NYSRPS The Voice Fall/Winter 2019

Voice

FALL/WINTER 2019

The

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NEW YORK STATE RECREATION AND PARK SOCIETY

Help Your Sports Stand Out

A Park and Rec Kid Comes Full Circle

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Get to know NRPA’s CEO Kristine Stratton

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New York State Recreation and Park Society, Inc. Saratoga Spa State Park 19 Roosevelt Dr., Suite 200 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.nysrps.org (518) 584-0321

Our Mission: The New York State Recreation & Park Society (NYSRPS) is the principal organization advancing the value of parks, recreation, and leisure services through professional development of its members and citizen engagement.

NYSRPS has served the leisure service industry for more than 75 years as an independent, nonprofit, public interest, professional membership association dedicated to the following: • To function in such a manner as will further the interests of the leisure service movement, its professionals and leaders in voluntary, public, private, and commercial agencies.

• To promote principles and standards for the improvement of leisure services and to encourage studies and research in professional relations.

• To affiliate for our mutual benefit and cooperation on local, state, and national levels, and with those organizations in similar or related fields.

• To educate the public in regard to the principles and goals of the leisure service industry.

• To assist in the advancement of the leisure services, recreation and parks, and environmental conservation fields.

• To study legislation pertaining to the leisure services and further that legislation which is in the public’s best interest.

• To provide opportunities for professional growth of individuals employed in the leisure service industry.

• To develop a public awareness of the necessity of recreation as a vital part of life.

• To stimulate a widening interest in leisure services in local communities and statewide through conservation and development of leisure resources.

Executive Office Staff Executive Director: Lisa Morahan Financial Coordinator: Ann Marie Pendergast Member Services Coordinator: Katrina Clay Deadlines for articles, photos and advertising: Spring/Summer 2020: January 15, 2020 Fall/Winter 2020: July 15, 2020 All members of NYSRPS receive The Voice, reduced registration rates to the NYSRPS Annual Conference and One Day Seminars, as well as discounts on the Continuing Education Unit Program. NYSRPS areas of involvement and service include Legislation, Workshops and Seminars, Conferences, Membership Publications, Continuing Education Units, and the Discount Ticket Program. The information and articles contained within this publication are for your consideration and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NYSRPS. NYSRPS reserves the right to approve all material in The Voice.

All requests for articles, photos, and advertising should be made to the Membership Services Coordinator at 518.584.0321 or pr@nysrps.org.

The Voice is printed bi-annually. This is issue #2 of 2019.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 From the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Celebrating October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Council of State Executive Directors Annual Meeting Recap . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Congratulations Paul Blake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2018-19 NYSRPS Board of Directors / Committee Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Regional Partnership with NYSRPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11 25th Anniversary: 2019 Downstate Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Guilty by Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 A Park and Rec Kid Comes Full Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17 Vision 2020: 80th Annual Conference Prospectus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-22 2019 REC Summit Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-29 Help Your Sports Stand Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Caring for Turf Organically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Eco-Friendly Facility Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 NYSRPS Commercial Buyer’s Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-36 2020 VOICE Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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On the cover: NYSRPS staff Katrina Clay (Member Services Coordinator) and Rebecca Stoner-LaFountain (Intern) enjoyed themselves while skating on the Olympic arena at the 2019 REC Summit.

Photo by: Lisa Morahan

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 1

President’s Letter As I walked out on my deck this morning to let our dogs run, I noticed the crispness in the air. To me this means that summer is officially over and fall is on its way.

As I walked out on my deck this morning to let our dogs run, I noticed the crispness in the air.

To me this means that summer is officially over and fall is on its way. Hopefully this finds many of you settling in to the slower pace of fall after a fast paced, full summer of activities.

Our new executive board has already had our first meeting in August and are up and running full blast. We have set goals for the year, assigned duties and are ready to continue serving you the membership. Please give myself or your Region Representative a call or e-mail with any concerns, questions, or if you would like to volunteer in any way. We are always open to input and certainly more hands on deck.

I have included my goals & objectives at right so membership is aware of what the board will be concentrating on this year.

Don’t forget to get out and enjoy the fall weather yourself!!

Sincerely, Charry A. Lawson, NYSRPS President

Hopefully this finds many of you settling in to the slower pace of fall after a fast paced, full summer of activities.

NYSRPS PRESIDENT GOALS & OBJECTIVES 2019/2020 PHILOSOPHY NYSRPS should continue to focus its attention on serving and increasing its membership and promoting the profession thereby expanding and improving quality Recreation opportunities for the public. To that end, NYSRPS’ Strategic Plan should be its primary guide for actions that will enable professional development, membership development, public policy development, public awareness and resource development.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Advance the Strategic Plan objectives. a. Continue building the five Strategic Plan committees each with an Annual Plan. b. Ensure that each Strategic Plan committee completes/updates its respective Guidelines, Policies and Resources. c. Support regular reporting to the Executive Board by each Strategic Plan committee on its accomplishments and progress toward its objectives. d. Report the Strategic Plan Committee accomplishments to the membership.

2. Continue to keep communication between the Regional Partners/Affiliates and the NYSRPS Executive Board open to better address the needs of each organization and its members. a. Support the Executive Board Regional Representatives’ interactions with the Regional Partners as described in the Operations Manual. b. Invite Regional Partner and Affiliate representatives to annually attend at least one NYSRPS Executive Board meeting of their choice. c. Create a gathering of Regional Partner and Affiliate representatives at the Annual Conference. d. Continue conversations started last year with Affiliates on the advantages of becoming a Regional Partner.

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3. Increase the engagement of the special interest members including educators, students, Therapeutic Recreation professionals and commercial members to foster a year-round relationship. a. Continue discussion with NYSTRA about further partnering beyond the successful 2019 Annual conference. b. Continue dialogue with Park, Recreation and Leisure Service educators to identify what NYSRPS can do to serve their needs and assist with achieving the professional goals for themselves and their students. c. Communicate with Business Premier Partners and other Commercial members to identify things that NYSRPS and they can do, to better meet our respective needs.

4. Concentrate on our Pubic Policy efforts. Establish relationships and communicate with the NYS Senate & Assembly Tourism committees to position ourselves for future actions. a. Meet with each Committee leader to educate them about NYSRPS, the work of its membership and to discuss legislation that is under consideration and issues of concern relevant to the Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services profession. b. Participate in Park Advocacy Day. 5. Develop Committee guidelines & procedures.

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From the Executive Director I am, as always, proud to be here sharing my Director’s Message for our Fall 2019 issue of “The Voice” For this issue I chose to give a recap of my most recent business trip to Grand Prairie, TX. This meeting is an example of how the New York State Recreation and Park Society has incredible reach and power to influence.

During my visit I met NRPA’s new leadership and had time to share best practices with my fellow EDs. Having a chance to hear the latest trends and programs from several sponsors was a treat, as well.

Days before the CSED meeting I received a very pleasant phone call from NRPA’s new CEO Krisitne Stratton and she gave me a oneon-one chance to provide feedback regarding what we like about NRPA, and what could be done differently or better. At the retreat, she and NRPA Executive Board representative, Jack Kardys, joined us and they spent time at the table to carefully listen to all State Directors and see what needs we individually have and those we share collectively. Kristine’s proactive approach and warm, engaging nature left us all leaving feeling energized that, together, we can make great things happen on the behalf of parks and recreation professionals across America.

I chose to reprint a recent article by NRPA to share who their new CEO, Kristine Stratton, is and where she plans to take NRPA. Many of

NYSRPS members do not belong to NRPA so this will be a good opportunity for all to meet our incoming leader on the national stage. The door Krisitne has opened up for NY with NRPA is wide and I am glad to share our members wants, needs and concerns. Please feel free to contact NYSRPS with anything you would like to share. Our door likewise, is open!

NYSRPS celebrated an incredible Annual Conference April 7-9th, at The Summit, and it was a true pleasure to work alongside the incredible professionals of NYSTRA. We are hoping to continue this trend of co-sponsored conferences for sure, in the future. The highlight of the conference for sure was the Annual Awards presentation. Take a moment to see all who were recognized for their hard work and dedication.

On another conference note, I would like to encourage you to see the latest information on our upcoming milestone 80th Annual Conference and Expo “Vision 2020” in the pages ahead. The symbolic tree logo perfectly represents our roots (in Westchester) where the Society was first born. The tree branches represent you, our members, who deliver amazing recreation programs and services. The trunk, NYSRPS standing firm, providing the foundation and stability needed

to provide our constituents with the best services possible. I am very excited to work closely with the Westchester Recreation and Parks Society and get to know their leaders and volunteers much better over the months ahead. Special thanks to Bob Kaczmarek and Matt Trainor who took the reins on the 2020 Conference Committee planning. The endless hours they have given are very much appreciated and I am confident the committee will deliver a most memorable 80th for us all!

I am encouraged by the many new faces who have joined this year (thank you!) and hats off to those who renewed annual memberships.

Communities across New York are growing more and more dependent on their park departments for providing incredible programs their residents want and have come to expect. We strive to provide the best avenues of support to make this possible, and continue to seek volunteers for our many committees. We have great energy and enthusiasm within our ranks and I look forward to working with President Charry Lawson on achieving the 2019-2020 NYSRPS goals and objectives.

Together we can make things happen!

Gratefully Yours, Lisa Morahan, NYSRPS Executive Director

Celebrating October –

Breast Cancer Awareness Month October is always a time of retrospection for me. I look back and see where I came from and take a moment to appreciate where I am today. There is no place I would rather be than right here serving as the Executive Director for the best Recreation and Park Society in America.

I wanted to take this opportunity to bring attention to you, you who serve our communities with endless hours of often thankless service. You who serve your families oftentimes after the demands of your busy work schedules. You who are the caregivers, like I once, of elderly parents. You who put yourselves last most times in taking care of yourself and your health.

Now the busy summer season is over and you have a chance to rest. Please take time for yourself and regardless whether you are a man or woman. Cancer does not discriminate. Notice any changes within and visit your primary doctor just for that annual check up to be sure all is well. Cancer does not hurt necessarily. It sneaks up like a thief in the night. While we might not stop it from breaking in, we can catch it early. There is no place I would rather be than here, hoping my note encourages you all to take time for yourself for your community, your family and NYSRPS. Be well. Stay well! – Lisa Morahan

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The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 5

Council of State Executive Directors Annual Meeting Recap Three days of learning and exchanging ideas in Grand Prairie, TX – July 16-18, 2019 Yes, everything IS bigger in Texas! That old adage is certainly true starting with our host for this year’s gathering, Michal-Anne Lord.

Michal-Anne, the executive director for the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS), is an incredible woman with a BIG heart. She rolled out the red carpet leading to Loyd Park at Lake Joe Pool for the 21 state executive directors who traveled from California to Vermont and all the in between. She took the time to personally take care of us and show us a good ol’ Texas time. Many thanks to MichalAnne and the amazing staff at Lloyd Park for making our stay so comfortable and most memorable.

Michal Anne had a packed schedule, but made time for an incredible offsite tour that was not big, but EPIC! If ever there was a model recreation center, this was it. The Epic of Grand Prairie simply cannot be described within pages of a magazine. It is an experience one needs to have firsthand.

The Council of State Executive Directors is a group of State Directors who pay a nominal annual fee to stay connected to one another.

IWe meet twice annually, at the CSED meeting and NRPA Conference. Through NRPA Connect we ‘talk’ regularly, sharing our needs and resources. The annual gathering of CSEDs provides for a dedicated time and place for us all to share, learn and grow as association leaders.

Highlights from this year’s program included a discussion regarding generational changes and challenges in the workforce led by millennial, Shannon McKain, a ‘Word from NAYS’ by Lisa Licata, learning about trends in venue contracts and leveraging for future meetings from Lamont Associates, and we all focused on Jamie Rae Walker’s talk about leading effective focus groups. A great (as always) presentation by Chris Goodman from NCSI was given and our very own publisher, Todd Pernsteiner from Pernsteiner Creative, shared his terrific services, as well.

Above: Rolling up her sleeves at the grill, MichalAnne cooked for us in the heat at least 130 degrees!

