Parks & Recreation Magazine September 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018 W W W. N R PA . O R G

INDIANAPOLIS HERE WE COME

Transforming South Bend | NRPA Annual Conference Issue | Growing a Net Generation

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volume 53 | number 9 | www.parksandrecreation.org

FEATURES

64 Investing in South Bend

In this installment of parks transforming cities, towns and communities, Parks & Recreation takes a closer look at the impetus behind South Bend’s My Parks & Trails Project and highlights some of the parks currently under construction throughout the city.

Vitisia Paynich

70 Net Generation

For years, sports such as basketball and football have ruled playgrounds and parks across America.

But now, tennis — a sport once considered to be out of the reach of many families — is vying for the attention of youngsters.

Ashley Marshall

4

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2018 NRPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SECTION

76 Indianapolis Here We Come!

Paula Jacoby-Garrett

84 Local Host Committee

85 The 2018 Conference Program Committee 86 Virtual Conference Opportunities 88 Product Preview

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contents september

columns 8

departments 12 Research Some Insights from the 2018 NRPA Park and Recreation Salary Survey Kevin Roth, Ph.D.

16 Park Pulse Local Farmers Markets

Perspectives Vote for Parks!

Barbara Tulipane, CAE

10 Editor’s Letter Reimagining Parks and Recreation Gina Mullins-Cohen

26 Advocacy An Atypical August on Capitol Hill Kate Clabaugh, Kyle Simpson, Jayni Rasmussen and Megan Phillippi

32 Law Review

18 Community Center . utdoor Exploration Through Technology O Karen Barss

22 Member to Member . estoring Native Habitat, Helping to Mitigate Flooding in Houston R Steve Wright

Recreational Immunity — Contrasting Bicycle Opinions James C. Kozlowski, J.D., Ph.D.

40 Future Leaders Importance of Community Engagement for Young Nonprofit Organizations Ramona Sudbeck, M.S., and Michael J. Bradley, Ph.D.

42 Conservation

92 NRPA Update Get Yeti! 92 Jose Felix Diaz Joins the NRPA Board of Directors 93 NRPA Launches ‘Heart Your Park’ Day of Service Initiative 93 Connect Hot Topics 94 Member Benefit: Member Discount Programs 94 Member Spotlight: Nancy Winzer and Taylor Winzer 95 Parks & Recreation Crossword 96 Professional Development Calendar 97

Special Report: Conservation Parks Seen as Crucial to One Water Strategies 42 Rich Dolesh Conservation Lands as Critical Public Infrastructure 48 Robert Smet

54 Health & Wellness Farmers Markets Allison Colman

60 Social Equity

98 Operations Stress to Success for Lifeguards 98 Becky Herz Food Trucks: The Perfect Pairing for Parks 102 Katie Navarra

Building More Inclusive, Healthy Places Stephanie Gidigbi

106 Products 107 Park Essentials 119 Advertiser Index 120 Park Bench Giving Seniors a ‘Lyft’ Suzanne Nathan

Cover image: iStockPhoto.com 6

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Page 54

You know what’s best for your community.

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P E RS P E C T I V E S A M E S S A G E F R O M N R PA’ S L E A D E RS

Vote for Parks!

We talk a lot about how we need to support parks and recreation by holding legislators at the local, state and federal level accountable. But, how do we know the priorities of our elected officials, and how do we know if they place a priority on parks and public lands? There are several ways to assess how much support your elected officials give to parks and recreation, and as we approach the general elections, it is vital for all park advocates to be as informed as they can be.

At the federal level, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has just released a legislators’ scorecard (https://outdoorindustry.org/advocacy/scorecard) as part of its “Vote the Outdoors” campaign. This interactive tool is easy to use to look up your federal legislator and see how he or she voted on key legislation, budget bills and other national policy issues affecting parks and public lands. Check it out and share widely with your advocacy networks.

NRPA’s Public Policy team provides valuable, real-time, in-depth information to members on NRPA’s top legislative priorities and should be your go-to source as you interact with your advocates and legislators to discuss priorities for parks and recreation, not only during this election season, but also year-round. Check NRPA’s website (www.nrpa.org/our-work/advocacy/) to learn of new threats that may arise, new proposals for federal regulations and new federal legislation that needs your support. Use NRPA’s Take Action (www.nrpa.org/our-work/advocacy/ advocacy-engage/) links to send a personal email directly to your legislators.

The Trust for Public Land’s LandVote database shows that nearly $2 billion in local and state ballot measures for land conservation were approved by voters in 2018. It shows that even in a time when voters are tax-averse, ballot measures for parks, recreation and land conservation are passing with overwhelming voter support, an average of 75 percent voter approval.

And, once ballot measures are passed, funding for parks at the state and local level can be leveraged with private dollars through public/private partnerships that extend and expand the boundaries of public lands and parks. The Conservation Fund’s Conservation Finance Network (CFN) provides technical assistance to nonprofits and to local and state governments working together on land conservation projects. For information on how your agency can work with land trusts and other nonprofits, visit https://tpl.quickbase.com/db/bbqna2qct?a=dbpage&pageID=10.

This year, perhaps more than at any time in recent memory, is a time for all advocates for parks and recreation to stand up for our parks and public spaces. Everyone should learn what is happening at the national level and step up our advocacy in support of protecting our nation’s land, waters and public spaces. We have taken their protection for granted for many decades, but if we are not alert and aware, hard-fought gains may disappear with the stroke of a pen. Your vote can make the difference — in your community, in your state and in our nation. Vote for Parks!

BARBARA TULIPANE, CAE President and CEO

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| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

2 2377 Belmont Ridge Rd. | Ashburn, VA 20148 703.858.0784 | www.nrpa.org

NRPA’S MISSION: To advance parks, recreation and environmental conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board of Directors Jack Kardys J. Kardys Strategies Miami, Florida

Past Chair Leon T. Andrews, Jr.

Jack Kardys J. Kardys Strategies Miami, Florida

Michael Kelly Chicago Park District Chicago, Illinois

Karen Bates Kress

National League of Cities Washington, D.C.

Park Advocate Emigrant, Montana

Treasurer Jesús Aguirre

Carolyn McKnight, CPRP

Tower Steel Services, Inc. Seattle, Washington

Secretary Karen Bates Kress Park Advocate Emigrant, Montana

President and CEO Barbara Tulipane, CAE National Recreation and Park Association Ashburn, Virginia

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Abbaté, FASLA Formerly of Portland Parks & Recreation Portland, Oregon

Jesús Aguirre Tower Steel Services, Inc. Seattle, Washington

Leon T. Andrews, Jr. National League of Cities Washington, D.C.

Neelay Bhatt PROS Consulting Indianapolis, Indiana

Hayden Brooks

Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge East Baton Rouge, Louisiana Town of Cheshire Parks and Recreation Cheshire, Connecticut

Herman Parker City of San Diego, California, Park and Recreation Department San Diego, California

National Wildlife Federation Washington, D.C.

Jose Felix Diaz Ballard Partners Miami, Florida

Richard Gulley Balboa Park Conservancy San Diego, California

Atlanta Beltline, Inc. Atlanta, Georgia

Xavier D. Urrutia City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation San Antonio, Texas

High-Quality Athletic, Fitness & Recreation Solutions!

Greg Weitzel City of Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Idaho Falls, Idaho

LIFE TRUSTEES Beverly D. Chrisman Lexington, South Carolina Fort Mill, South Carolina New York, New York

Rosemary Hall Evans Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

Earl T. Groves Gastonia, North Carolina

Charles E. Hartsoe, Ph.D. Richmond, Virginia

Harry G. Haskell, Jr. Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Kathryn A. Porter Mendham, New Jersey

Perry J. Segura New Iberia, Louisiana

Roslyn Johnson

R. Dean Tice

Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Greenbelt, Maryland

Eugene A. Young, CPRP

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Parks & Recreation

9

EDITOR’S LETTER PRESIDENT AND CEO Barbara Tulipane, CAE

Reimagining Parks and Recreation The sport of tennis has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years, thanks to superstars, like Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who have helped to elevate the game and attract a younger following. These athletes have inspired the next generation of professional tennis players, while promoting the importance of overall physical fitness. In addition, Serena and her sister, Venus, have helped to transform the sport by using their celebrity to break down old barriers and pave the way for younger athletes to thrive — particularly youths from underserved communities.

So, it’s no wonder that some park and rec departments are adding the sport to their program offerings. What’s more, contributor Ashley Marshall explores how park and recreation agencies and school districts are teaming up to shine a light on the game in the article, “Net Generation” on page 70. Through their affiliation with Net Generation, the official youth tennis brand of the United States Tennis Association, park and rec departments and school districts can achieve the same goal: inspire youths to be actively fit by learning a sport they can play and enjoy throughout their lifetime.

This month’s cover story, “Investing in South Bend” on page 64, focuses on the Indiana city’s $51+ million plan to revitalize its parks and trails system, as well as the role data analytics played in identifying the specific needs of each community. Writer Vitisia Paynich presents this installment in our ongoing series on parks transforming cities, towns and communities by highlighting the various park projects in development, as well as profiling the key players involved in the planning process. Want to learn more about the South Bend project? Be sure to attend the session, “Show Me the Data: Using Data, Research & Analytics to Support Your Park and Recreation Work,” presented by Aaron Perri, South Bend Venues Parks & Arts, and Alexandra Hiple, Trust for Public Land, on Tuesday, September 25 at the NRPA Annual Conference.

For those attending the NRPA Annual Conference, September 25–27, in Indianapolis, be sure to check out the article, “Indianapolis Here We Come!,” on page 76. Contributor Paula Jacoby-Garrett highlights the top attractions around Indianapolis, including the Canal Walk in downtown, Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. In addition, you’ll find a list of recommended places to unwind and dine after a long day at conference.

We look forward to seeing you later this month in Indianapolis, where I’m certain you’ll make new connections and, perhaps, gain an even better understanding of what our green spaces could look like in the near future.

GINA MULLINS-COHEN Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Publishing Editorial Director

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VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLISHING, AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Gina Mullins-Cohen gcohen@nrpa.org EXECUTIVE EDITOR Sonia Myrick smyrick@nrpa.org EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Suzanne Nathan snathan@nrpa.org PUBLICATION DESIGN Creative By Design CreativeByDesign.net SENIOR SALES MANAGER EASTERN REGION AND EUROPE Kip Ongstad 703.858.2174 kongstad@nrpa.org SALES MANAGER WESTERN REGION AND ASIA Michelle Dellner 949.248.1057 mdellner@nrpa.org SALES COORDINATOR Meghan Fredriksen 703.858.2190 mfredriksen@nrpa.org PHOTOGRAPHY Dreamstime.com (unless otherwise noted) MAGAZINE ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Keith Anderson Denise Caldwell Brendan Daley Anthony-Paul Diaz Ryan Eaker Robert García Kathleen Gibi Sandra Gonzales Tim Herd Brian Johnson Sam Mendelsohn Maria Nardi Lisa Paradis Gil Peñalosa Dr. Kevin Riley Paula Sliefert Anne-Marie Spencer Stephen Springs Randy Wiger

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most park and recreation agencies adjust the salaries of their employees every year. They do, however, use different methods to set these raises. Between 2017 and 2018, the 10 park and recreation professional job titles saw their base salaries increase between 2.5 percent and 3.0 percent.

RESEARCH

The most common salary adjustments are for cost-of-living (COLA), where the salaries of every member of the park and recreation staff increase at a similar rate that matches the rate of inflation in the local area. Fifty-seven percent of park and recreation agencies offer COLAs to their employees.

Park and recreation agencies also are likely to give pay raises based on merit so that high-performing employees receive larger pay raises than do lower performing employees (53 percent). Other key drivers of pay raises for park and recreation professionals include:

Some Insights from the 2018 NRPA Park and Recreation Salary Survey •

Increased employee responsibilities and duties (38 percent)

•

Predetermined step raises (37 percent)

•

Jurisdiction-wide raises as granted by mayor, county executive, council, etc. (29 percent)

• Union contract requirements (23 percent)

By Kevin Roth, Ph.D.

F

KEYmany DETERMINANTS PAY RAISES FOR PARK AND RECREATION PROFESSIONALS or all the reports andOF data tools NRPA Research publishes, none is more popular than the NRPA Park and Recreation Salary (Percent of Agencies) 2 0 1 8 N R PA PA R K A N D R E C R E AT I O N Survey report. This is not surprising, as the report’s comprehenSALARY SURVEY Special Park More than City/ District/ sive salary data, job descriptions and sample organization charts 1–10 FT 11–20 FT 21–50 FT 51–100 FT 100 FT Town/ Regional All theEmployees Employees Employees Employeesand Employees Borough County Authority Urban give park and recreation leaders information needed to recruit reCost-of-living increase 57% 57% 61% 58% 47% 57% 60% 51% 46% 55% tain the best and brightest employees for their departments. The same report also serves as a guide to park and recreation professionals as they seek Individual performance 53 43 53 62 61 57 48 43 87 53 out the next step in their careers.

Increased employee responsibilities/Duties

38

Earlier this summer, we released the 2018 salary Stepreport. raises The latest 37 edition includes several enhanceJurisdiction-wide ments, most notably an expanraises as granted sion in thebynumber of jobs 29 covmayor, county executive, etc. what ered from five tocouncil, 10. Like we offeredUnion/Contractual last year, you will 23 find requirement detailed base salary and bonus inOther 5 formation for each of the 10 park * = Insufficient Data

31

45

38

46

41

and recreation agency positions, 35with breakdowns 38 37 by size 29 and type 50 of agency, educational attainment and certifications held.

29

27

28

36

32

Median Salaries 18The 2018 20 NRPA23Park and21Recreation 46 Salary Survey report finds that the 6 6 3 3 * typical park and recreation agency

35

36

56

37

39

40

24

44

30

48

6

30

25

22

11

9

www.nrpa.org

raised its employees’ base salaries 3 10 5 5 to stay slightly ahead of inflation

Between 2017-2018, the 10 park and recreation professional job titles saw their base salary grow between 2.5% and 3.0% 2018 NRPA Park & Recreation Salary Survey | 9

Median 2018 Salary and Pay Raises

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Parks & Recreation

January 2018 Median Salary

Median Change in Base Salary: 2017 to 2018

Park and Recreation Agency Director

$100,000

+2.8%

Planning Director

$88,135

+2.9

Director of Finance

$83,210

+3.0

Recreation Director

$77,495

+2.6

Park Operations Director

$73,520

+2.7

Park Operations

$54,618

+3.0

Facilities Manager

$59,885

+3.0

Athletics Supervisor

$52,452

+2.5

Aquatics Supervisor

$53,091

+2.5

Recreation Programs Coordinator

$49,500

+3.0

| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

vacation upon hire Annual days of vacation after 5 years of employment Annual days of vacation after 10 years of employment

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

18

18

18

20

20

18

18

18

20

18

Time off is vital for a motivated and healthy staff 2 | 2018 National Recreation and Park Association

over the past year. Between 2017 and 2018, the 10 park and recreation professional job titles tracked in the report saw their base salaries increase between 2.5 percent and 3.0 percent. Over these same 12 months, the consumer price index — a widely followed measure of inflation — grew 2.1 percent.

Another form of cash compensation is through bonuses, which are available to, at last, some employees at 36 percent of park and recreation agencies. The most common bonus plans are tenure-based, where employees receive a fixed payment based on the anniversary of their employment (available at 19 percent of agencies). Employees at 15 percent of park and recreation agencies are eligible for merit-based bonuses based on their performance, while 2 percent of agencies have plans in which employees throughout the department earn a bonus based on the success of their department meeting stated goals.

Benefits Worker compensation is about more than just salaries and bonuses. Benefits, including paid time off, insurance and retirement plans, can represent approximately 30 percent of a worker’s total compensation and include: • Time off: Park and recreation agencies typically provide 10 days of annual vacation to their newly hired full-time employees (after any preliminary probation

period). After five years of employment, the median number of vacation days increases to 15 days per year, growing to 18 days after 10 years of service. In addition, agencies typically provide their employees with 12 days of annual sick leave.

• Maternity and paternity leave: A quarter of park and recreation agencies currently offer specific paid-leave benefits associated with the birth or adoption of a child. Nine percent of

park and recreation agencies do provide specific paid maternity benefits and 16 percent of park and recreation agencies provide specific paid maternity and paternity benefits.

• Health Insurance: Park and recreation agencies cover a median 87 percent of their employees’ health insurance premiums.

• Retirement: Nearly 4 in 5 park and recreation agencies have a defined benefit (DB) program (i.e., a pension plan) as part of

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RESEARCH Mandatory employee training about harassment policies and procedures occur on a regular basis (e.g., annually, biannually) at three out of five park and recreation agencies. Over a quarter of agencies provide training but do so less frequently or on a non-regular basis. Thirteen percent of park and recreation agencies do not provide any type of required employee training on the topic of workplace harassment.

it policies related to discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Nearly every park and recreation (Percentage Distribution) agency (or governing jurisdiction of which it is a part) has a formal, written policy that addresses ha13% rassment in the workplace (e.g., sexual harassment, hostile work environment, discrimination). Further, more than half of park and 26% recreation agencies have re-evalu61% ated their policies surrounding harassment in the workplace within the past year. Twenty-two percent of agencies intend on doing this Mandatory employee training about harassment policies and procedures occur on a regular basis (e.g., annually, biannually) re-evaluation the near at three out of five park and recreation agencies. Over a quarter of agencies provide training but do so less in frequently or future.

Regular employee training Non-regular employee training No employee training andemployee recreation agenon a non-regular basis. Thirteen percent of park and recreation agencies do not provide anyMost type ofpark required training on the topic of workplace harassment. cies also hold mandatory staff ation agencies offer other benmeetings to review policies and the compensation package they efits as part of their compensaprocedures to help ensure a hosoffer to their newly hired, fullPARK AND RECREATION AGENCIES HOLDING MANDATORY TRAINING tion package for their full-time time employees. Two-thirds of ON HARASSMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDUREStile-free work environment. Three employees. An overwhelming in 5 agencies have mandatory emagencies offer a direct contribu(Percentage Distribution) majority of agencies include the ployee training about harassment tion plan (e.g., 403(b), 401(k)) following benefits as a part of policies and procedures that occurs either in conjunction with a pension plan or as the sole retiretheir compensation packages for on a regular basis (e.g., annually, 13% Three in five park and recreation ment benefit offering. full-time employees: biannually). More than a quarter

• In park hold and recreation agencies training • Dental (98 of agencies provide such training, agencies mandatory onpercent) that offer a defined benefit pro• Continuing education (97 perbut do so less frequently or on a harassment policies and procedures 26% gram, 84 percent of employees cent) non-regular basis. make contributions. The typi• Life insurance (95 percent) This column is just a brief sum61% cal DB employee contribution • Vision (93 percent) mary of the wealth of data and inis 6 percent of their salary.

• Employee assistance/counselsights about worker compensation • Three in 5 agencies that offer ing (92 percent) in parks and recreation. I invite you a defined contribution plan The 2018 NRPA Park and Recreto review the full 2018 NRPA Park and provide a percentage matchtraining ation Salary Surveyemployee also explored Recreation Salary Survey report at Regular employee Non-regular training No employee training to participants’ contributions. how agencies ensure their employwww.nrpa.org/salary-survey. MoreWhen offered, this match is ees work in a hostile-free work over, your feedback is welcome. typically 6 percent of the emenvironment. Park and recreation ployee’s income. agencies — like most other em• Other Benefits: Beyond health ployers — see the #MeToo moveKevin Roth, Ph.D., is NRPA’s Vice President of Research (kroth@nrpa.org). insurance, ment as an opportune time to revis12 | 2018 National Recreation and Park Association most park and recre-

PARK AND RECREATION AGENCIES HOLDING MANDATORY TRAINING ON HARASSMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Three in five park and recreation agencies hold mandatory training on harassment policies and procedures 14

Parks & Recreation

| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

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NRPA Park Pulse

How important, if at all, is it to you and your family that you have access to locally grown fresh produce (e.g., farmers market, fruit/vegetable stand, etc.)?

