Summer 2010
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Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society
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Contents Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society
Volume 51 Summer 2010
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 Part-Time Assistant Karen Florey
Departments
Features 7 LTI Undergraduates and Graduates
4 2010 Calendar of Events
8 Senior Resource Group Fall Conference
5 2010 VRPS Board, Key Leaders and Staff
10 Let the Celebration Begin! The 2010 VRPS Annual Conference
6 Message from the President 16 An Inclusive Playground for James City County 18 Camp Good Times 20 News from Norfolk 27 Virginia Senior Games Sponsors
Office Manager Marlene Bresee 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 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 Societyis 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.
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Calendar of Events Revised 6/30/10
13 15 15 23
Northern Service Area Meeting VRPS Board Meeting August Issue of President’s Newsletter Senior Resource Group & Eastern
Northern VA Regional Park Authority VRPS Central Office Submission Deadline James City/Williamsburg Community Cntr.
10 AM 10 AM
Northern Service Area Meeting Central Service Area Meeting
Northern VA Regional Park Authority TBA
10 AM 10-12 Noon
Aug 2010
7 Western Service Area Meeting Shenandoah Co. Parks & Recreation 11-14 VRPS 56th Annual Conference Hampton 15 October Issue of President’s Newsletter Submission Deadline 15-16 Aquatic Facility Operators Course Hampton 15-17 National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) Hampton
10 AM - 12:30 PM
12 15 15 21
Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority Senior Resource Group Meeting Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico, VA Fall Issue of Virginia Parks & Recreation Magazine Submission Deadline Western Service Area Meeting Harrisonburg Parks & Recreation
10 AM 11 AM 10 AM-12 PM
5 9 18
Senior Resource Group Workshop Northern Service Area Meeting VRPS Board Meeting
8:30 AM 10 AM 10 AM
2 10 14
Central Service Area Quarterly Meeting New Kent Co. Parks & Recreation TBA Senior Resource Group Meeting Augusta Co. Government Center, Verona, VA 11 AM Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority 10 AM
dec 2010
nov 2010
10 12
sept 2010
11 AM
Oct 2010
july 2010
VRPS Calendar of Events… please check www.vrps.com for updated calendar
Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico, VA Northern VA Regional Park Authority VRPS Central Office
9 AM - 5 PM
What is 2-1-1? n 2-1-1 is an easy to remember phone number connecting people with free information on available community services. When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional will listen to your situation and suggest sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in Virginia. n 2-1-1 Virginia provides access to services in your community and statewide. All referrals are confidential and you can search for these same services on the 2-1-1 Virginia website (www.211virginia.org). n Government, nonprofit, community-based agency, and business that provide health and human services to the citizens of Virginia are encouraged to list their services. To list your agency, follow the “Update/Add Your Agency” directions on the home page. n 2-1-1 Virginia is a service of the Virginia Department of Social Services provided in partnership with the Council of Community Services, the Family Resource and Referral Center, CrisisLink, The Planning Council, the United Way of Central Virginia, and the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg.
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VRPS Staff
NRPA Southern Region Rep
Enterprise Group Chairs
Resource Group Chairs
Service Area Chairs
Board of Directors
Executive Board
2010 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 Aquatics Cultural Diversity Athletics Professional Education Seniors Outdoors Therapeutic Recreation Annual Conference Foundation Awards & Citations Hershey Track & Field LTI 2010 Virginia Senior Games Legislative Picnic December 10 December 10 December 10 Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Bernadette Cornelius Marlene P. Bresee Karen Florey
Board Liaisons
Central Service Area Eastern Service Area Northern Service Area Southwestern Service Area Western Service Area Aquatics Athletics Cultural Diversity Outdoors Seniors
Lakita Frazer,CPRP Suffolk Parks & Rec. Darrell Crittendon City of Norfolk Rec., Parks & Open Space Brian Laws, CPRP Fairfax County Park Authority Ed Hamilton Roanoke College Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Virginia Rec. & Park Society Lakita Frazer,CPRP Suffolk Parks & Rec. Michael Morris Portsmouth Pks, Rec & Leisure Serv William (Bill) Sgrinia Danville Parks, Rec & Tourism Pamela Sheets, CPRP Shenandoah Co. Parks & Rec. Brian Laws, CPRP Fairfax County Park Authority Keith Rotzoll, CPRP Prince George Co. Parks & Rec. Michael Clark, CPRP, AFO Roanoke Parks & Rec. Darrell Crittendon City of Norfolk Rec., Parks & Open Space Art Thatcher, CPRP Hampton Parks & Rec. Ed Hamilton Roanoke College Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Virginia Rec. & Park Society Kimberly Turner, CTRS New Kent Co., Parks & Rec. DeRocke Croome City of Norfolk Rec., Parks & Open Space Cheri Danaher, CPRP Reston Community Center Bryan Price Danville Parks, Rec. & Tourism Ken Jacobsen Augusta Co. Parks & Rec. Ralph Baird, AFO Alexandria Rec., Parks & Cultural Affairs TBA Paul Wilmoth Chesterfield Co. Parks & Rec. Shannon Moore, CPRP Virginia Beach Parks & Rec. Lisa Cooke, CPRP Clarke Co. Parks & Rec. Shannon Martin Clarke Co. Parks & Rec. William (Bill) Sgrinia Danville Parks, Rec. & Tourism TBA Jim Wilson Hampton Parks & Rec. Bob Antozzi, CPRP Fredericksburg Pks, Rec. & Public Fac Cindy Roeder Herndon Parks & Recreation Lisa Cooke, CPRP Clarke Co. Parks & Recreation Paul W. Berryman Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Sharon Entsminger, CPRP Chesterfield Co. Parks and Rec Andy Crane Henrico Division of Rec & Parks Art Thatcher, CPRP Hampton Parks & Recreation Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Virginia Recreation & Park Society John Carnifax, CPRP James City County Parks & Rec Phil Mease, CPRP James City County Parks & Rec J. David Hart, CPRP Pulaski Parks & Facilities Executive Director Administrative Assistant Office Manager Part-time Assistant
Keith Rotzoll Mike Morris Brian Laws Bill Sgrina/Michael Clark Pamela Sheets, CPRP Brian Laws Lakita Frazier/Michael Clark Darrell Crittendon Bill Sgrina/Michael Clark Keith Rotzoll
757-514-7251 757-441-2400 703-324-8564 540-375-2409 804-730-9447 757-514-7251 757-393-8481 434-799-5200 540-984-3030 703-324-8564 804-733-2646 540-853-1198 757-441-2400 757-727-6348 540-375-2409 804-730-9447 804-966-8501 757-441-5834 703-476-4500 434-797-8848 540-245-5727 703-385-0420
lfrazier@city.suffolk.va.us darrell.crittendon@norfolk.gov brian.laws@fairfaxcounty.gov hamilton@roanoke.edu jim@vrps.com lfrazier@city.suffolk.va.us morrism@portsmouthva.gov sgrinia@ci.danville.va.us psheets@shenandoahcounty.va.us brian.laws@fairfaxcounty.gov krotzoll@princegeorgeva.org michael.clark@roanokeva.gov darrell.crittendon@norfolk.gov athatcher@hampton.gov hamilton@roanoke.edu jim@vrps.com kcturner@co.newkent.state.va.us derocke.Croom@norfolk.gov Cheri.danaher@fairfaxcounty.gov pricebe@ci.danville.va.us kjacobsen@co.augusta.va.us ralph.baird@alexandriava.gov
804-748-1130 757-385-0420 540-955-5140 540-955-5143 434-799-5200
wilmothp@chesterfield.gov smoore@vbgov.com lcooke@clarkecounty.gov spepperb@yahoo.com sgrinia@ci.danville.va.us
757-727-6348 540-372-1088 703-435-6800 540-955-5140 757-496-6766 804-748-1126 804-501-5156 757-728-3220 804-730-9447 757-259-5361 757-259-4171 540-994-8624 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447
jwilson@hampton.gov rkantozzi@fredericksburgva.gov Cindy.Roeder@herndon-va.gov lcooke@clarkecounty.gov pberryma@vbgov.com entsmingers@chesterfield.gov cra18@co.henrico.va.us athatcher@hampton.gov jim@vrps.com jcarnifax@james-city.va.us pmease@james-city.va.us dhart@pulaskitown.org jim@vrps.com berni@vrps.com marlene@vrps.com karen@vrps.com
Therapeutic Recreation LTI Professional Education Virginia Senior Games Hershey Track & Field Legislation Awards & Citations Annual Conference ‘10 Foundation Management Conference ‘11
Summer 2010
Mike Morris Jim Stutts Jim Stutts Keith Rotzoll Lakita Frazier Art Thatcher Darrell Crittendon Art Thatcher Jim Stutts Jim Stutts Revised 6/4/10
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A message from the president
Countdown to Conference P e o p l e , P a r k s a n d P r o g r a m s
Lakita Frazier, CPRP
President Virginia Recreation & Park Society
I
will never forget my very first conference in 2000 at the Homestead. After at-
tending that conference I knew I had to be a part of VRPS. To be in the midst of so many recreation professionals was
This year’s conference promises to provide an exciting experience. Hometown Hero, NFL player, and Hall of Famer Dwight Stephenson will be the Keynote Speaker for the 2010 Annual Conference. The educational sessions are awesome! The topics have
choose to enjoy a fishing tournament at Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier, an eco-tour at Grundland Creek Park, and morning workouts at the Teen Center. Each year, our conference is the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by our agencies. I encourage each department to submit an application to the Awards and Citations Committee to be considered for one or more awards. In this economy, we are forced to do more with less. However, we continue contributing to the quality of life for our citizens and this deserves recognition.
Join me in Hampton this fall as we Celebrate People, Parks and Programs. I promise you that it will be a conference to remember. exhilarating. Since then, I have attended conferences across the state developing new relationships and maintaining old ones all while learning the best practices in our profession. As we gear up for this year’s Annual Conference in Hampton, September 11 - 14, 2010, I am anticipating the wonderful opportunities that will be afforded.
been developed based on your feedback as well as the issues we are currently facing in parks and recreation agencies throughout the state. We also can look forward to celebrating the 28th Annual Bay Days filled with arts and crafts, artisans, and more than 50 ways to savor the Bay. And it doesn’t stop there! Attendees can
Join me in Hampton this fall as we Celebrate People, Parks, and Programs. I promise you that it will be a conference to remember. Whether you are a student, professional, or retiree, this conference is your chance to develop new skills and reconnect with old friends. Hampton is a beautiful city full of possibilities. Come and enjoy all it has to offer. I look forward to seeing you!
