The Playground Insider – Winter 2024

The

Winter 2024

Playground Insider

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR Welcome New Board President, Kenda Daria We are pleased to introduce NPCAI’s new board president, Kenda Daria. Kenda has been involved with NPCAI for over a decade and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge.

NPACI has been near and dear to her heart for many years. “The organization has been instrumental in elevating the industry,” she said.

Kenda is committed to volunteering with NPCAI because it genuinely represents playground installers.

With installation being done by trained professionals, she believes the safety of children can be better protected. “My leadership within this organization is my way of giving back. I look forward to serving our members and the industry.”

As the new Board President, Kenda looks forward to helping the board fulfill its strategic plan. She believes teamwork is crucial to success and is fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best in the industry. Kenda plans to prioritize initiatives that will benefit all members of the organization.

For those interested in becoming more involved with NPCAI, Kenda encourages members to join a committee. “We are always looking for help in our committees, and I would encourage anyone interested to contact me or our Executive Director, Denise Calabrese, and get involved.”

Kenda also shares some advice for aspiring leaders in the playground industry, “Always learn, always grow, always be involved in the industry.” Kenda feels it is vital to tackle things with an open mind and believes there are multiple ways to solve different problems. She also believes that we should come together to create solutions that help us all.

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

Whirl Construction and Eric LeGrand Collaborate to Build an Accessible Playground Behind the Scenes

When it comes to building accessible playgrounds, it takes more than just a few swings and slides. Jim Davis with Whirl Construction and Eric LeGrand, a disabilities advocate, recently collaborated on constructing a playground that was uniquely designed to be completely accessible to children with a wide range of disabilities.

Ben Shaffer Recreation designed the park.

BCI Burke was the playground equipment manufacturer, and Whirl Construction was the builder.

The playground is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the importance of accessibility for all.

Deer Path Park, located at 120 West Woodschurch Road in Flemington, New Jersey, was inaugurated with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony this past summer. A large crowd of children and parents gathered, eager to explore the new play space.

The design process ensured that the playground equipment was accessible to all children, regardless of their abilities. The structures, ramps, and playgrounds are geared toward the center of the site. The outer limits feature freestanding equipment, musical equipment, interactive panels, and swings. The springs were placed along the perimeter to avoid accidents and interference with the children running around on the structures.

A Truly Motivational Speaker

Eric served as the keynote speaker, and his story is inspirational. In October 2010, playing football for his beloved Rutgers University Scarlet Knights, Eric sustained a spinal cord injury during a fourth-quarter play at MetLife Stadium. While the initial prognosis was grim, Eric demonstrated his titan strength by shattering all expectations for his recovery and rehabilitation.

Because this was a county project, the wider community was heavily involved in the design process. The county presented its plans at a public meeting to inform residents about the upcoming project. They had input from several different groups within the county, and the Whirl’s team worked with parks and recreation to ensure that the layout and construction met all expectations.

Since his injury, Eric’s accomplishments have been remarkable. He has become an author and a sports analyst for ESPN, Sirius, the Big Ten Network, and Rutgers radio. He is also a highly sought-after motivational speaker. His work has given a voice to the paralysis community, mobilizing support for critical initiatives, policies, and cutting-edge research.

Construction took approximately two months, but the phase-in and phase-out started in the winter of 2023, and the playground was opened at the end of June. Eric LeGrand cut the ribbon at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the end of the six-month-long project.

“I have been introduced to a lot of different families with all different types of disabilities,” Eric said. “I saw how this is such an uplifting moment for families because a lot of times, people don’t realize when it comes to disabilities, a lot of things are taken away.

Full Accessibility for All

The park was created specifically for children with physical disabilities, considering a broad spectrum of needs.

“Having an accessible park for kids with disabilities, you can see the joy on kids’ faces as they play in the playground and feel accepted. That’s what that was all about, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

There is a dedicated area with sensory panels for children sensitive to loud noises. This separate section is situated Continued on next page....

