Nevada Recreation & Park Society Creating Communities Through People, Parks and Programs!
NRPS Newsletter July 2015
President’s Message What We Do!
Inside this issue:
NRPS Mission
2
Upcoming Socials
2
Job Postings
3
Aquatics Commit-
3
Grant Opportunities
8
I had the pleasure earlier this month to visit the White Pine County Aquatic Center in Ely and was again reminded of the importance of serving the public. It was a quiet and cool day in Ely and not many were at the pool when I arrived. After a while I observed people arriving for open swim. The noise level went up, the children and adults were beginning to enjoy themselves in the water. They were also having fun with their friends, climbing an aqua wall in the deep end, playing water games, etc. There was action, fun, noise, and a vibrancy that had come to this previously quiet building. It reminded me of what I have seen in recreation centers and programs across the country - an energy brought on by engagement in an activity occurring at a recreation center, playground, public park, or some other kind of structured or semi-structured setting. In a sense, the facility comes alive when recreation occurs. As professionals we provide areas, facilities, programs, and opportunities for individuals to engage in recreation resulting in experiences. That is “What We Do!” It doesn’t matter where the experience occurs or how many are involved or whether it is structure or unstructured. It doesn’t need to be loud or active - it can be quiet and passive - or quiet and active. The key is that we provide areas, programs, services and opportunities for individual and collective experiences. We may be in different areas of service - parks, recreation, aquatics, sport, the arts, travel and tourism - and it really doesn’t matter. You see - It is What We Do that counts.
Sometimes we get caught up in the politics of our job - the demands upon us for reports, the requirement that we justify our existence, the need to build more and better facilities, the need to deal with special interest groups - and forget why we got into parks and recreation. When I was a director my office was adjacent to a busy meeting room. During the morning and early afternoon it housed a preschool program. After school got out there were art programs, dance classes, and a variety of other activities. Down the hall was our arts area, complete with a pottery studio, photo lab, looms, and 10 Executive Board other activities. When I got caught up in the “business” of recreation and responding to the needs of administrative duties I would sometimes take a break from the report writing, budget analysis, justification building, and the like - and I would walk about the recreation center, or go to one of our other sites and I would observe people engaged in recreation. This opportunity to reflect reminded me why I got into parks and recreation. It wasn’t that I didn’t know about the administrative side - but my primary motivation was to provide opportunities for those we serve and to remember that they are Special points of inindividuals - not just statistics or budget lines. When I remembered that perspective, it made the adterest: ministrative duties less burdensome, less mundane, less of an intrusion. And it was because I remembered “What We Do” and that reminder allowed me to focus more effectively on what I needed to do Check out updated in order to provide others the opportunity to experience recreation and leisure. grant information.
NRPS Membership 9
Keep an open eye for socials. Be sure to submit photos and articles. Recruit new members!
I hope that you never lose sight of “What we do!” It is what makes our job special, what gives us an advantage over many other public services, what brings a balance and meaning into our professional lives. It is our responsibility to never lose sight of why we became park and recreation professionals. It is about our sense of service to the public. It is about providing individuals with the opportunity to grow, to have fun, to enhance their quality of life. My greatest joy as a park and recreation professional is to see individuals enjoying life - experiencing leisure - growing personally. You see, “It’s What I Do!” Thank you for your service to your community. (There is more information about the White Pine Aquatic Center elsewhere in this newsletter.)
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July 2015
Nevada Parks and Recreation Society Mission Our mission is to support and recognize members of the Society and to promote Recreation and Parks as an essential service in Nevada. NRPS Vision Statement We support the National Recreation & Park Association and the benefits of Recreation and Parks for citizens of the State of Nevada. We serve with pride, leadership and professionalism. Letting our old logo fade off into the sunset!
We Believe in creativity and innovative problem solving. We Believe in encouraging and promoting diversity in our membership. We Believe in recognizing the accomplishments of members and agencies. We Believe in members’ input to shape our vision through strategic planning. We Believe in cooperation, communications, teamwork and consensus building for the citizens, the Society and the agencies we serve.
Upcoming North/South Socials and Events If you are interested in setting up a social event for the north or south, contact your executive board representatives.
