May 2010 VRPS Presidents Newsletter

Spring 2010 Edition

V I R G I N I A R E C R E AT I O N & P A R K S O C I E T Y

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER Virginia Recreation & Park Society, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 www.vrps.com vrps@vrps.com 804.730.9447 (o) 804.730.9455 (f)

From the President Lakita Frazier, CPRP Director Suffolk Parks & Recreation

Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.

Evan Esar

Mid Year Review Over the past six months, so many wonderful things have been happening around the state. In January, we held the Leadership Orientation in Augusta County where we reviewed our goals and procedures for 2010. The Spring Director’s Forum held in March at the Deep Run Recreation Center in Henrico was a wonderful opportunity for us to network and develop additional opportunities for us to grow as an organization. We are in the process of compiling the information discussed in preparation for the next forum to be held in Hampton during the Annual Conference. The Leadership Training Institute was a success again this year. Congratulations to all of the graduates! I would also like to thank the LTI Board of Directors for their hard work and commitment that made this year another successful venture. In May, the Virginia Senior Games were a big success, proving we are winners at any age!

Now we are approaching one of our busiest seasons, filled with swim lessons, field trips and summer camps. As you prepare your staff for the summer season, please join the Northern Service Area for “Summer Survival” on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at Hemlock Regional Park located in Clifton Park, Virginia. This year’s training is sure to be exciting while offering morning and full day opportunities. Speaking of training, early registration has begun for this year’s Annual Conference in Hampton September 11—14.

The 2010 conference committee has been working diligently to provide a great curriculum, entertainment, and various opportunities for networking. I hope you can join us in “Celebrating, People, Parks, and Programs”!

It has been a wonderful experience serving as your President over the past 6 months. I have had the opportunity to speak to many of you about the future of our organization. We must continue to work together to nurture, recruit, and maintain our membership in order to groom the next generation of professionals. Please visit our new website that is user friendly and offers us yet another opportunity to expand our communication throughout the membership. Thank you all for your continued dedication and commitment to our profession and to VRPS.

For More Information on the Conference or Awards, use the links below.

Lakita

Annual Conference Link Awards & Citations Link INSIDE THIS ISSUE

From the President Cover 2010 Awards & Citations Cover “Recreational” Athletics 2 Tony Hawk Grant Award 3 NPSI 3 Grant Opportunity 4 2011 Management Conference 4 “Back to Basics Training” 4 July is Park and Recreation Month 4 Certification 4 Awards & Citations Information 5-14

Call for Nominations Do you have a program, facility, or professional that you feel deserves recognition? The 2010 Awards and Citations Committee is seeking nominations for this year’s program to be held in Hampton during the Annual Conference. Each year this event highlights the best of the best in our field. The application deadline is June 28, 2010.

Visit www.vrps.com or call the VRPS Office at (804) 730-9447 or email vrps@vrps.com for volunteer opportunities.

“Employ thy time wisely, if thou meanest to gain leisure.” - Benjamin Franklin

“Recreational” Athletics:

Let’s Keep It That Way! By: Mark Moore, CPRP Botetourt County Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Whether it’s decreasing or eliminating the minimum number of plays or minutes each child must play, or increasing base or pitching distances, the push has been felt in many localities to absorb some of the traits of travel sports into recreational sports. Some will say, “We’re losing our best players to travel sports.” While no program wants to lose children to the “competition,” are travel sports really direct competition to recreational sports? Webster’s Dictionary defines competition as “rivalry between two or more persons or groups for an object desired in common.” While both programs offer the opportunity to play the sport, travel and recreation sports have very little in common; they differ greatly with how the teams are formed, player selection, cost and travel involved, to name a few.

With the increase in the number of travel teams over the years, a new travel team seems to pop up every time a parent gets disgruntled with his or her current travel team.

