Jugglers are among the acts featured in the entertainment showcase.

The Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association can help: Their 22nd annual Entertainment Showcase features lots of great acts looking for bookings.

The showcase will take place March 1 at Ocean Beach-Port N’ Starboard, 98 Neptune Ave., New London, Ct.

The daylong event offers those who book entertainers and musicians an opportunity to view a variety of quality acts.

Representatives from parks and recreation departments, senior centers, parent-teacher organizations, libraries, and community groups can preview and book both educational and general musical entertainment.

This year, performers include jugglers, four- to eight-person bands, artists, storytellers, and more.

Use this opportunity to find a new band for your summer concert series or a storyteller for events at local libraries and daycare programs.

For more information, send an email to info@crpa.com.

It's time to break the sensational news habit.

This is yellow journalism at its best. I think even William Randolph Hearst, the father of the “man bites dog” style of reporting, would be a little overwhelmed by some of this garbage.

In the days preceding the Super Bowl, New England quarterback Tom Brady stepped to the microphone at a pep rally, thanked the crowd for the send-off and said that he planned to come back to New England to celebrate a win with these great fans.

Within an hour, the buzz on the Internet was that Brady was so confident about a win, he was already planning a victory party. They went on to say that New Yorkers were furious.

What? That’s not really what he said.

Hours later, he arrived in Indianapolis and stepped off the plane. In a press club interview, he told the journalists gathered that he wanted to thank his parents for all of their loyalty over the years.

He mentioned how they had come to every college game, home or away, and then recalled what must have been one particular trip where they stayed in a less-than-perfect hotel in Buffalo, New York.

He immediately caught himself, since he knew he must walk on eggshells with every word, but it was too late.

The press releases said that Brady slammed Buffalo and that New Yorkers were so very offended that they were going to eat him alive during the Super Bowl and again next season when New England plays Buffalo.

What?

Why is all this taunting becoming the style of modern reporting?

So the guy went out and played the big game; a game in which there must be someone who wins and someone who loses. And he came up short.

His receivers dropped some key passes at key moments. New England lost.

As Brady was being consoled by his wife, a New York fan ran by and shouted some insults at Brady. And his wife reacted.

She happens to have celebrity status as well, though, so she is expected to be beyond emotion.

But she yelled back something about how her husband couldn’t be expected to catch the ball and throw it, too.

You guessed it–minutes later the web headlines were fanning the flames and telling the world that she insulted all the receivers and “slammed” the Patriots organization. They went on to say that she won’t keep quiet about it.

What? That is not what happened!

Now here we go, entering the election season.

The amount of spin being dealt makes a centrifuge look like a placid lake. The press has become the boy who cried wolf so many times that when the wolf really came, no one believed his cries.

And the local weather people warn of “impending storms” that are so powerful and overwhelming that people flock to the stores and empty the shelves in the event that they will be snowed in for weeks.

Uh…hello? You wake up and there’s not even enough snow to cancel school.

Why the hype? Why are we as a people so hungry for sensationalistic news?

They wouldn’t be feeding it to us if we weren’t lapping it up. I mean, one show after another, one commercial after another, heck during “American Idol” season the local news does 5 to 10 minutes on it every night!

That’s not news; its drivel!

Can someone tell me how one-time Aerosmith rock star Steven Tyler has suddenly vaulted to mega-star status at the level he is currently enjoying?

He screams the National Anthem at a football playoff game and people have the nerve to be shocked? All he ever did was scream. How can you be shocked?

Guys, this is getting so out of hand. Please don’t feed this monster anymore. Shut the TV off and play Scrabble with the family.

The more we care about this stuff, the more they feed it to us. You can “vote it off the island” by simply turning it off.

Your lack of following it would remove their ability to shovel it into the money machine.

We have to stop. Think about it! Do you REALLY care about:

Who is fat

Who is skinny

Who can’t lose weight

Who refuses to eat

Who is sleeping around

Who is newly married

Who has a tattoo

Who “rocked” a new look on the red carpet

If Brad and Angelina will marry

If Oprah is gaining or losing weight

If Rosie is teetering on depression

If one of the bakers or cooks forgot the yeast and now the soufflé won’t rise

Mitt’s tax returns

Obama’s smoking habit

Newt’s closet obnoxiousness

The latest facelift

The newest overdose

ENOUGH!

Please, on the next snow day, take your kids sledding. Bring cocoa, light a fire in the firebox and laugh out loud.

Go down the hill at least once.

Create some memories with your lives and the ones you affect, for crying out loud. This stuff can only penetrate your kids if you let them remain exposed to it.

Please, America, take the higher road. We’re better than this.

Ron Ciancutti is the Purchasing Manager for Cleveland Metroparks. He is not on Facebook, but he can be reached at rdc@clevelandmetroparks.com.

The Cub Cadet Test Drive Tour hits the road.

Starting tomorrow (Feb. 17), Cub Cadet is inviting consumers to test drive a variety of the company’s riders and tractors.

The Test Drive Challenge tour will visit selected The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Company and independent Authorized Cub Cadet Dealership locations throughout the country.

In addition, Cub Cadet will offer test drives at any time via a virtual test drive and at more than 1,500 dealer locations nationwide.

“The Cub Cadet Test Drive Challenge is all about giving people the opportunity to see for themselves the advanced technology and premium quality behind Cub Cadet’s 2012 product line,” said Jeff Salamon, director of marketing.

“While many people may not consider a test drive part of the typical riding mower purchase process, we’re confident that one experience on a Cub will prove that Cub Cadet is the smartest choice in the industry.”

The Cub Cadet Test Drive Challenge tractor-trailer, leading the multi-city tour, will be stocked full of 2012 products, including the RZT S (residential zero-turn rider with four-wheel steer and steering wheel control) and the Series 1000 lawn and garden tractor featuring Electronic Power Steering (EPS).

Throughout the tour, visitors will have the chance to jump on a zero-turn rider or lawn and garden tractor and talk to experts about product features, service tips and finance options.

At all Test Drive Challenge tour events, a variety of prizes, such as exclusive CubGear, will also be available.

Customers will receive a free gift for stopping by and a free Cub Cadet Test Drive Challenge T-shirt for taking a test drive.

The Cub Cadet Test Drive Challenge truck will roll through the following markets:

· February 17 – 23: Charlotte, N.C.
· February 24 – 25: Greensboro, N.C.
· March 1 – 12: Knoxville, Tenn.
· March 14 – 19: Tri-Cities, Va. – Tenn.
· March 22 – 25: Lexington, Ky.
· April 6 – 10: Charleston-Huntington, W.Va.
· April 13 – 15: Clarksburg-Weston, W.Va.
· April 16: Parkersburg, W.Va.
· April 19 – 23: Youngstown, Ohio
· April 26 – May 14: Cleveland/Akron/Canton, Ohio
· May 18 – 20: Detroit, Mich.
· May 22 – 31: Flint-Saginaw-Bay City, Mich.

Visit www.CubCadet.com/tour for additional dates to be added in June.

The highlight of the Cub Cadet Test Drive Challenge will be the following innovative new products:

To follow the tour and join the conversation, follow Cub Cadet at:

www.Facebook.com/CubCadet

www.Twitter.com/Cub_Cadet (#CubTestDrive)

www.YouTube.com/CubCadetRidingMowers

Tee up for the Synthetic Turf Council Membership Meeting.

Council members are invited to enjoy networking, the fourth annual golf tournament, educational programs and exhibits.

Landscape architects can earn continuing education credits, and the ASBA Certified Field Builder Exam will be administered.

For more information or to register, go to: http://bit.ly/yS0Pch

It's not too late to add your event to the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend website!

The site features a directory of events already registered and a user-friendly interface for submitting additional events.

Park-goers can search the site to find a fun winter activity anywhere in Maine.

Do you have an outdoor recreational event already scheduled for March 2, 3, or 4? If so, please post it as part of the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend.

There’s no extra work for you and your event will receive lots of free promotion.

If you do not have an event scheduled on those days, please consider organizing one as part of this statewide effort to promote outdoor recreation and exercise.

Current activities listed include snowmobile golf, ice fishing derbies, cross-country ski outings, a snowshoe race, and hikes.

Here’s a link to the website: http://greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org/.

This mouse has a cute acorn-cap ear!

That’s right: Let this cute mouse share the love with your Valentine this year.

This fun craft from Elizabeth Scholl and the National Wildlife Federation uses nature’s own bounty to make a cute love note.

Folded in half, it’s in the shape of a mouse. Open it up, and you have a heart–with your own heartfelt Valentine message inside.

For directions, go to http://bit.ly/xzMm7X

Look inside, and there's a sweet Valentine's Day message!

And don’t forget our feathered friends–there’s also a recipe for heart-shaped treats for all the winter love birds in your back yard!

Where are we going to put all this trash?

Do you ever wonder where that trash goes after the truck and the sanitation workers pick it up?

I do, and it concerns me.

I think parks and rec professionals can do something to help.

The average person produces about 4.5 pounds of trash per day, according to national statistics.

In a city of 37,000, that comes to about 167,000 pounds of waste, each and every day. In a week, that rate mushrooms to more than 1 million pounds.

The math beyond that is simply staggering.

The waste comes in many forms: plastic food containers and wrapping, Styrofoam, food, plastic, glass, aluminum, steel, tin, paper. Of these items, a significant percentage is recyclable.

In the stuffed plastic bag in the curbside trash can, these items are worthless and possibly harmful, destined for a landfill near you or someone else.

Some of the aforementioned items are the “acceptable” materials for landfills. Also in many of those bags are unacceptable items: paints, TVs, lightbulbs, motor oil, batteries, electronics, medicines and medical supplies.

These are the items that should not be in a landfill, and many are not even recyclable. Some, like motor oil, fluorescent bulbs, medicines and paints, must be singled out for special disposal.

But even if items are “acceptable” for landfills, how many landfills can the earth accommodate? It seems to me there will come a time when this excessive trash production will catch up to us.

Then what will we do?

Right now, some larger metropolitan areas have to truck or barge their trash to distant landfills or incinerators. Burning trash brings its own set of issues, like where are all the burned toxins floating to?

But that doesn’t really solve the excessive garbage problem; it just ships it to someone else’s back yard. And once those sources are filled, then where?

The ocean? That’s already filling up.

A 2008 article in Discover magazine gives details about the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch,” a current-driven, swirling mass of garbage estimated to be one and one-half times the size of the U.S. and 100 feet deep.

How about outer space? Lots of room there, right?

Well, consider that the few satellites we put up there occasionally fall to earth when their orbits decay.

Can you imagine floating tons of trash of all descriptions in space? Eventually, the Weather Channel could be predicting trash storms as well as the weather.

Again, it seems like a Band-Aid fix to a gaping chest wound.

It seems to me that taking care of the excessive trash issue is like shedding body weight. In most cases, it’s a matter of either reducing the intake or increasing the output. Either don’t eat as much junk, or work out more, or both.

Reducing the trash going into the equation seems like the best way of controlling how much trash is going downstream.

That’s an easy thing to say, but way harder to actually accomplish.

As humans go about their busy daily lives, saving the planet ends up far at the bottom of their priority “to do” list.

As individuals, we can recycle things like cardboard, glass, plastic, paper or tin. It is amazing how much that reduces what goes into the kitchen trash can.

But I wonder how much substantive impact that really has on a problem of this magnitude.

It comes down to economics. If there isn’t some financial benefit for someone to go into the business of recycling things, it won’t happen.

And in the meantime, the trash heap continues to grow, and become more toxic.

I guess as we move into our Friday, February 10th, 2012, we should look at the bright side. There are more people recycling; there are more people out there looking for ways to derive a living from recycling discarded items; more people are aware of the issue.

So, as parks and rec professionals dedicated to making the world a better place, what can you do?

I can suggest a couple things, but I’ll bet there are a lot smarter people reading this who have more experience than I do. Got any ideas? Sharing them here might motivate someone else to give it a try.

Here’s one to kick-start the discussion:

Do you have recycling receptacles for plastic and aluminum cans at all your sports facilities?

Do you have them out when you have big practice days or tournaments?

Can you get someone to help monitor and encourage people to use them?

It will amaze you to see the volume of bottles and cans you isolate for recycling after one of these events.

Or start in your own office. Put out containers for aluminum cans and plastic to get people into the habit.

OK, your turn … ideas anyone?

Randy Gaddo, a retired Marine, who also served until recently in municipal parks and recreation, lives in Peachtree City, Ga., and can be reached at (678) 350-8642 or email cwo4usmc@comcast.net.

If you have a great park or recreation video or more photos than you know what to do with from a recent program, please send them our way. We’ll run them in the digital edition and post them to our website for all the world to see.

For video, we prefer YouTube links or FLV files. For photos, we prefer jpgs.

If you have any questions, drop an email to editor@northstarpubs.com.

Our ParksNReviews page will soon be going mobile!

Now, imagine clicking through to one of those parks and viewing all its amenities, customer comments, ratings, pictures, videos, driving directions and more.

Thanks to PRB (Parks & Rec Business) magazine, that vision will soon be a reality. And, we want you to be part of it — for FREE!

All you have to do is create your park or recreation facility’s free listing on our ParksNReviews page. Park seekers already use our page and interactive map to find new or favorite recreation spots.

If you want your parks and facilities to be included in our mobile application, simply log in to your Insider account (or call 866-444-4216 to get one) and create a FREE listing for each one of your parks/facilities.

If you want to add your logo to all your listings — for FREE — simply email a copy of it and the name of your Insider account and we’ll attach it for you.

Don’t have time to do this right now? Have too many parks/facilities to load by hand?

Then, email an Excel (.xls), .csv or .txt file containing all your parks/facilities (include: Park Name, Park Contact, Park Address, and Park Amenities) and we’ll create your listings for you.

We’ll notify you via email when your listings go live, so you can log in and edit/update them however you see fit.

The right words at the right time can have a big impact.

A gentleman was retiring from our company, and when being recognized for his 30 years of service, he asked if he could introduce someone.

Typically, the retiring guys bring their wives, the ladies bring their husbands and sometimes their adult children; but this fellow introduced the man that suggested he come to work for us 30 years ago.

He told the story of how this fellow had heard they were hiring over at Metroparks back then and it sure looked like a great place to work. This soon-to-be retiree evidently followed his lead, inquired and got hired.

It was a heartfelt, sentimental moment indeed.

I thought to myself how interesting it is that people often don’t know the effect they have on other people with just a suggestion, a smile, a word, a nod of approval or even something as innocent as a gesture.

All of those signals can be read as encouraging and can virtually change the direction of someone’s life.

If someone is almost desperate or hungry for support, that little nudge can take on monumental meaning.

A few months ago, a friend of mine mentioned that his son had gotten a paid internship to a pretty solid company but was frustrated that he could not find a full-time job, as he had already completed his four-year college degree.

He took the internship as a post-graduate so it would add to his credentials, but it was to last only as long as one semester.

