Parks & Recreation 2020 Innovation Guide

INNOVATION GUIDE 2020 NRPA.ORG

2020 INNOVATION GUIDE

2020 NRPA Innovation Award Winning Projects Park and Recreation Professionals Thrive in 2020

Play never told me you can’t or don’t or you shouldn’t or you won’t.

Play never said be careful!

You’re not strong enough.

You’re not big enough.

You’re not brave enough.

Play has always been an invitation.

A celebration.

A joyous manifestation.

Of the cans and wills and what ifs and why nots.

Play isn’t one thing. It’s everything. Anything.

Play doesn’t care what a body can or cannot do.

Because play lives inside us. All of us.

Play begs of us: Learn together.

Grow together.

Be together.

Know together.

And as we grow older.

As the world comes at us with you can’t or don’t or you shouldn’t or you won’t.

We come back to what we know.

That imagination will never fail us.

That words will never hurt us.

That play will always shape us.

©2019 Landscape Structures Inc. All rights reserved.

To see the new We-Go-Round™, visit playlsi.com/we-go-round

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Kids Just Want to Have Fun

By Lynn Pinoniemi

W

hen people pass by a community park sprouting colorful, inviting play structures, they might recall the fun, carefree days of childhood — and smile.

Park and recreation professionals go beyond those memories.

Their thoughts also go to the safety of the equipment and investing in kids’ physical, social and emotional development. But they crack a smile when seeing all kids from the community enjoying time on the playground.

That’s what we all want for children: the chance to play freely. And, we want them to have a childhood that includes the full spectrum of developmental opportunities — even when that spectrum includes autism, anxiety or sensory processing differences.

While children slowly, safely resume outdoor play following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, each child will experience the playground in their own way. It’s important for park and playground planners to remember that for kids with special sensory needs, regulating their bodies and emotions through play and socialization may be even more critical.

“Playgrounds can be an ideal natural play setting for children who are neurotypical,” says Virginia Spielmann, executive director, STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder (tinyurl.com/y3zx858f). “But for kids with sensory processing difficulties, a traditional playground doesn’t offer the same opportunities to master physical challenges, gain social confidence or hone fine motor skills.”

The right play equipment can make all the difference. And today’s thoughtfully designed playgrounds have evolved into places that foster all

sensory experiences for every child.

Inclusive playgrounds are among the few places where a child with sensory differences can feel like just another kid who wants to have fun. Here, kids who live with the stigma of being “other” or “less than” can choose their own level of activity, create their own play experience and finally find new ways to connect with others.

When playground equipment planners and designers are educated and interested in how kids with special needs experience the world, it informs their approach and designs — and makes an enormous difference in the final product.

That insight can translate to subtle equipment details in materials, shapes, movement or orientation.

For example, a playstructure with built-in tactile elements invites children to explore a variety of textures and shapes and helps them to integrate multiple tactile experiences.

Some playstructures also offer various interactive panels in a variety of positions — including passive musical or auditory components. These

inclusive playgrounds also incorporate quiet, cozy spaces where overstimulated kids can go for a calming escape to regain their equilibrium and recharge.

There are many other ways that playground design can invite children of all abilities to play, explore and learn with confidence; to connect with others on their own terms; and to feel a sense of agency and control over their surroundings.

Park and recreation professionals know that what looks like mere child’s play is vital preparation for life. We owe it to all kids to prepare them for their best possible life.

– Lynn Pinoniemi is Vice President of Marketing at Landscape Structures Inc.

playlsi.com 888.438.6574

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Contents

The pavilion at Riverfront Spokane (Washington) features 479 light blades of varied lengths, providing 2,262 feet of illumination that has radically changed the Spokane skyline.

Features 4 Innovation in Parks and Recreation: The Winning 2020 NRPA Innovation Award Projects and Programs

Company Profiles 1 Landscape Structures Inc. 3 Milbank 8 Aquatix by Landscape Structures Inc. C3 Ice-America

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YOUR IDEAS ARE WORTH SHARING Submit your education session ideas for the 2021 NRPA Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

More Power for Your Park

POWER YOUR PARKS

Milbank enclosed controls can power your park in one secure and aesthetically pleasing enclosure.