Visit www.vrps.com or call VRPS Office at 804-730-9447 or email vrps@vrps.com for volunteer opportunities. 6
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2010 LTI Participants
Undergraduate Level: Sparkle Bailey, Suffolk Parks & Recreation Ralph Baird, Alexandria Rec, Parks & Cultural Activities Terry Baronner, Suffolk Parks & Recreation Dustin Betthauser, No. Virginia Regional Park Authority Carmela Brittingham, No.Virginia Regional Park Authority Tamara Brown, Suffolk Parks & Recreation Lori Carter, Suffolk Parks & Recreation Kevin Casalenuovo, No. Virginia Regional Park Authority Justin Chen, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Stephanie Eisenhart, The Virginia Home Bryant Fields, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation LaDonna Gardner, City of Norfolk Recreation, Parks & Open Space Kristen Hamill, Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism Michael Hotze, Herndon Parks & Recreation Steve Howard, Hopewell Recreation & Parks Jerrod Hurr, James City Co. Parks & Recreation Rashawn Jackson, Alexandria Rec, Parks & Cultural Activities Andrea Johnson, James City Co. Parks & Recreation Clifton Jones, Portsmouth Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services Michael Kelly, Suffolk Parks & Recreation Michael Kernan, Portsmouth Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services Jamie Kiernan, City of Norfolk Recreation, Parks & Open Space Byron Lawrence, Suffolk Parks & Recreation Laura Marquardt, Fairfax County Park Authority Edward Matthews, Suffolk Parks & Recreation Jonathan Mendez, No. Virginia Regional Park Authority Patti Mills, Wytheville Parks & Recreation Joshua Neal, Wytheville Parks & Recreation Melissa Riddy, Alexandria Rec, Parks & Cultural Activities Tommy Runnett, Louisa Co. Parks & Recreation Kelly Smith, Chesterfield Co. Parks & Recreation Michelle Starcher, Warren Co. Parks & Recreation Johanna Valentin, Chesapeake Parks & Recreation William Vargo, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Jason Wolford, Wytheville Parks & Recreation
Graduate Level: Emilie Danco, Fairfax County Park Authority Samantha Dickenson, Hampton Parks & Recreation Brandi Gainey, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Jerry Hairston, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Crystal Hayes, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Kathryn Irwin, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Symsi Manuel, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Tim Ray, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Brian Vesely, Louisa Co. Parks & Recreation Lisa Walker, Hanover Co. Parks & Recreation Raymond Wiggins, Jr,. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Debralee Woodbury, Falls Church Recreation & Parks John Woods, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Summer 2010
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Virginia Recreation & Park Society Senior Resource Group
Senior Centers Let’s Make the Connection 2010 SRG Fall Conference On Senior Programming, Therapeutic Recreation & Aging Friday, November 5, 2010 Registration 8:15 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. Conference Introductions & Announcements 9:10 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. Conference Sessions 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Deep Run Recreation Center (Henrico County – Division of Recreation & Parks) Henrico, Virginia The VRPS Senior Resource Group Board of Directors is proud to sponsor the 5th annual SRG Fall Conference on Senior Programming, Therapeutic Recreation & Aging. This annual event was initiated in the fall of 2006, and continues to be a successful educational opportunity for Recreation and other professionals throughout Virginia, who provide services for the senior population. During this Educational Symposium, the SRG Board will target recreation therapists, activity & recreation professionals, educators and clinicians, who provide services within community recreation, senior adult daycare, senior centers, assisted living, long-term care and/or clinical settings. We are currently expected to offer six (6) sessions, and plan to provide a total of .3 CEU credits (pending approval) through the VRPS Professional Certification Board. In the coming weeks the SRG Fall Conference Brochure, which will have detailed information on the education sessions being offered at this year’s event, including a short bio on each session facilitator, will be issued. The 2010 SRG Fall Conference Committee will be posting an E-Update when the brochure is ready, and will be available to download electronically when all conference speakers are confirmed. 8
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Five Reasons Why THIS is the Year for the Must-See Exhibit Hall at the Annual Conference! We all enjoy visiting the exhibit hall during the annual conference, right?
We go for the refreshments (of course!), for the drawings and prizes offered by the exhibitors, and to meet-up with old friends. Here are five NEW reasons this year to make sure you visit the Exhibit Hall during the Conference on both Sunday and Monday:
1
We’ve gone interactive! The entire exhibit hall this year will include interactive exhibits like star gazing and bird watching, life-sized decorations that create a park-like setting, and activities designed to interest and actively involve you like geo-caching, orienteering and disc golf. Use your map to find a valuable cache located inside the hall, or use a GPS to find your way outside for more prizes. Meet-and-greet prominent local sports personalities in the sports arena, step on the turf and throw a ball or two around for fun. Or have a seat with your friends and co-workers around a campfire ring, or at a picnic table near a waterfall for coffee and brunch . . . and make sure to visit all the exhibit booths to learn more about the hot new parks and program trends!
