CPRA Colorado Byline - Spring 2022

O F F I C I A L

P U B L I C AT I O N

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C O L O R A D O

PA R K S

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R E C R E AT I O N

A S S O C I AT I O N

cpra-web.org | Spring 2022

Regenerate Wheat Ridge Marks 1-Year Anniversary

ALSO INSIDE: • NOT YOUR AVERAGE CLIMB • REDISCOVER THE JOY OF EATING • GOCO CELEBRATES 30 YEARS • BRINGING PUBLICATIONS TO LIFE

2022 CPRA PARKS WORKSHOP & TRADE SHOW IN REVIEW

STAY COOL, COLORADO This year, GOCO celebrates 30 years in partnership with Colorado’s park and recreation community. We’re so glad to know you and so grateful for all you do for your communities.

Del Norte Riverfront in the San Luis Valley.

Photo by Sinjin Eberle.

FIND INFO ABOUT GOCO FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AT GOCO.ORG/PROGRAMS.

Here’s a peek at the upcoming grant cycle schedule:

Concepts accepted up to: Applications invited: Application due dates: Grants awarded:

FIRST CYCLE

SECOND CYCLE

THIRD CYCLE

August 4, 2022 August 17, 2022 September 15, 2022 December 2022

November 3, 2022 November 18, 2022 January 5, 2023 March 2023

February 2, 2023 February 15, 2023 March 20, 2023 June 2023

WORKMAN UTX A straightforward, no-nonsense, 4-wheel drive utility vehicle built to stand up to the toughest tests without compromising performance.

Commercial-grade components Highest payload in its class Proprietary speed control system

4700 HOLLY ST. | DENVER, CO 80216 | (303) 320-1270 | LLJOHNSON.COM

CONTENTS 4 Member Spotlight: Brent Delehoy

COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION PO BOX 1037 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034 [P] 303-231-0943 [F] 303-237-9750 cpra@cpra-web.org www.cpra-web.org

By John Wesolowski

4 Industry Spotlight: L.L. Johnson 5

Agency Briefs

6-9 2022 Parks Workshop & Tradeshow 10-11 GOCO Celebrates 30 Years

By Diane Metzger

Allison Kincaid Executive Director allisonk@cpra-web.org

12-13 Regenerate Wheat Ridge

Marks 1-Year Anniversary

By Brandon Altenburg

Ashley Perillo Professional Development Program Manager ashleyp@cpra-web.org

5

22-23 A Walk in the Park in “ Colorado Springs

By Mark Snow

16-17 Rediscover the Joy of Eating

Jillian Strogis Membership & Communications Coordinator jillians@cpra-web.org

By Courtney Fay

18-19

Bring Publications to Life

20-35

Industry Trends

21 Easy Going Green

By Heidi Mallon

22

22-23 Playground & Park Trends

By GameTime 24-25 Green Roofs

By Ground Solutions 26-27 LED Retrofit

By Brandon Rosas, Musco Lighting 28-35 Industry Trends Guide

By CPRA Industry Partner Members

Rachel Hungerbuhler Professional Development Program Coordinator rachelh@cpra-web.org

Colorado Byline is the official member magazine of CPRA, Colorado Parks & Recreation Association. CPRA is a dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.

2021-22 CPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

On the cover: Regenerate Wheat Ridge

PRESIDENT Hillary Roemersberger Apex Park & Recreation District hillaryr@apexprd.org PRESIDENT-ELECT Clay Shuck City and County of Broomfield cshuck@broomfield.org

UPCOMING BYLINE DEADLINES Summer 2022 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: June 30, 2022 | Mails: August 2022 Fall 2022 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: September 9, 2022 | Mails: October 2022 Winer 2023 Issue Content/Ad Deadline: January 15, 2023 | Mails: February 2023

Learn more about advertising at www.bit.ly/CPRA2022.

ADVERTISER INDEX

Bobcat of the Rockies – bobcatoftherockies.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC Broyhill – broyhill.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 CEM Sales & Service – cemsales.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Churchich Recreation – churchichrecreation.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

SECRETARY/TREASURER Sean VonRoenn ERBM Recreation and Park District seanv@ERBMrec.com AT-LARGE Chad Redin City of Commerce City credin@c3gov.com

2021-22 CPRA ADVISORY COUNCIL AAPS Amy Hodge Eaton Parks & Recreation District amyhodge@eaprd.com AQUATICS Bryan Gentilini Town of Parker bgentilini@parkeronline.org CARA Nicole Reeves Widefield Parks & Recreation District reevesn@wsd3.org DIRECTORS Janna Hansen Town of Crested Butte jhansen@crestedbutte-co.gov FACILITY MANAGEMENT Shaun Jones South Suburban Parks & Recreation District sjones@ssprd.org FITNESS Michelle Stout Apex Parks & Recreation District michelles@apexprd.org PARKS Ryan Jensen City and County of Broomfield rjensen@broomfield.org PLAaY Kelly Rathbun City of Loveland kelly.rathbun@cityofloveland.org TRSC Kristina Cripe Developmental Disabilities Resource Center kristina.cripe@ddrcco.com

BYLINE, ONLINE & EMAIL ADVERTISING: Todd Pernsteiner, Publisher Pernsteiner Creative Group 952-841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com www.pernsteiner.comw

AT-LARGE Mark Snow, CPRE, CTRS City of Colorado Springs mark.snow@coloradosprings.gov AT-LARGE Kit Newland City of Lakewood kitnew@lakewood.org AT-LARGE Susie Anderson Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation sanderson@ci.wheatridge.co.us

GO DIGITAL View this issue online at cpra-web.org/page/byline.

Keep up on all things CPRA via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Delta Timber – deltatimber.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Essenza Architecture – architectcolorado.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Ground Solutions / Bedrock Slingers – groundsolutionsco.com. . . . . . . . 25 GOCO – gogo.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Gyms for Dogs – GymsForDogs.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 Ireland Stapleton – irelandstapleton.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Issuu – issuu.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Izone Imaging – izoneimaging.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 L.L. Johnson - LLJohnson.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Sport & Fitness / Core Health & Fitness - sportandfitnessinc.com. . . . . . . 31

Colorado Byline is the quarterly publication of Colorado Parks & Recreation Association (CPRA) and is provided as a benefit to members. Submit your article to www. cpra-web.org/page/bylinearticlesub under publication resources. Submissions are edited and published as space allows. Letters to the editor, suggestions, comments and encouragement are welcome. Expressed opinions and statements in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinions of the CPRA board of directors or its membership.

Mission: Promote the parks and recreation profession and its growth throughout the State of Colorado.

Vision: A dynamic, proactive organization that creates healthy residents and livable communities by promoting excellence in parks and recreation.

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 3

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Brent Delehoy

By John Wesolowski, City of Aurora

Brent Delehoy is an excellent example of adaptability and service. Brent has the knack of seeing a need and finding solutions. Brent Delehoy started with the City of Aurora in 2012 as a Parks worker. He was promoted to Parks supervisor in 2013. By 2015 he had transferred to the Recreation Division to take on more challenges. In May 2020, during the early stages of the pandemic Brent was there to fill another need and transferred back to Parks Operations and Management as a Parks Superintendent. Brent made the move to Parks Operations during these turbulent times to best serve our city.

