the Profile Winter 2020

Indiana Park & Recreation Association www.INPRA.org Winter 2020

Corporate Partner Guide Inside NEW!

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Indiana Park & Recreation Association 107 Logan Street Noblesville, IN 46060 317.219.5272 www.inpra.org

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Inside this issue 5 Leadership Team 7 From the Executive Director 9 From the President 11 Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation Reaches Financial Milestone 12 2020 IPRA Corporate Partner Guide

Articles and Photographs to: IPRA, The Profile 107 Logan Street Noblesville, IN 46060 317.219.5272 courtnie@inpra.org

21 Evie Kirkwood Receives National Award

Publication Schedule

24 Park People

Spring Content Deadline - February 10 March Distribution

26 Greening the Government in Richmond, Indiana

Summer Content Deadline - June 10 July Distribution Fall/Winter Content Deadline - November 1 December Distribution

Advertising Sales Felisha Canillas felisha@inpra.org

Editorial Committee

22 New Location & Opportunities: Indiana University’s Executive Development Program

32 Imagine Pulaski: Community Driven Design 34 Indiana Trails Program (ITP) Grant Program 35 2021 Indiana Trails Program Frequently Asked Questions 37 Leo Cedarville Goose Deterrent; Water Quality Project 2020 38 It’s Time for Some Good News!

Advertisers 2 Rundell Ernstberger Associates, LLC 3 MartinRiley Architects Engineers 5 PROS Consulting, Inc. 6 Recreation inSites, LLC 7 Butler Fairman & Seufert, Inc. 8 Commercial Recreation Group 9 Norwalk Concrete Industries 10 RenoSys 11 Spear Corporation 18 HWC Engineering 19 Miracle Midwest 20 PlayPros 23 R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co. / Pilot Rock 25 Lehman & Lehman, Inc. 29 Context Design 31 Hitchcock Design Group 33 RATIO Architects, Inc. 34 Forest Commodities Inc. 36 Buddenbaum & Moore, LLC 36 Browning Day 39 Parkreation, Inc. 40 Midstates Recreation

Felisha Canillas Courtnie Pettigrew

Editor

Courtnie Pettigrew courtnie@inpra.org

Publisher

Indiana Correctional Industries 317.955.6800 www.IndianaCorrectionalIndustries.com Front Cover photo credit: Cover Photo Credit: Lake County Parks - Grist Mill and background images throughout publication, attributed to: Freepik.com Connect with us:

facebook.com/INParkandRec

@INParkandRec instagram.com/inparkandrec

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Mission Statement

The Indiana Park & Recreation Association advances healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship by providing education, professional development, resources and advocacy.

Vision Statement

The Indiana Park & Recreation Association is the premier source of support and advancement for parks and recreation providers.

2020 IPRA Board of Directors PRESIDENT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES

CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVES

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Kimberly Campbell Indy Parks

Tricia Leminger Frost Brown Todd LLC

NATURAL RESOURCES TRAILS & GREENWAYS REPRESENTATIVE

ELECTED OFFICIAL

PAST PRESIDENT

SECRETARY / TREASURER

AQUATICS CHAIR

Lisa D. Nye Executive Director Indiana Park & Recreation Association

NORTHERN DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES

RECREATION & PROGRAMMING REPRESENTATIVE

IPRA STAFF

NEW & YOUNG PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Felisha Canillas Development Coordinator Indiana Park & Recreation Association

Lora Helmick Washington Township Parks Chip Orner Franklin Parks & Recreation Dominic Cornett Whitestown Parks & Recreation Dan McGuire Valpo Parks

Patti Davis Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation

Savannah Solgere Whitestown Parks & Recreation

Travis Tranbarger Brownsburg Parks & Recreation

Jacob Brinkman City of Indianapolis

Jordan Brouillard Plainfield Parks & Recreation

VACANT

Nichole Haberlin PROS Consulting, Inc.

Ryan Cambridge Browning Day

Matthew Snyder DB Engineering, LLC

EX-OFFICIO MEMBER

Courtnie Pettigrew Membership & Events Coordinator Indiana Park & Recreation Association

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From the Executive Director

By Lisa D. Nye Indiana Park & Recreation Association

forward to seeing all of you in person again as soon as conditions permit so we can catch up and you can network with your colleagues again.

Greetings!

Welcome to 2021! 2020 is now behind us, and while there were LOTS of challenges, there were also plenty of bright spots, some of which are featured in this magazine. Each day our staff is amazed by our members’ ingenuity and commitment to community, which motivate us to ensure we are providing you with the tools you need to do the wonderful things you do.

We’re happy to present the first-ever Corporate Partner Guide in this edition of the Profile magazine. To reach Corporate Partner status, companies support IPRA and/or IPRF above a minimum financial commitment. IPRA relies on the support of the Corporate Partners featured in this year’s guide. Please join us in expressing our sincere gratitude for their contribution to our organization. Without their support it would not be possible to provide the wide array of programs, events, and services we do each year. They truly are our partners, and we value them as an integral part of the IPRA family. Many of these companies have been supporting IPRA for years and we look forward to their continued partnership, as well as adding new partners. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about becoming a Corporate Partner for 2021.

Finally, thank you to a great 2020 IPRA Board. The Board faced many obstacles along the way but overcame and finished the year strong.

Our thanks to IPRA Board President, Lora Helmick, who welcomed a new baby during her term. Past-president Dominic Cornett, President elect Chip Orner, along with Treasurer Dan McGuire all stepped up to confront the challenges presented by the pandemic. We have several Board members who have completed their term and I’d like to thank them for their service: Dominic Cornett, Dan McGuire, Patti Davis, Jake Brinkman, Nichole Haberlin and Matthew Snyder. Joining the IPRA Board this year: Becky Barrick-Higgins, Steve McDaniel, Will Lacey, Denise Retz, Charlie Elliott and Chuck Gardiner. 2021 will certainly have some carryover challenges from 2020, but I feel motivated and optimistic that we will come back together reenergized to share ideas and camaraderie again soon.

Happy New Year! Let’s make it a great one together!

Lisa

IPRA Corporate Sponsors

We have some exciting changes planned for 2021 and one is moving the IPRA Annual Conference to November. This change offers many new opportunities, including doing some outdoor events that we haven’t been able to consider in the past. Would you like to join the dream-team of creative, energetic, and motivated people to help us reimagine the event and make it the best one ever? If you are interested in joining the event planning gurus, please reach out to me, I’d love to hear from you. 2021 will also see the return of more in-person events. Look for information on the Maintenance Summit, Trails Gathering, Fall Leadership Event, Trivia Night Fundraiser, Dollars for Scholars Golf Outing, District Events, and more! The year will begin with virtual events, but we look

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From the President

By Lora Helmick, Washington Township Parks, 2020 IPRA President

have an amazing state association that genuinely cares for you.

I’m sure we can all agree that we are happy to see 2020 come to an end. I’d like to take a minute to thank each and everyone of you for your efforts in making Parks and Recreation a priority in your community. When our state closed down, I took comfort in knowing that parks and recreation was still working for each community.

This year more than ever we all learned what an incredible ally we have in the Indiana Park and Recreation Association.

Lisa and her staff jumped right into a supportive role, hosting weekly virtual Town Hall meetings, section meetings, and sending CDC updates that pertain to parks. We were able to work together from all over the state to help get through this difficult time. There were times this year where each of us felt scared, worried, or lost. On these virtual meetings we were able to help guide each other through the unknown. If you celebrate anything this year, I hope you celebrate the fact that you

As we move into 2021 with a lot of unknowns, I hope that you will continue to work with IPRA to help each other. You will see a lot of changes coming to the events for 2021. I encourage you to still participate in the events hosted by IPRA, whether that be in person or virtually. IPRA relies on the revenue generated from these events to provide you with the best services possible. Know that no matter the event that is being planned IPRA always has the safety of their participants in mind. Just as IPRA was there for you, I hope you can be there for them.

IPRA Annual State Conference is an important event each year for the association, IPRF, and all of our departments. The office staff and the Board of Directors will be doing everything we can to ensure that we can still have this event. The state conference will be pushed to the 4th quarter of the year, in hopes that we have a better handle on procedures for COVID-19. The Conference Committee

and Lisa will be searching for dedicated individuals who can volunteer their time to make 2021 State Conference a safe and successful event. If you have an event planning background and would like to help please contact lnye@inpra.org. We will add you to the IPRA Connect group for conference planning.