I told him I thought there was a lot of integrity in that move, and that likely he could make a good enough impression while serving the internship to have it turn into a full-time job.

My friend hadn’t looked at it that way, and he asked if I could pass that encouraging word onto this son.

This is what I wrote to him:

“I applaud your recent decision regarding your internship. There’s a certain appeal to an intern that is really interested in what lies ahead. There’s a sort of recklessness about such an individual and employers are anxious to hire it.

“Bill Gates once said our parents and grandparents had a different word for ‘burger-flipping.’ They called it ‘opportunity.’”

I got an email right back from the kid the next day, and he said, “It’s been a really weird past few months being jobless and constantly scrounging for some sort of income. But I suddenly feel a new confidence thanks to your words and have already identified several opportunities where I think I can provide some valuable input to some pretty influential people.

“Thanks so much for even taking the time to analyze my situation and let me benefit from your experience. My dad is fortunate to have you as a friend. I would submit the same.”

Wow! That felt pretty good and really took nothing but a few moments of my time.

I think time is something we should all be more generous with anyway, so in that spirit, I present the following.

Here are my top three ways to convey encouragement without being phony or looking condescending. These are not out of a Dale Carnegie course or anything; it is just what has worked for me over the years.

When in conversation, if you build your point off another person’s thought, always credit that person before you make your point.

Example: “You know Tom is right, we don’t need to verify the contractor’s insurance because it is already sworn to in the specification, but I think it would be wise to secure his insurance certificate anyway to have it available in the file, should the question ever arise.”

Openly ask the question if others agree, as you are building your logic and assembling your argument.

Example: “So stop me if I am wrong, but what I am hearing is that most of us agree that moving the grand opening deadline back one month would ensure we pull it off professionally and without risk. So then we agree that I should inform the Marketing Department we cannot ensure an error-free event without more time; no less than a month?”

Find merit in other’s suggestions to keep team spirit alive and participation fully engaged even if the suggestion is totally inappropriate.

Example: “Aaron, I can always count on you to see things from an angle I never considered, but I think in this instance dropping balloons when the lecture is finished might send a mixed message. Let’s store that thought for another day, though. I could see that playing very well at the next retirement party. Thanks for that idea.”

You my not always be able to make someone’s day with your words. And alternatively, you may say something in passing you didn’t even know had power or verve behind it.

But if you take responsibility of your words, your reactions, your gestures and your impact on other people, you may just make all the difference in the value others find in the things that make up you.

Ron Ciancutti is the Purchasing Manager for Cleveland Metroparks. He is not on Facebook, but he can be reached at rdc@clevelandmetroparks.com.

Art meets landscape in this Chicago installation.

The video and sound installation by Chicago-based artists Luftwerk will illuminate Cloud Gate in Chicago’s Millennium Park.

Family activities, live performances and dance events will complement the installation, which will transform the park into a digital canvas of light and geometrical form, with music composed by Owen Clayton Condon of Chicago’s Third Coast Percussion.

Visitors can enjoy the installation each evening (Fridays—Saturdays 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays—Thursdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and take part in programs created specifically for Luminous Field on the weekends at an adjacent heated tent in Millennium Park’s Chase Promenade North.

All activities are free.

The schedule of weekend events for Luminous Field:

FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Saturdays—Mondays, February 11-13 and February 18-20; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Warm up in the heated tent with fun family activities, including hands-on arts and craft projects and performances for all ages.

Each day kicks off with Wiggleworms instructors from the Old Town School of Music at 11 a.m. and features a variety of musical performances at 1 p.m.

Family craft activities are presented by Chicago Children’s Museum and Chicago Architecture Foundation February 11-13. Activities are presented by The Art Institute of Chicago on February 18-20.

INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCES AT AT&T PLAZA
Fridays, February 10 and 17; 7, 8 and 9 p.m.
Join local theater company Collaboraction at Cloud Gate for site-specific performances inspired by Luminous Field.

Follow along with their choreographed movements and participate in interactive games, all synchronized with Luminous Field’s video and sound.

WINTER DANCE
Saturdays, February 11 and 18; Dance Lesson: 5 – 6 p.m.; Open Dancing: 6 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy dance lessons at a dance party in the indoor heated tent before heading out to see Luminous Field.

Dancing is preceded by a one-hour lesson led by professional instructors. Doors open 30 minutes before the start of each session.

No reservations required, but space is limited.

Feb. 11: Dance Instruction by the American Tango Institute and Live Music by Tangata
Feb. 18: Dance Instruction by Big City Swing and Live Music by Sons of Susan

SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES
Sundays, February 12 and 19; 7 p.m.
Performances take place in the heated tent. Doors open 30 minutes before the start of each show.

No reservations required, but space is limited.

Sunday, February 12: Third Coast Percussion
Sunday, February 19: Pillars and Tongues

ARTIST TALK WITH LUFTWERK
Wednesday, February 15, 7 p.m.
Learn more about Luftwerk’s process in creating Luminous Field in this conversation led by Lou Mallozzi, Adjunct Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Executive Director of Experimental Sound Studio.

Luminous Field by Luftwerk is presented by the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, in cooperation with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Office of Tourism.

Food and beverages by the Park Grill restaurant will be available for purchase in the indoor heated tent.

Production for Luminous Field is by AV Chicago.

For more information about Luminous Field by Luftwerk, visit www.explorechicago.org/winter, call 312.742.1168, visit Explore Chicago on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @explorechicago.

There's An App For Us!

You can download the app for free.

You can then download an issue of the magazine for $1.99, or you can get the whole year’s worth for $11.99.

On your iPhone, your PRB app will show up right on your screen. On the iPad, it will display in the Apple Newstand.

Here’s the link to download the iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prb-parks-rec-business/id497369323?mt=8

And here’s the link to download the app for iPad: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prb-parks-rec-business-magazine/id496974723?mt=8

We’re also working on aps for the Android market; we’ll let you know when those are ready!

From my office window, the entire front range of the Rockies spread out before me and behind the office were the start of the great plains–a high, arid desert perfect for hiking, running or biking.

The company I worked for at the time was just hitting its growth spurt and, as a result, the management team had hired a bunch of twenty-something kids who were happy to work relatively cheap.

All of us were from somewhere else–drawn to the mountains by our desire to lead active lives–and we spent our nights and weekends skiing, hiking, running, biking, kayaking, climbing, etc.

At some point, I became interested in mountain biking, so when a buddy who worked in our production office started bringing his bike to work for lunch-time rides, I asked to join him.

The next day, we changed our clothes, grabbed our bikes and took off for a rocky trail that began at the edge of our parking lot.

Almost immediately, I knew I was in way, way over my head. My buddy–let’s call him Al–took off like a bat out of you know what, jumped the curve and pointed his bike straight down a huge, rocky, rutted incline. In an instant, he was gone.

Literally.

I reached the end of the parking lot, looked down the hill and spotted him. He was a speck down on the prairie followed closely by a huge dust cloud.

I gulped, gingerly picked my way down the hill and when I hit the flat, tried like heck to close the gap. I never did. In fact, the harder I pushed, the harder I fell–head over handlebars.

It was embarrassing–even more so when Al rode up on his way back to the office. Once again, I was on the ground trying to determine if all my pieces and parts were working.

He laughed and said, “Dude, how come every time I turned to look for you, you were on the ground?“

I chuckled and made a mental note to never ride with him again.

It’s a good thing I didn’t.

Years later, when Al and I were launching this magazine, he was riding competitively–getting so good that he contemplated turning pro. Luckily for me, he decided to stay with the magazine.

I was reminded of this little incident when I read Tania Juillerat’s article, “Gaining Ground,” which details how Indiana’s mountain bike trails went from worst to first–eventually becoming a mecca for serious bikers–like me (and Al).

It also reminded me, again, of the power of the activities and opportunities you provide for your citizens. How many lifelong friendships were made over a hike, bike-ride or softball game?

A lot. And that tidbit ought to keep you going when the budget monster or recessionary pressure gets you down.

Keep up the good work!

Till next month…

Rodney J. Auth
Publisher

Say a little prayer of thanks for the good things in your life.

“I don’t understand, Mom.”

“Someday you will. Just trust me on this, OK?”

“Yeah, well, I’ll do it, but I don’t like it. Mark is sometimes very mean to me,” I explained. “I like to beat him at games.”

“Mark can’t do all the things you and the other second-graders do, Bruz. Every day, when you run and jump and play–even when you go to school and see your friends–he doesn’t get to do any of that.”

“Yeah, but he doesn’t even have to go to school–he gets to stay home. It’s like every day is Saturday for him.”

Mom suddenly grew quiet, and then I heard her clear her throat.

“Pretty soon he won’t even be able to do that. Honey, I guess it’s time you knew. Mark is very sick and will probably not be around much longer. His mother is a close friend of mine, and you are the only friend Mark has. So you’ve been the only person he has to look forward to seeing. I know he’s moody and angry, but I bet you would be, too. Just be a good friend to him, OK?”

I sat in stunned silence. It was a lot for a 7-year-old to digest. From that point forward, I tried to be more patient.

I prayed for Mark at night before bed. I thought about him sometimes when I was doing something really fun, and the fact that he was unable to do what I was enjoying.

It humbled me in many ways.

Then we received word that Mark was in the hospital for the last time. His mom thought it would be best if I didn’t see him. She said he wouldn’t know I was there.

I really didn’t know what that meant, but a few days later my parents and I went to the funeral. I wore a tie, and when Mark’s mom saw me, she burst into tears and held me very close. Mom prayed with me that night, and we thanked God for letting me be there for Mark and his mom.

It took years for me to get the image of that little coffin out of my mind.

* * *

I had lettered in football and baseball in junior high, and been elected class president in the eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades.

I played drums in the school jazz and symphonic bands.

Give of yourself.

I had bought and fixed up three or four cars in my teens and enjoyed a rich group of friends that I grew up with and vacationed with every summer.

I knew I was blessed and thought often of Mark and all he had missed.

Twelve years later, I was sitting at my desk in the dormitory. The phone rang and it was my mom.

David, one of those summer buddies, had become very sick, and his brother had called our house. David wanted to see me one last time, if I could get home.

I went to the ride board in the college union and found a ride leaving at 5 a.m. the following morning. By 10 a.m., I was back in Berea and within an hour I was sitting by David’s bed, holding his hand.

The tumor had swelled his forehead as if it would burst, and it took a few minutes for me to focus on what he had to say.

He’d been fighting the illness for a while, but I never knew since we had lost touch over the years. He wanted to hear about what I was doing, and listened with rapt attention as I recounted my experiences.

“You have had a great life, Bruz,” he told me.

“I’m glad you were in it,” I told him.

We cried a bit and I said goodbye. His parents hugged me quietly at the door.

My dad drove me back to school that evening with my mom’s words ringing in my ears. “I’m sure God is smiling down on the friend you have been to David,” she said.

He only lasted two more weeks.

Memories of him wash over me when I eat apples and pears like we used to do in the summer from the fruit trees in my parents’ backyard–especially the green ones, for some reason. He was a really good friend, and we shared a lot.

* * *

“I just thought it was a sore throat,” he said. “But the biopsy wasn’t good. It’s cancer, man. I might be already dying.”

I held my hand over the receiver to hide my gasp. My secretary saw my eyes fill with tears when I glanced through the door at her.

This friend was also my age, someone I had shared much of my adult life with.

“Big deal,” I roared. “We’ll get through this!”

He rose to my enthusiasm and said, “OK, OK … but uh … stay close to me though, all right?”

I let out a hearty, obnoxious laugh. “Absolutely,” trying to sound as cavalier as possible.

I hung up and looked at my reflection in the picture glass across the room. “Here we go again,” I thought.

For the next year, I played the “so what?” guy, trying to be strong when he might be weak.

“It really hurts,” he said.

“Must be healing,” I responded.

“My kids think I look like a skinny freak,” he said.

“Well, remind them you were pretty ugly to begin with,” I retorted.

“I don’t know if I can get through this,” he said.

“You can and you will! Don’t you quit on me!”

And then one day he said, “Hey, I gained two pounds!”

“There you go, partner!”

“Doc says I turned the corner!”

“Never doubted it for a second, brother.”

“Man, thanks.”

“No charge, dude, my pleasure.”

And he did get better. And he’s still getting better and doing great. His kids are growing up to be the great people he hoped to see graduate and get married. His steadfast wife is right there–strong as ever.

And my faith in the natural wonders of life is hanging tight.

I am continuously amazed by all the privileges I have an opportunity to enjoy: my wonderful families–the ones that raised me and the ones I made and chose; the sunsets, the amazing clouds; the love in my wife’s eyes; the memories of accomplishments and honors; the lessons of good, solid parents, the love of my irreplaceable sisters; the loyalty of good animals; a warm cup of morning coffee, the relief of an ice cold beer on a summer day; a parking spot by the office door; the smell of a fire in fall, the wind through the frozen trees on a winter night; the laughter of my children–and, lest I forget, the honor of relating all of it to you.

Remember the important things and the honors you have been given, my friends. Give of yourself and watch it come back in truckloads.

And have yourself a Happy New Year.

Ron Ciancutti is the Purchasing Manager for Cleveland Metroparks. He is not on Facebook, but he can be reached at rdc@clevelandmetroparks.com.

Be a resonant leader.

No matter how many services are provided–recreation facilities, parks, bike trails and sports fields–the greatest resource for effective and successful programs is the staff.

Coordinated efforts of the front-line staff members who work with the public on a daily basis go hand in hand with the office personnel who take care of everything behind the scenes.

In order to meet the recreational needs of the public, it is necessary for administrators and supervisors to provide effective leadership for the staff.

Defining The Leader
According to Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee, co-authors of Primal Leadership: Learning to Lead with Emotional Intelligence, it is the resonant leader who is likely to create the most supportive and productive work environment.

This person promotes a culture based on emotional support and empathy. He or she is able to understand and appreciate the emotional “temperature” of the organization and lead accordingly.

A resonant leader listens carefully to the staff’s words and acknowledges what the members’ emotions are conveying. It is a deep, sensitive type of listening that sparks a connection between the top ranks and staff members and ultimately fosters a supportive work climate.

This type of leadership promotes not only a more effective and productive staff, but an emotional well-being that fosters a feeling of unity.

Those who have worked in the field for an extended period of time are aware of and appreciate the demands that can be exerted on staff members. This is especially the case when shrinking budgets call for reduced staffing and fewer resources.

There is an even greater need now for capable resonant leadership.

Staff members are influenced not only by interpersonal relationships and demands at work, but also by their personal lives and events outside of the workplace. The seemingly “separate lives” of staff personnel are intertwined with their work performance.

Consider the recreational staff member who has been outstanding in all aspects of his job. For example, he has always been on time, works well with co-workers, manages programs effectively, and receives an outstanding annual employee evaluation.

All of a sudden, his work performance drops dramatically. His obligation to duty becomes more or less non-existent. No one knows what is going on with him until word gets out that he is going through a traumatic divorce. In addition, losing custody of his child has had such a tremendous impact on his life as to negatively affect his performance at work.

