The Municipal - October 2023

16 Focus on Parks & Environmental Services

18 Focus on Parks & Environmental Services: Adopt-A-Park further connects a community

42 Maintenance & Operations: Colorado Springs embraces the operation of Westside Community Center

46 Public Works: Connecting communities: Hickman Road Bridge replacement project benefits vehicles, pedestrians and the local environment

50 Municipal Management: State helps Michigan cities hone plans to spend federal money responsibly

52 Municipal Management: Creative contributions enrich Savannah municipal archives

Parks

Contributing Writers Jennifer Barton, Beth Anne Brink-Cox, Lauren Caggiano, Nicholette Carlson, Denise Fedorow, Kevin Kilbane, Dani Messick, Janet G. Patterson, Staci Reafsnyder, Julie Young

Opportunities for everyone

On the Web

Sarah Wright | Editor

To see the National Recreation and Park Association’s latest Park Pulse surveys, visit www.nrpa.org/publications-research/park-pulse/.

Parks build community, bringing everyone together through the offering of amenities and fun programming. Diversifying those options to serve all facets of a community has become many parks departments’ mission. This mission is backed by many residents. In a September 2023 National Recreation and Park Association Park Pulse Survey, the organization found “seventy-four percent of parents note it is extremely or very important that their local park and recreation agency take steps to ensure all their community members feel welcome.”

No matter their background or creed, community members should be able to enjoy their local parks. And to allow this, many parks departments are stepping up to not only welcome everybody but to ensure cost is not a barrier to their programs.

Writer Denise Fedorow spotlights how parks departments across the country are using fundraising to knock down those

barriers by providing scholarships for community members who need them to attend camps or other park programs. In some cases, these fundraisers have also been used to bring different amenities to parks whether for canine lovers and their four-legged friends or for those with different physical abilities.

As noted by Spencer McKellar, deputy parks and recreation director and project manager for the city of Kentwood, Mich., “Fundraisers allow us to provide things for all ages and abilities. Everyone and anyone who lives in the community should be able to participate if they want to that’s what we strive for here.”

I encourage everyone to read Denise’s article to see some of the awesome projects other departments have fundraised.

In another NRPA Park Pulse Survey, the association learned that 92% of adult respondents in the U.S. “look to their parks and recreation to provide activities and opportunities to older adults in their community.”

Writer Beth Anne Brink-Cox spoke with a couple of departments passionate about their programming for older adults. She shares how both departments have succeeded thanks to an open ear for their seniors’ wants.

Adopt-A-Park programs are another topic in this parks-themed issue. Departments have used them to engage community members and cultivate a sense of pride in local parks. Writer Kevin Kilbane shares some success stories from departments that use this type of program.

Other topics include one department’s journey to restore youth programming after a many years hiatus and cities embracing hardy native plants in their landscaping.

Here’s hoping for lovely autumn weather, so we can all enjoy our parks a little longer at least for those of us in the North who have snowy winters to look forward to. M

Stay

Turn to a Higher Power

With its high-quality, virtually indestructible alloy steel frame the Portable Scene Light II is waterproof and stackable–perfect for building a light tower when needed. Plus, with 10,000 lumens in a cordless and compact package, you can prevent trip hazards in already hazardous locations.

Being smart with tax dollars

By Dee Warren | Land Pride Marketing Manager

Spending constituent tax dollars judiciously is a chore that every elected official tackles. In recent years, the mantra of taxpayers has been to demand that their dollars are spent efficiently and wisely. According to the publication “US Bureau of the Census, Survey of State and Local Government Finance, 1977-2020,” local governments cities, townships, counties, school districts and special districts spent $1.8 trillion in 2020. It is estimated that state and local governments nationwide spent as much as $72 billion in 2020 on parks, sports fields and green spaces a portion of which is directed to purchase of mowing equipment and mowing contracts. Being entrusted to spend that much money

prudently is the charge that every purchasing manager lives under.

State and local governments manage around 199 million acres or 8.7% of the land in the United States. Those spaces include city and county parks, sports and recreation fields, golf courses, and state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. Many of these spaces require some maintenance, including mowing on a regular basis.

Wide open spaces need wide area mowers Maintaining grassy areas in parks, sports fields or in other state- and municipalowned spaces is a full-time job. The grasses are usually turf or ornamental rather than

ABOVE: Golf course fairways are easily maintained with Land Pride All-Flex Mowers with features like independent deck flotation and anti-scalp rollers. (Photo provided by Land Pride)

the taller, tougher and harder to mow grasses along roadsides that would require a rotary cutter. These spaces are uniquely suited for wide area mowers or flail mowers.

Wide area mowers, like Land Pride All-Flex Mowers, make the task of turf maintenance more manageable. All-Flex Mowers are well suited for mowing green spaces, sports fields and other large, open spaces. They feature three decks with three blades per deck for a total cutting width from 11 to 22 feet and in heights from three-fourths inches to 5 1/4 inches. With their sleek frame

design and precision engineering, operators can make tight turns with no windrows; the tight turn radius is comparable to a zeroturn mower with much faster results. The efficiency that a Land Pride AFM provides allows operators to mow nearly 10 acres per hour with the 22-foot model.

Fleet managers looking to spend tax dollars intelligently should look for wide area mowers that offer ease-of-maintenance features. Maintenance of any mower, but especially fleet mowers, is an important factor in limiting downtime and lengthening the life of the machine. All-Flex Mowers manufactured by Land Pride offer several ease-of-maintenance features like easily accessible blade spindle bearings, wheel bushings and wing pivot points that allow operators the ability to perform needed maintenance quickly and get back to mowing. Units that are not easy to maintain usually mean maintenance is done less frequently leading to downtime and shortened service life.

Fleet mowing requires not only a reliable mower but also a reliable tractor. Mowing crews are consistently working eight or more hours per day, five days per week, so you need a tractor and mower pair that will do the same; because mechanical breakdowns are costly in both time and money. Land Pride All-Flex Mowers are some of the most reliable in the industry and feature warranties of up to five years on gearboxes and a full year on almost everything else. They are

also performance matched to Kubota tractors that means the tractor and mower are matched in weight, horsepower and other key specifications. The reliability of Kubota tractors pairs well with the proven performance of Land Pride mowers.

Stretching the budget

A quality tractor-mower combination for maintaining open spaces can be a big purchase for any municipal equipment budget. Smart fleet managers look at ways to stretch the budget while getting the highest quality for the dollars invested. That’s where cooperative purchasing comes in. In the typical request for quote bid, agencies are stuck with the lowest bid, even if it’s not up to the quality standards that fleet managers want.

Cooperative buying works like this: A highway maintenance manager identifies their needs. After that, the manager can contact a manufacturer and the manufacturer can direct them to a contract, allowing the agency and manufacturer to work together on the purchase. This enhanced customer service is one thing that sets cooperative buying apart from the bid process. Since the manufacturer has already gone through the competitive bid process, the purchase process is streamlined, allowing the agency to go from identifying the product needed to issuing a PO, often at thousands of dollars less than retail. The competitive bid process has been satisfied by the cooperative agency that issued the contract.

There are many cooperative buying groups that government agencies can be a part of. Land Pride and Kubota offer contracts with several: Sourcewell (www.sourcewell-mn. gov); H-GAC (www.h-gac.com); and BuyBoard (www.buyboard.com) just to name a few. With so many cooperative contracts available, buyers need to choose the one that best meets their buying needs. Organizations like the three listed above make sure everything is transparent. They maintain all of the paperwork and the contracts are competitively solicited, evaluated and awarded by a public agency that is bound by laws regulating the process. Everything is available for public review.

By purchasing through a cooperative contract, fleet managers in many government agencies can take advantage of the time- and money-saving benefits that these contracts provide. Buyers can be connected to manufacturers easily and without worry. As noted at the beginning of this article: Spending tax dollars is a chore that every government agency tackles; cooperative purchasing will help streamline the process. M

For information, visit www.landpride.com

ABOVE: In widths from 11 foot to 22 foot, All-Flex Mowers from Land Pride make mowing wide open spaces quick and efficient. (Photo provided by Land Pride)

Cave of the Mounds is a million years in the making

By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal

Often considered to be the most significant cave of the Midwest due to its mineral formations, Cave of the Mounds near Blue Mounds, Wis., is a privately owned natural wonder that is over a million years in the making.

A deep history

Although it’s formation dates back to the Pleistocene Epoch 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago, the Cave of the Mounds wasn’t discovered until August 4, 1939. On that day, a crew working at the Brigham family farm limestone quarry blasted a section of rock and uncovered the cavern below. Naturally, the men were excited about their find and returned the next day to descend into the darkness. After confirming that the cave had no other natural openings, Charlie Brigham sealed the entrance to the cave and stood guard to protect the space from vandals. Despite his best efforts, word got around the curious came.

A month later, Brigham leased the cave to bank teller Carl Brechler and band teacher Fred Hanneman, who developed a plan to open the cave to tourists. They cleared the rock and rubble from the original blast, installed the infrastructure needed to make the cave accessible to a wide range of visitors and built an entrance building so that they could open

ABOVE: Cave of the Mounds, discovered in 1939, has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. (Photo provided by Cave of the Mounds)

TOP PHOTO: The Cathedral Room at Cave of the Mounds contains a breathtaking view of the grotto’s stalactites. (Photo provided by Cave of the Mounds)

on May 30, 1940. The cave proved to be a popular spot, and by year’s end over 58,000 people visited the grotto to see the speleothems stalagmites and stalactites that included soda straws, helictites and oolites.

Brechler and Hanneman made a number of improvements to the cave, including an upgraded entrance building in 1942, a mineshaft in 1945, and concrete pathways and metal handrails in 1946. By the late 1950s the Cave of the Mounds was completed, and folks have flocked to it for the past 66 years.

In 1988, after a 12-year process, Cave of the Mounds was designated a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior for its distinct character, rarity and value to the scientific community. To qualify for such a unique honor, the cave had to represent the best example of a biological or geological resource in the United States.

For the last 35 years the cave has remained a privately owned entity, although it has operated in a partnership with the National Parks Service. The NPS works to ensure that the cave is managed and protected for future generations as an example of the state’s natural history.

Ready to rock

Cave of the Mounds is located between 40 and 57 feet below ground level, depending on the specific area of the cave. It boasts a total surveyed length of 1,695 feet, including all nooks

and crannies. The guided self-tour covers a 1,100-foot walk, or approximately one-fifth of a mile. The cave is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout the year and the cavern maintains a comfortable 50 degrees, which makes it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Although there are no bats, coyotes or other cave-dwelling animals to see inside the grotto due to a lack of natural openings, the cave does get a steady supply if fresh air thanks to the porous nature of the limestone rock. According to its website, the cave’s onyx grows approximately one centimeter each century, provided that the conditions are perfect; but because conditions are rarely perfect, it usually takes a lot longer. In fact, a human’s hair grows faster in six hours than the Cave of the Mounds speleothems do in a year.

Cave of the Mounds offers a wide range of tours that showcase an array of brilliantly hued crystal formations throughout the journey. There is the guided self-tour, as well as black light tours and VIP experiences: The latter merges the cave experience with above-ground attractions such as the gemstone mine and geode cracking. Guests are also encouraged to take in the interpretive nature trails, gardens and the Brigham Barn Discovery Center.

Throughout the year, Cave of the Mounds offers special events including Halloween tours that feature trick-or-treating, lantern tours, discovery days and more.

Guests who have visited Cave of the Mounds say it is fun for all ages and definitely worth a stop. One visitor said he enjoyed seeing the various rock formations in different shapes and sizes on his Tripadvisor review.

“It took us about an hour to cover the entire tour since we loved to admire each formation for quite a while,” he said. “This is a good place to spend with the kids, especially on a rainy day where outdoor activities are limited.”

A first-time spelunker from Sycamore, Ill., said her family had a wonderful time at the cave and found that the staff went above and beyond to make sure her first experience was a memorable one. “They were helpful, friendly, talkative and more than willing to answer the hundreds of questions we had,” she said on Yelp.

If you go …

Cave of the Mounds is located at 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road near Blue Mounds, Wis. For more information about daily tours, admission rates and more, call (608) 437-3038 or visit www. caveofthemounds.com.

It may look like a mouth ready to devour spelunkers; however, the Gem Room in Cave of the Mounds showcases a wide range of colorful mineral formations. (Photo provided by Cave of the Mounds)

The mirror effect of the Dream River at Cave of the Mounds makes visitors wonder which way is up. (Photo provided by Cave of the Mounds)

PARKS & ENVIRON focus on

$47,264,640

A Riverfront Park project in Beaumont, Texas, broke ground this summer. The popular park was severely damaged during Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017 and has been closed ever since, pending repairs. When notice was received of the $47,264,640 in funding, it was the largest FEMA 428 project ever awarded in the U.S.