For the North contact: Andy Bass, North VP, NO EVENTS SCHEDULED For the South contact: Sarah Johnson, South VP NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
July 2015
Agency Job Announcements Here are some of the current openings within the state of Nevada. Incline Village - Communications Coordinator Full-Time Position - $65k - $78k per year Clark County - Recreation/Cultural Program Supervisor Full-Time Position - Starts at $48,734 per year More jobs will be posted on the website at www.NRPS.org/jobs
Aquatics Committee The NRPS Aquatic Committee is made up of aquatic professionals throughout the southern Nevada area. Members meet the 2nd Wednesday every other month to discuss aquatic trends, programming, staffing, operations and hot topics. In addition, the committee organizes several events throughout the year; Health & Safety Expo, Southern Nevada Lifeguard Games and a Recreational Swim Meet. Please visit our contact page on NRPS.org if you would like to contact our board members to receive additional information on any of our events, attending a meeting or becoming a member. Did you know‌ Scholarships are available for Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Training Instructor, Lifeguard Management, Lifeguard Training and CPR/AED classes? Contact 702-595-0010 for more information.
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July 2015
New Faces in Clark County! June 29, 2015 Elizabeth Bickmore was selected as the new Wetlands Park Senior Program Administrator. Liz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies/Biology and has extensive experience in natural resource management; educational programming and interpretation. She currently works as an Environmental Specialist with Clark County’s Comprehensive Planning Department where she has managed environmental resource and technical contracts with federal and state agencies, nonprofits, and private contractors in compliance with the Clark County Multiple Species Conservation Plan. Previously Liz worked with the Southern Nevada Water Authority for eight (8) years; helping to develop the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee, Study Teams and participating in the initiation of the restoration, maintenance and bioengineering programs on the Las Vegas Wash and Wetlands Park. Liz will be a great resource and advocate for the Clark County Wetlands Park and Nature Center
June 26, 2015 Missy Klippert has accepted the position of Recreation Specialist for Mt. Crest/Camps. Missy has worked part time for our department since 2007 at Mt. Crest within the department’s resident camp program, ropes course and adventure recreation. She has assisted in the development of a variety of programs within these areas over the years, including summer camps, themed adventure programming, workshops, and has facilitated high ropes activities. She demonstrates enthusiasm for this profession and we are excited to have her on board as a full time employee. June 9, 2015 Wendell Kelley was promoted to the position of Recreation Program Supervisor for Safekey. Wendell joined our department in 2006 working as a Recreation Specialist in the Safekey program. During that time, he assisted in developing and implementing many of the policies, guidelines and practices that are still being used in the program. In July 2010, he transferred to Hollywood Recreation Center where he was responsible for the oversight and development of several programming areas including the State licensed Early Childhood enrichment program. In addition to his experience in our department, Wendell was a Teacher in the Cleveland Municipal School District and the Clark County School District. Wendell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education.
July 2015
Getting Acquainted with Ely, NV!
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By: Dan McLean
The White Pine County Aquatic Center In mid-July, 2014, White Pine County opened a brand new aquatic center in Ely, Nevada. Located just off highway 6 on the west side of town and adjacent to the Ely High School. The aquatic center provides Ely with its first public indoor aquatic complex. The center includes a 6 lane 25 yard/meter pool and a second shallow pool providing recreational and fitness opportunities for members of the community. The center brings a year-round aquatic opportunities and supplements the existing outdoor natural warm spring complex in McGill. Megan Brown, Director of the Aquatic Programs and was hired while the center was under construction and was able to participate in final touches and build community support for the aquatics program. She, and Assistant Director, John Padilla, have developed a range of aquatic programs, swim team, and open swims for the community. It is not often that you can bring new and exciting opportunities of a new program area into a community. White Pine County residents have responded with strong support for the aquatic centers programs and open swim. The center is a buzz of activity most days. The challenge and excitement of a new facility is the occasion to build community engagement and involvement and simultaneously provide programs for a broad range of community members. Programs include open swim (the mainstay of many aquatic programs), learn-to-swim lessons, swim team, senior aquacize, and more. The pool side climbing walls (2 of them) are a popular attraction for youth of all ages, as well as adults. The aquatic center is open Monday through Saturday from 6 am to 9 pm. Sunday open swim is from 2 to 5 pm. White Pine County Aquatic Center and Megan and John in particular are a welcome addition to the Nevada Park and Recreation Society and to the broader community of park and recreation professionals. We wish them well in bringing exciting and continuing aquatic programming to White Pine County.