Could it be that the influx in the number of travel teams has actually made recreational sports geared more for the recreational player? With the more talented players migrating from recreation to travel sports, recreational leagues can focus on providing an allinclusive athletic program that appeals to all members of the community. For the children that don’t aspire to play travel sports and may not even aspire to play for the local middle or high school team, recreational sports provides them an opportunity to experience the thrill of competition, the enjoyment of being part of a team and the ability to learn the fundamentals of a sport.

Many recreation departments across the state also deal with the challenge, “We are grooming these children to play for our middle school or high school team.” While there is benefit in this, relative to the number of children in many departments’ athletics program that go on to play for school teams, it shouldn’t be the main focus. Take for example Botetourt, Virginia. Of the nearly 900 children in their youth basketball program, less than 160 play on school teams. That is less than 20% that go on to play school basketball, which means more than 80% of their children do not go on to play for their school once their recreation career is over.

Few can question the important role that sports can play in a child’s development.

Children learn a multitude of important lessons through sports that are basic to leading productive adult lives in our society. Sports provide an ideal forum to teach such valuable fundamentals as ethics, abiding by the rules, winning and losing with grace, coping with success and failure, respecting authority figures, always striving to do your best, etc.

These traits provide the building blocks that help young citizens of our communities become well-balanced adults. A study conducted by Hardiness Research of Wyoming found that by a 2:1 ratio for boys and a 3:1 ratio for girls, those who participate in sports perform better in school, do not drop out, and have a better chance to attend and graduate from college.

Travel or select sports have a place in the community and are a great benefit for those parents, players and coaches who seek it. Some of the benefits include an increased level of competition, travel and opportunity for players to be seen by recruiters.

However, recreation administrators need to protect recreational sports for the vast majority of children in the community that simply play for the fun of the game and may have no aspirations of playing for a travel team or even the local school team.

Recreational sports are built on “all-play rules,” modified gym or field dimensions and local practice and game schedules, to name a few. The games and rules are modified to put the emphasis on instruction and having fun, to be all-inclusive and to take the emphasis off of competition and winning. If recreational sports start to resemble travel sports, what’s left for the majority of the children in your community who just want to play for the fun of the game?

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Suffolk Parks and Recreation Receives Grant from Tony Hawk Foundation Suffolk was one of only 19 municipalities to receive $10,000 from the Tony Hawk Foundation to assist with the construction of two skate spots. The spots will be built within two existing parks, Lake Meade and Bennett’s Creek.

“We are honored to receive this grant out of such a competitive process. These facilities will benefit our community tremendously.” stated Terry Baronner, Park Manager. The department looks to begin construction mid June with a completion date sometime in August. It is definitely a good time to be in Suffolk!

Mark your Calendar…

November 5, 2010 The Virginia Recreation & Park Society Senior Resource Group’s 5th Annual 2010 Fall Conference on Senior Programming, Therapeutic Recreation & Aging. Conference to be held at Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico, Virginia; 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information contact VRPS at (804) 730-9447 or vrps@vrps.com.

Keep Kids Safe At Your Playground...

Register To Become A Certified Playground Safety Inspector According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is estimated that each year over 205,850 injuries occur on playgrounds and approximately fifteen children will die from playground related injuries. This course is designed to educate individuals about those hazards, and train them to identify and reduce the risks associated with them.

Sponsored by NRPA, VRPS is hosting a National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI). The Institute is the most comprehensive training program on playground hazard identification and risk management methods offered anywhere. Advanced reading and fifteen hours of training from nationally known playground safety experts will prepare participants to sit for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector examination offered at the culmination of the certification course. It is also approved for ceu's.

Topics for the course include: • Identifying hazards on playgrounds • Developing risk management tools • Importance of comprehensive playground safety program from a legal perspective • Test methods for entrapments, protrusions, and entanglement • National standards and guidelines.

The NPSI is a must for municipalities, schools, child care facilities, health departments, playground manufacturers and installers, insurance firms, food chain franchises, park and recreation agencies, maintenance facilities, and others responsible for playgrounds. Click here for a registration form and more information.

