V I R G I N I A R E C R E AT I O N & P A R K S O C I E T Y
Spring 2009 Edition
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Virginia Recreation & Park Society, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 www.vrps.com vrps@vrps.com 804.730.9447 (o) 804.730.9455 (f)
From the President INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the President
Cover
VRPS Memberships
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A Time For Changes
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VRPS Calendar
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Portsmouth Arbor Day
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Awards & Citations Information 5-13
WILL DO MORE I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do. I will do more than belong… I will participate. I will do more than care… I will help. I will do more than believe… I will practice. I will do more than be fair… I will be kind. I will do more than dream… I will work. I will do more than teach… I will inspire. I will do more than earn… I will enrich. I will do more than give… I will serve. I will do more than live… I will grow. I will do more than talk… I will act. I will be more than good… I will be good for something.
Michael Morris Director, City of Portsmouth Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services
Roanoke, Here We Come! The 2009 VRPS Annual Conference is scheduled for September 12-15 in the “Star City” of Roanoke. For those who have not been to a VRPS Conference in Roanoke before, you are in for a treat. Our colleagues in the Roanoke Valley are known for putting on a social. I just hope the animals at Mill Mountain Zoo can handle us again. It was a little hard to determine the animals from the attendees last time around! The Conference Committee is working diligently and is putting together a fantastic assortment of educational, social and networking opportunities. Undoubtedly, we are all experiencing the financial crunch right now. In hopes of overcoming the budget shortfalls in travel and training, many folks across the state are already starting to pool together to drive, share rooms and come up with innovative ways of getting to the Conference in Roanoke. Now is a good time to reconnect with your colleagues and network, up close and in person. We have all felt the stress of the tough budget times, but this should be a great opportunity to refresh, re-energize, compare notes and gather new ways of dealing with the tough times around us. What better place to do so than a VRPS Conference and especially one in Roanoke. Speaking of the Conference, do not forget to send in your nominations for awards. The Conference is the best time to showcase your quality programs, top-notch facilities and hard working staff. Tough economic times are a true test of our creativity. I look forward to seeing the results of that creativity at our Conference Awards Ceremony. Remember the deadline to submit nominations for awards is JUNE 19TH. I look forward to seeing you and your ingenuity in Roanoke. Mike For More Information on the Conference or Awards, use the links below. Annual Conference Link: http://www.vrps.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=324 Awards & Citations Link
- Anonymous
VRPS Memberships The leadership of the Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation has always encouraged active membership in VRPS. Prior to the early 1990’s, the department’s budget was able to pay the full membership fee for upper level supervisory staff. Due to budgetary constraints and significant growth in personnel, the department began to evaluate methods which would allow all Parks and Recreation staff to join or renew their VRPS membership with assistance from the department. Leadership developed and implemented a process which encouraged employees to become members of their state’s professional society.
