARBOR WATER PARK FREE with your paid admission

sixflags.com/america

Spring 2012

n

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

23


Virginia Recreation & Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Prsrtd Std U.S. POSTAGE PAID Richmond, VA Permit #3022

Spring Savings Days Tickets!

Valid aPril 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 may 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 and 28, 2012.

only $3100 per person

Opening Spring 2012

Ages 3 & above

Park & Recreation Days Tickets! Valid June 29 – auguSt 3, 2012

Opening spring 2012

only $3100 per person Ages 3 & above

For additional inFormation contact: The Virginia Recreation and Park Society at 804-730-9447.

WWW.VrPS.com For up-to-date Park information visit:

A separate fee is required for this attraction.

www. kingsdominion.com Cedar Fair Entertainment Company® © 2012 Cedar Fair, L.P. KD12-101


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.