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Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Obesity Prevention RFP from VA Department of Health Month. Each CHAMPION the Virginia Department of Health’s obesity pre- July, NRPA encourages recreation facilivention program, has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) ties and parks across the country to kickfor funding for programs and strategies targeting Preschool- off summer programs, promote outdoor ers, Parents of Adolescents, Active Aging, Worksite Wellness, physical recreation, and pull together volunteers to make their outdoor space a and Breastfeeding promotion. The due date for the CHAMthriving center of community activity.

PION RFP is Monday, June 28, 3 p.m. The CHAMPION RFP and information for submitting the RFP is available at http:// What will your department do this year to celebrate Park and Recreation month? www.eva.virginia.gov/ under Solicitation and Awards. The title of the RFP is CHAMPION Obesity Prevention and it is RFP “Celebrate, Advocate, Recreate!” #707K102.

If you have any questions about eVA or becoming and eVA vendor, please contact 2011 MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE http://www.eva.virginia.gov/register/vendorreg.htm.

Planning is beginning for the 2011 Management Conference. This conference is Summer Survival—Eastern Service Area designed for supervisors, managers, di“Back to the Basics” rectors and administrators of parks and recreation facilities looking to gain valuOn June 7th and 8th, the Eastern Service Area sponsored “Back to able insight to our profession. Tracks will the Basics” training sessions in Newport News and Norfolk. Over 100 parks and recreation professionals participated in sessions such be devised to encourage professional balancing, growth and development for as “Incorporating Health and Fitness into Summer Program” and “Being Creative in a Challenging Economy”. The Eastern Service both new and experienced managers. An Area would like to thank all of the cities that sent employees to this added benefit is the opportunity to nettraining. work with your peers from around the state! If you would like to serve on the planning committee or have ideas for speakers and topics, please contact Lakita Frazier at (757) 514-7250 or by email at lfrazier@city.suffolk.va.us.

Grant Opportunity

Are you Certified?

Certification is one way to achieve individual recognition, enhance self-esteem and gain respect of parks and recreation peers and the public. Certification enhances the credibility of the individual and the profession, as well as provide a reward system for those individuals who achieve a high level of professionalism. For information and applications for CPRP certification, visit www.vrps.com. Attainment of certification assures employers that certified personnel: meet prescribed education, experience and continuing education requirements have shown a dedication to their chosen profession through voluntary certification. Increasingly, employers are listing certification as a desirable element of employment.

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VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Demonstrating Excellence in the Field of Parks and Recreation About VRPS

About the VRPS Annual Conference

The Virginia Recreation and Park Society is a private, nonprofit professional organization, founded in 1953 and incorporated in 1956. Its purpose is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia, into one body. The members work together to promote and improve the profession in all its diversity. VRPS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Park Association.

Each year VRPS members and friends gather for the Annual Conference. This educational exchange provides an opportunity for professionals to discuss trends and areas of common interest. Major speakers highlight the conference in addition to dozens of topical sessions. In addition to the educational aspects, the Conference provides the opportunity for networking and award recognition. For more information please visit www.vrps.com.

One of the most frequent benefits cited for belonging to VRPS is “professional interaction.” Workshops, conferences, and involvement at committee and board levels provide valuable training and the opportunity to see what other people in leisure services are doing.

The Awards Presentation will take place on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. This event honors exemplary members and agencies of the Parks and Recreation community for achievements during 2009.

All applicants must verify their city or county population by including ten (10) copies (one placed in each application packet) of the 2009 (or most recent population data available) obtained from the US Census Bureau at www.census.gov/.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: June 28, 2010 For award consideration, please mail postmarked by 6/28/10 or hand deliver by 5 p.m. 6/28/10 completed entry form, support materials and payment to: VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111

NOMINATION PROCEDURES Joint agency submissions will combine populations from each submitting agency, as well as multiply the $30 fee by each submitting agency. (Example: Agency “A” has a population of 22,000. Agency “B” has a population of 34,000. They would submit one application in the 50,001 – 75,000 category, and pay a $60 fee for their award submission.)