An Effective Leader
Opinions as to what constitutes a good leader versus a less-effective one vary; however, many people have most likely worked for both during their career.

The less-effective leader can have tremendous impact on staff morale and productivity. Although the cost of ineffective leadership may not have a defined monetary amount, the low morale and productivity have indirect costs that are easy to measure. These indirect costs are the main reason for emphasizing effective leadership in parks and recreation departments.

As an actual example of an effective resonant leader, let’s consider the skills practiced by James, a recently hired recreation administrator of a medium-sized recreation department.

The particular facilities he manages include some dedicated and talented personnel who have suffered in the past from infighting, caused by a lack of communication, lack of teamwork, low morale and general frustration because of ineffective leadership.

James begins by visiting the facilities and getting to know the staff members. He remains patient in his attempts to bring about positive change.

Over time, as the personnel begin to open up to him, James gains a fairly good understanding of the problems. He changes some of the assignments within the department, and holds weekly meetings for staff members in each rec center and an additional weekly meeting for the recreational staff.

At these meetings, James emphasizes appropriate two-way communication. He asks the directors to identify the resources that are lacking, those that each center has on hand and how the resources can be shared among the centers.

James continues to visit the rec centers to spend time with the staff in order to monitor their morale, and to evaluate the staff’s reception of the changes.

James doesn’t expect everyone to agree with his methods and attempts to improve the department, nor does he ever think that a total unification of the department will result. However, listening to the staff, supporting them, and implementing positive changes will result in better communications, increased teamwork and the resolution of certain elements related to the lack of resources.

It is important for parks and recreation administrators and managers to establish and maintain a work environment that includes empathy and support. In these days of budget cuts and staff shortages, what administrator wouldn’t want to nurture productivity and efficiency?

Establish an effective resonant leadership for a more cohesive, productive and efficient staff.

Work cited:
Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R., and McKee, A. Primal Leadership: Learning to Lead with Emotional Intelligence. Harvard Business School Press: Watertown, Massachusetts, 2002.

N. Jonas Ohrberg is a facility coordinator for the city of Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation Department in New Mexico. Ohrberg completed a Ph.D. in Leadership from Capella University in October 2010. He can be reached via johrberg@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us.

Your community's seniors are seeking fun, fitness and companionship.

The older adult population (age 50 years and beyond as defined by AARP) also carries an attachment to historical events; these experiences carry through the remainder of their lives and affect the choices they make.

What Shapes A Senior?
Take into consideration the impact of historical events such as the Great Depression (1929), the repeal of Prohibition (1933), the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941), the Space Race (1957), the Civil Rights Movement (1965) and Women’s Movement (1966), as well as the Vietnam War (1964).

In a span of less than 40 years, the manner in which life was lived was completely altered.

Think for a moment about the older adult who was in the prime of his or her youth during the Great Depression. That person likely experienced hunger, poverty, rationing and unemployment in the family like many others at that time.

He or she also would likely have a different vantage point than someone who grew up during the Civil Rights Movement, with the notion that one voice can make a difference.

Both generations currently fall into the older-adult sector, which senior centers are to serve and serve fairly.

Does this idea sound too farfetched? Look at it this way: For the first half of your life, recreational activities are segmented according to a particular stage. Programs such as parent-tot swimming lessons, toddler-tumbling and T-ball are specially designed and administered.

Sports progress through every grade at school at the same rate as the participants. As the competition changes, skills are honed and new things are learned.

New opportunities become available with age throughout high school and college.

After a successful career and raising a family, retirement approaches–now what? For the next undetermined number of years, what are people supposed to do?

Role Of The Senior Center In A Community
This is where the local senior center comes into play. I know, I know. It’s a senior center and most people believe they are not old enough to go there.

Remember, age has nothing to do with ability and desire. A senior center is not an assisted-living facility nor is it a senior community.

Your senior population is a diverse mix of ages, interests and abilities.

Senior centers fill the gap. They cater to older adults within an area or region (i.e., city, county, district) who are still living independently. These folks are seeking opportunities to socially and intellectually engage with others, foster friendships, experience new ideas, and contribute their skills and knowledge.

And they are relying on public and private entities such as senior centers, fitness centers and whatever social groups and clubs meet to fill this need.

Recreation Programming Considerations
There is much to consider when programming for older adults. The age range is difficult to accommodate fairly, but then also to take into consideration the vast degree of differences in abilities–physical, mental and financial, the expectations of convenience, customer service, government, community and socialization.

There are varying levels of education among this older adult segment, varying ideals on gender roles and varying levels of acceptance to ethnic and social diversity; not to mention the physical, emotional, environmental and intrinsic personal needs.

Senior centers have a unique opportunity to address the needs and interests of all older adults in their community by becoming an all-inclusive provider.

The ability to serve all these adults is imperative, and requires the creativity to make the experience seamless to the participants.

A successful senior center model should include aspects of health, personal and support services; opportunities for socialization, travel and volunteering; special events, intellectual engagement, artistic expression and fitness and well-being programs.

The real key is not only to provide it, but to provide it with heart and true intention, so programming interests are made available to all older adults. This means a careful examination of the balance and diversity of programs being offered and taking into consideration the interest, affordability, skill requirement, timeliness and relevance to the participants.

So, be as careful planning senior activities as you are in planning Little League.

Seniors have an equally important place in the community and perhaps even more in recreational programming: their options are more limited, but your programming shouldn’t be.

Anne Lane, CPRP, is the Senior Center Manager for the city of McMinnville Parks & Recreation Department in McMinnville, Ore. She can be reached via e-mail at anne.lane@ci.mcminnville.or.us.

Indiana's Brown County State Park is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the country.

So what transformation took place to being recognized as one of the premier trail systems in the world in just a few short years?

It all started in 2003 when the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) published its annual report card, rating states based on factors such as trail access, quantity, and quality. Indiana was awarded a disappointing D+.

While off-road cyclists living in the state had some legal mountain-bike trails to ride, their access was limited, and many traveled more than six hours to places like eastern Kentucky, western North Carolina, or northern Michigan.

The low rating garnered attention from local mountain-bike advocates. Representatives from the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) and Indiana Bicycle Coalition began meeting with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to discuss mountain-biking on Indiana state properties.

As a result of those first meetings, HMBA was granted access to two of the state’s largest and most beautiful properties–Versailles State Park in the southeast part of the state and Brown County State Park near Nashville.

Volunteers rallied, beginning the daunting task of building sustainable trails that flowed well, followed the natural contours of the land, and resisted erosion.

Within three years, volunteers at both parks completed nine miles of purpose-built trails in Versailles, and more than 14 miles at Brown County State Park.

Then in 2007, the HMBA was awarded a $150,000 Recreational Trails Program Grant, and construction began on an additional 12 miles of flowing single track at the Nashville park. With the help of local professional trail builders, who were equipped with the proper machinery, most of these trails were laid out within a year.

Recognizing The Effort
Momentum for the trails really began when Bike magazine, in its March 2009 issue, named Brown County State Park as one of the top 33 trails in North America.

Mountain-bikers began to take notice of the quality of the trails, and soon the county was becoming a Midwest mountain-bike destination, attracting riders from across the country.

The success of Brown County State Park was only the beginning, and soon led to access and additional trails in O’Bannon Woods, Versailles, Fort Harrison, and New Harmonie state parks. These purpose-built trails were funded by a $250,000 trails grant awarded to HMBA by the governor in 2008.

The Crown Jewel
However, the crown jewel is the Brown County trail system, which features five independent loops and three connector trails. The 100-percent single-track system is fun for riders of all ages and abilities. The mountain-bike trails offer something for every level of rider.

Beautiful scenery makes for a nice rest stop.

The introductory Pine Loop trail, with its wide path, traverses a large pine-tree stand, and is great for teaching kids and beginners as it meanders through ravines and across beautiful wooden bridges.

The six-mile loop of Walnut Trail (Advanced Black Diamond) and Schooner Trace Trail (Expert Double-Black Diamond) challenges even the best mountain-bikers with dips, logs, rocks, bridges, a narrow trail, and steep ravines reminiscent of North Carolina or West Virginia.

Exploding With Events
The Brown County trail system has become home to some of the most popular mountain-bike events in the country. The DINO race (www.dinoseries.com) has consistently seen over 300 participants annually.

The state park is also home to the Midwest Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic (www.midwestwomensclinic.com). The event started in 2005 and is known as one of the largest and longest-running women’s mountain-bike events in the industry, bringing in coaches and participants from across the U.S. and Canada.

The Brown County Breakdown Epic Mountain Bike Ride (www.browncountybreakdown.com) is an annual fundraising event for the HMBA. The event–held in October–draws more than 600 riders, with nearly 20 different states represented, and has raised more than $85,000 since its 2005 inception. The smooth, flowing single track is also welcoming to hikers and trail runners.

Endless Possibilities
In November 2011, the county was named an IMBA Epic location, a distinction given to only 57 of the most premier trails and rides around the world in the last 10 years (www.imba.com/epics/brown-county).

The story doesn’t end there, though. HMBA leaders are working hard to build an additional 25 miles of trails. These trails will give more options to riders and connect key locations within the state park; also provided will be an extensive “back-country” trail, allowing mountain bikers to make a day trip to Story, Ind., and easily link up with the Hoosier National Forest, where another 50+ miles of trails are available.

Indiana now offers enough riding opportunities to keep local mountain-bikers closer to home and give out-of-state riders a destination to add to their list.

For more information, visit www.browncountymountainbiking.com.

Tania Juillerat is from Brownsburg, Ind., and has been dedicated to the local mountain-bike community since 2005. Tania and her husband Jonathan run a grassroots company, promoting the sport of mountain-biking by fun and unique events throughout the Midwest. More information can be found at www.sub-9.com.

A new, synthetic-turf soccer field helps prevent harmful runoff into nearby salmon-supporting streams.

After many years as a valuable regional amenity, the park’s fields and facilities were in need of renovation.

Poor drainage affected the park’s winter-use potential, while the community was emerging with changing recreational needs that the old park could no longer satisfy.

In response, the city’s parks department and the landscape-architecture firm of Bruce Dees & Associates developed several goals to improve the park to better sustain itself in the future:

1. Address negative environmental impacts
2. Reduce maintenance costs
3. Increase revenue to support other park-maintenance operations
4. Create a site that could meet the needs of the community.

Phase I
In order to accomplish these, the renovation was planned in three separate phases.

The first phase involved converting the existing sand soccer field to synthetic turf. The original field continually flooded due to insufficient, deteriorated drainage.

The runoff dramatically degraded the water quality in the storm-sewer system, which eventually empties into the salmon-supporting Sammamish River. The 2½-percent diagonal slope across the field caused severe erosion, with runoff filling the structures to capacity with silt.

Maintenance crews spent considerable time cleaning out catch basins and other structures during rain storms and winter months, and continuously struggled to contain the silt with sand bags and other erosion-control methods.

The plan for the renovated field called for a set level around the perimeter with a ½-percent center crown and a 10-foot-wide porous rubber-coated warning track. Surfaced with a permeable material, the track allowed for infiltration of rainwater without the necessary additional detention facilities, thus minimizing the footprint of the facility.

Today, there is literally no silt runoff from the field; subsequent tests prove that there are no harmful materials in the water, which percolates through the sand/rubber infill through the crushed rock base to the field’s new sub-drain lines.

The overwhelming success of the facility–now considered one of the area’s premier soccer venues–also can be attributed to a new floodlighting system. The installation dramatically increased playing time as well as revenue for the city.

One year prior to construction, the field generated $19,857 in revenue. After construction, the same renovated field generated $59,010 in revenue. This 297-percent increase was the result of an additional 924 hours of available use for field users.

A green roof and surface rain gardens are part of the sustainable renovation.

This increase in revenue helps fund maintenance in other parts of the park, allowing the facility to better sustain itself financially.

Phase II
During the second phase, one of the three grass softball fields was converted to synthetic turf. This allowed the field to serve both softball and summer youth soccer programs.

Like the first-phase renovation, the conversion eliminated nutrient runoff, and simultaneously increased the scheduling ability for the facility, which helped generate more revenue for the city.

Six tennis courts were renovated during this phase, and built-in bleachers were installed for the ball fields as well. A specially designed hooded backstop was installed to protect spectators and passersby.

Phase III
The third phase of the project received a $500,000 Department of Ecology LID Grant to incorporate further low-impact development strategies into the park. This phase focused on the passive-use area of the park.

Stormwater management was addressed during this phase through the installation of a “green” roof on the park’s maintenance building. Rain gardens were also designed to capture and filter runoff from a new multi-use building, which was also part of the project.

Pervious asphalt paving was incorporated to replace pathways and reduce the hardscape footprint. This technique was also applied to the adjacent basketball courts.

The three phases of the Grass Lawn Park project enhanced the environmental, financial, and social sustainability of the facility, transforming a park with serious operational constraints into a well-utilized facility.

Today, the site is a successful example of how a well-loved public park can be retrofitted to conform to conscientious growth and sustainable development.

Bruce Dees, FASLA, is the principal of Bruce Dees & Associates, a landscape-architecture, urban-design, site-planning, and recreational-facilities design firm in Tacoma, Wash.

Consider starting a recycling program at your workplace.

It sure sounds sensible to get started on a recycling program, doesn’t it?

There are several important steps to create a “greener” park district or agency:

1. Determine whether the district or agency will financially support a commercial-recycling effort.
2. Create a “green team” and gain employee support, including the janitorial staff.
3. Contact the waste hauler for special instructions.
4. Track results and record your success.
5. Consider miscellaneous materials.
6. Get started today!

Financial Support
The first step is to investigate whether the agency will help. It takes a little extra time, sometimes a little extra money and more often than not, more than a little extra money. Find out who will be contributing to the project.

Employee Support
Next, gather a small group of employees who are enthusiastic about the program. You probably know some fellow “greenies,” so a good start might be creating a “green team” to investigate recycling and the costs involved.

If both the agency and the team agree to proceed, you will need to nominate a champion … a recycling coordinator.

If you hold that role at home, you may be a good candidate. If so, understand that the same patience needed to educate employees is the same it took to train your children and spouse about recycling.

Arm the team with information about the importance of preventing recyclable materials from entering a landfill. Help fellow employees understand these materials are resources. Ask questions like, “What if we couldn’t make any more paper, soft drink bottles or plastic peanut-butter jars?” This will make the issue more realistic to them.

Be sure to gain the cooperation of the janitorial staff. Once materials are in the respective containers, the staff will be responsible for ensuring the materials get to the right dumpster or storage area.

The Waste Hauler
Contact the waste hauler to learn about its basic recycling program. Ask about “commingled or single-stream recycling,” in which recyclable materials are mixed as opposed to sorted in separate containers.

Ask what is accepted and whether recycling containers can (or will) be provided. There may also be specifics on the use of clear garbage bags so materials can be identified for recycling or trash.