Thank you Musco for this wonderful evening to enjoy real Texas BBQ.

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The most difficult presentation was led by three organizations dedicated to swimming safety and drowning awareness. Drowning is

the number one cause of accidental death for children under 5 and a leading cause of death for ages 1-14. Drowning is Preventable. That was the message of the day and my greatest takeaway from this event. I am privileged to sit in a room with a Mother, although gripped with grief is moved with an incomprehensible strength and power to stand and relay a message greater than her loss. I was as stuck with emotion and moved to ask myself, “What can we do as a State Society in moments like these?”. I came home with a renewed spirit that what we does matter, how our people are trained is important, and we are change agents.

Tragedies often prompt change. Change in laws brought forward by grief-stricken parents, supported by associations powered by people, in many cases. This is where our position as a State Society is critical and we are poised to truly make a difference. This is where our relationship with NRPA is also important.

Lisa Morahan NYSRPS Executive Director

Game On! Game Courts

by Nagle Athletic Surfaces EDs Get a Glimpse of an EPIC Facility The state Executive Directors got a tour of The Epic fitness center. Epic is full of fitness, arts and entertainment options for the DFW metroplex.

There are a wide variety of fitness options that would rival any big box gym with a number of amenities that will entertain the youthful family members all day long. An adventure track that adds dimension to workouts with a futsal and basketball court, as well as a game room that allows families to play together. The Epic is also filled with a culinary teaching kitchen, radio booth, recording studio and live listening house theater. All of these family friendly services and more allow The Epic to be a recreational facility that is unlike any other.

Complete Game Court Installation, Repair and Maintenance.

Congratulations Paul Blake!

The Inc. Village of Garden City has announced that Mr. Paul Blake has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for Cultural and Recreational Affairs.

Add pickleball lines to your tennis courts.

Paul brings over 48 years of experience in the field of Parks and Recreation, to the position, including a prior 29 year tenure with Garden City.

Throughout his career, Paul has been deeply involved with the local, state, and national professional organizations. He has served two terms as President of the New York State Recreation and Park Society, has chaired their Annual Conference three times, and is currently serving as the Chairman of the Resource Development Committee.

When not working, Paul can usually be found with his wife Karen or his sons attending a classic car show, an oldies concert, or cheering loudly for the NY Islanders.

315-622-1313

www.nagleathletic.com The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 7

2019-20 NYSRPS BOARD OF DIRECTORS / COMMITTEE CHAIRS EXECUTIVE BOARD President Charry Lawson Town of Onondaga Parks and Recreation Department 315-469-3464 charry2@juno.com 1 year term - Expires 2020

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Region I Representative Jason Marra, Great Neck Parks District 65 Arrandale Avenue, Great Neck, NY 11024 Phone: 516-487-7665 jmarra@greatneckparks.org 3 year term - Expires 2020

President-Elect Linanne Conroy Town of Penfield 585-340-8655 conroy@penfield.org 1 year term - Expires 2020

Region I Representative Tom Meyering Town of Poughkeepsie Recreation Department Phone: 845-485-3628 tmeyering@townofpoughkeepsie-ny.gov 3 year term - Expires 2021

Immediate Past President Debra Keville, Retired OPRHP 518-506-6928 debrakeville623@gmail.com 1 year term - Expires 2020

Region II Representative Patrick McGinnis City of Binghamton, Parks and Recreation Phone: (607) 772-7017 prmcginnis@cityofbinghamton.com 3 year term - Expires 2021

Vice President of Programs & Services Gregg Goodman Upstate Safe Play Phone: (585) 752-1980 ggoodman474@gmail.com 2 year term - Expires 2020 Vice President of Professional Development Peggy Kenyon Town of Manlius 315-637-5188 pkenyon@townofmanlius.org 2 year term - Expires 2021

Region II Representative Jack Davison Town of Onondaga 315-469-3464 jdavison@townofonondaga.com 3 year term - Expires 2022 Region III Representative Joseph Menter Grand Island Recreation Phone: 716-773-9680 jmenter@grand-island.ny.us 3 year term - Expires 2020

Treasurer Nathan Nagle Village of Horseheads Phone: 607-739-5691 nnagle@horsehead.org 2 year term - Expires 2020

Region III Representative Nick Berlin Town of Perinton 585-223-5050 nberlin@perinton.org 3 year term - Expires 2022

Secretary Julie LaFave City of Syracuse Dept. of Parks and Recreation Phone: 315-473-4330 JLaFave@syrgov.net 2 year term - Expires 2021

Honorary Representative Maryann Corbisiero New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Regional Programs & Services 518-474-0457 Maryann.Corbisiero@parks.ny.gov

2019-20 NYSRPS Executive Board Top row: Tom Meyering, Gregg Goodman, Linanne Conroy, Pat McGinnis, Joe Menter, Jack Davison, and Nick Berlin Front row: Peggy Kenyon, Charry Lawson, Debra Keville, Julie LaFave, Maryann Corbisiero and Nate Nagle

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COMMITTEE CHAIRS Annual Conference Committee Bob Kaczmarek, Village of Scarsdale Matt Trainor, Town of North Castle Elections Committee Elliott Schwebel, BSN Sports Executive Committee Charry Lawson, Town of Onondaga Finance Committee Nathan Nagle, Village of Horseheads Friends Committee Bill Zimmerman, City of New Rochelle Membership Development Committee Gregg Goodman, retired Nominations Committee Debra Keville, Retired Professional Ethics & Grievance Committee Luke Griff, City of Oneida Past Presidents Committee Debra Keville, Retired Professional Development Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Public Awareness Committee Tom Venniro, Hilton-Parma Recreation Department Public Policy Development Committee Peter Finn, Retired Recognition and Awards Committee TBA Resource Development Committee Paul Blake, American Pool Consultants Strategic Planning Committee Charry Lawson

Upcoming Board Meetings Board meetings are at 10 a.m. and are open to all to attend. We welcome guests and encourage participation.

Please contact lisa@nysrps.org for meeting room specifics and location.

October 17, 2019 4:30 p.m.

Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs December 19, 2019 4:30 p.m.

Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs Please refer to the “Members Only” section of the NYSRPS website under Membership for important Board documents and the latest approved minutes at nysrps.org.

REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH NYSRPS

Regional Partnership with NYSRPS The New York State Recreation and Park Society has a very long history of working collaboratively with associations across New York State who have served well, their local populations. Many of these organizations are completely separate organizations with no tie to NYSRPS, and others have joined NYSRPS as a Regional Partner. The following provides the history of how Regional Partners came to be and the most updated host of benefits for belonging as a Regional Partner. While the Regional Partnership Program was shared a while back, association boards have turned over and new benefits have been added so we felt it was important to share this information.

THE BASICS...WHAT IS A NYSRPS REGIONAL PARTNER? NYSRPS Regional Partners are independent associations who have partnered with NYSRPS. Regional Partners are regional organizations that meet regularly with their local leisure service professionals and extend membership.

Members of the local organizations enjoy a dual membership; one membership covers both a NYSRPS State membership as well as membership in their local organization. This joint relationship provides dual membership to the local association as well as the State Society.

The purpose of this relationship between local associations and the State Society is to combine strengths, reduce the duplication of services, and further the cohesiveness of New York State’s leisure service industry. These partnerships allow for each region to enjoy their autonomy, while expanding services offered to their members.

THIS IS NOW The New York State Recreation & Park Society has realized the District Status program is a success for both the State Society and the affiliate associations who joined and currently remain. Both Central NY and Genesee Valley Recreation and Park Society have thriving organizations who meet regularly for meetings and professional development opportunities.

They provide their local members, both professional and commercial a face-to-face opportunity to meet with fellow associates to network and recognize outstanding service during an Annual Awards luncheon. Keeping the original intent of the District Status program at heart, the process of regional affiliate recognition has been further developed and now formalized with a pathway for partnership that is clear with roles and responsibilities of each party (NYSRPS & affiliate association) defined.

REDEFINING & PROVIDING While one may say it is semantics, NYSRPS has decided to rename what has been traditionally termed ‘District’ to ‘Regional Partner’. This recommendation came from the New York State Council of Non- Profits in their observation that the term ‘district’ typically had an implication of taxation associated with it. Given that, it seemed appropriate at this time of defining the pathway to regional partnership that the name should be redefined as well. Therefore, what began 20 plus years ago as a suggested outline is now formally defined, with history and experience as proof a formal partnership now termed ‘Regional Partnership” between NYSRPS and its affiliated associations is beneficial to all.

THAT WAS THEN...

In 1996, the New York State Recreation and Park Society embarked upon a new program that would come to be known as “District Status”.

The focus of the District Status program was to join NYSRPS with regional recreation affiliates to combine strengths, reduce the duplication of services and further the cohesiveness of New York’s leisure service industry. District Status allowed each region to enjoy their own autonomy, while expanding the services offered to their members and alleviating the administrative duties. The program allowed for all members of the local organizations membership in NYSRPS, while NYSRPS members received membership at their local levels. This program laid out options for structuring association districts but did not provide a definitive way for affiliates to formally be recognized as partners with ‘District Status’.

“BUT WHY SHOULD WE JOIN?” Over time NYSRPS has developed benefits of belonging as a Regional Partner. One may ask why an association would surrender their membership dollars paid directly to NYSRPS. The old question, “But what is in it for us?”

We have found the duel membership for one price saves individuals from having to pay two membership fees, one to their local association and another to NYSRPS. We have found Regional Partners enjoy an active volunteer base and are more apt to serve on the State Society Executive Board. We feel this all for one, one for all system unifies and certainly helps us as a State Society better able to speak for those we know personally and engage with regularly.

The beauty of Regional Partnership is the local association is still an independent, incorporated body. Business occurs as usual and NYSRPS has no bearing on the association’s operations.

NYSRPS helps guide groups interested in joining by walking leadership through the process of incorporating and filing appropriate articles to establish not-for-profit status. Guidance is offered to Regional Partners regarding annual legal filings like the CHAR 500 and ensuring compliance with the 2017 Not-for Profit Compliance Act. If you are involved with your local association or would like to become more active, please consider the following benefits Regional Partners enjoy.

PERHAPS THE GREAT REASON...MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATION! Perhaps the greatest benefit is that all administrative duties for dual memberships from billing, tracking, collecting and maintaining rosters are the responsibility of the State Society.

Quarterly membership reports are given to the Regional Partner’s Secretaries and Presidents so changes in membership may be updated. Any membership change known to either Regional Partner or State Society must be given to the other within two weeks of any change being made.

MEMBERSHIP REIMBURSEMENTS A reimbursement schedule has been defined and guarantees for each membership category within a Regional Partner’s defined territory, a reimbursement based upon the membership type will be paid out on a bi-annual basis according to bi-annual membership renewal cycles. Reimbursements are calculated and paid out accordingly on March 1st and September 1st.

Reimbursements will be sent March 1st for membership payments received on or before January 31st for the February-January membership period and on September 1st for membership payments received on or before July 31st for the August-July membership period.

Payments will be based upon membership categories as follows, regardless of the number of members within those respective bundles: Large Agency (bundle): $200.00 Small Agency (bundle): $100.00 Large College Chapter (bundle): $100.00 Small College Chapter (bundle): $60.00 Commercial (bundle): $18 Professional: $18 Active Retired, Part Time, Student and New Friend: $10 Continued on page 10…

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 9

REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH NYSRPS NYSRPS will sign MOU, and provide a copy to Host and Regional Partner. *Provision of 15% share is not predicated on how well Regional Partner(s) and/or Host delivers on responsibilities; only that there is successful completion of the program and the required minimum participation was met.

CEUS

REGIONAL PARTNER PROFIT SHARE FOR EDUCATIONAL EVENTS & REDUCED CEU ADMINISTRATION COSTS

Regional Partners often host educational seminars for CEUs. NYSRPS extends a 25% discount for processing pre-approvals for Regional Partner sponsored events. Details on the CEU pre-approval process and associated costs may be found on nysrps.org under the Certification tab.