To help ensure that Award Committee Members receive all nomination information and back-up material, please pre-package materials for each award nomination in 10 separate envelopes. Each packet should include: 1) the official nomination form, 2) supportive information, and 3) all back-up materials.

Please label the outside of each individual package with: 1) Agency or nominee name, 2) population category, and 3) award category.

CHECK-LIST 1. Form and supportive information must be typed, on letter-sized white paper, double-spaced using a minimum of 12 pt. font.

Please submit all nominations in letter/legal sized envelopes. Please do not submit nominations in binders.

2. Ten (10) copies of nomination form and all back-up material, including diskettes, DVD’s or CD’s, which will be considered in meeting award criteria must be submitted in 10 individual packets. Any submission received without the appropriate number of copies, collated and properly compiled, will be disqualified. Incomplete or late entries will be disqualified with no refund. VRPS Awards Committee reserves the right to re-direct entries into appropriate categories. One entry per form. You may duplicate forms as necessary.

3. No more than ten (10) digital photos on labeled CD’s of each individual, program, facility or promotional piece being nominated may be provided. Please label each CD’s with the agency name, category and description. Photos should be a minimum 300 dpi in .tif or .jpg format. No .eps or .ai files, please.

4. All documents shall be submitted in Microsoft software applications, such as Word, Excel or PowerPoint, in the 2003 format. Please do not utilize the 2007 Microsoft software as not all committee members can open these documents!

Pdfs are acceptable.

5. For individual awards, submit one photo (digital or print) of nominee(s) for use in the awards presentation.

6. If submitting a nomination in the promotional materials categories, include ten (10) original pieces of printed or electronic (whichever is applicable) “promotional category” materials. Best Apparel category requires submitting only one piece of apparel.

7. . Each application fee shall be made payable to VRPS. Submissions sent to VRPS without the fee will not be considered. Check or credit card payment acceptable. Please sign applications and postmark or hand deliver by close of business Friday, June 28, 2010.

8. Send entire package to VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

9. No submissions, including photos, apparel, etc. will be returned.

Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

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Fellows Award

VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES

The premiere VRPS recognition of an individual who has demonstrated consistent and/or outstanding commitment by furthering the goals of VRPS, contributing to the profession and serving the community. The VRPS Board of Directors will review and approve applications and as appropriate approve candidate to receive award. One award per year may be given. $30 application fee is required.

Eligibility: Nominee must be a current member of VRPS. Nominee must have held a VRPS membership for a minimum of 10 years.

Nominee must have at least 10 years of work experience in the Parks and Recreation field not to include internships, education or part time work.

Nominee must not have received this award previously.

Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate consistent and/or outstanding commitment by furthering the goals of VRPS, contributing to the profession & serving the community in addition to contributions to the profession made in at least four (4) of the following areas: Outstanding leadership in a specific field within the Parks and Recreation profession (example: landscaping, new program innovation, equipment design or development).

Nominee must have served at least one term on the VRPS Board of Directors or another similar statewide or national board that demonstrates commitment to the field of Parks and Recreation Committee work in VRPS or other related state organization.

Eight or more public addresses related to Parks and Recreation presented at conferences, assemblies, media presentations, legislative testimony or other similar professional gatherings.

Writer or co-writer of recreation-related articles for handbooks, newspapers, magazines, or monographs.

Conduct research projects that help promote the profession.

Volunteer projects within the local community and state not related to national and state associations that support the field of parks & recreation.

Distinguished Service Award Awarded in recognition of professionals who have displayed continuous outstanding service to the profession and community. Up to two (2) awards per year may be given. $30 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Nominee must be a current member of VRPS and held VRPS membership for a minimum of the past two (2) years.