Local Farmers Markets Managed by Parks and Rec Important

Farmers markets are especially popular among millennials and Gen Xers, who believe access to locally grown fresh produce is very or extremely important.

Baby boomers are not far behind.

MILLENNIALS

57%

GEN XERS

55%

BABY BOOMERS

48%

More women vs. men believe access to locally grown fresh produce is very or extremely important.

56% Women

48% Men

87%

87% of Americans believe access to locally grown fresh produce

— including farmers markets and fruit and vegetable stands — is important.

The National Recreation and Park Association Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,003 nationally representative U.S. adults, ages 18+, between July 23rd and July 27th, 2018, using an email invitation and an online survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population 18 and older.

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Parks & Recreation

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COMMUNITY CENTER Outdoor Exploration Through Technology

By Karen Barss

S

pending more time connecting with nature can help kids and families become more fit, more focused and better able to cope with stress.

But, can technology — often seen as a barrier to children spending time in nature — get kids off the couch and out of the house?

Increasingly, the answer seems to be yes! According to the NRPA’s member survey, Connecting Youth to Nature (http://bit.ly/nrpay outhsurvey), nearly half of park and recreation agencies are using technology to reconnect youth to nature, including using mobile apps that “gamify” outdoor exploration and cultivate curiosity about the natural world. These efforts are also supported by parents. The NRPA Park Pulse Survey (http:// bit.ly/kidsnaturetech), published in July 2018, reports that nearly 77 percent of parents believe that pro-

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Parks & Recreation

viding tech opportunities in nature will encourage kids to go outside.

Parks are no longer debating the pros and cons of using technology to get kids and families outdoors — they are actively exploring how to creatively incorporate technology in their outdoor programming.

PLUM LANDING PLUM LANDING, the innovative PBS KIDS multimedia project that encourages 6- to 9-yearolds to explore the outdoors, makes it easy to do just that.

WGBH, a leader in developing

| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8 | W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G

educational media for children, created PLUM LANDING to help kids learn about the environment and inspire them to become caretakers of the planet. The project features Plum, a curious nature-loving alien, and her five Earthling friends, as they embark on epic explorations of Planet Earth, such as investigating peregrine falcons nesting in a North American shipyard or shrinking down to the size of ants to learn about insect life in a city park.

Through animated and live-action videos, online games, handson science activities and mobile PLUM LANDING was created to help kids learn about the environment and inspire them to become caretakers of the planet.

apps, the project uses the power of media to encourage kids to investigate nature in their own lives.

Recently inspired by the growth of the “outdoor prescription” movement (http://bit.ly/nrpaparkprescription), in which medical professionals write prescriptions that encourage kids to get active outdoors, the creators of PLUM LANDING developed the “Explore Outdoors Toolkit” (http:// pbskids.org/plumlanding/educators/toolkit.html). This new set of family-focused activities and media is intended to help kids and families in urban environments get outside, get moving and get into nature. Available for free on the PLUM LANDING website (http://pbskids.org/plumlanding/), the toolkit was funded by the National Science Foundation, and researched and developed by WGBH and Education Development Center, in partnership with outdoor health and education programs across the country.

Not only does this collection of resources deliver the message that nature is everywhere — even in the city — and that spending time outside can improve physical and mental health, it also provides easily accessible, hands-on activities for urban families to experience nature easily and effectively. The discovery that outdoor science activities can be conducted with little preparation, in a short period and within walking distance of home, can be highly motivating.

The ‘Explore Outdoors Toolkit’ The toolkit can be used in a variety of settings: in afterschool sessions or vacation camps, for weekly family programming or for self-guided family fun. Since the activities are modular, parents and park staff can choose activities based on the available time, outdoor space and seasonal or weather conditions. Although the resources can be integrated into existing programming, a comprehensive guide for starting a complete PLUM LANDING Explore Outdoors program is also provided, with tips and advice as well as promotional support materials.

Based on four environmental themes (water, weather, plants and animals), the toolkit features: • Hands-on activities that blend fun, science learning and physical fitness, customized for use in three settings: afterschool programs for kids, outdoor family events and families exploring on their own.

• 12 new animated webisodes featuring the PLUM LANDING characters that can be used to get kids excited and introduce them to the hands-on activities.

• Outdoor Family Fun with Plum (http://bit.ly/outdoorfu napp), a free app (available for iOS, Android and Amazon devices) that helps families build the habit of active, outdoor nature exploration.

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Parks & Recreation

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COMMUNITY CENTER

PLUM LANDING uses the power of media to encourage kids to investigate nature in their own lives.

• Outdoor Adventures (http:// p b s k i d s. o r g / p l u m l a n d i n g / games/outdoor_adventures/), an online feature that asks families to complete and document real-life outdoor missions to receive digital badges.

• Wild City Search (http://bit.ly/ wildcitysearch), an online game that complements and extends the science learning from the hands-on activities.

• Parent videos, hosted by Rue Mapp of Outdoor Afro (http:// outdoorafro.com/) and José González of Latino Outdoors (http://latinooutdoors.org/), that offer parents tips and inspiration on getting the most out of their time outside with their kids.

• Educator videos, hosted by Jessie Scott, a veteran outdoor educator with the U.S. Forest 20 Parks & Recreation

Service’s Urban Connections program, which provide guidance in leading outdoor activities in urban settings.

Successful pilot-testing results underscored that, when designed carefully, digital media can harness the unique power of technology to inspire, teach, foster engagement and motivate users toward outdoor learning experiences. Researchers found that PLUM LANDING’s digital resources captured children’s attention, provided opportunities for learning and got families excited about being outdoors and in nature. Examples of the successful use of technology included: • videos to spark children’s interest and prepare them for outdoor learning • encouraging children to play online games to reinforce learning from a hands-on outdoor activity • incorporating common features of mobile phones (e.g., stop-

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watches, compasses and cameras) into hands-on activities to support outdoor science exploration • using digital apps to give families ideas and rewards for investigating nature, as well as tools to help them record and reflect on their experiences Of course, challenges still remain. Research also showed that educators and parents are sometimes wary about using technology outdoors. In addition, some programs and/or families have limited access to technology or data plans. However, there is no doubt that despite the obstacles, technology can be an exciting new way to get kids and families involved in outdoor science learning and play.

Karen Barss is the former Director of the WGBH Educational Outreach Department (kbarss1@gmail.com).

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MEMBER TO MEMBER Restoring Native Habitat, Helping to Mitigate Flooding in Houston

By Steve Wright

T

he Houston Parks and Recreation Department has begun a project to restore native flora to riparian areas — along rivers or bayous — at 70 parks in the city. This project, though worthwhile on its own terms, will also substantially improve the quality of life for everyone in Greater Houston by helping to mitigate the risk and impact of future floods. tal parks, 70 contained land that ran along flowing water: bayous, creeks, streams or ditches. At these 70 parks, the department’s Natural Resources Management Program team will clear the riparian areas of invasive plants, such as the Chinese tallow, that were brought from elsewhere and plant

PHOTOS COURTESY: HOUSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

To be sure, this riparian-restoration process will be no small undertaking. To determine which Houston parks were suitable for this sort of habitat revitalization, department staff inspected aerial imagery of every park under the stewardship of the city of Houston and found that, of the 370 to-

22 Parks & Recreation

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native flora instead.

Some parks have riparian habitats that already contain native plants and just need to be supplemented, while others lack any habitat at all along their bodies of water and will need to have it restored from scratch. Altogether, the department predicts it will plant more than 200,000 trees on 1,000 acres of parkland as part of this riparian-habitat restoration project. The A cleared section (foreground) of Houston’s Milby Park where invasive plants are being replaced with native trees.

Clearing the woods in Houston’s Blackhawk Park of invasive plants, such as the Chinese tallow.

project is funded through grants, and, according to Kelli Ondracek, Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s natural resources manager: “The cost will vary, based on whether we are creating the riparian area or just enhancing it, and the degree of invasive vegetation currently at the site.” It’s estimated that the entire project will cost about $15 million.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department happens to think there is a certain aesthetic appeal to the idea of taking a tiny part of Houston’s 400,000 acres and restor-

ing it to the way it looked. Indeed, the way the entire city must have looked, for thousands of years, before migration and commerce gave residents the environment they know today. This process of transforming Houston was largely in-

advertent: No one set out with the specific goal of taking a large plot of wetland on the coastal plains of Texas and covering it with St. Augustine grass. Instead, economic and political realities motivated Texans and Houstonians to act in

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MEMBER TO MEMBER

Dense vegetation along the banks of Buffalo Bayou in Buffalo Bayou Park help reduce the risk of river bank erosion.

such a way that has resulted in the city that exists today. Houstonians do, however, have the power to be deliberate about what kind of city they want to live in, and in these riparian habitats in their parks, the park department is choosing to reverse the process that its predecessors unintentionally carried out.

There are more than aesthetic reasons to support this initiative by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. For the past three years, the city has experienced historic flood after historic flood, and Houstonians are rightly concerned about whether the city will be prepared for, and be able to cope with, the aftermath of the next spell of heavy rainfall or the next major hurricane. Riparian restoration along Houston’s major bayous will help to mitigate the risk of flooding of those bodies of water.

24 Parks & Recreation

Minimizing Erosion and Contamination According to the Sustainable Green Initiative (www.greening.in/), the root systems of trees “create space between particles of soil” (www. greening.in/2013/05/how-treeshelp-in-preventing-floods.html).

Trees and other vegetation located near a river, physically impede the rainwater, slowing the flow of runoff down a riverbank and giving the soil more time to absorb it.

Recent floods have shown Houstonians what can happen when the city’s major bayous raise over their banks. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s habitat-restoration will largely occur along these bayous, giving these riparian areas a greater capacity to hold the rising floodwaters during heavy rain events.

When flooding does occur, the floodwater is prone to eat away at

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river banks. The dense vegetation will help reduce the risk of erosion.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in its Riparian Restoration guide (www.re​ markableriparian.org/pdfs/pubs/ TR_1737-22.pdf) states: “Plants with flexible stems and rhizomatous root systems lie flat against the ground as floodwaters wash over them, shielding the ground from erosion.” Floodwaters can’t dissolve riverbanks if they’re prevented from reaching the soil in the first place.

Another risk associated with rain runoff is water contamination: rain can carry toxic, manmade chemicals, such as lawn fertilizer into bodies of water and, thus, pose a threat to humans and wildlife. But, according to the USDA, the root systems formed by plants “catch and hold pollutants…and hold harmful or toxic substances in place by minimizing soil movement.” Native plants, like those the Houston Parks and Recreation Department is planning to restore to the city’s parks, will serve as a safeguard against the sort of water pollution that can result from a flood.

Houston Parks and Recreation believes that restoring part of the city’s green spaces to its natural state is a worthy goal, regardless of its practical benefits. Even the less sentimental must welcome this riparian-restoration project as an effective and sustainable means of keeping the people of Houston safe from flooding.

Steve Wright is the Director for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (steve.wright@houstontx.gov).

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ADVOCACY

An Atypical August on Capitol Hill

By Kate Clabaugh, Kyle Simpson, Jayni Rasmussen and Megan Phillippi

Y

our NRPA public policy team has had an exciting summer, and we are looking forward to a productive fall. From our second annual Summer Camp on Capitol Hill, which brought together Washington, D.C.-area agencies and youth to showcase their work to members of Congress and their staff, to dozens of Park Champion events, we’ve kept busy, thanks in huge part to all of you!

Although August in D.C. is typically quiet, yet brutally humid, we were sweltering alongside the Senate this year, which decided to forgo its traditional recess break.

We used this time to continue our direct engagement with them here in D.C. on the issues most

The new advocacy tool will allow NRPA members to use text, Facebook, Twitter, email and phone calls to engage with their members of Congress.

26 Parks & Recreation

important to you, and we encourage you to do the same with your representatives while they are home in-district. We look forward to updating everyone on our advocacy work at this year’s conference in Indianapolis and continuing to learn from you how best we can advocate on behalf of your agencies on Capitol Hill.

Below is a brief update from each of our team members’ work over the summer, in addition to a preview of key advocacy sessions and events that will be available at this year’s conference:

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Jayni Rasmussen, Advocacy and Outreach Manager I am excited to announce that we are unveiling a new advocacy tool at conference this year. This new tool will allow for more ways to get involved in advocacy and stay engaged with members of Congress and NRPA. The new tool, designed by Phone2Action, al-

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ADVOCACY

NRPA Government Affairs Conference Sessions

As you plan your conference schedules, be sure to join the public policy team for one (or more) of our sessions focused on key legislative priorities directly impacting programs and services offered by park and recreation departments.

The Farm Bill Food Deserts, Parks and Community Gardens (Monday, September 24, 1:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Session #5): Building on efforts to promote healthy food access, park and recreation agencies across the country are developing nutrition education and agricultural science trainings, while increasing access to fresh, local foods in underserved communities.

Farm Parks can assist in the creation and expansion of community food hubs led by parks and recreation. Learn how using your park land for farming and community gardening can position your agency as a key agricultural partner in your community!

The Every Student Succeeds Act Federal Funding for Afterschool Programs: How to Apply to the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Program (Tuesday, September 25, 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., Session #112): 21st CCLC is the only federal funding available to support out-of-school-time programming, including those offered afterschool and over the summer months. Park and recreation agencies are eligible to apply directly as the lead fiscal agent or can partner with their local schools and other community-based partners to apply together. Learn how your park and recreation agency can apply for 21st CCLC funding!

The Older Americans Act Healthy Eating for Healthy Aging: Combating Hunger and Improving Nutrition for Older Adults (Wednesday, September 26, 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Session #236): Food insecurity — the inconsistent access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious foods for an active and healthy lifestyle — is a growing crisis among all Americans. Currently, 1 in 6 older Americans is food insecure. Like the role of

28 Parks & Recreation

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an active lifestyle, healthy eating is critical for healthy aging by improving psychological function, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and hypertension. Learn how park and recreation agencies can combat hunger and improve nutrition for older adults!

Congressional Debate Around the Opioid Epidemic Empowering Youth Impacted by the Opioid Crisis: Providing a Safe, Supportive Environment at Your Rec Centers (Tuesday, September 25, 4:10 p.m. – 5:25 p.m., Session #161): Across the country, park and recreation professionals are responding to substance use in parks, providing treatment and support activities, and incorporating holistic youth-prevention strategies into their services. This session will highlight three park and recreation agencies’ innovative and effective strategies to provide a safe space for youth to build critical social and emotional skills that prevent substance use. You will also receive an introduction to creating a trauma-sensitive environment at your recreation centers, a key method for assisting youth and families in coping with the trauma associated with addiction.

Tackling Substance Use in Parks for the Safety of Staff, Youth and the Community as a Whole (Thursday, September 27, 8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m., Session #1000): Join us for a candid conversation among park directors about the role park and recreation agencies can and should be playing in tackling substance use in parks, while considering the very serious concerns of liability and safety for everyone involved. We will also discuss recent policy decisions being made in cities across the country that are impacting the handling of substance use in public spaces.

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lows NRPA members to use text, Facebook, Twitter, email and phone calls to engage with their members of Congress.

We will be rolling it out at conference, but if you want to get a jumpstart on keeping up to date on key legislative priorities or you aren’t able to join us in Indy, it’s as easy as texting PARKS to 52886 on your cellphone. We are excited about the options for engagement that this platform will offer and look forward to showing you more in the coming months.

Will you be in Indy for the 2018 NRPA Conference? Join us in the America’s Backyard section of the exhibit hall to get involved as a Park Champion. Be sure to have us scan your badge

by September 28 for a chance to win an Amazon gift card.

While at conference, you won’t want to miss our second annual Park Champion Advocacy Summit on Thursday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 244/245. This summit will explore how easy it is to get involved in advocacy and how to share the story of your work. It’s a great way to get your feet wet in advocacy or expand your knowledge if you’re a seasoned pro. Did I mention that lunch will be provided?

Kyle Simpson, Senior Government Affairs Manager

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We are in the final countdown to the expiration of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

The Fund is only authorized through the end of September. I have been working to educate members of Congress and their staff on how NRPA members use the Fund to build and expand great parks across the country, and now is the perfect time for you to weigh in with your agency’s story! Urge your members of Congress to reauthorize the Fund and encourage them to increase funding for the stateside account of the program. We will be asking you to take action while at conference, but throughout the month of August is a great time to engage with your members about LWCF. Kate Clabaugh and I are also continuously focused on ensuring the federal funding that NRPA members rely on is protected in any budget negotiations. Summer is a busy time for the appropriations process, and the end of the fiscal year is fast approaching. We will keep you updated via our blog and social media as Congress considers how to fund the government for FY2020.

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ADVOCACY

Kate Clabaugh, Senior Government Affairs Manager Several pieces of legislation we’ve been tracking on the health and wellness front have been moving faster than expected this summer.

We were ecstatic to see the PHIT Act pass the House in late July after nearly a decade of NRPA’s advoca-

cy work on the bill to make an active lifestyle more accessible for families and individuals nationwide. We believe it now has significant potential for a positive, bipartisan reception as it moves to the Senate.

The Farm Bill, while a newer area of advocacy for NRPA, has proven to be a unique opportunity to showcase to members of Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) how parkland can be used for community gardening, farmers markets and educational opportunities for youth.

We’re tracking the funding of a few smaller grant programs within the bill, including the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program,

and the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentives Program. Although the Farm Bill has made significant progress in both congressional chambers, if it is not reauthorized by the September 30 deadline, we will be urging Congress to provide funding through any larger budget deal that’s decided on so the grant programs may continue seamlessly.

Finally, as Congress continues to debate how $6 billion will be used to address the nation’s opioid epidemic, the role park and recreation agencies can, in fact, play to help mitigate the harm of the crisis has increasingly become clearer. We believe there can be a role for us to play on preventing substance use among youth, while also recognizing the dangers of syringes and

PHOTO COURTESY OF O’FALLON PARKS AND RECREATION

A few examples of the more than 40,000 projects funded by an LWCF Grant over the past 40 years:

Blackfoot River Special Recreation Management Area

Eno River State Park

Family Sports Park

Riverfront Park

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other drug paraphernalia that is contaminating our parks.

I hope to share with you at this year’s conference several of these new opportunities for advocacy and the ability to draw down federal funding in support of these initiatives.

Megan Phillippi, Government Affairs Intern Interning with NRPA’s public policy team has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to support member engagement in advocacy efforts to preserve and expand the wealth of resources offered by park and recreation departments. This summer, I conducted outreach to congressional offices to promote Park and Recreation Month, attended several legislative hearings and briefings, and

drafted communications on pertinent legislative issues, including the PHIT Act, National Summer Day of Learning and the Pool Safely program. I also prepared materials to support NRPA members in inviting their members of Congress to visit their local parks to see firsthand the benefits of summer learning and nutrition programs.

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I am particularly impressed with the extent of NRPA’s advocacy efforts through the Park Champion initiative. The Park Champion Advocacy Toolkit is a unique resource, offering easy-to-use templates and tools to simplify the process of engaging elected officials and event planning. If you have not already signed up to become a Park Champion, I strongly encourage you to take the pledge today and be part of NRPA’s efforts to preserve the high-quality resources parks and recreation offers to communities across the country!

Kate Clabaugh (kclabaugh@nrpa.org) and Kyle Simpson (ksimpson@nrpa.org) are NRPA’s Senior Government Affairs Managers. Jayni Rasmussen is NRPA’s Advocacy and Outreach Manager (jrasmussen@nrpa.org). Megan Phillippi is NRPA’s Government Affairs Intern (mphillippi@nrpa.org).

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LAW REVIEW

Recreational Immunity — Contrasting Bicycle Opinions

By James C. Kozlowski, J.D., Ph.D.