2
Location, location, location. For the first time ever, the opening session and keynote speech, the awards presentation, and the general session will all be held inside the exhibit hall around a center stage area, making for a dramatic, theater-in-the-park scene that will change from day to day. All the tension and excitement of the awards presentation, the inspiration of the keynote speech, and the traditions of the general session are all intact, only now in a more vibrant, active setting designed to celebrate our people, parks and programs!
3
It’s not just chips n’ salsa! Within each of the featured park areas and along each of the exhibitor pathways Sunday, you’ll find delicious, nutritious, finger-lickin’ness food to fill you and enough “watering holes” to lift your spirits! On Monday, come back in the morning and wake up to incredible “campfire” brunch selections . . . ah, the smell of coffee and bacon!
4
Shhhh! It’s the Silent Auction! An annual favorite, this year the Silent Auction promises to be the best one yet. Scattered throughout the exhibit hall on both days are the items for bid, typically anything from hotel packages to rounds of golf to surprise baskets! Take a look around, check near the trees and benches, and don’t miss a thing!
5
Brand new exhibitors! We’ve expanded the list of potential exhibitors, and new companies are coming out to join some of our returning favorites–and they’d all love to meet you. Stop by each booth and chat with the representatives, maybe win a few prizes or collect giveaways, and learn more about all the latest new products, services, and resources available to those in our profession for 2010 . . . and beyond! See you there! 10
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Virginia Recreation and Park Society
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o i t a r b le
e c e h t t
Le
The Virginia Recreation & Park Annual Conference is just around the corner! This year’s exciting conference offers a variety of relevant and innovative sessions, a great mixture of products and vendors, off-site outdoor adventures and excursions, and a chance to network with other recreation professionals.
We are pleased to have one of Hampton’s own Dwight Stephenson – Keynote Speaker .
A Celebration of Excellence – VRPS Awards Program Sunday, September 12, 3:30 p.m. Hampton Convention Center
The presentation of awards to individuals and organizations for outstanding performance during 2009 will be made at the 56th annual conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society on Sunday, September 12, 2010 in Hampton, VA. At that time all honorees will be announced and award recipients will be recognized by an audience of their peers. The conference theme, “People, Parks and Programs” echoes the emphasis of the awards program. This event honors exemplary members and agencies of the Parks and Recreation community for achievements during calendar year 2009. Categories for Best New Environmental Sustainability award and Best New Blueway, Greenway or Trail are among the newest pro-
gram and facility awards for the state; while the Fellows Award, Distinguished Service Award and Outstanding New Professional award are longstanding categories recognizing the best and the brightest in our profession.
alone, following the opening festivities, allowing more of the conference delegates to participate and dedicating the time solely to the accomplishments of the award recipients. It will be a true celebration of the winners!
The conference committee designated the awards ceremony to receive particular attention this year, making it the featured aspect of the opening events. The venue, center stage in the Exhibit Hall, will promote a sense of excitement, vibrancy and anticipation. Purposely designed to host several key functions during this year’s conference, this area will highlight the level of excellence and professionalism the nominees represent. Rather than tying the presentation to a meal function, the awards ceremony will stand
Not only will the departments with an application in consideration want to be well-represented, but the entire delegation should be on hand to celebrate and congratulate the winners, share in the suspense and anticipation, and enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of the Awards presentation! If you missed this year’s deadline, start planning now for the 2010 awards program. Details and applications for the 2009 program are available on the VRPS website at www.vrps.com.
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2010 VRPS Annual Conference
Schedule – Hampton, VA Whether you come for one day or all three days, an excellent educational opportunity awaits!
Saturday, September 11 10:30am-1:30pm
Eco-Tour (kayak and canoe eco-tours)
11:00 am-2:00 pm 12:30 start
“The Big Catch” Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm 6:00 pm
2010 VRPS Golf Tournament to benefit the VRPS Foundation Registration Bay Days Social
Sunday, September 12 6:00 am – 7:15 am
Morning Work-outs meet at the convention center
7:30 am – 4:00 pm 8:30 am – 9:45 am Room 104 Room 105 Rooms 106 & 107 Room 108 Room 109
Registration Educational Sessions Hand Bells Promoting Health Equity (Part 1) Dimensions of Diversity: Responding to Our Changing Culture Disney Customer Service Great Summer Escape (Part 1)
10:00 am – 11:15 am Educational Sessions Room 101 Fitness Alphabet Soup Room 102 Survival & You Room 103 Senior Center Accreditation Room 104 Horse Power Room 105 Promoting Health Equity (Part 2) Rooms 106 & 107 Future of Planning – Method of Eight Room 108 Effective Communication Skills – Say What? Room 109 Great Summer Escape (Part 2) 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Lunch on own
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Room 101 Room 102 Room 103 Room 104
New Member/Student Orientation
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Educational Sessions Developing Events to Meet Organizational Objectives (Part 1) Kayak Fishing 101 Let’s Talk Sports! – Roundtable Asperger’s Syndrome: The Role of
Virginia Recreation & Park Society n Summer 2010
Room 105 Rooms 106 & 107 Room 108 Room 109