6,000

Through presentations given by two San José, Calif., Community Activity Workers, 6,000 students at 17 San José schools were educated on the effects of litter in their schools and neighborhoods. The students collected 173 bags of litter in their schools.

Source: www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5350/4765.

Number of acres being developed as a new urban park north of downtown Raleigh, N.C. The site was used as a city maintenance yard and vehicle fleet facility but will undergo environmental site remediation and the installation of pathways, plazas, natural spaces, extensive native landscaping, improvements to the stream channel and floodplain, and constructed wetlands.

$30,000

In the last two to three years, the Kentwood, Mich., Parks and Recreation Department has raised over $30,000 to purchase new adaptive equipment.

Source: raleighnc.gov/projects/smoky-hollow-park-project.

Read how parks departments are using fundraising to support programming and projects at 26.

View the groundbreaking and learn more at www.youtube.com/watch?v=EojcM1spSlU.

MENTAL SERVICES

75%

Property owners in Sanibel, Fla., are required to maintain a minimum of 75% native plants on their land, and the beach dunes must be 100% native plants.

20 years

After a 20-year hiatus, Schenectady, N.Y.’s, new parks Director Willie Deane restarted parks programming for youth this past summer. Programs brought at least 100 children this summer.

94%

In Rapid City, S.D., 13 groups or organizations have adopted about 15 parks, which they maintain.

$58,467

Donors in Bargersville, Ind., surpassed by $8,467 a $50,000 fundraising goal for amenities for a new park, triggering a $50,000 match from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority. The $3.5 million Kephart Park is funded by impact fees and the American Rescue Plan Act. It will be the first park in the city with Wi-Fi.

Source: dailyjournal.net/2023/05/17/donors-exceed-kephart-park-fundraising-goal/.

In the summer of 2022, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Kan., partnered with Kansas City Public Schools and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City to offer four-day swim lessons focused on building basic swimming skills. The 200 participants, 94% of whom had never had a lesson before, were given swimsuits, towels, sunscreen and goggles. All the participants improved their water safety capabilities.

Source: ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2023/index. php#/p/14.

77%

According to the 2023 NRPA Agency Performance Review, 77% of park and recreation agencies currently provide programs specifically geared toward older adults.

Source: www.nrpa.org/publications-research/research-papers/ agency-performance-review/.

Learn more about Schenectady’s approach to restarting programming on page 34.

Read about Adopt-A-Park programs across the country on page 18.

Learn how municipalities are prioritizing native plants on page 30.

Park Fundraiser

Adopt-A-Park further connects a community with its parks

By KEVIN KILBANE | The Municipal

Some residents visit parks in Rapid City, S.D., to do more than admire the beauty of flower gardens or get in a hike or evening stroll. They go to take care of the park.

Volunteers in the city’s Adopt-A-Park program conduct park cleanups and other basic maintenance. Adopt-A-Park programs also get more people out to enjoy green spaces and take pride in them.

“I think the value isn’t necessarily noticeable in your budget, but it’s more valuable for community buy-in,” said Melissa Petersen, a Rapid City parks department landscape designer who helps coordinate its Adopt-A-Park program. “I think just getting more people out looking at the things we maintain might help them notice, ‘Wow,

there’s a lot to maintain out here.’ Not that it’s about patting ourselves on the back, but recognizing that there’s a lot of work that goes into it, and hopefully, that translates to more people more hesitant to vandalize or that sort of thing.”

Encouraging involvement

Rapid City seems to have started an AdoptA-Park program in the 1980s to provide extra help for the maintenance staff, said Scott Anderson, Rapid City parks division manager. The program lapsed in the 2000s,

ABOVE: The Recreation and Parks Department in Bakersfield, Calif., provides T-shirts to volunteers when an Adopt-APark group begins taking care of a city park. The shirts let other park users know who is working in the park, said Darin Budak, Recreation and Parks Department assistant director. (Photo provided by City of Bakersfield, Calif.)

but the city revived it in the past 10 years to give more legitimacy to park volunteers’ work, according to Anderson.

Rapid City, which has approximately 30 full-time parks and recreation employees, manages about 40 parks including about 1,700 acres of park land and greenways, Petersen said.

Currently, 13 groups or organizations have adopted about 15 parks, she said. The groups include businesses, churches, service organizations, a neighborhood group, and a fly-fishing organization, Petersen and Anderson said. The volunteers typically pick up trash and debris, clean and paint.

Volunteers also do park cleanups, limited weed trimming and other projects, such as graffiti removal, for the Adopt-A-Park program in Bakersfield, Calif., said Darin Budak, city recreation and parks department assistant director. The city launched its program about 18 months ago after the coronavirus pandemic delayed its planned debut.

Budak said the city started the program mainly to inspire people to help in their community and to engage with and take pride in their parks. Several nonprofit organizations had asked about doing volunteer projects in the parks, he explained. “And we said, ‘Well, let’s find a way where we have a standing program where these organizations can come in and do it on a routine, regular basis.’”

Bakersfield, which has a parks maintenance staff of about 138 full-time workers, manages more than 900 acres of land in 63 parks, Budak said. As of mid-August, more than 215 Adopt-A-Park volunteers have cared for nine parks.

Expectations and benefits

When an Adopt-A-Park group starts, Bakersfield provides its volunteers with items, such as trash pickers, gloves and Adopt-A-Park T-shirts, Budak said. The shirts let other park users know who is working in the park.

The city asks each volunteer group, which includes families, churches and other organizations, to work at least a combined 16 hours per month in their park. Park adoptions initially last one year, but officials hope it becomes a long-term commitment. The city can terminate an adoption if a volunteer group fails to work in their park for three consecutive months or for six months out of

the year. Volunteers also must sign a liability waiver to participate in the program.

Rapid City suggests Adopt-A-Park volunteers work in their park at least three times a year, including in spring and fall, Petersen said. The city will loan them hand tools, provide trash bags and pick up bagged trash. Parks maintenance staff normally take care of work that involves equipment other than hand tools, Anderson said.

Rapid City asks Adopt-A-Park groups to keep track of their volunteering on a sign-in sheet, Anderson said. Volunteers also must sign a liability waiver, mainly so they will be covered by the city’s workers’ compensation insurance if they suffer injury while volunteering.

Rapid City currently relies on Adopt-A-Park groups to notify it if they decide to stop caring for their park. Petersen would like to find time to reach out to park adoption groups annually to check on their status and to make sure they have all the forms they need for the coming year.

Bakersfield parks staff contact park adoption groups each month to compile their volunteer hours and what work they completed, Budak said. The conversations also offer volunteers a chance to ask for help or items they need.

Work by Adopt-A-Park volunteers allows parks staff to focus on other priorities, Budak said. “Instead of having to go out and pick up the trash around a playground, they can spend more time trimming trees or cleaning the restrooms you know, those types of things,” he explained. “ … It just helps us provide a better product to the community.”

Some Adopt-A-Park groups clean their park more frequently than park staff can, Anderson noted.

Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department Director Rick Anthony, center in blue shirt, and other parks staff joined Adopt-APark volunteers for an orientation meeting before the group began caring for its park. (Photo provided by city of Bakersfield, Calif.)

“I would say one of the other things that helps us is just having another set of eyes on the park,” Petersen said. Adopt-A-Park volunteers may notice and report a problem before parks staff see it.

Starting a program

When planning an Adopt-A-Park program, Budak suggests engaging known parks volunteers in the process and determining how the program can meet their needs. If the city meets those needs, he said, the program will grow.

“I was fortunate,” he added. “I had staff that went out and did that. … We built it around what a church would need. We built it around what a business would need. Instead of us saying this is what we need, we built it around what they were trying to accomplish with their volunteer hours.”

Think about how much time parks staff can devote to Adopt-A-Park duties, such as interacting with volunteer groups or sending out a program newsletter, Anderson said. Volunteers also want to get projects done, so parks staff should be ready to assist them as promptly as possible, he said. It’s also best to spell out in advance the limits on what work volunteers can do.

Rapid City attracted Adopt-A-Park volunteers with publicity help from the city’s communications manager and by using the city website and social media, Anderson said. Bakersfield put Adopt-A-Park program information on the city website and created an interactive map that lists all city parks, shows their location, and notes whether they are adopted or available for adoption.

Budak said Bakersfield also schedules a face-to-face orientation meeting with each new volunteer group at the park they are adopting. In addition to answering volunteers’ questions, “We walk the park with them,” he said. “We talk about things that we see. We talk about the good and the bad. That way everybody goes in there fully educated on what they’re doing, where they’re doing it, sort of what the expectations are.”

Bakersfield and Rapid City also acknowledge Adopt-A-Park groups’ efforts by placing a group’s name on a sign in their park after they volunteer six months and a year, respectively.

The city of Bakersfield, Calif., Recreation and Parks Department holds orientation meetings with new groups participating in its Adopt-A-Park program. Along with answering volunteers’ questions and talking about goals and expectations, the city provides volunteers with trash pickers, gloves and T-shirts. Volunteers also can meet parks staff and rangers. (Photo provided by city of Bakersfield, Calif.)

Volunteers with the Adopt-A-Park program in Rapid City, S.D., assist the city’s parks and recreation department by doing work such as planting flowers, cleaning and painting. As of late August, 13 groups or organizations had adopted about 15 parks. (Photo provided by Rapid City, S.D., Parks and Recreation Department)

On the Web

View Rapid City’s parks division’s website at https://www.rcgov.org/departments/ parks-recreation/parks-division.html. Scroll down to find its Adopt-A-Park program. Learn more about Bakersfield, Calif.’s, Adopt-A-Park at https://www.bakersfieldcity. us/1099/Adopt-A-Park-Program.

Cities cultivate programming to match seniors’ desires

By BETH ANNE BRINK-COX | The Municipal

“Park” is a pretty broad term, and it’s more specialized than it used to be. From parks catering to four-legged friends to playgrounds specifically designed for small children, parks departments are diversifying their offerings. There’s a lot of interest in enticing seniors — and those with mobility issues — to come out and enjoy themselves. And why not?

The senior population is growing; it’s estimated that by 2050 a third of the United States will be 65 and older. Age-friendly communities are in demand, but people also want them to be safe and enjoyable with specific features. The biggest worry many seniors have is the fear of a fall; breaking a hip can change the rest of their lives, not just in terms of health issues, but if mobility becomes an issue previously unknown, it’s not uncommon for a compromised senior to give up their home and move into a community where they can have care on hand at all times. Independence is so important, and most seniors want to maintain theirs as long as possible.

Sarah Clark is a busy lady in Vermont. “Technically, I’m the Brattleboro Recreation and Parks assistant director and the activities coordinator for the seniors. A lot of our seniors were looking for ways to continue moving, to keep flexible. They’re very proactive.” And Clark is pleased Brattleboro’s department has so much to offer the seniors. “Participants pay $5 per person per session. They typically pay at each class, but there are some who prefer to pay for a month at a time.”

Those sessions include yoga and pickleball, among many other options that have them moving. “We have chair exercises, yoga and strength classes. But we also have seniors who just love socializing, hanging out and talking, playing cards.”

There is nothing like discovering an artistic flair when you already thought you knew what your abilities were. These ladies in Brattleboro take their painting seriously and love every minute.

A look at Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department’s Facebook page bears this out. The senior center has offered, at various times, a bowling league, softball, oil painting classes, Zumba, a meditation group, tai chi and tennis. Holidays can mean things like a Christmas cookie exchange. Clark said the program has continued to grow since its inception. “It’s typically busy, but we get more participants in the winter, because they’re not out traveling or walking or whatever they like to do in nice weather.”

And participants know what they want. When asked if the department had received requests for certain types of activities and programs, Clark affirmed, “We have. The yoga classes are

Attendees enjoy making centerpieces at one of Brattleboro Recreation and Parks’ programs. They also relish the conversation throughout. (Photo provided by Sarah Clark of Brattleboro Recreation and Parks)

(Photo provided by Sarah Clark of Brattleboro Recreation and Parks)

something that people wanted, and so was tai chi.” Both increase strength, flexibility and balance, and they are well-attended. Clark said the requests are usually made through email, but they can also bring them up in person, and then a conversation leads to brainstorming to reach a workable solution that makes everyone happy.

As with so many beneficial programs for all ages, volunteer help is most welcome. “We’re always open to volunteers for any kind of program, since we offer so many things chess, basketball, pickleball, swimming. We would have a conversation about a volunteer’s interest and proposal, and we would have to do a background check, but we welcome anyone with skills to share,” said Clark, adding, “90% of what we offer is available year-round, because we have indoor and outdoor space to use.”

When asked what she’d tell other towns wanting to include more senior programming, Clark laughed and said, “Don’t call it a senior center! People can be as young as 55 to be involved here, and they don’t think of that as ‘senior.’ And we have people younger than 55 who would like to be able to take some of our classes and sessions. Let’s just call it an adult center, maybe? But really, every town or state has the ability to do this. It’s just about

finding where to do it. Find a place or facility that will fit the needs of the community and the people. We are lucky here, being part of the rec center, so we have access to the gym. We used to be in an old church, so we couldn’t offer the physical sports and other things we have now, due to lack of space.”