Brent has always had the ability to be adaptable to a situation and make the most of it. This has been shown in the efforts he has put forth as the Parks Section Chair. Brent has over the past few years been able to help the Parks Section, by being active in the section leadership and assisting with the coordination of the Parks Spring workshop.

The best attribute that Brent brings to any situation is his ability to see where there is a need and help.

He puts in the work to ask questions and identify the issues, evaluates the moves that need to be made and make those moves with incredible efficiency.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

L.L. Johnson LEONARD L. JOHNSON established the L.L. Johnson Distributing Company in Denver in 1976, shortly after purchasing the Barteldes Seed Company located on Lipan Street. Over the years, Barteldes’ focus had evolved from mainly feed and seed into Toro outdoor power equipment and turf and irrigation supplies, covering the Colorado and southern Wyoming areas.

In 1980, Len moved the company into its current facility at 4700 Holly Street, our primary location that is home to each of our industry-specific divisions: Turf, Grounds & Sports Field Maintenance, Professional and Consumer Landscape Equipment, Golf Irrigation, Residential and Commercial Irrigation, Soil Conditioning, Fertilizers, and Parts and Equipment Repair.

After growing within the Colorado market, Len expanded the business by purchasing Midwest Turf and Irrigation of Omaha, Nebraska, in 1981. The regions of Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, portions

of Missouri and western Iowa were added to our service area.

As the Colorado market has expanded over the years, we have grown to meet the demands of our customers by adding three satellite irrigation service centers in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

In 2005, Len’s son James bought the family business, and under his stewardship, L.L. Johnson continues to maintain the excellent business model set by his father, investing in people and processes that deliver. Jim purchased the neighboring property at 4701 Ivy Street to construct a new warehouse facility, which services our Grounds Power Equipment, Golf and Irrigation customers.

About 87% of Aurora’s As a complete green industry distributor, our product lines population of have also expanded into additional allied and 388,000 livescatering within complementary products, to every aspect of turf care and 10 minutes of a maintenance. The professionalism

and dedication of our sales personnel, customer service representatives and technicians give added value to the brands and services we provide.

Our long-standing customer and vendor relationships can be attributed to these individuals and the solid business practices we believe in.

public park and the median price for a As a complete green industry distributor, our product lines have also home is $428K. Meanwhile, Aurora boasts 8,000 acres of expanded into additional allied and complementary products, catering to open space, 91 miles of trails, 113 parks, and 3 reservoirs. every aspect of turf care and maintenance.

4 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

KEEPING UP - AGENCY BRIEFS

Not Your Average Climb

By Michael Harwerth, Recreation Supervisor - Facilities and Jaime Vollertsen, Marketing Supervisor, Town of Parker

With rock climbing-specific gyms popping up in the area, the Parker Fieldhouse staff has had to brainstorm many different ideas on how to compete with local gyms. Traci Griffin and her team are always looking for unique opportunities when it comes to utilizing the space at the facility. They have to think outside the box, which has led them to their most recent endeavor; the Parker Fieldhouse hosted multiple trainings with the South Metro Fire and Technical Training Team.

gear across a horizontal area and then lower them or the gear to the ground. As you can tell from the pictures, it was quite the site to see.

At times, the “injured person” was moving around the facility at heights of 20 to 25 feet.

Not only did this opportunity give South Metro Fire a chance to sharpen their skills, but it gave guests of the facility a chance to see them in action. Traci and her staff also had the chance to learn some advanced lifesaving skills, too.

The trainings focused on multiple life-saving techniques that involved the climbing wall.

One area they focused on was dynamic deflection, which is a way to move a person or

The Town of Parker’s Parks and Recreation Department is looking forward to what new and exciting opportunities Traci and her staff bring to the Parker Fieldhouse!

2021 CPRA AWARDS In the last issue of Byline, we featured 2021 CPRA award winners. By accident, we inadvertently omitted the Fitness Section winner, David Wimmer of Fort Collins.

We wanted to recognize him in this issue for this accomplishment.

Congratulations, David!

FITNESS SECTION: David Wimmer City of Fort Collins

Wheat Ridge Installs Vehicle Charging Stations In 2021, a dual-port, level II electric vehicle charging station was installed and activated in the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center parking lot. This installation, along with an identical station at the Municipal Building, was supported by funding from the Regional Air Quality Council’s “Charge Ahead Colorado” program and Xcel Energy’s “Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure” program.

“Charge Ahead Colorado” ‘s program aims to improve air quality, encourage deployment of EVs across the state, and support implementation of the Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan 2020.

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 5

It’s Show Time 2022 CPRA Parks Workshop & Tradeshow an Overwhelming Success

By Jillian Strogis, Membership & Communications Coordinator, CPRA

If you were fortunate enough to be in Greeley in the early morning of April 7th, you would have felt it too – the growing hum of anticipation as our unsung heroes of the pandemic finally gathered again at the event they’ve been awaiting with bated breath for the past three years.

With roughly 300 attendees and more than 20 exhibitors and vendors, the show was back in full force. The energy in the Island Grove Regional Park Event Center was electric with the buzz of overdue conversations, long-awaited reunions, and the potential for new partnerships. Attendees and vendors alike were ready and raring to be back together, in-person for the first CPRA Parks Workshop & Tradeshow since Spring of 2019.

Twenty-six dozen doughnuts, coffee, popcorn, BBQ, a full schedule of educational sessions, and an Exhibit Hall filled with all the equipment and 4+-wheeled toys you could possibly imagine painted the scene for the renewed inauguration of the Parks Section’s biggest event.

Continues on page 8…

6 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

Photos by Jillian Strogis

Parks Workshop & Tradeshow by the Numbers Approximately

300

Attendees

30+

Exhibitors

312 Donuts (26 dozen!)

6,400 lbs

Heaviest Piece of L.L. Johnson Equipment on Site at Tradeshow

(Outcross Tractor)

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 7

Despite the staffing shortages, excessive hours, and grueling work our Parks Professionals are still grappling with, they arrived with bells and boots on to their dedicated day of growth and connection.

As the Exhibit Hall bustle dispersed for the events of the day, classroom spaces were bursting at the seams. Sessions ranged from lessons on splashpad design and bike parks to innovative geotechnologies and creating climateresilient park spaces. CPRA’s Directors Section also showed up en masse to support their staff and convene with their peers.

The atmosphere that filled the venue was as if the entirety of

the industry had breathed a collective sigh of relief to finally be together again, promoting the excellence in Parks that our state exemplifies. But ever the dedicated and insatiable bunch, we know this is just the beginning of the next era of perseverance and accomplishment. The momentum set on this Thursday morning will carry us through to an even bigger and better event in 2023.

Thanks to the support of our sponsors and tireless efforts of our volunteers, this was a day to remember and a cherished opportunity to elevate and cultivate what Parks means to us and Colorado as a whole.

Thank You Parks Workshop Sponsors & Exhibitors!