To further increase the benefit of belonging as a Regional Partner, NYSRPS has developed a Regional Partner Profit Share Program. This winwin program helps NYSRPS by local associations securing sites for educational programs and events, as well as help with actively promoting these events, as well. Regional Partners in turn, share in the revenues earned.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP INCLUDE...

Revenue sharing consists of 15% of the net proceeds with the Regional Partner(s) within the region the event was held. In the event more than one Regional Partner resides within the host region, the 15% profit share will be distributed in proportion of NYSRPS membership percentage shared by Regional Partners. (For example, CNY has 100 members and NCRLP has 25, the split would be 80/20 of the 15%, or 12% and 3% respectively).

• One price membership to two organizations.

Being a member of a Regional Partner provides membership at the local and state level for one price. This is a drastic cost savings to the individual or agency (if an agency pays for membership).

NYSRPS will extend two registrations at NYSRPS cost to Host. If Host is not able to use the two registrations, they may return these to the Regional Partner Board to decide recipients.

The at cost price for CPSI is (example $360) per registration, realizing up to a $315 savings each.

• Autonomy with benefits to serve membership with local needs as focus.

• Membership Development - State Society assists recruiting new and retaining members.

• A separate page on the society website (www.nysrps.org) dedicated to the Regional Partner, including but not limited to leadership listing, upcoming events and promotional information.

• Once per year access to and use of the mobile application (app, currently Eventsential) for event promotion, association and information organization at the local level. Access and use of the Eventsential app would be made available to affiliate associations, and to Regional Partners for additional use over once a year, for a set fee.

All members of NYSRPS enjoy an impressive list of benefits as part of their membership. The following describes the added value of being a member of a Regional Partner.

• Reduced costs of operations for the local organization. The state level will be maintaining membership lists, billing for renewals and reporting membership status to the local organizations.

• Less time on operations–more time developing programs. Since the membership tasks are accomplished at the state level, the local organizations can focus on program and service development.

Currently the Genesee Valley Recreation and Park Society (GVRPS), Central New York Recreation and Park Society (CNY) and North Country Recreation Leisure Professionals Association (NCRLP) belong as Regional Partners. We hope you find the benefits attractive and consider speaking with your local association regarding Regional Partnership. For more information, including the steps needed to be recognized as a Regional Partner, see the Regional Partnership Guide posted on www.nysrps.org under the Regional Partners and Affiliates tab.

For additional information on becoming a Regional Partner please contact Lisa Morahan, NYSRPS Executive Director at lisa@nysrps.org.

Be seen. Be heard. Advertise in The Voice.

The Voice Advertising Rates* Publication frequency: Printed twice annually – Fall/Winter (Ads due: Jan 15), Fall/Winter (Ads due: Aug 1) SPACE 1 issue 2 issues Back Cover............................... $1,000......... $925 Inside Front/Inside Back Cover... $900........... $850 Full Page................................... $775........... $725 1/2 Page................................... $575............ $525 1/3 Page................................... $475............ $400 1/4 Page................................... $325........... $300

To reserve advertising space contact: Todd Pernsteiner, Ad Sales Manager info@pernsteiner.com • (952) 841-1111

*All prices are quoted at NYSRPS Commercial Member rate per ad, per issue. Non-member rates higher - inquire for details.

Download the 2020 rate card at www.bit.ly/2020NYVOICE 10 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org

REGIONAL PARTNER AND AFFILIATE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS NYSRPS REGIONS Region 1 – Hudson Valley, Long Island, Metro, and Westchester Region 2 – Central NY, Capital Region, Adirondack/Lake Champlain & North Country Region 3 – Genesee Valley & Niagara Frontier

REGIONAL PARTNERS Central NY Recreation and Park Society (CNYRPS) President:Megan Ball, Town of DeWitt Recreation Department Past President: Leiko Benson, Onondaga County Parks President-Elect: Eric Sopchak, Onondaga County Parks Secretary: Jennifer Whiston, Town of Sullivan Parks & Recreation Treasurer: Charlie Bisnett, Onondaga County Parks Member at Large: Kristine Zingaro, Town of Manlius Recreation Member at Large: Jack Davison, Town of Onondaga Parks & Recreation Member at Large: Geoffrey Peppel, ARISE Member at Large: Patrick McGinnis, City of Binghamton Parks & Recreation Member at Large: Debbie Dennis, Onondaga County Parks Dear CNYRPS members, I am very excited to be serving as the 2019-2020 CNYRPS President!

I hope to have the opportunity to meet many of you throughout the year, and I am looking forward to working with you to strengthen our Central New York Parks and Recreation community. Thank you to everyone who attended our annual Halloween Irish Road Bowling fundraiser on Saturday, October 5 at Long Branch Park. We had some spooky fun and raised money for our scholarship fund! I’d like to encourage everyone to join our CNYRPS Members Facebook group to get the latest updates and meeting reminders, and to have an opportunity to share questions, ideas and information with your fellow members. I’m looking forward to an awesome year, and I wish you all the best as we head into the fall season!

Megan Ball CNYRPS President

Genesee Valley Recreation and Park Professionals (GVRPS) President: Anke Applebaum, Town of Hamlin Past-President: Nick Berlin, Town of Perinton President elect: Tom Venniro Hilton-Parma Recreation Secretary: Sherry Farrell, HiltonParma Recreation Treasurer: Stacie Paris, Town of Gates Member at Large: Ryan Rockefeller, Hilton-Parma Recreation Member at Large: Megan Termine, Town of Chili Dear GVRPS members, The Executive Board of the Genesee Valley Recreation and Parks Society is putting the final touches to its scheduled calendar of events and educational programming. Lots of interesting activities are being planned, such as a tour of our historic Mount Hope Cemetery, appropriately scheduled for the month of October, and a session promising to teach its participants the skills to create their own Escape Rooms.

Our annual conference coming up in November will be held at the Seneca Park Zoo; a fabulous venue for what will be an exciting day of sessions and networking for all of our membership. We’ve seen that when this conference is held in an interesting venue, registrations include a greater variety of participants, and that benefits everyone.

Our Executive Board is continuing its efforts with SUNY Brockport for increased student engagement and we hope to foster a philosophy of greater inclusion in all of our departments. It is such an honor and pleasure to work with so many enthusiastic and talented minds!

Wishing everyone a productive fall and winter ahead, Anke Appelbaum, CPRP GVRPS President

Affiliates and Regional Partners are encouraged to share news and events with NYSRPS. Please send submissions by the 15th of the month to pr@nysrps.org.

North Country Leisure Service Professionals (NCRLP) President: Matt Curatolo, Ogdensburg Vice President: Mike McCabe, Massena Secretary: Tia Beaulieu, Ogdensburg

AFFILIATES Long Island Leisure Services Association (LILSA) President: Anthony Martino Vice President: Tom McGerty Secretary: Meghan Sullivan Treasurer: Manny Falzon Board Member: William Brown Board Member: Kate Schneider Board Member: Vanessa Von Seggern Niagara Frontier (NFRPS) President: Joseph Menter, Town of Grand Island President-Elect: Sara Lester, Gateway Longview Past President: Ed Leak, Town of Orchard Park Secretary: Rose Flading, Town of Lancaster Treasurer: Lynn Kosuta, Town of Cheektowaga Member-at-Large: Josh Haeick, Village of Hamburg Member-at-Large: Mandy Lofft, City of Tonawanda Member-at-Large: Marty Denecke, Town of Hamburg Member-at-Large: Nicole Fields, Town of Tonawanda Westchester Recreation and Park Society (WRAPS) President: Brian Gray, Village of Scarsdale Past-President: Matt Arone, Village of Sleepy Hollow Vice-President: David Goldberg, Town of Pound Ridge Treasurer: Sally Veltidi, Town of Eastchester Secretary: Kim O’Brien, Town of Bedford

Member at Large: Kyle Peterson, Village of Braircliff Manor Member at Large: Beth Bricker, Westchester PRC Member at Large: Brittany Neider, Town of New Castle Member at Large: Robert Kaczmarek, Village of Scarsdale Member at Large: Bill Camarra, Town of Peekskill Hudson Valley Leisure Services Association (HVLSA) President: Chip Connington, Town of Clarkstown Vice President: Steve Olsen, Dutchess County Parks Secretary: Jessica Dickinson, Town of Union Vale Treasurer: Tom Quinlisk, Orange County Parks Member-at-Large: Matt Veronesi, Town of New Windsor Member-at-Large: Rob Petrillo, Town of Newburgh Member-at-Large: Jeanne Scigliano, Town of Beekman The Hudson Valley Leisure Services Association serves the Recreation Professionals from Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster counties. The HVLSA Executive board has spent the last year attempting to expand our general membership and increase the participation of local professionals in the advancement in the recreation field.

We have monthly meetings from September to May. Our meetings are either informational consisting of timely and important topics in the recreation field or site visits to recreation facilities (government, public, private and not for profit).

Most of our meetings are approved for CEU’s and are open to members and non-members alike. Please visit our website at www.hvlsa.org to view the upcoming 2019 / 2020 meeting schedule.

Metropolitan Recreation and Park Society (METRO) President: Jeremy Cash, St. Joseph’s College Treasurer: Michelle Bracco

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 11

25TH ANNIVERSAY

2019 DOWNSTATE CONFERENCE

NOV 12 2019 DOUBLETREE BY HILTON | TARRYTOWN, NY

Hosted by the New York State Recreation and Park Society, the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association, Westchester Recreation and Park Society, Hudson Valley Leisure Services Association and Metropolitan New York Recreation and Park Society, this one-day gathering of hundreds of park, recreation, and therapeutic recreation professionals is an occasion not to be missed.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

CONFERENCE HOTEL

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019

The Downstate Conference Committee is very excited to announce this year’s event will be celebrated at the DoubleTree Tarrytown. A very special overnight rate of $146 has been secured. Enjoy a relaxed evening before the conference. Enjoy the pool! A social will be planned so delegates may meet and mingle- stay tuned for more details.

NYSTRA is leading the charge this year, as Conference Program Chair, working collectively with NYSRPS, WRAPS, HVLSA and METRO to offer a day of professional development, networking and camaraderie.

1:55 - 4:10 p.m.

Sessions

7:45 a.m.

Registration & Continental Breakfast 8:15 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.

Sessions 11:05 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Exhibit Hall Exclusive 11:55 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sessions 1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Exhibits, Lunch, & Raffles

Book your room reservation by calling Reservations at 1-800-474-4260 and relay the group code “NRP”.

Reservations may also be made online, using the same code at www.tarrytown.doubletree.com. Room reservation deadline is October 10th for the group rate.

MAKE RESERVATIONS NOW!

NOW ACCEPTING EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION Calling all commercial businesses! Do you have a product or service leisure service professionals need and want? Consider securing a space in the ballroom for an exclusive exhibit hall time and then enjoy lunch with delegates soon thereafter. SPACE IS LIMITED and expected to sell out. For only $200 have access to hundreds of park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals. Exhibit space reservation deadline is October 19, 2019. Register now at www.nysrps.org!

12 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org

Guilty by Association

By Lisa Morahan

The following information is for our NY associations comprised of selfless volunteers that do an amazing job serving their local leisure professionals.

Often times, board volunteers of an organization are given their immediate roles and responsibilities, but often do not get the overarching information of what serving on a not-profit board means in terms of personal accountability being responsible agents for the organization’s oversight. Board service comes with legal implications, so we encourage all in service to be fully informed by the associations you serve. We hope the following article sheds some light and gets the conversations begun where your organization falls with New York notfor-profit law and compliance.

NYSRPS is glad to work with all our park association partners to help ensure they operate with proper authority and the best guiding documents possible. With greater mandates placed on non-profits in New York State we (NYSRPS) would like to ensure all have the most current compliance information.

The day of “Because this is what the last Board did!” is gone and we would like to caution all incorporated not-for-profits that they are responsible to their volunteer base not to be left personally and financially responsible for improper activity or non-activity by their executive leadership.