In Michigan, Cathy Fresia serves as the recreation programmer for Southfield Parks and Recreation Senior Services, and the department offers many of the same amenities and enjoyment.

“Chair exercise, yes! We offer yoga that might have the seniors begin on a chair, but then they can get down on the floor at any point they feel able to do so. We also have parks that have paved walkways for any type of mobility issues: walker, scooter, wheelchair, canes. We have the Miracle Field! Well, really it’s Easter Seals that has something called the Miracle League, and the Field is a baseball field for those with special needs.” The Facebook page for the Miracle Field shows clearly all the good that was intended is coming through for all the athletes.

Fresia continued, “We have indoor walking, so depending on the weather they can walk inside on the pavilion. We have a fun circle that is handicap accessible, and our other parks are accessible, too.”

Whether they make mittens, socks, dishcloths or sweaters, knitting is a cozy skill that can be done almost anywhere. It’s a sure bet these ladies knit at many other times than just in this class. (Photo provided by Sarah Clark of Brattleboro Recreation and Parks)

This Southfield gentleman shows how good exercise can make you feel. (Photo provided by Cathy Fresia of Southfield Parks and Recreation Senior Services)

During her career, Fresia has acted not only as the recreation programmer for the city of Southfield but has also been a coach for Special Olympics and worked with recreational therapy in preschool. In August, a Senior Appreciation Night was held on the front lawn of the Southfield Municipal Campus, complete with boxed dinners, vendors and dancing. Besides the pure fun, attendees learned about services and goods available to them.

In Texas, Arlington Parks and Recreation has begun a program of day trips all around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Attendees can check out shopping, museums, dinner theaters and seasonal events. Or maybe they’d prefer stops at a casino, a trip to the State Fair, a brewery tour or a winery. For those who prefer cultural events, there are murder mysteries and music revues, and to toss in a couple more fun things, health expos and a butterfly house. Anyone from the age of 18 can attend most of these excursions, with a few requiring the guest to be 21 or older. And it’s affordable, too from as little as $6 to $38, depending on what is chosen. While there’s nothing wrong with a rocking chair now and then, good physical and mental health adds much to the quality of life, no matter the age. Cities of every size would do well to look into what they could add to offer safe and enjoyable activities for all. Just remember, call it an adult center. M

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Parks and recreation fundraisers — a chance to build community

By DENISE FEDOROW | The Municipal

Some might dread the thought of fundraising, but for these parks and recreation administrators, holding fundraisers provide programs and resources to their communities that might not be available otherwise. Additionally, fundraisers build community — bringing everyone together for a common cause.

Theresa Miller, director of parks and recreation for Moorestown, N.J., said her department holds several fundraisers, including several for those with special needs.

“There are no special needs programs in our area, so people from all over South Jersey come to us,” she said. “Our summer camp started with 10 individuals and now it’s at 50.”

The summer day camp, which began in 2007, is funded by the nonprofit, Mission Voice The Lisa O’Donnel family. This year a business Quaker Wealth Management participated. The

four-week program includes field trips, special entertainment, arts and crafts, music and more. Miller said the department charges a nominal fee of $275, which includes everything, but they have scholarships for those who need it.

It’s expensive because the department needs to have two certified nurses, certified special education teachers and other personnel. The program has two age groups.

Moorestown has funded other programs through fundraisers or donations, including a special needs holiday party; Social Meeting

ABOVE: The Challenger Baseball Program in Moorestown, N.J., is completely funded by resident Ken Catanella (shown front row fifth from left). Moorestown Parks and Recreation Director Theresa Miller (front row, fourth from left) said it is an adaptive program with able-bodied high schoolers partnering with special needs players. (Photo provided by Theresa Miller, Moorestown Parks and Recreation, Moorestown, N.J.)

After School Hours, or S.M.A.S.H., for special education high schoolers and young adults; Family Game Night; Challenger Baseball; Reconstructive Orthopedics for Adults; summer basketball leagues; and summer camps.

The department also has volunteers and donors like Holman Enterprises, which donates $1,000 per summer for the children’s

theater program. This funds the program’s backdrops and playbills.

Moorestown has two Rotary clubs. The Breakfast Group adopted Jeff Young Park while the Lunch Group adopted Frank Fullerton Park. Both groups paid $5,000 for new signs and hold two cleanup days. Miller said generally 50 volunteers come out to mulch, weed and plant.

The Reconstructive Orthopedics for Adults program receives donations from physicians to pay for tai chi, yoga and full-body tone classes. Many businesses sponsor T-shirts for their camps and sports programs. Miller goes out and talks to a lot of groups nonprofit organizations and business associations “so they have an awareness of who we are and what we do.”

Moorestown has four full-time employees, including Miller, and averages nine parttime employees, but that number changes seasonally as many as 55 in the summer and an additional 10 in the winter.

Miller said, “Our town council is very pro-rec.”

She explained the extra money that comes from fundraising and donations enables the department to offer a program like Reconstructive Orthopedics for Adults free to seniors who would find paying $10 a week difficult and may be too proud to ask for a scholarship.

Miller shared the ingredients for a successful fundraiser. “It takes a committed group of people to help you a committed committee and not necessarily a large committee.”

With the special education summer camp, Miller, Lisa O’ Donnell and someone from Quaker Wealth Management were the committee speaking to people. However, for the Family Game Night fundraiser, there’s a large committee of parent volunteers. And she acknowledged that on the day of an event you need many more volunteers.

She added that it’s also crucial to have a township manager or mayor behind you. Miller also recommends reaching out to people of all ages to volunteer. She utilizes high school students who need to acquire community service hours.

“We set up a counselor-in-training program where the students work for free, but they get the community service hours needed.”

The Challenger Baseball program is an adaptive program for people with special needs, funded by Ken Catanella, that partners them with able-bodied teens.

The scouts are another source of volunteers especially those working on their Eagle Scout badge. They’ve built trails, painted the rec center and enclosed a lot of the park’s Port-a-Johns. “That’s a huge expense to do,” she said.

Miller further advised, “Reach out to nonprofits. I work closely with them; they’re amazing.”

When asked if there was a fundraiser that was the most successful or popular, she responded, “They’re all good. I can’t really pick one; they’re all really, really important to us.” But said, if forced to pick, she’d have to choose the special education summer camp because it’s the most expensive to run. “But they’re all extremely important.”

When asked why it’s important for parks departments to hold fundraisers she responded, “Because there’s a tremendous need in the community today to stay active, to enhance socialization. It’s important for people of all ages especially children to participate in fun activities that promote socialization, exercise and being with friends.”

Miller shared a story of being with seniors at one of their activities, and a widowed lady came up to her and said, “This is the best thing that ever happened to me. If not for this, I don’t know what I’d do.”

Bark for the Park

Spencer McKellar, deputy parks and recreation director and project manager for the city of Kentwood, Mich., shared a couple of successful fundraisers his department holds. Serving a population of 57,000, the parks department has 11 employees: a couple of front desk personnel; three to four program and project coordinators; and a couple of administrators “for higher-level decision making.” The public works department is in charge of park maintenance, meaning it hires any seasonal workers. Kentwood’s park system encompasses over 410 acres total including 15 parks and two trailheads.

The Bark for the Park fundraiser is an annual fundraising event that began in 2021, with this May marking its third year. Residents who wanted to see improvements at the dog park sparked it.

“They gave us a list of different things they’d like to see, but the biggest was an update to the water source we just had a hose and it made a muddy mess,” McKellar said. “With limited funds for specialized parks, doing fundraisers encourages the community to come out and support.”

He noted that the event is both a fundraiser and a community event for dog owners to bring their pets.

“After the first two years, we raised enough to purchase a drinking fountain with a bottle filler, dog bowl and at an accessible height, so it serves everyone who visits the park and prevents the muddy mess,” he said.

They have a variety of sponsors and booths with pet-related items veterinarians, salons, dog treats and pet accessories and this year, they had a counselor who helps people get dogs for medical or emotional support.

A state-of-the-art wiffle ball facility was fully funded by Community Foundation of South Jersey Jack Hannon Full Throttle Fund in Morristown, N.J. The park was built in memory of Jack Hannon, who passed away before his sixth birthday. Parks and Recreation Director Theresa Miller said it’s fun to watch the children come to play on the field. (Photos provided by Moorestown, N.J., Parks and Recreation)

These K9 officers from Wyoming, Mich., attended the Kentwood Parks and Recreation’s Bark for the Park event regularly. The event is a fundraiser to help pay for improvements at the dog park. (Photo provided by Kentwood Parks and Recreation)

Funds were raised through different levels of sponsorship packages some included the booth or they could just pay for a booth.

“We encourage vendors to donate promotional items, treats or toys, for a doggie bag, and all participants receive a goodie bag,” he said. “The dog park has limited features, so with the fundraiser, we’ll be able to continue to add features or maybe add more dog parks in town.”

5K for Limb Loss Awareness

McKellar said Kentwood’s largest fundraiser is the 5K for Limb Loss Awareness, held every April, which is National Limb Loss Awareness month. This fundraiser started in 2018. The funds raised through “registration fees and great sponsorship packages” helps buy adaptive equipment and fund programs.

These canines enjoy themselves at the annual Bark for the Park event sponsored by Kentwood, Mich.’s, parks department. The white dog, in particular, almost seems to be laughing at the beagle exiting the tunnel. (Photos provided by Kentwood Parks and Recreation)

The Kentwood parks department offers adaptive water skiing and downhill skiing, kayaking, archery, golf, bowling and rock climbing. In the last two to three years, the department has raised over $30,000 to purchase new adaptive equipment. Some businesses sponsor certain aspects of the 5K event, like water stations, for example.

In September, the department held a Vibe fundraiser for the same purpose.

“It’s more of a backyard party that’s how we like to describe it,” McKellar said. “It’s more informal.”

The event includes food, music, a speaker and silent auction. Some proceeds pay for the musicians and speakers while “anything above and beyond goes to equipment and programs.”

McKellar said, “The most successful fundraisers are the ones that have community

support. Parks and rec has a certain reach, so when you get local businesses and organizations and volunteers involved, that reach grows exponentially and so does the fundraiser.”

When asked how important fundraisers are to supplement park budgets, he responded, “It depends on the philosophy of the city and its leaders. We have a lot of support for parks and rec programs, and it continues to grow. We just passed a dedicated millage last summer that guarantees funds for perpetuity. It’s important to get decision-makers involved so they understand the impact parks programs have.”

Some communities can only serve a select few because of financial constraints, according to McKeller. “Fundraisers allow us to provide things for all ages and abilities. Everyone and anyone who lives in the community should be able to participate if they want to that’s what we strive for here.”

Newport, Ore.’s, TrackChair Program

Newport Park and Recreation Director Michael Cavanaugh was so excited about the program a community fundraiser made possible that he spoke to The Municipal while on vacation.

“I’m so proud of this program we’re getting off the ground. I think it’s one of those projects that all municipalities and communities should be targeting and shooting for,” he said.

The project is to provide a TrackChair that will enable the physically challenged to visit and enjoy Newport’s Nye Beach on the Oregon Coast.

Cavenaugh explained it all started with a co-worker years ago who had an idea to provide a beach wheelchair because

Teens work in the Bow Wow Bakery making dog treats. (Photo provided by Moorestown, N.J., Parks and Recreation)

Speakers and music are on hand when the fundraising event, The Vibe, is held in Kentwood, Mich., to raise funds for adaptive equipment. (Photo provided by Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department)

the Oregan Coast in Newport is “tough to access.” When Cavenaugh assumed the director’s position, he learned the parks department owned a beach wheelchair with big bubble tires, but the department didn’t have the greatest angles to get to the beach. This brought concerns about injuries and liabilities.

He said ADA access to the beach was a priority for the city council, and one of commission members knew about an organization called David’s Chair a nonprofit that grew from one individual named David who had Lou Gehrig’s disease and had a TrackChair. David told his best friend, Steve Furst now the CEO that when he died, he wanted someone else to get his chair.

Someone contacted David’s Chair and asked to meet. “The timing couldn’t be more perfect,” Cavanaugh shared. David’s Chair was looking to expand, and it wanted to partner with someone on the coast to keep a permanent chair.

“The stars aligned perfectly,” Cavanaugh said.

A representative from David’s Chair did a demonstration for the city council, city manager, the committee and other stakeholders, who immediately saw the benefits and were amazed at all it could do.

In June, the city held a fundraising event and demonstration. The Friday night event included food, a silent auction and raffle with about 30 to 40 businesses donating items. The local Elks Lodge gave organizers the

space for free, and a local brewery came and offered a special brew called “David’s Chair.” Meanwhile, a local band donated its time to play at the event. Close to 80 people attended, and the city also received private donations.