Sponsors Platinum

Gold

Silver

(Rocky Mountain Recreation was also the donut sponsor)

Exhibitors •A

to Z Recreation

• All

American Sports Material

• Buffalo

Brand Seed

• Churchich • DBC

Recreation

Irrigation Supply

• Express

Mulching and Soil

• ForeverLawn • Granite

Seed

• Helena

Agri-Enterprises

• Musco

Sports Lighting

• Postestio

Brothers Equipment

• Precision

Concrete Cutting

• Renner

8 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

Central Colorado

Sports Surfaces

• Target

Speciality Products

• Vortex

Aquatic Structures International

2022 CPRA Parks Workshop & Tradeshow

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 9

1992-2022

GOCO celebrates 30 years of partnership with Colorado’s park and recreation community

By Diane Metzger, Communications Manager, GOCO

Since our creation by Colorado voters, GOCO has invested $1.4 billion in Colorado Lottery proceeds in our state’s great outdoors. Some of that funding has helped partners like you create and improve 1,777 parks and outdoor recreation areas across the state. We’re grateful that your work helps ensure that all Coloradans have access to the joy, health, and connection that comes from getting outside. You’re elevating community priorities, building exciting amenities to explore, and leading initiatives that break down barriers to outdoor access.

10 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

To celebrate this work, let’s take a closer look at just a few of our partners delivering recreational opportunities that Coloradans will enjoy for years to come.

Kayaking, biking, skating – GOCO-funded projects help Coloradans discover what’s out there.

Las Colonias Park Grand Junction, Colorado Over $640,000 in GOCO grants supported the City of Grand Junction

in developing Las Colonias Park located along the banks of the Colorado River.

The 130-acre park offers river and pond recreation, a playground, a native arboretum, an amphitheater, dog parks, and more. Amenities are designed to cater to all ages and ability levels and include everything from kayaking and paddle-boarding to picnicking and wading in the water. Park plans were developed through a significant community outreach effort involving more than 200 youth from the Riverside and Orchard communities and many local businesses and organizations. Ride on, Grand Junction.

Photo by Friends of Salida Skateparks

Salida Skate Park, Salida

Crown Mountain Bike Park El Jebel, Colorado Now that’s some air! A $168,000 GOCO grant helped Eagle County’s Crown Mountain Bike Park and Recreation District expand its BMX track into a

full 3.75-acre bike park complete with features for people of all ages and ability levels. As the largest park in the Roaring Fork Valley, Crown Mountain Park attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually, providing open space for a wide range of activities and programming. In

Salida Skate Park Salida, Colorado

Photo by Jared McDermott

Photo by Visit Grand Junction

addition to track access, the park also provides free equipment to youth and families through a bike library. The plan for Crown Mountain was the result of public meetings, stakeholder surveys, interviews, and a needs assessment.

A $350,000 GOCO grant helped the City of Salida support a community-led effort by the Friends of Salida Skateparks to construct an impressive 16,000-squarefoot skate park in downtown’s Centennial Park. The finished park includes street and transition features, lighting, shade, a bathroom, and an art wall displaying art murals contributed by local and regional artists and school groups.

The park also incorporates distinct town characteristics like river rocks and boulders. About 60% of the town’s population (or 3,235 people) live within two miles of the park.

Crown Mountain Bike Park, El Jebel

We thank all of our partners and the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association for your steadfast commitment to Colorado communities and outdoor access. Here’s to 30 years more!

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 11

Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation and the Jefferson Conservation District’s

Regenerate Wheat Ridge Program Marks 1-Year Anniversary

By Brandon Altenburg, Grant and Special Project Administrator, City of Wheat Ridge

Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation (WRPR) and the Jefferson Conservation District (JCD) created the “Regenerate Wheat Ridge” program in spring 2021 with generous funding support from the National Association of Conservation District’s (NACD) Urban Agriculture Conservation grant program.

Over the past year, the team has put on community Arbor Day and Harvest Festival events, hosted 7 free educational workshops at the city-run Happiness Community Gardens, convened local landowners, food producers, and industry experts to discuss the potential of increasing food production opportunities locally, and created a technical assistance guide detailing the efforts as a roadmap for other communities looking to undertake similar goals.

The 2021 Arbor Day event partnered with a local elementary school, and the 2022 version will partner with a

Workshop participants 12 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

different elementary school and include a volunteer tree planting event along 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge’s Main Street, with the support of tree donations from the Colorado Tree Coalition. The Harvest Festival was a standalone event in 2021 with educational booths, pumpkin painting, live music, food trucks, and more. The 2022 Harvest Festival will be part of a National Public Lands Day event hosted by Wheat Ridge and Jefferson County Open Space.

Free educational workshops consistently saw 25-30 attendees and focused on different regenerative agriculture topics such as soil health, pollinators, utilizing goats, sustainable ecosystems, planning gardens, and a “Kiss the Ground” screening and discussion. These were a big hit with attendees and resulted in pre-registration requirements for 2022 to keep the workshop size manageable.

Wheat Ridge resident Karen Berry, an

active participant in the program, said “Regenerate Wheat Ridge is a unique project that connects people with the soil and the source of their food as well as with each other.”

The goal of the landowner-producer partnership component of this program is to increase regenerative urban agricultural production in Wheat Ridge by identifying eligible parcels of land and providing technical assistance to the resulting partnerships. The technical guide will serve as one resource for partnership participants, the Jefferson Conservation District has significant resources and experience with supporting landowners with

Workshop educational session

Bee-Keeping workshop

Harvest Festival 2021

conservation efforts, and the program has seed funding available to assist with the transition of existing land into food producing areas.

“The Regenerate Wheat Ridge program has been a great way to connect longtime local gardeners and growers with new families interested in their local parks and positive steps they can take in their own backyards,” said Wheat Ridge City Councilmember and Five Fridges Farm owner Amanda Weaver.

2022 programming will again feature Arbor Day and Harvest Festival events, 8 free educational workshops, and continued facilitation of partnerships between landowners and food producers. There is also the possibility of supporting a community garden visioning event, which will invite residents to discuss what they would like to see in Wheat Ridge community gardens and potentially lead to the creation of a second community garden site in Wheat Ridge. The team is excited for another great season!

“Why Goats?” Workshop

“Growing Community” landowner-producer partnership meeting Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 13

A Walk in the Park in Colorado Springs

By Mark Snow, Therapeutic Recreation Program and Gillian Rossi, Park Ranger Supervisor, City of Colorado Springs

We humans are social creatures. We need to connect with other people on a regular basis. When a worldwide pandemic moved people not only indoors, but away from others, our mental (and physical) selves suffered. We as recreation professionals were forced to think outside the box. How would we embrace this new trend and run with it?

As many new and returning users took to our parks and open spaces, it was clear a renewed national trend was emerging.

14 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

Being outside with others in the fresh air and non-confined spaces of parks and open spaces was not only safer, but it also fed our human desire to connect with others.

The Therapeutic Recreation Program provides year-round recreation and leisure opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Programs vary but many occur indoors, where floor space, temperature, sound, and weather can be controlled. As the pandemic pressed

on, we had to get creative. We offered many programs virtually (which were successful), but we were not able to replace the value of in-person programs.

We started to ask ourselves: how do we safely connect our participants? The answer was simple: get outside.

For participants with disabilities, ‘get outside’ is not necessarily that simple.

There are considerations for supervision, transportation, and physical abilities. We at the TRP can provide that support, we

just needed a program outside. That’s how A Walk In the Park was born: a safe, supportive outdoor activity with elements of socialization and physical activity. We would offer it at less-frequented parks and open spaces in the City.