What is the difference between tax-exempt and a not-for-profit incorporated organization? Is it legal to hold fundraisers and collect donations without being registered by the NY Charities Bureau? These are but a few questions to ask if you are serving as a volunteer for a non-profit organization. The following article was provided

by Paul Mastrodonato of Nonprofit Works located in Saratoga Springs, NY to highlight a few areas

of non-profit operations you should be savvy.

NYSRPS is always glad to assist as well, please contact NYSRPS Executive Director, Lisa Morahan for information and additional resources. Be informed, be proactive.

Through many client engagements, including with state-wide associations, we recognize that it’s not always easy for staff, boards, committees and volunteers to be vigilant about all the rules and requirements that a not-for-profit organization in New York has to keep informed about, follow, and monitor.

So, here are just a few suggestions about taking comfort that your organization is doing its due diligence to oversee all that’s required by the state and IRS, and by its constituents and supporters.

Most often, we suggest that an organization begin by reviewing its bylaws at the board level to ensure that the organization is in sync with the basics: board of directors and officer composition and terms, committee requirements regular meetings and minutes, annual meeting, etc. Of course, when an organization learns that it is out of compliance with its bylaws, there are generally two paths to take.

Another “biggie” is understanding and being in compliance with the Nonprofit Revitalization Act, especially in terms of structuring committees of the corporation and committees of the board, and implementing and maintaining conflict of interest policies that are signed by officers and board members on an annual basis.

Capture and distribute minutes of board and (most) committee meetings, and use meeting minutes to reflect due process and group discussion and decision making about important topics and actions, like policy and procedures, finances and reporting, and any significant shifts in an organization’s mission, programs and services.

Ensure that financial administration checks and balances are in place, and one person does not have too much responsibility for both overseeing and auditing financial operations. Assuming that your organization has written financial policies and procedures (as it should), regularly monitor them to ensure they are being followed.

One – come into compliance with the bylaws, and if it appears that compliance may take months or a year, document in board meeting minutes that steps are being taken to come into compliance.

Pass an annual budget (you’d be surprised how many organizations “wing it” or keep track of revenue and expenses “as they go” but do not have an approved annual budget) and file an annual financial statement, usually IRS Form 990. If uncertain of your organization’s filing requirements, which is typically based on total gross annual revenue, consult a CPA, or inquire with the NYS Attorneys General Office.

Two – revise its bylaws in ways that (a) are legal and (2) make sense for the current state of the organization. Chances are that the “older” your bylaws are, the more areas you may identify that warrant change. For example, if your bylaws require monthly board meetings, but your organization has been meeting every other month and it makes sense to continue doing so, it probably makes sense to revise the bylaws to reflect this meeting pattern.

Honor donors’ wishes. When your nonprofit receives a donation, care must be taken to understand and adhere to a donor’s request regarding any restricted funding. Many nonprofits have learned the hard way that ignoring a donor’s specific requests for the use of a gift puts the organization at risk discontinued funding and possibly litigation. The best way to manage this risk is by taking a close look at instructions or requests that accompany a donation.

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 13

Photo by Aaron Clamage

A Park and Rec Kid Comes Full Circle Getting to know NRPA’s new president and CEO Kristine Stratton

By Sonia Myrick, Executive Editor for Parks & Recreation (P&R) magazine

Kristine Stratton, NRPA’s new president and CEO, is from Maine, the northeastern most state and a place that boasts 3,500 miles of coastline (more than California), 6,000 lakes and ponds, and 17 million acres of forest. With its breathtaking vistas and myriad opportunities to engage with the outdoors, it’s no wonder that her idea of a perfect day is one spent on the water or in a park with her nearest and dearest family and friends, capped off with some good food and a piece of blueberry (the state berry) pie.

A quick scan of her career path and the organizations she’s chosen to devote her time and energy to — Stratton is a board member of 1% for the Planet and the Environmental Health Strategy Center and was formerly the senior vice president of operations at Earthjustice in San Francisco, California, and, prior to that,

the executive director of Waterkeeper Alliance in New York, New York — reveals her passion and dedication to environmental, health and justice issues. Parks & Recreation magazine recently spoke with Stratton, who’s been at the NRPA helm since June 5, to learn how her past experiences have informed her career path, what constitutes her leadership style and why she so readily identifies as a park and rec kid.

Parks & Recreation: What aspects of your past work experience, particularly from your time at Earthjustice, do you see informing your role here at NRPA? When I looked at NRPA as an organization, what stood out for me is the fact that we are a member and community-driven organization that is focused on supporting communities across the country. The idea of amplifying the importance of parks and advancing the conservation, health and wellness and social equity pillars of NRPA was and is very compelling to me. My career is almost entirely nonprofit management and leadership, and in organizations that are very much rooted in community and in service.

For example, I spent 11 years in a public broadcasting organization that was a

community licensee, and that was, every day, looking at how it could serve the community better — how it could be innovative, how it could be impactful. And, my role in that organization was to make sense of that — was to innovate and find better ways of executing on our mission and serving the community.

When I look at Waterkeeper Alliance, I liken it to NRPA in that we served our member organizations, amplified their voices on key advocacy issues and worked to grow the movement. So, a key feature of my work experience is serving nonprofit organizations that are community and member-driven, so that is directly aligned with who NRPA is.

Another key feature of my work background is this blend of the broad educational programs of public broadcasting with the environment and public health programs, reflected in my master’s degree and environmental experience. From the Conservation Law Foundation to Waterkeeper Alliance to Earthjustice, all three of those organizations are environmental groups. However, the lens they look through to serve the populations they support is both a health and environment one.

From a practical standpoint, I’ve acted in strategic and operational roles for my profession. What really drives me, and what

“Reprinted with permission from Parks & Recreation magazine from its August 2019 issue. Copyright 2019 by the National Recreation and Park Association.”

14 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org

“What drove my passion for the environment and public health is growing up in that mill town. Our house was maybe 500 feet from the mill gate and was across the street from a stream. But, we could not swim in that stream and were actually afraid to retrieve balls that accidentally fell in because there was so much effluent discharge from that mill that you could not use the water.”

I’m excited about applying to NRPA, is the ability to both set a vision and to be strategic, and to couple that with a practical ‘how do we translate this into action? How do we translate this into how we operate as an organization?’

That’s something that I’m excited about, too.

P&R: In looking into your background, I noticed that a lot of your work has been in environment and justice in the health and wellness area. What brought you to these passions? How did you figure out that this was where your passion lies?

Stratton: That’s such an interesting question.

I’ve thought a lot about that, and it goes back to my childhood. I grew up in a small paper mill town in central-northern Maine. My mom worked in the mill, my dad worked for the local water company and also was a mechanic. I grew up in a household that was very rooted in a strong work ethic and very rooted in the idea that the work doesn’t stop just because you’re punching a clock 9 to 5. My mom was on the school board, volunteered, was involved in the Girl Scouts, and my dad worked constantly. I was trained to be work-identified and to be of service to others. That was a message I got from my parents very early on.

What drove my passion for the environment and public health is growing up in that mill town.

Our house was maybe 500 feet from the mill gate and was across the street from a stream.

But, we could not swim in that stream and were actually afraid to retrieve balls that accidentally fell in because there was so much effluent discharge from that mill that you could not use the water. The fish were not safe to catch, and it was not safe to paddle in it. So, it was this beautiful resource that was untouchable, really.

Not only that, but because of a lack of proper air pollution controls, every morning we’d have soot on our cars — just a layer of it. And yet, I would leave that town and go to my local state park, which is this gorgeous place called Baxter State Park — 210,000 acres of pristine wilderness — and escape into this beautiful, soul-filling natural environment. It was not lost on me this disconnect between this wonderful natural resource and the fact that both of my

parents were asthmatics, and Maine has a disproportionately high rate of asthma.

I felt very early on that there’s this false choice between economic viability and health. My parents, my family and my community did not have to suffer in order to support and operate that mill, which has since closed. They didn’t have to sacrifice their health in order to make a living is my point. So, that idea of who’s burdened and who’s benefiting from the structures we’ve created was an idea that surfaced for me early on. Then, going to school and, ultimately, going back to school for my master’s program and delving deeply into the environmental justice movement, historically disproportionate burdens on low-income and communities of color, and how dramatically the systems that we’ve created either support those historically inequitable systems or confront them, has driven certainly my focus and my personal passion for the past 15 to 20 years.

P&R: You’ve commented that this is your dream job. In what way?

Stratton: Well, at the heart of it, I’m a park and rec kid! I identify as a park and rec kid, and I’m still a park and rec kid today. I remember I started taking swimming lessons at the municipal pool. This is central-northern Maine, so it is cold, cold, cold, cold water. I will never forget sort of bracing and sticking a toe in the water and edging in. But parks have made a huge, positive difference in my life. They’ve made a huge positive difference in the life of my family.

From the elder members of my family to the kids in my family, and I think about going to the local rec center in Brooklyn with my cousin and watching my little 7-year-old cousin take swimming lessons in the rec center. And, just what a point of pride it was for her to learn the strokes and get more confident over time.

That, to me, is a testament to what park and rec programs can do for us as individuals, but also us as a community.

I talked earlier about how important it is for me to be of service, how important it is for me to be

able to sink my teeth into hard work, and I look at this as a dream job because there’s so much opportunity for us to serve our membership, to expand our membership, to serve the communities across the country who care about parks. It’s a dream job for me because I’m helping to contribute to this virtuous cycle of making great programs, then seeing the benefit of those great programs to a kid like me, right?

So, that’s why it’s a dream job.

P&R: How would you describe your leadership style?

Stratton: Well, for starters, I would say I’m highly motivated to set ambitious but achievable goals and supporting the team I’m working within order to achieve them. It’s important to me to always be striving for continuous improvement. I love to ask questions. I love to support and reinforce the opportunity for our team members to push themselves to be creative…to strive for more.

That’s a hallmark of my leadership style.

I will also say that over the past couple of years, I’ve deepened a practice in mindful leadership, which really helps me stay grounded and helps me set a tone that is patient and supportive, clear and focused on what’s most important. I hold myself to a high standard. I always have a full plate and I’m trying to do a lot, and I’m also trying to do everything in a very thoughtful, patient, focused way, which, I think, is a benefit of practicing mindful leadership.

For me, mindful leadership is also rooted in doing a lot of listening. I just finished my first six weeks here, and I will say I’ve been doing lots and lots of listening and that’s something that will never stop for me. I want to continue to practice that. I want to continue learning and being aware and responding to what our organization needs, both internally and externally. I also would say mindful leadership, to put a plug in for that, emphasizes how important culture and culture building is to the health of an organization. So, that’s something that I want to model and that I want the leadership team at NRPA to be modeling, as well.

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 15

“I have a lot of heroes. I’ve been extremely blessed to have mentors my whole life, and that’s one thing that I really deeply believe in, mentorship, and what I always tell younger professionals and kids that I have the honor to spend time with…that it’s OK to ask for help.”

P&R: Who has been your biggest mentor or idol and why?

Stratton: An idol that I have is Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and mindfulness leader who is about as beautiful a soul and model as you can possibly imagine. He’s taught a lot and written a lot on meditation and meditation practices. One of the teachings he emphasizes is compassion for self and for others.

I have a lot of heroes. I’ve been extremely blessed to have mentors my whole life, and that’s one thing that I really deeply believe in, mentorship, and what I always tell younger professionals and kids that I have the honor to spend time with…that it’s OK to ask for help. It’s important to ask for help. Someone told me that early on in my career, that it’s OK to ask someone to be your mentor, to be that explicit.

And I did it and they said ‘Yes,’ and that’s such a compliment. It is such a compliment to be asked to mentor someone…to be asked to provide guidance. That’s something I take really seriously. I couldn’t name for you all the people who have served as mentors in my life. I am standing on the shoulders of so many people.

I’m so incredibly grateful for that.

P&R: We touched on this a bit, but what’s one of the most memorable moments from your childhood in relation to parks and/or recreation?

Stratton: Yeah, the pool example 100 percent… and both the fear of the cold and just the fear of learning that skill. Also, what I remember distinctly is how wonderful and supportive and encouraging the instructors were. They helped me get over that fear and to trust in my ability to learn how to swim. That’s what I keep coming back to when I think about parks and recreation. The fact is that [the pool] is just a pool without that person standing there and helping that kid muster up the courage to take that step.