At least ten (10) years of professional work experience required in the field of Parks and Recreation, not to include internships, education or part-time work.

Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate continuous outstanding service to the profession and community and contributions made in at least three (3) of the following areas: Support to professional Parks and Recreation related organizations (such as consulting, programming, instructing, or as a resource).

Research contributions which advance the field of parks and recreation.

Effective interpretation of parks and recreation through media and promotional avenues.

Creative contributions to the development of outstanding parks and recreation facilities.

Success in affecting important parks and recreation legislation.

Demonstrated leadership and contributions on a community level.

Active support to and involvement in VRPS, included but not limited to committee membership, event volunteer, legislative or fundraising.

Distinguished Volunteer Service Award Awarded in recognition of an individual’s dedication and contribution to the parks and/or recreation field. Up to two (2) awards per year may be given. Only one award winner per agency per year. A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Nominee must be a volunteer and not a paid employee of the nominating agency.

Nominee must have at least two (2) years of applicable service.

Personal service in parks and recreation or leisure service areas.

Research contribution, which advances the field of parks, recreation or leisure services.

Effective interpretation of parks and recreation through the media.

Success in affecting important parks and recreation legislation.

Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

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VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Distinguished Volunteer Service Award Continued Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate contribution and/or service made in all of the following areas: Benefit of volunteer service (such as impact on department, community, etc.)

Length of volunteer service.

Estimated cost savings related to the volunteer’s services

Outstanding New Professional Award Awarded in recognition of new professionals for outstanding commitment and achievements in the parks and recreation field. Up to two (2) awards per year may be given. A $30 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Nominee must be a current member of VRPS. Nominee must have more than one year and less than five (5) years as a full-time Parks and Recreation professional as of December 31 of award year.

Nominee must not have previously received this award.

Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate all of the following: Commitment to the parks and recreation field.

Leadership and contributions made on a community level.

Active support to and involvement in VRPS, included but not limited to committee membership, event volunteer, legislative or fundraising activities.

Distinguished Private Sector Service Award Given in recognition of demonstrated support for the parks and recreation profession, VRPS or a specific parks or recreation organization by a private sector entity or business. Up to two (2) awards per year may be given. A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Nominee must not have received this award within the past five (5) years.

Nominee must be a business, corporation or a private organization.

Contributions must have begun or partially occurred in award year to be eligible.

Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate contribution to VRPS or a specific agency or organization in the form of: Significant organizational or business service within the area of Parks and Recreation.

Research contribution which advances the field of Parks and Recreation.

Effective interpretation of Parks and Recreation through media and/or publications.

Creative contributions in the acquisition or development of park areas, facilities or equipment.

Success in affecting important Parks and Recreation legislation.

Significant one-time contribution during award year.

Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

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VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Best New Program Award Awarded in recognition of the development of the most outstanding park or recreation program by an organization during award year. One (1) award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required.

Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the program.

Program must have been initially put into operation in during award year (2009).

Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the program contains significant elements of the following (listed in order of importance): Innovative and creative program-design, funding and promotion, etc.

Effectiveness in addressing goals proposed as defined in terms of community needs, demands, and successful implementation.

Efficient use of resources.

Meets the needs of the population served.

General excellence of the program.

Best New Special Event Award Awarded in recognition of the development of the most outstanding park or recreation special event by an organization during the award year. One (1) award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required.

Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the event.

Event must have been initially put into operation during award year.

Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the event contains significant elements of the following (listed in order of importance): Innovative and creative program-design, funding and promotion, etc.

Effectiveness in addressing goals proposed as defined in terms of community needs, demands, and successful implementation.

Demonstrate effective department/community involvement and support Efficient use of resources.

Meets the needs of the population served.

General excellence of the event.

Best New Facility Award Awarded in recognition of a new facility (ground up) which depicts innovative park or recreation facility design and construction. One award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the facility.