If you are lucky, the municipality will have a Solid Waste Recycling specialist to assist in this process.

About 40 percent of all waste is generated at work.

Determine what is recyclable, as it varies across the country. Ask the waste hauler if you can “trust the triangle” (anything with a triangle on it goes in the recycling bin). Inside that triangle (or underneath), there is a number or letters identifying the type of material used to create it. However, the lid of the container may or may not be made of the same material, so examine the product carefully.

Some people think it is easier just to add all items with triangles to the recycling bin, but in some parts of the country, this makes the “sorting” take longer, and eliminates profitability for the hauler.

Also, find out how clean the items need to be. Is it OK if excess food is left in the containers, or does anything used for food need to go into waste?

Blue Bins–Select The Proper Containers
Containers help determine success. One of the easiest ways to identify recycling containers is to use the color blue. You may have noticed containers painted “recycling blue” at roadside travel stops, festivals, etc.

If the hauler does not provide containers, use what you have, but consider adding blue duct tape or blue labels to reinforce the color. There are hundreds–or maybe even thousands–of different recycling containers.

Be sure to ask the waste hauler if the company will provide bins, and if not, search for what will work the best, yet fit the requirements of the project.

Be sure that all of the containers have the three-arrow logo, and develop a way to show users precisely what is allowable in the recycling bins. Use words, icons and/or special instructions, such as “remove staples, empty, rinse, and remove lids from soft drink bottles,” etc.

Check with the waste hauler for these necessary special instructions. Post the list on a wall near every container. Circulate the list to all employees via e-mail, and send the information out frequently.

It sounds simple, but always put a recycling container next to (or at least very near) a trash bin. Otherwise, you risk contaminating the materials in the recycling bin and/or everything going into the trash.

Encourage more recycling by the size of the container. By examining the trash, you may discover there are more recyclable materials than trash. Many of us think of the recycling container as smaller than the trash cans, but nowadays thinking the other way is more applicable.

Recycle more, throw away less!

In fact, there is a program where a trashcan is actually a container (5-1/2 inches by 5-1/2 inches) that sits on a desk and includes the message, “This is all the garbage I make.” With this program (or something similar), the recycling container then becomes a bin about the size of an office wastebasket. (Learn more about the “Mini-Bin” at www.midpoint-int.com/recycling_programs_and_education/mini_bin_program/mini_bin_faq.aspx.)

Track Results And Record Your Success
Estimate the amount of space the materials take up in a special dumpster designated for recyclables. Look in the dumpster just before the waste hauler picks up the load, and guess how much space is used (and therefore the cubic yards of recyclable materials). Share this information with the staff so the members know of the program’s progress.

Monitoring must also be a part of the plan. Oh, yes, look in wastebaskets and dumpsters along the way. Remember that employees will forget.

As with homework, you have to “check their work” and occasionally make subtle–or not so subtle–reminders about containers that belong in the recycling bin rather than the trash.

Be prepared for new employees. Will they be trained individually? Based on the size of the company, can you train using e-mail? Alternatively, will you need something to become a permanent part of the orientation procedure?

You might be able simply to tell family members, but at work you will need to convince and cajole, applaud good behavior, and be on the lookout for opportunities to reinforce the message of why the company recycles and, therefore, why it is important to individual employees. “Because the boss says so” will not always produce the best result.

Decide how far you want to go. Paper, plastic and aluminum are obvious recycling choices.

If you have a fleet of vehicles, properly dispose of auto batteries and oil.

What about printer cartridges?

Perhaps the department uses large quantities of small batteries. At the Rockford Park District, small battery recycling became part of the program when one department saved up its coffee containers (which just happened to be blue), and then asked the art department to design a label for the containers.

Reinforcing the “reuse” idea, the “green team” distributed the containers to the various departments at a full staff meeting.

Consider what is unique to the operation and what to prevent from entering the landfill. Have you saved all one-sided printed materials and used them for scratch pads?

You may even want to save certain materials for “special recycling days.” An organization called Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful has metals drives, electronics days and even clothing days. For more information, visit www.knib.org.

If a similar organization exists near you, consider stockpiling specific items and then waiting for those days. In any case, plan on how these items will be transported easily.

Miscellaneous Materials
Do you have materials that you’re not sure are recyclable and, if so, where to take them? Visit www.earth911.com to find out what to do with them.

If you become addicted to recycling, get more information at www.resourceventure.org/free-resources/get-started/recycling-publications.

Jan Herbert is the project coordinator for the Rockford Park District in Rockford, Ill. She can be reached via e-mail at JanHerbert@rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Miste Adams

Is this true in the parks and recreation industry, too? Of course it is.

Over the years, I have admired many recreation professionals who fit in this 10-percent group. These are the people who go above and beyond in their efforts to make their communities better places, especially for the youngsters who play organized sports in public facilities.

Miste Adams, the recreation superintendent at the National Trail Parks and Recreation District in Ohio, is, without question, a 10-percenter.

Over the next few months, this column will focus on great leaders who shine in parks and recreation, particularly when it comes to kids playing sports.

Take a look at what Miste has to say:

Why are you so passionate about sports and youth programming?

Miste: I grew up playing youth sports, and I played sports all through high school and college. It is how I met my best friend and my husband.

Looking back at my childhood, many of the great memories involved some type of youth sport or activity.

I worked at a volleyball camp while in college, and my team wrote me a poem at the end of the week about what a great time they had and what a wonderful counselor I was. I still get it out and read it from time to time.

I just love working with kids in a fun atmosphere. What better job than to go out on a beautiful Ohio Saturday morning and watch 900 of “my” kids play soccer with their friends? It is a great feeling.

There are always going to be children playing sports who have a miserable experience and maybe even have their confidence and self-esteem crushed in the process. How do you deal with that?

Miste: Not every child is going to love sports, and not every coach is going to be coach of the year. It took me a few years to realize this and not take it personally.

One good thing about our department is that we do offer other things than just youth sports. So we try to get kids involved with other positive activities until they find something they like.

It goes back to my sporting philosophy, “You can’t win them all,” but when kids come back year after year until they are too old for the program and then they want to work for you, that is always a great feeling!

Most outsiders think a recreation professional’s job is 9 to 5 and has little stress or headaches. Is this true?

Miste: Being a recreation professional is not all just fun and games. People will see me out at the fields watching the games and will tell me what a great job I have. I always tell them the games are the easy part.

What people don’t see is that I have already put in 40-plus hours in the office on the phone ordering T-shirts and equipment, making last-minute staffing changes when someone calls in sick, praying it doesn’t rain or snow until after the games are over, or dealing with the parents who are not getting their way or think it should be done some other way to better suit their child.

I often have to explain to people that I understand they want what they think is best for their child, but I have to do what is best for all the kids, not just a select few. That doesn’t always go over so well, but that is what I have been trained to do!

Share one story that has made the profession you have chosen worthwhile.

Miste: I have one young man who played in my soccer leagues for years. Then he worked his way through college officiating soccer. This past school year, he worked in our after-school program, and then went on to take a summer internship at a local park system.

It has been great to watch him grow and mature. He still refs soccer for me when he can.

I also have kids working for me now that I had in a program when they were 3 years old. No, I am not getting older; the kids are just quickly catching up with me!

Do you think recreation professionals are as important to children outside the classroom as teachers are to them inside the classroom?

Miste: Absolutely! I think teachers have such a responsibility to provide the best education possible, but with all the standardized tests, they no longer have the flexibility to have fun. That is where the recreation professional comes into play.

Youth sports teach teamwork, discipline, physical activity, and so much more that you might not learn in the classroom. We need to make sure as professionals we are providing a safe, fun learning experience for all kids and realize the impact we have on their lives.

Fred Engh is founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) in West Palm Beach, Fla. He can be reached via e-mail at fengh@nays.org. To join more than 3,000 communities by starting a NAYS chapter, visit www.nays.org or contact Emmy Martinez at emartinez@nays.org or (800) 729-2057.

Park and recreation departments need to adopt some sound business practices.

For decades many “old timers” have heard community members, politicians, and business men and women say, “Government should be run like a business.”

Well, they are right–and wrong.

The word “business” implies an organization that exists solely for the purpose of earning a profit.

So, in this sense, running a government or public service–such as a park and recreation agency–“like a business” is wrong. Governmental agencies should never, ever make a profit.

However, our well-meaning friends are completely correct when the comment is altered to say, “Use more business-like practices.” This is exceptionally true in regard to public parks and recreation.

What makes these agencies different from all other government or public services (save a few) is that the services are the only retail governmental services. Where most people live, there is only one option for water, police protection, roads, fire protection, etc.

But there are countless options for recreation and choices for spending leisure time.

Even areas where some consider the agency to be the “sole source” are not.

Not that long ago, a seminar participant said, “When it comes to swimming, we are the only game in town.”

Maybe, but people don’t have to swim in the town in which they live. For example, within 15 minutes of my house in the Chicago suburbs, there are at least four other public pools, and at least two private pools. Clearly, residents don’t have to swim at the hometown pool!

The same can be said for golf, dance, gymnastics, etc.

Because we want residents to spend their leisure time and money “at home,” public park and recreation folks should employ many business practices.

This is significantly different than “running like a business.”

Hence, the question should be, “What business practices and strategies should we (public parks and recreation) employ? What can we borrow and adapt from business to successfully and satisfactorily meet the leisure needs of residents?”

The May article offers a statement from Kim Uhlik: “Ideally (in the good old days), public recreation was ‘by the people, for the people.’ People paid taxes, so they all could partake in services offered. Because taxes were paid up front, anyone could participate for ‘free.’”

This may have been the case in some places, cities (mostly large), where recreation was seen as part of a collection of welfare-like services. However, because public parks and recreation services are retail in nature, people want to choose their activities, and are willing to pay accordingly.

Yes, people are willing to pay for some of the recreation opportunities and park amenities with their taxes. They do not care to have their taxes create a situation where all recreation is “free.”

There are two reasons for this. First, they think they are paying enough in taxes.

Second, I believe people realize that if recreation services are confined to what can be funded through taxes, we will return to the good old days and realize they were not so good.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the free recreation options were limited: summer playground at school sites; Saturday afternoon “recreation” at some schools; a basic public swimming pool; and an ice rink in the winter, when it was cold enough to make ice. That’s about all that local park and recreation agencies could do with taxes.

In 2011, there are few, pure public-service environments where revenue is a secondary consideration.

As evidence, NRPA/North Carolina State University Revenue School has been teaching revenue generation and revenue enhancement since 1975. Professionals from all types of agencies around the country and Canada have been attending by the hundreds every year for some 35 years.

Even large cities like Indianapolis operate or own revenue-generating facilities like golf courses, marinas, stadiums, ice rinks, etc.

Over the years, I have worked for four park districts–two cities and two private companies–in various areas of parks and recreation. The reason Illinois park districts are so successful in delivering high-quality services to their constituents is they are not bound by the typical, limiting bureaucracy found in most cities and villages.

These localities are exceptional vehicles for providing police, fire, utilities, and roads … all monopolistic-type services. But when it comes to parks and recreation, most villages and cities have trouble creating the flexibility and innovative atmosphere to allow for a business-like approach.

How does a public park and recreation agency successfully employ business practices and strategies? The answers probably number in the dozens, but let’s consider some basics:

• Deliver deliberate, sincere, and never-ending customer-service orientation. Realize–as a business does–that people have options, and if they are not treated well, they will go elsewhere.

• Conduct market research. Programs, opportunities, features, etc., have to be designed and offered the way people want them, when they want them, and at a price they are willing to pay. Put time and money into finding out.

• Understand the link between revenue and expenses. If the money’s not coming in, then the expenses have to be trimmed.

• Take calculated risks.

• Plan your strategy and re-plan every 3 years.

• Eliminate deadwood. Public-service agencies are notorious for not terminating poor employees. There seems to be a notion that a public job becomes a right once it is landed. If an employee does not produce, or even if the revenue in an area is dropping, the person or the job should go away.

• Pay attention to the product/service life cycle, assessing and adjusting. Recreation interests are too dynamic to assume they’ll always be popular. Change has to be constant.

• Treat money (allocations) as if it were your own. Don’t be penny-wise and pound foolish, but make sure you spend in accordance with what residents expect in the way of quantity and quality. Don’t spend merely because it was allocated.

• Continuously evaluate procedures and processes for better cost-effectiveness, and more importantly, for user-friendliness!

• Create enterprise funds and accounting systems. Too many park and recreation (and other public service) agencies are stifled and forced into systems that create waste. A properly administered and audited enterprise fund can allow for much less costly parks and recreation while establishing the link between revenue and expenses.

When–or perhaps because–public park and recreation agencies follow the bureaucratic examples of other monopolistic services, their budgets are cut first. When agencies adopt, modify, and apply business practices, their value increases and their perceived cost decreases.

When individuals and communities see that their recreation is high quality and high value, and delivered in a business-like manner, they won’t tolerate service cutbacks.

It’s going to take some “wake-up calls” and “whacks upside some heads,” but agencies must see their service as retail government services, and organize and conduct business accordingly.

Arnie Biondo is the Executive Director of the gold medal-winning Carol Stream Park District in Carol Stream, Ill. He has served in that post for 16 years. Prior experience has been with the city of Indianapolis, NESMA Recreation Services, Co. of Saudi Arabia; the City of Kettering, Ohio; and Wheeling, Wheaton, and Oak Brook Terrace (Illinois) Park Districts. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Park Management from the University of Oregon, and a Masters of Arts Degree in Service Marketing and Management from DePaul University.

Learning to become a team.

Once the drill instructors impressed upon us the importance of listening to every word they said and complying immediately with every order, the real training started.

We quickly learned that there is no “I” in team. Referring to oneself in the first person is a big-time no-no. Recruits must refer to themselves in the third person, i.e., “Sir, this recruit requests to go to the head [Marine and Navy term for bathroom], sir!”

Whenever addressing a drill instructor or any other person other than another recruit, the first or last word out of one’s mouth is “sir,” or “ma’am.”

There are dozens of similar rules to learn, and failure by one person in the platoon can often lead to appropriate punishment for the entire group.That punishment always includes some form of physical exertion, which may consist of push-ups, sit-ups, mountain climbers, or “bends and thrusts,” which is a perverted form of a push-up, and others.

The punishment actually serves two purposes. First, it pushes a person beyond normal limits, and ultimately makes him or her stronger. Pain, as Marines say, is weakness leaving the body.

Second, it emphasizes the meaning of team. The first reaction to this punishment by teammates is to be angry at whoever messed up. But at some point, it begins to dawn on them that they need to help team members improve in order to benefit the entire team.

Becoming A Team
I remember the first really grueling punishment session we had, on the second or third day of training. A few of my teammates hadn’t paid proper attention to detail in shining their brass belt buckles and black leather boots–two cardinal rules in the Marine Corps.

The drill instructor paced up and down the squad bay as platoon members sat on their foot lockers that evening, shining away. I can still remember the conversation that led to our group demise.