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

Board of Trustees 2024 CHAIR Kenda Daria, Altitude Recreation kendadaria@gmail.com

CHAIR-ELECT Richard Hawley rhawley090@gmail.com

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Ken Krug, BCI Burke kkrug@bciburke.com

TREASURER Edward Miller, Jr., Corby Associates, Inc. ed@corbyassociates.com in a low-noise zone with an engaging, interactive panel. There are also musical panels and other sensory features that most children will enjoy.

One of the significant challenges faced during the construction was ensuring that the playground was completely accessible.

This meant meeting ADA requirements for accessibility and ensuring that the parking lot, sidewalks, and playground equipment each accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The rubber surfacing was also a concern, as it had to withstand the weight of many wheelchairs and hundreds of children simultaneously.

TRUSTEES Jim Davis, Whirl Construction jdavis@whirlconstruction.net Sam Butch DeFillippo, PlaySafe, LLC butch@play‐safe.com

The collaboration resulted in a unique playground completely accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Dwight Henneberger, Henneberger Construction dhenneberger@me.com

The playground is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the importance of accessibility for all. Jim has received “absolutely amazing feedback” from this project.

Whirl is already in talks with outer towns and counties about other future accessible parks, with Eric as a consultant.

Treynor McAdams, Planet Recess treynor@planetrecess.com Chad Willow, PlayPower, Inc. chad.willow@playpower.com

And if you’re ever in Eric’s hometown of Woodbridge, New Jersey, stop in and say hello at LeGrand Coffee House.

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

Dates Announced for NPCAI’s 2024 RISC Courses NPCAI has updated its RISC curriculum, which focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary for you to be an informed leader in the recreation installation industry.

This course focuses on the essential skills that NPCAI encourages and covers every aspect of recreation play installation. It is open to individuals from various fields and not restricted to contractors. Those who have attended the course, including municipal employees, manufacturers, distributors, and contractors, have found it to be highly beneficial.

Items covered throughout the course include: NPCAI’s updated curriculum offers essential knowledge and skills for recreation installation industry leaders.

• Knowledge of Legal Requirements

March 14 – 15, 2024

• Pre-Construction Installation and Resources

• Personnel Identification and Conduct • Working With Other Industry Professionals

Virtual, 12 – 4 p.m. each day (eastern time)

• Knowledge of Safety Protocols • Proper Installation Practices

June 17 – 18, 2024

• Quality Control

Virtual, 12 – 4 p.m. each day (eastern time)

September 23 – 24, 2024 Virtual, 12 – 4 p.m. each day (eastern time)

• Knowledge of Other Organizations and Government Agencies Courses are now being offered both in-person and virtually via Zoom. Virtual courses take place over the span of two days (four hours each) with the exam taken at your convenience.

December 2, 2024 Harrisburg, PA (location TBD)

Click Here to Learn More & Register

NPCAI ONLINE STORE

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

NPCAI Working to Elevate Our Profession Get Involved and Be Proactive!

As we usher in the new year, it is great to reflect on the transformative efforts undertaken by NPCAI to elevate our profession over the past five years. Realizing that our efforts are on the verge of a significant milestone, the Board met in December to discuss how members can get involved in advocating for excellence.

A Recap of Our Work In an industry where the term “installer” can sometimes be loosely applied, it has become increasingly imperative to distinguish between those who are truly passionate about delivering professional services and those who may fall short of the mark. We recognize the profound impact this distinction has on our reputation, and thus, NPCAI has been steadfast in its commitment to ensuring excellence through our Recreation Installation Specialist Certification (RISC) program.

Our journey began with a comprehensive review of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies’ standards.

In alignment with these rigorous benchmarks, we diligently restructured our RISC program to measure the basic knowledge and competence for recreation installation professionals. This encompassed a multifaceted approach, including a job analysis survey, revising eligibility criteria, curriculum overhaul, exam updates, trainer training, and implementing internal protocols to safeguard the program’s integrity.

This meticulous process spanned two years, laying the foundation for the subsequent phase of our mission.

Over the past 2-3 years, NPCAI leadership has created an ASTM standard guide for recreation installers. This guide, developed by ASTM sub-committee F15.29, sets forth a comprehensive framework for organizations– like ours–engaged in certifying and measuring the knowledge of recreation area installers. The guide, currently awaiting ballot approval, establishes requirements and internal protocols for such programs.