We developed this hiking program, but how else could we add value? That is when we reached out to the City’s Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOPS) staff. Our partnership was organic and logical: the TRP provided the opportunity for people with disabilities, TOPS park rangers provided the education about our parks. Park rangers met our Walk in the Park group on Monday afternoons over the summer at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Blue Stem Prairie, Stratton Open Space and Garden of the Gods. Our participants (and many parents) were

refhoywncguaif thesirwn a oup nyC

not only able to get out and exercise, socialize, and visit a new park/open, but they also learned about each park or open space: its history, trail systems, parking, bathrooms, and so on. A Walk in the Park went from the simple concept of ‘get outside’ to having goals of physical activity, socialization, leisure education and leisure independence.

The benefit extended to the TOPS park rangers as well. They were exposed to working with a typically underserved population. They expanded their abilities to provide robust and dynamic services to the public, regardless of the public’s ability level. TOPS park rangers gained a greater understanding of interacting with people with disabilities in their parks and open spaces. This knowledge will allow them to provide top notch service to a

broader community. And this mutually beneficial partnership started with a simple notion: get outside.

What clever partnership have you not thought of yet? Can you partner with the staff in your agency who offer programs for people with disabilities? What is it that you do that could benefit your agency’s after school participants? How can you bring together Active Adults and your Park Maintenance staff so that everyone benefits? No partnership is perfect or permanent; consider a test run!

When you start thinking outside the box, you will realize that uncommon partnerships and collaborations are a phone call or email away and as easy as a Walk in the Park.

?teofyhug n v hsaiprnte rpevltc ahW ?sietbalhd wopersfmago p Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 15

Helping Residents Rediscover the Joy of Eating Castle Rock Makes Nutrition Part of Their Fitness Programming

By Courtney Fay, Fitness/Wellness Supervisor, Town of Castle Rock

As Parks and Recreation employees, we are experts in the many ways our various programs, services and opportunities enhance the wellbeing of the communities in which we serve. I’d be willing to bet that, if you are reading this, that is the main reason you work in this field. We have a unique opportunity and responsibility when we work in Parks and Recreation. The result of our (often thankless) efforts, is a community with ample opportunities to improve their health, learn a new skill and spend quality time with their families.

The Department hired an intuitive eating nutrition coach and the task of developing an entirely new program began.

In assessing these opportunities here in Castle Rock, specifically within the Fitness and Wellness Division, I noticed a deficit. While we have a full and diverse group fitness schedule, plenty of opportunities for enjoying outdoor fitness whether through our trail systems or an instructor-led class, plenty of fee-based programming for folks with a more specific focus in mind, we didn’t have a program in place that emphasized nutrition. Nutrition is often an afterthought when it comes to programming, but we do the community a disservice by throwing it to the wayside. As with fitness, there are seemingly endless fads with misleading and often detrimental misinformation readily available. The Division sees the importance of being a source of accurate information in the realm of nutrition.

Castle Rock’s Nutritional Coaching Session Fee Schedule

16 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

The nutrition program in Castle Rock has three primary goals.

1. To provide accurate information, guidance and support in nutrition while maintaining affordability 2. To meet clients where they are and provide individualized sessions 3. To further enhance overall health of the community by offering programming in a facet of wellness not previously addressed Intuitive eating coaching takes a different approach to nutrition. There are no restrictions or calorie-counting.

Instead, the focus is on developing a healthy relationship with food, being accepting of your body and learning to listen to it and properly fueling your body

Number of Sessions

Resident Rate

and mind to support an active lifestyle.

Our nutrition coach, Malea, is passionate about this approach and I think it sets this program apart. Sessions of nutrition coaching are run similar to our personal training program in that, individuals may purchase a single session, or choose from package options. Our fee structure for nutritional coaching is listed below.

Sessions are available either in-person or virtually to accommodate people’s busy schedules. We really want to remove as many barriers as possible to people benefitting from nutritional coaching.

The program, which kicked off only in January, is already generating a lot of traction and interest. Nutrition seminars and specific programs, such as healthy habits for kids, fun and colorful snacking for kids, fact vs fiction: dissecting diet culture and others will be added to our schedule this summer!

With one-on-one 45 minute sessions, rediscover the joy of eating and learn to trust your body. With a focus on intuitive eating and gentle nutrition coaching, we will take a non-punitive approach to reaching your goals. No diets, no restrictions, no judgement; only love for yourself and food. Together, we’ll break down and combat diet culture, learn to reframe your thoughts to develop a healthy relationship with your body and food, and discover flexible mean planning to fuel your mind, body and spirit.

Non-Resident Rate

Price per session

1

$45

$50

$45/$50

3

$132

$145

$44/ $48.30

6

$260

$280

$43.30/ $46.60

10

$400

$425

$40/ $42.50

etlnidga vutnsochafiW e v t i u n p - o w h , a c l gk t i r u n .aslourghcinyetaop Meet Castle Rock’s Nutrition Expert, Malea Malea received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition from MSU Denver where she specialized her studies in Advanced Human Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, Community Nutrition, Human Development and Nutrition Counseling. She is a published author in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her experience includes seven years of pediatric and family nutrition work at Children’s Hospital Colorado as a Dietitian Assistant and two years working with elderly populations at a long term care center as a Dietitian Assistant. Malea’s approach to nutrition utilizes a combination of science-backed, intuitive eating principles and gentle nutrition coaching to empower others to find the joy in food and unlearn harmful diet culture mindsets.

Congratulations to Michelle B. Ferguson & Emily J. Powell Who have received the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association’s 2021 President’s Award.

LEGAL ADVICE WITH PERSPECTIVE 303-623-2700 | irelandstapleton.com

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 17

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With Issuu, you can transform your parks and recreation marketing strategy through the unique ability to bring your content and social media efforts to life.

Issuu is an easy-to-use platform allows you to publish and track numerous types of single and multi-page documents: • programming catalogs/guides • sports tournament programs and team packets • sponsorship proposals • community and senior center newsletters • annual reports • new park and facility construction documents / master plans • event registration packets and permits

QUICKLY Promote YOUR content with Issuu You don’t have to be a computer programmer to use Issuu. Issuu hosts a number of valuable, user-friendly features that can help you conveniently and effectively distribute content: • Issuu offers a full screen sharing

experience, allowing for optimal engagement and a distraction-free environment. In turn, full screen sharing enables your catalog to take on a more captivating and stimulating form for readers, helping your marketing success.

• Issuu’s “embed links and video

feature” gives you the opportunity to include important information directly in your catalog. Embedding brochures, branding, and/or external websites (i.e, your city’s parks and recreation home page or a link to an activity sign-up page) can be a useful way to cultivate a broader audience as well as generate interest in your park and recreation department’s offerings.

©Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation

You can also use Issuu’s “embed on website” feature which allows you to keep your own website as the primary distribution outlet. By embedding your Issuu content onto your website, you can take advantage of your already existing website traffic to increase the number of community members that read your latest program as well as preserve the same layout/format that your readers are accustomed to.

• Unlike traditional printed forms, Issuu’s

digital statistics features allow you to track real-time data and properly evaluate the overall effectiveness of your marketing strategy. Issuu offers beneficial insight into your parks and recreation catalog’s audience as well as provides you access to graphs and other visuals as a means of determining trends 18 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

Users can view publication statistics within Issuu.

in impressions, reads, read-time, clicks and more. This is a great way to decide whether adjustments in content need to be made in order to increase relevance and take into consideration your audience’s preferences.