Therapeutic Recreation Propane Off Road Engine Fuels The Measure of Our True Character: Navigating Political Terrain (Part 1) It’s Time to be a Viking: Positioning Your Agency (Part 1) Adding to Your Service Delivery Team – Volunteers with Special Needs (Part 1)
2:00 pm – 3:15 pm Room 101 Room 105 Rooms 106 & 107 Room 108 Room 109
Educational Sessions Developing Events to Meet Organizational Objectives (Part 2) Converting Mowers to Propane The Measure of Our True Character: Navigating Political Terrain (Part 2) It’s Time to be a Viking: Positioning Your Agency (Part 2) Adding to Your Service Delivery Team – Volunteers with Special Needs (Part 2)
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Opening Session
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Awards Presentation
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Exhibit Hall Opening and Reception
Monday, September 13 6:00 am – 7:15 am
Morning Work-outs meet at the convention center
7:30 am – 3:30 pm 7:45 am – 8:30 am
Registration
8:00 am – 9:15 am Room 101 Room 102 Room 103 Room 105 Room 106 8:30 am – 9:00 am 9:00 am – 12:15 pm
Educational Session Event Budgets, Timelines & Strategies Smith River Complex: If you build it, they will come! No Child Left on the Shore What’s Hot Now In Fitness? Quality Customer Service Management
Director’s Forum
Directors in Exhibit Hall Exhibit Hall, General Session & Brunch
12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Educational Sessions Room 101 Event PR in Web 2.0 World Room 102 New Faces of Outdoor Recreation Room 103 Inclusive Playgrounds Room 104 Culturally Competent Professional Room 105 Tips for Keeping Exercise Equipment Up & Running Room 106 Wiki To Work Room 107 Drowning: A Preventable Accident Room 108 Using Compost to Create Healthy Soil Ecosystems Room 109 Senior Centers: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century Conference Room A The Art of Recreation Programs: How to Make Your Programs Work 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm Educational Sessions Room 101 Booking Artist on Any Budget Room 102 American Canoeing Association (Part 1) Room 103 Go Green: Checkout the Horticulture Scene Room 104 Functional Fitness and Beyond Room 105 Our Connectedness with Self & Others Using Spirituality Room 107 UV for Commercial Aquatics Room 108 Overview of Urban Forestry Room 109 411 Felonies/Misdemeanors Conference Room A Developing a Strategic Service Quality System 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm Educational Session Room 101 Making the Contract Work: Case Study Room 102 American Canoeing Association (Part 2) Room 103 Speed Interviewing (students and young professionals) Room 108 Natural Resource Management Conference Room A Life’s Better Outside: Promoting Healthy Living as an Obesity Prevention 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm 6:00 pm – 6:25 pm Room 101 Room 102 Room 103 Room 105 Room 106
Conference Rooms B & C Business Meeting
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm Room 101 Room 102 Room 103 Room 105 Room 106 Room 107
Resource Group Meetings Aquatics Cultural Diversity Senior Therapeutic Recreation Athletics Outdoor
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sandy Bottom Park Picnic
Service Area Meetings Eastern Central Northern Western South West
Tuesday, September 14 8:00 am – 11:30 am 8:30 am – 9:45 am Room 101 Room 102 Room 103 Room 104 Rooms 106 & 107
Registration Educational Sessions LEED Recreation Center – Arcadis If I Had a Nickel- Internal Planning Processes Defined Building Community Through the Arts Managing an Effective Volunteer Screening Program Fit Kids
10:00 am – 11:15 am Room 101 Room 102 Room 103 Your Fingertips! Room 104 Room 105 Room 106 & 107
Educational Sessions Sexual Deviants in Parks (Part 1) Urban Forestry (Va. Beach session) EVMS CARES: Health Information at Managing the People Side of Change Recipe for Customer Service Success (Part 1) Fitness Over 50
10:00 am – 12:45 pm
Off-Site Tour Hampton Parks and Recreation – Teen Center and the Boo Williams Sportsplex (meet at the Registration Desk in lobby of the Convention Center)
11:30 am – 12:45 pm Room 101 Room 102 Room 103 Room 104 Room 105 Room 106 & 107
Educational Sessions Sexual Deviants in Parks (Part 2) Identification & Management of Aquatic Weeds Office Space 101 (Part 1) Must Have Communication Tools for Your Agency Recipe for Customer Service Success (Part 2) Being in the World with Kids
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm Room 102 Room 103 Room 104
Lunch on own Educational Sessions Bayscaping Office Space 101 (Part 2) Training Your CIT Counselors Room 106 & 107 Breaking Down Walls
Wednesday, September 15 – Thursday, September 16 Aquatics Facility Operators Course
Wednesday, September 15 – Friday, September 17 National Playground Safety Institute Summer 2010 n Virginia Recreation & Park Society
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2010 VRPS Annual Conference
Conference Features
Barbara Heller, Pros Consulting LLC We are excited to have Barbara Heller, Principal Consultant with PROS Consulting, as one of our featured presenters at this year’s conference. Barbara will be part of the opening session on Sunday evening, and will be talking with directors in the Director’s Forum on Monday morning. Additionally, she will be sharing presentations on “The Art of Recreation Programs: How to Make Your Programs Works” and “Developing a Strategic Service Quality System”. Barbara has over 30 years in the parks and recreation industry. She has worked for some of the largest and most prestigious parks and recreation agencies in the country including our own Prince William County, Virginia Park Authority. As a Principal Consultant for PROS Consulting, Barbara has been responsible for strategic planning, master planning, operational assessments, program analysis, service system reviews, and marketing assessments for park and recreation agencies throughout the United States. Barbara is well-known throughout the industry for her public speaking abilities, and has been a speaker at various NRPA schools, annual congress, and many state conferences. We excited to have Barbara as part of VRPS’s Annual Conference in Hampton this year!