16 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org

P&R: Tell us about your favorite park and your favorite recreational activity. Would that be Baxter State Park?

Stratton: I have to go with Baxter because I grew up in that park. I mentioned it’s 210,000 acres...I may be off a little bit with that measurement, but I have not even explored all parts of it. I’m still exploring and learning that park.

P&R: What’s your favorite thing to do in the park?

Stratton: Baxter’s in my soul, no question about it, but every single city I’ve lived in, every city and town I’ve visited, parks are always part of that experience. I notice those communities that have invested in making green space, in making open space and public programs, it just completes that city or that town. It makes it so much richer and so much more accessible and inviting. When I think about my favorite recreation activity, it’s really walking and exploring parks. And, if I’m in a more rural or rustic setting, it’s hiking and camping. If it’s a more urban setting, it’s wandering about and exploring, seeing the plants, people watching and just getting a flavor for the local community and place — getting a sense of place.

P&R: What will be your areas of focus for the organization…your vision, and how will you work to bring the voice of the members into that vision?

Stratton: I mentioned that I just finished my first six weeks, I’ve spent that time in heavy listening mode. When I was interviewing, when I was hired, the board was clear that, first and foremost, it wanted to build on the strength and success of NRPA to date. Board members want to continue to strengthen programs across our three pillars. They want to make sure we are strengthening and broadening our partnerships. They want, certainly, to grow the voice of NRPA and the visibility of NRPA and, by extension, the reach and impact of our parks movement. So, how to keep the membership… the voice of the members in that vision is key.

I’m flying today to join the summer meeting of CSED, which is the Council of State Executive Directors. That is a critical organization and those are critical individuals in terms of having a pulse on park professionals around the country. That, to me, is a vital relationship I want to cultivate, foster and support. That’s one source of making sure that the voice of the membership is ever-present. The others, of course, are our board. It is populated by both professionals and advocates, so voices of the membership are serving on our board, which is also important. And, we have an array of work that we do to make sure we’re staying connected with, responding to and supporting our membership, including surveys and our annual conference. I mean, the annual conference alone, what an amazing opportunity to get a read on the pulse of the membership and what their concerns are right now.

Another terrific resource we have is NRPA Connect. I log in to that forum every single day and survey the conversations that are happening in the membership. There’s a lot of work to do, and I can’t imagine doing any of it without staying connected and making sure the voice of the membership is a deep and broad part of that.

P&R: Do you think it’s important for NRPA to take a stand on climate change from a public policy perspective?

Stratton: I do. Period. End of sentence. I do, absolutely! To elaborate, parks are among the most important infrastructure in communities and from a climate resiliency perspective, they are essential — parks are essential. From a structural perspective, things like green space, green stormwater infrastructure, supporting biodiversity and so on are essential. From a programming perspective, emergency preparedness, educational programs in the community — the services that parks and rec provide — all that feeds into a holistic effort to support climate resiliency. For us, from a policy perspective, it is essential that we are securing funding and support from our legislators.

They must support all that work, from both an infrastructure and program perspective,

in parks around the country. And, just as important, is making sure that park professionals have a seat at the table when plans are developed and decisions are being made around climate resiliency.

That’s essential. I see a critical role for NRPA to play on both fronts to ensure that the role of parks in climate resiliency is recognized and that there’s support and funding that’s so desperately needed across the country around programs and infrastructure.

P&R: Six years ago, NRPA adopted its three pillars — Health and Wellness, Conservation Social Equity. What are your thoughts on those areas of focus?

Stratton: I think they’re wonderful centering tools for our work. I look at them as guiding principles, and I think the challenge for us is to translate them into our programs across the board and to always be asking ourselves: ‘Are we doing all we can to advance each of the three pillars?’

I think there’s a tendency in organizations to compartmentalize.

I love the concept of the three pillars as both a lens that each of us who work here can look at our work through and as a tool to make sure we are all aligned with each of those three.

P&R: What does social equity mean to you?

Stratton: Social equity, to me, means that we are working to ensure everyone has access to a great park. To use our tagline, everyone deserves a great park. We know that historical structural and institutional racism created a current reality where benefits and burdens are not evenly shared and infrastructure and services, including park and rec programs, that aren’t universally great. Our job at NRPA is to work to change that and to realize that tagline, where not only does everyone deserve a great park, but everyone has a great park.

I mentioned before when talking about the three pillars, we need to apply that equity lens to all that we do. Both inside — how we are operating — and outside — how we launch and manage programs.

For me, equity is an essential motivator. Advancing an equitable reality, especially in the context of services to a community like parks and rec, is essential to the work we are doing.

P&R: Is there anything else that you want NRPA members to know about you?

Stratton: I’m excited to be here and hope to see you in Baltimore!

“I see a critical role for NRPA to play on both fronts to ensure that the role of parks in climate resiliency is recognized and that there’s support and funding that’s so desperately needed across the country around programs and infrastructure.”

Call Today 1-800-FOR-PARK www.quassy.com

MATEFLEX SPORTS FLOORING mateflex.com The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 17

Conference Prospectus 80th Annual Conference & Expo April 26-28, 2020

Westchester Marriott 670 White Plains Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591

Join the 80th Annual New York State Recreation and Park Society at the Westchester Mariott for professional development, networking, camaraderie and more!

Westchester Marriott is the best lodging choice for your trip to the New York State Recreation and Park Society’s Annual Conference & Expo “Vision 2020”. With numerous amenities for guests such as 24 hour front desk, gift shop, jacuzzi and spa, you will wake up at Westchester Marriott feeling excited for your time at the conference.

The spacious lobby with ample seating provides a social, relaxed atmosphere for all to meet and mingle during the three day event. A beautiful heated, enclosed garden patio and atrium pool area provide the vacation experience work travelers seek. The hotel also features two restaurants,

A message from

the 2020 Conference co-chairs…

Welcome to the “Vision 2020” NYSRPS Annual Conference!

The organizing committee is working hard to offer the best possible experience to all that attend. This starts with our amazing host hotel, The Westchester Marriott, which was our same host site in 2004.

It has been updated significantly since then and we are looking forward to returning!

The goal of the 2020 Conference is to program for all four generations that are currently working in our field. As a profession, we need to program for the future by being entrenched in the present while utilizing skills and lessons learned from our past.

Being aware of our proximity to New York City, the Conference Committee is working on planning exciting sightseeing opportunities and CEU worthy offsite trips. Plans are being made for a variety of offerings which may include the 9/11 Memorial, the Ranger/Knicks training facility, a Yankees/Tigers ballgame, the Rockefeller Estate, and Central Park. Conference room rates will be extended for those interested in making this a destination conference.

From our program to the vendors, off-site socials to on-site events, every effort is being made to make your time with us here in Westchester a fulfilling experience both personally and professionally.

We look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Westchester County is a great place to visit for the 2020 NYSRPS Annual Conference and Expo.

From the majestic Hudson River to picturesque main streets, world-class shopping to historic homes and gardens, cutting-edge culinary innovation to scenic trails and natural beauty, Westchester has got it all.

With the strategic location bordering New York City, attendees will be able to enjoy both the educational nature of the conference and easily visit the great BIG APPLE.

Bob Kaczmarek & Matt Trainor NYSRPS 2020 Conference Co-Chairs

2 NYSRPS CONFERENCE •2017 nysrps.org 182020 The Voice | WINTER/SPRING • nysrps.org

Conference details are subject to change.

2020 Conference Program

At-A-Glance Sunday, April 26 Registration Open

1:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Sessions

2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

Keynote Speaker (CEUs available)

3:30 - 4:45 p.m.

College Alumni Social

4:45 p.m.

Dinner on Your Own

5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Hotel Social

8:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Call for Presenters

Monday, April 27 Breakfast Registration Open

Experts Welcome

7:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m. - Noon / 1:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Sessions Exclusive Exhibit Hall Grand Opening Exhibit Hall Open

8:30 - 9:45 a.m.

10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

10:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Sessions

10:45 a.m. - noon

Lunch with Exhibit Hall Showcase

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

NYSRPS Annual Meeting w/ Lunch

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

The 2020 Annual Conference Program Committee will be seeking session submissions from individuals with concentrated expertise and dynamic presentation skills in a variety of areas related to park, recreation and therapeutic recreation operations.

Tracks will include, but are not limited to: • Programming

• Youth

• Parks and Facilities

• Adults

• Human Resources

• Seniors

Sessions

1:30 - 5:45 p.m.

• Therapeutic Recreation

• Social Media

Exhibit Hall Social

6:00 - 6:45 p.m.

• Advocacy

• Public Relations

NYSRPS Annual Awards Dinner

7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Student Social

7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Sleepy Hollow Social

8:00 p.m. - midnight

Tuesday, April 28 Registration Open Exhibit Hall Continental Breakfast Vendor Led Industry Trends Session (CEUs available)

A special morning program geared specifically toward facility maintenance will be offered on Tuesday, April 28th.

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

8:30 - 10:45 a.m.

9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Sessions

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Sessions

12:30 - 1:45 p.m.

Grab and Go Lunch

Abstract submissions are being accepted through Dec. 1, 2019 on the NYSRPS Conference Presenters page at nysrps.org.

2:00 p.m.

Offsite tours and NYC visits will be announced at a later date on nysrps.org.

Conference details are subject to change.

2020 NYSRPS CONFERENCE • nysrps.org 3

Exhibitor Information

Face-to-Face Time Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their latest products, services and trends to hundreds of park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals in New York State.

Two exhibit areas available to meet all budgets.

GRAND BALLROOM BOOTHS The Grand Ballroom will feature exhibits skirting the perimeter of room, for optimal visibility during meals.

Conference Registration

HALLWAY EXHIBITORS Hallway exhibitors enjoy 8’ x 8’ space with a covered table and access to conference attendees at a lower rate. Hallway booths will not have pipe and drape.

Sign me up!

Full Conference NYSRPS Member $300 Full Conference Non-Member $375 Full Conference Conference Committee Member $225 Full Conference Retiree $150 Full Conference Presenter $125 Full Conference Student Rate $85 Full Conference Spouse $160 Sunday Only

$85

Monday Only

$185

Tuesday Only

$85

8’ x 8’ Booth (includes 6 ft. covered table and 2 chairs) NYSRPS Member (Grand Ballroom)

$800

NYSRPS Member (Hallway)

$700

Non-Member (Grand Ballroom)

$875

Non-Member (Hallway)

$775

Non-Profit

$550 (Hallway spaces only)

Receive a 20% discount for multiple booths.

75.00 additional charge for electricity Decorator will handle all shipments to/from conference center.

See nysrps.org for decorator information.

For exhibitor sign-up, go to nysrps.org.

Register online at nysrps.org.

4 NYSRPS CONFERENCE •2017 nysrps.org 202020 The Voice | WINTER/SPRING • nysrps.org

Conference details are subject to change.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Get Great Exposure!

MAJOR CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIPS

Exclusive Keynote Sponsorship $3,500 Keynote addresses are always the highlight of a conference!

Keynote sponsor receives: Complimentary booth Verbal recognition of sponsorship at Keynote address

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Exclusive Conference Tote Bag Sponsorship

Evening socials provide the most memorable times of a conference.

Tote bags are a wonderful way for delegates to store all their conference goodies and educational program materials.

Social sponsors receive: Logo prominently displayed at the Social

Tote bag sponsor receives: Inclusion of company marketing materials in 500 tote bags

Sponsorship recognized on Conference App

Sponsorship recognized on Conference App 1/4 page ad in Spring ‘20 issue of THE VOICE

Opportunity to have one (1) promotional item placed on every seat in the room

Exclusive Conference Lanyard Sponsorship

Recognition as a sponsor in all pre-conference promotions (newsletters, website, magazines & social media)

$650

1/2 page ad in Spring ‘20 issue of THE VOICE

Annual Awards Dinner Sponsorships (3) $1,650 Awards Dinner sponsors receive: Complimentary booth Logo prominently displayed at Awards Dinner on banner Verbal recognition at Awards Opportunity to speak at Awards Recognition as a sponsor in all pre-conference promotions (newsletters, website, magazines & social media) Sponsorship recognized on Conference App 1/4 page ad in Spring ‘20 issue of THE VOICE

$500

$1,100

Opportunity for Sponsor to introduce Keynote/Endnote

Sponsorship recognized on Conference App

Sunday or Monday Evening Social Sponsorships (2)

Conference lanyards provide a place for names to be displayed for all conference attendees (exhibitors, speakers and delegates alike).