“I am seeing some mighty ugly brass,” the DI said in a loud voice to nobody in particular. “I am seeing boots that look like they have been shined with a Hershey bar!”

There was an unmistakable hint of threat in his voice. He was obviously unhappy. I doubled my rate of shine and kept my eyes glued to my work. Eye contact sometimes provoked these creatures called DI’s.

Then he stopped in front of a recruit a couple of foot lockers away, picked up one of the recruit’s boots and said, “Recruit, do you call this shined?”

My heart sank when I heard his response because I knew what was coming.

The recruit jumped to his feet and stammered, “Sssir, I did the best I could, sir!”

“’I’?” bellowed the DI. “Did you just use the word ‘I’? You must not be part of this team because there is no ‘I’ in team. Well, the rest of this team will pay for your mistake. Everybody assume the push-up position!”

Then, for what seemed an eternity, we did every form of push-up ever devised. But as we were doing them, the DI was explaining why we were doing them and how to avoid having to do them again.

“This team has failed to assist teammates who needed help,” he said slowly, as he made us hold the “up” position.

“Down and hold,” he said, prompting us to go to a holding position with chests 6 inches off the ground.

“You will learn that being on a team doesn’t mean you do your thing and not worry how your teammates are doing. You take care of your teammates because someday you may need help and you want to rely on your teammates to be there … up!”

This went on for what seemed like hours, but was probably only about 20 minutes. Then he said, “On your feet. I am going to my office for 30 minutes. When I come back, I expect to see every set of brass and boots shined to a high Marine Corps shine.”

As he walked out of the squad bay, he shouted “Carry on” over his shoulder.

Getting The Message
Some of us did get the message and began asking who needed help, then we rendered assistance to those who needed it. At the end of 30 minutes, the DI strolled back into the squad bay and began his inspection.

We all held our breath.

About halfway down the line he said, “I am becoming happier. I am seeing good things.”

We still held our breath.

At the end of the line, he turned on his heel and said, “It is still marginal, but it shows improvement. Be advised, further demonstrations of non-team attitudes will result in further, and more severe, punishment.”

He was true to his word. There were many times during that first phase of training when someone messed up and we all paid for it. But we soon learned to anticipate who needed help and gave help before it was too late.

Odd as it may seem, a training platoon in boot camp is similar to a sports team. In both cases, as long as players listen to the coach, keep their minds focused on the game, and work hard with each other, success is within their grasp. Teamwork is the common denominator.

In the Marine Corps, teammates must be prepared to support and rely on each other, literally for their lives.

And to take it a step further–boot camp can be compared to spring training. Everybody has made the initial cut to be there, and this is the final cut to see who will make the team.

In boot camp, the goal is to see if one can earn the title “Marine.”

Stress is part of the elimination criteria. If one can’t handle the stress of boot camp, the odds are one won’t be prepared for the rigors of combat.

A Life-Changing Injury
In my third week in boot camp, I suffered a hernia–popped it while we were doing side-benders with a telephone pole and made it worse when I pulled off my muddy boots.

That evening, at the daily “health and comfort check,” the DI marched in front of each of us, asking how we were. Unless something was wrong, we would normally answer, “Sir, the private has no physical or mental injuries or defects, sir.”

On this night, though, when asked, I responded, “Sir, the private doesn’t have any mental problems but believes he has a physical injury, sir.”

The DI stopped and grimaced at me, saying, “What is your problem, recruit?”

When I showed him the bulging area on my abdomen, his face lost all ferocity, and he said with concern, “Dang [not really the word he used], how long have you had that?”

“Sir, just today, sir,” I responded.

“You need to go to the hospital right now,” he said, grabbing my arm and propelling me toward his office. Within an hour, I was at the nearby Navy hospital, being checked in. I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen.

Early on the morning of the second day at the hospital, I received a personal visit from a Marine Corps major, who offered me two options that would change my life.

Next Month: Second Chances.

Randy Gaddo, a retired Marine, who also served until recently in municipal parks and recreation, lives in Peachtree City, Ga., and can be reached at (678) 350-8642 or email cwo4usmc@comcast.net.

Toilet bowls may be the least of your disinfectant worries.

But why are these issues so important?

We now know that many surfaces that have long been thought to be “hot beds” of contamination may actually need less attention simply because no one ever touches them.

On the other hand, other areas that may be overlooked or neglected may actually be much more likely to prove dangerous to human health.

As a result, many cleaning professionals are now calling for some old-fashioned common sense when it comes to hygienic cleaning and disinfection.

For instance, how much attention really needs to be paid to the inside of a toilet bowl? It is true that a number of pathogens–many of which are health-threatening–can be present inside toilet bowls, and that they therefore must be cleaned and disinfected regularly for both safety and appearance.

But since the only individuals who touch such areas are generally custodial workers using bowl-cleaning tools or wearing gloves, the risk of cross-contamination from a toilet bowl–especially to visitors to a park and recreation facility–is actually quite minimal.

For these situations, using a large number of powerful, costly, and potentially environmentally damaging chemicals and disinfectants may not be necessary.

On the other hand, some areas that usually receive only minimal cleaning and disinfecting attention–but which probably need considerably more due to the frequency with which they are touched–are chairs, tables, and high chairs used by children and other facility visitors.

These items may be used by scores of people in the course of a day, and can therefore become true “hot beds” for contamination.

They can often be a source of cross-contamination as well, since people touch these surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, mouth, or other surfaces, spreading contaminants from one point of contact to another.

Unfortunately, custodial workers are often unaware of how seriously contaminated chairs, tables, and similar surface areas can become. The result is these items are typically cleaned sporadically and without proper cleaning systems, chemicals, or procedures necessary for effective hygiene.

Why It Matters
Why are these issues receiving so much attention now?

The use of conventional cleaning chemicals–specifically disinfectants–is coming under greater scrutiny at this time. Disinfectants, although they have served us well, are powerful chemicals that can be harmful to the health of cleaning workers, building users, and the environment.

Although Green disinfectants are available in some parts of the world, this is not the case in the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tightly regulates disinfectants, classifying them as pesticides, and will not allow disinfectants sold in the U.S. to be marketed as Green, indicating a reduced impact on the environment.

Disinfectants are evaluated by the EPA based solely on their effectiveness at killing specific pathogens and not the potential risk of harm to the user or the environment.

Some professionals believe that if we use common sense when choosing those areas that most need cleaning attention, we can limit disinfectant use and clean in a more environmentally responsible manner that still protects human health.

This issue has come to a head in many medical facilities, where custodial workers have been found to clean all areas with disinfectants on a frequent basis, even when they have been specifically instructed to clean only certain areas.

Disinfecting Without Chemicals
Although the EPA is currently revisiting its position on disinfectants–in and of itself an important breakthrough–it could take months or even years before Green disinfectants can be marketed in the U.S.

In the meantime, park and recreation administrators and their custodial workers have at least three other options when it comes to disinfecting surfaces without the use of chemical disinfectants.

The first is vapor technology. Steam vapor systems use no chemicals, but instead heat water to an extremely high temperature–from 150° F to as much as 300° F–which studies indicate is enough to kill quickly a variety of pathogens, including fungi, viruses, and even antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Vapor systems can be used on all types of surfaces, from tables and chairs to countertops and restroom fixtures.

For example, gymnasiums often use these systems to deep-clean workout equipment, specifically the vinyl coverings of the machines.

Sadly, however, these systems can be slow to work with and, with the current budget cutbacks and financial constraints facing many municipalities, some facilities can only afford to use these systems when there are specific public-health concerns impacting a facility or community.

Another option is the use of spray-and-vac, or “no-touch” cleaning systems.

Unlike vapor cleaning, these systems are very fast; in addition, recent tests conducted by an EPA-approved laboratory report that, when used properly, some systems can effectively sanitize surfaces (meaning they reduce the bacteria count by at least 99.9 percent) with water alone. (See sidebar.)

This is done by effectively removing contaminants from surfaces, usually requiring a machine with 500 pounds per square inch (psi).*

The third option is a new type of cleaning technology referred to as a flat-surface cleaning system. These systems combine a chemical-injection system, microfiber, and a window squeegee to wipe surfaces.

Although chemical cleaning agents can be used with these systems, studies by an EPA-approved lab also indicate they can be classified as sanitizing devices when used as directed, even when only water is used.

The Bottom Line
To protect both the environment and human health, park and recreation facility administrators and custodial workers must focus their cleaning energies on particular disease-transmission points.

However, this does not mean skipping the cleaning of toilet bowls just because they aren’t touched. What it does mean is giving more attention to those high-touch areas that can become disease-spreading transmission points.

Further, although disinfectants play a significant role in keeping facilities clean and healthy, alternatives that use no chemicals are now available. Since these options are far safer for both people and the environment, they should be explored whenever possible.

* According to EPA regulations, in order to qualify as a sanitizing device, the no-touch system must be able to sanitize without chemicals, produce 500 psi (powerful enough to loosen and remove contaminants), and have a three-stage vacuum motor.

John Richter is the Technical Director for Kaivac, Inc. He is an author and presenter, discussing hygienic cleaning issues and related topics. Richter has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, his emphasis being thermal sciences and fluid dynamics.

—————————–Sidebar———————————–

Disinfecting And Sanitizing: What’s the Difference?
A disinfectant is a chemical agent that completely destroys all organisms on a surface within a set period of time, usually 5 to 10 minutes.

A sanitizer is a chemical or system that reduces the number of microorganisms on a surface to a safe level within about 30 seconds.

Sanitizing devices must be proven to reduce microbes on a test surface by 99.9 percent or more. This is typically accomplished by either removing the contaminants or killing them without chemicals.

Here are some tips on preparing Requests For Proposals.

After the flight, he said, “It’s a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one’s safety factor was determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract.” Shepard’s statement is no surprise, as some people have preconceived notions that selecting the lowest bidder will not yield a favorable result.

However, the American space program was an overall success in spite of typically using the lowest bidder, which demonstrates that qualifications and an understanding of the client’s needs far outweigh cost.

In reality, the success of a project has less to do with using the lowest bidder and more to do with the company’s qualifications and, importantly, how it arrived at its fee.

To best determine who can provide the highest quality service at a fair price, one must take a close look at the selection process and the most effective way to write a Request for Proposal (RFP). Writing an RFP provides a comparable review of competing firms.

Design consultants have seen everything from well-written, concise RFPs that produce great results to those that lack the organization and detail necessary to gain comparable proposals from responding consultants.

The process of writing and issuing RFPs has changed significantly over the years, becoming much more complex.

Add the continued pressure to be transparent in the selection process, while being responsible with the buying power, and it’s no wonder that writing, deciphering, and responding to RFPs has become an art in itself.

If you’re new to the game, it can seem quite daunting at first.

Following are several key steps to writing an effective RFP and gaining the results you want:

Step 1. Decide whether to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
An RFP and an RFQ each has its own pros and cons, depending on whether they are issued to a pre-selected list of consultants, or are made available to all interested consultants.

The RFP typically asks the consultant to provide a scope of services and fees based on the content of the request. The RFP may yield a larger pool of consultants to select from but may not be the most efficient process in all cases.

The RFQ narrows the field to a short list of qualified consultants but typically does not request a design-fee estimate. Professional fees are negotiated after the selection has been made.

Step 2. Be prepared to meet with consultants who are interested in submitting a proposal or a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).
An initial face-to-face meeting and an informative site walk are critical to a consultant’s accurate preparation of a proposal or SOQ.

Properly preparing an RFP can make the interview process go much more smoothly.

While this requires additional time and effort, it can be very beneficial for both parties. The consultant gains a clearer picture of what you are looking for, and you are able to gain a perspective and develop a rapport with the potential consultant.

Successful projects are almost always based on good communication, and these initial meetings can help both you and the consultant have a better feel for each other’s style, expertise, and personality.

Step 3. Write clear project descriptions.
The importance of writing a clear, concise project description cannot be overstated.

Define the project scope upfront, including a logical project sequence and expectations, and identify specific deliverables. These are key steps in obtaining comparable proposals that have been prepared by consultants who have a similar understanding and close interpretation of the request for scope and fees.

An RFP that does not clearly articulate the project’s scope and anticipated deliverables may trigger endless phone calls and requests for additional information, or it may simply prevent consultants from responding. An unclear scope may also result in change orders after the project has been awarded.

A pitfall to avoid is writing an RFP with unrealistic expectations, including services and deliverables that cannot be completed within a desired schedule and budget. This can be a red flag for consultants, and again, has the potential to produce proposals that cannot be fairly compared.

When preparing an RFP or RFQ, it may be beneficial to research similar projects and compare the scope of services with the design and construction costs. Look for similar projects that have been completed in other communities in the region, and contact colleagues who managed those projects. They may be able to offer some insight on the level of effort and the outcome.

Step 4. Make sure you are not paying for more or less than what is needed for a successful outcome.
In today’s challenging economy, shrinking budgets and close financial scrutiny are expected.

However, a well-written, clearly defined RFP can ensure the project deliverable meets your specific needs and you are not paying for more or less than what is needed for a successful outcome. A well-thought-out RFP also avoids the possibility of additional time and expense for activities that should have been anticipated at the project’s onset.

Selections are often made based on a price that is justified by perceived experience. Consultants know that many of the selections for a project are ultimately made by committees that we have never had the opportunity to meet, but that are obligated to spend money wisely and make the best choice.

They recognize the increasing emphasis placed on price, and therefore, focus their efforts on how to deliver the desired scope for a reasonable fee.

Step 5. Prepare consultants for the interview process.
Communicating specific expectations to consultants in advance of an interview ensures they will be well-prepared to answer your questions so you will be able to make a sound decision.

Providing consultants with a list of questions and the presentation format in advance of the interview can help facilitate the process.

The interview gives all participants the opportunity to clarify scope, define the roles of the team, establish communication protocols, and reiterate the approach so the project gets off on the right foot.

Step 6. Provide honest feedback to rejected consultants.
A rejection provides an invaluable opportunity for the consultant to contact you and obtain honest feedback on how the selection was made and where the consultant’s proposal fell short.

If you can make the time to offer honest, constructive feedback, it can be mutually beneficial as the consultant will be better prepared the next time you issue an RFP or RFQ.

While the steps outlined in this article may seem fairly obvious, and you may already have a solid, concise approach that has worked well in the past, this article may give you some ideas for improving your internal processes the next time you issue an RFP or an RFQ.

Tom Mortensen is a registered landscape architect with R.A. Smith National, Inc. (civil engineers and surveyors) in Brookfield, Wis. His expertise includes site planning, sustainable design, urban design, large-scale park and public open-space planning, retail developments, hardscape design, native landscapes, garden and planting design, horticulture, arboriculture, project management, and construction methods and administration. He can be reached at tom.mortensen@rasmithnational.com.

Green roofs are growing in popularity.

Rooftop-garden systems help mitigate problems traditionally associated with roofs, such as heat gain and loss as well as stormwater runoff.