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July 2015
NRPA Conference Update The Nevada Parks and Recreation Society is the local host for the 2015 National Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference. The conference is scheduled for September 15 through the 17. The conference will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel. This will be the 50th anniversary of the NRPA Conferences going back with the Association was founded. The Local Host Committee host several functions during the conference including a gold tournament, fun run and several local off site institutes showcasing many of the local parks and recreation attractions such as the Wetlands Park, Springs preserve, Craig Ranch, Clark County Shooting Range and Heritage Park. A Leisure Park is also provided on site at the conference. In order for the Conference to be successful, it will require several volunteers to help the various functions or just to provide general assistance to thousands of parks and recreation professional who are at the conference as delegates. We would love to have you as a volunteer to help us make sure this event a success. In exchange for volunteering, passes to the Exhibit Hall may be available showcasing thousands of parks and recreation products. If you are interested in volunteering as part of the NRPA Local Host Committee, please contact Danielle Norris at Danielle.Norris @cityofhenderson.com.
City of Reno in the News!!! Reno ranked in the top 10 of 100 metro areas for overall best places for recreation by WalletHub. WalletHub, a financial advice website, regularly compiles data from various government and research groups and ranks cities as a way to promote its site. The site created a ranking list for the "2015's Best & Worst Cities for Recreation" as part of National Park and Recreation Month. However, the term "parks and recreation" includes more than just park facilities. The study also considers concerts, food festivals and even museums and other happenings that contribute to the overall well-being of the city, according to WalletHub. The study compares 100 of the largest U.S. cities across 27 key metrics including basic costs, entertainment, climate and quality of parks. Overall, Reno ranked No. 9 out 100, with St. Louis ahead and Denver trailing behind. The ranking isn't too surprising, as Reno is known for its outdoor and recreational activities. It also ranked No. 10 for recreational costs, but 27 for entertainment and recreational facilities and climate.
July 2015
NRPS Committee Structure 2015 - 2016 Annual Conference Committee ✦ Adam Blackmore, President-Elect & Chair ✦ positions to be filled later Archive (Historical) Committee ✦ Kathy Burkhardt (Chair/Secretary) ✦ Sarah Johnson (resource) Audit Committee ✦ Nate Jaramillo - Chair ✦ Current Members at Large Awards Committee ✦ Mickey Sprott, Co-Chair (South) ✦ Jennifer Budge, Co-Chair (North) ✦ Sarah Johnson (VP Liaison) Aquatics Committees ✦ Kristy Bekiares/Mike Freeman (Chair North) ✦ Mickey Sprott (Chair - South) ✦ Detailed list to be forthcoming Communications Committee ✦ Danny Gleich, Co-Chair (North), newsletter ✦ Dave Castle, Co-Chair (South), web, email ✦ Kristy Bekiares, web (email), Katie Fese (social media), Nate Jaramillio (web) ✦ Andy Bass (VP Liaison) Constitution & Bylaws Committee ✦ Jayne Mazurkiewicz, Co-Chair (South) ✦ Darrin Price, Co-Chair (North) ✦ Sarah Johnson (VP Liaison)
Education Committee ✦ Andy Bass (Chair, North) ✦ Sarah Johnson (Chair, South) ✦ Shawna Nelson, Lisa Ortega, Mike Freeman Finance Committee ✦ Kristy Bekiares (Chair) ✦ Nate Jaramillo, Adam Blackmore, Dan McLean Leadership Institute - Stand alone committee ✦ Dirk Richwine (Chair) ✦ Tracy Domingues, Jayne Mazurkiewicz ✦ Shari Ferguson, Julee Conway, Roger Moellendorf ✦ Dan McLean (Board Liaison) Membership Committee ✦ Token Barnthouse, Co-Chair (North) ✦ Michelle Shaffer, Co-Chair (South) ✦ Darrin Price, Shawna Nelson, Katie Fese ✦ Sarah Johnson (VP Liaison) Professional Certification Committee ✦ Felicia Rivera-Baker, Co-Chair ✦ Shelly Gulotta, Co-Chair ✦ Andy Bass (VP-North) ✦ Sarah Johnson (VP-Liaison) Ways & Means Committee ✦ Shelly Gulotta (Co-Chair) ✦ Felicia Rivera-Baker (CoChair) ✦ Misty Bray, Kristy Bekiares, Nate Jaramillo, Dave Castle ✦ Andy Bass (VP Liaison)