As I wrap up my year of Presidency, I would like to take the time to personally thank Lisa and her staff for everything they have done for me and the entire association. We are fortunate to have such dedicated individuals in our corner. I have no idea what my staff and I would have done with out the virtual meetings that you created. I would also like to thank Dominic Cornett and Chip Orner for filling in for me while I was on my maternity leave for 2 months. I’m happy to report that Tyson Helmick is happy and healthy despite having COVID at 37 weeks pregnant. I want to wish Chip the best of luck as he tackles 2021 amidst a global pandemic. I have faith that we are in good hands. This may be the last month of my presidency but you won’t be getting rid of me anytime soon. See you at conference next year!

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Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation Reaches Financial Milestone Article By Felisha Canillas, Development Coordinator, IPRA

professional development of current IPRA members.

The Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation is pleased to announce that they have surpassed a goal set back in 2014. The Foundation Board of Directors challenged IPRA members, corporate partners, sponsors and others interested in the growth and development of the parks and recreation profession to assist us in our fundraising goal to reach $200,000 by 2020 in our endowment fund and we achieved that goal. This accomplishment puts the Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation in a position to provide scholarships for children of IPRA members, future park and recreation professionals, as well as provide funds for

Reaching this milestone ensures that the Foundation can continue to fulfil their commitment to advancing the field of parks and recreation. “We are thrilled to have reached this goal and are so grateful for the efforts of those who have been along for the journey,” said Brandon Bennett, President of the Foundation.

The Foundation would like to thank all those who have played a part in reaching this great milestone including the many business, organizations and individuals who have supported and donated to the Foundation. While the Foundation celebrates this success, they also ask for continued to support as this was the first of many milestones – “we cannot stop

here, rather use this as a springboard to encourage continued growth,” said Bennett “we have a lot of work ahead of us and the field of parks and recreation is ever changing. It is more important than ever to continue the work that the foundation is doing.”

Businesses, organizations, and individuals may continue to support the foundation through individual donations and at IPRA/ IPRF events such as The Dollars for Scholars Golf Outing, IPRF’s Annual Trivia Night, and the IPRA Conference and Expo Silent Auction.

To donate to the foundation, please visit https://inpra-foundation.evrconnect.com/ give

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2020 Corporate Partner Guide The Indiana Park and Recreation Association is proud to present the 2020 Corporate Partner Guide.

IPRA relies on the support of companies like the ones you will find featured.

The following companies supported IPRA at the $2,500+ level and are recognized as IPRA’s 2020 Corporate Partners:

We are proud to partner with such incredible organizations and look forward to the success we will continue to have as a result of these partnerships.

If you are interested in becoming a Corporate Partner, please contact Felisha Canillas (felisha@inpra.org) to learn more!

Our goal has been to be a part of the IPRA network of parks and design professionals constantly sharing experiences and exchanging ideas for the betterment of parks, greenways, and access to natural resources. We look forward to continuing our partnership with IPRA to help improve the quality of life for communities across Indiana.

Butler Fairman & Seufert, Inc.

8450 Westfield Boulevard, Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 713.4615 www.BFSengr.com

Alan Hamersly AHamersly@BFSengr.com

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BF&S provides a full range of engineering, landscape architecture, environmental, planning and design services, with primary focus on trails, greenways, parks, streetscapes and alternative transportation. Butler Fairman & Seufert (BF&S) has been an active corporate member, sponsor, and partner with IPRA for 20 years.

Over that time, we have met many new clients that have quickly become partners and friends.

2020 Corporate Partner Guide Working with IPRA has paved the way for many of those relationships within the Parks industry and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them!

Commercial Recreation Group 15150 Herriman Boulevard Noblesville, IN 46060 (317) 776.7830 www.CRGplay.com

Travis Goebel Travis@CRGplay.com

HWC Engineering

135 North Pennsylvania Street Indianapolis, IN 46217 (317)347.3663 https://www.hwcengineering.com/

Cory Whitesell, PE cwhitesell@hwcengineering.com

Noblesville based company specializing in providing and installing playground equipment, surfacing, site amenities, shade structures, dog parks, athletic equipment and much much more! Here at Commercial Recreation Group, we use the term “family” quite frequently when talking about our staff and customers. We are a small family owned company and we truly believe in building long lasting relationships with our customers.

HWC Engineering is a full-service consulting engineering firm that provides water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, inspection, site engineering, survey, landscape architecture and planning services for both the public and private sectors.

HWC partners with IPRA for the rewarding opportunities to network with clients and colleagues who are park enthusiasts like us. Thanks to the association, there are many great events that allow us to interact with our peers to discuss trends, improvements and upcoming opportunities. We appreciate what IPRA does for our Indiana communities!

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2020 Corporate Partner Guide Midstates Recreation continues to partner with IPRA because their many programs and events make it simple to network with industry professionals. We also have a shared belief in and passion for advancing parks and recreation spaces. More than anything, we both aim to be a key resource for parks and recreation professionals across Indiana. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the opportunities being an IPRA partner brings us!

Midstates Recreation

1279 Hazleton-Etna Road SW Pataskala, OH 43062 (614) 855.3790 www.midstatesrecreation.com

Nathan Chamberlin nathanc@midstatesrecreation.com

At Midstates Recreation we design, supply, and build community enhancing recreational play and site structures for schools, parks, residential developments, child care facilities, houses of worship, and commercial campuses. Midstates Recreation is the exclusive dealership for Playworld playgrounds and Berliner Play Equipment in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Our emphasis is not only to create play and recreation spaces for all, but to also provide a truly valuable and inclusive addition to your community!

products that are on target, on budget, and meet the individual needs and interests of each community.

Miracle Recreation Equipment Company has been a proud partner, sponsor, and supporter of IPRA for more than 75 years! As the oldest and largest manufacturer of commercial playground equipment in the U.S., Miracle has always maintained a close association with local park & recreation professionals in Indiana. At Miracle we regard this symbiotic relationship to be mutually beneficial – both to the professional members of IPRA and to the company.

Miracle Midwest

P.O .Box 130 Holly, MI 48442 (800) 722.8546 www.miraclemidwest.com David Tooley dtooley@miraclemidwest.com Phil Bennett (Western Indiana) pbennett@miraclemidwest.com

John Day (Eastern Indiana) jday@miraclemidwest.com

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Miracle values the relationships established with local professionals and appreciates the opportunity to present, display and demonstrate our products and services including: Miracle Playground Equipment, USA Shade, Rain Drop Splash Pads, Poligon Shelters, No Fault Safety Surfacing, and others. Through our association with IPRA and relationships with its members Miracle is in a better position to provide

2020 Corporate Partner Guide

Musco Sports Lighting

19000 Grand Park Boulevard #G500 Westfield, IN 46074 (317) 385.8711 www.musco.com Mark Lusch mark.lusch@musco.com Since 1976, Musco has focused on the design and manufacture of sports and transportation/infrastructure lighting systems, from hometown Little League® fields to professional sports stadiums and ports around the globe. Offering permanent and temporary lighting systems for new and retrofit projects, we bring first-hand knowledge and experience with the many issues that impact players, spectators, neighbors, television broadcasts, and staff.

from the crowd as we’re constantly setting out to create new types of play and provide children with meaningful playtime. We’re excited for every child and client that gets to experience our hard work firsthand.

Playground Equipment.com 1 Playground Drive Greenfield, IN 46140 (800) 667.0097 www.playgroundequipment.com

Mandy Jordan mandy@playgroundequipment.com There is a better way to play, and at PlaygroundEquipment. com we believe our equipment is the pinnacle of play. Although, our product is often the most affordable in the industry, we maintain the highest quality, not just in product, but also in customer service. We’re obsessive about our brand and it shows.

Our innovations set us apart

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2020 Corporate Partner Guide PlayPros understands the value in connecting with people in order to build positive and meaningful relationships to make valuable impacts on communities, which is why our PlayPros Team makes the conscious decision to partner with IPRA.

PlayPros

4815 S. 100 W. Kokomo, IN 46902 (866)959.7866 www.playpros.com playpros@playpros.com PlayPros has all your recreational needs including play structures, aquatic play, shade structures, shelters, surfacing, site furnishings, and athletic equipment.

Gather. Play.

Connect.

solutions that are integral to our clients’ economic development and community enhancement strategies.

The present staff of 26 includes registered landscape architects and certified planners in our offices in Indianapolis, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky.

Rundell Ernstberger Associates 618 East Market Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 (317)263.0127 http://reasite.com/

Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA) is a interdisciplinary firm providing urban design, landscape architecture, and planning services.