Upon the guide’s successful passage, NPCAI will proudly promote our RISC program as being fully compliant with this industry-standard guide. And we will continue to educate purchasers of installation services about the critical importance of hiring certified installers with the requisite knowledge and competence needed to install recreation areas.

NPCAI Board of Directors met at headquarters in Harrisburg, Pa. in December 2023.

Next Steps We believe strongly in supporting the ASTM efforts to provide a standard guide for those who are certifying recreation area installers. We encourage you, our valued members, to get involved in ASTM and, specifically, the F15.29 sub-committee.

Joining ASTM and getting involved will allow you to consider your position related to the standard guide and to cast your vote, as you see fit. We believe having a standard guide will help solidify the industry’s commitment to excellence and professionalism.

Please join us in championing excellence and elevating the recreation installation profession. Together, we can shape the future of our industry.

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

A Note From the 2023 Immediate Past Chair

Spokane Parks Receives Grant to Repair Broken Playgrounds at 16 Parks

Well, the holiday season has come and gone.

The craziness of holiday shopping is over, the worrying about family gatherings is behind us, the kids are back at school, and maybe the extra traffic will lighten up?!?!

Hopefully – on the business end – it means we’ve all gotten past the year-end deadlines, the financial reviews, the employee evaluations, the insurance renewals, the pipeline planning and lots of other things that cause “Scrooge-like” behavior. (Believe me, I’ve been there!)

The City of Spokane Parks & Recreation has received a $100,000 grant to repair broken play equipment at 16 parks. The grant, awarded by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, is part of its first Local Parks Maintenance grant program.

Now it’s a new year and a new season! A new rock to start pushing up a hill. New goals to reach. There are new markets to tackle and new projects to plan and take on!

The repairs will include about 43 broken and damaged equipment pieces, such as slides and swings, and are anticipated to take place in 2024. The City of Spokane was the largest municipality awarded funds, and no matching funds are required. The repairs will extend the usable life and functionality of existing playgrounds while the City plans full playground replacements in the coming years.

Winter is typically a slightly less hectic season in our industry – but that doesn’t mean we should be sitting back and doing nothing.

Trust me. I like a nice drink by a fire as much as anyone (or a cool drink on a Caribbean beach, per my wife), but this is the season to prepare for what’s to come.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Equipment maintenance or upgrades, management software and process education, and personnel development are all essential, and this is an ideal time to work on these things – when they are not in heavy use or everybody is scrambling.

Welcome, New Members!

Former Joint Chief of Staff and four-star general Colin Powell says, “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.”

City of Tallahassee Parks Tallahassee, Fla.

Industrial Shadeports, Inc.

You must plan for the worst, hope for the best, and learn from your failures to succeed.

Rocky Mountain Playground Services

Persistence, loyalty and the endless pursuit of perfection are the building blocks for any business model and the keys to achieving success in the new year!

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Golden, Colo.

NJ Swingsets

Here’s to the new season and all the success you will make in it!

Midland Park, N.J.

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

Selecting Playground Equipment: The Citizen Perspective

by Butch DeFillippo, PlaySafe, LLC, with special guest Craig Kelsey, Ph.D. We all agree that playground equipment is needed in all our communities. Playgrounds are located at schools, government locations, and private facilities.

Local decision-makers have many ways to proceed when choosing what to purchase. They can determine that the equipment selection is to be made by professional staff who have studied all of the locations versus equipment options or by a consulting firm that works hard to represent the community in this important selection process. Both of these approaches are appropriate and will lead to a successful conclusion. However, there is another way to look at this exciting and meaningful decision: to purposefully involve the local citizens.

The Image Sort Focus Group consists of asking highly-committed and well-informed citizens to spend an evening discussing, debating and then prioritizing a set of pre-determined playground equipment examples that they think would be the best options for the equipment’s users, the sponsoring agency or group, and the space available for the equipment’s placement. At the end of the evening, the goal is that the very best equipment selection has been made and the reasons for that particular selection have been well articulated. In this way, the equipment, its suggested layout and citizen reasoning all come together.