T

32 Parks & Recreation

he two court opinions described herein considered limited landowner immunity under a state recreational use statute. An applicable state recreational use statute significantly increases the likelihood that liability claims by injured recreational users will be dismissed on a pretrial motion for summary judgment.

analysis of both courts was consistent with the applicable law, providing insight into landowner immunity under a state recreational use statute.

Subject to minor jurisdictional variations, beginning in the 1960s, most states adopted some form of a model state recreational use statute. Under a recreational use statute, landowners who open their land for public recreational use free of charge owe no legal duty to guard, warn or make the premises reasonably safe for recreational use. As a result, landowners are immune from liability for ordinary negligence. The recreational use statute, however, will not immunize a landowner

Pothole Notice?

from liability for willful/wanton misconduct or gross negligence.

Unlike mere careless unreasonable behavior, which typifies ordinary negligence, willful/wanton misconduct or gross negligence is significantly different in both character and degree. Like willful/wanton misconduct, gross negligence typically involves a reckless indifference to the physical well-being of others.

While reaching different conclusions under similar circumstances, the reasoning and legal

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In the case of Cancel v. City of Providence, 2018 R.I. LEXIS 95 (6/22/2018), plaintiff Tara Cancel, as administrator of the estate of Ira Lukens, sued the city of Providence, Rhode Island, for injuries sustained in a city park. On June 9, 2014, Lukens was thrown from his bicycle after striking a pothole on a road in Roger Williams Park. (Lukens’ subsequent death was unrelated to the injuries he sustained in the bicycle accident.)

In her complaint, Cancel al-

leged Lukens suffered serious personal injuries because of the city’s negligence in maintaining the park. In addition to negligence, Cancel alleged the city should be held liable for a “willful and/or malicious failure to warn, inspect, and/or repair the roadway within the park.”

Based on the pretrial evidence in this case, the trial court held that the state recreational use statute (RUS) precluded any liability against the city of Providence. The trial court, therefore, granted the city’s motion for summary judgment, effectively dismissing Cancel’s lawsuit. Cancel appealed to the state Supreme Court.

On appeal, Cancel claimed further trial proceedings were necessary to address unresolved

“genuine issues of material fact” regarding the applicability of the RUS. According to Cancel, reasonable minds could differ “whether the city knew of the dangerous condition of a pothole on a street in Roger Williams Park (the park) and whether it ‘willfully and/or maliciously failed to warn’ of the pothole.” If so, the RUS would not protect the city from liability. Accordingly, the issue before the state Supreme Court was whether the pretrial record left open the possibility that the city “knew of the dangerous condition and willfully and/or maliciously failed to warn against it.”

As noted by the state Supreme Court: “The purpose behind the RUS is to encourage landowners

For recreational users and trespassers alike, a landowner owes no legal duty of care “other than to refrain from willful or wanton conduct.” to open their property to the public for recreational use by limiting landowner liability.” Further, under the RUS, the court found recreational users are afforded the same legal status as trespassers under traditional common law principles. For recreational users and trespassers alike, a landowner owes no legal duty of care “other than to refrain from willful or wanton conduct.”

On appeal, Cancel argued suffi-

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LAW REVIEW

The state Supreme Court found the RUS applied to the city because the park was “open to the public free of charge and that Lukens was engaged in the recreational activity of riding his bicycle at the time he was injured.” cient pretrial evidence existed to support her claim for landowner liability based on the RUS exception for “the willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition.” Cancel claimed the pretrial testimony of the park director and the park superintendent were indicative of willful or wanton misconduct.

The park director had testified that “there is no regular schedule for inspection of the roadways within the park.” Moreover, the park director had admitted that

34 Parks & Recreation

“the strip of road where the pothole was located was driven over daily” by the park superintendent.

Further, Cancel claimed pretrial photographic evidence of the pothole made it “clearly foreseeable that any reasonable person would recognize that a pothole of this size should be remedied, repaired or marked off so as to not cause a danger to the public.”

The state Supreme Court found the RUS applied to the city because the park was “open to the public free of charge and that Lukens was engaged in the recreational activity of riding his bicycle at the time he was injured.” Accordingly, the specific issue on appeal was whether the willful or wanton misconduct exception in the RUS was applicable.

In addressing this issue, the state Supreme Court had to determine whether Cancel had produced suf-

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ficient pretrial evidence to indicate “the city had any notice concerning the pothole.” In determining whether the city had been put on sufficient notice of a dangerous condition, the court would also consider the number of serious injuries flowing from a known risk.

While testimony indicated the park director and the park superintendent “traveled in the area at least several times per week on their way to and from the park,” the state Supreme Court found Cancel had offered “no evidence, expert or otherwise, however, that demonstrates that the pothole was, in fact, present at any of the times that the park superintendent drove over the roadway or that the city had received any complaints or other notice concerning the condition of the roadway.”

Moreover, the court found mere allegations that the park director and park superintendent must have known of the pothole were insufficient to establish “the city’s knowledge of a dangerous condition.”

Similarly, the court found no pretrial evidence had been produced to “support an assertion that the city willfully or maliciously failed to guard or warn against the pothole.”

In particular, the court noted there was “no evidence that the city had actual knowledge of the pothole, had received complaints regarding the condition of the roadway, or had notice of any past incidents resulting from the condition of the roadway.”

As a result, the state Supreme Court affirmed the summary judgment in favor of the city of Providence. (Compare: “Cliff Collapse Accidents Test Recreational Use Statutes,” Parks & Recreation, Mar. 2012, http://cehdclass.gmu.edu/ jkozlows/lawarts/03MAR12.pdf.)

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LAW REVIEW

Uncovered Drain Trench Similarly, in the case of City of Texas City v. Woodkins, 2017 Tex. App. LEXIS 4917 (5/31/2017), the state appeals court considered the applicability of the state recreational use statute to a liability claim involving a bicycle accident. In her lawsuit against the defendant City of Texas City, plaintiff Joyce Woodkins alleged she sustained multiple injuries on city-owned land. Woodkins alleged her injury was caused by a premise defect: an uncovered

Woodkins was riding her bicycle on a sidewalk in the city-owned Carlos Garza Sports Complex when she unexpectedly crashed into an “uncovered and unmarked trench” that caused her to fall.

36 Parks & Recreation

drain trench. Woodkins was riding her bicycle on a sidewalk in the city-owned Carlos Garza Sports Complex when she unexpectedly crashed into an “uncovered and unmarked trench” that caused her to fall.

The trench extended across the sidewalk and was 6 inches deep and 30 inches wide. The trench served as a drain, directing rain runoff from the parking lot across the sidewalk into a grassy area.

There were two trench drains that crossed the sidewalk where Woodkins fell. Each drain was designed to be covered by a 169-pound metal plate; the edges of the plate sat in an indentation in the adjacent sidewalk so that the plate’s top was flush with the sidewalk.

According to Woodkins, one of the drains was missing its met-

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al plate when she encountered it.

Woodkins sued the city, alleging negligence and gross negligence.

In response, the city argued it could not be held liable because “the recreational use statute limits the governmental unit’s liability for premise defects when the injured party is engaged in a recreational activity.”

As characterized by the city, under the recreational use statute, the city “did not owe Woodkins a greater degree of care than that owed to a trespasser,” i.e., the city could be held liable “only if it was grossly negligent or acted with malicious intent or bad faith.”

Moreover, the city claimed “Woodkins could not establish gross negligence without evidence that the City had actual knowledge of the alleged premise defect.” According to the city, the pretrial evidence did not show the city had the requisite knowledge of the uncovered trench necessary to support a claim of gross negligence. On the contrary, the city claimed its lack of knowledge was established by “affidavits from two city employees who testified that a crew member was assigned to the complex for routine maintenance on the day of the incident and the two previous days.” According to these affidavits, “there was no work request regarding the drain or cover.”

In the opinion of the trial court, the pretrial record did not conclusively establish that the state recreational use statute precluded any liability under the circumstances of this case. The trial court, therefore, denied the city’s plea to dismiss Woodkins' lawsuit. The city appealed.

Gross Negligence As described by the appeals court, the state recreational use statute provided as follows: [I]f a person enters premises owned, operated, or maintained by a governmental unit and engages in recreation on those premises, the governmental unit does not owe to the person a greater degree of care than is owed to a trespasser on the premises. A premises owner owes a trespasser a common-law duty not to injure that person willfully, wantonly, or through gross negligence.

As cited by the appeals court, state courts and the state legislature in Texas had defined gross negligence as follows: [A]n act or omission which, when viewed objectively from the

standpoint of the actor at the time of its occurrence, involves an extreme degree of risk of which the actor has actual, subjective awareness of the risk involved, but nevertheless proceeds with conscious indifference to the rights, safety, or welfare of others.

As noted by the court, the city did not challenge “Woodkins’s allegation that the uncovered trench in the sidewalk was unreasonably dangerous.” The issue, however, was whether this unreasonably dangerous condition constituted ordinary negligence or gross negligence.

According to the appeals court, “actual knowledge” would distinguish gross negligence from or ordinary negligence:

According to the appeals court, to establish the city’s liability for gross negligence under the state recreational use statute, Woodkins would have to prove a city employee had actual knowledge of the premise defect.

[W]hat differentiates gross negligence from ordinary negligence is the requirement that the governmental entity had ‘actual knowledge’ of the dangerous condition at the time of the accident, not merely of the possibility that a dangerous condition could develop over time.

Moreover, the appeals court acknowledged: “A recreational plaintiff, such as Woodkins, may therefore maintain a premise de-

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LAW REVIEW

The director of parks and tourism concurred with the superintendent that the city was unaware of any defective condition that caused or contributed to the incident. fect claim against a landowner as long as there exists a factual dispute regarding the landowner’s gross negligence with respect to the alleged defect.”

According to the appeals court, to establish the city’s liability for gross negligence under the state recreational use statute, Woodkins would have to prove a city employee had actual knowledge of the premise defect. To demonstrate its lack of “actual knowledge,” the city relied on the affidavits of two city employees, the parks superintendent and the di-

38 Parks & Recreation

rector of recreation and tourism.

The parks superintendent supervised maintenance and upkeep in the city parks. Regarding the city’s knowledge of the drain cover’s removal, the parks superintendent testified his staff had “never removed or replaced the metal cover during the course of their duties, prior to the alleged incident involving Ms. Woodkins.” He did, however, admit that he had observed “the drain cover to be missing from one of the drains in the Complex, near the ball fields” after being notified of the incident in which Woodkins was injured on July 10, 2014.

Further, the parks superintendent testified that he did not “personally recall any work requests, complaints, or injuries involving the drains at the Complex” since its opening in 2010. He also testified

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that he had “not heard or found any reports on the drain cover ever being removed” prior to Woodkins' injury. According to the parks superintendent, “work requests” could be based on “an observation by crew leaders or complaints and requests” submitted to the parks department by the public.

The parks superintendent testified that routine maintenance reports for the complex in the days immediately preceding Woodkins’ injury did not reference a “work order for the drain or the drain cover.” Based on his information, the parks superintendent testified “the City was unaware of any defective condition that caused or contributed to the incident.” The director of parks and tourism concurred with the superintendent that the city was unaware of any defective condition that caused or contributed to the incident on or prior to the date of Ms. Woodkins’ fall on July 10, 2014.

Despite this testimony from the parks superintendent and director that the city was “unaware of any defective condition” prior to Woodkins’ injury, the appeals court found “these affidavits fall short of negating the actual-knowledge component of gross negligence.”

While the superintendent had testified his park staff did not remove the cover, in the opinion of the court, this left open the possibility that the park staff may have had “actual awareness of the uncovered condition of the trench.” Moreover, the appeals court found “the lack of prior complaints fails to establish conclusively that park staff did not, in this particular instance, have

actual awareness of the trench’s uncovered condition”: [The parks superintendent (Sefcik)] focused his affidavit on the work requests that park staff and patrons generated and Sefcik reviewed. But Sefcik did not discuss generally what type of work was done as routine maintenance and what type of work required a request, nor did he address specifically whether removal of the cover would have generated a work request.

In the opinion of the appeals court, this testimony did not address “who the crew member was, what he did, or what he observed.” Accordingly, the appeals court found this testimony did not conclusively disprove the possibility that “a crew member removed the drain cover for routine maintenance or saw that the cover had been removed.”

Without clear evidence that the city “lacked actual knowledge of the drain cover’s removal,” the appeals court found the trial court had not erred in rejecting the city’s plea to dismiss Woodkins’ lawsuit. In so doing, the appeals court agreed with the trial court that the pretrial record did not conclusively establish that the state recreational use statute precluded any liability under the circumstances of this case.

Conclusion Having found the city had “failed to conclusively negate actual knowledge of the dangerous condition” posed by the open trench, the appeals court affirmed the trial court’s order denying the city’s plea for a pretrial dismissal of the lawsuit based on the state recreational use statute. As a result, the

case would be subject to further trial proceedings in which a jury would likely determine whether the city should be held liable for gross negligence.

James C. Kozlowski, J.D., Ph.D., is an Attorney and Associate Professor in the School of Recreation, Health and Tourism at George Mason University (jkozlows@gmu.edu). Webpage with link to law review articles archive (1982 to present): http://mason.gmu.edu/~jkozlows.

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FUTURE LEADERS

Importance of Community Engagement for Young Nonprofit Organizations

By Ramona Sudbeck, M.S., and Michael J. Bradley, Ph.D.

N

onprofit organizations take on many responsibilities that for-profit organizations do not. As a result, they are inclined to seek out help and partners within communities, making engagement in communities a high priority. According to Nonprofit Hub, a popular website for this field, some of the largest struggles nonprofit organizations face are retaining and engaging donors, sustainability and lack of resources. Tackling these issues can be daunting, however, seeking resources throughout a community and appealing to those resources can lessen these struggles. Creating a network of community relations and community engagement will promote and develop positive benefits, such as community partnerships, name recognition and continued growth — all in cost-effective and sustainable ways.

Before a young nonprofit begins seeking resources, partnerships and other help, it will need to show that it is also willing to be a helpful community supporter and is an organization that’s worth supporting.

This can be done by first engaging the nonprofit in the community, 40 Parks & Recreation

helping in existing areas where the goals align with those of the nonprofit. Creating these relationships will not happen quickly and requires a lot of continued effort but will help ensure the success of the organization over time.

Young nonprofits might begin

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their community engagement by dovetailing on existing community events. If a community has an annual festival; for example, the nonprofit might exchange volunteers for an opportunity to be promoted or post a booth at the event.

Enough engagements like these will create a community record, which can be presented when seeking help with the nonprofit’s own events and fundraisers. This snowball effect works to create different levels of community rapport, demonstrating that the nonprofit is willing to invest its time to help anywhere possible in the community. Helping on different levels will make the nonprofit a valuable resource, and one the community deems worth supporting.

Another community engagement method, basic to the nonprofit sector, is being open to volunteers.

Opening an organization to volunteers from businesses that require their workers to do volunteer work can help the organization develop credibility.

School systems often require civic hours from their students, and by providing opportunities for people to fill these hours, the company develops a relationship with an organization that’s already visible in the community. Nonprofits should always seek ways to appeal to organizations with existing rapport, to gain acceptance by association. The organizations, however, should not have goals that undermine those of the nonprofit.

Community businesses, especially for-profit businesses, often have tight budgets and are willing to donate time, resourses and, sometimes, space if they perceive the partnership will be successful and beneficial to both entities. For this reason, creating a strong community presence is essential to the success of a nonprofit business. After implementing techniques like the ones described above, a nonprofit can begin to “talk shop” with partners in the area regarding longer-term investments.

Again, the nonprofit will need to present its record with the community, displaying how it has successfully helped in the past, and how helping on future endeavors would, therefore, reflect positively on its partners. A successful record opens dialogue with donors by emphasizing that helping a cause would (a) boost a partner’s community image, (b) help with both entities’ marketing and (c) support a successful community infrastructure that contributes to the success of all those investing in the mission. This process will ultimately aim to convince partners that their goals align with those of the nonprofit and sharing resources is a great way to meet community and business goals. Pooling resources will diminish overall cost, creating additional opportunities in many ways.

It is important to note that once a partnership relationship is achieved, the relationship must continue to grow for the nonprofit to flourish over time. This means keeping donors informed and engaged in the organization decision making, providing transparency and emphasizing the importance of the donors to the nonprofit. If a nonprofit creates consistent value in a community, the nonprofit’s name and recogni

Opening an organization to volunteers from businesses that require their workers to do volunteer work can help the organization develop credibility. tion will grow; for example, as a partner of a community event for multiple years. Overall, people will remember organizations that have helped them in the past, creating a network of positive relationships in the company. A back-and-forth flow of positive attributes will help guarantee continued partnerships, and symbiotic relationships will help a young nonprofit ultimately become more independent.

Ramona Sudbeck, M.S., is a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Recreation and Park Administration at Eastern Kentucky University (ramona_ sudbeck@mymail.eku.edu). Michael J. Bradley, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation and Park Administration at Eastern Kentucky University (michael.bradley@eku.edu).

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SPECIAL REPORT: CONSERVATION

Parks Seen as Crucial to One Water Strategies

By Rich Dolesh

T

he U.S. Water Alliance is a member-supported national nonprofit organization that promotes education and innovation in water management. At its annual One Water Summit this summer in Minneapolis, the Water Alliance hosted a firstever meeting of park directors and water utility managers from across the country, who hope to work collaboratively to promote water stewardship and sustainable water management.

The U.S. Water Alliance has been a proponent of the “One Water” movement, a comprehensive approach to sustainable water and stormwater management that

The management of water in a One Water, integrated framework demonstrates that water can be managed for the benefit of all in a sustainable way.

42 Parks & Recreation

intentionally looks at all water — drinking water, groundwater, greywater (non-potable water that has been used for washing, etc.) and blackwater (sewage waste water) — as one water. The management of water in a One Water, integrated framework demonstrates that water can be managed for the benefit of all in a sustainable way. In addition, there is a very intentional purpose in ensuring water equity so that everyone has full access to wa-

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ter and that the costs of water are equitable for all.

For the past several years, NRPA’s conservation work has had a heavy focus on water, specifically on advancing green infrastructure stormwater management in parks. Not only are parks the ideal places to implement projects that use natural processes to slow and filter and clean stormwater, but NRPA has made a concerted effort to lead the way on how green infrastructure stormwater management can benefit underserved and marginalized communities and improve social equity. Social equity benefits rarely occur if projects are merely designed to replace aging grey infrastructure that buried streams in pipes and channelized natural waterways with

concrete drainage. A focus of NRPA’s Great Urban Parks Campaign is to promote the use of green infrastructure in parks to not only treat stormwater but also to provide multiple social, health and economic benefits to communities.

Leveraging Water Assets for Community Benefits NRPA’s collaborative work in green infrastructure with other associations and organizations, such as the American Planning Association, The Conservation Fund and the JPB Foundation, has led to new opportunities for cooperation and strategic partnerships. NRPA’s recent announcement of $2 million in new grants for green infra-

structure shows the level of our commitment. As awareness of the enormous potential for non-traditional partners to work together to achieve water management goals has grown, NRPA and The Conservation Fund, working with the U.S. Water Alliance, proposed a first-ever delegation meeting to be attended by representatives from park agencies and water utilities at the 2018 One Water Summit.

The parks/water utilities delegation meeting proved to be a smashing success and was attended by an overflow crowd of municipal utility leaders, nonprofit representatives, sustainability officers and resiliency staff, who were fully engaged in discussing the potential for future

NRPA’s recent announcement of $2 million in new grants for green infrastructure shows the level of our commitment. cooperation around one water principles and how we could collectively leverage parks and water assets for community benefits (see “Arenas and Strategies for Action” on p. 44).