Cavanaugh said the parks department publicized the event through its email distribution list and even received donations from other parts of the state that way. Aside from the wide tracks on the all-terrain TrackChair, there are also TrackChairs that can bring the person to a standing position, and Cavanaugh said there are some that have control extensions that allow a caretaker or loved one to walk beside the chair.

“They can walk side-by-side down the beach instead of behind, bringing a little piece of dignity back that, to me, is so powerful.” He added, “Park and rec is about community it’s about bettering people’s lives. I’m so proud of this.”

Newport had a friends of the parks organization that used to do fundraisers for the parks, but the last one was for the aquatic facility about nine years ago. That group dissolved, but Cavanaugh said the nonprofit Friends of the Newport Parks and Recreation is starting up again so all donations from this fundraiser are going through that group.

The parks department has a memo of understanding with the nonprofit, which will maintain ownership of the chair, which will be stationed in Newport, and handle reservations. David’s Chair will communicate with the department when there’s a reservation, and park staffers will retrieve the

chair from the shed where it will be stored, help get the user into the chair and clean it afterward.

To have a successful fundraiser, Cavanaugh said, “Obviously the will and desire to make the project happen (is vital).”

Partnering with a steering committee made up of city government officials, advisors and community organizations like the friends of the parks and chamber of commerce is also crucial.

“The more people in community you have and the more hands stirring the pot, the stronger the success of the fundraiser.”

He noted city budgets are tight, and parks and rec departments tend to be lower on the list, so fundraisers and friends organizations are important.

It’s important to be aware of and put oneself in the shoes of others who might not be thought of. He noted, “With how divisive the world is today with politics, etc., events that can bind and make the community and nation strong it’s important.”

Miller pointed out, “Recreation is not just sports not just for children it’s for all individuals of all abilities. We’re very inclusive. Our motto is ‘All in’ we welcome everyone.”

An individual tries out a TrackChair on Nye Beach in Newport, Ore. (Photo provided by Michael Cavanaugh, director of parks and recreation, Newport, Ore.)

An individual in a TrackChair almost reaches the sand of Nye Beach in Newport, Ore. (Photo provided by Michael Cavanaugh, director of parks and recreation, Newport, Ore.)

Going native: Cities transition to use of only native plants

The term “invasive” aptly describes many species of plants and wildlife that have become more than a nuisance in many areas. Introduced for their appearances, potential benefits or even by accident, these species can take over where native plants and animals once had free rein, often crowding these out by taking over their habitats or food supplies. Brought into an unknown environment, they have no natural enemies or defenses against local climate, which can devastate the local landscape, making it hard to eradicate the invader, and the species themselves.

A blue flag Iris is just one plant that calls Sanibel, Fla., home. It is one of the United States’ native irises. (Photo by Veronica Runge; provided by Sanibel, Fla.)

By JENNIFER BARTON | The Municipal

Organizations throughout the country have actively begun promoting the use of native plants and the removal of invasive species over the last few years. Local governments have also encouraged using native plants on city property instead of importing outside species.

The city of Irving, Texas, part of the DallasFort Worth metroplex, began a project in 2021 to revitalize its city hall entrance. Completed last year, the project encompassed improved drainage, sidewalks and landscaping that included native grasses and flowers.

Through its “Think Green Be Green” initiative, the city of Irving also encourages its more than 200,000 residents to consider including native plants in their landscapes and gardens. Irving’s website lists reasons why native plants are preferable to imports and how to plan a garden with them.

“Using plants that are native or adapted to the Irving area promotes a beautiful yard year-round while conserving water,” it states. Natives also have natural adaptations to droughts, common in that area of Texas.

Additionally, native plants help bring native wildlife to the area and keep them there. Creating spaces for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are especially welcomed. Partnering with the Native Wildlife Federation, the mayor’s office began a “Garden for Wildlife” program to educate citizens on the use of native planting to provide habitats for butterflies, bees and birds, with plant recommendations like the copper canyon daisy, Texas frogfruit and native milkweeds. These spaces can provide a haven for wildlife like monarch butterflies, whose populations have decreased significantly in the recent past.

Sanibel is both a city and the name of the island on which it rests off the west coast of Florida. The contrast between it and Irving couldn’t be greater. A barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, it boasts a much smaller population of over 6,000 people. Director of Natural Resources Holly Milbrandt explained that when the city was incorporated in 1974, “residents wanted to be in charge of the island” and its development, resulting in the Sanibel Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

When Hurricane Ian tore through Sanibel in 2022, the native plants looked windburned and scraggly until the rainy season began in June 2023; however, they survived better than non-native plants would have. Pictured is a wetland restoration that occurred after the hurricane. (Photo by Veronica Runge; provided by Sanibel, Fla.)

“It was unique for its time unique even for this time.” She continued, “It was based on the ecological system; looked at the plant life and asked, ‘What is reasonable development for this area?’ That really set us down this path.”

Today in Sanibel, “two-thirds of the island are protected in conservation,” Milbrandt reported. Invasive species, such as the

A mating pair of gulf fritillary, also known as passion butterfly, visit a native plant in Sanibel City Hall’s landscaping. (Photo by Veronica

melaleuca tree and Brazilian pepper plant, which once had flourished on the island, have been severely decimated due to eradication programs from years prior. Though they still exist in Sanibel, neither is problematic as they previously were. Also, property owners are required to maintain a minimum of 75% native plants on their land, and the beach dunes must be 100% native plants.

Native plants can offer pops of color, such as these wild sunflowers. (Photo by Veronica Runge; provided by Sanibel, Fla.)

Runge; provided by Sanibel, Fla.)

Milbrandt said, “They’re our first line of defense against hurricanes.”

The city of Sanibel maintains a policy of only using and maintaining only native plants on government property. Known as the Native Plant Demonstration Garden, the grounds around city hall won the Florida Native Plant Society Award of Excellence in 2022. Tours are offered by the Vegetation Committee twice a month for visitors to view the gardens, and classes are held there for vegetation and nature contractors.

The main advantage that natives have over invasive species is twofold, according to Milbrandt. First, those plants need very little water and can tolerate Florida’s long dry season. Secondly, they do not require fertilizers, which often run off into water supplies, making their way into the Gulf of Mexico.

“They’ve adapted to the local issues. Nationwide, there is an overuse of fertilizers, which leads to algae blooms,” Milbrandt said. “We have problems with algae bloom, which creates red tide hundreds of fish die and are washed up on shore. It’s heartbreaking.”

This adaptability also extends to hurricane resistance, extremely beneficial in an area often ravaged by hurricanes. When Hurricane Ian tore through the area last year, Milbrandt reported that even the native plants looked windburned and scraggly until the rainy season

began this June, but survived better than non-native plants would have. The gumbo-limbo tree, in particular, boasts a unique survival feature it drops its branches in the high winds of a hurricane.

Another Florida city, Boca Raton, began a similar project on its beaches. Beach naupaka, oyster plant and bowstring-hemp have become a problem on the coastlines of Boca Raton. Partnering with the Institute for Regional Conservation, the city is looking to eradicate these invasive pests and instead replace them with native species sea lavender and inkberry in particular hoping to repopulate both species. Two beaches have been targeted for this: Red Reef and South Beach Parks. Volunteer days have already taken place to allow community members to become involved in this process.

By removing invasive species and planting native ones, these and other cities hope to reclaim the landscape, transforming it into what is best suited for the geography and climate in the region.

Native grasses reside on Sanibel’s dunes. Property owners are required to maintain a minimum of 75% native plants on their land, and the beach dunes must be 100% native plants. (Photo by Veronica Runge; provided by Sanibel, Fla.)

A gopher tortoise makes its burrow in Sanibel City Hall’s landscaping, which uses native plants. (Photo by Veronica Runge; provided by Sanibel, Fla.)

Spartina marsh grass, a native plant, has shown resiliency even against hurricanes. (Photo by Veronica Runge; provided by Sanibel, Fla.)

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Schenectady restarts parks programming

By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal

Unable to find the right person for the role, the position of Schenectady, N.Y., parks and recreation director was left vacant for many years — about 20 years. Once Willie Deane moved back to the city and was available to take the position, the city considered him a perfect fit for the job.

Deane was raised and well-known in the city. He graduated from Schenectady High School with prestigious honors. After graduating from Purdue University, he spent his time overseas playing professional basketball. While playing basketball, he also took college classes and worked in supervisory roles in Bulgaria and Russia, thus gaining valuable management experience.

“I gained a lot of cultural capital from living in 15 different countries,” he mentioned.

During his two months off between seasons each year, Deane would come back home to Schenectady and run community give back programs. He partnered with the YMCA for one program using basketball to help tutor kids. Partnering with Life Enrichment Inc., Deane would mentor, tutor, teach and coach a girls’ basketball team for young women 12 years of age and under.

Given his history as a professional basketball player and his past in helping the children of the community using these skills, Deane was a prime candidate to take over the long vacant superintendent of parks and recreation position in Schenectady. He officially took over that role earlier this year.

When it came to getting parks and recreation programs back up and running, Deane’s first order of business has been to focus on summer youth programs. With no one running the parks and recreation department, there had been a void in programming and in the parks, with little for children to take part in. Therefore, while looking for programming ideas to hold for Schenectady’s youth, he sat down and wrote out all the current events going on in the world today. This included artificial intelligence, sports, literacy, financial literacy and science. He then reached out

ABOVE: Youth in Schenectady, N.Y., now have more options for recreation during the summer after the parks and recreation department restarted programming after an over 20-year break. (Jacob Boomsma/ Shutterstock.com)

to local organizations that are well known for teaching these programs.

For instance, miSci led the summer’s science program, and You Inc. took point on the financial literacy program. Professional basketball players volunteered to come to the parks and teach youth how to play basketball and other sports. A bike program was held that taught children the basics of how to fix a bicycle and also taught those children to ride a bike who had not yet learned how to ride.

“Ten kids who never knew how to ride a bike will never forget that, and that’s a skill they’ll have for the rest of their life,” Deane described.

One program also involved participants collecting recycled material found throughout the park, using it to make a boat. Children tested their boats’ seaworthiness, and then a boat race followed.

Each of the programs involved a special subject or life skill and lasted one week.

Other summer programming continued on throughout the summer. However, there were only six weeks of summer vacation for the programs. After programming was complete, the participants were invited to an awards ceremony at GE Theatre, where they received surveys asking what they liked best and what could be improved. One benefit of the programs through the parks and recreation department was that they ran longer than summer programming through the local YMCA and Boys and Girls Club, providing children with additional opportunities. Deane also kept in regular communication with those leading the programming on areas to improve for next year and visited each of the sites himself throughout the summer.

“This year was mostly a test to see what would be received and how things would be received,” Deane admitted. “Now we go back to the drawing board to see what interested kids the most and what can be improved.”

A minimum of 100 kids participated in the summer youth programs this year throughout four different parks: Central Park, Orchard Park, Steinmetz Park and Wallingford Park with its splash pad.

The focus for Schenectady currently remains on its summer programs, specifically summer youth programs, and no winter programming is planned at the moment. However, many additions are planned for next year’s summer programming. While there were quite a few city parks under construction and unavailable this year, these parks will be available next summer to expand the programming. Deane also plans a greater collaboration with the school system, YMCA and Boys and Girls Club for next year. Since all four organizations have summer enrichment programming, he believes it would be more impactful for them all to work together so most programming does not all occur at the same time and all four are not competing for participants.

Another benefit was that teenagers and college students were the primary employees of the summer programs. Young adults 14 years of age and up helped to teach the summer programs.

“The most rewarding part was just being able to employ kids for the summer. The program fit perfectly for the kids coming home for the summer and for kids who may not have work experience to gain some experience. It was very rewarding for me to have

Starting parks programming after years of nothing, Schenectady, N.Y., Parks and Recreation Director Willie Dean considered both community youth’s interests and what would be beneficial for them to learn. This included chess, riding and fixing bicycles, financial literacy, science and basketball. (Photo provided by Schenectady Parks and Recreation Department)

Schenectady’s parks programming will focus primarily on summer youth programs. While this past year was a test of what would work and what could be improved, next year the number of parks where programming will be available will also be expanded. Marketing and advertising for next year’s programs will also be increased. (Photo provided by Schenectady Parks and Recreation Department)

kids thank us for employment opportunities,” he mentioned. Young adults and college students who need to earn a little extra money are not always able to find opportunities for employment during the summer months. These young adults also allowed the young participants to gain life skills and create relationships with these young adults as role models,” Deane Said.

Regarding restarting parks and recreation programming after so long, Deane shared, “Just getting the word out has been the greatest hurdle.”

The plan is to focus more on better marketing and advertising next year to get more participants to the parks.