Our work is focused on providing transformational site planning, design and placemaking

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2020 Corporate Partner Guide

Recreation inSites

12237 Westmorland Drive Fishers, IN 46037 (317) 578.7058 www.recreationinsites.com

Melissa Guffey melissag@recreationinsites.com

At Recreation inSites, our passion is creating incredible, memorable playgrounds and parks.

Each project reflects our signature values: exciting & inclusive design, thorough planning, and quality workmanship. We design public spaces which bring together people of all ages and abilities, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Proudly representing KOMPAN Playground, Outdoor Fitness and Furniture as well as Cedar Forest Products for Indiana.

Recreation inSites proudly sponsors with IPRA. Allen Patterson and Don Seal were one of my first appointments to call on as a rep for KOMPAN. Both Allen and Don helped to steer me in the direction of getting started and suggested I reach out to IPRA. A few months into owning my agency, I was jumping right into the 2013 IPRA Conference which was held in Bloomington, IN. I was made to feel welcome immediately. I have leaned on the IPRA for guidance and mentorship over the years. The educational opportunities allowed me to advance my knowledge and understanding of the playground industry. The networking opportunities the IPRA provided me was integral in the establishment of Recreation inSites in Indiana.

Sinclair Recreation

128 E. Lakewood Boulevard Suite 40 Holland, MI 49424 (616)392.7441 www.sinclair-rec.com

Rich Sinclair rich@sinclair-rec.com

Sinclair Recreation, LLC is a Michigan corporation incorporated in 2003 with our main office in Holland, MI. Our staff and sales associates have over 100 collective years representing GameTime in Michigan and Indiana. GameTime has been one of the leading manufacturers of commercial playground equipment for 80 years. We also represent several complementary lines of commercial park equipment including recreational surfacing, shade and shelter structures, site amenities, skate parks, spray parks, bleachers, sports and athletic equipment.

Sinclair Recreation has been actively engaged with and supported IPRA and its membership for over 20 years. The IPRA member agencies are the core and soul of the organization, and we are blessed in our personal relationships within those agencies, as well as the opportunity to support them through our sponsorship and participation with IPRA, Annual Conference and the IPRA Foundation. We love nothing more than being a resource and contributing to the success and quality of life that the IPRA members bring to each community!

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2020 Corporate Partner Guide

Snider Recreation, Inc. 10139 Royalton Road #K N. Royalton, OH 44133 (800) 888.2889 www.cvsnider.com

Heather Hice heather@cvsnider.com

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Snider Recreation has been providing top quality park, athletic and commercial playground equipment to the school, early education, parks and recreation industry since the 1980’s. We also support and endorse many playground grants and charities that promote creating recreational play environments to encourage play in kids of all abilities in order for them to develop and thrive physically, emotionally and socially.

At this time of year, I take time to reflect and focus on the blessings that I have experienced. While 2020 has been a roller coaster, I can say with confidence that I am stronger having gone through the trials of this year.

Our parks & recreation departments have done more with less and created programs out of thin air to provide stability to those who needed it the most. More importantly our parks have become a center for our communities to play, grow, and make memories. 2020 has shined a light on the importance for strong and thriving park systems. Snider Recreation and I value our partnership with IPRA and all the hardworking parks & recreation professionals. THANK YOU for all your continued efforts to ensure the Indiana has the safest and most fun parks!

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Evie Kirkwood Receives National Award November 2, 2020 Press Release By Paul Caputo, NAI Deputy Director Evie Kirkwood, retired Director of St. Joseph County Parks is the recipient of the 2020 Fellow Award from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI).

The award will be presented during the 2020 NAI virtual national conference streaming November 10-13th. The annual conferences provide participants with professional skills and ideas and networking opportunities with others in the fields of environmental, cultural, historical, and recreational resources interpretation.

This year’s conference focuses on the theme of “Virtually: New Beginnings”.

The Fellow Award is NAI’s highest award and is bestowed to an individual member exemplifying career achievement in guiding the interpretive profession through training, mentoring, writing, front-line interpretation, and management, and who provides strong support for NAI. Seasonal work at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Syracuse New York and an internship at Bendix Woods in St. Joseph County Parks (SJCP) in Indiana put Evie Kirkwood on a life-long path in the field of interpretation. From her humble beginning as a part-time interpretive naturalist, she rose through the ranks to become the park system’s director. During her tenure, she created a successful friend’s group and many partnerships, properties increased from a single park to nine, and visitation increased by 100,000 annually. She reached countless more through her “Outdoor Elements”

Evie Kirkwood, retired Director of St. Joseph County Parks. Recipient of the 2020 NAI Fellow Master Award from the National Association for Interpretation. television show and newspaper columns & magazine articles. Her staff presents myriad diverse programs. Her NAI involvement showed a similar trajectory.

Building on her involvement with the Association of Interpretive Naturalists, she began as an active member in various roles. That led to directorship of Great Lakes Region 4, Board Member, Vice President for Programs, and eventually NAI President. While she served, NAI accomplished significant milestones: the

building of the new NAI national office in Fort Colling, Colorado and the launch of the nationally acclaimed certification program began. Although Evie focused on SJCP since her presidency ended, she served as strategic plan facilitator to the NAI Board and adapted her approach to the COVID-19 restrictions. Evie retired in May after an exemplary 40-year career at St. Joseph County Parks. As a Founder, she supported NAI since its birth and helped it grow during the last 30 years, especially her dozen years in office.

For her amazing career of encouraging partnerships, helping to plan for NAI’s brighter future, and supporting all aspects of the profession of interpretation, NAI is proud to award Evie Kirkwood the 2020 NAI Fellow.

The National Association for Interpretation (NAI) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) professional association for those involved in the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage resources in settings such as parks, zoos, museums, nature centers, aquaria, botanical gardens, and historical sites.

The IPRA Conference & Expo is moving to November 2021!

Watch for more details soon!

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New Location & Opportunities: Indiana University’s Executive Development Program November 19, 2020 Press Release By Dr. Julie Knapp, Indiana University, Department of Health & Wellness Design

Indiana University’s Executive Development Program (IU EDP) will be held in person on April 11th-14th, 2021 at Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana. The IU EDP Board of Directors and Indiana University representatives have been updating conference and meeting planning protocols, programming, and more to meet all CDC, national, regional, and state guidelines including social distancing, sanitation and mask requirements.

The IU EDP Board of Directors are excited to host IU EDP at Brown County State Park. The new venue will allow participants to interact safely inside large meeting spaces while being socially distanced with sanitation and mask requirements in place. The program will limit participant capacity in meeting rooms and utilize the variety of outside open air venues that are available throughout the State Park. The IU EDP board and instructors are excited to discuss trends and new challenges that are facing park and recreation professionals. A new programming feature will include special evening fireside chats that will allow participants to share best practices and strategies for dealing with current issues impacting departments.

IU EDP is the original continuing education program for park and recreation professionals established in 1967. For

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53 years, IU EDP has helped park and recreation professionals at all levels build and strengthen the fundamental skills needed to manage and lead. IU EDP is committed to the profession and has a strong reputation for excellence.

The 2021 IU EDP will take place April 11-14th at Brown County State Park’s Abe Martin Lodge. The program will open up with John Kennedy, a Motivational Speaker from Virginia, as the keynote speaker.

John will address the Art of Motivation.

This interactive program will set the tone for the 3 and a half day program.

In addition to John Kennedy, seven other instructors from around the country will facilitate sessions related to risk management, staff recruitment, navigating political, social and economic environments, development of partnerships, social equity, making datadriven decisions, customer service, and more.

While the program is structured and packed full with over 17.5 hours of instruction ( 2.0 CEUs), there is also ‘down time’ where students can explore

Brown County State Park and Nashville, Indiana. Out of class networking and social opportunities are an important part of the program. IU EDP participants will have the opportunity to experience hikes, interpretive programs, socials, campfires, and tours. Meal options will be delivered with grab and go options, outside dining/ cookouts, prepacked boxed lunches, and more.

IU EDP is unique related to its structure.

The program is organized around a two year curriculum and class size is limited to 40 students. For professionals with restricted training budgets, IU EDP offers four 50% off registration discounts each year. The registration discount application deadline is January 15, 2021. Call (812) 856-1068 if you are interested in applying for a discount for the 2021 IU Executive Development Program. Please visit the IU EDP website (www.iuedp.org) for more information about the 2021 program.

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New Location & Opportunities, continued from page 22 Please visit the IU EDP website: www.iuedp.org for more information about the 2021 program.