Optimize your Department’s social media presence In addition to catalogs, Issuu’s visual stories feature can help you to stimulate traffic to park and recreation social media channels and further increase engagement. With Issuu, you can create visually appealing, motion-graphic stories for Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. Notably, our software allows you to drag and drop images from your catalog to create on-brand social content.

Professional stories are more important than ever and can be a great way to get your parks and recreation content noticed by both those in and out of your jurisdiction. After you’re finished creating your visual story with Issuu, simply download and share to your preferred social media platform.

Along with visual stories, consider utilizing our article stories generator.

Our system automatically generates individual pieces of content from your collective catalog, which can then be shared on social media platforms.

Alternatively, you can also create your

18 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

SPONSORED CONTENT

“It’s easy to use, they have analytics for tracking success, it’s more affordable than some other similar platforms, and the capabilities of repurposing and creating content is really cool.”

- DANIELLE MOORE, MARKETING SPECIALIST, WHEAT RIDGE PARKS & RECREATION

own article stories by selecting certain pieces and images from the catalog to be grouped together. In combination with visual stories, article stories are an effective way to share relevant content on a continuous basis and gain traction in your marketing efforts.

Agencies love Issuu’s tracking features Many parks and recreation agencies already use Issuu’s robust services to distribute their catalogs and brochures.

Agencies utilize a number of Issuu’s features to maximize outreach.

Boise Parks and Recreation uses Issuu’s “embed links” feature to link their social channels directly into their activity guide, providing a straightforward way for readers to find and follow their social media pages. The department also links sign-up pages directly in the guide, creating a seamless transition from simply reading to actually registering for an activity.

Evanston Parks and Recreation embeds their Issuu guide directly onto their agency website, allowing readers to easily maneuver between reading the content and signing up for events.

issuu in colorado Colorado communities that are using Issuu for their digital publishing needs include: • Aurora

• Erie

• Golden • Loveland • Wheat Ridge

• Lakewood • Westminster

Not only has Issuu started to cultivate a large parks and recreation department user community, the company has worked with agencies to gain valuable feedback on their usage. Parks and Recreation agency representatives from around the country have shared their experiences in using the platform.

When speaking on Issuu’s benefits, Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation’s marketing specialist, Danielle Moore, said “It’s easy to use, they have analytics for tracking success, it’s more affordable than some other similar platforms, and the capabilities of repurposing and creating content is really cool.”

Thomas Romano from the Lexington (MA) Parks and Recreation department described his favorite Issuu feature this

way: “I like to look [at the analytics page] to see how many people read it, for how long they did…. I use that information to build future brochures and figure out how many people read it compared to how many registrations we had.”

Issuu is continually working to address the needs of parks and recreation users by learning which features of the platform are most helpful. By doing so, the company is able to customize the platform based on those recommendations, expand functions, and provide special services for this sector.

Issuu strives to be a tremendous asset for your marketing and enrollment efforts. Through their wide variety of services and unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction, Issuu wants to be your go-to resource for distribution of parks and recreation content.

See what other agencies have done!

Scan the QR code or visit issuu.com to see a variety of park and recreation examples, as well as a blog with publishing resources.

Scan for park and recreation examples!

A simple, effective solution for sharing your digital content Join thousands of other park and recreation agencies to transform your PDFs into SEO-friendly, embeddable flipbooks, social stories, email graphics and more. From one to many - create once, share everywhere – and track readership!

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Colorado ColoradoByline Byline| |Spring Spring2022 2022• •19 19

Colorado Parks & Recreation

Industry Trends ATHLETICS FACILITIES FITNESS PARKS PLAYGROUNDS PROGRAMMING TECHNOLOGY TREND CATEGORIES ATHLETICS

FACILITIES

FITNESS

PLAYGROUNDS

PROGRAMMING

TECHNOLOGY

20 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

PARKS

TECHNOLOGY

Easy Going Green

By Heidi Mallon, Marketing Supervisor, Boulder Parks & Recreation

There is good news on the horizon for Kermit the Frog and anyone sharing the sentiment that it’s not easy being green.

Not only is it becoming easier, but using sustainable, climate-friendly technology helps the bottom line as well. The City of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Department (BPR) is charging ahead with innovative electric vehicle technology to support greener operations.

Last year BPR and the city’s Climate Initiatives Department partnered with Fermata Energy to jump start a pilot program using new electric vehicle charging technology. A charging station was set up at the North Boulder Recreation Center (NBRC) and one of the city’s fleet vehicles, a Nissan Leaf, was used for the pilot project.

This charging station/electric vehicle project is unique because there is bidirectional flow of electricity between the rec center and the charging station/ vehicle. The charging station connects to NBRC and charges the car’s battery during when the rec center’s energy use is low. During a peak in the electric load of NBRC, the car transfer energy back to NBRC, which reduces the department’s energy bills.

about $250 a month, or 3.4% of NBRC’s electricity bill. Scaling up could mean additional ways to reduce costs, reduce emissions and go even greener. You can read more about this project at bouldercolorado.gov/news/innovativeelectric-vehicle-charger-shows-financialpromise-first-year.

The pilot program has won a national award from IDC Smart Cities North America, in recognition of the city’s efforts moving towards green The charging technology. software The project monitors NBRC also received electrical loads attention to determine from US when to charge Congressman or discharge Joe Neguse, the battery, who visited Left to right: Rep. Joe Neguse, Mayor Aaron depending on the Brockett, and Interim Climate Initiatives Director the charging Jonathan Koehn need. This new station and green technology talked with staff to learn more about the uses a symbiotic relationship of energy pilot project. between the car and the building, to Besides the charging station, BPR is more efficiently use of energy. finding additional ways to reduce energy Through this small pilot program, the usage and our carbon footprint. The two-way charging has reduced costs by

department’s Parks Operations team has been transitioning smaller landscaping equipment from being gas-powered to electric. Staff test the equipment, and after it has been proven effective for operational needs, the city will phase in greener technology the next time equipment up for replacement.

The Parks and Urban Forestry team is collaborating with other city departments and community stakeholders on the “Cool Boulder” campaign, a multi-year initiative to protect and enhance community health and safety in the context of climate change. Also, BPR offices and facilities have separate compost, recycling, and trash, to encourage staff and visitors to actively divert what may have ended up in a landfill.

There are so many ways that a parks and recreation department can go green. It can be through larger partnerships like an electric vehicle program or through smaller efforts that change practices to encourage greener processes. Going green has to be an intentional effort, one that changes systems and surroundings.

By going green, we can reduce costs, reduce damage to our parks, and, hopefully, make Kermit proud.

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 21

PLAYGROUNDS

Top 5

2022

PLAYGROUND & PARK TRENDS

By GameTime

It’s no secret that 2020 was a rough year worldwide. Ravaged by COVID-19, families were left broken and scarred across the globe.

As morale reached an all-time low, 2021 became a time for healing. While the pandemic was never “over,” families began to find a new sense of normalcy in our post-COVID society.

After talking with customers, parents, and city leaders, GameTime sees 2022 as a time of discovery. Through countless interviews, surveys, and conversations, we’ve learned people want to experience something new and exciting after staying in their houses as months turn into years.

Read on to learn about the top five playground equipment and parks and recreation trends GameTime is watching in the coming year.