Facility must have initiated public operations during the award year.

Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the facility contains the following significant elements (listed in order of importance): Innovative nature of the facility design, funding, construction, handling of constraints, etc.

Effectiveness in addressing the goals as defined in terms of community needs and demands, and successful completion.

Efficiency in use of resources.

Effectiveness of design factors such as: ADA accessibility, LEED Certification, maintenance consideration, aesthetics, security and safety, environmental concerns, etc.

Meets the needs of the population served.

General excellence of the facility.

Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

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VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Best New Renovation/Addition Award Awarded in recognition of an existing facility’s renovation and/or addition that demonstrates innovative park or recreation design. This award judges the renovated portion or addition only. One award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the facility.

Facility must have initiated public operation during the award year.

Requires ten (10) before and after photographs or a CD/DVD disk, including a minimum of 3 “before” photos, showing both interior and exterior of facility, if applicable.

Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the facility contains the following significant elements (listed in order of importance): Innovative nature of the facility-design, construction, handling of constraints, etc.

Effectiveness in addressing the goals as defined in terms of community needs, demands, and successful completion.

Efficiency in use of resources.

Effectiveness of design factors: such as ADA accessibility, LEED Certification, maintenance consideration, aesthetics, security and safety, environmental concerns, etc.

Meets the needs of the population served.

General excellence of the facility.

Best Promotional Effort Award—Basic Promotional Piece Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials during the award year. One advertising piece per nomination in the form of a multi-page brochure, tabloid or booklet that is used for the promotion of an agency, Park and Recreation facilities or program services. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece.

Must have been distributed during award year.

Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted unless there is a significant demonstration of a major format change in the piece.

Selection Criteria: Supportive documentation should demonstrate cost of production, method of distribution, and design. Judged on content, design, readability, attractiveness, quality of printing, effectiveness, creativity, and use of resources.

Judged on design, attractiveness, quality of product, creativity, and use of resources.

Best Promotional Effort Award for Circular, Flyer or Poster Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials. One circular or flyer advertising piece in the form of a single sheet (excluding posters) which is printed on one or two sides, addressing a single service or program. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece.

Pieces must have been distributed during award year. Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted unless there is significant demonstration of a major format change in the piece.

Selection Criteria: Supportive documentation should demonstrate cost of production, method of distribution, and design.

Judged on design, readability, attractiveness, quality of printing, content, effectiveness, creativity, and use of resources.

Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

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VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Best Promotional Effort Award—Specialty Piece Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials during award year. Coupons, magnets, bumper stickers, banners, and materials not included in other categories, published internally or externally. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece.

Pieces must have been distributed during award year. Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted unless there is significant demonstration of a major format change in the piece.

Selection Criteria: Supportive documentation should demonstrate cost of production, method of distribution, and design.

Judged on design, readability, attractiveness, quality of printing, content, effectiveness, creativity, and use of resources.

Best Promotional Effort Award for Apparel Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials during the award year. The category includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jackets etc. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). All submissions require one (1) original piece of apparel and (10) identical sets of photos of front and back (if relevant) of the piece.

A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece.

Pieces must have been distributed during award year. Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted unless there is significant demonstration of a major format change in the piece.

Selection Criteria: Supportive documentation should demonstrate cost of production, method of distribution, and design.

Judged on design, readability, attractiveness, quality of printing, content, effectiveness, creativity, and use of resources.

Best Promotional Effort Award for Electronic Media Awarded in recognition of the department and designer for excellence in promotional materials. This award is for an electronic media advertising piece that has a distinct electronic component for media distribution. This category includes e-news, web pages, internet media, CD’s, DVD’s, videos, etc., which are used for the promotion of an agency, Parks and Recreation facility, or program services. One award per year in each population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the piece.

Pieces must have been distributed or launched during award year.

Submission shall be edited (if necessary) to be no longer than 10 minutes in length for review by the Awards committee.