Lanyard sponsor receives: Company name or logo (as approved by NYSRPS) featured on lanyard neck piece Sponsorship recognized on Conference App

Transportation Sponsorships (4) $500 Offsites and tours will need transportation; consider a sponsorship!

Transportation sponsors receive: Company name or logo as approved Recognition placed on window of vehicle Opportunity to have one (1) promotional item placed on every seat of the bus Recognition as a sponsor in all pre-conference promotions (newsletters, website, magazines & social media)

Verbal recognition at Social

Monday or Tuesday Morning Breakfast Sponsorships (2) $500 Breakfast sponsors receive: Logo prominently displayed at the meal Sponsorship recognized on Conference App

Monday Lunch Sponsorships (2) $500 Lunch sponsors receive: Logo prominently displayed at the meal Sponsorship recognized on Conference App

Conference Room Sponsorships (5) $350 Conference Room Sponsors have the opportunity to show their support of the educational program offered at the conference.

Conference room sponsors receive: Banner recognition in room of choice Materials back of room Have chance to speak at the start of session Sponsorship recognized on Conference App

Sponsorship recognized on Conference App

Sponsorships continue on page 6…

Conference details are subject to change.

2020 NYSRPS CONFERENCE • nysrps.org 5

Sponsorship Opportunities

Get Great Exposure!

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Coffee Break Sponsorships (3) $250 Everyone loves a coffee break! Help provide this time for all to re-energize.

Coffee Break sponsors receive: Logo prominently displayed on break tables Sponsorship recognized on Conference App

Conference Tote Insert Sponsorships (5) $150 Conference tote inserts are a great way to place marketing materials like business cards and brochures, guaranteeing each delegate receives your information.

Tote bag sponsors receive: Inclusion of company marketing materials in 500 totes

In-Kind Services/Donations Conference Hospitality Bag Donation A specially prepared Hospitality Welcome Bag will be given to each conference attendee as a “Thank You” and nice takeaway from the show.

Sponsors may provide an item or monetary donation to cover expenses.

Hospitality bag donors receive: Inclusion in Hospitality Bag Sponsorship recognized on Conference App

Raffle Prize / Silent Auction Donations Contribute a donation to support the Annual Conference fundraising efforts.

Presenter Gift A specially prepared gift will be given to each presenter contributing to the conference program. Consider donating outright a token of thanks or a monetary donation to cover the cost. Each Presenter Gift will highlight your contribution with a “Thank You” and company logo.

In-Kind Services Do you have a service that you would like to offer to make the 2020 NYSRPS Conference & Expo extra special? Contact NYSRPS to share your offer and see how we might work together to make the event extra memorable.

Register today for a sponsorship on the Sponsors page at nysrps.org.

Raffle / Silent Auction contributors receive: Company name/logo advertised at event Conference details are subject to change.

For all sponsorship questions or inquiries, contact: Lisa Morahan NYSRPS Executive Director 19 Roosevelt Drive, Suite 200 • Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

6 2020 NYSRPS CONFERENCE • nysrps.org

Guide Your Career Path Clemson University is a National Champion in more than just football!

A Leader in Online PRT Education Clemson University is one of the nation’s top universities in graduate education in the fields of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and related disciplines. This includes well-established online programs that help working professionals purse their passion, reset their careers, and advance professionally.

Clemson University offers the following online graduate degrees: • Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership • Master in Public Administration (MPA) – with specializations in Local & State Government, Non-Profit Management, Sustainability & Public Administration, Emergency Management, and Homeland Defense & Security

Your home is your classroom.

Our online programs are taught by world-class faculty and leading practitioners. Faculty and students meet online in the evenings and interact every week.

Finish a Master’s in just two years.

Want more information?

To learn more about our online programs, please email us at PRTMOnline@clemson.edu or visit www.clemson.edu/prtm/prtm-online.html.

To apply go to www.grad.clemson.edu.

Limited time NYSRPS member offer…

Well-qualified NYSRPS members may request a wavier of the $80 application fee. To do this, please include your resumé in an email to the address above and mention code #NYFREEAPP.

• Master of Science (non-thesis) in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management – with specializations in Community Recreation, Parks & Conservation, Travel & Tourism, and Recreational Therapy • Ph.D. in Recreational Therapy

Why Choose Clemson?

Ranked as a top-25 national public university, Clemson is one of the country’s most selective public research universities. It serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body of over 23,000 students. Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best public college values by Kiplinger magazine in 2017, and Princeton Review named us among the “Colleges that pay you back” in 2017.

PARKS, REACREATION AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT ONLINE MASTER’S

www.clemson.edu/prtm/prtm-online.html

• SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 23 Pursue your passion, reset your career,Spring and2019 advance professionally!

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On behalf of the New York State Recreation and Park Society and the New York State Therapeutic Recreation Association (NYSTRA), we would like to extend a very special ‘Thank You!’ to all who traveled far and wide to enjoy this year’s 2019 REC Summit! Approximately 450 recreation professionals enjoyed our multi-day conference and made incredible memories.

The New York State Recreation and Park Society truly enjoyed partnering for this co-sponsored event with NYSTRA and hope to join forces once again in the future. Our Program Partners were also a terrific addition to this year’s event and we look forward to collative efforts in the future.

Thank you to our attendees, exhibitors, and incredible sponsors that made this show possible!

REC SUMMIT 2019 – Two Associations, One United Purpose

THANK YOU 2019 SPONSORS! KEYNOTE SPONSOR

SOCIAL SPONSORS

People’s Choice Award for Best Presenter…Keynote Rich Ruffalo Likely one of the most moving Keynote Addresses to witness was delivered by ‘Coach of the Year’, ‘Teacher of the Year’, ‘and Paralympic Gold Medalist, Rich Ruffalo. In his presentation of “The Seven P’s to Positively Enhance Performance” Rich spoke from the heart and captivated the audience with his powerful message of overcoming all obstacles. The line to receive his book at the end was long, but all waited patiently for Rich to inscribe their forever souvenir.

Yes, Rich is blind. He never wanted his blindness to be what defined him, but it is what allows the sighted to see their own limitations are just that- their own. He is extraordinary, beyond measure and continues to call and chat with NYSRPS on a regular basis. It is not often a Rich Ruffalo comes before you, and we were so pleased to see all in attendance knew what a very special moment it was. An Olympic performance, absolutely fitting for the REC Summit.

TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR

ROOM SPONSORS

JD Computer Solutions NYSRPS AWARDS SPONSOR

VIP COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSOR

AMERICAN POOL CONSULTANTS DJ & PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR

REC SUMMIT 2019 – Two Associations, One United Purpose

2019 NYSRPS Award Winners ABCD AWARD (ABCD):

The most anticipated event of the year is always the Annual Awards ceremony. For many it was a reflection of a year’s worth of hard work, and for others like Jim Donahue and Kim Ball was a celebration of their lifetime with dedicated service to others.

Barbara Michalski, Town of Onondaga (Photo not available)

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION: Laurie Penney-McGee, SUNY Cortland

SPECIAL EVENT: Spooktacular Haunted House, City of Syracuse (Photo not available)

EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Interactive Dinosaur Garden at Lasdon Park, Westchester County Parks

FRIENDS FOUNDATION STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP: Catherine Troiano, SUNY Cortland and Veronica Pereau, SUNY Cortland

PROGRAM OF MERIT: Senior Center Art Program, Town of Onondaga

EXCEPTIONAL FACILITY DESIGN: Friends of Beaver Lake Nature Center – Onondaga County

ROBERT W. MINER MEMORIAL GOOD GUY: Nick Berlin, Town of Perinton

MULTIMEDIA: City of Rochester for The ROC the Riverway Overview

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP:

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ELECTED OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR: Gay H. Lenhard, Town Supervisor, Town of Ogden (Photo not available)

DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN:

FRANCES WALLACH MEMORIAL GOOD GAL: Sherry Farrell, Hilton-Parma Recreation

Frank Berlin, Town of Clifton Park (Photo not available)

REC SUMMIT 2019 – Two Associations, One United Purpose

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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL: Ryan Rockefeller, Hilton Parma Recreation

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OUTSTANDING SERVICE: Bill Lansley, Onondaga County Parks

2019 Award Winners From top left: Charry Lawson (on behalf of Barbara Michalski) Beth Bricker, (on behalf of Westchester County Parks), Jack Davison (on behalf of Town of Onondaga), Leiko Benson ( on behalf of Onondaga County Parks), Mike O’Brien (on behalf of City of Syracuse), John Picone ( on behalf of City of Rochester), Jody Rogers (on behalf of Town of Cicero), and Nick Berlin.

REC SUMMIT 2019 – Two Associations, One United Purpose

2019 Award Winners LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT:

MEMORIAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE:

James A. Donahue, Town of Perinton, retired

Kim Ball

The New York State Recreation and Park Society is pleased to award Jim Donahue with the NYSRPS Lifetime Achievement Award. This special award is to recognize a person who works in the State of New York and has achieved prominence for his/her excellence in achieving outstanding and lasting contributions to the advancement of recreation and parks Jim walks up to accept his on the local and/or state levels. Jim’s Lifetime Achievement award involvement in the advancement of the leisure service industry included efforts at the local, state and national levels, serving as a practitioner, educator, administrator and advocate. He has worked tirelessly to promote leisure opportunities in his hometown, while advancing the profession as a whole to leaders in the field, and in government.

Jim’s career began in Perinton as a Recreation Supervisor in 1976 and ended his “working” career some 34 years later as the Commissioner of Recreation and Parks in Perinton. His efforts to support and advance the profession include serving as a member of executive boards and committees at the local (GVRPS), state (NYSRPS) and national (NRPA) recreation and park associations.

Over time, Jim wore many hats including that of Treasurer, President, Program Committee and Conference Chair, Friend’s Foundation and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council Chair among them. One of the most important efforts that Jim made was going to Capitol Hill year after year and speaking directly with members of Congress and Senate to advocate for parks, conservation, wellness and recreation initiatives that were being considered by the lawmakers. Jim has always been willing to share his experience and expertise from large audiences at conferences to just sitting down with someone and discussing their successes and challenges. Jim is very well deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award and we are very grateful for his service!

It was an incredible honor to see my mom, Kim Ball, inducted into the Memorial Hall of Fame at this year’s NYSRPS Awards Dinner. Putting together the nomination packet provided an opportunity for me to truly understand the lasting effect of her work on myself, her co-workers and the community.

Kim’s career with the Town of DeWitt Parks and Recreation Department began in 1985, and she was named Director in 1991. Her almost 20 year tenure as Director included numerous accomplishments that are still impacting the Town of DeWitt a decade after her untimely passing. These achievements included the development of new events like the Howling Hayride, Holiday Lighting Festivities and Concerts in the Park; and the expansion of the Town’s largest event, Canal Day, which recently celebrated its 50th year. Her passion for nature manifested itself through several large projects including the Ryder Park Butterfly House, establishment of the James L. Guyette Arboretum and the creation of the Butternut Creek Recreation and Nature Area for which she secured a $160,000 grant. She was honored with many awards throughout her career including the David M. Guokas Memorial Award, CNYRPS’s highest honor, in recognition of her professional excellence in the field of Parks and Recreation.

The late Kim Ball

She is remembered today, not only for her achievements, but for the energy and passion she brought to work each day. Everyone I approached for a letter of support agreed immediately, and their kind words are a testament to the lasting effect she had on the people around her. I consider myself very lucky to have had not only a wonderful mom, but an excellent teacher and mentor whom I try to emulate in my own career.