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Park People Article By Jessica Spoor, South Bend Venues Parks & Arts

As many Americans secluded themselves to their homes amid this historic worldwide pandemic, many have continued to set their alarms and head off to work.

Celebrated essential workers have been the frontline faces as hospital workers, grocery clerks and daycare teachers; However, the invisible essential worker has risen to the surface of necessity.

You’ve most likely never seen them in their element, removing graffiti from the side of a building, cleaning trash from each of our parks or clearing limbs from a storm that furiously swept through. Just as they had done before, these invisible essential workers continue to take care of our parks and public spaces.

I met with a few of our own as they continue to create a sense of beauty in our shared spaces. Physically distant, of course.

Kat Ryan, Grounds Team Leader at Howard Park Since its big grand opening celebration back in November 2019, Howard Park has seen a resurgence of eager park-goers experiencing the brand-new playground, water feature and walkable trails. But outside of the common attractions, lays a 24 theProfile

beautiful array of natural bioswales, beds of flowers and well-manicured planters.

heart, where many people wouldn’t think to notice.

The past week prior to sitting down together, the weather hit close to record highs in the upper 90s. For most, it was almost unbearable to be too far away from any source of cool air. Kat Ryan, Grounds Team leader at Howard Park, doesn’t seem phased by the intense heat and humidity, bopping along pruning flowers and admiring the bees buzzing around her.

Ryan is always visible somewhere in the park, tending to a flower bed or stopping to chat with a park “regular”, both equally important to the Venues Parks & Arts mission. “I have one lady who comes out every morning to read,” she said. “She sits and reads a bit, and then gets up and moves to a new spot…I love talking with our visitors.”

“Don’t worry, this one doesn’t have a stinger,” she said, smiling, as I slowly back away. She turns back to pruning the lavender and it’s obvious Ryan really is in her element. She exhales. “This really is the dream.”

Regardless of what the job title may suggest, this passionate gardener and selfproclaimed monarch mom has a constant smile on her face and dirt under her nails.

“It’s my passion. These plants are my babies and I work really hard to take care of them.”

Ryan began working for Venues Parks & Arts over a year ago as a gardener with the horticulturist, but her eyes were on the new Howard Park, with a vision to create beauty – and sustainability – throughout.

“I try new things all the time. Right now, I’m taking the seeds of this plant,” She said, pointing to a beautiful pink flower - what I later learn is Echinacea, “…and replanting them in the bioswale area. They’re pollinators for the bees, and they’re really important, ya know?” It’s only one of the many aspects of the job that Ryan takes to

Anthony Grundy & Tim Badders, Tree Crew with the Forestry Department The Forestry team within Venues Parks & Arts is a highly visible department among our city, once you see them pull up. The team of six operates some heavy equipment including bucket trucks reaching high above the treetops. As I near their worksite, I can hear the woodchipper truck from around the corner chewing the

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Park People, continued from page 24 logs into mulch with ease. Despite the size of their trucks, the team moves in and out of parks and neighborhoods seamlessly throughout any given day, watering, trimming, planting and removing trees.

Just as Ryan had the ability to not be defined by the weather extremes, this crew doesn’t either.

Tim Badders, one of two Group Leader Arborists within the Forestry team, isn’t fazed by a worldwide pandemic or even today’s blazing afternoon sun. It’s baking my shoulders as I stand watching him work, jumping into the bucket and heading into the sky. He’s just happy to do the job. “I love working, regardless,” he said.

“Pandemic or not, I’d rather be out here doing this.”

The more people who seem to be home during this time has led to a bigger audience, watching the chip truck eat away large tree trunks and the bucket hanging 75 feet in the air. “There’s always an audience, people waiving from their porches,” he said. “People enjoy seeing what we do.”

It’s true. I’ve worked for VPA for almost 5 years, and it never gets old watching this team effortlessly take down limbs or remove a tree. Today, Badders is removing dead limbs from the large Cottonwood tree hanging across the St. Joseph River without a second thought. It’s one of the most dangerous jobs in any industry, but the passion for the job outweighs the dangers. “I always give it my all and do the best job I can do for the city.”

clearing storm debris that had swept through the West side. Their work is neverending and it’s clear to me how incredibly important they are to our city. “Essential worker is just a new title, but this job and what we do has always been essential to me,” Grundy said.

Rolando “Flaco” DeLeon – Graffiti Removal and Central Mowing On any given day, Rolando – or Flaco, as most people know him – can be seen all around the city, inspecting streets and alleyways for graffiti. The Superintendent has the daunting task which can take days, but Flaco doesn’t mind. “I enjoy working outside and having the challenge of removing graffiti and cutting down the tall grass at vacant lots around the city,” he said.

I’ve only formally met Flaco once but have known about him since I started working with VPA. Everyone knows Flaco as a quiet guy, someone who takes the job on with the fullest amount of pride for his city and its residents. He’s not one to look for recognition or applause, yet the work he does is worthy of such.

Although he also oversees a large mowing crew who maintains vacant lots throughout the city, he only has a team of one part-

timer who works directly with graffiti removals, which can make it challenging at times. The initiative began in 2011, a joint effort with the city’s Department of Community Investment and Code Enforcement along with Venues Parks & Arts. Since then, he’s seen his fair share of tagging.

“Beautifying the city has a nice feeling to it, like painting a wall and taking pride on that work after it’s finished. Same with mowing a vacant lot or covering up profanity,” he said.

With school still not physically in session, boredom can be seen from the empty spray paint cans, scattered. “Most likely this will be done again in the next two days,” he said. He’s covering a garage with white paint in an alleyway that was recently tagged by kids. He shares that these kids are only 10 or 11 years old. “It’s sad. I’ve seen them before, tagging this exact spot.”

Most of the graffiti removals cover up foul language like the one I’m at today, but there are moments when he sees a graffiti that’s done as works of art. Is it hard to cover up something that’s beautiful?

“Those I may leave up for a few days before we come out and cover it up,” he said, smiling.

I back up noticing the tree limb from 75 feet up cracking, ready to fall succinctly to the ground below. The others are already aware, moving in unison, ready.

“We have a veteran group of guys, so there’s no job we can’t do,” said arborist, Anthony Grundy. “It’s dangerous work from time to time and knowing the person next to you like I do, we’re like a well-oiled machine.”

Nearly a week later, they’d be seen around the city Indiana Park & Recreation Association

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Greening the Government in Richmond, Indiana Article By Denise Retz, Richmond Parks & Recreation

Greenhouse Located at 28 Waterfall Road, Richmond, IN 47374

The City of Richmond, Parks and Recreation Department, has worked tirelessly to improve the function, sustainability, and purpose of their Greenhouse facility and landscaping throughout the 23 park properties in the city. Countless examples show the positive direction and substantial improvements that have been made. In 2006, the Parks Department purchased a Greenhouse facility in disrepair. This facility along with many greenhouses have a reputation to be a nuisance rather than an asset.

The first and most obvious reason for the inspiration that motivated all of the key players involved to start this project is that greenhouses are designed to be renewable energy capture systems and although it was not performing in that way, we knew the facility had the ability.

Through the dedication and hard work of Parks Superintendent, Denise Retz, 2016-current, and employees, significant advancements have been completed during the last four years. Examples include, removing a crumbling smokestack, removing dilapidated greenhouses, making use of an unfunctional glass greenhouse, renovating the inside of the functioning greenhouse, and applying environmentally sustainable practices throughout all of the green spaces maintained by the Parks Department. The Greenhouse has been transformed into a great asset to the community and one which will continue to provide benefits for generations to come.

Statement of Innovation

These great accomplishments were achieved not through extraordinary funding, but through hard work, passion, 26 theProfile

dedication, and collaboration. The Parks Department has partnered and utilized opportunities to work with citizens, school groups, other municipal departments, and city officials to make the Greenhouse the best it can be. Restoring the Greenhouse facility has truly been a great effort and accomplishment by many and has shown perseverance always prevails.

million square feet of glass and over 1,000 acres of Indiana farmland. It was because of this company that Richmond titled itself, “The Rose City� and was host to a Rose Festival for over 30 years. Even though the business that brought so much value and history to our city is no longer in operation, the City continues to honor its significance in other ways.

Statement of Environmental Significance

The Parks Department purchased a greenhouse facility in 2006, which was used as part of the Hills growing operation throughout most of the second half of the 20th century. What once was state of the art technology had become an operation in disrepair. Termites had infested the wooden greenhouses that stood between the glass houses.