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How did we do that? First, we became an Agency member. This not only allowed the Department to gain membership for its Advisory Commission, it also provided discount membership opportunities for all departmental staff as well as other benefits like free job postings and classified listings. Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation remains committed to continue this status on an annual basis. Second, we offered to share the cost of VRPS dues between the department and the employee. We encouraged our staff to “buy in” by developing a policy and procedure with a contact person in the Human Resources Bureau of the department to assist them in processing their dues and membership renewals. Our policy states that “Professional memberships are viewed as a shared opportunity between the department and the employee; therefore the department provides assistance in payment of dues annually”. This information is provided to all newly hired employees at their orientation, and all employees are reminded of their renewal dates on a regular basis. The HR contact person collects the employee’s membership form and payment and forwards it to VRPS along with the department’s share of the payment. The shared membership allocation is currently: $38 full-time employee; department pays $32 $10 part-time employee; department pays $15
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Submitted by Cindy Curtis, CPRP Director of Parks & Recreation City of Virginia Beach
The Director’s membership fee is included in the Agency package; however, I pay my share ($38) directly to the City of Virginia Beach to be deposited into our budget allocation for membership dues…because everyone pays their share. As dues increase, we will adjust the shared allocation amount to ensure we maintain our fund balance. We did this during the last VRPS dues restructuring, and found that most of our current members still chose to renew their membership. 2
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A Time For Changes…… As you may be aware, change is all around us; new fashion statements are made every day with many youth, adults and seniors sporting multitudes of tattoos or “body art” and specifically youth sporting “grills”, full metal mouth pieces which can display designs or “bling”, as the young people call it. Whether you wear bow or neck ties, sport a crew cut or wear dreadlocks, or if you are a lady, wear stilettos or pumps, this is because all people are different, and people wear and have different styles as a form of expression and creativity. We all need to appreciate and embrace the differences in people regardless of race, religion, sex, age or economic status. That is what makes us all proud to live, work and recreate in this fine nation we call the United States of America. With that being said it is time for us as “Recreation Professionals” to turn our attention to the Cultural Diversity Resource Group in VRPS. This once proud resource group (formerly known as the Ethnic Minority Section) was very instrumental in the 70’s and 80’s in getting VRPS to recognize how the differences between us as individuals play major roles in the makeup of our professional society. We are looking for all members who feel that there is a uniqueness about them that they want to share through this Resource Group. The mission is to spread the message across the Commonwealth that differences in people should be appreciated, respected and acknowledged while striving for a common goal. Please show your support by selecting membership into the Cultural Diversity Resource Group. We are in a time of change. Let’s appreciate and embrace change through the re-establishment of the Cultural Diversity Resource Group.
Submitted By: Darrell R. Crittendon Director of Recreation, Parks and Open Space City of Norfolk 2009 VRPS Board of Directors VRPS President - 2003
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By Jen McCaffery The Virginian-Pilot Š April 24, 2009
PORTSMOUTH CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY AND RECEIVES 26TH CONSECUTIVE TREE CITY USA AWARD The urban landscape can be a little lonely for a tree. In a forest, trees grow together and shade each other. In cities, they're usually planted alone, left to contend with power lines, exhaust and the occasional errant vehicle. But the plant kingdom finds a way, said Meg Pittenger, Portsmouth's arborist and parks manager. If there's a drop of water or a little bit of nutrient, trees will find a place to grow. "We just have to help them out by not setting them up to fail," she said. Pittenger and a small crew are responsible for the care of more than 34,000 trees on city property from towering oaks to delicate crape myrtles. One more tree should be joining that count today as Portsmouth celebrates Arbor Day in its annual celebration at City Park. The new red maple will be one of roughly 75 trees planted on city property this year, Pittenger said. All the money for the new trees comes from donations, mostly raised by longtime volunteer Adelaide Eberly. But new trees aren't all that keep the city's arborist busy. Early Wednesday morning, Pittenger and her crew were tending to some of the city's older growth, stopping at a towering oak at London Boulevard and Chesapeake Avenue. The oak had probably been planted more than 70 years ago, when houses occupied the area where Scotts Creek Park is now. And it was looking a little scraggly. Crew member Ricky Pryor swiveled high in a bucket around the oak, slicing through some of the drooping branches. "It's pretty healthy - just needed some pruning to cut some of the dead wood out," Pryor said afterward. The crew prunes with a light hand, and it tries to get around to pruning each city tree every five years, Pittenger said. "It's always 'less is more,' " she said. "You can always come back." Because long-established neighborhoods such as Olde Towne, Park View and Prentis Park already have a good mix of established trees, Pittenger said, nowadays the emphasis is on maintenance and planting new trees in the right spot. Portsmouth's tree canopy ordinance requires developers to plant a certain number of trees on each parcel they develop, based on the size of the lot and the zoning. But these days the city doesn't allow developers to plant trees such as oaks that would grow large, Pittenger said. On Constitution Avenue in Shea Terrace, for example, many oak trees were planted under power lines. Crape myrtles, which don't grow as large, work much better, Pittenger said. The goal is to make sure that what tree supervisor David Taylor describes as "oxygen-producing devices" remain healthy. "We've got a fair amount of tree cover," Pittenger said. "The key is preserving it."