During the summer months, for example, a rooftop absorbs and radiates heat from the sun, creating higher air-conditioning costs. In winter, heat escapes through the roof.

The plantings of a green roof act as an insulating barrier while absorbing stormwater and providing wildlife habitat.

“Green roofs were developed as a stormwater-management practice in Germany and then extended throughout much of Europe before being imported to the United States,” says Charlie Miller, owner of Roofmeadow, a design firm specializing in green-roof designs and strategies.

“Green roofs were developed as a way of forestalling improvements or enlargements to existing stormwater facilities. However, the ancillary benefit of creating a green roof is transforming the look of the environment.”

A green roof can be anything from a simple garden that produces fruits and vegetables to a full-scale operation with low-lying sedums and prairie-grass gardens.

Mastering Stormwater
In the Performing Arts District of Kansas City, Mo., one green roof project includes more than 2.5 acres of lush gardens atop a four-story parking garage. The parking areas are maintained by the city, and the parks and recreation department maintains the green roof.

During the planning phase, the decision was made to capture or reduce the amount of rainwater flowing into the stormwater infrastructure. One of the ways to accomplish this was to install two 44,000-gallon underground cisterns. The water collected is used to irrigate the rooftop plantings during the drier seasons.

“We worked with a plumbing engineer to design a green roof that captures all the rainwater that falls on the roof,” says Brian Davis, senior project landscape architect with Jeffrey L. Bruce and Company, the architectural firm that worked on the Kansas City project.

“The green roof, combined with the rainwater-collection abilities of the cisterns, makes this a huge stormwater-reduction project.”

Davis projects that the cistern system will pay for itself in about eight years due to the savings in not having to purchase domestic water for irrigation needs.

Of course, controlling water is one of the concerns with a green roof; this includes preventing leaks.

A rooftop landscape can help with stormwater runoff.

“We needed to make sure that the spaces beneath the green roof aren’t affected negatively in any way from the green roof,” Davis says. “We did this by having the best waterproofing that we could afford.”

What Makes Green Roofs Different?
One consideration of green-roof design is the creation of a landscape environment open to the broad expanse of sky. With a green roof, one can manipulate and do plantings differently than on the ground.

Since access can be allowed, denied, limited to specific areas, or limited to specific times, there is more flexibility in plant materials because the durability of the plantings is mitigated, allowing for the creation of a truly unique environment.

A green roof has specific soil depths depending on the type of plantings. Attention must be given to how the water moves through the green-roof landscape. How does the water pass through the plants, through the soils, and into the drainage pattern to eventually make its way to the drain?

Once the answers are known with a good understanding of the requirements for specific types of eco-plantings, there is then an opportunity to paint a green roof with a variety of different habitats.

“This gives you the ability to put a wetland right next to a dry meadow because you are creating the landscape from scratch,” Miller says.

“Green roofs give you the possibilities of mixing incredibly different ecological environments and blending them together to create a unique and inviting green-roof design.”

Already Built
For applications on buildings that already exist, knowing the load limitations is crucial. At the University of Virginia, a green roof has been installed as part of a historical-restoration project.

“During the design-development part of the project, we decided to go with LEED certification and use the flat rooftop area by adding a planting area for stormwater retention and filtration,” says Gerald Starsia, senior associate dean of administration.

“It was important to send a message to our students and alumni that sustainable design was important in the process of capital improvements and moving forward.”

Usage
Another consideration is whether the green roof is to be used in an active or passive manner; this will affect how the gardens are designed. For active-use areas, plan on pathways, alcoves, and seating areas to allow visitors to enjoy the view.

“Whether active or passive, there must be regular maintenance,” says Davis.

“There is a higher level of maintenance that needs to happen on a turf green roof than you would normally have to do on a ground location.”

Plantings maintained at the Kansas City site include ornamental shade trees such as red buds, honey locusts, and red maples. Grass plantings include Shenandoah switchgrass to tie in with the Performing Arts Center, as well as low-maintenance grasses such as fescue sod and Reveille bluegrass, which is also a low-water grass.

Regardless of the type selected, both require an alternative water supply to avoid spending the money for domestic water to keep the plants alive.

Green-Roof Experience
“Parks are about creating a refuge for people to be someplace else, and to be able to focus on the small details of life. To be surrounded by green and have their attention drawn to unique things,” Miller says.

“In parks, you’re not creating a green roof for the stormwater benefits. You are creating it for the aesthetic and human benefits, such as the simple pleasure of being in a beautiful space.”

“Green roofs have a softening effect. We underestimate the benefit of that,” Starsia adds.

“If I had to do it over again, I would have done more of the roof in planted areas with a greater variety of eco-plantings.”

What Do You Want To See?
Saying you want a green roof is analogous to saying you want a house. It is important to know exactly what you want and for what purpose before you begin the design process.

Experts in the field recommend assembling a design team that has experience creating green roofs. The team should include an architect, structural engineer, plumber, landscape architect, and contractor.

“You want to work with a company that constructs and maintains green roofs, and can help with maintenance and troubleshooting. It is important that the company has a record of taking care of their clients over promoting a particular green-roof product,” says Miller.

“Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies that offer green-roof packages rather than starting from the point of helping their clients think, ‘I want to walk out and see…’”

Tammy York is a professional public relations consultant to outdoor recreation related businesses and parks. Her book 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Cincinnati is available via Amazon.com. She can be reached via email at tammy@landsharkcommunications.com.

Are your baseball and softball fields ready for spring training?

And what about you? As a parks manager, if you’ve done all your work ahead of time, you’re probably out dealing with another facility or field–at least for now.

The great American pastime–particularly on the rec level–became what it is because of the hard work of people like you. And without you to lay the groundwork … well, people probably would be trotting off to watch another sport entirely.

Admittedly, in some regions, ball fields are used all year long. In others, the spring tune-up is on the horizon.

But no matter where you are geographically, a thorough review of fields and facilities is always a good idea.

The Grass Is Always Greener
Natural-turf fields, found at a majority of municipal facilities, require special care in order to preserve the best playing conditions.

Walk each field looking for areas that need work; these might include dead grass, holes dug by dogs or other animals, signs of insect infestation, muddy areas, bare areas, and more. Address these problems so each field has a uniform surface.

Part of that surface renewal, say field builders, includes grading. The goal is to move water off the field entirely so the whole facility dries more quickly after a rain.

“One of the biggest problems I see on natural-grass facilities are fields not being graded to drain off the water efficiently,” says Dan Wright of SportsTurf Company Inc. in Whitesburg, Ga.

“Fields should be graded as to move water off the field the shortest distance. In many instances, I see fields graded from the outfield through home plate, meaning the water moves from the outfield across and through the infield.

“For baseball and softball infields, the highest point of the infield should be the pitcher’s circle. The infield arc should be the start for grading the outfield with a slope of at least 1-percent to 1.75-percent sloping toward the outfield fence.”

For those fields that are currently not able to be mowed, they will be soon. To safeguard fields, limit mowing when temperatures soar, since grass can be burned.

Frequent mowing will keep the grass about 2 inches high, and that is far better for the field than “scalping” the turf, where more than one-third of the height of the grass blade is cut off. Cutting too short also leads to growth of undesirable vegetation, and can ruin the quality of the fields.

A well-maintained field means fewer in-season headaches for you.

Remember the soil beneath the grass too, says Wright, and avoid excessive compaction.

“Fields can become too hard, and then grass struggles to grow, especially if fields are extensively used. Periodic deep-tine aeration and topdressing with a root-zone material is required.”

In a perfect world (which few, if any, of us inhabit), fields would be closed to all traffic (players and maintenance equipment) after rains, or between periods of heavy use in order to help the grass rest and the field come back to normal.

Unfortunately, with maintenance budgets taking a back seat to the need of municipalities to make money by renting out fields whenever possible, few park managers have the opportunity to give fields the rest they need.

Artificial-Turf Fields
Some cities have installed synthetic-turf sports fields, including those for baseball and softball facilities. Many cities have chosen this option to save money on mowing, fertilizing, etc., and to reduce the downtime caused by fields that were muddy or too wet to play on without damaging the surface.

No system–natural or synthetic–is maintenance-free, however. Synthetic-turf manufacturers provide recommendations for maintenance of their specific system; make sure to follow these instructions.

If problems occur, consult the contractor or the manufacturer. Don’t undertake any work that might damage the turf or void any warranty.

In The Infield Areas
Foot traffic, maintenance, wind, and weather cause infield material to migrate throughout the season, and as managers know, it is particularly prone to building up in various places on the playing surface.

“Buildup of infield material along the infield arc is also a problem,” says Wright.

“This is created from dragging the infields and leaving a deposit of infield material at the arc. Routine maintenance is required to keep this buildup from occurring. This buildup of the arc does not allow water to drain off the infield, thus water stands on the skinned area.”

Take some time after dragging to hand-rake any built-up material, and move it away from the fields.

Be sure to rake base paths perpendicular to the direction base runners will take, and make sure those paths are smooth and straight, and free of anything that might trip an athlete.

Equipment Check
With the fields well in hand, it’s time to turn your attention to the other aspects of the facilities:

Fencing
If your baseball or softball field is surrounded by fencing, walk the periphery–inside and outside. Look for areas where the fabric of the fence is rusting, sagging, or bulging. Check for loose or detached rails, crooked or fallen posts and, if necessary, call your maintenance personnel or a fence contractor.

If there are gates, check whether they can swing freely, or whether any equipment needs repair.

If your fence has some type of padded cap on the top so athletes running for a ball can attempt challenging plays, make sure the cap is securely fastened.

It takes only a few minutes to check these items, but much longer to regret not doing it.

Check the backstop too (looking for problems the same way you examined the fence), and make sure it is structurally sound.

Bases
Various types of bases are available on the market. Whichever type the facility has, make sure they are in good repair. Spending the money on a new piece of equipment that ensures player safety will pay dividends.

Equipment Cages
If there is a separate fenced area for players to store extra equipment, personal belongings, or street clothing while they are playing, check this area for security.

Dugouts, Player Benches, And Spectator Facilities
If any structures are made of wood, make sure they are kept sanded and either painted or stained to avoid splinters. Look for cracks in the wood.

Many seats are made of aluminum or another metal; check for burrs, sharp edges, exposed hardware, and more.

Lighting
If the facility has lighting, be sure all fixtures are operating and have not burned out, or developed problems. Remember that good lighting will illuminate the field evenly and allow players to see what is happening, even from a distance.

Sufficient lighting will also keep players safe, not only by allowing them to see clearly what is on the field, but by keeping the facility brightly lit as a deterrent to vandals and other mischief-makers.

Promptly address small problems–weeds here, a burned-out light there, a sagging fence rail somewhere else–before they have the opportunity to turn into big problems. It makes a facility better overall, and keeps athletes happy.

And that’s one in the win column for you.

Note: The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) is a non-profit association helping designers, builders, owners, operators, and users understand quality sports-facility construction. The ASBA sponsors informative meetings and publishes newsletters, books, and technical construction guidelines for athletic facilities, including sports fields. It also offers voluntary certification programs in sports-facility construction and maintenance, including sports fields. Available at no charge is a listing of all publications offered by the Association, as well as the ASBA’s Membership Directory. Info: 866-501-ASBA (2722) or www.sportsbuilders.org

Mary Helen Sprecher has been a technical writer for more than 20 years with the American Sports Builders Association. She has written on various topics relating to sports-facility design, construction, and supply, as well as sports medicine, education, and health and industrial issues. She is an avid racquetball and squash player, and a full-time newspaper reporter in Baltimore, Md.

Would you like to spend your summer working as a ranger in a national park?

The National Park Service offers the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program that allows teachers to work as park rangers during the summer months, often living in the parks.

Once they return to the classroom, the teacher-rangers bring the park experience back to their students.

More information and a link to the application are available here: http://1.usa.gov/yeTrfE

Be encouraging.

I’m sure practitioners in the Parks and Rec business, being in public service, are at the receiving end of this on a daily basis.

This could include any aspect of the business, from taking care of sports fields to planning special events.

It seems that no matter how much attention to detail is put into the job, someone always has to find that one little item–the one dropped detail or overlooked action–and judge the entire effort–or even the whole department–on it.

It can get pretty discouraging.

I surmise that this fault-finding tendency is a natural off-shoot of our competitive, “zero-defect” world.

From infancy, we are conditioned to believe that perfection is the Holy Grail. And the bar for perfection seems to constantly get elevated.

These days, if a baby isn’t reading, talking and planning a future by 18 months, parents feel like they should get professional help. All right, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but the point is we’re all pushed to do more, sooner, better, quicker.

I suppose technology has an impact on this tendency as well. We have become so attuned to instant and complete gratification that waiting on a less-perfect result seems so yesterday.

But that attitude seems self-defeating and ignorant of the inherent imperfections of the human condition. None of us is perfect; we all make mistakes.

Even type A perfectionists make mistakes…maybe less often than the rest of us, but still, they’re not perfect.

There are times when finding fault is appropriate.

Supervisors are paid to find fault. They oversee work to ensure that subordinates are doing things correctly. But even then, there are good ways of finding fault and there are bad ways.

Maybe what I am opining here is not so much that we find fault, but how we find fault.

You can use a hammer or you can use a feather; you can either bash your point home, or you can feather it home.

Either way, the point can be made; it’s just that one way will leave the recipient with a crushed skull and/or headache, and the other won’t.

Maybe what happens sometimes is that we provide people with discouragement, when actually what they need is encouragement.

There’s a fine line between those two concepts, and it’s an easy line to cross.

I find myself making this mistake a lot. My background, training and past experience has created in me a tendency to be a problem-solver. When my better half talks about this issue or that, I’ll automatically start a mental checklist of what will need to be done to fix it.

What happens, though, is that when I’m making my mental checklist, I’m not listening. I am focused internally, rather than externally.

So I may (usually do) miss the real purpose of my role in the conversation, which is just to be a sounding board, a friendly ear to articulate some feeling or idea and see how it plays in the real world.

I’m learning, albeit slowly, why it is said we have two ears and two eyes but only one mouth–so that we will listen and watch twice as much as we talk.

Unfortunately, this tendency to criticize rather than encourage has extended to public life as well.

Look at the current presidential campaign trail. Finding things wrong with other candidates has risen to the level of an art form with campaign managers.

Even if someone tries to run a clean campaign and focus on the issues of the Republic, they get sucked into the vortex of negativity.

Teddy Roosevelt talked about this in a speech made in 1910 in Paris when talking about “Citizenship in a Republic.”

I have referred back to this quote on many occasions over my lifetime to remind myself that, as an imperfect human, I will try and fail many times, but the worst failure would be to give up.

Roosevelt said:

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”

So today, on this Friday, January 27, 2012, as you go through your day interacting with other imperfect people, try giving encouragement, not discouragement.

Randy Gaddo, a retired Marine, who also served until recently in municipal parks and recreation, lives in Peachtree City, Ga., and can be reached at (678) 350-8642 or email cwo4usmc@comcast.net.