1

Inclusive Playground Equipment Makes Play Possible for All

Society is more aware than ever of the lack of opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 went a long way to create a level playing field for people with disabilities.

Still, it takes consistent and conscious effort to ensure inclusion is the norm, not the exception.

After three decades of education and awareness, 2022 will be a breakthrough year for tearing down barriers to play and recreation. Communities will find more ways for people of all ages and abilities to come together in united, safe spaces.

22 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

This playground trend encompasses many things, including wide ramps for people who use mobility devices, sensory play opportunities for those with sensory processing disorders, or even a braille panel to raise interest in the braille code.

One of the most significant strides in inclusive play is the GT Wave®. The GT Wave is the industry’s first net climber with a transfer platform attached to an accessible route leading to a six-foot zip slide. Children of all abilities experience a wide range of play adventures and physical, social-emotional, and cognitive skill development.

2

Intergenerational Play Will Bring People Together

2022 will also show an increase in popularity among intergenerational play spaces.

Studies show when adults and children engage in playful activities together, they

experience more profound and significant benefits than playing alone. It’s time to create play and recreation spaces that encourage all generations to play together and learn from each other.

Communities will look for more ways to create playful moments between children and adult caregivers. Our Expression Swing is a great way to bring children and adults together and experience attunement, or emotional bonding. The patented face-to-face and eye-to-eye design allows caregivers to get a frontrow seat when children’s eyes light up during play.

3

Expanding Outdoor Fitness for People of All Ages and Abilities

Playgrounds are no longer only for young children. It’s time to get the whole family outdoors!

Community Champion Ali Cross worked with her campus recreation team at Virginia Tech to install an outdoor fitness park for students and faculty. The centerpiece of the space is a THRIVE fitness unit. It’s a popular destination at the university where students exercise, play, and socialize outdoors.

Outdoor fitness spaces are also becoming popular among people of advancing age.

Products such as the GTFit line meet adults where they are and prepare them for the next step of their fitness journey, regardless of their age or fitness level.

4

Personalized Play Spaces Will Transform Communities and Inspire Imaginations

After all the hardship our society has experienced since 2020, people adopt a more empathetic and profound way of thinking. People want to identify with the people, places, and things around them.

5

Playground Towers Make a Big Statement

GameTime recognizes the renewed interest in creating elevated play areas that encourage positive risk-taking and allow children to gain a new perspective of the world around them. In 2022, playground towers will utilize innovative design techniques to make them possible for more people and places.

Our Spire Towers, for example, use square platforms to save space and reduce cost. This makes it easier for customers to add playground towers without worrying about space and budget.

Can’t find a tower that fits your playground’s needs? Customization is the basis for our Altus Towers with their large assortment of roofs, panels, foundations, and bases.

The Future of Play is Bright 2022 is shaping up to be a revolutionary year for playground trends and design.

After the hardships over the last two years, playgrounds are welcome places that bring people of all ages and abilities together.

Playground design is also more thoughtful with custom and themed components that capture the heart of a community or space-saving playground designs that encourage positive risktaking. Outdoor fitness equipment is also rising in popularity, and more parks and colleges are starting to install equipment that promotes health and wellness for years to come.

2022 will be a year of meaningful innovation, and GameTime wants to help everyone create playful outdoor spaces that make a happier and healthier tomorrow. Contact a GameTime representative today to help give your playground a well-earned update.

GameTime understands this sentiment and has expanded our custom playground division, Landmark Design, more than ever before. Landmark designs custom and themed playgrounds that pay tribute to a community’s heritage and culture or offer educational opportunities during play.

Community Champion Christian Kane decided to use custom design to create an inclusive space-themed playground in Toms River, NJ. The space theming represents dreaming big, and the dedication to making your desires a reality, like the first astronauts who went to the moon.

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 23

FACILITIES

How a Green Roof Can Benefit You, Your City & the Environment

By Ground Solutions

Green roofs are becoming more and more popular as a result of urbanization and population growth. A green roof is a roof that has been covered in vegetation, usually includes a drainage and irrigation system and sometimes aims to restore the environmental footprint that was dissolved when a building was constructed. Beyond the beauty a green roof provides, there are multiple other benefits that it can provide.

Reduce Stormwater Runoff

Protect Your Roof

Even without direct access, a green roof provides a beautiful view for employees, residents or tenants in surrounding buildings. In heavily populated cities, a splash of greenery is always a welcomed addition to a concrete urban environment.

A green roof acts as a buffer to environmental elements such as wind, sun and rain which would otherwise gradually wear down your roofing material. This will extend the lifetime of your roof, saving you money in the long run.

In many urban areas, drainage sources are limited, which can result in flooding when there is heavy rainfall. Green roofs are able to absorb a great majority of stormwater, preventing rapid runoff and mitigating flooding and erosion. After the water is absorbed, the roof gradually releases the excess water.

Add Natural Beauty

Improve Air Quality Regulate Indoor Temperature Plants both absorb and reflect sunlight, which prevents heat from beating down directly onto the rooftop when a green roof is installed. This helps regulate and cool indoor temperatures, conserving energy and saving you money on air conditioning costs. During the colder months, a green roof can act as insulation, helping to maintain a warm, comfortable interior.

24 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

Plant leaves and blades of grass trap dust particles that may be floating in the air. In conjunction with a green roof’s cooling benefits, less smog will be produced and a building can reduce its urban heat island effect.

Create a Multifunctional Space If you have access to your green roof, it can serve as the perfect spot for dinner parties, meetings, play dates or simply

Beyond the beauty a green roof provides, there are multiple other benefits it can provide. a spot to hang out in and soak up some sun. If you’re an avid gardener, a green roof is the perfect place to plant your bounty without worrying about it being trampled in the downtown rush. A green roof can also serve as a habitat for local wildlife looking for a place to call home!

How to Install a Green Roof Starting and installing a green roof can become extremely strenuous both physically and financially, especially if your rooftop is multiple stories up. Ground Solutions’ blower trucks can quickly and accurately install landscaping materials onto roofs as high as 10 stories, saving you time and money while laying the foundation for your beautiful rooftop oasis.

For more information, visit groundsolutionsco.com.

THE MATERIAL PLACEMENT GUYS SPECIALIZING IN PRECISE MATERIAL DELIVERY & PLACEMENT

groundsolutionsco.com

CONTACT MIKE FOR A QUOTE: • Mulch/Cedar Installation • Soil/Compost Installation • Engineered Wood Fiber • Playground Surfacing Refresh

970-744-0782 mike@groundsolutionsco.com

• Rock Slinging • Topsoil/Compost Placement • Median Material Placement • Damp & Perimeter Drain

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 25

TECHNOLOGY & FACILITIES

St. Vrain Saves Big with

LED Retrofit

By Brandon Rosas, Musco Lighting

St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) in Longmont is Colorado’s seventhlargest school district and is committed to pursuing energy efficiency and sustainability at its facilities. One such initiative took place recently at Everly-Montgomery Field, which was earmarked for a lighting upgrade during renovations to Longmont High School.

Named for two legendary Longmont coaches and hosting sporting events for four of SVVSD’s high schools, EverlyMontgomery Field was lit in 2003 with a metal halide system from Musco Lighting. Because of the stadium’s frequent use and advances in sports 26 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

lighting technology, the district wanted to upgrade to an LED system that could offer enhancements and benefits not possible with the existing metal halide light source.