During our many years (almost 50) of working in the public sector, we have seen how the public can and should provide vital, direct and meaningful input that is both a new perspective and, at the same time, a meaningful way to build community solidarity, commitment and ownership. For the organization that would like to pursue this citizen perspective, the Image Sort Focus Group Model is one we use at PlaySafe, LLC and might be the best approach. The method’s title might seem too complex and overwhelming, but with just a little instruction, any organization can have a fun and meaningful decision-making activity.

It is important to prepare on 8.5 x 11-inch plastic-covered paper the images of the appropriate playground structures for the selected site. This requires some groundwork by staff and the organization that wishes to conduct the focus group. The staff will have to choose a variety of playground structures that fit within the cost category of the agency, are age-appropriate and also physically meet the safety space requirements of the proposed site. The staff would have completed this as a normal part of their decision-making. Ensuring that all the visuals and ways to reach them meet the ADA is vital. We have been at meetings where the graphics were too small, or a person in a wheelchair could not get close to them.

There are five easy steps to plan, conduct and analyze an Image Sort focus group.

Step 1:

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

Step 2:

The number of examples to be reviewed by the citizens should be a manageable array, perhaps around five to six images. If too many examples are provided, the process can take too long and get bogged down with unnecessary details. Just think of how many choices you have to make just to buy breakfast cereal. On the other hand, too few examples will suggest to the citizens that the decision-making process is not very difficult. The number and type of examples selected should always be realistic. There should be a variety of layouts depending on the size of the area, the users, and the variety of equipment options.

Step 3:

It is now time to determine how many citizen meetings seem appropriate, how many citizens should be asked to attend, and if the decision is for just one location (such as an elementary school playground area) or a much more widely used location (such as a regional park). The smaller the use area, the fewer the meetings and the number of citizens involved. If the site is one playground area at a school, then one meeting is sufficient, with perhaps 10 to 15 parents, couples, or individuals coming together for the evening process. If the site is a regional park and the equipment might serve several age groups and a greater variety of users, then maybe three meetings should be held but still keeping to the 10 to 15 parents, couples, or individuals.

Step 4:

Conducting the focus group… Let the fun begin. This is exciting and tense at the same time. The evening should go smoothly, with all citizens feeling they had an important opportunity to contribute. But the success of the meeting will, to a large extent, depend on the meeting facilitator. Here are some quick rules for the facilitator to follow: 1. Explain the idea behind the Image Sort Focus Group.

Place several pictures, 3D images, or overheads of playground equipment on the table for all to see.

Use examples of different equipment combinations and different structure configurations. The citizens will be asked which image they think best represents what should be the final plan for installing the equipment.

2. Allow the citizens to look at the examples, ask questions and verify that they understand the possibilities.

3. Lead a discussion as to why they think one playground is better than another. At this point, the facilitator moves or sorts the cards with images on them up and down the table in priority order, with the most preferred image at the top of the line and the least preferred at the bottom of the line.

4. Let the citizens know that the cards may be moved into different orders as the conversation continues. The reason for the example cards is so that the citizens can clearly see what final product they are suggesting compared to the other images. This is the funniest part of the focus group.

5. Having a recorder of thoughts is important in noting the citizens’ comments. We are interested in the final priority order and the reasons behind that order. The recorder can share the group’s thinking.

6. It is imperative that the facilitator maintains control of the meeting and the process and that no one citizen voice crowds out the others. We have conducted meetings with guests stacking the deck (showing up with a special interest group), or even once in a small town in the West, a man attended wearing a sidearm—he wanted to get his point across and did. At the appropriate time, the facilitator indicates that it appears that the examples are in the final and accepted order of priority, and the meeting is coming to a close. The facilitator thanked everyone for their contributions.

Step 5:

The community decision-makers now know the citizen’s thoughts. They have the most preferred option and the reasons behind that choice. Now, the decision-makers may use that information to help make a final decision. One should not assume that the citizen model is the best decision. It may well be, but the professional staff are the ones that must bring all considerations together in the most cost and use effective way.