Provide sports field, pathway and parking lot lighting (plus temporary vendor power) all from one pedestal! Ditch the exposed wiring or ugly strut and backboard system intruding on your greenspace.

milbankworks.com

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ilbank designs and manufactures electrical solutions that move and manage power for homes, businesses, parks, roads and more. With more than 90 years of expertise in electrical engineering design and manufacturing, Milbank’s portfolio includes electric metering equipment, enclosed controls and enclosures.

Our enclosed controls offerings include commercial pedestals — weatherresistant electrical enclosures consisting of a utility pull section with optional meter socket and a separate customer section containing distribution and control equipment. Milbank’s safe, secure and aesthetically pleasing cabinets provide power distribution, lighting and irrigation controls, vendor event and remote-site power, replacing unsightly strut or backboard systems.

The Milbank team works to create custom solutions for all needs, such as a project for the Town of Littleton, Massachusetts, which needed dedicated holiday lighting for the Town Commons. All other power distribution for the Commons — park lighting, street lighting, Department of Transportation (DOT) traffic control and irrigation control — were assigned to different components mounted on a strut and backboard system.

Milbank engineers designed an all-inclusive solution, providing a 24-inch pedestal to replace the strut and backboard system. This pedestal contains the park lighting controls, irrigation system controls, holiday lighting controls, two power receptacles and provides power for the DOT traffic control box.

The 200 amp, single-phase pedestal has a 24-circuit load center, five contactors and Hand-Off-Auto switches, as well as a time clock and photocell.

These solutions can be applied to multiple applications, including ballpark lighting, concession stands and scoreboards, outdoor concerts and fairs, and other seasonal festivals. We also offer a wide range of solutions for campgrounds, parks and recreational areas.

Visit milbankworks.com to learn more. milbankworks.com 877.483.5314

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Innovation in Parks and Recreation: The Winning 2020 NRPA Innovation Award Projects and Programs

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he NRPA Innovation Awards recognize and honor the latest advancements in the field of parks and recreation. The 2020 NRPA Innovation Award winners, through their projects and programs highlighted below, exemplify the best of the inspiring work park and recreation professionals are doing to improve and empower their communities through innovative practices in health and wellness, equity, conservation and park design.

Innovation in Health — City of Golden Valley, Minnesota

IMAGE COURTESY OF CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY, MINNESOTA

HomeRECed: A Navigational Guide to Everyday Recreation In early 2020, the city of Golden Valley closed its facilities and canceled programming due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While the park and recreation department’s top priority remained maintaining the health and safety of its employees and the Golden Valley community, staff also recognized the importance of providing the community with leisure services during the closure — not only to encourage physical activity for people of all ages, but also to provide positive morale for residents during uncertain times.

On March 23, 2020, the Golden Valley Parks and Recreation staff

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launched HomeRECed: A Navigational Guide to Everyday Recreation, which offered people an opportunity to engage in simple and fun activities from the comfort of their own homes. Examples included a DIY lava lamp craft for kids, simple yoga poses, an athome photo booth, simple low-impact exercises, themed games and much more. Daily activity videos were posted on the city’s social media platforms, and an events list was posted on the Golden Valley website (tinyurl.com/y2tcqdpd).

Innovation As the world faced an unprecedented health crisis, Golden Valley Parks and Recreation staff believed there was an opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity through the implementation of novel leisure services. “While our profession has explored virtual experiences for years, HomeRECed was Golden Valley’s first virtual program,” says John W. Stutzman, recreation supervisor for the city of Golden On March 23, 2020, Golden Valley Parks and Recreation launched HomeRECed.

| 2020 INNOVATION GUIDE | PARKSANDRECREATION.ORG

Valley. “The ideas used removed barriers and built a foundation for future recreation services.”