VRPS 56th Annual Conference – Hampton, VA – September 11 – 14, 2010 Full Conference Registration Fees
Early Registration – VRPS/VFEA Member Non-Member
by 7/30/10 $215 $265
Registration – after 7/30/10 $265 $305
Full Conference Registration includes all education sessions, Keynote Speaker, Saturday Night Social, Sunday Evening Awards & Exhibit Reception and Monday Exhibitor Brunch.
Daily Conference Registration Fees VRPS/VFEA Member Sunday, September 12 Education Sessions & Exhibit Reception $100 Monday, September 13 Education Sessions & Exhibit Brunch $100 Tuesday, September 14 Education Sessions Only $75
Non-Member $150 $150 $125
Student Registration Fees – This is a flat rate for one or all days of the conference and includes Education Session only. Member Non-Member $25 $50 CEUs available for a fee. Go online to www.vrps.com to registration and for more information the VRPS Golf Tournament and other Off-Site Fun on Saturday, September 11! Extra tickets and social tickets are also available.
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2010 VRPS Annual Conference
Certifications & Trainings Saturday, September 11
National Exercise Trainers Association Group Exercise Certification
8am- 5pm West Hampton Community Center, Hampton, VA Get certified with the most thorough one-day certification in the industry. In the past 32 years, NETA has helped over 125,000 new instructors get started. The curriculum and exams are continuously updated to stay on the cutting edge of the fitness industry. NETA provides the important foundation needed to become a successful instructor. The primary focus is safe and effective teaching practices. Topics include: • Anatomy, Kinesiology, Physiology & Nutrition • Cueing, Choreography, Communication & Music Skills • Safe Exercise Evaluation Contact Elizabeth Linthicum, Program Coordinator at 757-896-4695 for more information. Register on line at www. netafit.org. Sunday, September 12
National Exercise Trainers Association Continuing Education Unit Workshop
8am- 1pm West Hampton Community Center, Hampton, VA If you are a trainer in need of CEU’s this is the course for you! Keep up with your certification by registering for this informative training. Contact Elizabeth Linthicum, Program Coordinator at 757-896-4695 for more information. Register on line at www. netafit.org Wednesday-Thursday, September 15-16
Aquatics Facility Operators Course
Wednesday-Friday, September 15-17 The NRPA’s Aquatic Facility Operation certification course is a two day training program for personnel working in public, semi-public municipal pool or waterpark facilities. Receive in-depth instruction in all facets of aquatic facility operation and management. Visit http://www.nrpa.org/
National Playground Safety Institute
Sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association this NPSI course is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods. Includes hours of training from nationally-known safety experts, culminating in the Certified Playground Safety Inspector examination. Registration and hotel information available at www.vrps.com.
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My Place
An Inclusive Playground for James City County
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or too many families, playgrounds have become inaccessible due to physical limitations. Yet, playgrounds are a place where all children should come together – to play, swing and imagine, and to learn life’s lessons of challenge, risk and cooperation. My Place is James City County, Virginia’s newest playground, specially designed to welcome all individuals and families regardless of ability. My Place includes all the features of a traditional playground – swings, a merry-go-round and climbing equipment, but in a barrier-free environment. My Place was a community project of the Leadership Historic Triangle Class of 2009. The leadership classes are held
My Place was a privately-funded project built through the support of corporate sponsors, community donations and a commemorative brick paver campaign. Teams of citizens, families, citizens, and local volunteer contractors constructed the playground in two months.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for My Place was held in December 2009. Cutting the ribbon are representatives from the City of Williamsburg, the Leadership Historic Triangle, James City County, the Leadership Historic Triangle Class of 2009 and the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance.
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biennially, and are sponsored by the local chamber and tourism alliance to encourage, develop and support future community leaders. The class initiated the venture - to research, fund and build an accessible playground at the existing James City/Williamsburg Community Center. Their goal
was a 6,000 square foot playground with barrier free equipment, fencing and sidewalks to be located at an existing County park site where visitor traffic was already established.
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My Place includes all the features of a traditional playground – swings, a merry-go-round and climbing equipment, but in a barrier-free environment.
The class began work on the project more than a year ago. With County Board of Supervisors approval in February 2009, the playground took shape though conceptual planning and drawings. Fundraising efforts began with support from corporate sponsors, community donations and a commemorative brick paver campaign. Ground was broken for the $170,000 facility in October 2009. The class, along with a host of citizens, families and local volunteer contractors, constructed the playground in two months. Grand opening ceremonies were held in December 2009. Upon completion, My Place was donated to the James City County Division of Parks and Recreation for management and maintenance. Fundraising Campaign My Place was a privately-funded project. Maintenance and repair are supported through donations and a commemorative brick paver fundraising campaign. For a $50 donation, contributors receive a commemorative brick paving stone, laser etched with their personal message. This paving stone becomes part of the foundation of this special project, and will ensure future generations know that My Place is a community place.