Not all circumstances will call for the Image Sort focus group method, but it does represent one way (and a highly controlled way) to invite the citizens’ views into the planning process.

If—for some reason—the process gets stalled, the citizens may be a good advocacy group to break the bottleneck as they now have a shared voice. PlaySafe, LLC has conducted hundreds of focus groups, and we are available to assist with training and consultation, conduct these types of meetings on behalf of the playground sponsoring agency, or answer any of your questions. A beneficial book on public input titled Public Input Process for Parks and Recreation Planning is available from the Texas Parks and Recreation Society. Click here for the order form.

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

Strong Leaders Light the Way

by Jeff Tippett

As a leader who motivates others to their professional best, it’s imperative to create an environment that’s conducive to growth. People who feel they have the ability to try out new things are going to be productive and innovative, as opposed to those who feel handcuffed to old ways of thinking.

But in giving creative freedom to your employees, you must create a framework. That way you’ll have a good grasp of what works and what doesn’t. Karin Hurt, a former Verizon Wireless executive, calls this “scaffolding achievements.”

People can thrive with leeway, but there has to be some type of framework that helps them build toward the end goal. That means you, as the leader, know where checkpoints are and how to measure success. It also gives you more opportunities to celebrate and encourage incremental victories.

Next up are passion and commitment. These are essential in a leader. You must convey a sense of urgency and interest in your mission. If you don’t care about your work, why should anyone else?

Passion is critical to moving a business or organization forward. We’ve covered the importance of a leader’s vision, but passion is the fuel that powers that vision. It’s one thing to have a preferred outcome but another entirely to have the energy and commitment to see it through.

How do you move your team to be likewise motivated? First, you need to understand these folks who work for you.

You can’t motivate people without first knowing what motivates them.

Another way to keep motivation high is to facilitate new opportunities. People languish if they don’t improve their skills, and their work gets boring if they aren’t challenged by and intrigued with their tasks. With automation and artificial intelligence playing an increasingly larger role in everyday life, workers need to keep learning. Your education doesn’t end when you graduate from college; you and your team should be learning something new every day.

You Make the Call Brent Gleason is a contributor to Forbes who started a successful business after retiring from the Navy SEALs. He outlines four ways that leaders make decisions, the four C’s: Command, Collaborative, Consensus, Convenience.

Command decision-making is a style in which the leader makes decisions based on their own opinions, without input from others. Collaborative is similar in that the leader makes the decision, but it’s informed by input and collaboration. Consensus works in a similar way, but instead of the final decision being made by one person, it’s a collaborative, somewhat democratic process. And finally, convenience decisions are those in which the leader delegates to others the decision-making.

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

Each of these four methods of decision-making have their own merits and demerits, and you should find what works best for you and your team. Do you have a tight deadline and explicit instructions? A command decision-making process might make most sense. But if you have an open-ended project that requires a new way of thinking, convenience decision-making might be best, allowing different people to pitch ideas and take ownership.

The difficulty associated with decision-making is one reason why it is so important for you to invest in your team. You’ll find it difficult to succeed as a leader if you have no one around you to trust for counsel. But remember, you must be trustworthy yourself so that members of your team can consult you for advice and expect an honest response. Nourish an environment that’s conducive to all-around honesty. Your subordinates won’t thrive if they feel that the feedback they give you is of lesser value than that which you give them.

It’s also key in decision-making processes that you don’t lose sight of the end goal. We can become so hyper-focused on what’s right in front of our faces that we don’t consider the implications of the decision in the grand scheme of things. This is another argument for a solid team around you. Multiple folks at the decision-making table means that it’s less likely for you to miss something important. Your team will fill in the gaps, and the value of everyone as a team is greater than the sum of its parts.

That’s a good segue into the next trait we’re going to consider: accountability. Like many of the traits and attributes discussed here, accountability requires a team approach. It requires trust from all parties involved.

There are plenty of ways to emphasize accountability, but here are a few easy places to start. First, as I’ve stressed, you must be forthright when mistakes are made. There is no benefit to the organization or business if when something goes awry you try to cover it up. Asking others for help, or for their input, is not a sign of weakness. It’s important that a leader is available and communicates, not only when things are good, but especially when they’re not. You need to be a rock.