Bring on the snow!

And that means a lot of cool fun, if you know where to find it.

To help you in that regard, Brite Winter 2012 has put together a comprehensive list of parks and recreation areas that offer winter activities.

To get information on skiing, snowboarding, tubing, tobagganing, outdoor ice skating, showshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding, got to: http://bit.ly/zGfv75

The symposium will begin at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Pierre Chamber of Commerce, 800 W. Dakota, Pierre, S.D., 57501.

Topics will include Infusing Play Into Pathway Networks and Funding Outdoor Play Projects.

Refreshments and lunch will be served, and you can earn continuing education credits.

To RSVP, contact Mindy Cheap, recreation superintendent for the city of Pierre, at 605-773-7445 or by emailing her at mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.

For more information about the topics to be discussed and CEUs, visit Playcore: http://bit.ly/A8j2Mq.

Making ends meet leaves little left over for the simple pleasures in life.

And I don’t mean where to invest or how to make the most of your 401K. I mean a decision like, “If I buy the family pizza for dinner tonight, will I have enough gas to get to work through Friday?”

They’re calling it “Frugal Fatigue” and it is weighing heavily on the minds of the inhabitants of this country.

It is sure to play a big part in the next presidential election, whether we are even conscious of it or not. When we cast our vote, it is likely to be in our minds that we want someone to make our lives just a little easier, a little more pleasant.

See, I don’t think most Americans drool for the “Lottery Winner” lifestyle. Sure, we all dream of getting to a place where all the bills are covered and there’s enough extra to get anything you want anytime.

But I don’t think the wistful dream of that disallows the ability to have a comfortable, happy life.

I know plenty of people who are truly happy if their year includes nothing more than a couple tickets to a Browns, Indians or Cavs game, some time on the lake beaches in the summer, a great fall festival with Ohio amenities like cider and hayrides, and a winter holiday season where the kids and Grandma can get a few nice tokens of love and appreciation from each other.

But these days, that very simple wish list seems a bit too lofty.

See, we can’t enjoy any of those things without a few bucks in our pocket, and those few bucks are being constantly designated for necessities anymore.

Despite the challenge, there are folks out there who are making sure their children, spouses and parents don’t feel the hit at full impact. People out there selflessly “cushioning the blow” for those they care about.

Today I want them to know they are appreciated.

They include:

• The laid-off parent who took a job far beneath his abilities to be sure the family could get by until better times arrived.

• The kids of that laid-off parent who know Mom and Dad are trying to find work anywhere to support them and who ask for very little and get by on a lot less than before without complaining.

• The child who is suddenly doing his part by pitching in and doing baby-sitting, mowing and shoveling jobs to cover her own lunch and after-care costs at school.

• The grandparents who are digging into savings they had reserved for themselves to help their children provide for their children.

• The almost retired worker who decides to stay a few more years to help his son or daughter get on their feet.

• The car salesman who cuts into his own profit a little more than he used to so a family that reminds him of his own family can get in a safe, clean car without spending their last nickel.

• The shopper who is folding their last buck to put in their pocket for tomorrow morning’s coffee who suddenly decides that buck does a lot more good in the Salvation Army bucket.

• The cafeteria worker who makes sure the biggest piece of school lunch meatloaf goes on the plate of that thin boy who looks like he could use more than a few good meals.

• The dad who is sitting behind the open back of the 10-year-old washing machine trying to put a new belt on the “old girl” as a new one is just not affordable right now.

• The mom who stays up late mending and patching the school uniform to make it last at least a month or two longer.

• The long-time employee who puts his family first and himself last. He is humble and proud and refuses to look desperate, so he parks his car in the back of the lot so his friends don’t see the ragged, rusty condition of his ride. The one that “still runs well.”

• The sentimental wife who has visited the gold and silver liquidator to sell off some of her treasured mementos to sneak some extra groceries into the house while keeping her husband’s pride alive.

• The parents who waited in lines and entered contests to get their children special holiday gifts they couldn’t afford to buy or reserve at full price.

• The pastors who have tried to instill confidence into their congregations that all of this sacrifice has purpose and meaning.

Truly, the list could go on all day.

The weariness from Frugal Fatigue does not appear to be waning as the days pass. Surely, there’s more of it ahead, and certainly more challenge to the human spirit awaits us in 2012.

But throughout the challenges of life, there has been nothing more encouraging than the support of our fellow brothers and sisters who have lent a hand, accepted a hand and stood beside us through the darkest of hours.

As we count our blessings, be sure to include their friendship at the top of the list. Without each other, there truly would be no sign of hope.

And without the challenges we have endured, how would we ever know how tough we really are?

Ron Ciancutti is the Purchasing Manager for Cleveland Metroparks. He is not on Facebook, but he can be reached at rdc@clevelandmetroparks.com.

“Safari to Success” will run Feb. 5-9 at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Sandusky.

Fran Mainella, former director of the National Park Service, will also conduct three educational sessions.

For more information and to register, visit http://bit.ly/Am798X.

This webinar can help your staff better understand aquatic therapy.

The webinar, “Core Concepts of Water-Based Intervention,” will start at noon EST.

It is the first in a series of evidence-based education opportunities created in concert with the Medical Fitness Association and open to the entire aquatic industry.

The 60-minute webinar, taught by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT, program director of Aquatic Therapy University, will take a functional look at aquatic therapy fundamentals for any discipline.

“Our facilities all want to treat the whole person, and aquatic post-rehab is near and dear to achieving that,” said Jim Gallagher, director of business development at the Medical Fitness Association.

“But the (continuing education) quality isn’t there. That is why we asked ATU to host our first aquatic webinar, so our global members can learn from the best clinical leaders in the field,”
he said.

Salzman takes a fresh approach in this webinar that keeps the pace moving–ideal for facilities looking for a lunch-and-learn opportunity to educate land-based staff on when to refer to the pool.

Attendees will leave with a clear awareness of why water works therapeutically and with access to the blue ribbon research (a proprietary database of over 8,000 abstracts) to back it up.

Details on learning objectives and outcomes are found at the ATU site.

“Our webinar makes it feasible for a program director to bring 60 minutes of evidence-based aquatic training to their entire team,” said Salzman.

“By partnering with us, the Medical Fitness Association has made it possible for facilities across the globe to attend ATU-caliber trainings, without spending a dime on travel,” she said.

The one-hour webinar is open to all, free for MFA members ($99 for non-MFA members). ATU courses are open to anyone with internet access. You do not need to be a MFA member.

To register, go to http://www.aquatic-therapy-university.com/. For questions, please call Mr. Lee Salzman at 800-680-8624 or 612-424-5490, or send him an email at lsalzman@aquaticnet.com.

Heaven holds a place for dogs.

She had contracted lymphoma and it was killing her.

Leah was a beautiful dog, part Chocolate Lab, part Irish Setter and I think a bit of hound dog, too. Her medium short coat was bright reddish-brown, and her eyes matched.

I didn’t really deserve such a great dog. She found me.

My wife and I were in Pine Mountain, Georgia, one cold November day. We went into an antique store and were greeted by this beautiful dog. As soon as she heard my voice, she attached herself to my side and followed me all through the store.

She had a special grace about her. She didn’t walk so much as she glided. She was very dignified, very regal. She carried herself with the poise of a show dog.

“This is a great dog you have,” I said to the lady running the store.

“Oh, she’s not ours, she’s a stray,” she said. “We just let her in here out of the cold and so the pack dogs don’t attack her.”

“You mean someone dumped her off?” I asked incredulously.

“As far as we can tell,” said the lady. “She’s been wandering around here for a week now and we try to feed her, but we can’t keep her here at night, so we don’t know where she goes.”

The whole time we were talking, Leah (our son named her after Princess Leia of Star Wars fame) sat politely at my side, looking up at me with those big, brown eyes.

I am generally more of a cat person than a dog person, even though I had plenty of both growing up on a farm in Wisconsin. I like dogs but always felt more kinship with cats.

But this dog had something very special about her. She was only about 2 years old, but those eyes held wisdom and knowledge and feelings far beyond her age, or even her species.

My wife and I left the store. Leah just sat by the window and watched me walk away. My wife and I were both very quiet as we drove away.

“That was a beautiful dog,” I said to her. She agreed.

“It is a crime for someone to just dump a dog like that. It’s criminal,” I said. She agreed.

Here is where my wife and I have different memories of what happened next.

I recall that I said, “I think we should go back and get her and take her home.” She agreed, and we turned our truck around and did it.

She recalls that I did say that but insists we didn’t go back until the next day. I’m pretty sure I’m right, because I don’t think I could have tolerated the dog being another night on the street in the cold with packs of dogs after her.

Since I’m writing this, we’ll go with my version. Either way, we went back to the store and walked in to tell the owner we’d take the dog off her hands. I swear Leah was sitting in the same place I’d seen her when I left. The lady was overjoyed.

When I opened the truck door, Leah did not hesitate to jump right up onto the middle fold-down console and sat regally, almost in a pose, just like she had done that every day of her life. She pivoted her head towards me and grinned as if to say, “I knew you’d come back.”

The rest is, as they say, history. She blended into our family of two teens, one tween, a Peek A Poo and a half-Siamese/half Tabby cat we had also adopted on another cold November day.

Part of my justification in bringing Leah home was for our 11-year-old son, Alex. The Peek-A-Poo was dedicated to our teenage daughter; the cat was attached to whomever he pleased, whenever he wanted, as cats will do.

I remembered growing up, having larger dogs like Leah, and I knew how much it means for a boy to have a dog.

Of course, nobody had asked Leah, and we soon found out that her opinion made a difference. She had chosen me as her person, and though she befriended my son and made him feel safe, if I was in the room she would constantly be at my side.

We discovered Leah was a great tracker. Once she got her nose on a trail she stayed on it like glue.

We used to play a game where Alex would hide outside and she would have to find him. He could run, but he could never hide. She always sniffed him out.

She loved to run and she was fast as lightning. About a month or so after we got her, Alex and I had her on a walk one very cold December day. There wasn’t anyone else out, so I let her go off leash.

She saw a deer and took chase. She was right on the deer’s heels until he jumped a 10-foot-wide creek. She tried the jump, and all Alex and I saw was her hitting the far bank, hard, and sliding back into the water. She disappeared.

We ran to the creek. No Leah. I thought she’d knocked herself out and went under. I jumped into the 30-degree water up to my chest reaching under to find her. No Leah. I turned around and there, under an overhang on the opposite bank, was a shivering, scared Leah grasping the mud for dear life.

She looked at me with big, fearful eyes as if to say, “Sorry boss, guess we won’t be eating venison today.”

She was a very independent soul. The first time I tossed her a treat, she just let it bounce off her nose, then slowly picked it up and ate it. No matter how hard I tried, she would not catch a treat.

Then one day, weeks later, I tossed her one and she snapped it out of the air like a shortstop. I was elated. I tossed her another. It bounced off her nose.

She looked down at the treat, then up at me and I swear she said, “I can catch it, but I choose not to, it is degrading.”

I never tossed her a treat again; I handed them to her.

We discovered she was deathly afraid of any loud noise that sounded like a gun.

She was terrified of thunder. We could predict a front moving in hours before it got there because she would stay right with me or whoever was in the house.

Leah was a great dog. She should have been doing something more than just being a house pet.

With her nose, she could have been a rescue dog. She could have been a drug-detection dog.

With her sweet personality, she could have been a therapy dog. When she was happy, her tail never stopped gyrating.

Maybe she was one of these things in another life. Her past remains a mystery. Maybe she’ll be doing one of those things in her next life.

Elvis Presley sang a song in 1956 called, “Old Shep.” I remember listening to that song as a kid, and crying. It was the saddest song. Beware if you listen to it, tears will fall.

The last words of the song went something like, “If dogs have a heaven, there’s one thing I know. Old Shep has a wonderful home.”

Ditto for Leah.

Randy Gaddo, a retired Marine, who also served until recently in municipal parks and recreation, lives in Peachtree City, Ga., and can be reached at (678) 350-8642 or email cwo4usmc@comcast.net.

Keiser University offers a flexible program for working professionals who are interested in enrolling in the Associate of Science, two-year Aquatic Engineering Degree Program available through its eCampus online degree program center.

Students can enter the program at any time during the year.

Each class is offered in one-month modules.

The program, now in its eighth year, has a strong student following because it allows students to earn their degree while they work, and offers excellent employment opportunities post-graduation.

“Many of our students have been in the industry for over 10 years. It gives me great pleasure to watch them grow in their professional learning. It gives me hope that the future of the pool industry will rest on highly educated professionals,” says Connie Sue Centrella, M.B.A., and Department Chair.

Students who enroll are involved in one-to-one, online education with the instructor, and online dialogue with other students. Each week, the students participate in learning activities, reading assignments, threaded discussion topics, weekly live chat rooms, and Webliography assignments.

Students will also learn more about the business of managing aquatic facilities, service, and pool & spa retail stores during each module. The program includes new energy efficiency and eco-friendly technologies in each module.

The online format makes it possible to offer a global study program that enables schedule flexibility and increased access to those currently employed.

For more information about the Aquatic Engineering Degree at Keiser University, visit www.keiseruniversity.edu and click on online education, call 888-453-4737, or email admissions@keiseruniversity.edu.

Learn more about the program at http://www.keiseruniversity.edu/aquatic-engineering-AS.php

Scholarships opportunities are available for graduates of the CPO Certification program and the CPI program.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Admission to a number of national parks, national forests and Bureau of Land Management areas will be free Jan. 14-16.

If you’re in the Washington, D.C., area, include a visit to the newly dedicated Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the newest member of the National Park System.

For a list of participating parks, click on this link: http://1.usa.gov/A7vfcH

How long will you stay relevant?

Now, I don’t mean they were afraid to try things, because I spent their entire childhoods saying things like, “Well, what do YOU think?”

I tried not to solve their problems for them; rather, I presented options and helped them walk through the solutions.

But they’re older now and they have families of their own. The three girls all have husbands, and their husbands are the ones they should be discussing things with, so it is right for me to be less counted on than before.

I still get a call from those husbands, who say their wives (my daughters) mentioned that they might want to “touch base” with me about an investment, repair or situation, but as the years go by they are more and more prone to move independently.

I even overhear a situation or two now and then where I was deliberately NOT told because they knew what I would say and perhaps didn’t want to take that approach.

Again–I think this is all healthy. I mean, my mom always said the greatest gift a child can give his/her parents is their independence. It proves you raised them instead of just babysat.

And I do sleep better as I watch them make better and more solid decisions as the years compile.

But where could that increasing lack of involvement lead me?

As I observe those in the age group ahead of me, there is one thing I know I don’t want to experience: what they seem to embrace as the “inevitability of irrelevance.”

There are signs of this I have noted in the past–and now am fully on the lookout for–as my time in the more “senior section” draws near.

I’ve seen families ignoring the grandparent or elderly family member among them as they make decisions for them.