Kevin Shafer, executive director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), and Kathryn Ott Lovell, commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, kicked off the roundtable discussions by each sharing how their cities were innovatively managing

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SPECIAL REPORT: CONSERVATION

Arenas and Strategies for Action The strategies of the One Water Roadmap present many opportunities for collaboration among many partners across jurisdictions. As the parks/water utility delegation meeting proved, there is much enthusiasm for park and Arenas and Strategies for agencies Action to cooperate with water utilities on the six Strategies for Action. recreation Arenas for Action

Strategies

Case Studies

#1 Reliable and Resilient Water Utilities

Diversifying and stretching water supplies

Santa Clara Valley Water District Deploys Water Reuse on a Massive Scale

Utilizing green infrastructure to manage flooding and revitalize neighborhoods

Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters: A Model for Green Infrastructure

Transforming wastewater into a resource

DC Water Leads Our Nation’s Capital to a More Resilient Future

Forging new business models

Louisville: Sharing Services, Finding Efficiencies

Integrated planning across the water cycle

One Water Los Angeles Exemplifies an Integrated Approach to Planning

Utilizing onsite water systems

Emory WaterHub® Shows Students that Recycling is Not Just for Trash

Adopting a “dig once” approach

Spokane Looks Above and Below Ground to Leverage Infrastructure Investments

Deploying advanced technologies to improve decision­making

Harnessing the Power of Data to Tackle Water Main Breaks in Syracuse

Managing water to foster climate resilience

Rebuilding for Resilience in New Orleans

Fully integrating water stewardship into company strategy

Coca­Cola Launches 500 Projects to Manage Water Sustainably

Deploying water efficiency, stormwater management, and water reuse at industrial facilities

Dow Tackles Water Efficiency at its Largest Chemical Manufacturing Complex

Developing upstream and downstream partnerships in priority watersheds

Change the Course Replenishes more than 225 Million Gallons of Water

Using on­farm strategies to reduce water consumption and manage nutrients

Salinas Valley: Recycled Water Saves the Agricultural Sector

Creating partnerships among upstream and downstream communities

Cedar Rapids: Multi­Pronged Coalition for Change

Using watershed­scale planning and monitoring

Madison, Wisconsin uses Adaptive Management to Target Phosphorous Runoff

Building a water safety net

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Offers Low­Income Customers Rate Assistance

Leveraging water investments to generate community benefits

A Good Neighbor: The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s Community Benefits Program

Fostering community resilience in the face of a changing climate

Ironbound: Empowering Newark Residents to Revitalize Their River

Enhancing community capacity to engage in water planning and governance

Community Water Center Helps San Joaquin Valley Residents Build Their Water Knowledge

Maximizing natural infrastructure for healthy ecosystems

Working Together to Deploy Natural Infrastructure in Saginaw Bay Watershed

Managing groundwater for the future

Tucson Replenishes Aquifer by Diversifying Supply

Protecting forests to protect water

Chesapeake Bay Uses Forest Buffers to Boost Water Quality

Utilizing citizen science for ecosystem monitoring and watershed restoration

Chattahoochee Riverkeepers Empower Citizens on Local Water Quality Monitoring

#2 Thriving Cities

#3 Competitive Business and Industry

#4 Sustainable Agricultural Systems

#5 Social and Economic Inclusion

#6 Healthy Waterways

Source: US Water Alliance, One Water Roadmap: The Sustainable Management of Life’s Most Essential Resource, http://uswateralliance.org/sites/uswateralliance.org/files/publications/Roadmap%20FINAL.pdf.

Continued on page 46 44 Parks & Recreation

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SPECIAL REPORT: CONSERVATION

Continued from page 44 MMSD is working toward a vision of 100 percent of stormwater captured and cleaned for the entire district.

stormwater and how they both had strong partnerships with their respective parks and water agencies.

Ott Lovell notes that Philadelphia’s 25-year goal of its Green City, Clean Waters plan is to reduce its stormwater inputs by 85 percent. Since parks cover 11 percent of the surface area of the city, they have an extraordinary opportunity to do green infrastructure (GI) projects in parks. They are working with nonprofit partners and have completed 29 green infrastructure projects in parks and have achieved 90 “greened acres” to date. “However, it’s not always puppies and rainbows,” she says about the many obstacles that can delay or derail projects. For example, an interminably long design process of more than two years for some projects can frustrate communities that are supportive but want results. “And, they want more than just the stormwater improvement, too,” Ott Lovell adds, noting 46 Parks & Recreation

the desires of the community for recreational benefits along with green infrastructure improvements.

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District has been a pioneer in developing green infrastructure projects in parks and on public lands. Shafer says that MMSD has made exceptional progress in achieving its stormwater management program goals. He notes that even though Milwaukee is a legacy Midwest city, MMSD has eliminated its entire aging, combined sewer overflow system (CSO), replacing it with deep-tunnel stormwater storage that holds and treats stormwater before releasing it in a controlled flow. He says even though MMSD has met its stormwater targets, it continues to innovate and apply new green infrastructure solutions. When asked why it continues to do green infrastructure if it has met its required stormwater targets, Shafer replies simply: “It is the right thing to do.” He says

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A Larger Future Role for Green Infrastructure The enthusiasm of the workshop participants bodes well for future cooperation between parks and water utilities. According to Kevin O’Hara, NRPA’s VP of urban and government affairs: “Participating in this high-level gathering confirmed what a lot of us suspected, that there is a huge opportunity for parks to play a larger role in providing not only green infrastructure for managing stormwater, but also in developing models for community engagement, equity-based programming and environmental education.”

NRPA pledged to work with the U.S. Water Alliance and the many partners who attended this catalytic gathering to promote implementation of One Water strategies in their communities. New initiatives include a partnership with the Water Environment Federation on adapting and delivering the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program to a park and recreation audience, the development of a new NRPA certificate program in how to design, construct and inspect green infrastructure projects in parks that maximize benefits to communities, and the creation of a matrix for evaluating the many benefits of GSI projects.

To learn more about the vision and principles for a One Water future, visit: http://uswateralliance.org/.

Rich Dolesh is NRPA’s VP of Strategic Initiatives (rdolesh@nrpa.org).

*

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

CONSERVATION

Conservation Lands as Critical Public Infrastructure

A variety of trails provide public access to the Radcliffe Conservation Area along the Appomattox River in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

By Robert Smet

M

ark Battista, a naturalist with the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department in Virginia, tops off his water bottle before moving out into the thick summer heat. Battista has been asked to explore and catalog unique ecosystems and document any rare, threatened or endangered species existing on a tract of land the county is considering purchasing. Such evaluations are part of the park design process the agency uses to make decisions about future public facility development within the region.

Conventional economic development practices seek to maximize the value of raw land through its conversion to housing, retail or some other profitable use.

48 Parks & Recreation

Undeveloped land typically has a much lower tax value when compared to improved property. Conventional economic development practices seek to maximize the value of raw land through its conversion to housing, retail or some other profitable use. This change in use results in increased income for real estate professionals, con-

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struction companies and material suppliers, while also generating tax revenue for the local government. Property development is usually supported by elected officials and many in the business community due to those anticipated economic benefits.

Such a narrowly focused definition of value discounts the worth of open space and woodlands within a community. Parks and conservation areas directly contribute to the health of municipalities through improvements in air and water quality, ecological diversity, aesthetics and increased recreation opportunities. Yet, there remains a tendency to look

at parks, conservation areas and wildlands as desirable amenities, rather than as critical public infrastructure.

This mindset contradicts countless studies conducted since the mid-1970s, highlighting the importance of humans spending time outdoors. Assigning a monetary value to the improved emotional and physical well-being of people who spend time in nature is difficult, but such contributions must be considered in resource allocation decisions. While private foundations and other nongovernmental organizations play a role in land conservation, local governments, specifically parks and recreation agencies, are best

positioned to acquire and maintain these critical ecological repositories.

Parks as Avenues to Promote Environmental Stewardship Within the United States, thousands of park and recreation and other agencies manage more than 3 billion acres of parks, refuges, forests, open spaces, preserves and other lands intended to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, support ecological diversity and preserve wildlife habitats. Local agencies’ connections to communities, relationships with regional leaders and opportunities to introduce young people to the outdoors through nature programming pro-

Map shows area of Chesterfield County, Virginia’s new Winterpock Regional Park, which is in the preliminary design stage.

vide avenues to promote environmental stewardship.

Access to nature has a significant impact on urban youth. Many of

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CONSERVATION

Boardwalks and bridges allow public access to wetlands and other unique ecosystems without significantly impacting the resource.

Funding for the preservation of unique ecosystems is difficult to obtain in locales struggling to meet public safety and community welfare needs.

the behavioral issues our educators struggle with may be directly related to the increasing separation between children and the outdoors. Unstructured play in a natural environment improves self-sufficiency, problemsolving ability, and aids in the development of attention spans. Convincing parents that the cure for all that torments their children lies in the fields and woods beyond the edge of the city may be difficult, but the contributions exploring nature makes to the adaptability and well-being of children cannot be denied.

A community’s devotion to environmental conservation defines the region. Park and recreation agencies shape that culture of place through the development of the next generation of conservation-minded leaders. In the absence of such leadership, conservation efforts are often cast aside in favor of more immediate needs. Funding for the preservation of unique ecosystems is difficult to obtain in locales struggling to meet public safety and community welfare needs. While safety and security may indeed be indispensable for the normal day-to-day functioning of society, it is important to remember that experiences in parks and other outdoor settings shape the future.

The Importance of Public Outreach and Education Park and recreation professionals must take the lead in ensuring that Viewing wildlife, such as this barred owl, is an important part of many people’s wilderness experience.

50 Parks & Recreation

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CONSERVATION

Sunrise over the James River adjacent to Robious Landing Park, Chesterfield County, Virginia.

future generations will have opportunities for outdoor adventure and wilderness experiences. This is possible only through the complete integration of land conservation into the planning function of local governments. Assessments of undeveloped properties, such as those conducted by Battista, provide valuable information to the planning and construction divisions within agencies. Analysis of in-the-field findings helps balance providing public access to unique ecosystems with preserving the integrity of those important natural areas.

Conservation is a fundamental pillar of most park and recreation agencies, but other sectors of government often focus on the more tangible elements of economic development and service provision.

Public outreach and education should be part of any conservation 52 Parks & Recreation

plan. Elected officials must know that their constituents are passionate about conserving open space.

Enlisting the support of state and federal agencies, recognizing elected officials’ support of conservation and publicizing the public’s efforts to better the environment all play a role in maintaining support for conservation within communities.

Opportunities for land conservation often result from donations of property or available grant funding. While these are both valuable mechanisms for increasing the amount of green space within an area, departments can be proactive in their conservation efforts.

Collaborating with citizens, birding clubs and other organizations makes agencies aware of important natural resources or unique habitats on private property. That information can be cataloged to develop an acquisition priorities list to guide future land purchases by local government. Identification of those ecological gems

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within a region allows agencies to campaign for their purchase, should they become available.

Conservation is an established tenant within the park and recreation field. Working to fully integrate those values into the broader governmental framework will require citizen support, engaged community leaders and impassioned advocacy by agency staff.

Elevating wild space preservation to an equal footing with police and fire protection is possible, but agencies must actively promote conservation efforts within their communities. Hopefully, elected officials will realize the value of letting their citizens “go wild.”

Detailed references for this article are available at www.parksand recreation.org/2018/September/ conservation-lands-as-criticalpublic-infrastructure.

Robert Smet is the Assistant Director for Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation (smetr@chesterfield.gov).

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H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

Farmers Markets Access to healthy, fresh and local fruits and vegetables in your community park

By Allison Colman

L

ocal park and recreation agencies already have a role in supporting access to healthy foods and nutrition education, but there are additional opportunities to increase access to healthy, fresh and local foods. One of the growing trends in communities nationwide, and an area of continued growth economically and programmatically across the park and recreation field, is the rapid expansion of the farmers market industry and other community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiatives.

Park and recreation agencies are well-suited to leverage their role as trusted providers of accessible health and wellness opportunities and landowners and partner in efforts to expand local agriculture initiatives 54 Parks & Recreation

Growing Demand for Farmers Markets Over the past decade, there has been steady growth across the farmers market industry nationwide. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) highlighted the expanding role that farmers markets play in communities nationwide. At that time, more

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than 8,400 farmers markets existed in the USDA Farmers Market Directory, with market managers indicating in a 2014 survey that business was not only expanding but was also thriving. The survey identified several trends across the farmers market industry, including: • increased consumer traffic, sales and demand • the expansion and importance of farmers markets accepting supplemental nutritional assistance • an increase in efforts around nutrition education provided at market sites • strengthening opportunities for community engagement and linking local food business development

These trends remain strong in 2018, with both consumers and producers recognizing the significant role a local agriculture system plays when it comes to healthy food access, supporting local business and addressing the social determinants of health. Park and recreation agencies are well-suited to leverage their role as trusted providers of accessible health and wellness opportunities and landowners and partner in efforts to expand local agriculture initiatives (https://tinyurl.com/o945fow).

Bridging Existing Nutrition Programming To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to eat a well-balanced

diet, inclusive of a variety of fruits and vegetables. While most Americans are aware they should consume fruits and vegetables, access to these healthy foods can be inadequate, especially in low-income

communities and food deserts where grocery stores are limited in their supply and they may not be accessible because of transportation barriers and location challenges. One of the greatest benefits

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Another opportunity to bridge existing nutrition programming around farmers markets, is implementing nutrition education for youth and families at market locations.

Some Farmers Market Considerations The benefits of farmers markets are substantial, and park and recreation agencies are ideal partners in these efforts. If you’re thinking of starting or expanding agriculture opportunities in your community, here are some considerations: Think strategically about location — where is access to fresh and healthy food limited in your community? How will people access your farmers market? Is there parking or public transportation available? Are there volunteers or ride-share services that can transport people?

In low-income communities, access to fresh fruits and vegetables is often limited or not accessible.

Accepting benefits, such as SNAP, WIC or SFMNP, is a great way to ensure that vulnerable families in your community can afford healthy foods. You can also consider starting a double-up program so that families can maximize their benefits.

What partners can you leverage to support the market? Reach out to local businesses, nonprofits, faith-based community or other community-serving organizations to promote the market and leverage resources. Are there groups that can provide tables and chairs? Can your local extension office provide a cooking class or nutrition education?

If your agency doesn’t have the resources to start a farmers market, consider starting a community supported agriculture (CSA) initiative at your existing park and recreation sites instead. Partner with local producers to coordinate a program that works for your community members, considering frequency, cost and demand.]

56 Parks & Recreation

of farmers markets and CSAs is the ability to connect community members to locally sourced, healthy, seasonal and fresh produce. In addition, produce sold at farmers markets is often more affordable and better quality than what might be found in a grocery store or local convenience store, as it’s coming directly from a local source and hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for a few days. Furthermore, many farmers grow organic and seasonal produce, so this produce is chemical free and tastes better during the growing season.

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Another opportunity to bridge existing nutrition programming around farmers markets is implementing nutrition education for youth and families at market locations. In Chanute, Kansas, a city of more than 9,000 residents, the local farmers market, operated by Main Street Chanute (www.chan utemainstreet.com/farmers-mar ket/) on city property, partners with the Kansas State Research and Extension office to conduct healthy cooking and food preparation classes using ingredients found at the farmers market. Conducting these classes for parents and caregivers educates them on how to buy and prepare healthy foods, teaching new skills that support a healthy lifestyle.

In Salt Lake City, Utah, the park and recreation department is bringing fun and experiential nutrition education activities out to its local markets this fall — engaging kids and caregivers in taste testing, arts

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vouchers that can be used at the local markets to purchase healthy foods.

Market Umbrella has a double-up bucks program, where Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can double the value of their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) to purchase additional fruits and vegetables. Accepting benefits, like the Women, Infants and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP), the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) or SNAP, promotes access to healthy foods for food-insecure individuals and expands the customer base for markets, resulting in increased sales and revenue.

and crafts that connect to fruits and vegetables, and other fun activities from NRPA’s Foods of the Month curriculum. Providing this education at farmers markets is another opportunity to engage families, meeting caregivers where they are and reinforcing healthy behaviors that are being taught in afterschool and summer camp programs.

Liz Rich, with the Salt Lake City Corporation, says, “Our families have made it a weekly tradition to visit the market with their children as they leave for the day. The kids are incentivized to eat healthy and they receive a $2 produce voucher sponsored by Intermountain Health Care. Having a weekly farmers market within feet of our facility reinforces our Commit to Health literacy, promotes healthy choices and purchases for the family and creates an opportunity for the community to come together. These are all pow58 Parks & Recreation

erful components in establishing healthy relationships with food.�

Accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance In New Orleans, Louisiana, multiple partners, including the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (http://nordc.org/ home/), are working to expand access to farmers markets across the city. NORDC partners with Market Umbrella (www.marketumbrel la.org/), a nonprofit focused on establishing and expanding farmers markets to promote positive, social and economic benefits across the community, to establish and operate markets at local park and recreation sites in low-income and food-insecure communities.

Grant funding also supports a voucher system, where individuals attend health management and physical activity programs to receive

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Strengthening Community Connections Farmers markets are a win-win for local government, community partners, producers and consumers.

Partnerships between local government, nonprofit organizations and the local agriculture community promote community collaboration and leverage local resources, bringing down costs associated with operating a market, as well as providing economic and health benefits to both producers and consumers.

They also serve as another venue for community engagement and cultural reflection, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and providing an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and community members across multiple generations. In addition, farmers markets create job opportunities, as most market produce is sourced within a 100-mile radius of the market location.

Allison Colman is an NRPA Senior Program Manager (acolman@nrpa.org).

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SOCIAL EQUITY

Building More Inclusive, Healthy Places

By Stephanie Gidigbi

W

e know that place matters and can have long-term effects on the well-being and health of a person, shaping his or her life expectancy and social economic mobility. Travel anywhere in America and you can tell a lot about the social cohesion of a community based on its public spaces. Research shows that public spaces can foster greater tolerance, improve public health and strongly influence a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sense of social value and belonging. The intentionality of how you plan, design and measure for these outcomes is critical for building more inclusive and healthy places.

The Framework The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Gehl Institute have partnered to develop a framework for considering inclusion and health in

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the design and programing of public spaces. The framework is a comprehensive guide that includes a set of measurable indicators centered around four central principles of

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inclusion and health equity within the context of public space. These principles focus on community context, the process that shapes public spaces, design and program, and how to sustain the dynamic and interconnected drivers that impact communities. The framework supports a working definition of inclusion as an outcome, a process and a tool for change.

The framework is built around four guiding principles for shaping and assessing public space projects.

Only one principle addresses physical

space, reflecting the need for practitioners to look beyond physical design and placemaking to create change.

Principle 1: Context. Recognize community context by cultivating knowledge of the existing conditions, assets and lived experiences that relate to health equity.

Principle 2: Process. Support inclusion in the processes that shape public space by promoting civic trust, participation and social cohesion.

Principle 3: Design & Program.

Design and program public space for health equity by improving quality, enhancing access and safety, and inviting diversity.

Principle 4: Sustain. Foster social resilience and capacity of local communities to engage with

changes in place over time by promoting representation, agency and stability.

We often experience public spaces based on our individual context of place. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that you can never truly be an expert of a home in which you’ve never lived.

It’s easy to determine what’s wrong with a place but more important to understand what happened and recognize its community context.

There is a deep history of exclusion in the design of places based on race and income that may have limited a community’s ability to thrive. Acknowledging the exclusionary aspects, respecting community assets and cultivating the connections shared through the

An inclusive process can build social capital, improve public participation and promote civic trust, which can offer shared ownership and advocacy power for a project. lived experiences of a user (resident) sharpens one’s perspective in properly assessing a space. Context is central to building more inclusive, healthy places.