As an accountable leader, you must take responsibility for everything that happens. The plaque that sat upon Harry Truman’s desk read, “The buck stops here.” He was personally accountable for everything his administration did. That’s worth keeping top of mind when you recruit new people and train existing workers: Are you showing them the best way to represent the organization? Would you be proud to defend the work they do? Would you be proud to defend your own work?

About the Author: Jeff Tippett Jeff Tippett is the international bestselling author of two books, Pixels Are the New Ink and Unleashing Your Superpower: Why Persuasive Communication is the Only Force You Will Ever Need. Speaking to international audiences through keynotes and seminars, Jeff helps attendees increase their effectiveness, gives them powerful tools to reach their goals, and empowers attendees to positively impact and grow their organizations or businesses.

While you want multiple voices advising you, make sure they aren’t all singing the same tune. One of the worst mistakes a leader can make is to surround oneself with “yes men” who are more interested in pleasing the boss than serving the greater cause. While some among them may have good intentions, they don’t serve you well. Extra voices parroting your existing line of reasoning will only cloud your judgement.

In 2014, Jeff founded Targeted Persuasion, an award-winning public affairs + communications firm. He has worked with renowned brands like Airbnb, The National Restaurant Association, The League of Women Voters, The League of Conservation Voters, plus others. Other industry experts have validated Jeff’s work with numerous awards including the Style prestigious TheMetro American Advertising Award.

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That brings us to the final point in decision-making: Don’t be afraid to make the tough decisions. As a leader, you’re entrusted with the decision-making process; ultimately, you make the call. Don’t defer the tough decisions; make your best effort to be informed, and move on.

Jeff is the host of Victory by Association with Jeff Tippett, a podcast that shares the victories of association executives with the world, highlighting the great work done across this country every day.

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

Thank You to Our Premier Member Benefit Program Participants Membership in your professional trade association provides you and your company with numerous benefits.

By participating in the Premier Member Benefit Program, you receive leadership support of the recreation installation industry with enhanced promotional advertising from NPCAI.

Consider joining these Premier Member Benefit Program Participants:

Premier Member Benefit Program Premier Member Benefit Program Participants are considered the leaders in the recreation installation industry. In addition to their member benefits, Premier Member Benefit Program Participants receive the following: • An enhanced promotional advertising package from NPCAI via the website, in the newsletter and at NPCAI-sponsored events.

• Inclusion of your company logo and links in NPCAI communication vehicles.

• One free registration to a Recreation Installation Specialist Certification (RISC) course held during the fiscal year in which the benefit program is paid.

For questions about the Premier Member Benefit Program, contact the NPCAI office at 717-724-0594.

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

NPCAI’s Career Center Whether you are looking for a new career move or that next great hire, the NPCAI Career Center is your go-to source.

Job seekers and employers, to get started today, Click Here!

Employers: Advertise your jobs on NPCAI’s job board and enjoy these great benefits:

• Easily post jobs to gain direct access to job seekers across the country.

• Set-up pre-screen filters to deliver only the best candidates.

• Put your job posting in front of more job seekers with frequent alerts sent to candidates.

• Manage and track all applications directly from the career center.

NPCAI Members: Use the access code NPCAI25MEM to receive a discount to post your job listings!

Looking to advance your career or make a change? Take action today by accessing NPCAI’s job board. Search targeted opportunities in the recreation construction industry and start your next professional chapter today!

Sign up and update your job seeker profile to start experiencing these helpful benefits: • An easy user experience, even on your mobile device

• Set-up resume alerts and receive automatic emails when an applicant matches your criteria.

• Personalized job matching

• Use the career center as a one-stop shop for all of your hiring needs.

• Advanced candidate search for employers means you can be matched with the perfect job faster and easier than ever

• Upload your resume and track all of your applications in one place

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

Support Our Partners

Become an NPCAI Partner NPCAI has created an opportunity for your company to connect with our membership. By participating as an NPCAI Partner, you will receive access to NPCAI’s members and have the ability to promote your products to this specialized group of professionals.