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Director expands Ephraim City’s funding, infrastructure and programming for recreation

By NICHOLETTE CARLSON | The Municipal

After high school, in 2011, Michael Patton began his college career at Brigham Young University-Idaho. Following his first completed year, he began a church mission in Mexico City, Mexico, and was there until 2013. He returned to Brigham Young University-Idaho and began considering his career options, including recreation management — since he had always been intrigued by the various sports and programs cities offered.

Originally from California, Patton had a brother who was studying for the same degree and currently in an internship. He earned $15 an hour by going to parks and taking notes each day.

“When $8 an hour was the norm, I figured I could do that,” Patton explained. “I quickly learned it was more than just sipping on lemonade in the sunshine all day, but nevertheless I got my degree in recreation management.”

Unable to find a job in southeast Idaho, Patton decided to take classes at Idaho State University and earn a second degree in public communication while he searched. In order to bolster his resume, he also began working with the nonprofit Southeast Idaho

ABOVE: Michael Patton, Ephraim City, Utah, recreation director (Photo provided by the Ephraim City Parks and Recreation Department)

TOP PHOTO: Ephraim City Parks and Recreation Department has been working on a series of multiuse trails through the mountains. It has completed 10 miles of trails. (Photo provided by the Ephraim City Parks and Recreation Department)

Council of Governments. While there, he helped cities acquire funding through the state for projects such as roads, downtown revitalization, sewers, playgrounds and sports courts. He gained a lot of experience working on construction management and grant writing.

However, his goal was still to enter the world of parks and recreation. While searching, Patton came across Ephraim City, Utah, which was searching for a recreation director. He was hired on because of his nonprofit grant writing work. He began his career four years ago, overseeing all programming and events.

Once COVID-19 hit, his primary concern became figuring out the best way to do his job while also dealing with the new restrictions. However, since Ephraim City leans politically conservative and is extremely rural, many of the restrictions were not as strict as in the large cities. While parks department programming was initially shut down, the things began restarting slowly in June 2020.

One of the city’s largest annual events is the Scandinavian Heritage Festival. While it had to be cancelled in 2020, Patton wanted to see it return on Memorial Day weekend 2021. This festival was the first major event in all of Utah to come back after COVID-19, and since so many people wanted to get out of the house, there was a record attendance. Following the festival, cities big and small throughout Utah called Patton to learn how the city managed to reinstate the festival and how to do it safely.

Before Patton took over the recreation director position, the department had been primarily concerned with youth sports:

After starting his tenure soon before COVID and dedicating his first year to planning and development, the first big event Patton could hold was the annual Scandinavian Heritage Festival. In 2022, the festival held its first-ever wife carrying race. (Photo provided by the Ephraim City Parks and Recreation Department)

Programming revolved around a different sport routine each season. His goal is to continue to expand the programming to be more inclusive and offer recreation possibilities for everyone.

Since no major projects were initiated during his first year in the position, Patton dedicated his time to figuring out what the residents and community wanted and how to make that happen.

“The COVID-19 years were a lot of time spent in planning and development, doing community input surveys, and so on. So, when things opened up more, we were ready to strike,” Patton said.

During this planning stage, the department worked out conceptual designs, financial strategies and maintenance plans. Patton also worked up a five-year plan for staffing, programming, events, park infrastructure and objectives to get there. The plan took approximately six months to develop and included developing more trails for the community accessible to all people.

This initial five-year period is nearly complete. Patton is outlining the next five-year plan, which he will introduce next year.

In his time as recreation director, he has already managed to get over $1 million in funding for parks buildings and

infrastructure. The goal is to use as few tax dollars as possible to fund the recreation projects; therefore, Ephraim City took advantage of a recreation, arts and parks tax that Utah allows to be charged. For every $10 spent on retail, one penny goes to the city’s recreation department.

The tax has helped to fund infrastructure projects. It has also allowed the city to use it as a match to receive other funding.

In 2022, the primary recreation project was building an all-abilities playground. This year, the focus is on building a skate park. Upcoming projects include building a disc golf course and laying more than 10,000 multi-use trails up the mountains.

In regard to the trails, the goal is to make them as inclusive and accessible as possible, Patton said. “The saying is that Grandma should be able to ride these trails in a wheelchair with a bowl of chili in her lap and be perfectly fine,” he laughed. The city’s first farmer’s market also opened this year.

The recreation department has expanded from just youth sports to 30 various programs available. There has been a focus on including programming for seniors, adults and toddlers as well as English as a Second Language classes. There is also now a youth sports scholarship program for youth in low-income housing, funded by local businesses.

A sports equipment program is available where youth in lowincome housing can borrow donated used sports equipment for free. One in five families in Ephraim City lives below the poverty line, so it is important for the recreation department to ensure the programs are affordable and available to everyone.

Staffing was able to be increased so that Patton could hire an event coordinator to plan one event a month. These have included a Christmas parade in December and a Halloween event in October.

Last year a brand-new event, a Christmas tree bonfire, was started in cooperation with the public works department. Residents were encouraged to drop the trees off at one park and then come together to enjoy a bonfire. The idea was noticed by the state of Utah and highlighted as a unique event. This year the Christmas tree bonfire will return and be paired with the city’s polar plunge as part of a fire and ice festival.

Another new project has been the revitalization of a community center. The city owns a senior center that was run for years by a nonprofit group of seniors, but when the pandemic began, the group lost interest in running it. Funding was generated to renovate, rebrand and rename the center, which will focus on bringing back senior programming.

“Another big project on the horizon is a brand-new sports complex,” Patton said. “We have a junior college and, when it was small, we joined forces and built a sports complex for the college to use. Fast forward to today, and both the college and city have grown: There’s not a lot of space to accommodate both user groups.” The goal is for the city to build its own and leave the current complex to the college.

A 50-acre recreation space is also on the horizon. However, in order to use as few tax dollars as possible, the project will take place in phases. Phase One will be the development of 10 acres with green space for soccer, pickleball courts, a playground, walking trails and a parking lot. Phase Two will include baseballs and softball fields with walking paths around the entire 50 acres. Currently,

This year’s major recreation project includes the building of a skatepark in Ephraim City. The project is planned to be completed in October of this year. (Photo provided

the Ephraim City Parks and Recreation Department)

Patton is working on receiving the necessary funding to begin that project.

“The National Recreation and Park Association has a recommendation on how much recreation space a city should have per capita and Ephraim City is way below that recommendation,” he noted. “In order to fix that, the recreation department is focused on getting any city-owned space that is not developed and calling dibs on it.”

by

The large park infrastructure project of 2022 included the construction of an all abilities playground. (Photo provided by the Ephraim City Parks and Recreation Department)

BEFORE: WOOD

AFTER: STRONGWELL FRP

Above: O the coast of South Carolina is a nearly 400 ft. long boardwalk within the Francis Marion National Forest. Previously constructed out of timber and treated wood decking, the boardwalk has been completely replaced three times in less than two decades due to environmental exposure and weather-related damage. To replace the structural underpinnings and supports, EXTREN® 500 series structural shapes were used. Square tubes, channels, plates, and I-beams were fabricated for seating areas and to support the entire walking surface of the boardwalk which was outfitted with DURAGRID® T-1800 grating panels. Designed with a 75-year life expectancy, this new structure will continue to showcase the area’s natural beauty and history for multiple generations.

Colorado Springs embraces the operation of Westside Community Center

By JANET G. PATTERSON | The Municipal

A little more than a year after taking on operation of the Westside Community Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., the city is enthusiastic about its success.

“We are really pleased with how far we’ve come,” commented Mark Snow, community recreation manager for the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.

Founded in 1871, Colorado Springs, a city of about 491,000 residents, has four neighborhood community centers that provide a variety of services. The 1911 building that houses the Westside Community Center has enjoyed a rich history in its 112-year life.

The west side of Colorado Springs was originally Colorado City, a separate municipality on the outskirts of Colorado Springs, explained Kimberly King, assistant director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and a native of the area. The building was constructed as a school in a town that had a reputation for saloons and gambling parlors. “Since Colorado Springs was dry, Colorado City was where people went to have fun,” King said.

Adophus Busch started a brewery in Colorado City, as well as the Colorado City Glass Company to make bottles for his beer. When nationwide efforts to stem the tide of alcoholism among industrial workers gained strength in the early 20th century, Colorado City decided it was time to join the movement. In 1913, the city voted to go dry, and in 1917, Colorado City was annexed into Colorado Springs.

The building that is now the Westside Community Center continued to operate as Buena Vista School until the spring of 2009, when School District 11 and the city entered an agreement to transfer the Intergenerational Learning Center programs from another of the district’s schools. “There was a significant downturn in the economy in 2009,” King explained.

The city’s budgeting process for 2010 resulted in cutbacks that included the four community centers.

FAR LEFT AND ABOVE: The building that houses the Westside Community Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., started its life as Buena Vista School in Old Colorado City. (Photo provided by Colorado Springs)

Garden boxes give local residents a place to grow vegetables and flowers. The seasonal fee of $30 includes a water supply. (Photo provided by Colorado Springs)

“So, we started an RFP process looking for operators for the four community centers.”

The search for community center operators resulted in only one successful proposal: The Westside Community Center contract went to a local church, Woodmen Valley Chapel. The church operated the center from 2010 until 2020, when the ministry decided to pursue other opportunities.

Colorado Springs spent the next two years searching for a new organization to operate and manage the center, while local residents campaigned to keep it open. In 2022, the city committed to operating the center with funding from the general revenue budget in addition to creating a public-private partnership, bringing in programs and vendors to serve the neighborhood.

Snow said the Westside center is unique among the city’s four community centers. In addition to the 1911 school, there is a cottage that provides space for events, and a third building that has rooms for services to the neighborhood. While all of the city’s centers serve lower socio-economic neighborhoods, Westside serves a significant number of senior citizens as well.

To help make the center affordable for the city to operate, Snow said Colorado Springs’ nationally recognized therapeutic recreation program moved onto the property. “The program’s team helps to run the center.”

One of the staples of the center is the Westside Cares food pantry that has operated for the last 15 years. In addition, there is a licensed childcare center on the property and a senior lunch program that provides nutritious meals and socialization for senior citizens in the community. The senior meal program, called the Silver Key Connections Café, is partially funded by Pike’s Peak Area Council of Governments/Area Agency on Aging.

Snow added that the African American Historical and Genealogical Society of Colorado Springs also has space at the center. “They provide a valuable service to the African American community tracing their family lineage.”

He said the local YMCA has two large rooms in the east cottage building where they have senior programs as well as a youth summer camp.

“And we have a crafters group, table tennis and pickleball, after-school tutoring, free music lessons, and our gym is a muchcoveted space!”

There is also a community garden on the property, with 71 eightfoot beds that are rented for $30 for the season. The cost includes water to grow the gardens.

Snow said one of the most significant additions to the center’s operation has been the creation of a working committee to gather community feedback for programs that are wanted and needed by local residents.

The 10-member committee was formed in late 2022 to review and endorse proposals for programs and tenants. Their recommendations go to the city, which determines the logistics that are unique to the Westside center, Snow said. “I see us expanding our hours to have after-school, evening and weekend events and expanding who we serve to include youth, young adults and families.” Currently, the center is operating from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Snow said there are also plans to rent spaces for private events such as birthday parties, showers and family gatherings. Opportunities for new tenants and programs are accepted through proposals submitted to the working committee.

When the center was operated by Woodmen Valley Chapel, the city allocated $100,000 for operations. The current annual budget for the new private-public partnership model is $371,000, King said. This is less than half of the operating budgets for each of the other three community centers in Colorado Springs.

Assessing the first year of operation, he summarized, “We’re open. We have programs. We have Wi-Fi, and we see a path forward. This is truly significant progress.”

The gym at the Westside Community Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., is a much-coveted space where neighbors can pursue their favorite indoor sport. (Photo provided by Colorado Springs)

Exercise classes are among the long-standing activities at the Westside Community Center. (Photo provided by Colorado Springs)

Since 1997, Stanislaus County leaders and other stakeholders have been looking for ways to replace the

Pictured is the bridge before and after its replacement. (Photos provided)

Connecting communities:

Hickman Road Bridge replacement project benefits vehicles, pedestrians and the local environment

By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal

Built in 1964, the Hickman Road Bridge over the Tuolumne River in Stanislaus County, Calif., provides a vital link between the community of Hickman and the city of Waterford. However, since 1997, stakeholders with an interest in the bridge have been looking for a way to retrofit or replace the nearly 60-year-old structure with something that would benefit multimodal vehicles. As the project continued, it would be lauded by the League of California Cities (Cal Cities.)

Critical care

When it was originally constructed in the mid-1960s, the Hickman Road Bridge was a seven-span concrete box girder with concrete abutment and pier walls supported on pile caps founded on driven piles. After nearly six decades of service, it was determined that the bridge was scour critical, and during high storm events when the river levels are elevated the structurally deficient passage had to be closed.