Shifting to PeopleCentered Planning As we develop and redesign public spaces, we must grapple with past planning practices that limit access to shared spaces. An inclu-

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SOCIAL EQUITY

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERIE JZAR

In less than a month, this once vacant lot, now called Five Points Plaza, on West Trade Street in the Historic West End neighborhood in Charlotte, North Carolina, was transformed into a social gathering place.

sive process can build social capital, improve public participation and promote civic trust, which can offer shared ownership and advocacy power for a project. Leaders should consider the process of building more shared spaces as an opportunity to celebrate the social resilience and cultural legacy of a community. As practitioners, it’s

Public spaces can support more equitable health outcomes so long as they are designed and sustained with both health and inclusion in mind. crucial we stop acting like we’ve discovered a space that people have lived in and near for generations.

We must transform the way communities are designed by making the process for shared spaces an opportunity to thrive.

Let’s also focus on the people 62 Parks & Recreation

who currently live in these spaces, not just on those who may be coming, as we reinvest in places.

The community stability and preparedness for change is an essential factor to consider. Leaders have a social responsibility to consider the impact of how an investment in a space can lead to displacement. Let’s shift to people-centered planning that creates the space to learn what’s important to the user and incorporate it into the design and program. Leave the renderings as the final stage in the process to understand the context, develop an inclusive process and determine what is required to improve the current condition of the community. This will require leadership from various sectors for partnering and advancing the common vision.

Since people and the spaces they experience are dynamic and interconnect, like the communities they represent, inclusion and

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health equity can be a moving target. The structural impact of racism remains embedded in so many aspects of public life that even the best-intentioned projects can be deemed exclusive. We must meet people where they are and commit to addressing the past in forward-looking ways. The framework is linear, but people are not, so being open to evolution is important. Practitioners must be adaptive and responsive to the changing needs of a community during the life cycle of a project, from conception and planning, through design and implementation, to achieve better outcomes.

Public spaces can support more equitable health outcomes so long as they are designed and sustained with both health and inclusion in mind. The design needs to start with people at the center. Collectively, we can develop inclusive shared spaces in our community that honor its cultural legacy and are welcoming to all, regardless of who you are, how much you make or where you reside.

Detailed references for this article are available at www.parksandrec reation.org/2018/September/build ing-more-inclusive-healthy-places.

Stephanie Gidigbi is the Director of Policy & Partnerships for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Healthy People Thriving Communities Program and a member of the NRPA Equity Advisory Group (sgidigbi@nrdc.org).

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Investing in

L PHOTO/RENDERINGS COURTESY OF CITY OF SOUTH BEND VENUES PARKS & ARTS

u Ella Webster has lived in the city of South Bend, Indiana, for the past 67 years. Growing up in a family of 15 children, Webster fondly reflects on her childhood when Sundays meant going to the park with her parents and siblings to picnic and enjoy the outdoors. She says back then, people in the community looked forward to going to the park because they were accessible, warm and inviting. However, as time passed, “we kind of lost that accessibility in the community,” says Webster, who witnessed her beloved neighborhood park gradually succumb to years of neglect and decay, describing its condition as “deplorable.”

One day, a member of the South Bend City Council approached the lifelong resident and encouraged her to participate on the park board. “I was hesitant to do it at first,” Webster confesses. But then she thought about all the times she had complained about the city not doing enough for her community, much less her beloved Kelly Park. So, Webster agreed to join the board — a decision she admits was “the best thing I could have ever done.”

Webster along with her fellow residents are among those who have made their voices known to city leaders, as well as to the City of South Bend Venues Parks & Arts (VPA) about the future of their community. “Our parks system was tired,” notes Aaron Perri, executive director at VPA. “It was very evident from some of our marquee properties all the way down to the neighborhood parks and to

64 Parks & Recreation

our trails systems that there was deferred maintenance all over the place, and residents were asking for improvements.”

Hearing their constituents’ pleas for real, substantive change, the city pledged to create a master plan that would not only restore South Bend’s public spaces to their former glory but would also “make a more livable South Bend for all” while fostering civic trust through transparency. That meant focusing on social equity, neighborhood and economic development, and ecological stewardship.

In this next installment of our parks transforming cities, towns and communities series, Parks & Recreation takes a closer look at the impetus behind South Bend’s My Parks & Trails Project and highlights some of the parks currently under construction throughout the city.

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Why this Indiana city is spending more than $51 million to reimagine, restore and revitalize its parks and trails system

By Vitisia Paynich

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INVESTING IN SOUTH BEND

The Howard Park renovation project includes an elaborate ice trail, interactive fountain and expanded event lawn.

The Master Plan As the fourth largest city in Indiana, South Bend has a population of more than 101,000 people and covers a 41.82-square-mile area located close to the southernmost bend of the St. Joseph River. Along with its industrial heritage, South Bend, home to the University of Notre Dame, is also renowned for academic excellence.

Over a 15-year period, the city created a 20-year Comprehensive Plan that included enhancements to the parks and trails system, a 5-year Master Plan, as well as various neighborhood development plans. However, as Perri points out, “15 years later, we hadn’t seen a lot of evidence of work being done around any of those plans, so we wanted to alter that.”

But, before the city could implement its plan, it needed to undergo an inventory analysis of its parks system to identify the major capital investments needed throughout each neighborhood and community. The first step entailed intensive data collection and analysis, which 66 Parks & Recreation

pinpointed South Bend’s basic needs in terms of green space and amenities. The city enlisted the expertise of GreenPlay, LLC, to employ its Geo Referenced Standards Amenities Program (GRASP®), a system that impartially ranks the quality, condition and ability of every public park in the city to meet operational and programming needs. The collected data revealed specific areas that were underserved and lacked sufficient amenities. The city also worked with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to conduct a ParkScore analysis.

According to Perri, South Bend is the first city outside of the top 100 cities to request a ParkScore study.

He adds that it wasn’t enough just to know if every area of the city had a park; it was also important to ask questions such as: “Is that park good enough? Does it have the types of amenities we would expect it to have, like shade structures on the playgrounds?” Next, the city’s Innovation and Technology Team integrated the ParkScore data with

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the GRASP data to provide a more complete picture of the overall health of its parks and trails system on a geographic level, and to help South Bend identify areas of need and opportunities for economic growth.

The city also sought input from the public by conducting a statistically valid survey — soliciting online and in-person feedback during numerous community stakeholder meetings. Throughout the data analysis and public input processes, it was evident that social equity was a key driver of the parks and trails plan.

“What’s interesting about data is you’ll get a look at something that, perhaps, people don’t know themselves,” says Perri. “For example, if you’re asking on a survey: What would you like to see improved in your park? People might write: I want a splashpad. But, what that question misses is some neighborhoods don’t even have parks. When you look at the Trust for Public Land ParkScore and calibrate that data for accessibility, you might uncover that there is a park nearby, but this neighborhood can’t access it, because, perhaps, there’s a railroad track in the way, an inaccessible path or no path at all.” However, by creating a path from the backend of the park to this neighborhood, it could solve the connectivity problem as opposed to building a new park. “Having that information helps us make some wise investments that way,” he says.

In 2016, the city teamed with SmithGroupJJR to work on the project’s conceptual framework, a process that would take nine months to complete. “We initially started out with a high-level planning effort that looked at the whole river corridor and all the connections between the assets and the down-

town parks,” explains Pat Doher, senior vice president, civil engineer, at SmithGroup. “From an overarching perspective, they really wanted these parks and the activity in these parks to ‘surprise and delight’ a diverse user group,” he explains.

Doher recalls that when the city was searching for a firm to partner with on the project, “one of the things that intrigued them about our team was that we understood the demographics of the community; for example, we knew that South Bend had a significant Latino population.” He adds that the culturally diverse neighborhoods were the ones that were disconnected from the waterfront, and, therefore, the goal was making sure that trails and their assets were part of a network that offered connectivity to all neighborhoods.

Funding and Partnerships

Howard Park

Known as South Bend’s My Parks & Trails Project, this fully funded $51+ million endeavor encompasses all the city’s six districts, making it the single-largest investment in park and public lands in South Bend’s 152year history. “We funded the project in a way that is roughly: a third, a third and a third,” notes Perri.

One-third comes from private investment, which includes strategic partnerships with the University of Notre Dame, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and a grant from the Indiana Regional Cities initiative.

The next one-third stems from Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) dollars.

The final one-third comes from a property tax levy on the College Football Hall of Fame bond project, which the city has paid off and now those funds are being used for a park bond.

In early October 2017, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and community leaders broke ground on the nearly $15 million renovation of Howard Park, the city’s first public green space. Considered a historic treasure, Howard Park began as a swampy landfill in the center of South Bend on the St. Joseph River and was officially named in honor of Councilman Timothy Howard in 1894. However, the years took a toll on the park and its major attractions, forcing the park department to close venues like the ice skating rink due to disrepair. Thanks to the Parks & Trails Project, this 12-acre park is now undergoing a major facelift.

The design boasts a new multiuse community center, which has been moved to the corner of Jefferson and St. Louis Boulevards. Its new

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INVESTING IN SOUTH BEND

A bike repair shop will be one of several new amenities included in the redeveloped Charles Black Center on South Bend’s west side.

provements to the bridge and promenade, as well as a new public building with restrooms and space for sales.

Charles Black Center and LaSalle Park location will complement the urban area surrounding the park that features retail shops and restaurants. This phase of the project also includes the construction of an interactive water feature and ice facility, which will enable the space to be utilized year-round. Enhancements to the river’s edge include a wetland area to absorb stormwater and flooding, as well as bump outs for closer river access. The site will also comprise a multipurpose event lawn to accommodate large gatherings of up to 3,000 people.

During the winter months, a winding ice trail will lead skaters through the park and onto a bridge.

“People can walk underneath the bridge as you’re skating above them, which will be a really neat feature,” says Perri. Attached to the ice trail will be a frozen pond for ice hockey and figure skating. In the summertime, the center of that ice trail will transform into what he calls, “a splash plaza,” where visitors can enjoy an interactive water feature offering, “a little more sophisticated level of splash,” laughs Perri.

The Howard Park project is slated for completion in fall 2019.

Seitz Park Just north of Howard Park sits another gem along the river called Seitz Park. The smallest property in the 68 Parks & Recreation

whole parks system, at about a third of an acre, Seitz Park remains a popular locale among residents, with its scenic riverfront views and whitewater rafting offerings. The park also serves as an outdoor concert venue.

“Just recently, we installed an interactive public art display called the South Bend River Lights,” Perri notes.

“It’s a pretty unique feature that was designed by internationally renowned lighting designer Rob Shakespeare.”

In late 2016, the University of Notre Dame reached a 50-year lease agreement with the city to build a hydroelectric turbine underneath the park, which will provide about 7 percent of the university’s power needs.

Upon completion of the hydroelectric project, the university will pay the city $1 million to restore Seitz Park to pre-construction conditions, as well as provide additional funding for renovations.

“It’s really a great partnership, because Notre Dame is investing in the restoration and then ultimately in the enhancement of Seitz Park,” explains Perri. “We’re going to reconfigure some of the existing park, [add] a little bit more square footage for public use, accentuate the views and expand the river walk.”

Once this $5 million project is completed in summer 2020, the park will boast a new performance area, im-

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Over on the west side of town, the Charles Black Center and LaSalle Park will be the first redevelopment completed in the My Parks & Trails Project, which is expected to reopen between late September and early October 2018. Perri acknowledges that, historically, this is an area that hasn’t received much investment compared to other areas of the city.

“It’s a very diverse area of town,” he says, and “it’s an important project to the neighborhood.” A major part of this $4.5 million project entails doubling the center’s square footage and totally renovating the existing property. Other new amenities include: three practice basketball courts, an expanded fitness center, music studio, a concession area, locker rooms and a bike repair shop.

Perri says the bike repair shop is a unique feature because it will be the first one located west of the river. The shop provides educational value, whereby neighborhood youth can learn how to repair bikes with the potential to turn those acquired skills into a business opportunity.

Landscaping is planned for around the building and in the park, while crews will perform irrigation work on LaSalle Park’s soccer fields and install a large pavilion.

Kelly Park For the past five years, the name Lu Ella Webster has been synonymous with Kelly Park. That’s be-

cause this active community volunteer, along with her neighbor, Beth Sanford, are among the park’s chief catalysts. However, Webster credits 12 children, ages 8 to 12, who were attending a Notre Dame-sponsored outreach program at Robinson Community Learning Center, for initially sounding the alarm about the park’s deteriorated state when they submitted a grant proposal to renovate the park, which was approved. “The park is right across the street from where I’ve lived all my life,” says Webster.

The children raised the first $6,000 in grant funding, which got the ball rolling. When a local radio station learned what the kids were doing, it pledged to help the community get a new basketball court. Building on that momentum, the children began to communicate what they envisioned for their neighborhood park.

For her part, Webster has worked tirelessly on the neighborhood’s behalf — from working with the park department, corporate donors and contractors on the project, to going doorto-door raising money selling bricks. “When one business found out about the project, other businesses came onboard by donating their time and services,” she explains. For example, a local brick company donated all the bricks for the columns in the park, while another company donated the fencing at cost. In addition, the Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Organization donated $10,000 for playground equipment and Notre Dame Federal Union gave $5,000 toward the project. As Webster puts it, “It was just like a dream come true!”

According to the People of Praise news blog, Webster and Sanford have raised $220,000 in donations to date. Webster says they are waiting for one final phase of the project to be completed, which she hopes will be soon. She explains, “We rebuilt everything that was in the park.

Now, it’s one of South Bend’s better parks.”

Webster stresses that it’s really about 12 children from the community who had a desire to make a difference by renovating their park. “I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to be able to help them do this,” she affirms.

that has the park department, its strategic partners and community volunteers doing groundbreaking work while keeping their constituents up to date on the city’s continual progress.

What’s one lesson other agencies can glean from South Bend’s experience?

Doher says: “When it comes to people planning parks or creating any kind of regeneration opportunity, we always talk about attracting new people, new businesses and new economic development — but nobody talks about making sure that we’re still satisfying the people who are deeply rooted in the community. That was really important to South Bend, and we did a great job making sure that we listened to the people and businesses so that they didn’t feel like we were doing this for somebody else. That’s a critical thing, because you don’t want to separate yourselves from the people who have made your community what it is and only think about whom you might want to attract.”

PARKS & RECREATIO Salsbury Industr

Vitisia Paynich is a California-based Freelance Writer for Parks & Recreation magazine (vpaynich@gmail.com).

A New Day in South Bend After 15 years and several proposed master plans, South Bend is in the midst of a revival

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION

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Generation Parks and recreation and school districts partnering to grow the game of tennis

F

or years, sports such as basketball and football have ruled playgrounds and parks across America. But now tennis â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a sport once considered to be out of the reach of many families â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is vying for the attention of youngsters.

By Ashley Marshall

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NET GENERATION

Tennis is being played in schools and at the grassroots level more than ever before. When it comes to this sport that can be played for a lifetime, there’s no better doubles partnership than the one between park and recreation departments and their school districts, especially once they’ve aligned with Net Generation, the official youth tennis brand of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

“The partnerships between schools and their local park and recreation departments are absolutely vital for the growth of the sport of tennis,” says Craig Morris, chief executive, community tennis, USTA. “Net Generation provides a platform for these groups to collaborate in order to impact more kids than ever before.”

There are clear benefits for both groups: Schools get help and support teaching children a new sport and another way to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. They are also able to point youngsters to a safe place where they can continue to

play tennis away from the classroom, either alone or with friends.

Park departments get a chance to interact with a potential new group of users who can, in turn, introduce their parents to new activities, leagues and social-play opportunities in their own community. “It’s valuable because it’s not something that is taught in urban schools historically,” says Matt Lubas, Reading Recreation Commission COR Tennis Program supervisor. “Having resources available to them will help schools deliver programs. You go to any playground in any city, and there’s a basketball court, and there’s green grass. There aren’t always tennis courts.

“We run before- and afterschool programs, and we’re very active in going into their P.E. classes. We try to reach as many kids as possible by making the game of tennis available. It emphasizes fun, increases wellness and self-esteem and tackles life skills that participants can carry on the rest of their lives.”

Reading Parks and Recreation In Reading, Pennsylvania, staff from the park and recreation department go into each of the city’s 13 elementary schools for either one or two weeks and teach every third, fourth and fifth grader tennis during P.E. lessons. Eight of these schools have either before- or afterschool programming, and six support a travel team. In the summer, the city runs the tennis programming for the Reading Recreation Commission and for the Boys and Girls Clubs.

As a community partner of Net Generation, Reading received a free Community package, which includes an equipment roller bag, 20 racquets, 36 red felt balls, two rolls of barrier tape, chalk, hats, shirts and a community curriculum.

“The Reading Recreation Commission COR Tennis Program is a wonderful asset to the USTA Middle States section,” says Renee Lentz, the schools coordinator for the city of Reading and a former tennis service representative for the USTA Middle States section for nine years.

“Its impact on the community goes well beyond the sport of tennis. Kids are going to college when they never thought they’d go to college — to places like Alvernia University and Albright College — and then they’re coming back and teaching here. The city of Reading is the fifth largest city in Pennsylvania, but it has the highest percentage of people living in poverty.

Using tennis to impact the lives of kids here is incredible.”

Emphasizing fun and positive coaching is part of the United States Tennis Association’s Net Generation brand.

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Balls and racquets are part of a free Community package of equipment provided by Net Generation to community partners.

Reading isn’t the only city reaping the benefits of schools and park departments working hand-in-hand.

Cabot Parks and Recreation In Cabot, Arkansas, the school district and Cabot Parks and Recreation department entered into a joint-use agreement for shared use of facilities, like tennis courts. By crafting the agreement, both sides have clearly delineated responsibilities while having legal protection.

There are nine elementary schools and two middle schools in the Cabot district. By working with the park department in conjunction with Net Generation, schools can efficiently introduce children

to tennis. “We have a shared vision of what we would like to accomplish,” explains Kelly Spencer, who served as the liaison between the park and recreation department and P.E. coaches and is now the assistant athletic director for the Cabot School District. “We’re both offering programs that are provid-

ing opportunities for kids to be physically active and make healthy lifestyle choices.

“We also share the same vision of what participation in sport does for kids as far as character development — giving them those lifelong skills and values of dedication, integrity and sportsmanship. I think it’s

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Cabot Parks and Recreation’s Rally Cats tennis program helps introduce 4- to 10year-olds to the game of tennis.

great because, from a school district perspective, you’re providing those physical education teachers with not only training, but also the equipment and the curriculum. It’s a win-win for our teachers. And once you get the buy-in from the teachers, they’re going to believe in it, and they’re going to pass it on to the kids. When the teachers get excited about it, the kids get excited about it.”

So far, more than 3,500 teachers nationwide have undergone a background screening through the National Center for Safety Initiatives and completed SafeSport training, courses organized by the U.S. Center for SafeSport with the aim of making sports “free from bullying, hazing, sexual misconduct or any form of emotional or physical abuse.” In addition, more than 1,700 teachers have registered their P.E. programs for Net Generation.

The Cabot Parks and Recreation department runs a tennis program, called Rally Cats, that’s aimed at 4- to 10-year-olds and helps introduce youngsters to the sport. It 74

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was started in the spring and attracted 40 children to the first session. Many also registered to join a youth league that’s run by the park department. The program was offered for an hour a week over a six-week period during the school break. Next year, the department will use the Net Generation curricula to offer different programs depending on a player’s ability.

“Everyone was wanting to try a dif-

ferent sport, especially in the summer when they’re at home,” says Cabot Parks and Recreation Program Director Lorenzo Mendoza. “It gets them outside and helps them stay active.

We have football, basketball, softball and volleyball that are growing, so why not offer a different sport, too?

It’s a great opportunity we have to work with the school district.”

Jamie Oitker, a supervisor and P.E. teacher at Central Elementary School in Cabot, adds: “[The partnership] is huge because we’re building the foundation, and then they’re providing opportunities to reach even higher levels. They’re providing kids extra preparation for lifetime activities.