The project will have a lasting environmental effect on the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department, our entire community and green spaces within our great city. From newly implemented educational outreach opportunities, invasive education and removal programs, sustainable landscape practices, and inhouse funding initiatives, the Greenhouse’s future is bright with benefits. Providing educational opportunities, beautification, and sustainable practices are always the priority. This project has guided our efforts toward significantly affecting the quality of the human environment by waste reduction, invasive species removal, native habitat restoration, sustainable landscape methods, and urban forest management.

General Project Description

The City of Richmond, Indiana, has a rich history in horticulture. Richmond was the site of the EG Hill Company, one of the most influential businesses in Richmond during the 20th Century. Hills Floral was a premier rose grower and rose exporter, worldwide. At one time the EG Hill greenhouses comprised more than one

The brick smokestack was crumbling to pieces. The boiler house contained asbestos and was falling to the ground.

Trees were growing through the roofs of the glass houses. The weeds and invasive plants were taking over the property.

There were some who had the opinion that this facility was more of a liability than an asset. In fact in 2015, the Parks and Recreation Board of Directors voted and approved the closure and sale of this facility. However, with a change in administration in 2016, the Greenhouse became a top priority to current Parks Superintendent, Denise Retz. To date, all of the detrimental problems have been resolved and the facility is no longer in danger of closure.

Continued on page 27

Greening the Government in Richmond, Indiana, continued from page 26 Without the City’s ability to store these plants, they would have been thrown away and repurchased the following year, an approximate cost avoidance of $24,000 (4,000 plants at $6 each).

2019 was another transformational year for the facility. With a new crew of employees in place, new visions and new dreams began to take hold. Not only were they invested in building efficient and sustainable practices, but the shift toward sustainable plant choices and landscaping methods was important as well. Until 2019, the greenhouse was primarily used to grow annuals, therefore not justifying a year-round operation. However, the expertise of the new employees provided a new, more sustainable approach. The The first step in mitigating these problems was removing the crumbling smokestack.

This was accomplished on October 19, 2017 in collaboration with C&C Crane Company, based in New Madison, Ohio.

Following the removal of the smokestack, the Parks Department partnered with the Richmond Municipal Landfill in 2018 to remove the greenhouses in deplorable conditions. It was a great feat to do this task in-house. All debris was removed and two glass greenhouses remained.

One of the glass greenhouses was functional however the other was not.

Many of the glass panels were broken, trees were growing through the roof, and the trash was piled up from several years of neglect. With great foresight, Superintendent Retz made the decision to keep the greenhouse that was not functional, in hopes of discovering a new purpose for it in the future. By the end of 2018, it had been given a new life.

Partnering with Wayne County Community Corrections, individuals completing community service helped pick up the glass and trash from this greenhouse.

Employees cut the trees out and made repairs as necessary. Concrete and soil used to grow roses was removed by hand.

Even though it was not enclosed, the greenhouse could still be used as a cold frame storage facility for plant material, including perennials, trees, and shrubs.

It would also be used to harden-off plant material before being planted in the Parks (such as the flower pots for Center City).

Over the 2018-2019 winter, it was used to store over 4,000 perennial plants that were later installed in the City’s Stellar Streets Project in our Center City location.

team chose to focus on landscapes based on native plants and shrubs, which provided lower maintenance options and a more environmentally friendly alternative.

In order to accomplish this, perennials were gathered throughout all of the City’s 23 park properties. Plants were brought back and propagated, until they were to be planted back in the parks at the proper location. The greenhouse staff also started growing even more plants from seed.

They built their own seed germination chambers, with heat mats and appropriate

lighting. This allows for seeds to be started efficiently regardless of the temperature of the greenhouse which is kept at just above 50 degrees throughout winter months for energy savings. Growing plants from seeds allows the city to focus on unique varieties as well as native wildflowers that cannot commonly be bought through other distributors. This demonstrates a significant reduction in the cost needed in order to provide plant material in all of our 1,100 acres. The greenhouse not only grows all of the plant material for the flower pots placed in Center City, but it also produces the majority of the soil for them. This is an efficient and cost effective method for providing beautiful flowers on our main street and Center City areas.

Although the primary greenhouse was functional, it was not efficient. Employees removed several hundred yards of conduit and irrigation supplies that had been used previously but were no longer needed. They also removed, by hand, concrete bunks and posts that previously grew thousands of roses. Inside the greenhouse was reformatted to fit the current needs of the City’s growing operation.

Organization, streamlining, and goal-focused decisions helped shape the greenhouse into a much more productive facility which now grows over 6,000 plants annually, from seed, for the purpose of beautifying and restoring the native habitats in our community. In addition, an overall effort to maintain and control invasive species onsite at the Greenhouse and also throughout our 1,100 acres has been a huge step in the right direction. These initiatives have paved the way for an invasive removal plan and successful community clean up days.

Throughout 2019 and 2020, over 600 tons of gravel was spread at the Greenhouse.

This not only assisted in the aesthetics but also has created more access and potential to all aspects of the facility.

Continuing in 2019, the next goal in

Continued on page 28

Indiana Park & Recreation Association

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Greening the Government in Richmond, Indiana, continued from page 27 restoring the facility was the removal of the boiler house. The abatement of the asbestos was removed in 2019 in collaboration with many departments and individuals throughout the city. The Landfill contributed their excavator and operator, as well as tubs for debris. The Recycling Center in Richmond was also instrumental in the process by providing on-site metal dumpsters for demolition.

This allowed the ability to recycle any materials we could salvage. The Street Department was also crucial in helping us haul away the material. In total, over 175 tons of debris were removed from the location, with 23.93 tons of it being metal that was recycled locally. Two large boilers were removed from the facility, but in order to move the largest boiler, a wrecker and semi-flatbed hauler were enlisted. It was no small achievement, but years of preparation and planning, as well as great collaboration and cooperation throughout the city, made the removal of this building a reality.

In summary, several actions on behalf of the Parks Department have resulted in the completion of projects that will benefit the community and environment for the foreseeable future. However, there is more to be accomplished. With the removal of the boiler house, the Greenhouse also lost its main equipment storage shed. It is our intention to put back a pole barn where the boiler house stood, to have a safe place to store and work on equipment. We are also in the early stages of completing all landscaping installations around the city; including pavilions, shelters, and places that will impact rental revenue for the Parks as a whole. In the near future, the Greenhouse will develop a Tree Program for managing our Urban Forest, as well as developing a Sustainability Plan. With much of the construction completed, it is time to fully focus our efforts into the impact we can make throughout the community.

Innovation, Environmental Stewardship, and Partnerships

The story continues, including many great partnerships that have made this transformation possible. Perhaps the most environmentally and economically important partnership is the new collaboration with the Richmond Street Department. Starting in the spring of 2019, the Greenhouse started accepting the Street Department’s wood chips from tree trimming and tree removal. The chips 28 theProfile

would then be used in place of mulch in many areas where the Parks Department could not afford to purchase finished mulch. Employees of the greenhouse used approximately 80 yards of wood chips in 2019 alone. The chips are also used in the cold frame greenhouse to bed perennials and shrubs, as well as to store trees overwinter for the Street Department.

In the fall of 2019, the greenhouse also started accepting a portion of the leaves collected by the Street Department from citizens’ homes, reducing the amount being taken to the landfill. In 2019 it took in over 40 yards of leaves. We are currently in the process of becoming a licensed composting facility. In turn, we will use these leaves, in combination with manure from local horse barns, to make compost that will be used in flower beds, parks, downtown flower pots, and more.

Having the ability to make our own finished compost will not only save money, but also improve the quality of the soil throughout the city. This is a process that is new for the Parks Department. After completing the requirements and becoming licensed, the Parks Department will only be the second location in Richmond to maintain this designation, the other being the Municipal Landfill.

The combination of the chips and leaves we are using from the Street Department has greatly reduced the amount of waste going to the landfill. Until last year, the chips were being discarded wherever

possible. The partnership we have established is one formed from common sense and mutual needs being met.

The Street Department has a place to take their unwanted materials, and we have a great way to use them. It is an environmentally and economically sound practice that both saves the city money as well as uses our resources as efficiently as possible. We are reducing the amount of waste, while utilizing a resource that was previously being disposed of. It also serves as a great practical example of how other cities could better use their resources as well.

Another great partnership we have established is with the Richmond Landfill.

In order to reduce our expenses for materials, as well as make great use of a natural resource, we have started using cobbles and boulders from the Landfill to meet our landscaping needs.