Thank you to the Awards Committee and everyone else who helped make this special honor possible. It is very gratifying to know that her accomplishments will be preserved and recognized for years to come.

At left, Megan Ball accepts the award on behalf of her mother, Kim.

REC SUMMIT 2019 – Two Associations, One United Purpose

PAST PRESIDENTS

EXHIBITOR’S SHOWCASE The REC Summit was attended by 50 exhibitors showcasing their latest and greatest products for park and recreation professionals. Although the location was very cool, being in the famed Olympic ice arena, all seemed to bundle up and enjoy the show!

In attendance at the Awards were NYSRPS’s beloved Past Presidents.

From top left: Paul Blake, Jim Donahue, Gregg Goodman, Jeffrey Myers, and Martin Denecke From bottom left: Debra Keville, Bill Zimmerman, Eric Bacon, Elaine Apfelbaum, Tom Venniro and Jennifer Fava

Westchester gentlemen enjoying the Awards banquet.

Standing left to right: David Goldberg, Bob Kaczmarek, Matt Arone Seated left to right: Nate Nagle, Paul Blake, Gregg Goodman, and Brian Gray

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• Landscape Structures • Mateflex • Musco Sports Lighting • MyRec.com- Recreation Software • National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) • NCSI/SSCI • NCTRC • New York State Parks • New York State Recreation and Park Society • NYS Assoc. for Health, PE, Recreation & Dance • NYSDEC • OMNIA Partners (Formerly US Communities) • Parkitects • Play & Park Structures • Playsites Plus Surfaces Inc • RecDesk Software • RenoSys Corporation • Spokes n Motion • SUNY Cortland • Super Seal Sealcoating Co. • US Playground Surfacing • USTA Eastern • Vermont Systems, Inc. • Young Equipment Sales

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• Advantage Sport & Fitness • Alternative Earthcare • American Camp Assoc., NY & NJ • Amilia • BagSpot Pet Waste Solutions • BAS • Beardsley Architects + Engineers • BigToys Playgrounds • BSN SPORTS • CampDoc.com • Charlie and Checkers • Clemson University, Department of PRTM • Club Car • Community Pass • Denzak Recreational • Deschamps Mat System Inc • Environmental Design & Research • FLAGHOUSE • G&G Fitness Equipment Inc • GameTime Park & Playground • Inclusive Recreation Resource Center • iZone Imaging • Jeffrey Associates • Lake Compounce Theme and Water Park

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The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 29 REC SUMMIT 2019 – Two Associations, One United Purpose

HELP YOUR SPORTS STAND OUT Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation introduced

Today’s youth sports climate overflows with programming, making it challenging for organizations to stand out among the crowd, and difficult for parents to gauge which ones can deliver highquality experiences for young athletes. To help organizations and families, the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) has unveiled the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation.

Like the Good Housekeeping Seal™ given to household products that meet high standards, this Quality Program Provider designation recognizes those organizations that have met an equally high standard when it comes to administering youth sports programming. Any organization can apply to be evaluated for the designation, and no cost is involved.

“Parents typically have lots of questions and valid concerns when deciding where to enroll their child,” says John Engh, executive director of NAYS. “We have taken the guesswork out of this important time in a young person’s life.

When parents see that a program has the Quality Program Provider designation they will know that we have already asked all the tough questions that they may not have even considered or perhaps were afraid of bringing up.”

Additionally, the designation enables organizations to showcase the quality of its programs and highlight the benefits of children being involved in its offerings.

“Our department recognizes that we have to actively demonstrate that we are providing the very best youth sports programs that meet all the needs of children in our community,” says Rance Gaede, recreation supervisor for the City of Tamarac (Fla.). “Parents have many choices when it comes to youth sports, so the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation

30 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org

is an important promotional tool to allow our city to set ourselves apart from the rest. Plus, it gives parents confidence in our programs since they can feel secure that their child is getting the chance to participate in a high-quality program and develop valuable life skills in the process.”

A youth sports program earns the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation if it fulfills all the components associated with these five key requirements: • Written Policies and Procedures • Volunteer Screening • Coach Training • Parent Education • Accountability Within each of these five areas are important details that can sabotage experiences and ruin young lives that organizations must prove they address in order to earn the designation, such as if written policies exist regarding playing time; if concussion awareness information is disseminated to coaches; if volunteers are subject to background checks and social security number verification; if the organization has a system for receiving and responding to complaints; if the organization solicits feedback to evaluate programs; and more.

“Organizations that earn this designation will stand out within their community for

demonstrating that they have taken a proactive approach on some tough issues and are providing youth sports programs of the highest standard,” Engh says. “Parents have a lot of genuine concerns these days and when they see the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation they can take comfort knowing their child is in the best place possible to learn and compete in sports.”

Anyone interested in having their organization evaluated for the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation can visit nays.org/ quality; email nays@nays.org; or call (800) 729-2057.

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RJ Thomas Mfg. Co., Inc. Cherokee, Iowa • 800-762-5002 pilotrock@rjthomas.com • pilotrock.com/NY

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 31

Caring for turf

Organically

By Peter Solch, Manager of Organic Sports Turf, Alternative Earthcare

Organic turf care has been around for many years, but it has not been widely considered and successfully implemented until the last 20 years or so.

Since 2011, New York State has banned the use of pesticides on school grounds because of the dangers they possess to children and the environment. The dangers for kids include loss of brain function if exposed to neurotoxins, and may be more susceptible to damage to their reproductive system. As for the environment pesticides introduce carcinogens into our drinking water, as well.

There is a transition from not only going from synthetic fertilizer and pesticides to organics there is a transition in thinking, as well. It normally takes 3 – 5 years for soils to detox from pesticides when changing to organic turf care. Many factors are taken into account when changing to organic turf care program.

First, let’s discuss what organic fertilizers are and the main difference between organics and synthetic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are any material containing elements that provide nutrition to plants. This group is quite broad.

They are basically raw, organic materials

derived from plant or animal sources. Examples are blood and bone meal, feathers, fish, kelp worm castings and compost. These materials do more than simply add nutrients for plant growth, which in contrast is the sole purpose of synthetic fertilizers. Organic turf fertilizers also contribute physical structure and organic material to the soil. These substances interact with everything that exists in the ground. They are essential in providing the optimal conditions for fertile soil and steady, controlled growth.

Benefits of organic fertilizer: • Feeds billions of soil microorganisms that are essential in the nutrient exchange with plants • Gives consistent, steady results since it releases nutrients slowly, at a rate the grass can use them • Adds organic matter that builds soil fertility • Maintains steady moisture levels with organic matter present

32 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org

• Encourages earthworm population.

They improve aeration and drainage • Organic fertilizers do not burn the roots of plants • Organic fertilizers do not contain harmful salts that contaminate soil and create hardpan as synthetic fertilizers do

Organic Products Used Corn gluten: Corn gluten is a natural organic material that releases a substance as it decomposes in the soil, preventing roots from forming on germinating weed seeds.

The product is also a fertilizer. It helps control crabgrass over a period of time and the recommended rate is done at 10 pounds per 1000 square feet. The application is done in the spring April to early May. Compost tea: Compost tea is a highly concentrated microbial solution produced by extracting beneficial microbes from compost.

The tea is brewed 24 hours before applying

to turf The compost tea improves nutrient retention in the soil It also helps reduce fungus to. Vastly improves nutrient uptake by plants and produces plant growth hormones.

Seaweed kelp: Stimulates beneficial soil microbial activity around feeder roots resulting in larger root mass.

Humates: Reduces the compaction in clay soils, builds organic matter in soil. And are more resistant to heat stress and foot traffic. I normally do this application in June or July when the weather is hot and humid.

Lime: Lime is used to correct soil ph. The ph of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.0 Lime is applied when the soil ph is low Lime helps retain nutrients The application rate is generally 10 – 15 pounds per 1000 square feet. Too much lime can tie up nutrients such as iron. Liming too much can also lead to a decrease in organic matter in the soil.

Organic Grub Control Milky Spore (preventative): Milky Spore is a naturally occurring bacterium that affects only the Japanese Beetle. The Japanese Beetle eats the root system of healthy turf. Milky spore begins working as soon as it is applied as long as the grubs are feeding. In the northeast it is applied in spring, summer and fall. It normally takes the product up to three years to be grub free. Milky spore works better in warmer climates than in the northeast.

Nematodes Grub Guard (nematodes): This product is a mixture of two strains of nematodes. One strain are shallow dwellers that occupy 1- 3 inches of soil These nematodes are ambushers and attach themselves to particles near the soil surface waiting for prey The other strain burrow down as deep as 5-6 inches, offering a secondary barrier to grubs that are emerging from or submerging to winter depths. Both species act by invading

grub or larva bodies through the mouth, anus or spiracles where they release bacteria that are deadly to the larva. Death occurs within 24 to 48 hours. The soil must be moist before and after application. We have had great success applying this product two times within 10-14 days apart when grubs are active in the northeast from late August to the end of November.

Culture Practices Culture practices are very important in order to have healthy turf.

Mowing: The turf should be cut at three inches in height. Never cut more than ⅓ off the grass blade at a time. Removal of more than one third of the top growth can cause roots to stop growing for up to 28 days. The higher the cut the deeper the roots grow. Leave grass clippings on turf. Leaving clippings will give you 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet a year. Clippings will encourage earthworm population. Use sharp blades which will result in a clean-cut. Dull blades stunt growth and tear leaf blades.

Watering: Deep infrequent watering is recommended 35 – 40 minutes a zone during the summer months is best. You want the roots to go searching for the water so they will develop a deeper root system. If you water every day you will have a shallow root system where problems can occur in the soil.

Topdressing: Depending on the type of soil you have, will go a long way in determining what type of topdressing to use. Soils that are heavily compacted with clay should use 80% sand and 20% compost mix. If you have some sand and clay use a 50% sand and 50% compost mix. Topdressing has many benefits including providing nutrients for plants, improving soil structure and increasing organic matter in the soil.

Aerating and seeding: This should be done up to four times a year. I don’t aerate and seed in June or July because you will draw heat into the soil and seed gemmation will be about 5%.

The seed will start to germinate and then pop because of the hot weather. Aerating will help reduce thatch and allow nutrients, water and air to get into the soil easier.

Aerrate: This is a process where the machine shatters the soil without leaving plugs and seed automatically goes straight down into the soil because there is a seed box on top of machine.

Deep tine aeration: Deep tine aeration is used on soils that are heavily compacted. The deep tine aerator is a hydraulic machine that can break up compaction as low as 16 inches or as low as the irrigation system will allow.

Thatch: Thatch is mainly made up of roots, stolons and rhizomes. In a healthy soil, the organic matter that makes up thatch is quickly decomposed by microorganisms such as bacteria, and fungi. Earthworms play the most important role. Earthworms pull thatch underground, eat and turn out humus. If you have a supply of earthworms in your soil you won’t have thatch. Thatch should be no more than a ½ inch. You can check the thatch layer by simply putting a soil probe into the soil to check.

Spot seeding: Spot seeding should be done as often as possible between the goal mouth and middle of the fields during the season.

Using a triple ryegrass mix that will germinate quickly is the best use of attack during the season. Also, rest a field if possible, during the season as this will allow the field to recover from the rigors of play from the previous season.

Remember, healthy soil will lead to healthy, vibrant turfgrass!

For more information, contact Peter Solch at (631) 499-4300 or info@alternativeearthcare.com

Eco-Friendly Facility Solutions When it comes time to outfit your facility with site products like tables, benches or trash receptacles, the best way to go green is to use 100% recycled plastic material. RJ Thomas Mfg Co, manufacturer of the Pilot Rock brand of site equipment, offers recycled plastic options for many of their product lines. Recycled plastic is impervious to the weather elements and available in a wide variety of colors with UV stabilizer to hold its color over time. Also using recycled plastic site equipment helps to demonstrate the benefits of recycling to your public and paves the way for more to follow.

Always reduce, reuse, and recycle. Find out more at www.pilotrock.com.