NPCAI members are experienced play recreation installers and contractors. These individuals use plenty of materials and services in their day-to-day work. This program provides you the opportunity to introduce your products and services to these members and receive value-added return on your investment.

Benefits of Partnership A tiered-program, NPCAI’s Partner Program provides numerous benefits depending on your level of partnership.

The Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of membership provide marketing opportunities in a scaled format. In addition to all the benefits of the Gold level, the Platinum Level also provides exclusivity within your particular field.

Sign Up Today!

To participate in this exciting program, click here. If you have questions, contact the NPCAI office at 717-724-0594.

We look forward to listing YOUR company as an NPCAI Partner!

Articles Wanted

The Playgrou

nd Insider -

NPCAI is on the lookout for articles for this newsletter. Articles (200-500 words; photos welcome) can be about an industry hot topic, a unique project or news about your company’s community involvement, honor or award. The deadline to submit for the Summer 2024 issue is May 1, 2024.

Email articles to NPCAInewsletter@gmail.com.

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Spring 2022

Spring 2022

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by Ken Krug • Advanced cand it has cations in one me how I like Quite honestly, idate search for place be tohed FUN! people have asked given is: “Why ago matc and empl many ing years oyers amaz five with years mean I have than the perfect job been Over the I Board more faster and easie s you can be on response that t and help long!” No, not I joined the NPCA ization that is here to assis r than ever my job. One comm play with big toys all day of the full well, but get to a part of an organ knowledge and legitimacy as you all know provide wouldn’t I? I tly into gth, with rainbows we all do to which ties direc grow the stren what try, t every day is rosy indus abou n can’t llatio you to think recreation insta well. g and old alike, when we sit back as rtunities for youn manufacturers recreation oppo in that. heard more a sense of pride the word I have help but have years, I think new Chair CHANGE. As In the past two D) is the word t myself as the ation r (besides COVI a little bit abou never-ending than any othe round and recre d in a world of I wanted to share playg the in been to move ahea us directions: years. I have we continue for NPCAI. I have e on one of vario more than 25 for n decid all uctio Burke can an BCI is adage that change, we the years in prod industry with the way. This ons here over n and Lee or get out of sales Lead, follow, as General Patto held various positi and logistics and also in ge by folks such providing cities they chose. Chan has been used oversight capa trade shows and support know what route ons, working technical ca… and we all . with Iacoc llers operations positi world tant in our tives and insta is the new cons sales representa their roles.

2022 and in ing efforts in as they worked anies n, NPCAI is focus comp izatio your ts organ As an that assis lead in a way the recreation r beyond to help knowledge in with us you to growth and GE how this you share in your paths t most nue to CHAN We ask that try, and conti be the nex installation indus what could ide to ed. thoughts on we could prov industry is view ges and w thing that ial kno e us efic ben RISC cours chan Guide and let ard large strides in reach out as Stand se made with have ASTM Plea .

We the you ld help ed a focus have furthered nization cou opportunities, and have renew is out of what this orga Area Installers rtunities for something benefit oppo for Recreation ’t assume new Don ment us. le. for imple a who to identify and of possibility the realm our members. d of the NPCAI Boar come solely from n of products insights. We ask This does not ide distributio our ideas and

AIR

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LETTER FR

Change: Th

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The Playground Insider - Winter 2024

visit the website at

www.playground-contractors.org Contact Us: National Playground Contractors Association 2207 Forest Hills Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112 Phone: 717-724-0594 Fax: 717-238-9985 Website: www.playground-contractors.org Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Staff Contacts: Executive Director: Denise Calabrese, CAE npcai@playground-contractors.org Director of Communications: Michelle Keyser communications@playgroundcontractors.org

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A worldwide partnership advancing the recreational construction industry by promoting qualified and dedicated contracting professionals who contribute to the design,installation and maintenance of parks, playgrounds, sports and recreation environments.

The Playground Insider is an e-newsletter for members of the National Playground Contractors Association (NPCAI). It is published three times a year, in the winter, summer and fall.

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The

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