To date, the greenhouse has hauled out more than 20 tons of cobbles and boulders to use in dry river beds, drainage areas, decorative landscape design, bed retention, and more, at no cost to the city.

This is a resource that previously was not being utilized. Wherever possible, it is preferred to use rock instead of other prefabricated materials that cost money and are not naturally occurring in our habitat. It is a wonderful example of how we take someone else’s waste and unused materials and use it in a practical,

Continued on page 29

Greening the Government in Richmond, Indiana, continued from page 28 economical, and environmentally friendly manner. We are working with other departments, businesses, and individuals as closely as possible to develop solutions and make better use of our natural resources.

Superior Practices

The ultimate goal in restoring the Greenhouse facility was to be able to better serve our community and Parks.

This has been achieved through a variety of superior practices and new programs implemented.

Two investments which have proved valuable are the purchase of an iPad and a landscape software program in early 2019. These tools allow our horticulture designer to develop a landscape that not only is aesthetically pleasing but also low maintenance and sustainable. We have the ability to take a picture on-site, design a landscape in 3D, then compare how that landscape will look at it’s maturity. In addition, we can provide a tangible and realistic picture of what a finished project will look like to those who may not know

how to read traditional “bird’s eye view” landscape plans. Not only do we design landscapes in-house, but we install and maintain them as well.

Another method for furthering our initiative was utilizing a blog to share our story and our goals. The blog, Richmond’s Green Thumb, was an outreach opportunity to highlight the Park Greenhouse’s past, present, and future. The blog’s purpose was to help community members, Park Board Members, Common Council, and more understand the history, transformation, plans, and goals of greenhouse. The blog may be found at https://richmondsgreenthumb.wordpress. com/.

In 2018, the Parks Department successfully completed its first “Wood Weekend”. This was created as a way to remove standing dead Ash trees in our Parks. The week prior to the event, Parks and Street Department employees

cut down the dead trees. Citizens were then invited into the park to cut and haulaway the downed wood. The event was such a success that there have been five additional “Wood Weekends and a Wood Week,” since. In total, more than 273 standing dead Ash trees have been removed through this initiative alone. It is an innovative solution that greatly benefits the safety of our visitors, health of our forest, and community members in need of wood.

Continued on page 30

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Greening the Government in Richmond, Indiana, continued from page 29 From Superintendent down, it has been a passion, a dream, and an intense dedication to the success of this initiative that has helped carry it to fruition.

Measurable Environmental, Economic, and Social Benefits

In 2019, the Greenhouse also started offering educational classes and workshops open to the community. The first class was about understanding invasive species. We wanted to encourage the members of our great City to correctly identify and take responsibility for the invasives in their own yard. This also helped people in our community understand the long-term goals for invasive species removal throughout our 1,100 acres of Park property. Additional classes hosted throughout 2019 and 2020 included; Christmas Greenery Centerpiece Workshop, Rose Care, Basic Landscape Design, Lawn Care, Pollinator’s Garden, and Proper Pruning Techniques. The classes are also used as a fundraiser for greenhouse maintenance. For most classes, a donation of $5 per attendee is requested. The Christmas Centerpiece Workshop requested a donation of $25 per arrangement, and that class raised over $300 in its debut. We look forward to continuing to offer educational classes to our community as a way to connect, share information, provide guidance, and be a leader in the environmental success of our future as a city.

Lastly, a superior practice that cannot go unnoticed in regard to the Greenhouse and its transformation is the sweat equity invested by its employees. These employees salvaged and restored every plant, piece of equipment, material, supply, and show of support in order to make this happen. These individuals have invested countless hours of demanding and exhausting physical labor, as well as making sure the Greenhouse is properly taken care of, regardless of day or time.

30 theProfile

The worthwhile energy and environmental benefits are quite evident. The sun shines, the temperature inside the greenhouse rises. The circulation fans provide ongoing cooling efforts while the manual louvers provide adequate ventilation. Fixing glass and plastic are done in-house when necessary to save money and the new DIY drip irrigation in 2020 has factored in watering assistance. While many greenhouses struggle with winter weather months, our greenhouse gets a little break.

The main greenhouse is separated to save on utilities and all plant stock is secured in one area. In the back open glass house, cloth and chips are placed over plant stock, trees, and shrubs to keep protected and also offers a cost savings. Providing community outreach classes, securing multiple partnerships, coordinating tours, and conducting open house opportunities connect the public to the greenhouse in ways they never dreamed possible. Social equity is an important element within our greenhouse initiatives and our door is always open. Anyone that steps inside our facility can not imagine that this area was determined to be a problem the City wanted rid of in 2015 and now is a fully functioning greenhouse facility that saves the City money each year. Persistence, communication, collaboration, and vision allowed this project to be possible, but the ongoing support and funding opportunities made it a reality.

In Pursuit of Environmental Excellence

Continuing education of our staff is just one example of how we are committed to leadership in pursuit of environmental excellence. In the spring of 2018, two employees traveled to Muncie weekly, in order to pursue Master Gardener training. Both employees successfully completed the classes. In the fall of 2018, an employee attended a 40 hour International Society of Arboriculture training course. She is now on the path to becoming an ISA Certified Arborist.

The Richmond Parks Department has not had a certified Arborist on staff for over two decades. With over 1,100 acres throughout the city to maintain,

this is an important step to being able to properly manage our urban forest. In addition, she and two other employees have successfully completed the first two (of four) Tree Commission Academy classes administered by the Ohio Division of Forestry. These “Freshman” and “Sophomore” classes were comprised of 32 hours of classroom instruction focused on the following topics: Ordinances, Tree Biology & Its Significance, Urban Forestry, Marketing Urban Forestry, Scheduling, Tree Commissions & Municipal Relations, Urban Soils, Master Planting Design, Destructive Pests, and Inventories. This instruction provided our employees a much greater understanding of how to better navigate the processes of managing an urban forest under the framework of a municipal government. It also provided practical knowledge and tools, marketing strategies, and long-term goals for implementing a more sustainable tree program in the future.

The education and training received has led to practical ideas and swift implementation of them. Employees at the greenhouse are currently experimenting with a ‘low mow” grass seed blend. If successful, this is something they look to use throughout the parks, where appropriate. This would significantly reduce the amount of mowing needed.

Although in its testing stage, it is just one example of how we are committed to continuing our efforts toward environmental excellence for years to come.

In addition to adding classes and workshops, they also hosted a first Annual Plant Sale. The sale was held on August 31, 2019. This was a way to reduce excess inventory at the end of the year as well as create revenue for the maintenance of the Greenhouse. The first sale brought in $2,100, part of which was used to purchase new circulation fans.

Moving forward, the Greenhouse will have two plant sales annually. This money will fund updates and maintenance of the facility. They are planning on replacing the plastic roof with a polycarbonate alternative in the near future, which would greatly impact the efficiency of the Greenhouse. Again, they are dedicated to being a leader in creating an economically and environmentally sustainable future.

Continued on page 31

Greening the Government in Richmond, Indiana, continued from page 30 Transferability to Other Users

Numerous organizations and individuals have utilized the expertise and experience of the staff at the Greenhouse. Firstly, Ivy Tech Community College opened a state of the art greenhouse in 2018. Shortly after opening, students and staff of Ivy Tech toured our greenhouse in search of guidance to their efforts. Many other schools, programs, and nonprofits have also contacted the staff for direction.

Resources and advice have been shared with Hayes Arboretum, Rose Garden Committee, Test Middle School, Richmond Friends School, Reid Health, South Bend Municipal Greenhouse, the local CISMA chapter, and the curriculum at a new Community Orchard located at our west side park location. In order to share our efforts and accomplishments along the way, we have hosted multiple open houses to the public. We also provided the State Director of the Nature Conservancy a tour of the facility, as well as numerous elected public officials. We are proud of our accomplishments to say the least, and look forward to sharing our story as broadly as possible.

Funding Sources

Greenhouses can be cumbersome and expensive but the environmental benefits outweigh the overall investment. Our efforts have shown an economical fortitude through partnerships, donors, grants, and very little tax dollars. The generosity of our community has been humbling.

Governors Award on Environmental Excellence Most of this article was specific to the project that provided our ability to win this prestigious award from the Governor through the Department of Environmental Management. It is important to know the

award opportunities that are offered in show our value to each and every our great state and this one can be found community we serve. This award gave on the IDEM website. https://www.in.gov/ inspiration to our team. The special idem/partnerships/2457.htm This award notes, news attention, and social media spoke to the Greenhouse Rehabilitation buzz surrounding an award recognition Project that we have been working on can be very uplifting and may just be since 2016 and I am sure there are the encouragement your Park and various awards that will speak to projects Recreation Team or community may that your park agency has invested in need. completing. The application process was worth the time and energy to exemplify the hard work and determination the Floral Division, Park Team, City Team, and Partners have shown.