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 33

#shapedbyplay

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34 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org

USSales@kompan.com 1 800 426-9788 www.kompan.us

2019 Commercial Buyer’s Guide CLEANING SERVICES

AQUATIC CONSTRUCTION & SUPPLIES RenoSys Corporation Jason Mart 2825 East 55th Pl. Indianapolis, IN 46220 317-251-0207 jasonm@renosys.com

NYSRPS

BPP

Member

Waterplay Solutions Kyle Rieger 1451 B. Ellis Street Kelowoa, BC V1Y 2A3 Canada marketing@waterplay.com

AQUATIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT Deschamps Mat Systems Inc. Noreen Rochford 218 Little Falls Rd, unit 12 Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 973-928-3040 northeast.sales@mobi-mat-dms.com

BACKGROUND SCREENING NCSI / SSCI Craig Picca 18 Division St, Suite 414 Saratoga Springs, NY 12804 518-245-6941 craig.picca@sportsengine.com

CONSULTANTS Weston & Sampson Dan Biggs 1 Winners Circle Albany, NY 12205 biggsd@wseinc.com Wright Risk Management Company, Inc., Robert Blaisdell 333 Earle Ovinton Blvd Suite 505 Uniondale, NY 11553 518-330-8591 rblaisdell@wrightinsurance.com

Alliance Cleaning Service Paul DiVincenzo 20 Endicar Drive Rochester, NY 14622 585-370-0055 pdivincenzo@rochester.rr.com

COOPERATIVE PURCHASING OMNIA Partners Victoria Palmieri PO Box 3161 Albany, NY 12203 518-603-3263 victoria.palmieri@omniapartners.com

ENTERTAINMENT Four Seasons Golf and Ski John Goodfellow 8012 E. Genesee Street Fayetteville, NY 13066 315-637-9023 info@fourseasonsgolfandski.com FunFlicks Timothy Bennett 315-663-5005 timothy@funflicks.com Quassy Amusement Park Ron Gustafson P.O. Box 887 Middlebury, CT 06762 203-758-2913, ext 109 ron@quassy.com WonderWorks Nicole Montgomery 9090 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13204 315-466-7700 x 417 nmontgomery@ wonderworksdestiny.com

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Environmental Design & Research Andrew Britton 217 Montgomery St. Suite 1000 Syracuse, NY 13202 315-471-0688 abritton@edrdpc.com

NYSRPS

BPP

Member

PAINTS & COATINGS

BigToys Playgrounds John LaRue 35 Oak Forest Dr. Little Compton, RI 02837 800-986-3716 info@jplarue.com Denzak / Miracle Recreation Joseph Denzak Jr. NYSRPS P.O. Box 15517 BPP Syracuse, NY 13215 Member 800-925-1545 drecreat@twcny.rr.com FlagHouse John Ruggiero 601 Flaghouse Drive Hasbrouck Hts, NJ 07604 800-793-7900 ext. 7521

Franklin Paint Company Lauretta Taddeo 259 Cottage St. Franklin, MA 02038 518-528-0303 lauretta@franklinpaint.com

Gametime Playground Equipment/Marturano Recreation Jim Marturano P.O. Box 106 Spring Lake, NJ 07762 800-922-0070 james206@optonline.net

Super Seal Sealcoating Gregory Duffy P.O. Box 925 Penfield, NY 14526 585-248-5770 Duffygj@aol.com

PET WASTE BagSpot Pet Waste Solutions Jeff & Ruth Springer NYSRPS 9648 Olive Blvd.#313 BPP St. Louis, MO 63132 Member 1-800-203-3613 314-755-1037 info@bagspot.com

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT American Recreational Products Bob Brown 1535 Locust Ave. Bohemia, NY 11716 631-244-0011 bob@americanrecreational.com Bears Playgrounds Marcey Bears 7625 E. Main Rd. Lima, NY 14485 585-624-5694 info@bearsplaygrounds.com

Parkitects, Inc./ NYSRPS Site Specialists BPP Member Karen O’Connor 138 Ludlowville Rd. Lansing, NY 14882 607-533-3517, ext 101 karen@playgroundinfo.com

PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTION Peggy Payne & Assoc. Inc Peggy Payne 146 Broadway Hawthorne, NY 10532 914-747-3237 ppaplay@aol.com

SCHOOL/CREATIVITY SUPPLIES Discount School Supply Karen McGrath 3 Terrace Court Ballston Lake, NY 12019 518 727 9577 kmmcgrath@discountschoolsuppl.com

The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org 35

2019 Commercial Buyer’s Guide SEAL COATING/ASPHALT Rochester Jet-Blak Sealers, Inc. Gary Rosbrook 16 Deep Rock Road, PO Box 24362 Rochester, NY 14624 585-441-4125 gary.jetblak@gmail.com

SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING iZone Imaging P.O. Box 368 Temple, TX 76503 888-464-9663 lblair@izoneimaging.com bhuckabay@izoneimaging.com

SITE AMENITIES Jamestown Advanced Products Shari Hallenbeck 2855 Girts Rd Jamestown, NY 14701 716-483-3406 shallenbeck@jamestownadvanced.com R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. / Pilot Rock Bob Simonsen P.O. Box 946 Cherokee, IA 51012 712-225-5796 pilotrock@rjthomas.com

SOFTWARE Business Automation Services, Inc. NYSRPS Robert Vitti BPP Member 1661 Plank Road Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-371-6869 sales@basgov.com CommunityPass Mia Kocci 141 Dayton Street, Suite 204 Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-689-2323 ext. 234 mkocci@capturepoint.com

MyRec.com Ray Foley P.O. Box 302 Killington, VT 05751 1-866-466-9732 myrec.com Rec Desk Software Justin Waz 300 Plaza Middlesex Middleton, CT 06457 recdesk.com Vermont Systems NYSRPS BPP Kathy Messier Member 12 Market Place Essex Junction, VT 05452 802-879-6993, ext 3028 kathym@vermontsystems.com

SPORTING SUPPLIES/ FITNESS EQUIPMENT Advantage Sport & Fitness Lou Greco 2255 N Triphammer Rd Ithaca, NY 14850 607-257-2107 llgreco@advantagefitness.com BSN Sports NYSRPS Elliot Schwebel BPP Member 27 Schalren Dr. Latham, NY 12110 518-783-1632 eschwebel@sportsupplygroup.com G&G Fitness Equipment Inc. Tony Giordano 7350 Transit Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221 800-537-0516 tony@livefit.com

SPORTS LIGHTING Musco Lighting NYSRPS Don Rhuda BPP Member 22 Chestnut Dr. Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-4577 don.rhuda@musco.com

36 The Voice | Fall/Winter 2019 • nysrps.org

SPORTSWEAR

TURF SPECIALISTS

Pop Tops Co. Inc. Jonathan Fine 10 Plymouth Drive South Easton, MA 02375 800-647-8677 jonathan@poptopssportswear.com

Alternative Earthcare Peter Solch 631-236-2479 peter@alternativeearthcare.com

SURFACING Playsites + Surfaces, Inc. Darrell Wilson 908-B Long Island Ave. Deer Park, NY 11729 631-392-0960 dwilson@playsitesplus.com Rochester Jet-Blak Sealers, Inc. Gary Rosbrook 16 Deep Rock Road, PO Box 24362 Rochester, NY 14624 585-441-4125 gary.jetblak@gmail.com SealMaster – Buffalo Richard Ortiz P.O. Box 7257 Buffalo, NY 14240 716-891-4197 smbuffalo2@yahoo.com US Playground Surfacing Michael McGuffie 29 Thompson Hill Canton, CT 06019 860-309-9901 mmcguffie@ usplaygroundsurfacing.com Velvetop Products Bill Walsh 1455 NY Ave Huntington Station, NY 11746 631-427-5904 bwalsh@velvetop.com

Pioneer Athletics Evan Steele 4529 Industrial Pkwy Cleveland, OH 44135 413-813-5603 esteele@pioneerathletics.com

YOUTH SPORTS National Alliance for Youth Sports Andy Parker 2050 Vista Parkway West Palm Beach, FL 33411 561-684-1141 x.224 aparker@nays.org

Become a NYSRPS Commercial Partner!

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TENNIS USTA Eastern NYSRPS BPP Joe Steger Member 70 West Red Oak Lane White Plains, NY 10604 914-282-4153 steger@eastern.usta.com

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THE VOICE is a hyper-targeted magazine mailed to more than 750 members of NYSRPS. It features industryrelevant content which is read and kept as a point of reference. Issues include: trends, upcoming educational opportunities, and content about parks, recreation, facilities, athletics, natural resources, and events. It’s a valuable resource read by municipal, county, and state employees throughout the state of New York.

This is an opportunity to market directly to the people who need your products, services, trainings/classes, and facilities. ”Receiving a copy of The Voice in my mailbox is always a pleasant surprise! Things to do are put on pause as I flip through the pages filled with informational material focused on parks, recreation, and leisure services. Thank you for providing professionals in our field this wonderful publication.”

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FULL PAGE ADVERTORIAL (C) SPONSORED

Meeting New ADA Requirements and Improving Inclusive Play HAGS SMP is one of the leading playground manufacturers in the UK. In London we have a designated Area Manager Martin Potts who looks after our customers covering all the London boroughs providing an excellent support as we feel being geographically close to our clients is very important.

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instinctively appeals to all children with a sense of adventure, providing challenges to get them moving so they never get bored. In addition, we’ve provided playground essentials such as the Olympic 2 seat swing with 2 cradle seats, a 2.4m Basket Swing and a Rota Roka to complement this play area. To encourage cognitive stimulation, we included the Crazy and Ball maze panels, Talk Tubes, 3 in a Row Panel and a ‘What Time Is It?’ panel.

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Advertising deadline: February 1, 2020 | Mails: March 2020

Editorial topics: • Complete 2020 NYSRPS Annual Conference Guide • Aquatics: splash pads, waterparks, maintenance, safety • P&R Education: colleges, training, scholarships, unique careers • Facility, Park & Trail engineering, design, and construction

13 Spring 2020 • MINNESOTA Recreation and Parks

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Editorial topics: • 2020 Downstate Conference guide • Natural resources and nature centers • Sport and fitness facilities, rec and community centers • Group tours and partnering with CVBs; Mobile camps/recreation

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2021 Commercial Buyer’s Guide Ad deadline: August 1, 2020 | Mails: September 2020 NOTE: Advertise in both the Fall/Winter VOICE and the Buyer’s Guide and receive 30% off your Buyer's Guide ad(s).

Buyer's Guide editorial sidebars: • Product Innovations – Aquatics, Athletics, Construction, Events, Facilities, Group Tours, Landscaping, Mobile Recreation, Parks, and Playgrounds. Plus grants, sponsorships, and funding *Additional content will be announced prior to each issue deadline. Contact Todd Pernsteiner for more information at info@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

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2021 Commercial Buyer's Guide The stand-alone NYSRPS Commercial Buyer’s Guide will mail to all members with the Fall 2020 issue of THE VOICE magazine. Municipal buyers, decision makers, and influencers will receive it in the fall when they are planning their 2021 budgets. It will also be distributed at seminars and annual NYSRPS events.

NYSRPS Commercial members receive one free listing and special discounted rates on additional listings and ads.

Buyer's Guide Yellow Page Category Listings • Accessible recreation • Aquatics supplies & service • Architecture • Concessions • Consulting • Engineering • Entertainment & special events • Group tours & lodging • Insurance & legal services • Landscaping products/services • Lighting (facility & sports)

• Playground equipment • Printing & graphic design • Programming • Signage & wayfinding • Site furnishings • Software • Sports equipment • Surfacing • Technology • Transportation & vehicles • Your specialty category

NYSRPS Business Preferred Partner (BPP) members and Basic Commercial members receive benefits that help them reach New York park and recreation professionals all year long: • Member discounts on advertising, exhibit booths, seminars, and more • Communications exposure • Access to online resources • Advocacy opportunities • Committee involvement For full membership details and rates, and to enroll, go to www.nysrps.org

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NYSRPS BPP & Commercial Memberships

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New York State Recreation and Park Society, Inc. Saratoga Spa State Park 19 Roosevelt Dr., Suite 200 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

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