“The closures were a major inconvenience to the traveling public as the detour was substantial at over 10 miles,” said Sam Chrun, PE, deputy director of engineering services for the Stanislaus County Public Works Department.

With an average daily traffic rate of 6,441 vehicles and no practical solution to repair the failing bridge, city and county officials commissioned Dewberry a nationwide firm of design, planning

and construction professionals to create a new one. It would be a massive, multi-million-dollar project, but luckily, the bridge’s scour critical status and the fact that the bridge did not meet existing seismic design criteria meant it was eligible for replacement under the Highway Bridge Program (HBP) and Local Seismic Safety Retrofit Program (LSSRP). Additional funding was procured from the Measure L Local Street & Roads Funds, city of Waterford and Highway User Tax Account Funds for a grand total of $24 million.

The new bridge consists of a 750-foot-long cast-in-place, post-tension box girder that is supported by seat abutments at each end and intermediate two-column piers. Each pier is supported by two large diameter cast-in-drilled-hole piles ranging in 100-125 inches in diameter and up to 125 feet in depth to address the ongoing degradation of the Tuolumne River channel. It also features two 12-foot-wide travel lanes; two 8-foot-wide shoulders; and one 5-foot-wide sidewalk

Hickman Road Bridge.

along the east side of the bridge. It was immediately upstream of the existing structure, keeping the existing road and bridge open to the public during construction. The result is a bridge that is wide enough to accommodate two lanes of vehicular traffic plus safe pedestrian and bike access.

“The bridge had to be closed for approximately two weeks to construct the needed improvements to divert traffic from the old to new bridge,” Chrun said. “The existing bridge was then demolished upon completion of the new bridge construction.”

New features and improvements

Besides the safer structure and multimodal features, the Hickman Road Bridge replacement project included the installation of a 16-inch PVC water main in the bridge to provide the community of Hickman a future sustainable and reliable water supply from the city of Waterford. Project leaders also addressed the ongoing degradation of the Tuolumne River channel and made improvements to the local environment by minimizing the number of bridge foundations in the Tuolumne River channel. This mitigated the number of plants that had to be uprooted while also preserving the look, function and feel of the River Park and the River Park Trail.

Construction required the temporary closure of the River Park and a portion of the River Park Trail to provide access for the heavy machinery needed to build the new Hickman Road Bridge. As the project concluded, contractors reestablished and made improvements to the spaces that will have permanent impacts within the community.

“The River Park Trail was rerouted to a more level, ADA-compliant path of travel with proper retaining walls and hand railing through the site,” Chrun said.

As part of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife environmental permitting requirements, the team also had to mitigate for any loss of habitat that the bridge project might impact. As it turned out, there was an estimated 6,000 bats living on the old bridge in the gap between the exterior bridge girder and the telecommunication conduits on the upstream side of the bridge. During construction, the crew could maintain the bat colonies on the old bridge while the new one was being built during the first year of construction. When the bats migrated south for

The Hickman Road Bridge replacement project was seven years in the making and cost $24 million. When it was reopened in April 2022, the bridge not only accommodated vehicular traffic, but included bike and pedestrian lanes as well. (Photo provided)

The Hickman Road Bridge was deemed scour critical and structurally deficient. During heavy storms, it was often closed causing travelers to endure a 10-mile detour to get to their destinations. (Photo provided)

the winter, crews excluded the bat habitat on the old bridge and incorporated bat houses in the new structure so when they returned in the spring, the mammals could move into their new abodes.

“This was extremely successful since the new bridge has a thriving bat colony,” Chrun said.

Award-winning project

The Hickman Road Bridge replacement project has been so successful, it was the overall winner of the 2023 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards, which recognize creative and cost-efficient programs in counties and cities throughout California that preserve and protect the public’s investments in improving local streets, roads and bridges.

Sponsored by Cal Cities, County Engineers Association of California and California State Association of Counties, the Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Awards were awarded to five innovative programs during the Cal Cities Public Works Officers Institute/ CEAC Spring Conference on March 9 in Los Angeles County.

“Every day, cities and counties are delivering on important transportation in their communities,” said Cal Cities Department of Public

Works President Benjamin Fine, Pismo Beach director of public works and city engineer. “These award-winning projects demonstrate local leaders’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the vital role local jurisdictions play in achieving our state environmental goals.” M

This angle showcases bike paths that have been added to the new Hickman Road Bridge. (Photo provided)

State helps Michigan cities hone plans to spend federal money responsibly

By DANI MESSICK | The Municipal

What is Michigan to do with an estimated $11 billion being provided to it by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through 2026? What’s the best way to ensure the money gets to communities in the more organized way possible?

Chief Infrastructure Officer Zach Kolodin’s position began after U.S. Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal in November 2021. Kolodin did a tour of the state, meeting community leaders where they were and seeking to learn what the needs were.

“These are vast opportunities,” Kolodin said. “It quickly became clear that communities across Michigan were asking the same questions: What dollars are available to us, and how do we access them?”

On the table is around $7.3 billion for roads, $563 million for bridges, $1 billion for public transportation, $1.3 billion toward water infrastructure, $1.7 billion to expand high-speed internet access and $110 million in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

ABOVE: Flint used funds to bring cleaner public transit buses. (Photo provided by the state of Michigan)

Looking at infrastructure law following the conversations, Michigan leaders realized they needed to better understand the funding opportunity before they could design an effective response.

“The federal government has published hundreds of pages of guidance and resources and that’s fantastic, obviously, but we wanted to organize it in a way that was more easily accessible” for Michigan communities, Kolodin said.

Community Navigator, Infrastructure Investment Tracker and the Technical Assistance Center were born from that desire. They were officially launched in March, although beta versions of the initiatives went out earlier.

“They are really intended to help people understand what is possible,” Kolodin said. “If you are a mid-sized city in Michigan, you may want to know, ‘What are other cities like ours getting done?’ Having this map available to really help folks visualize what’s possible, and then translate that into action, was the idea.”

A public access for tracking federal dollars, Community Navigator is a user-friendly source sortable by the deadline, release date and more. The Infrastructure Investment Tracker then shows the results, and the Technical Assistance Center helps those in need to put together applications. Kolodin said their value has already proven immeasurable.

“We set out to build infrastructure that serves communities, that meets people where they are and makes life better, and the tracker demonstrates that we’re doing that. It’s also a tool to inspire, and to show that it really is possible in a community like yours to get a meaningful infrastructure project done.”

As examples, Kolodin noted that the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians won a $20 million federal grant to improve multimodal transportation: Information on how they did it and what exactly they did is available on the tracker. Additionally, the Ozhitoon Mino-Bimaadiziwin Project will make multimodal improvements

on critical routes to essential services in the Detroit area, including reconstructing 3 Mile Road with a nonmotorized path, reconstructing the Shunk Road corridor and redesigning and reconstructing the Casino Road loop among other improvements to provide reliable and equitable connections between housing, schools, the community center and essential services for tribal members and the surrounding community.

The tools are similar to the federal government’s Maps of Progress nationwide tracker, but they are geared at Michigan specifically.

Comprehensively, the $280 billion that has been announced through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expected to address roads and bridges, replace lead pipes, help provide high-speed internet to every family in America, deliver cheaper and cleaner energy to households and businesses and produce concrete results that change people’s lives for the better, according to the White House’s Maps of Progress website.

Kolodin said success for Michigan’s Community Navigator, Infrastructure Investment Tracker and Technical Assistance Center isn’t going to be measured by project readiness. Some communities are not yet ready to apply for funding, although through the technical assistance center there is also support for grant writing.

“Sometimes people need more than just the basic information in order to organize their community and put together a successful funding application,” he said. “I think it’s also important for communities to leverage their relationships with state leaders, with their local economic development organizations, and even with their state and federal delegations to maximize these opportunities.”

To explore Michigan’s Community Navigator or the Infrastructure Investment Tracker, visit the Michigan Infrastructure Office at www.michigan.gov/whitmer/issues/ michigan-infrastructure-office.

“I would encourage folks to get into their cities and counties and talk to road commissions and water authorities and see what their obstacles are, and then try to solve those obstacles,” Kolodin said. “We’re here in 2023, and the information that the federal government is providing is better than ever. You won’t know unless you ask.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, right, took to the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by the State Infrastructure Office in order to better serve community needs. (Photo provided by the state of Michigan)

ABOVE & BELOW: The Michigan Innovation Summit allowed economic and political leaders to hear pitches from across the state for federal dollars. (Photo provided by the state of Michigan)

Creative contributions enrich Savannah municipal archives

Shutterstock photo

By LAUREN CAGGIANO | The Municipal

With a goal of bridging the gap between history and the present day, the city of Savannah, Ga., has embarked on a community-based initiative known as the Savannah Community Memory Project. According to city Director of Municipal Archives Luciana Spracher, this endeavor aims to capture the untold stories of the community’s diverse neighborhoods and populations, focusing on inclusivity, creativity and community engagement.

Spracher is a leader with a passion for preserving the city’s history. She said what started as a simple archiving activity known as the History Roundup has now evolved into the dynamic project that seeks to uncover and tell stories that have long been overlooked. For instance, marginalized communities aren’t always treated fairly in that their histories aren’t part of the mainstream.

The Proud Savannah History Project also came out of the History Roundup, though it had more of a niche focus. In her words, “Instead of targeting a specific neighborhood, we’re targeting Savannah’s cultural communities, doing oral histories and collecting memories and what’s important to them.”

Now, she and her team are taking lessons from the Savannah Community Memory Project and expanding its reach.

“This project came out of an effort a few years ago to collect information about a specific neighborhood that was in a prime development area,” she said. “So, we knew it was going to change. And then we realized that people really liked to share their history and their materials and have those things come to the archives. So, we’ve been doing

more of that as we recognize gaps in our collections, to try and make our collections more representative of our citizenry.”

Spracher said she hopes the Savannah Community Memory Project will do just that. Its foundation is an archives-in-residency program, which invites a wide array of individuals and teams from historians and archivists to artists and educators to partake in a mission of historical preservation and storytelling. In short, the project aims to empower residents to become the historians of their own communities, giving voice to stories that often escape the pages of history books.

One interesting element is the room for creative license.

“It could be a regular historian or oral historian or archivist, but it became educators, or artists, or musicians who were submitting a concept,” she said. “Our final product could be a poem, or a dance, a choreographed dance or a documentary. There are lots of options. And I think having fresh perspectives is good for government, because the government kind of does things the same way all the time.”

Luciana Spracher, director of municipal archives in Savannah, Ga., said the department’s Archives and Outreach programs help to provide equity in the city’s outreach efforts to diverse communities. (Photo provided by city Savannah Municipal Archives)

The Savannah Archives and Outreach department wants to make sure that the unique neighborhoods, communities and historic sites that make up a diverse Savannah are documented.

The project’s uniqueness also lies in its commitment to equity and inclusivity. Through a careful selection process, the project prioritizes underrepresented communities, aiming to provide a platform for voices that have long been silenced. Not merely content with traditional modes of historical preservation, the initiative encourages fresh perspectives, including artistic and creative interpretations of the past.

While the exact nature of the final project has yet to be defined, Spracher shared her vision for the outcomes. For instance, community engagement activities and workshops will serve as milestones to measure the project’s impact on connecting neighborhoods and fostering dialogues. If all goes as planned, she’s open to the project turning into a recurring annual event, injecting renewed enthusiasm into the preservation of local history.

In the meantime, Spracher said the city is eager to see how the community responds. The submission deadline was Sept. 19 and as the selection process unfolds, Spracher said she anticipates fresh perspectives and creative ideas that will redefine historical preservation.

Whatever the concept, she said the city will work with the community member who submits the proposal to help execute the logistics.

“We’ll work with the residents to determine their location for the exhibit and the time period and help them with the marketing,” she said. “Our marketing communications office will be instrumental in helping us throughout the project. They’ll let people know the project’s going on and how everyone can be involved, because that’ll be super important.”

Spracher’s department is working closely with residents to unlock stories and explore elements that contribute to quality of place.

(Photo provided by city Savannah Municipal Archives)

Spracher said that while she’s eager to see what’s in store for the Memory Project, its significance goes beyond the unveiling of a final product. Savannah is poised to witness a new chapter in its history one written not just by historians, but by the very people who have lived and shaped the city’s trajectory.

To list your upcoming conference or seminar in The Municipal at no charge, call (800) 733-4111, ext. 2307, or email the information to swright@the-papers.com.