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2008 VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Demonstrating Excellence in the Field of Recreation About the VRPS Annual Conference
About VRPS The Virginia Recreation and Park Society is a private, non-profit professional organization, founded in 1953 and incorporated in 1956. Its purpose 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, into one body. The members work together to promote and improve the profession in all its diversity. VRPS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Park Association.
Each year VRPS members and friends gather for the Annual Conference. This educational exchange provides an opportunity for professionals to discuss trends and areas of common interest. Major speakers highlight the conference in addition to dozens of topical sessions. In addition to the educational aspects, the Conference provides the opportunity for networking and award recognition. For more I nformation please visit www. vrps.com.
One of the most frequent benefits cited for belonging to VRPS is “professional interaction.” Workshops, conferences, and involvement at committee and board levels provide valuable training and the opportunity to see what other people in leisure services are doing.
The Awards Banquet will take place on Monday, September 14, 2009. This event honors exemplary members and agencies of the Recreation community. Joint agency submissions will combine populations from each submitting agency, as well as multiply the $30 fee by each submitting agency.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: June 19, 2009 For award consideration, please mail postmarked (6/19/09) or hand deliver by 5pm (6/19/09) completed entry form and payment to:
(Example: Agency “A” has a population of 22,000. Agency “B” has a population of 34,000. They would submit one application in the 50,001 – 75,000 category, and pay a $60 fee for their award submission.)
VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111
NOMINATION PROCEDURES To help ensure that Award Committee Members receive all nomination information and back-up material, please pre-package materials for each award nomination in 10 separate envelopes. Each packet should include: the official nomination form, supportive information, and All applicants must verify their city or county populaall back-up materials. tion by including ten (10) copies (one placed in each Please label the outside of each individual package with: application packet) of the 2008 (or most recent population data available) obtained from the US Census Agency or nominee name, Bureau at www.census.gov/. population category, and award category.
CHECK-LIST 1. Form and supportive information must be typed, on letter-sized white paper, double-spaced using a minimum of 12 pt. font. Please submit all nominations in letter/legal sized envelopes. Please do not submit nominations in binders. 2. Ten (10) copies of nomination form and all back-up material, including diskettes, DVD’s or CD’s, which will be considered in meeting award criteria must be submitted in 10 individual packets. Any submission received without the appropriate number of copies, collated and properly compiled, will be disqualified. Incomplete or late entries will be disqualified with no refund. VRPS Awards Committee reserves the right to re-direct entries into appropriate categories. One entry per form. You may duplicate forms as necessary. 3. No more than ten (10) digital photos on labeled CD’s of each individual, program, facility or promotional piece being nominated may be provided. Please label each CD’s with the agency name, category and description. Photos should be a minimum 300 dpi in .tif or .jpg format. No .eps or .ai files, please. 4. All documents shall be submitted in Microsoft software applications, such as Word, Excel or Powerpoint, in the 2003 format. Please do not utilize the 2007 Microsoft software as not all committee members can open these documents! Pdfs are acceptable. 5. For individual awards, submit one photo (digital or print) of nominee(s) for use in the awards presentation. 6. If submitting a nomination in the promotional materials categories, include ten (10) original pieces of printed or electronic (whichever is applicable) “promotional category” materials. Best Apparel category requires submitting only one piece of apparel. 7. . Each application fee shall be made payable to VRPS. Submissions sent to VRPS without the fee will not be considered. Check or credit card payment acceptable. Please sign applications and postmark or hand deliver by close of business Friday, June 19, 2009. 8. Send entire package to VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. 9. No submissions, including photos, apparel, etc. will be returned.