While rapid decisions were made by political leaders to combat the COVID-19 virus, Golden Valley Parks and Recreation staff provided their community recreation options in less than a week.

In doing so, staff believes the speedy approach provided people a pause, if only briefly, from the chaos surrounding them.

HomeRECed is Golden Valley’s first fully virtual program, which removed barriers to help build a foundation for the department’s future recreation services.

Community Engagement and Partnerships The engagement process started with the use of a social media hashtag, #GVHomeREC, which allowed the public to submit reactions to the daily activities, photos/videos of participation and future ideas. Staff also engaged city council members, who promoted it through their social media platforms, announcements at city council meetings and in the local media. Park and recreation department staff also partnered with the local cable channel to promote the HomeRECed program to the Golden Valley community and surrounding communities within the broadcast area.

Looking Ahead Initial feedback through social

Innovation in Equity — Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pennsylvania Restoring Pittsburgh Parks: The Parks Plan Restoring Pittsburgh Parks: The Parks Plan was created by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the city of Pittsburgh and community members, to establish a more equitable parks system for all Pittsburghers, while also addressing a $400 million shortfall of deferred capital repairs and an annual $13 million maintenance shortfall. The plan calls for enough annual resources to prevent future backlogs, and a new ballot initiative was proposed to raise enough annual funds to address the ongoing need. The ballot initiative aimed to establish a dedicated Parks Trust Fund to invest in high-quality parks for every citizen of Pittsburgh.

The initiative received nearly 30,000 petition signatures, which was nearly 18,000 more than the needed number to be placed on the November 2019 ballot. The ballot question was approved by the citizens of Pittsburgh on November 5, 2019, who voted ‘yes’ to increased funding for Pittsburgh’s parks system. This initiative will now guarantee an additional $10 million per year to Pittsburgh’s parks, in perpetuity, funded by a 0.5 mill property tax levy ($50 for every $100,000 of assessed real estate value). “The Parks Plan has furthered our dedication to improving the lives of the people of Pittsburgh by restoring our parks

PHOTO COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH (PENNSYLVANIA) PARKS CONSERVANCY

media provided information that staff will use in the planning of future HomeRECed events throughout the duration of COVID-19 related restrictions and beyond.

system to excellence. This is a positive first step in creating a more equitable parks system for all Pittsburghers to enjoy for many years to come,” says Catherine Qureshi, chief operating officer for Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

Innovation The Conservancy engaged Interface Studios, a planning and urban design practice, as a key contributor for data collection, processing and plan development.

Interface helped outline individual park need and provided a clear narrative on the investment plan should the ballot initiative pass.

The plan outlines funding to sites in order of their Investment Need Ranking — a data-driven scoring process that considers a range of equity factors, including race, poverty, level of disinvestment in the surrounding neighborhood and existing park conditions. Parks in communities with the greatest need and that haven’t seen significant site investment in years are considered the highest priorities. Each park’s total need is summed up in a single Investment Priority Score, which combines two key measures: local community level of need and the condition of the park itself.

Restoring Pittsburgh Parks: The Parks Plan was created to establish a more equitable parks system.

Community Engagement and Partnerships The Parks Conservancy and the city of Pittsburgh engaged nearly 15,000 residents in more than 220 events from nearly 80 neighborhoods from December 2018 to October 2019 through a Parks Listening Tour.

The Conservancy decided early on that this referendum effort would truly be grassroots in nature. Even so, the Parks Conservancy did call on aligned nonprofits, such as Nine Mile Run Watershed Association and PUMP, for support.

Looking Ahead The Parks Conservancy stands behind the belief that the equitable investment strategy laid out in Restoring Pittsburgh Parks: The Parks Plan will be sustainable by: investing in traditionally underserved neighborhoods; increasing property values, particularly those properties in proximity to parkland; preserving economic and cultural diversity; creating new jobs; supporting healthier communities; and providing sustainably to the environment.