OCTOBER

Oct. 2-5 Fire Department Training Network Fire Combat Indianapolis, Ind.

https://fdtraining.com/training/ courses#Camp

Oct. 3-4 Offshore Windpower 2023 Boston, Mass. https://cleanpower.org/events/

Oct. 3-6 South Dakota Municipal League Annual Conference

Rapid City, S.D. https://www. sdmunicipalleague.org/events

Oct 4-6 Texas Municipal League 111th Annual Convention

Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, Dallas, Texas https://tmlconference.org/

Oct. 5-8 Municipal Leadership Summit

Wind Creek Hotel, Bethlehem, Pa. https://www.pml.org/ municipal-leadership-summit/ municipal-leadership-summit

Oct. 6 Delaware Rural Water Association 15th Annual Water & Wastewater Operators Expo Greenwood Fire Company, Greenwood, Del. https://drwa.org/ events/#conference

Oct. 7-9 League of Kansas Municipalities Annual Conference

Hyatt Regency + Century II Convention Center, Wichita, Kan. https://www.lkm.org/

Oct. 8-10 Virginia Municipal League Mayors Institute & Annual Conference

Waterside Marriot, Norfolk, Va. www.vml.org

Oct. 10-12 New Jersey Recreation & Park Association Conference & Expo Dallas, Texas

https://www.njrpa.org/NRPAAnnual-Conference

Oct. 10-12 NRPA Annual Conference

Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, Dallas, Texas

https://parks.nrpa.org/

Oct. 11-12 Paper & Plastics Recycling Conference Chicago, Ill.

https://paperplasticsna. recyclingtodayevents.com/

Oct 11-13 Montana League of Cities & Towns 92nd Annual Conference

Helena, Mont.

https://mtleague.org/ conference/

Oct. 11-14 Montana Fire Service Convention

Double Tree Hotel, Billings, Mont.

https://montanafirechiefs.com/ fireserviceconvention/

Oct. 12-14 League of Oregon Cities 98th Annual Conference

The Graduate, Eugene, Ore.

https://www.orcities. org/training-events/ conferences/98th-annualconference

Oct. 14-17 IACP Annual Conference

Convention Center, San Diego, Calif.

https://www.theiacpconference. org/

Oct. 17 South Dakota Parks & Recreation Annual Conference

Huron Event Center, Huron, S.D.

https://sdpra.com/meetinginfo. php

Oct. 17-18 ILRWA Northern Conference

Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, Rockford, Ill.

https://www.ilrwa.org/Training/ Conference.html

Oct. 18-19 AWC’s Member Expo

Kennewick, Wash.

https://wacities.org/eventseducation/conferences

Oct. 18-19 New Jersey Water Association Annual Conference Atlantic City, N. J. https://www.njwater.org/

Oct. 18-20 League of Wisconsin Municipalities 125th Annual Conference

KI Center, Green Bay, Wis. https://www.lwm-info.org/731/ Annual-Conference

Oct. 18-20 Michigan Municipal League Convention Grand Traverse Resort, Acme, Mich.

https://blogs.mml.org/wp/ events/

Oct. 19 NH Drinking Water Expo & Trade Show

Concord, N.H.

https://nhwwa.org/nhdrinking-water-expo-tradeshow/

Oct. 19-20 Arizona Women Leading Government 2023 Conference

Mesa Convention Center, Mesa, Ariz.

https://10times.com/e12kxssr-d558

Oct. 22-24 NAPO’s Legal Seminar

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino, Incline Village, Nev.

https://www.napo.org/events/ upcoming-events

Oct. 23-25 Fire Department Live-Fire Trainer Indianapolis, Ind.

https://fdtraining.com/training/ courses#Camp

Oct. 24-27 TFCA Fall Conference

Meadow View Conference Center, Kingsport, Tenn.

https://www.tnfirechiefs.com/ conferences

Oct. 25-28 NUCA Annual Convention & Exhibit

Naples, Fla.

https://www.nuca.com/ annualmeeting23

Oct. 30-Nov. 1 South Carolina Environmental Conference Embassy Suites, Myrtle Beach, N.C.

https://www.scwaters.org/ mpage/operator_conference

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Acoustic Lead Screening is a Game Changer for Quickly Identifying Lead Service Pipes

By LAURA SPROULE | Mueller Product Manager

Water regulators around the world are taking numerous steps to address the removal of lead from drinking water systems due to the serious health effects of this contaminant. Drinking water that contains lead can pose a health risk to everyone, especially fetuses, infants and children. Some of the health effects of lead exposure include effects on neurological development and behaviour, such as lower intelligence quotient (IQ) in children, increased blood pressure or kidney problems in adults and reproductive problems.

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Ruling requires that water utilities submit lead service line inventory information by Oct 16, 2024. It is estimated that there are between 6 million to 10 million lead service lines buried across the U.S.

Determining how many service pipes are lead and where they are located is not an easy task, in part because the water supply pipe (the pipes that connect the water main to the plumbing in a home or building) belongs in whole or part to the property owner. Determining if these pipes contain lead requires cooperation between the water utility and the property owner.

To date, water utilities have been reviewing municipal records, conducting visual examinations, performing water analysis and modelling and excavating to find lead service lines. But these methods can be time consuming, costly and not always accurate in identifying the pipe material. Mistakes and misclassifications caused by inadequate training or errors in record keeping create limitations to the effectiveness of these methods. Using these traditional approaches

makes it challenging for utilities to meet the EPA’s lead service line inventory deadline.

Some utilities are exploring new innovative techniques, such as acoustic testing, to screen the pipe material. Many utilities across the globe are familiar with acoustic technology used in leak detection and condition assessment by companies such as Echologics. By leveraging its extensive knowledge of acoustics, Echologics is at the forefront of providing an innovative acoustic solution to identifying lead supply pipes. The primary advantages of this technique are that it is noninvasive, nondisruptive and the pipe material determination is quick within minutes.

How does acoustic lead screening work?

Two acoustic sensors are used to “bracket” the portion of the supply line to be screened for lead, with one placed on the curb stop tap and another sensor placed on the internal shut-off valve. In some cases, the second sensor can be placed outside a customer’s residence, such

as on an external customer meter, eliminating the need for operators to enter the home. An acoustic signal is then sent through the pipe and recorded and analyzed by Echologics’ PipeScreen™ Service Line Analyzer and the Sentryx™ Water Intelligence platform. Using automated algorithms to analyze multiple acoustic features, the software can screen the pipe material within minutes. The data is automatically uploaded to the Sentryx online platform, a cloud application that provides immediate access to the data from any connected device.

The supply line data is presented as “lead,” “not lead” or “inconclusive” classifications. Development continues to further classify the material of the “not lead” supply lines.

Case in point — Severn Trent Water Company

Severn Trent is a large U.K. water company supplying water to 4.8 million households with close to 2 billion litres of drinking water supplied every day, which is distributed through over 50,000 km of water pipes.

While Severn Trent knows where many of the lead supply pipes are located, these are customer owned and maintained so there are some locations where lead pipes may exist that Severn Trent do not have records for. Traditional examinations can sometimes mistake copper for lead and finding a good pipe when digging can be a disruptive mistake that water companies want to avoid. Before going ahead with a supply pipe replacement, Severn Trent wants to be certain that it is a lead pipe so that lead pipe replacement funding goes where it is most needed.

The company has been actively seeking out innovative technologies to address this issue. In January 2022, it engaged in a research program with Echologics to trial the PipeScreen Service Line Analyzer that can noninvasively determine if a water service line contains lead. Over 40 service pipes were tested, each taking between 15 to 20 minutes. Following the PipeScreen Service Line Analyzer testing, Severn Trent validated 72% of the pipes by excavation or potholing. The results of the comparison between PipeScreen Service Line Analyzer results and validations were impressive with 0% false negatives, 0 % false positives and 2.5% inconclusive tests, accurately identifying the correct type of supply pipe material. The 2.5% inconclusive were characterized by the PipeScreen Service Line Analyzer as mixed material and validations confirmed that there was a mix of lead and another material in the tested service line.

Richard Brant, Green Recovery Subject Matter Expert at Severn Trent, said: “Taking inventory on lead service pipes is challenging, especially in parts of the country where the majority of houses were built over 50 years ago. Acoustic lead supply pipe detection is a game changer in making it quick and easy for us to find these pipes with certainty.”

Dual function in detecting leaks

As the sensors are placed “bracketing” the supply pipe, the line can simultaneously be surveyed using Echologics’ leak detection technology for customer-side leaks and water loss from plumbing.

Acoustic leak detection is mainstream and preferred by many utilities as it is noninvasive, highly accurate, can be conducted in quiet periods, installed permanently, or shifted, and is easy for water operators to use. The Echologics® PipeScreen Service Line Analyzer solution leverages a similar kit to the Echologics® LeakFinder-ST™, which is an established technology that many water operators use for acoustic leak detection in water pipes.

In Conclusion

Acoustic lead screening, while new, is based on a proven technology that can be easily used to help water utilities protect the public from lead exposure and take inventory of lead service lines. Given the serious health risks associated with lead exposure, finding a solution that is nondisruptive and delivers quick insights, will provide water companies with a viable solution to free communities of lead piping as quickly as possible whilst making large time and cost savings through the reduction of more invasive techniques, such as trial holes, which is a better experience for our customers. M

To sign up for more information on LSL screening, visit https://marketing.muellerwp.com/LSLscreeningmethod, or call Mueller at 800-423-1323.

STW excavating for lead pipe removal.

ACT

Coated Stainless Steel Cable Ties are a strong, durable method of bundling, identifying, and fastening cables or wires. Their stainless steel construction provides high strength and heat resistance, while their polyester coating prevents corrosion. They are ideal for use in critical applications where strength, vibration, radiation, weathering, corrosion, and temperature extremes are a factor.

• Can be used in indoor, outdoor and underground applications

• Designed with round edges and a smooth surface resulting in low insertion force

• Locking ball design enables quick installation

High Bar Brands expands its iconic brand portfolio with the acquisition of Dieter’s Accessories

OWATONNA, MINN. High Bar Brands, a leading provider of commercial vehicle solutions, announced the acquisition of Dieter’s Accessories, a renowned manufacturer of heavy-duty truck parts and stainless steel accessories.

“We are excited to welcome Dieter’s Accessories into our family of brands,” said Christopher “CT” Thorpe, president and CEO of High Bar Brands. “Dieter’s reputation for 40 years of exceptional quality aligns perfectly with our commitment to exceeding customer expectations and providing customer solutions. This international acquisition marks an exciting milestone for us and represents a platform for further growth in Canada and the U.S.”

Based in Cambridge, Ontario, Dieter’s Accessories is a manufacturer specializing in stainless steel parts, including grilles, visors, cab skirts, fender guards and lighting products. Dieter’s also has an aftermarket brand under the Panelite nameplate, which was acquired by Dieters in 2010.

“We are thrilled with our new relationship with HBB,” Dieter’s President Peter Hohendorn said. “I and the management team saw HBB as the best fit to take Dieter’s to the next level, while sharing our core beliefs and family values.”

Thorpe emphasized the synergy of Dieter’s distribution through the OEM and aftermarket channels, which presents a significant opportunity for the High Bar Brands portfolio.

“With over 3,500 HBB distributors, our strong presence in the aftermarket will greatly enhance the Panelite brand,” Thorpe explained. “Moreover, Dieter’s long-tenured relationships with key, heavy-duty OEMs will further drive our growth in that segment of the market across all of HBB brands.”

Hohendorn will remain invested in the company and following a period of transition will remain as a consultant for the company. Dieter’s Accessories joins Minimizer, Premier Manufacturing and Viking Mud Flaps as part of High Bar Brands’ expanding portfolio.

“We are highly selective when it comes to adding brands to our iconic portfolio, ensuring these brands align with our strategic goals of delivering high-quality parts through our extensive distribution network. The Dieter’s/Panelite brands exemplify this approach,” stated Thorpe. “Over the coming months, our focus will be on integrating Dieter’s Accessories into our sales and marketing engine, leveraging the successful strategies that have propelled sales for all our other brands.”

NRPA and AAPRA Announce Latest Inductee to the Recreation and Park Hall of Fame

ASHBURN, VA. The National Recreation and Park Association, the nation’s leading advocate for parks and recreation, in partnership with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, is proud to announce a new inductee to the Recreation and Park Hall of Fame, Dr. H. Douglas “Doug” Sessoms.

For over four decades, Sessoms exemplified extraordinary, lasting, significant and passionate leadership and service to the profession of parks and recreation. As a visionary, Sessoms helped build institutions that define the profession today. His early involvement helped establish the NRPA and AAPRA and facilitated the

establishment of the Society of Park and Recreation Educators as a branch of NRPA to build strong connections between universities and practice. Sessoms also helped develop formal accreditation of professional preparation in park and recreation degree programs, which Dr. Tony Mobley identified as “one of the most important developments for colleges and universities at that time” and today.

Wholly embodying NRPA and AAPRA’s missions of public good and quality of life for all people, Sessoms brought awareness to needs and rights for recreation and leisure of under resourced populations to potential recreation service providers. His contributions extended beyond enhancing practice to preserving the profession’s history by establishing the Academy of Leisure Sciences historian position and writing NRPA’s history of professional preparation in parks and recreation. Dean Tice, former executive director of NRPA, stated that “few people were better qualified than Doug to detail this history.”