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2008 VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES FELLOWS AWARD The premiere VRPS recognition of an individual who has demonstrated consistent and/or outstanding commitment by furthering the goals of VRPS, contributing to the profession and serving the community. The VRPS Board of Directors will review and approve applications and as appropriate approve candidate to receive award. One award per year may be given. $30 application fee is required. Eligibility: Nominee must be a current member of VRPS. Nominee must have held a VRPS membership for a minimum of 10 years. Nominee must have at least 10 years of work experience in the Parks and Recreation field not to include internships, education or part time work. Nominee must not have received this award previously. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate consistent and/or outstanding commitment by furthering the goals of VRPS, contributing to the profession & serving the community in addition to contributions to the profession made in at least four (4) of the following areas: Outstanding leadership in a specific field within the Parks and Recreation profession (example: landscaping, new program innovation, equipment design or development). Nominee must have served at least one term on the VRPS Board of Directors or another similar statewide or national board that demonstrates commitment to the field of Parks and Recreation Committee work in VRPS or other related state organization. Eight or more public addresses related to Parks and Recreation presented at conferences, assemblies, media presentations, legislative testimony or other similar professional gatherings. Writer or co-writer of recreation-related articles for handbooks, newspapers, magazines, or monographs. Conduct research projects that help promote the profession. Volunteer projects within the local community and state not related to national and state associations that support the field of parks & recreation.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARD Awarded for significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation through VRPS. May be awarded annually as desired to more than one recipient. The VRPS Board of Directors will review applications recommended by the committee and as appropriate approve candidate to receive award. $30 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Nominee must have held professional membership in VRPS for at least 10 years. Must have retired or left the profession. Nominee must be a current member of VRPS. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate contributions to the profession made in all of the following criteria: Must have made significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation through VRPS. Outstanding leadership in some specific field connected with parks and/or recreation. Service as Chairman or committee member in a Park and Recreation organization of national, state, or local status. Eight or more public addresses related to Parks and Recreation provided at conferences, assemblies, luncheon meetings, media presentations or other similar professional gatherings. Writer or co-writer of recreation-related articles for handbooks, newspapers, magazines, or monographs.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Awarded in recognition of professionals who have displayed continuous outstanding service to the profession and community. Up to two (2) awards per year may be given. $30 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Nominee must be a current member of VRPS. VRPS membership required for a minimum of the past two (2) years. At least ten (10) years of professional work experience required in the field of Parks and Recreation, not to include internships, education or part-time work. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate continuous outstanding service to the profession and community and contributions made in at least three (3) of the following areas: Support to professional Parks and Recreation related organizations (such as consulting, programming, instructing, or as a resource). Research contributions which advance the field of parks and recreation. Effective interpretation of parks and recreation through media and promotional avenues. Creative contributions to the development of outstanding parks and recreation facilities. Success in affecting important parks and recreation legislation. Demonstrated leadership and contributions on a community level. Active support to and involvement in VRPS, included but not limited to committee membership, event volunteer, legislative or fundraising.
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2008 VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES DISTINGUISHED VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD Awarded in recognition of an individual’s dedication and contributions to the parks and/or recreation field. Up to two (2) awards per year may be given. $30 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Nominee must be a volunteer and not a paid employee Nominee must have at least two (2) years of applicable service. Personal service in parks and recreation or leisure service areas. Research contribution, which advances the field of parks, recreation or leisure services. Effective interpretation of parks and recreation through the media. Success in affecting important parks and recreation legislation. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate contribution and/or service made in all of the following areas: Benefit of volunteer service (such as impact on department, community, etc.) Length of volunteer service Cost savings because of the volunteer service
OUTSTANDING NEW PROFESSIONAL AWARD in recognition of new professionals for outstanding commitment and achievements in the parks and recreation field. Up to two (2) awards per year may be given. A $30 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Nominee must be a current member of VRPS. Nominee must have more than one year and less than five (5) years as a full-time Parks and Recreation professional as of December 31 of award year. Nominee must not have previously received this award. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate all of the following: Commitment to the parks and recreation field. Leadership and contributions made on a community level. Active support to and involvement in VRPS, included but not limited to committee membership, event volunteer, legislative or fundraising activities.
DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE SECTOR SERVICE AWARD Given in recognition of demonstrated support for the parks and recreation profession, VRPS or a specific parks or recreation organization by a private sector entity or business. Up to two (2) awards per year may be given. A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Nominee must not have received this award within the past five (5) years. Nominee must be a business, corporation or a private organization. Contributions must have begun or partially occurred in award year to be eligible. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate contribution to VRPS or a specific agency or organization in the form of: Significant organizational or business service within the area of Parks and Recreation. Research contribution which advances the field of Parks and Recreation. Effective interpretation of Parks and Recreation through media and/or publications. Creative contributions in the acquisition or development of park areas, facilities or equipment. Success in affecting important Parks and Recreation legislation. Significant one-time contribution during award year.
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2008 VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES BEST NEW PROGRAM AWARD Awarded in recognition of the development of the most outstanding park or recreation program by an organization during award year. One (1) award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the program. Program must have been initially put into operation in during award year. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the program contains significant elements of the following (listed in order of importance): Innovative and creative program-design, funding and promotion, etc. Effectiveness in addressing goals proposed as defined in terms of community needs, demands, and successful implementation. Efficient use of resources. Meets the needs of the population served. General excellence of the program.
BEST NEW SPECIAL EVENT AWARD Awarded in recognition of the development of the most outstanding park or recreation special event by an organization during the award year. One (1) award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the event. Event must have been initially put into operation during award year. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the event contains significant elements of the following (listed in order of importance): Innovative and creative program-design, funding and promotion, etc. Effectiveness in addressing goals proposed as defined in terms of community needs, demands, and successful implementation. Demonstrate effective department/community involvement and support Efficient use of resources. Meets the needs of the population served.
BEST NEW FACILITY AWARD Awarded in recognition of a new facility (ground up) which depicts innovative park or recreation facility design and construction. One award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the facility. Facility must have initiated public operations during the award year. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the facility contains the following significant elements (listed in order of importance): Innovative nature of the facility design, funding, construction, handling of constraints, etc. Effectiveness in addressing the goals as defined in terms of community needs and demands, and successful completion. Efficiency in use of resources. Effectiveness of design factors such as: ADA accessibility, LEED Certification, maintenance consideration, aesthetics, security and safety, environmental concerns, etc. Meets the needs of the population served. General excellence of the facility.
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2008 VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES BEST NEW RENOVATION/ADDITION AWARD Awarded in recognition of an existing facility’s renovation and/or addition that demonstrates innovative park or recreation design. This award judges the renovated portion or addition only. One award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the facility. Facility must have initiated public operation during the award year. Requires ten (10) before and after photographs or a CD/DVD disk, including a minimum of 3 “before” photos, showing both interior and exterior of facility, if applicable. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the facility contains the following significant elements (listed in order of importance): Innovative nature of the facility-design, construction, handling of constraints, etc. Effectiveness in addressing the goals as defined in terms of community needs, demands, and successful completion. Efficiency in use of resources. Effectiveness of design factors: such as ADA accessibility, LEED Certification, maintenance consideration, aesthetics, security and safety, environmental concerns, etc.
BEST PROMOTIONAL EFFORT AWARD-BASIC PROMOTIONAL PIECE Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials during the award year. One advertising piece per nomination in the form of a multi-page brochure, tabloid or booklet that is used for the promotion of an agency, Park and Recreation facilities or program services. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece. Pieces must have been distributed during award year. Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted unless there is a significant demonstration of a major format change in the piece. Selection Criteria: Supportive documentation should demonstrate cost of production, method of distribution, and design. Judged on content, design, readability, attractiveness, quality of printing, effectiveness, creativity, and use of resources.