Fortunately, the local energy company’s Efficiency Works program offered a generous rebate on energy-efficient lighting upgrades. To qualify for a rebate, a lighting project would need to significantly reduce energy consumption and comply with new Boulder County lighting regulations, which dictate that light fixtures must be angled downwards and not spill light onto nearby roads or residences.

To secure the rebate, SVVSD looked at various sports lighting manufacturers and discovered there were vast differences in the performance of different LED systems, especially in terms of controlling spill light and glare. Ultimately, the district found that Musco’s TLC for LED® system would provide the light control it needed without sacrificing performance.

Project leaders chose to retrofit a new TLC for LED system, which was customdesigned to Everly-Montgomery Field’s specifications, onto the stadium’s existing poles. The factory-aimed fixtures produce the desired light levels

on the field, while their patented visoring and light control technology mitigates glare and prevents light from spilling beyond the facility’s property line.

footprint by an estimated 625 tons over the next 25 years. The upgrade earned SVVSD a rebate of over $30,000 from Efficiency Works.

The system also features a Show-Light® entertainment package that creates light shows synced with music, and Control-Link® monitoring that allows the lights’ on and off management to be controlled remotely and scheduled in advance for additional energy savings.

Because of Musco’s comprehensive warranty, SVVSD will not have to pay any maintenance costs through 2045.

“Sustainability is huge here in Colorado,” says Ty Branch, MEP Supervisor for SVVSD. “The rebate we received helps offset the cost of the lighting project, and the LED lights’ lifespan saves the entire district money on maintenance because we don’t have to pay a crane company to change our fixtures. We’re very excited about our new lighting.”

The new TLC for LED system reduces Everly-Montgomery’s energy consumption by over 60% compared to the previous metal halide technology and will decrease the district’s carbon

Because of its satisfaction with the system at Everly-Montgomery Field, SVVSD has installed Musco’s LED technology at three more high schools in the past year.

The TLC for LED system reduces energy consumption by over 60% compared to the previous metal halide technology and will decrease the district’s carbon footprint by an estimated 625 tons over the next 25 years.

Your Experience is Our Priority

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 27

PARKS & FACILITIES

Trending in Turf Equipment

Toro Workman UTX

By L.L. Johnson

L.L. Johnson’s product lines cater to every aspect of turf care and maintenance. The professionalism and dedication of our sales personnel, customer service representatives and technicians give added value to the brands and services we provide. Most of all, park and recreation departments need equipment they can rely on for many years. Here are three pieces of that Colorado agencies can rely on.

Toro Workman UTX The best work tools are the ones that blend in so seamlessly into every day needs, they function like an extension of the work crew. Meet the Workman UTX, the first 4x4 built from the ground up specifically for tough work, every day.

Whether hauling, towing, plowing or countless other demanding work tasks, the UTX is ready to get to work.

Why we reccommend Workman UTX: • The

Workman UTX is made to work in multiple environments. It is road ready with standard LED headlights, turn signals, hazards and brake lights, and is built to handle snow and ice like a BOSS™.

• With

a rock-solid, high-strength steel frame, integrated plow mount,

28 • Colorado Byline | Spring 2022

Selectable 4WD with front and Rear differential locks and oversized shocks, bearings and bushings, the Workman UTX is up to any challenge.

•A

ton 2,000 lbs. (907kg) of towing, 25% more cargo capacity than competitors and two standard 2” (5cm) receivers (front and rear) gives the Workman UTX the means to tackle any job.

Harper Hawk Self-Propelled Sweeper Don’t spend another season working harder, work smarter with the Harper Hawk. This self-propelled turf sweeper is your solution for challenging collection needs. From fall clean up and dense debris, the Hawk hovers over material for true one-pass performance. The rotor and paddle technology keeps debris

moving through the housing, preventing blockages and downtime. Cover rough terrain with confidence utilizing the only four-wheel drive system in the market. A superior performer for striking results in damp or dry conditions - that’s Harper Turf.

Building on a legacy of debris management solutions for the turf industry, the Harper Hawk Turf Sweeper is backed by Harper’s signature recirculating air technology, and designed for superior pick up performance. Engineered from the ground up, the new sweeper line solves common operator struggles with stability, visibility and complex mechanics identified in other machines.

An efficient labor-savor that’s cleaner & faster - that’s Harper Turf.

Harper Hawk

Bullseye FieldClean 580

Bullseye FieldClean 580 Regular cleaning of synthetic turf is necessary to keep playing surfaces draining properly, in optimal playing condition and maximize their useful life. The Bullseye FieldClean 580 utilizes a row of spring tines that first loosen infill materials, embedded debris, hair and other fine materials up to a depth of 1” (2.5 cm). A highly effective, counter-rotating synthetic brush then lifts the debris and top layer of infill material from the turf and onto the adjustable angle vibrating sieve, allowing infill material to return to the field surface while debris, dust and hair are collected. The rear brush re-incorporates the infill material and leaves a freshly groomed surface.

Bullseye FieldClean 580’s benefits: • Superior

Cleaning of Synthetic Turf - Loosens and effectively and

cleans the infill, returning cleaned material to the playing surface, separating and removing large debris into a hopper for disposal.

• Decompacts

and Grooms Playing - For improved playing

conditions and field appearance.

• Cleaning

Depth and Aggressiveness Set By Field Manager - Separate spring tine and

helping colorado communities build parks for over 45 years: Consulting & Design Services for Parks & Playgrounds Playground Equipment & Safety Surfacing Outdoor Fitness for Teens & Adults Shade Strucures & Landscape Furnishings

brush depth adjustments provide consistent results from pass to pass.

• Clean

on Your Schedule - High productivity allows you to quickly clean your fields whenever needed.

Learn more about these and other turf products at www.LLJohnson.com.

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 29

2022

INDUSTRY TRENDS GUIDE

TREND: Compact Equipment for Parks Submitted by: Jason Kelley, Municipal and National Account Specialist, Bobcat of the Rockies

CPRA Industry Partner category: Compact Equipment, Tractors, Zero-Turn Mowers, and more What is a current hot trend you see in your specific industry?

The Toolcat UW53 with a rear PTO and 3-point link is our most popular municipal machine in the parks world.

My customers love it because we’re combining a pickup truck with 2 seats, a skid steer, and a utility vehicle - all in one. The thing that makes it so unique is that it can run most standard Bobcat attachments, most 3-point Category 1 attachments, has all-wheel steering, and fits in tight spaces. It can tackle just about anything.

Bobcat Toolcat UW53 30 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2020

What advice do you have for park and recreation agencies when it comes to lead times, installation, implementation of products or services you provide?

With the current supply chain shortage, everything is bit harder to come by and the equipment world hasn’t been immune to longer-than-normal lead times. We continue to encourage our customers to order well ahead of when equipment is needed so the Bobcat factory can get started as soon as possible to build your units. Right now at Bobcat, we can procure equipment within roughly 4-6 months.

If you had a crystal ball, what trend(s) in your industry do you see becoming popular in the next 2-3 years?

In the last few years Bobcat has expanded its footprint to include not only skid-steers, compact track loaders, and mini excavators, but has also added a full line of compact tractors, zero-turn mowers, and articulated wheel loaders.