“Any exposure to learning the fundamentals is great, especially if it makes them excited to play or makes them ask their parents to do more.

It’s awesome. We need to inspire our kids to be active their whole life. Just giving each of the kids a racquet and a ball, they absolutely loved it. The laughter, the smiles and screams of joy, they had a blast.”

For information on any of the programs mentioned in this article: • United States Tennis Association: www.usta.com/en/home/play/ programs-for-everyone.html#high-school-tennis • The USTA hosted a webinar, titled “Working with Schools and Parks & Recreation,” earlier this year. To view the recording and a list of USTA webinars: https://usta.com/webinars or USTA.com/webinars • Find your Tennis Service Representative: https://www.usta.com/en/home/organize/ program-resources/national/finding-your-tennis-service-representative--tsr-.html • Net Generation: https://netgeneration.usta.com/ • Net Generation Parks and Recreation page: NetGeneration.com/parksandrec • Cabot Parks and Recreation department: www.cabotparks.com/cabot-youthten​nis-rallycats/ Ashley Marshall is the Assistant Managing Editor, Corporate Communications, for the United States Tennis Association (ashley.marshall@usta.com).

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CELEBRATING AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BACKYARD

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL VON ROOY PHOTOGRAPHY

Indianapolis Here We Come!

Before you head out to the convention here are some maps to print or save: Map of convention center: https://www.icclos.com/pdf/ICCLOSMap100711.pdf Places to stay: https://www.icclos.com/pdf/DTIndyMap.pdf Downtown Indy Map: https://www.icclos.com/pdf/downtown_indy_pdf.pdf 76

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NRPA travels to the Circle City

By Paula Jacoby-Garrett

T

his year, we are excited to take the NRPA Annual Conference to Indianapolis, September 25–27, 2018. Known as “the crossroads of America,” Indianapolis was ranked the best convention city in America in 2014 by USA Today and currently holds the Conde Nast #1 spot for the best airport. One of the many benefits of Indianapolis is that many hotels in the area link by skywalk to the convention center. There are more skywalks connecting buildings throughout downtown than in any other city in the United States. A skywalk also connects a shopping mall to the convention center, and there are more than 200 restaurants in the area.

Things to Do

In a recent Forbes article, writer Larry Olmsted referred to Indianapolis as “America’s most underrated city.” It is chock-full of things to do, from a wide variety of museums to the city sights and wideopen public spaces.

for walking, riding bikes and overall sightseeing.

Address: 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: open Website: www.visitindy.com/ indianapolis-canal-walk Admission: free

Conner Prairie Located in the heart of 1,000 wooded acres, Conner Prairie strives to engage families through unique experiences. While the focus is on the natural and cultural heritage of Indiana, the activities are hands-on and fun! From climbing through a four-story tree house and strolling through an 1800s vintage prairie town, to the live ani-

Canal Walk Created in the early 1800s, the canal was intended to connect regional waterways for use in transportation.

Although never fully completed, the Canal Walk in downtown Indianapolis has been refurbished and provides a place for petal boats with an adjacent promenade and a greenbelt

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Conner Prairie

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONNER PRAIRIE

Planning Your Trip Indianapolis has a plethora of places to visit and things to do. Booking your room in the downtown area will not only give you access to the convention center, but also to a host of museums and restaurants, plus activities. As you are making your hotel choices, remember that some hotels are linked to the convention center with a skywalk.

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CELEBRATING AMERICA’S BACKYARD Address: 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038 Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Website: www.connerprairie.org/ Admission: Adults $18, $13 children (2–12) under 2 are free, $17 seniors 65+ (additional cost for Balloon Voyage rides)

Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium Located on the north side of Indianapolis, Butler University has a long history in observing outer space. The university got its first telescope in the late 1800s and has been upgrading its facilities on a regular basis since then. This year, the planetarium was upgraded to include a new digital projector that provides an immersive 3D experience and virtual flights.

Address: 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46208. The observatory is located on the north side of Butler University.

Hours: See website for current programming. Typically, open 7:45 p.m.

– 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights Website: www.butler.edu/ holcomb-observatory Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for children under 18

Indianapolis City Market Located on the National Register of Historic Places, the Indianapolis City Market has a rich history of commerce for the city. Today, the market provides a variety of goods from a farmers market, artisan booths and places to eat. The farmers market is one of the largest and longest running in central Indiana and is held out front every Wednes78

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day, from May to October.

Address: 222 E. Market St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: Open Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m.

– 9 p.m.; farmers market on Wednesday Website: www.visitindy.com/ indianapolis-city-market Admission: Free

Indy Wine Trail A perfect way to get a taste of award-winning local wines, all within the Indianapolis area. This tour includes a Trail Passport and a free wine glass for visiting all four locations. You can drive yourself or book group transportation through Advanced Limousines for an additional charge (https://goo.gl/IGFXIC) Address & Hours: • Buck Creek Winery 11747 Indian Creek Rd. S., Indianapolis, IN 46259 Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

• Cedar Creek Winery 3820 Leonard Rd., Martinsville, IN 46151 Sunday – Thursday, noon – 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon – 8 p.m.

• Chateau Thomas Winery 6291 Cambridge Way, Plainfield, IN 46168 Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon – 6 p.m.

• Easley Winery 205 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 4 p.m.

Website: www.indywinetrail.com/ Admission: $5 Monday – Thursday, $15 Friday – Sunday

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Museums

One of the benefits of having a convention in Indianapolis is the proximity to so many fabulous museums!

Whatever your interest, this city has a museum for you.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis first opened in 1925 and was modeled after the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.

Today, the museum boasts more than a million people in annual attendance, almost a half-million square feet of indoor exhibits and a host of outdoor experiences. Current exhibits range from transportation and dinosaurs, to China, local community and, notably, the Fireworks of Glass exhibit created by Dale Chihuly.

Address: 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Hours: The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; the Sports Experience hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Website: www.childrensmuseum.org Admission: Prices vary by day and range from $22 to $25.50 for Adults; $18 – $21.50 for youth. See www. childrensmuseum.org/visit/buy-tickets for specific dates and cost.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAVENGOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

mal encounters, Conner Prairie has something for all ages.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art Founded to create an appreciation of Native American art and culture, the Eiteljorg Museum is one of the world leaders in Native art collections. The museum has hosted a variety of other special exhibits, focusing on African-Americans and on Jewish Life in the West, as well as on works from iconic artists, such as Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams.

Address: 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.

Website: www.eiteljorg.org Admission: Adults $15, seniors $12, youth (5–17) $8 and children 4 and under are free

Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites This museum is the place to learn more about Indiana’s expansive history, from the prehistoric dire wolves that once roamed the Indiana area, to the role Indiana played in World War I and the Native Americans who call this area home. The museum boasts a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, and the IMAX theatre shows documentaries, as well as current Hollywood films.

Address: 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Website: www.indianamuseum.org/ Admission: Adults $14.95, seniors $13.95, children (3-17) $9.95, children under 3 are free

Indiana State Police Museum Preserving and highlighting the history of the Indiana State Police, this

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Address: 8660 E. 21st St., Indianapolis, IN 46219 Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; 3rd Saturday of each month, noon – 4 p.m.

Website: www.in.gov/isp/museum.htm Admission: Free, donations are accepted

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Start your engines! For those auto racing enthusiasts, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is the place for you. Recognized as one of the leading museums in auto racing in the world, its exhibits range from race vehicles from NASCAR, Formula One and IndyCar, among others.

Address: 4790 W. 16th St., Speedway, IN 46224 Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. March – October Website: www.indianapolismotor speedway.com/at-the-track/museum Admission: Adults $10, youth (6-15) $5, children 5 and under are free

Indiana War Memorials This memorial focuses on honoring Indiana’s veterans through its museum, 3 parks and 24 acres of monuments. Outside of Washington, D.C., it has the highest number of monuments dedicated to veterans.

Address: 340 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon – 5 p.m.

Website: www.vonnegutlibrary.org/ Admission: Adults $8, children (6-17) $4, seniors 65+ $6, active and veteran military $6

Address: 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Hours: The Indianapolis Museum of Art is closed Mondays; Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday (see website for hours for other amenities on-site) Website: https://discovernewfields.org/ Admission: $18 for adults, $10 for youth (6–17), free for children 5 and under

NCAA Hall of Champions Highlighting the entire range of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports, the exhibits focus on what it takes to be an NCAA athlete, current team rankings and team memorabilia.

Do Something Completely Different

For some, a memorable visit to a new city includes engaging in new experiences. For those looking for a few activities that are a bit unusual, here’s a list of things to do, from the odd to the romantic:

Address: 700 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.

Website: www.ncaahallofchampions. org/index.php Admission: Adults $5, children (6-18) $3, children under 5 are free, seniors 60+ $3

Address: 55 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Website: www.in.gov/iwm/ Admission: Free

Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library If you are a Kurt Vonnegut fan, then 80 Parks & Recreation

Newfields: A Place for Nature and the Arts The Indianapolis Museum of Art now focuses its efforts on combining art and nature. The site includes traditional art galleries, as well as large public art pieces, gardens and outdoor activities.

this museum is for you! From photos of Vonnegut to his drawings and doodles and his rejection letters, this museum gives you a glimpse into the man and author.

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NCAA Hall of Champions

Brew Bus Interested in Indianapolis’ local breweries? Take a bus tour! The bus will pick you up at your downtown location and take you to four local breweries over a three-hour period. You will receive two–three samples at each brewery, bottles of water and a “brewery passport.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF VISITINDY.COM

museum tells the tale of the department from 1933 to the present day.

Collections include police vehicles, uniforms and historic photographs.

Address: Will pick up at any downtown location Hours: Vary by day; see website for details Website: www.indybrewbus.com/ Admission: Tickets start at $30 per person and include transportation — must be 21 years old

Places to Eat

Ball & Biscuit This cocktail bar has your classic favorites, as well as inventive craft cocktails.

331 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204 https://ballandbiscuit.com/ Bru Burger Bar Looking for a tasty hamburger? Look no further. The Bru Burger Bar has variety and quality that will satisfy all burger lovers.

410 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.bruburgerbar.com/indianapolis

Salt on Mass This restaurant focuses on fresh cuisine with a view. Located downtown, the floor to ceiling windows offer spectacular views of the city. Salt on Mass is locally owned and focuses on wild and sustainable seafood.

505 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.saltonmass.com/ St. Elmo Steak House This restaurant is known for its shrimp cocktail and has been a downtown favorite since 1902.

127 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46225 www.stelmos.com/

Harry & Izzy’s Created by lifetime friends, Harry Roth and Izzy Rosen, this restaurant is a local favorite with a variety of entrees, from New York strip steak to thin-crust pizza. Harry & Izzy’s is the sister restaurant to St. Elmo Steak House, so favorites like their world-famous shrimp cocktail can be found at both restaurants.

153 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46225 www.harryandizzys.com Hedgerow American Bistro Delicious wood-fired entrees that highlight food sources from local farmers.

350 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.hedgerowbistros.com/

St. Elmo Steak House

Mimi Blue Known for its meatballs, Mimi Blue offers a variety, from the classic to buffalo turkey to vegan options, as well as a wide variety of other food choices.

870 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.mimibluemeatballs.com

St. Joseph Brewery & Public House This brewery and restaurant is located in a Catholic church that was built in the 1800s and is known for its unique selection of beers.

540 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.saintjoseph.beer/

The Rathskeller For a bit of a Bavarian flair, the Rathskeller offers a host of dinner items, and its Kellerbar has more than 60 different beer selections.

401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.rathskeller.com/

Yats If you are looking for Cajun Creole dishes, there are several locations: • 5363 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220 • 885 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204 • 910 W. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 • 5650 W. 86th St., Suite 132, Indianapolis, IN 46278 • 1420 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260 http://yatscajuncreole.com/wp/

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. ELMO STEAKHOUSE

Downtown Indianapolis has a diverse and robust selection of restaurants and cuisine, from Midwestern favorites to food from around the world. Use the Downtown Restaurant Map www.icclos.com/pdf/DTRestaurantsMap.pdf for locations. A few of our favorites are listed below:

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CELEBRATING AMERICA’S BACKYARD Indianapolis: Notable Parks & Open Spaces September is a beautiful time of year in Indianapolis. Average temperatures are in the high 70s with lows in the mid50s. It’s a perfect time of year to enjoy some of the city’s open and natural spaces.

Crown Hill Cemetery Known as one of the best walking tours in Indianapolis, this sprawling 500-acre site is known for its beauty, mature trees and sculptures. This cemetery is the third largest cemetery in the nation. If you are planning to arrive in Indianapolis early, you can take part in the Beyond the Badge 5K run/ walk taking place on September 23.

Address: 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., April – September Website: www.crownhillhf.org/ Admission: None, fees for private or public tours vary Eagle Creek Park One of the largest in the nation, Eagle Creek Park has almost 4,000 acres of forest and 1,400 acres of water. This park hosts a wide variety of activities, from the Go Ape Treetop Adventure (see the Doing Something Different section), to a golf course, trails, fishing, watersports and playgrounds.

Address: 7840 W. 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46254 Hours: 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Website: http://eaglecreekpark.org/ Admission: $6 for out-of-county motor vehicles

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAVENGOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens If you love plants, this is the place for you. This 10,000-square-foot conservatory was constructed in 1916 and is home to hundreds of different tropical species. The Sunken Garden is a traditional European formal garden with manicured hedges, flowers and fountain.

Address: 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46203 Hours: The conservatory is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 pm. The Sunken Garden is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Website: www.garfieldgardens conservatory.org/ Admission: $2 per person, 2 years and older

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White River State Park

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Monument Circle Recognized as the symbol of Indianapolis, Monument Circle is in the heart of Indianapolis. The site consists of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at its center and the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum on the lower level. A beautiful circular open area surrounds it.

Address: 1 Monument Cir., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: Dawn to dusk, in monument Friday – Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

– 5:30 p.m.

Website: www.indianawarmemorials.org/explore/soldiersand-sailors-monument/ Admission: Free Ruins at Holliday Park In the 1950s, the St. Paul building was demolished in New York City. Karl Bitter, a well-known architectural sculptor, had designed the building’s façade. Many of the building’s architectural elements were saved from demolition and brought to Indianapolis to be put on display in a park setting. In 2016, the revitalization of the ruins was completed, creating a one-of-a-kind vision of the past.

Address: 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46260 Hours: Dawn until dusk Website: www.hollidaypark.org/wordpress/wp-content/ uploads/2018/01/History-of-The-Ruins-in-Holliday-Park.pdf Admission: None Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park This 100-acre park has open meadows, dense forest and views out to a 35-acre lake. It also hosts a wide variety of permanent and temporary public art pieces. The park is part of Newfields: A Place for Nature and the Arts (see above for more info on the museum).

Address: 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208 Hours: Sunrise to sunset Website: https://discovernewfields.org/do-and-see/places-togo/virginia-b-fairbanks-art-nature-park-100-acres Admission: Free White River State Park Located in downtown Indianapolis, White River State Park is the only urban state park in Indiana. Its lush 250 acres are home to trails, green spaces and waterways, as well as the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Indiana State Museum.

Address: 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: Open 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Website: www.whiteriverstatepark.org/ Admission: Free to enter the park; individual venues have admission costs

Eliminate the paper.

Embrace the peace of mind.

Skip the paperwork and replace impractical paper medical forms with ePACT.

ePACT offers a secure emergency network used by recreation organizations across North America.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GO APE

Go Ape!

Go Ape! For those that are looking for an active experience, the Go Ape! Adventure will take you up into the trees for high ropes, obstacles, swings and zip lines.

Address: 5855 Delong Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46254 Hours: See website for hours & availability Website: https://goape.com/Locations/Indiana/Indianapolis Admission: Adults aged 16+ $58, youth (10–15) $38; minimum age is 10 years old, minimum height of 4'7", maximum weight of 285 lbs.

• HIPAA-compliant system reduces risk and liabilities • Replaces paper medical forms, waivers, and consents • Improves collection and management of critical information • Provides families with a single emergency record ePACT makes life easier, and safer, for your recreation programs and the families you serve.

I love providing my families with an easy way to complete required emergency paperwork in a user-friendly, efficient, and HIPAA-compliant manner.

CHELSEY ADAMS, FAIR OAKS RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT

www.epactnetwork.com

|

1-855-773-7228

Tour the Catacombs Located beneath Indianapolis City Market, this unique tour takes you deep below the city to the remains of Tomlinson Hall, which was built in the late 1800s. Little remains from the 1958 fire except for the brick arches from the basement of the hall.

Address: 222 E. Market St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Hours: Tours offered on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. See website for hours.

Website: www.indianalandmarks.org/tours-events/ongoing-toursevents/city-market-catacombs-tour/ Admission: Ages 12 and up $12, children (6–11) $6, 5 and under are free (no strollers). Must wear close-toed shoes, no walkers, canes or wheelchairs.

Old-World Gondoliers Looking for a peaceful tour of downtown Indianapolis? A private gondola ride is a perfect way to see the sites while sitting back and relaxing, complete with a singing gondolier. Both ½-hour and hour-long rides are available.

Address: 340 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Hours: Daily, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Website: www.4gondola.com/ Admission: Each boat can hold 2–8 passengers; ½-hour rides are $150 and 1-hour rides are $300 Paula Jacoby-Garrett is a Freelance Writer located in Las Vegas, Nevada (paula.jacoby.garrett@gmail.com).

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CELEBRATING AMERICA’S BACKYARD Local Host Committee Local Host Committee City Director Linda Broadfoot Director Indy Parks & Recreation

Local Host Committee Co-Chairs Dominic Cornett Senior Manager of Community Partnerships Indy Parks & Recreation

Michael Klitzing Chief Operating Officer Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Indy Parks Coordinator Charles Elliott Executive Assistant Indy Parks & Recreation CVB Representative Brett Sanford Convention Service Manager Visit Indy Golf Subcommittee Mike Hoffmeister Assistant Director Noblesville Parks & Recreation • Lindsey Huston Membership and Marketing Coordinator Indiana Parks & Recreation Association • Amber Mink Recreation Program Coordinator – Events Noblesville Parks & Recreation • Nichole Haberlin Recreation Director Noblesville Parks & Recreation • Brittany Davis Eagle Creek Park Manager Indy Parks & Recreation

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The Indianapolis Local Host Committee is proud to welcome all NRPA Conference attendees!

• Dan Domsic Community Engagement and Volunteer Manager Fishers Parks & Recreation

• Joenne Pope Senior Manager, Community Programs Indy Parks & Recreation

• Felisha Canillas Development and Events Coordinator Indiana Parks & Recreation Association

• Megan Fetter Chief Program Officer Indy Parks & Recreation

• Kristi Spehler Community Development Manager Noblesville Parks & Recreation 5K Run/Walk Subcommittee Joshua Lane Senior Manager of Athletic Programs Indy Parks & Recreation • Annette Harden, CPO Customer Service & Special Events Manager Indy Parks & Recreation • David O’Rourke Communications Manager Indianapolis Parks Foundation • Mike Clendenen, CPRP Superintendent New Haven-Adams Twp. Parks & Recreation Dept.