Contact the VRPS Office at (804) 730-9447 or vrps@vrps.com.
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Camp Good Times
RESTON COMMUNITY CENTER
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eston Community Center, a Fairfax County agency located in Reston, Virginia, redesigned its array of summer camp programs to provide a greater number of selections for local youth. For many years, RCC has rented local Reston elementary schools to house its traditional day camp program, Camp Goodtimes. The costs in doing so have steadily increased while the flexibility of these spaces was increasingly reduced because of competing demands on them and budgetary constraints affecting their staffing and maintenance. These challenges prompted program staff to think “outside the box” and restructure the program offerings to eliminate the need to locate in a school and to increase enrollment opportunities in spe-
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Challenges prompted program staff to think “outside the box” and restructure the program... ...the result is a five-week adventure camp called Camp Goodtimes On the Road.
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cialty camps that had long wait lists for participation last summer. The result was the addition of 16 new specialty camp programs and a total redesign of RCC’s seven-week traditional day camp, Camp Goodtimes, to a fiveweek adventure travel camp called Camp Goodtimes On the Road. A focus group was held with parents of participants to discuss the changes and to determine the new travel camp’s name. All attendees strongly advocated keeping “Camp Goodtimes” in the name for consistency and branding since the camp has been a staple summer program for 20+ years in the community. Overall, capacity more than doubled from the previous summer with over 400
Participants in RCC’s adventure camp, Road Rulz, take a break while hiking in the Shenandoah National Park (top). Campers learn the importance of healthy cooking during RCC’s culinary camp for kids (right). added seats made available to local youth. Moreover, the programming changes were entirely budget-neutral. Nearly $40,000 was saved in personnel expenses due to the reduction of needed counseling staff. This savings was transferred to the operating budget to fund the related costs for the facilitation of the new specialty camps and the adventure travel camp destinations and venues. The RCC Camp Guide was recently featured in the LERN newsletter and reflects the RCC team’s creative thinking and planning. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com to view the complete summer 2010 Camp Program Guide. Summer 2010
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news
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Thousands turned out to support this year’s Day for People with disABILITIES
ver 3,000 people turned out at the Virginia Zoo for the 8th annual Day for People with disABILITIES, hosted by the City of Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space.
classes. The event also included additional entertainment like interacting with Virginia Zoo animals, face painting, prize giveaways, bean bag toss and jumping inside an inflated bounce house.
This year’s event – designed to celebrate people of special needs – included the Norfolk Public Safety Expo and a resource fair of over 40 service providers and organizations that support individuals with “disABILITIES.” Approximately 700 of the event’s attendees were individuals with varying disabilities.
Attendees were most pleased with the enthusiasm of staff and volunteers, and the variety and scope of vendors available. On her event follow-up survey, one guest indicated: “As a full-time caregiver for an elderly parent with dementia, this is a really good event for obtaining information.”
The May 8 wellnessthemed event was quite interactive, featuring demonstrations of Zumba Gold, Hip Hop Fit and BodyVive fitness
Make Plans to Attend!
2011 Management Conference February 28 - March 1, 2011 in Suffolk, VA Contact Lakita Frazier at lfrazier@city.suffolk.va.us for more information. 20
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Norfolk recreation supervisor coaches nation’s best boxers
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hen nine of the best USA Olympic-level boxers came to Norfolk’s Ted Constant Convocation Center to compete against Great Britain’s top fighters last fall, they trained at the Barraud Park BoxNorfolk’s boxing ing Center, operated by the City of Norfolk Deprogram has a partment of Recreation, long, celebrated Parks & Open Space.
history, and today is on the cusp of producing state and national champions.
The Norfolk city boxing program for children, teens and young adults is managed by Recreation Supervisor Gloria Peek. In addition to teaching boxing skills, Peek encourages students to excel academically. And, with some troubled youth in the program, Peek notes that “it is also one of the most successful programs in Norfolk turning those with antisocial behavior into model and upstanding citizens.” Norfolk’s boxing program has a long,
celebrated history, and today is on the cusp of producing state and national champions. One boxer from Peek’s program, Jeremiah Wiggins, 28, currently has a 6-0-1 professional record, while another Norfolk fighter, Chris Alexander, 17, has won many amateur bouts this past year. Peek will coach and train Norfolk pugilists for a variety of boxing matches in 2010. Her junior fighters (ages 8-16) competed in the Junior Olympics State Tournament this past April in Richmond. State tournaments featured Alexander and other senior Norfolk boxers included the Golden Gloves in April and USA Boxing Championships in May – both held in Virginia Beach. Norfolk boxers who won these bouts advanced to regional and national competitions. Over a dozen junior and senior boxers will compete in the Ringside World Championships this August in Kansas City, and 10 junior and senior fighters will participate in the 36th annual National P.A.L. Boxing Championships this October in San Antonio. Summer 2010
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Seven-week educational series teaches Norfolk teens to “Choose Respect”
uring the month of May, the City of Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space hosted Teens with a Purpose: The Movement (TWP) for “I Am Hear,” a seven-week series of interactive events geared to youth and teens, ages 11 and up. The curriculum came from a nationwide initiative of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) called “Choose Respect” – aimed at helping youth form healthy relationships and preventing dating abuse before it starts. Each of the seven events was held at a different Norfolk recreation center – Norview, Berkley, Huntersville, Lamberts Point, Titustown, Park Place and East Ocean View. “I Am Hear is a great interactive program,” says Nicole Owens,
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Division Head of Recreation & Leisure Activities. “The youth leaders do an excellent job of engaging the audience, while teaching them about abstinence and the dangers of peer pressure.” Each night teen facilitators addressed such topics as dating abuse, gang violence, STDs, teen pregnancy and abstinence. Two breakout sessions followed — one for youth and the other for adults — to encourage discussion in an open, trusting environment. The series also featured entertainment like positive rap and poetry and an open mic segment for participants. TWP was founded in 1996 as an outreach ministry of the Basilica of St. Mary, and has since grown into a nonprofit organization with goals of emphasizing HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and empowering young adults to take charge of their lives through peer-led programs. More information about the organization can be found at www.twpthemovement.org.