Without exception, an identical award-winning piece cannot be resubmitted unless there is significant demonstration of a major format change in the piece.

Selection Criteria: While the overall look of a publication or electronic media is important, the most important concern is the extent to which the piece met its objective for the target audience.

Supportive documentation should indicate target audience, analytics (if available) and describe how the target audience was made aware of the information or site.

Judged is based on innovation, creativity, design, technical merit, overall quality of experience, user’s ease of navigation and use of resources.

Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

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VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Best New Environmental Sustainability Award Awarded in recognition of a new program, environmental or educational initiative that demonstrates creative problem solving to address an environmental issue within your department or agency. Examples may include implementation of a recycling program, a landscaping project, a green roof addition or a program that utilizes recycled products within their agency. Note that this category does NOT address new or renovated facility improvements. One award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories).

A $30.00 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials Eligibility: Requires current membership within VRPS by the organization or staff making the award nomination.

Completion of the nominated program must have been implemented during the award year.

Requires ten (10) before and after photographs, including at least three (3) “before” photographs Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the submission contain the following significant elements (listed in order of importance) Creative and innovative nature of the program design Impact to the community: How will this reduce pollution, improve environmental conditions, raise usage of the location or otherwise positively effect the community?

Effectiveness in addressing the goals identified and the successful completion of the project.

Efficiency in use of resources.

Effectiveness of program design related to: ADA accessibility, aesthetics, security and safety, LEED Certification and/or maintenance considerations.

Overall excellence of the submission.

Best New Greenway, Blueway or Trail Awarded in recognition of a new or enhanced greenway, blueway or trail which depicts innovative design and construction. One award per year per population category may be given (see nomination form for population categories). A $30.00 application fee is required.

Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Requires current membership in VRPS by the organization or staff nominating the greenway, blueway or trail.

The greenway, blueway or trail (or portion thereof) must have initiated public operations during the award year.

A total of ten (10) photos must be submitted showing before and after views, with a minimum of three (3) “Before” photos must be submitted.

Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate that the greenway, blueway or trail contains the following significant elements (listed in order of importance): Innovative nature of design, funding, construction, handling of constraints, etc.

Effectiveness in addressing the goals as defined in terms of community needs and demands, and successful completion.

Effective use of community partnerships in the construction and management of the project Efficient use of resources Effectiveness of design factors such as: ADA accessibility, maintenance, aesthetics, security and safety, and environmental concerns.

Meets the needs of the population served.

General excellence of greenway, blueway or trail.

Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

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VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Life Membership Award Awarded for significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation through VRPS. May be awarded annually as desired to more than one recipient. The VRPS Board of Directors will review applications recommended by the committee and as appropriate approve candidate to receive award. $30 application fee is required. Please submit nomination information in 10 separate envelopes, including copies of the official nomination form, supportive information and all backup materials.

Eligibility: Nominee must have held professional membership in VRPS for at least 10 years.

Must have retired or left the profession.

Nominee must be a current member of VRPS. Selection Criteria: Nomination should demonstrate contributions to the profession made in all of the following criteria: Must have made significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation through VRPS. Outstanding leadership in some specific field connected with parks and/or recreation.

Service as Chairman or committee member in a Park and Recreation organization of national, state, or local status.

Eight or more public addresses related to Parks and Recreation provided at conferences, assemblies, luncheon meetings, media presentations or other similar professional gatherings.