• Milele Kennedy Food Programs Manager Indy Parks & Recreation • Tikila Martin Food Program Coordinator Indy Parks & Recreation • Tiffany Polzin Director of Projects Countryside Play Structures Volunteer Subcommittee Kimberly Campbell Regional Manager Indy Parks & Recreation • Kathy Fitzgerald Park Manager Indy Parks & Recreation • Deborah Howard Assistant Park Manager Indy Parks & Recreation • Alex Banks Park Manager Indy Parks & Recreation

Finance Subcommittee Lisa Nye Executive Director Indiana Parks and Recreation Association

• Remus Woods Park Manager Indy Parks & Recreation

Becky Barrick-Higgins Recreation Services Division Director Bloomington Parks & Recreation

• Jaylin Harris Recreation Coordinator Indy Parks & Recreation

Hospitality Subcommittee Angela McClendon Senior Program Manager Indy Parks & Recreation • Angela Clark Chief Financial Officer Indy Parks & Recreation

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• Skye McKenzie Park Manager Indy Parks & Recreation

• Brittany Vanmeter Park Manager Indy Parks & Recreation • Kavita Mahoney Art Center Manager Indy Parks & Recreation • Shawn Cowherd Park Manager Indy Parks & Recreation

OSI Subcommittee Andre Denman Principal Park Planner DPW/Indy Parks & Recreation • Layne Young Business Service Consultant Information Service Agency • Stephen Wolter Executive Director Eppley Institute for Parks & Public Lands, Indiana University • Kurtis Baumgartner Monon Community Center Director Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation • Elisebeth Huetteman Payroll Administrator Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Accessibility Subcommittee Sherrill York Executive Director National Center on Accessibility, Indiana University • Cindy Somers Research Associate National Center on Accessibility, Indiana University Fundraising Subcommittee Lori Hazlett President Indianapolis Parks Foundation • Jenny Burrough Vice President, Development and Public Relations Indianapolis Parks Foundation Marketing Subcommittee Ronnetta Spalding Chief Communications Officer Indy Parks & Recreation • Hannah Thomas Marketing Coordinator Indy Parks & Recreation

The 2018 Conference Program Committee

T

he 2018 Program Committee for the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference provides an invaluable level of support for NRPA staff as they work together to recruit and select the best, most relevant education sessions to serve their peers and support NRPA’s Three Pillars. Proudly representing agencies from across the country and working in a variety of capacities within parks and recreation, this team spent the better part of the year determining what topics would be of most value to their colleagues, seeking out top speakers in the field, and vetting hundreds of session applications. Pictured, below, are the members of this year’s Program Committee. We sincerely thank them for their hard work, wisdom and sacrifice.

Back row, from left to right: Chuck Szoke, Chris Matthews, Janet Bartnik, Johnathan Skinner Second row from rear, left to right: Dirk Richwine, Koboi Simpson, Becky Barrick-Higgins, Dody Erickson, Nikki Ginger, Dr. Karla Henderson Third row from rear, left to right: Dr. Ines Palacios, Dr. Laurel Richmond, Wanda Ramos, John Prue, Tiffany Johnson Front row: Shonnda Smith, Micheal Klitzing (Committee Chairperson), Lucky D’Ascanio (Former Chairperson), Sven Leff (Incoming Chairperson), Edward Matthews Not pictured: Kirsten Barnes, Katrina Coots-Wards, Courtney Weinstock

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CELEBRATING AMERICA’S BACKYARD Virtual Conference Opportunities

I

n 2017, NRPA Live — the NRPA Annual Conference live streaming event — won the Association Trends All Media Contest silver medal, and this year we’re kicking it up a notch! This September, you will be able to watch more live education sessions than ever before, from wherever you are! For the first time, virtual attendees will be able to access exclusive live content between sessions, providing a direct connection to presenters to respond to questions and providing testimonials from leaders in the field of parks and recreation captured on-site.

One of the primary reasons for attending a conference is for the networking opportunities, and NRPA Live will still provide that, but from the convenience of your home or office. Virtual networking opportunities will be available through associated NRPA Connect forums, allowing you to collaborate with other attendees through encouraged dialogue surrounding each of the conference sessions.

Following are a few of the sessions you’ll have access to: “What’s Past Is Prologue”: The Déjà Vu Health Case for Urban Parks in the U.S. and the U.K. One of the forces that led to parks

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becoming an integral part of the infrastructure of cities in the midand late-19th-century in the United States was a widespread perception that they attributed to alleviating disease, contagion and epidemics.

Six strategies will be explained that were effective in this successful movement that appear to have relevance to today’s context. Four of them relate to positioning parks so they are recognized as a component to be included in the multifaceted effort to address the obesity epidemic: conceptual alignment, cost-effectiveness, associative positioning and psychological positioning. The other two pertain to the tactical use of science to support

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advocacy and the need to secure influential champions.

Grantmaking Success: A Conversation with Funders Whether it is capital funding for a new senior center, a mini-grant for a garden or a simple request for donations of craft supplies, the challenges around fundraising are often the same: How do I find the right funder? How do I write a winning funding request with few resources? How do I successfully measure outcomes? But, the funders’ perspective isn’t that easy either.

During this session, hear directly from funders on their funding preferences and strategies to select winning projects. This panel of funders will discuss application processes, evaluation criteria, the importance of measurable outcomes and strategies to ensure project success throughout the project period. This session will help identify the keys to your fundraising success!

You can register for a single session, an entire day or the complete event. By registering for the complete live event, you will also gain access to an additional 10 recorded sessions after the conference. This means you will have the opportunity to obtain up to 2.0 CEUs. If you can’t make the trip to Indianapolis to attend conference in person, NRPA Live is a worth-while alternative. Learn more about NRPA Live at www. nrpa.org/NRPALive.

EXPERIENCE THE NRPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE FROM ANYWHERE

Did you know that you can gain access to some of the top conference education sessions from the comfort of your own home or office? During the conference, 12 sessions will be recorded and streamed live online. These sessions and more can be watched live or viewed after the conference with CEUs available.

USE PROMO CODE POSTLIVE10 TO GET 10% OFF 2018 NRPA LIVE BUNDLES.* *NRPA Live discount code can only be redeemed once and cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer valid 9/24/18 through 10/19/18.

nrpa.org/NRPALive

PRODUCT PREVIEW TYPAR Geosynthetics GEOSYNTHETICS YOU CAN TRUST. Porous paving, geotextiles, geocells, grass and ground reinforcement and root control.

800.541.5519 typargeosynthetics.com Booth # 2406

888.699.3742

www.EpicOutdoorCinema.com Booth # 1930

BoMar Soft Playgrounds International Soft, custom-made slides, floaters, sprayers and water-walks.

On-site soft foam repairs and refurbishments.

ForeverLawn K9Grass® by ForeverLawn® is the artificial grass designed specifically for dogs! Say goodbye to muddy yards and paws--K9Grass is the solution.

www.bomarsoftplaygrounds.com Booth # 820

Booth # 2121

352.742.9193

Dock Blocks Modular docking systems; boat landings, slips, walkways, swim platforms. kayak & SUP storage. ADA. Easy Assembly.

Superior Performance.

Financing. Exceptional Reviews

www.dock-blocks.com Booth # 2902

Daldorado APSP-16 CERTIFIED (VGB) REPLACEMENT GRATES - For main drains or non-suction drains.

Virtually any size or shape can be constructed from design specifications.

888.509.8128 www.daldorado.com Booth # 2310

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EPIC Outdoor Cinema Leading manufacturer of professional sealed-air inflatable movie screens. Now in a new larger size! The 25ft wide E-SLP25 Premier Screen.

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866.992.8679 k9grass.com

ForeverLawn Playground Grass™ by ForeverLawn® is a revolutionary synthetic grass that is ASTM 1292 safety rated, is ADA accessible, and has antimicrobial protection available. 866.992.8679

playgroundgrass.com

Booth # 2121

Hydrorider The HYDRORIDER PROFESSIONAL AQUABIKE offers the maximum fitness experience and interval training through multiple resistance levels and adjustable positioning.

305.762.7557 www.hydroriderusa.com Booth # 501

sofSURFACES

Hilo Challenge Domes Ropes course meets Geodesic Dome!

Unique, Iconic, Urban. Operate year around, night or day in any weather condition.

Makers of the world’s safest playground tile!

1.800.263.2363

269.598.0857 www.hilochallengedomes.com

www.sofsurfaces.com Booth # 2418

Booth # 419

Ecoturf Midwest Inc. TreeDiaper is a revolutionary tree watering product, lasting 30 days with no filling and refills itself with rainwater, conserving water and money while growing healthy trees.

630.350.9500 www.ecoturfmidwest.com/ treediaper Booth # 311

Kinetic Recreation Design Kinetic Recreation- Full Service Poured In Place Safety Surfacing Company. Specializing in new installation, repair and maintenance.

www.kineticrecreation.com Booth # 431

TREAD™ ®

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rubber playground tiles

Pliteq Inc. | TREAD Boünce Manufacturers of rubber playground surfacing tiles engineered to far exceed industry safety standards.

416.567.4573 www.treadbounce.pliteq. com Booth # 2102

One Beat CPR One Beat CPR + AED, America’s choice for defibrillators (AEDs), CPR/AED/First Aid training, and safety products since 1999.

Lonza Pulsar® products are your swimming pool chlorination solutions for amusement parks, community pools, hotels, resorts and professional training venues.

800.4.PULSAR | www.pulsarsystems.net Booth # 2414

Landmark Studio & Design Creating sustainable solutions for the parks and recreation industry with made-to-order waste/recycling bins, as well as personalized site furnishings.

888.839.3853 landmarkstudio.com Booth # 1435

ProPlay ProPlay® for Playgrounds is specially developed for sports and playing fields with synthetic turf.

The perfect shock absorbing surface combining fall protection with outstanding drainage for safe play.

www.proplayus.com Booth # 12345

SafeSoccer Goal Patented retro fit rear ballast design fits any soccer goal and makes every goal safe and portable.

954.321.5305 | www.onebeatcpr.com Booth # 631

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TreeTop Trekking Treetop Trekking is the all-inclusive solution for the adventure park industry, zip line serving Canada, the United States. 15+ years of experience and number one in Canada.

240.877.4543 www.treetoptrekking.com Booth # 2530

FlingGolf FlingGolf is the Coolest Outdoor Sport since Snowboarding. All you need is single â&#x20AC;&#x153;clubâ&#x20AC;? to play this modern version of golf. Set up a short course at your park or play on a regulation golf course.

858.433.5464 | flinggolf.com Booth # 210

Seilfabrik Ullmann GmbH Nest-swing Quadra 50g 90 cm.

Comes together with custom-made suspension ropes. Big variety of colour combinations. Meet the Seilfabrik Ullmann team and discover our products.

+49.421.69.03.8.61 www.usacord.com Booth # 2235

Ex-Cell Kaiser A Leader in Decorative Receptacles for the Parks and Recreation Market for 85 Years.

847.451.0599 | www.ex-cell.com Booth # 2115

Protect Your Playgrounds.

protect your agency.

Get Certified.

Certified Playground Safety Inspectors (CPSIs) help ensure children have safe places to play.

Not only that, becoming a CPSI opens the door for career advancement and increased job mobility.

nrpa.org/CPSI

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THANK YOU SPONSORS We would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference

® ™

If you are interested in being a sponsor for the 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, Md., please contact Lindsay Shannon at lshannon@nrpa.org or 703.858.2178

NRPA UPDATE Get Yeti!

W

hat do you get when a group of yetis discover something they didn’t think existed? A fun family film that turns an old myth upside down.

This September, NRPA is partnering with SMALLFOOT, the upcoming Warner Bros. film about friend-

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ship, courage and the joy of discovery.

In celebration of the film’s release, we collaborated on the “Search for SMALLFOOT Scavenger Hunt Challenge” — a sweepstakes encouraging everyone to get out to their local parks and discover something new. Not only did the sweepstakes provide an incentive for frequent

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park users, but it also can help bring fresh faces to our favorite community spaces. To top it off, the winner of the contest will receive a private hometown screening of SMALLFOOT for up to 99 friends and family members. Check out www.nrpa. org/smallfoot for more information.

This is the second time NRPA has partnered with a major motion picture — the first being 2017’s “The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature.”

Not only do these partnerships align with NRPA’s mission, but they also are a great opportunity for us to provide our members with activities that draw the community into their local parks. Partnering with a major motion picture isn’t just fun, it helps us reach new people who may not see the connection between big screen fun and the great adventures they can have in their own community at the park.

We look forward to continuing these types of partnerships and creating connections between national events and local parks and rec.

Have an idea? We’d love to hear it! Email them to Gina MullinsCohen at gcohen@nrpa.org.

If you’re looking for something to do at the end of the month, SMALLFOOT will be in theaters September 28. In SMALLFOOT, a young yeti, named Migo, accidentally finds something he thought didn’t exist — a human or “Smallfoot.” News of this “Smallfoot” throws the simple yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village.

It’s fun, it’s silly, and it’ll leave you yearning for your next adventure.

Are you yeti?

Jose Felix Diaz Joins the NRPA Board of Directors

A

t the end of this month, several individuals will officially become members of the 2018–2019 NRPA Board of Directors. Among those joining the board is Jose Felix Diaz, an executive vice president at Ballard Partners in Miami. Diaz is a government attorney who specializes in complex matters involving federal, state and local government approvals for clients that include individuals, nonprofit organizations and entities throughout South Florida and beyond. He has also been a Florida state representa-

tive and serves as a board member and ambassador for various nonprofit groups, including the South Florida National Parks Trust and the Zoo Miami Foundation. Diaz holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Miami, a juris doctorate from Columbia Law School and a certificate in energy planning and policy from the University of Idaho and has received numerous awards for his leadership and service.

To learn more about the members of NRPA’s board of directors, go online to www.nrpa.org/lead

ership. To read about the “Leadership Changes at NRPA,” visit www. nrpa.org/leadership-changes.

NRPA Launches ‘Heart Your Park’ Day of Service Initiative

I

n an effort to connect corporate volunteers to community events in local parks across the country, NRPA launched its new ‘Heart Your Park’ Day of Service initiative. This new initiative offers corporate employees an opportunity to serve alongside co-workers and community members as volunteers in a local park, while experienced park and recreation staff facilitate events identified as high-priority needs. With the help of local park and recreation agencies, corporate and community volunteers will work together to restore a park or plant trees, support wildlife, clean up local water ways, address local resiliency efforts or provide fresh food to communities.

By engaging volunteers in con-

serving and restoring public parklands, NRPA aims to provide an improved quality of life in local communities throughout the United States. It’s a win-win for park agencies and corporations.

For more information on the Heart Your Park Day of Service initiative, visit www.nrpa.org/ heartyourpark.

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N R PA U P DAT E

Member Discount Programs

Hot Topics

NRPA Connect is the only networking platform that provides you with direct access to professionals in your field. You now can ask 60,000+ of your colleagues questions about your field and professional advice! Below are some of the hottest topics this month: Car Wraps – One of the hottest discussions on Connect has been decals on department vehicles for marketing purposes.

Members have been sharing their dos and don’ts, as well as photos of their vehicles.

Check out examples from all over the country and get inspired with how you can market your agency using your vehicles!

Swim Lessons – Your colleagues are requesting information about how other agencies handle swim lesson classes that are canceled because of inclement weather or an unexpected facility closure issue. Do you already build in make-up classes in your schedule? Chime in!

“Playing Up” in Age Brackets for Recreational Sports Leagues – Park and recreation professionals seem to always come across this dilemma, while managing youth sports leagues. What policies do you have in place regarding participants requesting to “play up” in your recreational sports leagues? Do you allow it at all?

Recycling in Parks – An NRPA member is looking for other professionals to share information on successful recycling programs in their parks. As mentioned in the discussion, contamination can often be an issue when recycling, and they are looking to try a different method. Visit the discussion to read successes, failures and different operating procedures that you may be able to implement in your department.

Visit https://connect.nrpa.org/home to join the conversation today!

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D

id you know that on top of exclusive education, networking opportunities, advocacy support and grant opportunities, NRPA members receive special discounts on products and services? NRPA understands your needs as a professional, which is why we provide our more than 60,000 members with member benefit discounts they cannot get anywhere else. As a member, you get immediate access to these valuable benefits: Accessibility Audits – Receive a discount on all accessibility audits and services provided by W-T Group, LLC/ Recreation Accessibility Consultants.

Visit RAC in booth 2007 at the NRPA Annual Conference.

Background Screenings – Background Investigation Bureau is NRPA’s exclusive background screening provider.

BIB’s Secure Volunteer platform makes the background screening of volunteers easy by combining great technology with a quality screen. Visit BIB in booth 704 at the NRPA Annual Conference.

Cooperative Purchasing Program – Gain access to thousands of quality products from multiple vendors with the cooperative purchasing program from U.S. Communities.

Emergency Network Platform – ePACT is an incredibly easy-to-use system to collect emergency information, waivers and consents. You can also use ePACT to

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communicate with your customers and their emergency contacts in a crisis.

Fun Express – Receive a 20 percent discount off retail prices of Fun Express/ Oriental Trading Company, Inc., products and FREE UPS Ground shipping on orders of $125 or more. They will beat any advertised price from online competitors (including Amazon). Visit Fun Express in booth 2301 at the NRPA Annual Conference.

Insurance Programs – Take advantage of NRPA’s many insurance programs, ranging from blanket recreational activities/medical insurance plans, instructors and interns’ liability, team sports, football, equipment and not-for-profit organization liability insurance, provided by K&K. Visit K&K in booth 328 at the NRPA Annual Conference.

Questions about taking advantage of your member benefits? Contact Hayley Herzing, NRPA’s membership program manager, at hherzing@nrpa.org.

Member Spotlight: Nancy Winzer and Taylor Winzer

By Vitisia Paynich

N

ancy Winzer has always loved working with kids and playing sports. So, it seemed only natural that she would pursue a teaching career. However, a chance encounter with a friend would eventually steer her decision toward parks and recreation. Winzer joined the City of Port Huron Recreation Department as a coordinator in 1993, advancing to supervisor five years later. In 2010, she earned another promotion to recreation director of the park and recreation department, which includes oversight of 23 parks, two beaches and the McMorran Place Sports & Entertainment Center.

However, Winzer isn’t the only person in her family to catch the parks and rec bug. Her daughter, Taylor, a student at Michigan Tech University, also joined the agency as a junior recreation coordinator.

Parks & Recreation magazine recently spoke with the pair to find out what makes their work fulfilling, what it’s like working with a family member and some things that the younger Winzer might not know about her mom.

Parks & Recreation: What makes your job the most fulfilling?

Nancy Winzer: The most fulfilling thing for me is just watching kids playing outside and having a good time. I also like going to a concert at McMorran Place and seeing everyone loving the show — that’s the biggest thrill for me.

P&R: How do you feel about Taylor following in your footsteps?

NW: I think it’s cool, and I feel that she has a knack for it. I believe she enjoys parks and rec because it’s been in my blood, and I think it’s

in hers, too. It’s just fun because I know what a great job it is. I truly love what I do, and I’m glad she’s having new experiences.

P&R: When did you know you wanted to pursue a job in parks and recreation?

Taylor Winzer: Probably since I was little. The recreation department was like my second home, and I participated in and helped with the events. I remember helping with the time cards and entering them into the books and whatnot. So, my sister and I have always grown up around recreation. I started as a lifeguard, and now I have stepped into that coordinator position. I love working with the kids and organizing the [programming].

P&R: Taylor, tell us about your position at the agency.

TW: My position now is junior recreation coordinator. I oversee our middle school volunteer program for kids between the ages of 12 and 15, who are in that awkward middle spot. They’re not really kids

Port Huron Recreation Department’s Nancy Winzer (left) and her daughter, Taylor Winzer.

anymore, but they are not able to have a job quite yet. They can volunteer 30 hours or more during the summer, and they get a free trip to Cedar Point at the end of the year.

I’m in charge of each of the kids and making sure that everything stays on track so that they can get the best job experience before they get a paying job.

P&R: Nancy, what is one thing about yourself that your daughter would be surprised to learn about you?

NW: You know those times when you’re trying to keep your troops calm at work and you tell them not to panic? Well, sometimes on the inside, I’m panicking as well.

Another thing that Taylor doesn’t know about me is that I am so proud of the work she does at the recreation department with the kids and how much she does for our community — every day she is making kids’ lives better.

— Vitisia Paynich, Freelance Writer for Parks & Recreation magazine

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Parks & Recreation Crossword Sponsored by IMC Outdoor Living

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Across 1 Park and Recreation Month 3 Afterschool education program offered by many parks, abbr.