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The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department The Woodlands Township operates as a singular 27,000-acre biosphere, in which 42,000 homes, businesses, schools and churches function as integrated parts of a whole. Greenbelts, preserves, waterways and 148 parks are omnipresent, weaving continuously through the community.

The challenge of development is managed through minimizing fragmentation by embracing native vegetation, backyard habitats, tree preservation, wildlife management, pollinator support, water conservation design and practice, 220 miles of pathway and more. “Our founder, George Mitchell, envisioned a community ‘in harmony with nature,’” says Chris Nunes, director of parks and recreation for the Woodlands Township. “We honor that vision through innovative open space design and management, combatting the challenge of urban disassociation from nature.”

Shepherding these conservation practices is the Township’s Environmental Services Department.

Innovation The Township’s innovative approach to open space design/ management combats the challenge of urban disassociation from nature. All households are within a 10 minute walk from a park, preserve or pathway regardless of socioeconomic status, equating to 38.3 acres of open space per 1,000 residents — 279 percent above the national average.

The department’s budget allocates dollars for pollinator health, 6

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

Innovation in Conservation — The Woodlands Township, Texas

The Woodlands Township operates as a singular 27,000-acre biosphere in which homes, businesses, schools and churches function as a whole.

and roadways are managed to maximize habitat value. Addressing drought and groundwaterlevel concerns as the population increases, the department converted 270,000 square feet of grass to artificial turf, saving 16.4 million gallons of water annually, moved to native/low-water use plants, removed unnecessary irrigation zones and expanded drip irrigation. To maximize landfill diversion, unlimited amounts of residential yard trimmings are collected weekly and the department implemented free curbside textile recycling.

Community Engagement and Partnerships The Township annually engages residents through public meetings, environmental outreach programs and a scientifically valid resident survey every two years.

To address the challenge of invasive plants, the Township formed a Volunteer Invasives Task Force in 2019. To support the Board of

| 2020 INNOVATION GUIDE | PARKSANDRECREATION.ORG

Directors’ 2017 proclamation in support of monarchs, the department coordinates with schools, businesses, churches and homeowners associations (HOAs) to develop habitat gardens. When native milkweed, essential for monarch reproduction, was found in short supply, residents were engaged to propagate 14,000 seedlings for habitat gardens throughout the community.

In 2001, the Township collaborated with Montgomery County Precinct 3 on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for mosquito abatement. In addition, through partnerships with the Howard Hughes Corporation, Texas Master Gardeners and The Woodlands Garden Club, the Township has provided more than 1 million native tree seedlings to residents for planting.

Looking Ahead The Township bases its long-term planning on its Pillars of Sustainability, ensuring the community will continue “living, working, playing and learning in harmony with nature.” To that end, 29 percent of The Woodlands (7,700 acres) is held in perpetuity as green space. A 2011 study found the preservation of green space increased home values by 16 percent. The resulting property tax revenue feeds back to the management of those spaces, bolstering long-term sustainability. In addition, 600 acres of ponds/lakes provide ecological and recreational value while upholding stormwater management.

Their positive impact on property values ensures maintenance and preservation. And, the Township solidified its commitment to waste minimization/diversion through the 2020 Solid Waste Contract.

The Best in Innovation Innovation in Park Design — Spokane Parks and Recreation, Washington Riverfront Spokane, U.S. Pavilion and Howard Street Promenade At the heart of Eastern Washington, Spokane Falls is a sacred tribal gathering space. A forwardlooking vision transformed the site into the home of Expo ’74, the 1974 World’s Fair, and today’s Riverfront Park.

More than 40 years after Expo, citizens overwhelmingly approved a $64 million bond to redevelop Riverfront. “It’s the reimagining of a 40-year-old urban space — built to be temporary — into the most incredible opportunity for river views, illumination and gatherings,” says Garrett Jones, director of Spokane Parks and Recreation.