Writer or co-writer of recreation-related articles for handbooks, newspapers, magazines, or monographs.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: JUNE 28, 2010 For award consideration, please mail postmarked June 28 or hand deliver by 5pm, completed entry form, support materials and payment to: VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

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VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES AWARDS AND CITATIONS NOMINATION FORM Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

Award Category_______________________________________________________________________ Nominee’s Name_______________________________________________________________________ (Print name above as it should appear on award)

Agency/Organization____________________________________________________________

____

Address ____________________________________ City _________________State _____ Zip________ Nominator’s name (Agency)_______________________________________________________________ Contact Person ___________________________________________ Title _________________________ Address ____________________________________ City _________________State ______ Zip ______ Telephone ______________________ Fax _____________________ E-mail ______________________ Signature

___________________________________________ Date

________________________

Municipal Population Categories (as of December 31, 2009). Please circle one: �Less than 25,000 � 25,001 -50,000 � 50,001 -100,000 � 100,001 - 150,000 � Greater than 150,000 � Miscellaneous - Nominations that do not meet the municipal population category (service area, hospitals, state, etc.) **All applicants must verify their city or county population by including ten (10) copies (one placed in each application packet) of the 2009 population data (or most recent available) obtained from the US Census Bureau at www.census.gov/.

To help ensure that Award Committee Members receive all nomination information and back-up material, please pre-package materials for each award nomination in 10 separate envelopes. Each packet should include: 1) the official nomination form, 2) supportive information, and 3) all back-up materials.

Please label the outside of each individual package with: 1) Agency or nominee name, 2) population category, and 3) award category.

CHECK-LIST 1. Form and supportive information must be typed, on letter-sized white paper, double-spaced using a minimum of 12 pt. font. Please submit all nominations in letter/legal sized envelopes. Please do not submit nominations in binders.

2. Ten (10) copies of nomination form and all back-up material, including diskettes, DVD’s or CD’s, which will be considered in meeting award criteria must be submitted in 10 individual packets. Any submission received without the appropriate number of copies, collated and properly compiled, will be disqualified. Incomplete or late entries will be disqualified with no refund. VRPS Awards Committee reserves the right to re-direct entries into appropriate categories. One entry per form. You may duplicate forms as necessary.

3. No more than ten (10) digital photos on labeled cd’s of each individual, program, facility or promotional piece being nominated may be provided. Please label each cd’s with the agency name, category and description. Photos should be a minimum 300 dpi in .tif or .jpg format. No .eps or .ai files, please.

4. All documents shall be submitted in Microsoft software applications, such as Word, Excel or PowerPoint, in the 2003 format.

Please do not utilize the 2007 Microsoft software as not all committee members can open these documents! Pdfs are acceptable.

5. For individual awards, submit one photo (digital or print) of nominee(s) for use in the awards presentation.

6. If submitting a nomination in the promotional materials categories, include ten (10) original pieces of printed or electronic (whichever is applicable) “promotional category” materials. Best Apparel category requires submitting only one piece of apparel.

7. Each application fee shall be made payable to VRPS. Submissions sent to VRPS without the fee will not be considered. Check or credit card payment acceptable. Please sign applications and postmark or hand deliver by close of business Friday, June 28, 2010.

8. Send entire package to VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

9. No submissions, including photos, apparel, etc. will be returned.

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VRPS Awards Selection Guidelines CALL FOR ENTRIES Virginia Recreation and Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Date:

Awards & Citations Payment Form Agency/Company:

Contact Person: Address: Email Address: Telephone #: office: (________) ________________

Number of Awards Payment Type:

fax: (________) _______________

at $30.00 = $

Check #

Make checks payable to: VRPS

Credit Card Customers please complete this section.

Type of card: ____ MC ____ VISA ____ AMEX ____ DISCOVER Name on Card: Address on Statement: ________________________________________________________

Credit Card #: ___________________________________________ Exp Date: ___________

Security Code: __________________

Email Address: Telephone #: office: (

)

fax: (

)

Signature:

Do you need a credit card receipt? Yes, _______ by fax or ______ by mail.

Awards to be considered are for the period January 1 through December 31, 2009 only.

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VIRGINIA RECREATION & PARK SOCIETY

PRESIDENT’S NEWSLETTER

Spring 2010 Edition

Virginia Recreation & Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 www.vrps.com

MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND PLAN TO JOIN US!

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