7 Fall back, as a tide 10 Window glass 11 Where gull meets buoy?

12 Areas planted with shrubs and perennials to absorb water, 2 words 15 “Live” trees 16 Canoe 19 Move up and down 21 Swampy area 22 Technology service that will help bring young people to parks, free ____ 23 Badger’s homestead 26 Gift tag word 27 Smarter 28 Birders’ society 31 Fly ball trajectory 32 Park areas where children can have fun 35 Sheltered side, at sea 36 White wine aperitif 37 Imagines 38 Important pollinators

Down 1 Pickle container 2 Put down 3 R&R site 4 Mountain lakes 5 Football receiver 6 Small African mongoose 7 Class projects 8 Exist 9 Fabric dyeing technique 13 Amazing Alaskan National Park 14 Propel a boat, manually 17 Paintings, sculptures, etc.

18 Expression of comprehension 20 It removes debris and pollution from runoff water 21 Acadia National Park’s state 23 The sun casts it 24 Musical entertainment 25 Ran through, as a credit card 26 Rocky pinnacle 29 Fun activity that also improves fitness 30 Enjoys the sun 33 All right!

34 Wonderful person

Check the answers to the crossword at www.nrpa.org/crossword. As an added bonus for completing the crossword, you can enter a drawing to receive NRPA swag. The winner will be randomly selected September 28, 2018.

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Call us today for September specials!

Mention offer code: NRPA18 to receive your savings!

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NRPA is dedicated to providing learning opportunities to advance the development of best practices and resources that make parks and recreation indispensable elements of American communities.

Find out more at www.nrpa.org/education.

SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCES CALLING ALL AQUATICS PROFESSIONALS September 25-27, 2018, Indiana Convention Center

www.nrpa.org/education

AFO PROGRAM 10-11 10-11 13-14 23-24 27-28 28-29

Gainesville, Florida Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania Jupiter, Florida Indianapolis, Indiana Ceres, California Naples, Florida

1-2 2-3 4-5 11-12 16-17 16-17 18-19 21-22 23-24 24-26

Orange, California Ellensburg, Washington Clearwater, Florida Denver, Colorado Stone Mountain, Georgia Elmhurst, Illinois North Miami, Florida Las Vegas, Nevada Sacramento, California Annandale, Virginia

SEP

Roanoke, Virginia Novi, Michigan Syracuse, New York Griffin, Georgia Dublin, Ohio Indianapolis, Indiana

OCT

CPSI PROGRAM 12-14 12-14 12-14 17-19 19-21 22-24 2-4 2-4 16-18 17-19 17-19 24-26

Indio, California Flushing, New York Bolingbrook, Illinois Spokane, Washington Clark, New Jersey New City, New York

January 13-18, 2019 Oglebay Resort and Conference Center, Wheeling, West Virginia

SEP

For those professionals in the aquatics field who are looking to share their expertise, come join us for the AFO Instructor Workshop in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 21â&#x20AC;&#x201C;22, 2018. The Workshop will be hosted at the World Waterpark Association Annual Symposium and Trade Show. This is a great opportunity to network with hundreds of aquatics professionals nationwide. Becoming an AFO Instructor can create a potential revenue stream for your company or agency. You can also learn from your peers about any new innovative ideas or improvements that you can take back to your own facility.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on this great developmental opportunity and a trip to Las Vegas, of course! Registration is now open and you can submit an application at www.nrpa.org/certification/AFO/ afo-instructor-workshop/.

November 5-8, 2018 Oglebay Resort and Conference Center, Wheeling, West Virginia

OCT

AFO INSTRUCTOR WORKSHOP

AFOI WORKSHOP The Aquatic Facility Operator Instructor Workshop is an exclusive professional development opportunity designed to prepare new instructors to teach the AFO certification course.

October 21-22 Las Vegas, Nevada

www.nrpa.org/AFO

www.nrpa.org/CPSI

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OPERATIONS Stress to Success for Lifeguards Lifeguard drills based on military science

By Becky Herz

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re your lifeguards prepared for the stress and fear involved in an actual emergency? Intuitively, we know that no 16-yearold lifeguard is going to remain calm with a resting heart rate while performing CPR; yet, we typically train this skill in a relaxed classroom setting.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNRISE RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT

Standard aquatics trainings will teach and strengthen rescue skills, but they don’t necessarily prepare lifeguards for the psychological and physiological stress of life-anddeath situations. To better prepare their staff for real emergencies, aquatic managers can learn from the military research and methods,

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as outlined by David Grossman in On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace and Bruce Siddle in Sharpening the Warriors Edge: The Psychology & Science of Training. Just as the military has developed training techniques to prepare soldiers for peak performance in stressful situations, the aquatics industry can incorporate trainings that prepare lifeguards for success during times of fear, stress and physical exertion.

Preparing for emergency action includes recognizing that stress and fear increase the rescuer’s heart rate, sending more oxygenated blood through the body. Physiologically, this improves the strength and endurance of large muscles, but hampers the performance of fine-motor skills. Psychologically, as the heart rate increases, a person’s complex thinking will first heighten and then diminish, while their automatic processing will steadily increase. Incorporating stress training into an aquatic program will give lifeguards the tools they need to perform their skills in an actual emergency.

To better prepare staff for actual emergencies, aquatic managers should incorporate stress training along with rescue skills.

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Military Tactical Drills There are four types of military tactical drills that can be incorporated in aquatics trainings: speed, exertion, limitation and desensitization. Let’s look more in-depth into two of these drills: Speed Drills – During speed drills, lifeguards perform a specific task quickly, while being timed.

As the lifeguards meet the speed goals of a simple skill, additional skills are added to increase the complexity of the task. Speed drills create muscle memory so that the complex tasks eventually become part of the lifeguard’s automatic response. Here is an example of a speed drill, developed by my colleague Pete DeQuincy, for a passive victim in shallow water: 1. Enter the water, get the victim and put the victim on the tube (start with 12 seconds, then steadily reduce time until lifeguards can do it in 6 seconds).

2. Add getting the victim to the side of the pool (again, start with 12 seconds, then add a second rescuer and reduce time to 8 seconds).

3. Add removing the victim from the pool (keep at 8 seconds).

4. Do a head-tilt-chin-lift, check for pulse and position the second rescuer for compressions (allow 10 seconds).

As lifeguards move through the stages of this speed drill, their rescues will look less like text-book skills but should continue to meet all the objectives of a rescue, such

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These lifeguards are getting ready to do exertion drills.

Incorporating stress training into an aquatic program will give lifeguards the tools they need to perform their skills in an actual emergency.

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as keeping the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s airway above the water. The speed drill will allow the lifeguards to build muscle memory so that as their heart rate increases, and they become more reliant on automatic processing, they are still able to meet the objectives of their emergency procedures. Through speed and

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repetition, the rescue skill becomes so ingrained in the lifeguards that they can perform successful rescues despite the decreased capacity for complexed thinking that often accompanies stressful situations.

Exertion Drills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Similarly, exertion drills require lifeguards to perform skills with an elevated heart rate, but the drills focus on building endurance and/or dexterity. During exertion drills, lifeguards must first exert themselves to raise their heart rate to a minimum of 145 beats per minute (bpm) and then perform a rescue or first-aid skill.

If the drill performed involves gross motor skills, the lifeguards are building their endurance. For example, a lifeguard can tread water, holding a brick for 2 minutes to elevate his/ her heart rate, and then perform a submerged victim rescue to improve leg power and endurance. If the drill involves complex motor skills, it will build focus and dexterity. For example, lifeguards can sprint for 50 yards across the pool and then work together to perform a back-boarding exercise to practice the complex skill of in-line stabilization and the finemotor skills of buckling straps. Here is an example of one of my favorite exertion drills: 1. Two lifeguards race across the pool.

2. The winner floats on his/her back, and the loser then tows the winner back across the pool.

3. The pair gets out of the pool and performs CPR on a manikin.

4. Another pair of lifeguards does the same race and tow across the pool.

5. The second pair takes over CPR, and the first pair races again.

The trainer will notice that lifeguards who have been performing excellent CPR in the classroom setting are now forgetting simple steps like the pulse check. There are often errors in basic skills, like the head-tilt-chin-lift and hand placement as well. As lifeguards work through these issues, they are learning to sharpen their skills to a level that will be effective even when their heart rate is elevated.

It is important to note that stress training is designed to improve, not to replace, the other components of regular in-service training. Solid rescue skills and emergency action plan (EAP) practice

Stress training does not replace the other components of regular in-service training.

are essential to staff trainings.

Also, stress-training techniques should be implemented gradually, so skills can be developed without undermining the lifeguards’ confidence.

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Herz will take a deeper dive into applying military science to aquatics trainings, including additional stresstraining techniques, improving lifeguard scanning and decreasing the likelihood of lifeguards to panic, in “Stress to Success — Training Lifeguards Using Military Science” at the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference, Wednesday, September 26, 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Visit www.nrpa.org/conference/ for more information.

Becky Herz is the Senior Recreation Services Manager for Sunrise Recreation & Park District (bherz@sunriseparks.com).

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OPERATIONS

Food Trucks: The Perfect Pairing for Parks

By Katie Navarra

F

ood trucks aren’t a new concept. The New York Times Magazine says a vendor named Walter Scott is the father of food trucks. In 1872, he parked a small covered wagon in front of a local newspaper office to sell sandwiches, pies and coffee to journalists and pressmen. Mobilecuisine.com says the honor belongs to cattleman Charles Goodnight, who, in 1866, purchased an army surplus Studebaker wagon and converted it into a chuckwagon — a mobile kitchen for cowboys.

Food trucks became a mainstay at construction sites in the 1930s, a tradition that continued for decades. However, they weren’t known as the most appetizing places to eat. That changed in 2008, when Chef Roy Choi revolution-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE

For municipal parks, food trucks are a relatively new addition. It’s not always the easiest process, but some agencies have found that it’s one that’s worth the work.

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ized the food truck industry by selling tacos stuffed with Korean barbecue outside Sunset Strip bars.

Since then, gourmet food trucks have become wildly popular.

For municipal parks, food trucks are a relatively new addition. It’s not always the easiest process, but some agencies have found that it’s one that’s worth the work. In fact, park directors and their staff have In Brentwood, Tennessee, food trucks offer another element of fun, which helps attract more people to events.

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found some creative ways to incorporate them into their recreation space and events.

“Our parks are zoned residential and our ordinances said that a business could not operate in a residential zone,” explains Leslie Morgan, the management assistant and special coordinator for the City of Lubbock (Texas) Parks and Recreation. After two years of working with other city departments regarding ordinances and codes, the city passed ordinance changes that allow owners of mobile food trucks to apply for a permit to sell in the parks. The changes are so new that, as of press time, the city hadn’t yet received its first permit request.

“We have a lot of special events and want to offer food,” Morgan says. “It’s nice to see this come to fruition.”

After two years of working with other city departments regarding ordinances and codes, the city passed ordinance changes that allow owners of mobile food trucks to apply for a permit to sell in the parks.

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Lubbock is just the latest park to join the food truck craze.

Plantation Heritage Park in Broward County, Florida, and the City of Brentwood Parks in Tennessee are two parks that have already embraced the trend. Representatives from each share their insight into what it takes to make the concept work at your park.

Plantation Heritage Park, Broward County, Florida

(www.broward.org/Parks/ThingsToDo/Pages/ FoodTruckNights.aspx) An email inquiry to Plantation Heritage Park Account Clerk Christine DiBenedetto sparked the park’s interest in hosting food trucks. Steve Simon, owner of Food Truck Invasion, a company that organizes events for food trucks, inquired about the possibility of bringing his event to the parks. DiBenedetto, a self-described foodie was already a fan of the concept and took the idea to her boss. The county embraced the concept and it’s become a year-round family favorite.

Longevity: Six years.

Food truck frequency: Weekly. Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The event attracts between 200 and 1,000 people.

Themed activities, including family friendly movies, like Ju

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OPERATIONS

“The food trucks offer something that is different and unique. Some of them offer food you’re not ever going to get at a restaurant. A lot of them feature gourmet chefs, and even the trucks that offer burgers add their own twist to make them different.” rassic Park Night, and a Back-ToSchool Dance Off are popular.

What’s on the menu: According to DiBenedetto, “20 to 25 trucks participate in the weekly event.

Cuisine ranges from Latin and Infusion to American, Caribbean, seafood and kid-friendly options. Dessert trucks are included in the offerings.”

The process: “Food trucks are required to pay an annual vendor fee of $125 and submit certificates of insurance. All employees must

104 Parks & Recreation

also pass a background check,” DiBenedetto adds. “Then, the vendors work with Steve at Food Truck Invasion to become part of the weekly event. However, once a food truck is approved, park-goers can hire the vendor when they rent park shelters for private parties.”

Marketing strategy: Plantation Heritage Park serves as the host, not the event coordinator. Steve Simon, the owner of Food Truck Invasion, manages all promotion.

However, it is listed on the county’s website and promoted.”

Park benefits: “Food Truck Invasion has brought a lot more awareness to our park because people didn’t realize we were here,” DiBenedetto says. “One change we’ve seen is that on weekends a lot more people hire a food truck rather than BBQ.” Advice to other parks: “Try it out!” she says. “The food trucks

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offer something that is different and unique. Some of them offer food you’re not ever going to get at a restaurant. A lot of them feature gourmet chefs, and even the trucks that offer burgers add their own twist to make them different.”

City of Brentwood, Tennessee

(www.brentwoodtn.gov/ departments/planning-codes/ planning-section/proposed-foodtruck-regulations) The city of Brentwood, Tennessee, recognized the growing interest in mobile food vendors in its community. The increased number of mobile food vendors located in the middle-Tennessee area demonstrated it was a trend the city couldn’t ignore. “In 2017, it passed two ordinances to address the regulations and permitting that would mainSome food trucks offer food you won’t find at a restaurant and some feature gourmet chefs.

The Food truck industry is now $2 billion-plus in estimated revenue in cities across the U.S. Compared to 2014, the industry’s overall revenue has grown 300% in the last three years. (Food truck

Food truck growth is even outpacing overall commercial foodservice, such as restaurants, at a growth of 5.4 percent versus 4.3 percent. Many restaurants, however, are jumping on the mobile trend, establishing their own satellite food truck restaurants with limited, more casual or fun menu items. (Food truck

Some Food Truck Facts…

operator)

nation)

Almost all diners interviewed planned to continue patronizing food trucks and loved the speed, convenience, quality and price of food service. (Mobile

Over 90 percent of diners rated food truck quality as excellent or good and over 80 percent of them used words like fun, exciting, new, different and unique when asked why they dined there. (Mobile

cuisine)

cuisine)

Most likely consumers to purchase a meal from a food truck are aged 18 to 34, followed by 54 percent of diners aged between 35 and 44 years old.

Millennials are widely considered the “food truck generation,” with 47 percent having eaten from a food truck at some point. Think young, hip urban eaters. (Big

(Statistics portal)

think)

Source: “12 Impressive Facts on the Food Truck Industry” by Sam Milbrath (https://www.food.ee/blog/12-impressive-facts-on-the-food-truck-industry/).

tain the health, safety and welfare of the citizens who used the food trucks,” explains Deanna Lambert, director of community relations for the city of Brentwood.

Longevity: Two years.

Food truck frequency: “At city-sponsored events,” Lambert shares. “In 2017, we had food trucks at eight events and in 2018, at nine. Food trucks are also in parks for other various events not organized by the city.”

What’s on the menu: “We use food trucks for concerts that attract about 2,500 guests,” Lambert explains.

“We have used everything from pizza and BBQ, to ice cream, snow cones and lobster trucks. The classic options are the most popular.”

The process: Vendors apply for a $50 annual permit. Additional permits are required for participation in “rallies,” or whenever there is a gathering of more than two food trucks. It’s an additional $50 for rallies of three to 10 food vehicles and $250 for more than 10.

Marketing strategy: “We worked with the Nashville Food Truck Association and created a website to educate vendors and users,” Lambert says. “We also held a community meeting to inform food truck owners and operators about the new regulations.”

Park benefits: “Attendance at Brentwood-sponsored events is up, and food trucks are in part to thank for that,” Lambert shares.

“They offer another element of fun to the event, which helps attract more people. Families really enjoy the food trucks because with young kids, you can plan to head out to the park for fun and not worry about what to do for dinner.”

Advice to other parks: “Explore what other cities do in terms of food truck regulations. Seek advice from those municipalities around you,” she advises. “Work with the food truck vendors and be willing to hear the concerns from brick and mortar-based businesses in your community when creating regulations. All groups and their input were helpful to our process in Brentwood.”

Katie Navarra is a New York-based Freelance Writer (katienavarra@yahoo.com).

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Eliminator.......... 29 Greenfields Outdoor Fitness............................................................... 2, 3 Gym for Dogs..............................................................................................115 Hilo Challenge Domes.............................................................................. 89 Hustler Turf Equipment............................................................................43 Hydrorider................................................................................................... 88 IMC Outdoor Living................................................................................... 96 iZone Imaging............................................................................................ 114 Jacobsen...................................................................................................... 25 John Deere................................................................................................... 21 Kay Park Recreation Co. ........................................................................115 Kinetic Recreation Design...................................................................... 89 KOMPAN.........................................................................................................75

(ISSN 0031-2215) is published monthly by the National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148, a service organization supported by membership dues and voluntary contributions. Copyright ©2018 by the National Recreation and Park Association. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the writers and not necessarily those of NRPA. Issued to members at the annual subscription price of $30, included in dues. Subscription: $46 a year in the U.S.; $56 elsewhere. Single copy price: $7. Library rate: $58 a year in the U.S.; $68 elsewhere. Periodical postage paid at Ashburn, Virginia, and at additional mailing offices. Editorial and advertising offices at 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148. 703.858.0784. Postmaster, send address changes to Parks & Recreation, 22377 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn, VA 20148.

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Parks & Recreation

119

Park Bench

Giving Seniors a ‘Lyft’

PHOTOS COURTESY

DANIKA GUILATCO

According to the Heathy Aging in Parks initiative, 9 in 10 local park and recreation agencies offer services for older adults. California’s Walnut Creek Recreation is one such agency, providing numerous health, wellness and personal enrichment classes and various drop-in activities for adults 50+. However, sometimes getting to these events can be a big challenge for participants.

A two-year grant from the Transportation Partnership and Cooperation for Contra Costa County (TRANSPAC) has allowed Walnut Creek Recreation to expand capacity in its transportation program, helping seniors maintain their independence and safety, while improving traffic/parking congestion. By offering rides through the Lyft ride-sharing service, the city is giving members of the Walnut Creek Recreation Center’s Senior Club the freedom to get where they need to be within the city’s borders.

“The transportation program helps us promote health and wellness opportunities for our participants who might encounter obstacles in attending a class or a medical appointment,” says Adriane Lee Bird, recreation and social services manager for the city of Walnut Creek. “With cities facing the challenge of providing increasing support for larger senior populations who are living longer, more active lives, this is an invaluable service for our aging population to combat isolation, which, according to the National Institute of Health, leads to higher mortality rates.”

The program is designed to complement the Senior Mini Bus Program, which uses volunteer drivers and dispatchers to get seniors where they need to go between 8:45 a.m. and 3:40 p.m., Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Now, Senior Club members (membership fee is $15 per year) who are 60+ years of age and have completed an in-person assessment, can reserve a Lyft ride either by calling a reservation line or using the Lyft app if they have a smartphone. The rides are free of charge.

“The program began July 10, and one month later, we have given more than 200 rides. This is our way to increase capacity for needed senior transportation without adding to the budget,” says Bird. To learn more, visit https://tinyurl.com/ydehfffz.

— Suzanne Nathan, NRPA’s Media Specialist

120 Parks & Recreation

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PARKS & RECREATION SEPTEMBER 2018 ◆ 2018 NRPA ANNUAL CONFERENCE ISSUE