The main goal of the project, as identified in the master plan, is that Riverfront Park should bring community together at the river and provide places that celebrate the region’s history, bioregion and people. One of the key projects focused on bringing the pavilion back to life as the community’s central gathering place. The pavilion’s iconic power is heightened by being a public place, where all are welcome at no charge to bask in its glow!

tive barrier, capped with two feet of clean soil and planted grass.

The department also needed to find a unique way to illuminate the pavilion — no easy task, given the engineering required for a lightweight, safe, wind- and snow-compatible solution for aging cables. NAC Architecture created a template of a “light blade” — lightweight Plexiglas lined with LED nodes. The Pavilion features 479 blades of varied lengths, providing 2,262 feet of illumination that has radically changed the Spokane skyline.

Community Engagement and Partnerships A robust project scoping and master planning initiative helped “right size” the project budget and prioritized programming that led to the overwhelming passage of the funding park bond with more than 68 percent approval. Engagement continued as bond priorities were translated to actionable design, including outreach to the general public, citizen advisory groups and targeted stakeholder groups.

Engagement with the Spokane

Congratulations to Spokane Parks and Recreation for winning the overall 2020 Best in Innovation Award for its project, Riverfront Spokane, U.S. Pavilion and Howard Street Promenade.

Tribe created Snxw Mene (sinhoo-men-huh): Salmon People Island as part of the city’s concerted effort to forge a more rich and genuine relationship with the Spokane Tribe. In addition, a wide variety of citizen advisory groups launched this project, including a Citizens Advisory Committee, Design Steering Committee, Public Art Committee, Park Board and Accessibility Workgroup.

Looking Ahead To ensure frequent investment into the park, the Spokane Parks and Recreation department created three new ventures: The Fund for Riverfront Spokane, an ongoing campaign to fund capital improvements beyond those covered by the bond; Friends of Riverfront, a volunteer base with ambassador and fundraising roles; and a Community Engagement department, with dedicated staff who program the pavilion with free and low-cost activities.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOKANE PARKS AND RECREATION

Innovation Being the site of a former rail yard, the Spokane Parks and Recreation department encountered thousands of tons of contaminated soil. Rather than hauling ‘dirty dirt’ off-site, the department reused tons of it in the pavilion to build up amphitheater seating, while mitigating it with a protecA main goal of the Riverfront Spokane project is to bring community together.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Leading the Way in Water Activities

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un and water go together like kids and play, creating the perfect spot where friends can gather, cool off and experience the wonders of playing in water. Aquatix by Landscape Structures leads the way. Pioneering experiential activities around the interactive properties of water, we invite kids and family members of all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in the brilliance of an Aquatix water experience.

With more than 30 years of experience, Aquatix, based in Delano, Minnesota, is a leader in water feature and spray park design, fabrication and construction. The company designs and manufactures products and systems for easy maintenance

and long-lasting value. But, it’s innovative concepts and groundbreaking design that truly set Aquatix apart.

Our dynamic aqua play products engage kids’ imaginations, encourage exploration and deliver surprising new experiences with water.

Aquatix continues to advance the world of dynamic aqua play with imaginative designs — achieving new levels of chilling thrills, challenging interactive games and inventive water-based activities. The HydraHub1 and HydraHub2 inspire active play among children of all ages. A combination of dynamic play, interactive play and ground sprays deliver fluid fun that’s full of surprises.

The AquaGather Station is an interactive water table that encourages kids

of all ages and abilities to socialize while they discover the many possibilities of cause and effect. The AquaGather Station is fun and functional for all individuals. aquatix.playlsi.com 877.632.0503

Oh, the endless days!

Gathered together Reveling in the joy of play.

Where watery wonders excite us Unite us And invite us to set our imaginations free.

To learn more and inspire your outdoors, visit aquatix.playlsi.com.

©2020 Landscape Structures Inc. All rights reserved.

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Advertiser Index Aquatix by Landscape Structures Inc..........8 Ice-America....................................................... C3 Landscape Structures Inc............................. C2 Milbank................................................................. 3

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