Sessoms’ impacts exist today through academic accreditation, NRPA and AAPRA’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, and in the myriads of students, colleagues, practitioners and public officials who carry on his work as professional leaders, advocates and mentors, today.

The Recreation and Park Hall of Fame was conceived in 1987 by the late Robert W. Crawford and was named in his honor. The concept was expanded and refined by the Joseph Lee Memorial Library Committee with startup funds provided by a grant from the National Recreation Foundation. The first induction ceremony took place at NRPA’s National Congress and Exposition in 1988. Since then, 43 individuals have been added to the prestigious collection of leaders and pioneers in the field of parks and recreation. The Hall of Fame is a fitting memorial to those leaders in the park and recreation movement who have enriched our philosophy and enhanced our environment. Forty-three individuals have been inducted to the Hall of Fame as of 2018. Sessoms will be the forty-fourth, the first since 2017.

Benefit of investing in American communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. A new research study by the nation’s largest public works group finds American communities are benefiting with local, state and federal investment in water, surface transportation and emergency management. Yet the American Public Works Association’s examination says a greater economic benefit would be realized if funding more closely matched need.

“This important report shows just how essential the public works profession is in every community throughout the U.S.,” said APWA CEO Scott D. Grayson, CAE. “For surface transportation, water and emergency management, we now know the level of financial benefit of every dollar invested, and we know what the benefit could be if budgets at all levels of government came closer to actual need.

“Asset management technology is giving communities better insight about the health of their infrastructure, which is allowing them to schedule and fund maintenance projects and extend the life of roads, sewer systems and bridges. However, AM is also providing a clearer picture of what needs to be replaced now.”

Every $1 invested in transportation returns $5 in economic benefits, and every $1 billion supports and creates about 50,000 jobs, the report found.

Every $1 billion of capital investment in public transportation more than doubles business sales ($2.6 billion) and sparks a 20 percent increase in GDP ($1.2 billion), while a $1 billion investment in operations yields a threefold increase in business sales and a near double increase in GDP.

However, there is an $81 billion funding gap in total water sector capital expenditures. As a result, 2.1 trillion gallons of drinking water worth $7.6 billion is lost due to aging infrastructure. Lower production volumes will also result in 636,000 lost jobs annually by 2039.

“Public works teams keep the water flowing but in some communities duct tape and bailing wire no longer work, as this research shows,” APWA President Keith Pugh, PE, PWLF, said.

Should the U.S. increase its investment in water infrastructure by $109 billion a year until 2043, approximately 800,000 new jobs would be created and the increased reliability in water services would help consumers avoid $7.7 billion in medical costs, $2.6 trillion in losses caused by service disruptions, and $1.4 trillion in lost income.

Grayson and Pugh acknowledge the significant strides being made to rebuild transportation and water infrastructure through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, IIJA.

“IIJA is the official acknowledgment our infrastructure needs more and better help,” Pugh said. “APWA, as we always have, are working with local, state and federal partners to ensure the historic act’s success.”

APWA’s report, in conjunction with National Journal, found that 85 percent more is spent on disaster recovery than for resilience against future hazards. In financial terms, that is $46 billion/year on cleanup and repair and only $7 billion to make sure community infrastructure withstands the next blow from mother nature.

The Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program is the only source of federal funding provided directly to state and local governments for the functions which help build robust emergency management systems.

Grayson said it is an APWA policy priority to include more public works professionals at the federal table during the design and employment of emergency management programs.

NTEA announces to the latest companies earning MVP status

FARMINGTON HILLS, MICH. Because standards don’t raise themselves, NTEA’s Member Verification Program acknowledges the companies leading the industry to excellence. Fleet managers, truck dealers and OEMs know truck equipment manufacturers and distributors with MVP status have implemented specific business and quality standards and comply with federal regulations.

New MVP members (since April 1, 2023)

• Wagner Truck Equipment (Saltsburg, Pa.)

Renewals

• Dejana Truck & Utility Equipment LLC (Schenectady, N.Y.)

• Douglass Truck Bodies Inc. (Bakersfield, Calif.)

• Harbor Truck Bodies (Brea, Calif.)

• KC Truck Systems Inc. (Kansas City, Mo.)

• KE Rose Co. (Huber Heights, Ohio)

• Metropolitan Truck Center Inc. (Stoughton, Mass.)

• Northland Equipment Co. Inc. (Janesville, Wis.)

• Push-N-Pull (Pittsburgh, Pa.)

• Reading Truck (West Palm Beach, Fla.)

• Reading Truck (Louisville, Ky.)

Current NTEA Distributor and Manufacturer members are encouraged to apply for MVP status at any time. There is no charge NTEA underwrites the cost of MVP as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the core competencies of its members. Once qualified, companies receive MVP status for a three-year term. To renew, MVP members must again document compliance, ensuring their ongoing commitment to professionalism, industry knowledge and high performance.

Visit ntea.com/mvp to learn more and apply or contact NTEA’s technical services department for personalized assistance: (800) 441-6832 or mvp@ntea.com).

Bonnell Industries to build facility in industrial park

DIXON, ILL. — Bonnell Industries is going to build a 100,000-squarefoot manufacturing facility in the Lee County industrial park near Interstate 88.

The Dixon City Council plans to vote on an agreement Tuesday that would reimburse Bonnell with up to $4 million in redevelopment costs through future property tax revenue generated in the city’s Industrial Park tax-increment financing district.

The project is a $10.7 million investment, with an $8 million manufacturing building, parking and utility extensions as well as outfitting the site with $2.7 million in specialized manufacturing equipment, according to the development agreement.

The TIF reimbursement would include around $550,000 in predevelopment costs such as property acquisition costs, architectural and engineering services, legal services, inspections, surveys, market studies and environmental studies.

Bonnell will also annex its properties at 1385 Franklin Grove Road and 501 Anchor Road into the city limits and receive a 10 year property tax abatement as long as those properties weren’t sold.

The new facility will be built on about nine acres off of Bast Progress Derive next to Nicor in the Lee County Business Park.

The project is going to create 16 new full-time jobs.

Bonnell Industries is a family owned company spanning three generations and opened in 1960. It manufactures a variety of snow and ice equipment, plows, spreaders, bodies, road maintenance equipment and leaf vacuums.

The industrial park TIF cover 236 acres south of I-88 between South Galena Avenue and U.S. Route 52.

Ground breaking ceremony was August 30, 21023. M

News releases regarding personnel changes, other non-productrelated company changes, association news and awards are printed as space allows. Priority will be given to advertisers and affiliates.

Releases not printed in the magazine can be found online at www.themunicipal.com. Call (800) 733–4111, ext. 2307, or email swright@the-papers.com.

Best cities for recreation

Staying active isn’t only good for a person’s health, it can also make good financial sense. One of the best ways to maintain an active lifestyle is to live in a city that encourages and facilitates recreation. The healthiest cities have a wide range of leisure activities, both indoor and outdoor.

WalletHub feels that neighborhood parks are one of the most beneficial types of recreation a city can offer. The business’ research has found that having a park within 500 to 600 feet of a person’s property can have a significant impact on the home’s value; in addition, they help residents stay fit, saving them

as much as $1,500 in healthcare costs per year, and lower the levels of pollution. Indoor recreational opportunities are important too, though, especially in places where the weather isn’t always opportune.

To determine the places where recreation is a high priority, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 48 key metrics that spoke to the benefits of recreational activities. In each city, basic living costs, the quality of parks, the accessibility of entertainment and recreational facilities and the weather were all examined. The cities that came out on top for 2023 are:

Source: wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-for-recreation/5144

• Minimize/Eliminate rod scoring

• Extend the life of cylinder seals

• Protects cylinders from the elements

• Prevent pitting due to chemical washers

• Reduce particle contamination of hydraulic systems

• Minimize dings and dents associated with falling debris

In re: Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Product Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2:18-mn-02873

This Document relates to: City of Camden, et al., v. E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, et al., No. 2:23-cv-03230-RMG

UNITED

STATES DISTRICT COURT, DISTRICT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, CHARLESTON DIVISION

TO THE SETTLEMENT CLASS: All Public Water Systems in the United States of America that draw or otherwise collect from any Water Source that, on or before June 30, 2023, was tested or otherwise analyzed for PFAS and found to contain any PFAS at any level; and

All Public Water Systems in the United States of America that, as of June 30, 2023, are (i) subject to the monitoring rules set forth in the U.S. EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (“UCMR 5”) (i.e., “large” systems serving more than 10,000 people and “small” systems serving between 3,300 and 10,000 people), or (ii) required under applicable state or federal law to test or otherwise analyze any of their Water Sources or the water they provide for PFAS before the deadline of sample collection under UCMR 5.

What Is The Purpose of This Notice? The purpose of this Notice is (i) to advise you of a proposed settlement of certain claims against The Chemours Company, The Chemours Company FC, LLC, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Corteva, Inc., and E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company n/k/a EIDP, Inc. (collectively the “Settling Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina (the “Court”); (ii) to summarize your rights in connection with the Settlement; and (iii) to inform you of a Court hearing to consider whether to grant final approval of the Settlement (the “Final Fairness Hearing”), to be held on December 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., before the Honorable Richard M. Gergel, United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, located at 85 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401.

What Are The Key Terms of the Proposed Settlement? The Settling Defendants have agreed to pay one billion one hundred eighty-five million dollars ($1,185,000,000)(the “Settlement Amount”), subject to final approval of the Settlement by the Court and certain other conditions specified in the Settlement Agreement. In no event shall the Settling Defendants be required to pay any amounts under the Settlement Agreement above the Settlement Amount. Any fees, costs, or expenses payable under the Settlement Agreement shall be paid out of, and shall not be in addition to, the Settlement Amount. Each Settlement Class Member who has not excluded itself from the Class will be eligible to receive a settlement check(s) from the Claims Administrator based on the Allocation Procedures developed by Class Counsel, which are subject to final approval by the Court as fair and reasonable and which are under the oversight of the Special Master.

What Are My Options?

YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE SETTLEMENT. You must file a Claims Form to be eligible to receive a payment under the Settlement. You can submit your Claims Form online at www.PFASWaterSettlement.com, or you can download, complete and mail your Claims Form to the Claims Administrator at AFFF Public Water System Claims, PO Box 4466, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. The deadlines to submit a Claim Forms are illustrated below. Regardless of whether you file a Claims Form or receive any distribution under the Settlement, unless you timely opt out as described below, you will be bound by any judgment or other final disposition of the Released Claims, including the Release set forth in the Settlement Agreement, and will be precluded from pursuing claims against the Settling Defendants separately if those Claims are within the scope of the Release.

Phase One Public Water System Claims Form – 60 Days after the Effective Date

Phase One Special Needs Claims Form – 45 Days after the Phase One Public Water System Claims Form Deadline

Phase Two Testing Claims Form – 1/1/2026

Phase Two Public Water System Claims Form – 6/30/2026

Phase Two Special Needs Claims Form – 8/1/2026

Phase One Supplemental Fund Claims Form – 12/31/2030

Phase Two Supplemental Fund Claims Form – 12/31/2030

YOU CAN OPT OUT OF THE SETTLEMENT If you do not wish to be a Settlement Class Member, and do not want to participate in the Settlement and receive a Settlement Benefit Check, you may exclude yourself from the Class by completing and mailing a notice of intention to opt out. Any Person within the Settlement Class who wishes to opt out of the Settlement Class and Settlement must file a written and signed statement entitled “Request for Exclusion” with the Notice Administrator and provide service on all Parties no later than DECEMBER 4, 2023.

YOU CAN OBJECT TO THE SETTLEMENT. Any Settlement Class Member who has not successfully excluded itself (“opted out”) may object to the Settlement. Any Settlement Class Member who wishes to object to the Settlement or to an award of fees or expenses to Class Counsel must file a written and signed statement designated “Objection” with the Clerk of the Court and provide service on all Parties in no later than NOVEMBER 4, 2023.

The Court’s Final Fairness Hearing. The Court will hold the Final Fairness Hearing in Hon. Sol Blatt, Jr., Courtroom of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, located at 85 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, on December 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. At that time, the Court will determine, among other things, (i) whether the Settlement should be granted final approval as fair, reasonable, and adequate, (ii) whether the Released Claims should be dismissed with prejudice pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement, (iii) whether the Settlement Class should be conclusively certified, (iv) whether Settlement Class Members should be bound by the Release set forth in the Settlement Agreement, (v) the amount of attorneys’ fees and costs to be awarded to Class Counsel, if any, and (vi) the amount of the award to be made to the Class Representatives for their services, if any. The Final Fairness Hearing may be postponed, adjourned, or continued by Order of the Court without further notice to the Class.

How Do I Get More Information? Please visit www.PFASWaterSettlement.com or call toll free 1-855-714-4341. You may also contact Class Counsel or the Notice Administrator for more information.