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City of Norfolk public art program dedicates sculpture at Norview Community center
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uests who visit the Norview Community Center will now be greeted by a great work of art.
The Norfolk Public Art program and the City of Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space hosted an April 22 dedication for an outdoor sculpture which now graces the front of the center. The sculpture, created through the city’s 1% for public art program, is titled Storyteller. Made from Adair dolomitic limestone quarried in Ontario, Storyteller depicts a gathering of three figures— an older man, a young woman and a boy—as a story is being told. Sculpted benches tempt the onlooker to join in the experience. The artist, Madeline Wiener of Marble, Colo., chose limestone because it ages gracefully and provides smooth, tactile surfaces.
dedication, at which Wiener autographed chiseled pieces of the limestone block used to make the sculpture.
“I wanted the sculpture to reflect the close bond of the citizens of Norview, among family members and total strangers. I have captured three generations of people, because I believe that everyone has their own stories to tell—and I am hopeful that Storyteller will inspire them to do just that,” says Wiener, a full-time artist and founder and director of the Marble Institute of Colorado, a nonprofit educational organization for stone carvers.
While Norfolk has displayed artwork throughout the City for many years, City Council formally established the Public Art Commission and adopted a funding ordinance in 2008. With this project, Norfolk joins the more than 350 other municipalities around the country that actively commission artists to create public artwork. Upcoming projects in Norfolk include artwork at Coleman Place Elementary School, Lamberts Point Community Center and light rail stations.
Over 30 Norview Elementary School students attended the Summer 2010
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Hundreds compete for the gold at this year’s Norfolk’s Senior Olympics
early 600 senior athletes (ages 50 and up) competed in the 27th annual Norfolk Senior Olympics. The games took place May 3-6 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little CreekFort Story, and are hosted by the City of Norfolk Departments of Recreation, Parks & Open Space and Human Services.
ting an opportunity to visit with the seniors and hear some great stories made for an exciting event.”
This year’s event included over 30 different games such as bowling, golf, swimming, basketball throw/dribble/shoot, billiards, tennis, track and field, mile and half-mile walk, pickle ball, horseshoes, bean bag toss, softball hit/throw, and various table games (i.e., bridge, spades, Texas hold’em, dominoes and checkers). Other competitive events include talent and dance contests.
The athletes consisted of Norfolk senior residents and members of local senior citizens’ organizations. Local winners go on to the state games in Richmond, and the 2011 National Senior Olympics Games in Houston, Texas.
Old Dominion University head football Coach Bobby Wilder was the keynote speaker at the May 5 opening ceremony. Wilder, who is just coming off of a successful first season (9-2) with the ODU Monarchs, was considered by the Norfolk Senior Olympic committee to be the perfect choice to speak at this year’s games. “It was inspiring to meet so many seniors that enjoy physical fitness, as well as the competition of the games,” said Wilder. “Get-
“As the Virginia Senior Olympics motto states, ‘We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing,’” said Gail Burton, Senior Recreation Supervisor II and chair of the Norfolk Senior Olympics. “The Norfolk Senior Olympic Committee likes to think that we are helping seniors enjoy life by keeping them active mentally and physically while they also have lots of fun.”
VRPS Member Profile of Maria Barner Place of work – I work for the City of Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space.
ber of the Urban League of Hampton Roads (Young Professionals).
Position – My title is the Division Head of Athletics & Recreational Sports.
Family – My immediate family consists of four brothers and one sister. Coincidentally, my sister works for Parks & Recreation in Prince George’s County, MD.
Hometown – I am a native of Norfolk, VA.
Education – I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Professional memberships – I am a mem24
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Favorite experience on the job – I like working with a great group of people who
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are always willing to help each other out. Toughest part of the job – I would say that not having enough resources/money to do what needs to be done makes my job. Favorite recreational activity – I love playing softball. Favorite book – I enjoy reading anything by writer James Patterson. If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be – I would like to visit Turks & Caicos or be down under in Australia.
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Virginia Senior Games
Gold medal Sponsors
Bronze medal Sponsor
event Sponsors
www.virginiaseniorgames.org
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