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July 2015
Join the Leadership Institute!!! Leadership Institute is the Nevada Recreation & Park Society’s new annual leadership development program for early to mid-career professionals. Leadership development is critical to public and park and recreation employees. It provides participants and agencies with skill sets, competencies, and a growing expertise that enhances their success on the job and helps build individual and organizational futures! The 1-year program will enhance individual organizational leadership skills, specifically addressing leadership styles, philosophies, and competencies. In addition, the program explores and introduces participants to emerging approaches of integrating leadership development to personal growth concentrating on participatory and collaborative leadership. The intent is to prepare leaders for today with essential skills and for a future that will increasingly see managers take on challenges that require strategic thinking, collaboration, systems thinking, leading change, and becoming comfortable with ambiguity.
Training Opportunities Southern Nevada
NO UPCOMING TRAININGS LISTED
Northern Nevada
NO UPCOMING TRAININGS LISTED
July 2015
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NRPS Membership The Nevada Recreation and Parks Society (NRPS) is a non-profit, professional organization, founded in 1958. Its main purpose is to promote the growth and development of Nevada recreation and parks. NPRS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). NPRS has several levels of membership to meet the needs of all parks and recreation professionals, students, retirees, agencies, and affiliates. PROFESSIONAL This category includes persons who are or have been employed full time in an executive, leadership or supportive staff capacity within a public or private agency or department of recreation or parks or educational institution. ($30) RETIRED PROFESSIONAL This category includes any persons over 45 years of age, who has been a Professional Member of NRPS, NRPA, or an NRPA Affiliate for a minimum of ten (10) years and has officially retired from a qualified professional position. ($15) ASSOCIATE This category includes persons who are employed part time or volunteers within the recreation and parks field, and who subscribe and agree to the aims and objectives of this society. ($15) STUDENT This category includes persons who are enrolled full time in high school, colleges or universities with an interest in parks and recreation or an allied field. ($10) AGENCY This category includes the Agency Director and members of the policy or advisory board or commission. Dues are based on full time employee (FTE) equivalent. ($250 – 20 FTE’s or more; $150 – under 20 FTE’s) ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION AND AFFILIATE This category includes national, state, and local organizations, hospitals, colleges, universities, clubs, and local, state or regional societies and organizations. ($50) COMMERCIAL This category includes all vendors, commercial and for-profit organizations who subscribe and agree to the aims and objectives of this society. ($50) HONORARY May be bestowed upon those persons approved by this society’s Executive Board.
Future Newsletter Announcements Please send submissions for the NRPS monthly newsletter to Danny Gleich DGleich@churchillcounty.org We want to hear from you! Pictures, Articles, Announcements …..
Nevada Recreation and Park Society (NRPS) Nevada Recreation and Park Society PO Box 97264
Check out our new website!!!
Las Vegas, Nevada 89054
WWW.NRPS.ORG
Contact the President: E-mail: nrps@live.com
Creating Communities Through People, Parks and Programs!
NRPS Executive Board President -Daniel McLean, Ph.D
Member At Large North
Blackmore
Danny Gleich, MS, CPRP Darrin Price, BA, CPO Mike Freeman, BS, CPO Shauna Nelson Token Barnthouse, MS
Bass, MBA
Member At Large South
Past President - Nate Jaramillo
President Elect - Adam Vice President North - Andy Vice President South - Sarah Johnson
Secretary - Kathy Burkhardt Treasurer - Kristy Bekiares,
Katie Fese Lisa Ortega Michelle Shaffer Mickey Sprott
MBA, CPRP, CPO
PSWC - Dundee Jones