As these new product lines are released into customer hands their popularity has taken off and we’re hearing rave reviews. I think this trend will continue as these new Bobcat lines continue to gain popularity.

CEM Sales & Service is a family-owned company that has been servicing municipal and commercial swimming pools in the Rocky Mountain region since 1984.

CHEMICAL

EQUIPMENT

MAINTENANCE

We sell, stock, and deliver a complete line of pool and spa chemicals.

We sell, support, install and service equipment from many industry-leading equipment manufacturers.

We provide highly-qualified and professional service; our service technicians are factory-certified to install and maintain all equipment we sell.

Products Include: Pulsar Calcium Hypochlorite Briquettes, Granular & Power Shock Chlorine, Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach), Muriatic Acid & Acid Magic, Balancing Chemicals (Soda Ash, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Bisulfate & Calcium Chloride Flake), Palintest & Taylor Testing Reagents, Sunscreen (CYA Stabilizer)

Products Include: BECS Chemical & Equipment Room Controllers, Neptune Benson Defender Regenerative & Fiberglass Hi-Rate Sand Filters, ETS Ultraviolet Systems, Pulsar Chlorinators, ChlorKing Chlorination Systems, Lochinvar Heaters, Maytronics Wave Pool Vacuums, AquatiControl Water Level Controllers

Services Include: Technical Support, Emergency Service Calls, Start-up & Operator Training, Seasonal Pool Openings and Closings, Preventive Maintenance & Ongoing Service Contracts

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Advanced Chemical Solutions?

Colorado Byline | Spring 2022 • 31

TREND: 3-D Gym Renderings Submitted by: Ken Forzley, MPH, Sport & Fitness

CPRA Industry Partner category: Exercise and fitness equipment What is a current hot trend you see in your specific industry?

Customers appreciate a complimentary design and 3-D renderings of what their space can look like. By utilizing state-ofthe-art fitness industry software, you can visualize the planning and development of| all aspects of your fitness center including: • Types of equipment • ADA compliance • Traditional fitness and functional training concepts • Audio/visual equipment • Lighting and mirror placement • Equipment positioning and floor plan • Cardio cord management • Traffic flow and pattern • Electrical outlet and data line placement • Outdoor fitness planning and design

Have the Quality, Abilities, and Benefits of Load and Pack

Even on a Tight Budget

We see Colorado parks and recreation departments implementing the latest fitness equipment to appeal to new members. As your sole source for Star Trac, Stairmaster, Nautilus, Schwinn and Throwdown, we are committed to providing competitive pricing and more importantly service after the point of sale.

Perfect for Parks, Beaches, and Trails

3-D rendering of a fitness studio

NEW! 3-Payment Plan

• Access any sand or terrain with four-wheel drive and floatation tires • Hydraulically off and on-load compactor boxes from operator seat

800.228.1003 x134

32 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2020

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WHEN IT COMES TO covering ground, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! < CHILD SAFETY GUARD At Delta Timber and Landscape Supply, we know child safety is top priority to you. We appreciate the opportunity to work within your budgetary restraints to make sure that all of your playgrounds are covered with IPEMA certified playground surfacing.

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EWF has become a highly desirable trail surface for parks, natural areas, historic Delta Timber & Landscape Supply has been producing sustainable wood products for sites and campgrounds over 25 years. We produce over 60,000 cubic yards of IPEMA Certified Playground because of its’ appearance Surfacing annually. and ease of mobility for wheelchairs and walkers According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission 140,000 children are treated who benefit from a solid annually for playground accidents that occurred at public parks and schoolyards. surface under foot.

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• Soil Amendment - a blend of composted organic materials We currently supply numerous school districts and public parks as well as playground • Soil Conditioner - composted green waste (grass/leaves) installation and wood out of Colorado feel free to blended andcontractors compostedinwith particles with quality materials. Please Celebrating contact us for a quote or additional information.

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At Delta Timber & Landscape Supply, we know child safety is top priority to you. We would appreciate the opportunity to work within your budgetary restraints to make sure that all of your playgrounds are covered with IPEMA Certified Playgound Surfacing.

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970.249.8171 (phone) eric@deltatimber.com 970.250.0277 (cell) www.deltatimber.com eric@deltatimber.com (email) Colorado Byline | Fall2022 2021 •• 33 33 Colorado Byline | Spring

TREND: Publishing & Tracking Online Catalogs/Brochures Submitted by: Nathan Burns, Acquisition Program Manager, Issuu

CPRA Industry Partner category: Digital Publishing What is a current hot trend you see in your specific industry?

Communities are looking for a content publishing solution that brings their parks and recreational program guides to life! Parks and rec agencies want to easily engage their communities by uploading program guides, brochures, catalogs, annual reports, and more. Online publishing helps agencies promote activities by instantly transforming static PDFs into dynamic digital experiences.

Focusing on this trend, what advice do you have for park and recreation agencies?

Issuu can help you save printing costs by going all digital with your program guides. If you are still printing and mailing your materials, you will not only save time but also money with digital distribution.

Once your content is ready, embedding guides on your website and promoting to your community via email is quick and easy. ©Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation

Issuu users can track publication readership based on a custom date range. They can also track which pages are being read most and which platforms readers are using to read the publication.

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Issuu allows agencies to embed catalogs within their websites.

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TREND: Outdoor Fitness Submitted by: Laura Emrich, Regional Manager, Advanced Exercise

CPRA Industry Partner category: Fitness Equipment & Facility Design What is a current hot trend you see in your specific industry?

Outdoor fitness is one of American College of Sports Medicine ‘s (ACSM) top 3 fitness trend of 2022.

For obvious reasons, this trend has climbed up the chart since the pandemic started, and appears it will be here to stay. It is accessible, affordable, and adds variety to existing fitness programs. Outdoor fitness optimizes less-used outdoor spaces, and even provides a solution to those facilities with indoor space constraints, while showcasing to the community you are committed to health and fitness. With thoughtful design, this space can provide safe and inviting fitness solutions for kids and young adults, functional fitness fanatics, and active seniors in any climate, even in Colorado. We could all use more vitamin D as well!

best advice is to engage with our team as soon as possible, as lead times, like any industry are long and unpredictable at best. Waiting until the fall for budgets that need to be spent by year end will limit your options and you will likely not be able to select the best products for your needs. Perhaps even leading to spending more than you’d planned.

If you had a crystal ball, what trend(s) in your industry do you see becoming popular in the next 2-3 years?

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I believe we will continue to see fitness moving into spaces that weren’t previously planned (or traditionally planned) for fitness like the outdoor trend we see today.

New trends demand renovations of existing spaces or the design of new ones creating unforeseen challenges.

This leads to the biggest trend I see in our line of work – and one that will likely never go away – the need to more closely collaborate with your fitness consultant. Gone are the days of purchasing fitness equipment without a design, program or service to support your investment.

From addressing DOG WASH TUBS technology and infrastructure requirements to ensuring your new products will be used optimally, your fitness consultant should have the knowledge and experience to successfully navigate the process.

Architectural dog park products What advice do you have for park and recreation agencies when it comes to lead times, installation, implementation of products or services you provide?

The pandemic has affected our business in so many ways. Our

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COLORADO PARKS & RECREATION ASSOCIATION PO BOX 1037 Wheat Ridge, CO 80034

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