This has been and will continue to be a rather different year for us all. Just like many of our regional park We are always up for a tour, just ask Lisa Nye, peers, our camps were Executive Director of Indiana Park and Recreation canceled, our pool Association who visited our special Park was not opened, we Greenhouse gem in April 2019. have reduced budgets and suffered significant revenue loss.

Through this process Parks and park professionals across this state have stepped up to be leaders during these unpresented times and we need to continue exploring ways to

Gov. Holcomb presentation for Greening the Government Award with Denise Retz, Park Superintendent IDEM Commissioner and IDEM Asst. Commissioner.

Indiana Park & Recreation Association

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Imagine Pulaski: Community-Driven Design Article By Jonathon Geels, Troyer Group, Principal Landscape Architect

How do you design a park space that brings together the goals of a City, the history of the space, the uses of the space, the existing elements and environmental factors, and, most importantly, the many cultures and people who see it as the center of a community? Imagine Pulaski is a project that did this through a communitydriven process.

Imagine Pulaski is a restoration of one of only a few public green spaces on the west side of South Bend, a predominantly Latinx and black neighborhood. At 7 acres, the park served as the center of the neighborhood despite a general state of disrepair.

Troyer Group’s Landscape Architect team collaborated with several City departments and local organizations to engage in a year-long, community-driven design process. The result is a landscape that represents the City of South Bend’s diversity, the migrant-oriented cultural heritage, an industrial history, and the social and environmental values that aim to empower everyone in the surrounding communities to thrive.

The process started with an extensive inventory and analysis of regional green space mapping, regional land use trends, circulation patterns, and population and demographic tracking. Site-specific research involved tree inventories, soil analysis and laboratory work, and thorough infrastructure mapping. In addition to physical inventory, extensive historic and social inventories were also gathered. At the time, the existing park featured nonfunctioning restroom facilities, a cinder parking lot, and limited amenities. Despite this, the neighborhood still viewed the open space as the center of the community.

The park’s surrounding cultural demographics had transitioned several times, from Polish, to Black, to Latinx.

Each surrounding community shares a migration story. The park’s history ties to the founding of the City, previously serving 32 theProfile

as a Potawatomi tribe overlook and then as Industrialization consumed the area, railroads formed, and a foundry was built on the site. By

the late 1920s, the foundry was removed.

At that time, Polish families still living in the adjacent houses petitioned the City to create the park.

The scope of Imagine Pulaski project included the development of a site master plan and construction documentation for planned upgrades at the park, including a comfort station, accessible paths, a playground, a splash feature, an irrigated soccer field, landscaping and trees, and signage. To achieve the goals of the City while also accounting for the history, uses, cultures, and elements of the space, Troyer Group encouraged a community-driven planning and design philosophy that could strengthen the existing capacity of the space while also meeting the expectations of each of the surrounding communities.

Because of the history of intense interest and expectations, particularly from the various immigrant communities that surrounded the park, the project team employed an engagement strategy that embodies the concept of “meeting people where they are.” This effort involved a three-pronged approach: 1. Outreach at critical mass events, such as pop-up booths at community festivals and neighborhood events 2. Meeting people in their spaces,

including meeting people in the park and via open houses. 3. Capture of feedback from everyone (extroverted, introverted, young, old, and so on). All engagement efforts and materials were multilingual. The team conducted several neighborhood and park social intercept surveys, meeting early in the morning to meet young teens playing basketball before school, stopping by over several afternoons to catch the parents/ grandparents watching younger children, taking questions on the local Latinx Radio station, and playing soccer in the evening and over several weekends with the soccer league. Finally, all public meetings were provided via “Facebook Live” and hosted on the City’s website for future viewing.

This trust building dramatically increased community participation in the public meetings over the course of the project.

The final design balanced the expectations of each of these communities, while also reinforcing the resiliency and sustainability goals of the City. The design concentrated use toward the front of the park, using native planting as a longterm phytoremediation strategy, habitat development for pollinators and other urban wildlife, and as a buffer from the two active railroad lines. A walking trail, butterfly garden, wet/dry play areas, sledding hill, reoriented soccer field (now compliant with FIFA recommendations), and entry plaza were also all included to strengthen existing use of the park.

Isolated between two active railway lines and an alley along each of the three sides of the park, a priority for the client was raising awareness for the public space. New monument signage, gateway elements, and the reuse of industrial infrastructure as art/ lighthouse (an existing water tower nearby) aimed to create new landmarks for the park.

These elements would support existing use

Continued on page 33

Imagine Pulaski: Community-Driven Design, continued from page 32 elements, including creating a new entry where an informal access point had been established and developing an entry plaza at the existing transit line stop frequently used by park goers. Because the existing park had no functional restrooms, drinking water, or seating, these elements became the highest priorities for all the various park user groups and each element strengthens the existing capacity and use of the park.

Each of the features, while playing important functional roles, also tied into the thematic and cultural history of the place. The color red was heavily featured because it holds meaning for the Polish, Black, and Latinx communities. Wildflowers and native plantings connect the theme of migration to pollinator habitat development.

Industrial materials, stone, and steel were part of the early development of the site.

A long walking path was added, the first in this area of the City. The path meanders through the less active portions of the site,

supporting the passive recreation needs of several of the park user groups. In addition to native plantings, the plan calls for over 90 new trees, both playing a role in the long-term “healthy soils� and stormwater management strategy for the park.

As a key element in the design, the main plaza design connected to established community and national symbols, including the statue of liberty and star from the City flag. These symbols were deconstructed in the layout of the plaza, with the number of rays representing the different districts of the City and oriented toward historic landmarks around the community, which were grouped by the overarching themes of the project (inclusion, justice, settlement, and industry). These would then be featured in park signage to explain the significance of the history and ultimately of the final design. The functional elements were overlaid on the final plan. They support the different types of activities

programmed for the site, including neighborhood festivals and weekend soccer tournaments, while also accounting for park safety elements and park use for rental facilities.

Advocacy played an important role in the development of the park throughout its history. Because of that, the lead landscape architect, Jonathon Geels, spearheaded an effort to name the new amenities after Dolores Huerta, a luminary for both the feminist and farm worker movements. This brings more diverse representation into a community public space. In addition to extensive work with community leaders, Geels helped author a Park Board Resolution to punctuate the process. This landmark achievement makes the park one of only two public spaces named after women and it is the first named for a Latina in the city.

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Indiana Trails Program (ITP) Grant Program Article By Bob Bronson, Grants Section Chief, Division of Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources

What is the Indiana Trails Program Grant?

The Indiana Trails Program is a new trails program that will replace the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in 2021. The new ITP program will be similar Indiana’s existing RTP, including being administered

by Department of Natural Resources Division of Outdoor Recreation. The main difference is that funds for ITP will now be state dollars rather than federal funds.

How and why is it changing?

For more information about how and why DNR and INDOT are replacing RTP with ITP, see our Frequently Asked Question page https://www.in.gov/dnr/ outdoor/10447.htm

Grant funding amounts

The ITP will provide 80% reimbursement for eligible projects. Applicants may request a minimum of $50,000 and

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maximum of $250,000 in grant assistance. Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2021.

Who is eligible?

All units of government and agencies incorporated as 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporations are eligible to participate.

What types of projects may be funded?

Projects will be eligible if they provide public access to trails. Funds from RTP can be used for: • Construction of multi-use trails • Acquisition of easement or property for trails • Development of trailheads and other support facilities (parking, water fountains, benches, signage, etc.)

• Construction of bridges, boardwalks and crossings

All facilities should be universally designed to accommodate all people.

Facilities, programs and activities funded through this program must be open to the public without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability.

How do I apply?

The ITP manual online will serve as the guidelines and application. The manual will be coming soon as OR staff finalize the details.

If you want to know more about the ITP grant or want to discuss potential projects, contact: Bob Bronson; bbronson@dnr.

IN.gov; (317) 232-4075

2021 Indiana Trails Program Frequently Asked Questions Why is Indiana changing RTP?

The switch to state funds will streamline grant and program administration for DNR and INDOT, saving significant time and money. This allows more of the grant money to build trails with the same funds in a shorter timeline. The change will be beneficial to INDOT, DNR, and the grant recipients.