BEST PROMOTIONAL EFFORT AWARD FOR CIRCULAR/FLYER Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials. One circular or flyer advertising piece in the form of a single sheet (excluding posters) which is printed on one or two sides, addressing a single service or program. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece. Pieces must have been distributed during award year. Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted unless there is significant demonstration of a major format change in the piece. Selection Criteria: Supportive documentation should demonstrate cost of production, method of distribution, and design. Judged on design, readability, attractiveness, quality of printing, content, effectiveness, creativity, and use of resources.
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2008 VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES BEST PROMOTIONAL EFFORT AWARD FOR SPECIALTY PIECE Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials during award year. Posters, coupons, magnets, bumper stickers, banners, and materials not included in other categories, published internally or externally. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece. Pieces must have been distributed during award year. Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted unless there is significant demonstration of a major format change in the piece. Selection Criteria: Supportive documentation should demonstrate cost of production, method of distribution, and design. Judged on design, readability, attractiveness, quality of printing, effectiveness, content, creativity, and use of resources.
BEST PROMOTIONAL EFFORT AWARD FOR APPAREL Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials during the award year. The category includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jackets etc. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). All submissions require one (1) original piece of apparel and (10) identical sets of photos of front and back (if relevant) of the piece. A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece. Apparel must have been produced during award year. Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted. Selection Criteria: Supportive documentation should demonstrate cost of production, method of distribution, and design. Judged on design, attractiveness, quality of product, creativity, and use of resources.
BEST PROMOTIONAL EFFORT AWARD FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials. This award is for an electronic media advertising piece that has a distinct electronic component for media distribution. This category includes e-news, web pages, internet media, CD’s, DVD’s, videos, etc., which are used for the promotion of an agency, Parks and Recreation facility, or program services. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece. Pieces must have been distributed or launched during award year. Submission shall be edited (if necessary) to be no longer than 10 minutes in length for review by the Awards Committee. Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted unless there is significant demonstration of a major format change in the piece. Selection Criteria: While the overall look of a publication or electronic media is important, the most important concern is the extent to which the piece met its objective for the target audience. Judging is based on innovation, creativity, design, technical merit, overall quality of experience, user’s ease of navigation, and use of resources.
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2008 VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES BEST NEW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AWARD Awarded in recognition of a new program, environmental or educational initiative that demonstrates creative problem solving to address an environmental issue within your department or agency. Examples may include implementation of a recycling program, a landscaping project, a green roof addition or a program that utilizes recycled products within their agency. Note that this category does NOT address new or renovated facility improvements. One award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials Eligibility: Requires current membership within VRPS by the organization or staff making the award nomination. Completion of the nominated program must have been implemented during the award year. Requires ten (10) before and after photographs, including at least three (3) “before” photographs Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the submission contain the following significant elements (listed in order of importance) Creative and innovative nature of the program design Impact to the community: How will this reduce pollution, improve environmental conditions, raise usage of the location or otherwise positively affect the community? Effectiveness in addressing the goals identified and the successful completion of the project. Efficiency in use of revenues. Effectiveness of program design: ADA accessibility, aesthetics, security and safety, LEED Certification and/or maintenance considerations. Overall excellence of the submission.
BEST NEW GREENWAY,BLUEWAY OR TRAIL in recognition of a new or enhanced greenway, blueway or trail which depicts innovative design and construction. One award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive I nformation and all backup materials. Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the greenway, blueway or trail. The greenway, blueway or trail (or portion thereof) must have initiated public operations during the award year. A total of ten (10) photos must be submitted showing before and after views, with a minimum of three (3) “Before” photos must be submitted. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the greenway, blueway or trail contains the following significant elements (listed in order of importance): Innovative nature of design, funding, construction, handling of constraints, etc. Effectiveness in addressing the goals as defined in terms of community needs and demands, and successful completion. Effective use of community partnerships in the construction and management of the project Efficient use of resources Effectiveness of design factors such as: ADA accessibility, maintenance, aesthetics, security and safety, and environmental concerns. Meets the needs of the population served. General excellence of greenway, blueway or trail.
Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2008 only. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: JUNE 19, 2009 For award consideration, please mail postmarked 6/19/09 or hand deliver by 5pm complete entry form and payment to: VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
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2008 VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES 2008 AWARDS AND CITATIONS PROGRAM Award Category_______________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s Name_______________________________________________________________________ (Print name above as it should appear on award)
AgencyOrganization____________________________________________________________
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Address ____________________________________ City _________________State _____ Zip________ Nominator’s name (Agency)_______________________________________________________________ Contact Person ___________________________________________ Title _________________________ Address ____________________________________ City _________________State ______ Zip ______ Telephone ______________________ Fax _____________________ E-mail ______________________ Signature
___________________________________________ Date
________________________
Municipal Population Categories (as of December 31, 2008). Please circle one: �Less than 25,000 � 25,001 -50,000 � 50,001 -100,000 � 100,001 - 150,000 � Greater than 150,000 � Miscellaneous - Nominations that do not meet the municipal population category (service area, hospitals, state, etc.) **All applicants must verify their city or county population by including ten (10) copies (one placed in each application packet) of the 2008 population data (or most recent available) obtained from the US Census Bureau at www.census.gov/. To help ensure that Award Committee Members receive all nominations, please label the outside of each individual package information and back-up material, please pre-package your materials in 10 separate envelopes. Each packet should include: Agency or nominee name supportive information population category the official nomination form award category back-up materials CHECK-LIST 1. Form and supportive information must be typed, on letter-sized white paper, double-spaced using a minimum of 12 pt. font. Please submit all nominations in letter/legal sized envelopes. Please do not submit nominations in binders. 2. Ten (10) copies of nomination form and all back-up material, including diskettes, DVD’s or CD’s, which will be considered in meeting award criteria must be submitted in 10 individual packets. Any submission received without the appropriate number of copies, collated and properly compiled, will be disqualified. Incomplete or late entries will be disqualified with no refund. VRPS Awards Committee reserves the right to re-direct entries into appropriate categories. One entry per form. You may duplicate forms as necessary. 3. No more than ten (10) digital photos on labeled cd’s of each individual, program, facility or promotional piece being nominated may be provided. Please label each cd’s with the agency name, category and description. Photos should be a minimum 300 dpi in .tif or .jpg format. No .eps or .ai files, please. 4. All documents shall be submitted in Microsoft software applications, such as Word, Excel or Powerpoint, in the 2003 format. Please do not utilize the 2007 Microsoft software as not all committee members can open these documents! Pdfs are acceptable. 5. For individual awards, submit one photo (digital or print) of nominee(s) for use in the awards presentation. 6. If submitting a nomination in the promotional materials categories, include ten (10) original pieces of printed or electronic (whichever is applicable) “promotional category” materials. Best Apparel category requires submitting only one piece of apparel. 7. Each application fee shall be made payable to VRPS. Submissions sent to VRPS without the fee will not be considered. Check or credit card payment acceptable. Please sign applications and postmark or hand deliver by close of business Friday, June 19, 2009. 8. Send entire package to VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. 9. No submissions, including photos, apparel, etc. will be returned.
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2008 VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Virginia Recreation and Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Date:
Awards & Citations Payment Form Agency/Company:
Contact Person: Address: Email Address: Telephone #: office: (________) ________________
Number of Awards Payment Type:
fax: (________) _______________
at $30.00 = $
Check #
Make checks payable to: VRPS
Credit Card Customers please complete this section. Type of card: ____ MC ____ VISA ____ AMEX ____ DISCOVER Name on Card: Address on Statement: ________________________________________________________
Credit Card #: ___________________________________________ Exp Date: ___________
Security Code: __________________
Email Address: Telephone #: office: (
)
fax: (
)
Signature:
Do you need a credit card receipt? Yes, _______ by fax or ______ by mail.
Revised 04/02/09
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VIRGINIA RECREATION & PARK SOCIETY
PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Virginia Recreation & Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 www.vrps.com
Spring 2009 Edition Prstd Std U.S. Postage PAID Richmond, VA Permit #1630
“DESTINATION GREEN” 14