How will ITP differ from the RTP program?

There will be very few changes to the grant program. ITP shares the intent and general design of RTP. The goal of the new program is to streamline the grant process to put more trail on the ground.

Will the funding amount remain the same as RTP?

Yes, the Indiana Trails Program will receive the same money to use on trails, including grants, education, and administration, just as it did under RTP. If the RTP allocation amount changes in the future, the state funds the DNR receives for ITP from INDOT will reflect that new amount.

Where are the ITP funds coming from?

Similar to RTP, the funds for ITP will be passed from INDOT to the DNR to administer. ITP simply exchanges Indiana’s normal allocation of federal Recreational Trails Program funds, which are based on a return of federal fuel tax for nonhighway recreation, with available state funds through INDOT’s Federal Fund Exchange program (Indiana Code 36-942.2). ITP funds are not a result of a new tax, user fee, or other allocation. The RTP funding represents a portion of the revenue received by the Federal Highway Trust

Fund from the federal motor fuel excise tax paid by users of off-road recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road light trucks. These monies are made available from Indiana’s share of funds from the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) as a set-aside of the new Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) (23 U.S.C. 213).

Will ITP continue to be a reimbursement program?

Yes, ITP will be a reimbursement program.

Eligible funds will be reimbursed after the costs have been incurred and submitted to the DNR. No funds will be dispersed up front.

How is this better for grant awardees?

As many awardees have learned, state funds are easier and faster to work with than federal funds. When using federal funds, awardees must follow detailed federal land acquisition, environmental, purchasing, and administration processes.

Many of these processes, which were designed for larger Federal agency projects, added both significant time and costs to smaller, local trail projects. By using state funds instead, awardees can bypass many of these processes to make their projects more cost and time effective.

What about my existing RTP grant?

Will it be converted or change?

Projects that received RTP funding in 2020 or earlier will see no changes. Those funds are still federal funds and all the previous rules will still apply. Those grant projects will continue under the previous federal rules until they are completed.

Will the funding allocations to motorized and non-motorized trails remain the same?

Yes, funding allocations within the program will remain unchanged. Indiana will earmark 30% of the funds for motorized recreation trail projects and 30% for nonmotorized trail projects. The remaining 40%, minus education and administration costs, will remain as discretionary funds.

Why did Indiana choose to opt out of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Recreational Trails Program?

Indiana opted out of the RTP program to satisfy a technical requirement of the Federal Funds Exchange program. This change to state funds benefits awardees and the state by making the program more efficient and simpler to administer

Does Indiana have to “opt out” each year from the RTP program?

Yes, The RTP program requires the state to opt out each year the RTP funds are available. A signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DNR and INDOT spells out all the responsibilities to ensure the partnership runs smoothly. A MOU must be signed every year.

Will Indiana retain the Trails Advisory Board?

Yes, the Indiana Trails Advisory Board (TAB) has proven to be an asset to the DNR. The TAB provides important educational and networking opportunities for trail stakeholders as well as the DNR. The DNR will continue to administer the TAB, which had already gone above FHWA requirements, in its current capacity.

Indiana Park and Recreation Association Connect with us: IPRAConnect.org

facebook.com/INParkandRec

@INParkandRec

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Leo Cedarville Goose Deterrent WATER QUALITY PROJECT 2020 Article By Janet O’Connor, Leo Cedarville Park Administrator & Kyle Quandt

The Leo-Cedarville Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative (Initiative) recently implemented a train of water quality improvement projects at Riverside Gardens, a nine-acre park along the banks of the Cedarville Reservoir. In July 2020 a rain garden, bioswale, and goose deterrent project at the retention pond in the park were installed as a demonstration project to showcase how installing these beautiful practices will attract pollinators, improve access to the pond, and improve water quality.

Why was such a system necessary?

While the Park is full of green spaces, a large pollinator garden, and trees, it also has impervious surfaces that prevent precipitation from absorbing into the ground which increases erosion of the adjacent riverbanks and the ground surrounding the trails. Additionally, the pond at Riverside Gardens, which drains to the Cedarville Reservoir, was found as an attractive space for geese to spend their days. Sometimes the geese numbered in the hundreds as the pond was surrounded by turf grass which is one of a gooses favorite snacks. The demands of keeping the park trails and sidewalks clear of goose droppings and park users safe from territorial expectant goose mothers became too much for the Parks

and Recreation Department to handle and the geese had no plans of leaving. So, a partnership between the Initiative and the Leo-Cedarville Parks and Recreation Dept. was the answer to address not only the long term maintenance of the park, but also water quality concerns in the Cedarville Reservoir, the drinking water source for nearly 300,000 individuals.

In 2004, the Initiative published the results of a three-year study looking into the source of bacteria contamination in the St. Joseph River. This study identified geese to be the second highest contributor, humans being the first. Therefore, the Initiative provided funds to Leo-Cedarville to implement water quality improvement practices with the intent the of highlighting the goose deterrent practice to area developers.

So, how does a goose deterrent practice work? At first glance it looks like the pond is surrounded by unkempt weeds.

However, careful use of deep rooted native grasses and flowers placed around the pond provide an unfavorable environment for the geese as they cannot see potential predators that may be hiding in the tall vegetation. For this reason geese will not land at the pond but rather move on to a more conducive environment for their foraging and nesting habitat.

Earth Source, Inc, a local business specializing in natural designs, began the project in July by removing weeds, and installing native vegetation plugs at the pond, rain garden and bioswale.

Large limestone rocks were placed in two areas around the pond to allow for observation areas for park users. Fast forward to November 2020 and the system is a success. The geese have moved on from the park which will reduce the need for extreme maintenance measures, has created a pristine park experience for park users, and will improve water quality.

Interpretive signage will be installed in the spring to educate the public on “green infrastructure” practices and how they can help improve water quality.

This project was funded wholly by a Clean Water Act Section 319 grant administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management awarded to the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative to implement natural water quality management practices in critical areas outlined in the Lower St. Joseph River – Bear Creek Watershed Management Plan. The Initiative has cost-share funds available for other municipalities and private landowners to implement best management practices in the watershed.

Find out more at www.sjrwi.org.

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It’s Time for Some Good News!

Article By Lisa Nye, Executive Director, IPRA

The Indiana Park and Recreation Association is growing your membership benefits in 2021. We know it’s been a difficult year of transition for many of our members and we want to help.

To thank you for your continued support, for 2021 only, we are expanding your membership benefits to include your entire team!

That’s right, all of your full-time and part-time staff, as well as your Park Board are eligible for membership in IPRA at NO additional cost to your department for one year.

We know budgets are tight and it’s imperative your staff get quality professional development. We’re here to provide the opportunities, often with no or very low registration fees.

Any IPRA Member Park Department who renews for 2021 at the same level or above their 2020 membership level will be eligible for this one-time promotion.

To take advantage of this offer, have each staff or park board member complete the brief form to be added to our membership database. http://www.inpra.org/ forms/2021-additional-members

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Membership benefits Includes: •

Discounts on Professional Development - IPRA provides members with a dynamic and comprehensive calendar of educational events delivered through a variety of methods ranging from regional workshops to online and on-demand learning. Certification courses are offered in CPSI and AFO. CEU’s are also available for select events.

•

District, Section and Virtual Events - Members meet around the state or virtually

•

Discounts on State Conference Registration - At the IPRA Annual Conference, professionals exchange ideas and information in educational sessions, meetings, social gatherings and an awards banquet. In addition, exhibitors demonstrate and display the latest in park and recreation equipment and supplies.

•

Develop Professional Contacts/Network on IPRAConnect.org - Meet with other

•

Online and Print Buyer’s Guide - Looking for park products or services? IPRA

•

Communication - Through multiple channels that include The Profile magazine,

•

Advocacy - IPRA is active in monitoring legislative activities and tracking legislation which impacts parks and recreation.

for educational sessions and/or park tours that provide the opportunity for better communication and networking among peers. Town Halls and Roundtable discussions are provided virtually to provide access to all without requiring travel.

professionals in the parks and recreation field who are eager to share new ideas and discuss current challenges. Join the only communications platform in the State of Indiana developed specifically for park professionals – IPRAConnect.org. produces a print version of our Buyer’s Guide annually, or you can use the searchable buyer’s guide on IPRAConnect.org.

weekly e-newsletter and social media, IPRA keeps members up to date on the latest in industry news. Members also have access to the IPRA database to search for suppliers or contact information for other professionals.

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Indiana Park & Recreation Association 107 Logan Street Noblesville, IN 46060

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