“Grandma may not like this nursing home as much as the other, but it’s closer to our house and less of a drive when we have to go visit.” Yikes!

Or maybe one like this: “Dad, I’ll be over to shovel the driveway later. What’s your hurry anyway, you’re not going anywhere?” Hmm–sounds a little more than irrelevant–it becomes almost disrespectful.

It shows up in the workplace too. “Once the old man retires we’ll upgrade all this technology and get things on track.”

Wow–chances are that “old man” probably built the department that caused you to have a job. Maybe he knows things you don’t, including the best timing to implement new technology. Maybe you shouldn’t discount his opinion too quickly.

But how do you reach a ramped-up newcomer? They often have no appreciation for history, as they are so focused on the future.

In any event, how can one remedy this growing irrelevance as they age and the rest of the world casts a light on them like they are suddenly limping to the finish line?

The answer is really quite simple. It is our own responsibility to maintain our dignity, and that very dignity will save us from a senior life filled with people making decisions for us.

As I used to tell the boys I coached in Little League while we were losing by 10 runs and the game was to be called by the “mercy rule”–“I don’t care what happened before now and I don’t care to figure out who, why or where we went wrong. It’s time to suck it up and finish strong!”

Oftentimes this little motivating speech was enough to drive in a run or two and move the score to a respectable 10-2 or something that meant it would not be ended early out of “pity.” Mercy rule-Schmercy rule–we came to play and we will finish strong.

So how does a man who has been super involved in his children’s lives suddenly become completely useful again after they move on?

Simple. Stop looking on the ground for fallen apples and reach into the limbs to pick one fresh off the tree.

Grandchildren, orphan homes, big brothers programs, foster parents–the world is full of opportunities that need steady, capable people to step up and lend their leadership skills.

At work? Take an intern to lunch and befriend them. They are always broke, always hungry and usually quite appreciative of career advice and guidance.

Maintain and exhibit the notion that you have something to offer and that it could be very useful to the right listener.

The answer is dignity, my friends. You have amassed a career and a home life conjured out of respect for your trade and your life needs.

Finish strong, maintain your dignity and find an audience for that which is still good, strong, sage advice and experience.

Anything else would be a waste of good history; find a new audience for your precious memories. I’ll bet they find a pearl or two…as will you.

Ron Ciancutti is the Purchasing Manager for Cleveland Metroparks. He is not on Facebook, but he can be reached at rdc@clevelandmetroparks.com.

Let PRB (Parks & Rec Business) and our new online engine, www.ParkBids.com, do the work for you.

Simply log in to your Insider account, enter your project information (ie: what you’re looking to purchase) and hit save. Our staff and system does the rest.

We review your request to ensure it’s set up properly and we deliver it quickly to our constantly growing, vetted database of vendors. Those vendors interested in selling to you simply load their proposal — complete with all the details you’ll need to make a decision (including price) — to your Insider account.

Each time a new response is submitted, you’re notified via email. When you feel you have enough to take action, simply log in and review all the competing proposals.

Not sure which company is right for you? Click on the company name and check out their reviews and ratings in our buyers guide or use the contact information they provide to follow-up in person.

It’s quick, painless and effective.

Is your recreation center truly welcoming to visitors with disabilities?

The bathrooms, water fountains, and doors are accessible. The parking lots have handicap-friendly parking, and there are curb cuts where necessary.

Where stairs once might have posed a problem for users, there are now ramps and elevators.

But even with all of these amenities, is your facility really welcoming to visitors?

With adapted sports programs on the rise, it’s likely that not only athletes but also spectators with mobility limitations will be using the facility.

And it’s essential to remember that today’s spectators may well be tomorrow’s athletes, particularly if they see participants having a great time.

Even if they’re not, they look forward to the games and events, and keep coming back. Happy spectators make a game much more enjoyable.

Address The Obvious
So where do you start in making a facility welcoming to spectators with some limitations? By thinking like them.

Things you might take for granted can be formidable obstacles–or at the very least, inconveniences–to someone in a wheelchair, on crutches, etc.

Obviously, safety should be first. Keeping all areas well-lit, and walkways free of debris will help everyone. Keeping flooring clean and all carpet smooth and secured also will go a long way.

One might be surprised at the difference low-tech changes like these can make.

Here are a few additional ways to enhance the experience for everyone:

The right surface can mean all the difference for differently abled athletes.

• If a spectator area contains special seating for participants in wheelchairs, these areas should be evenly spaced out. (Nobody likes to feel like they’re in a confined area, and everyone wants to sit with their friends, so companion seating should be nearby as well.)

• If an area includes any gating or passageways, remember that athletic wheelchairs (the wheels of which are on a camber, or slant) may require a wider space. Any openings should be at least 48 inches wide so wheelchairs don’t have to be disassembled in order to fit through.

• Make sure HVAC systems are working efficiently since many times individuals with spinal-cord or brain injuries are extremely sensitive to temperature, particularly to heat.

• Equip restrooms with power outlets so individuals who use any type of breathing or suctioning apparatus can plug in this equipment in case of an emergency.

• If a facility regularly hosts events such as wheelchair basketball or tennis, re-evaluate how many handicap-accessible parking spaces you have. An upgrade might be in order, as well as a pick-up site if individuals are receiving rides from friends or on transit services.

• Tile, hardwood. and many synthetic surfaces are easier for users with wheelchairs than carpet; however, some facilities recently have begun experimenting with synthetic turf that is specifically designed to allow wheelchairs to move without as much resistance. Such turf generally has a shorter pile.

Seek Advice
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice issued final regulations revising Titles II and III, including the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The full text of the 2010 standards can be found at www.ada.gov. Specifically mentioned is access to sports facilities, including courts, fields, and stadiums.

Something to consider is a focus group that will give an honest opinion on the facilities. What is being done well? What could be improved upon?

Ask athletes with disabilities what they think; they will have great ideas and expert view.

Often, budgetary considerations will mean you can’t implement every suggested change, but some ideas can be brought online without too much of an outlay of cash.

Reach out to groups that can help. The U.S. Tennis Association, which has a formidable wheelchair-tennis program, has compiled a grassroots guide for gaining support of local programs for mobility-impaired players. The following is a suggestion on possible ways to find athletes (and spectators) with mobility limitations:

• Veterans Administration hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, and Shriners hospitals. While most hospitals will not supply the names of patients for privacy reasons, it may be possible to have hospitals pass information to individuals who might be interested in wheelchair sports, or to set up a free informational session to talk about the sport.

• Physical therapists and occupational therapists. Make contact with state or regional chapters of professional associations serving therapists.

• Wheelchair dealers and durable medical-supply companies

• Schools (elementary, middle and high schools, and colleges)

• Churches

• Local media, including newspapers, radio, and TV. Talk to a reporter about your desire to start a program. It makes a good human-interest feature for the media, and publicizes the program.

• Outpatient clinics, support groups, and more.

Other possibilities might include local or state medical associations, amputee associations, and others.

In many districts, there is one rec group or council that includes athletes and spectators with mobility restrictions, as well as their families and friends, and seems to enjoy all the positive support of the community. Why not work to make that your group or council?

Note: The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) is a non-profit association helping designers, builders, owners, operators, and users understand quality sports-facility construction. The ASBA sponsors informative meetings and publishes newsletters, books, and technical construction guidelines for athletic facilities, including turf fields. Available at no charge is a listing of all publications offered by the Association, as well as the ASBA’s Membership Directory. Info: 866-501-ASBA (2722) or www.sportsbuilders.org.

Mary Helen Sprecher has been a technical writer for more than 20 years with the American Sports Builders Association. She has written on various topics relating to sports-facility design, construction, and supply, as well as sports medicine, education, and health and industrial issues. She is an avid racquetball and squash player, and a full-time newspaper reporter in Baltimore, Md.

Creating a hub in your park makes it easier to meet the needs of all visitors.

Certainly they provide places to play, but they also provide a reason for people to get together.

More than anything else, that may be the great modern goal of recreation facilities. The dogs, kids, and sports teams all enjoy running around and exercising. And the spectators–the dog guardians, the parents and grandparents, the team supporters–can connect with other people who share their interests.

An emerging (or re-emerging) concept in park planning is to link all these different areas together around a central gathering space or hub. This space allows park users either to participate in different activities–still maintaining their social connection to other people–or to comfortably observe the activity and simply share the outdoors.

In this fast-paced culture, parks increasingly are looked to as the “third place,” where friends and neighbors want to gather informally and create a sense of community.

With limited time to be together and concerns over child safety, entire families usually go to the park, often spending many hours there.

The social aspects of being at parks are just as important as the opportunities to exercise. In fact, the socialization may be even more important for health, relaxation, and play.

A Vantage Point With A View
After several decades of city zoning and park design that encouraged focused-use athletic complexes, we are moving back to an earlier concept of park design for multiple activities.

What’s new about park planning is the idea of linking all these areas to a central gathering space.

In this concept, playgrounds, sports fields, waterparks, nature areas, trails, and other activity areas are all next to each other and radiate from this social hub, something like a village commons. The hub can be placed so people can see most or all of the activity areas.

The family might have a picnic together on the central green or plaza, and then Dad and Spot may visit the dog park, while Mom rock climbs, Bro plays soccer, Sis plays on the playground, and Grandma walks on a nearby path.

The most successful of these new parks provides places to be active, but also comfortable and quiet places in which to observe, rest, and have conversations.

The Community Park in Louisville, Colo., is a good example of arranging multiple uses radiating from a hub.

Link all of the areas of your park.

The 11-acre downtown park features a central civic plaza, picnic pavilion, and playground area that link other elements such as a dog park, basketball courts, a performance amphitheater, and a multipurpose field.

Louisville residents wanted a community space for walking while keeping tabs on one child at the playground and another at the BMX dirt-bike hill. They wanted to play bocce or horseshoes, or merely watch these games from the covered pavilion.

Visitors find more activity areas clustered nearer the center and fewer activities at the edges of the park. This layout allows park visitors to choose either active or pastoral space, or somewhere in between.

At the new 11-acre Elk Ridge Park in Castle Pines, Colo., the gathering plazas in the hub are connected directly or by sight lines to a playground, mazes, a 50-foot-tall climbing wall, a tube slide, a sprayground with a waterfall that people can walk behind, a synthetic-turf sports field, and multiple picnic shelters.

Quarter-mile walking loops with activities such as geocaching and scavenger hunts radiate from this gathering place like the petals of a flower.

Parents who want to jog or read a book are always within 200 yards of their children, even though they are all engaged in separate activities.

The design for Civic Center Park in Centennial, Colo., adapted the hub idea by including a “coffeehouse,” a favorite hangout venue for many Americans. This comfortable setting features a shelter with skylights, a fireplace, Wi-Fi, and a variety of seating, including built-in stone “couches.”

Visitors can commune with each other or their laptop while viewing the climbing wall, playgrounds, waterpark, nature area, picnic pavilion, amphitheater, and grassy meadow.

A Successful Design
The hub concept can be adjusted for any site size and shape. Here are some planning and design considerations:

• Design the hub to connect with a variety of activity areas. Place as many activities as can be accommodated compatibly in close proximity to the hub. The gathering space should have open access or views to the playground, athletic field, amphitheater, or other major elements.

• Provide comfortable places to hang out. Create a “room,” such as a pavilion, an overlook shelter, a great lawn, or a terrace surrounded by a grove or garden in which people can sit and socialize. Provide comfort elements, such as skylights, a fireplace or fire pits, and a balance of enclosure and openness.

• Design multiple loop trails of different lengths that circle back to the hub. Walking is the number-one fitness activity of Americans. Providing a variety of walking paths that loop around activity areas allows people to walk a little or a lot, and maybe walk all the paths. Walkers can exercise while keeping track of family members in the activity areas. Loop trails, as opposed to out-and-back trails, provide continually changing views and a sense of spaciousness, even on smaller sites.

• Provide reasons to explore trails and multiuse paths. Some paths will have functional purposes, such as connecting parking areas with the gathering space. Paths with inviting entries can pique users’ interest and encourage exercise and exploration by providing a sense of discovery, as well as access to a spectacular view or contemplative place. Trail signage, kiosks, and games along the paths can educate visitors about plants, geology, the cultural history of the site, and other subjects. Multiple crossings in the loop-path system provide opportunities for neighbors to meet.

Linking people to each other by providing a place to socialize in parks is an important part of helping create that opportunity to share time with others. That keeps us and our neighborhoods healthy.

Axel Bishop is a founder and principal of Design Concepts, CLA, Inc., an award-winning community and landscape-architecture firm in Lafayette, Colo., whose focus is on master planning and design for parks, communities, and school and university campuses throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. Design Concepts’ projects have been featured in Landscape Architecture, Parks and Recreation, American School and University, and other national publications. For more information, go to www.dcla.net.

Girls can play football, too.

These naysayers believe girls don’t have the physical strength, mental toughness, or endurance to be active, contributing participants.

How ridiculous is it to think that in today’s society, some people have slammed the door in the faces of young girls who want to play sports simply because they have traditionally been played by boys?

Knowing sports are amazingly powerful, wonderfully enriching, and tremendously life-altering, why would anyone want to deprive girls of the chance to reap those same benefits?

Simply Disgraceful
In Tonawanda, N.Y., 9-year-old Kayli Reynolds loves playing football. The only girl on her youth football team–the KAT Raiders–she was anxiously looking forward to playing her second season.

The team’s coaches–including Kayli’s dad–thought it would be good for the kids to join a new league that was more competitive. Then, at the team’s first scrimmage, league officials told them of a rule of which the coaches weren’t aware: no girls allowed.

Talk about putting a sledgehammer to Kayli’s season.

“They said football is open to all eligible boys, and cheerleading is open to all eligible girls, and that she was going to have to leave,” Kayli’s father told WGRZ’s program, 2 On Your Side. “All other leagues in the area and anywhere else, they can play.”

Of course, the news didn’t go over well with Kayli–or her teammates.

“I’m not happy about it,” Kayli told WGRZ. “I think they should say girls can play. It’s like saying boys can’t cheerlead, but they can.”

“Girls can do whatever, too,” one of her male teammates said, and another added: “Sometimes she hits better than us.”

Get Over It
For those who agree that girls shouldn’t be allowed to play youth football, and I’m guessing there are some of you out there, please don’t use the safety factor as a crutch. The league apparently told Kayli’s father that they were concerned about her safety.

C’mon now, 9-year-olds come in all shapes and sizes, and the injury risk isn’t any greater for a boy or a girl at that age. If the youngster wants to play, and the parents are on board with it, why crush a youngster’s interest?

Sports- and recreation-insurance specialist John Sadler offered his opinion on the matter: “Mixing participants of different sizes, ages, or skill levels should be avoided, and can be an indication of potential negligence. The fact that a football player is female does not necessarily trigger these concerns. Injury risk in tackle football can be reduced by the implementation of standard risk-management precautions.

“For example, all players/parents should already be required to sign a properly drafted waiver/release form which should include a risk warning of the dangers inherent to tackle football, and the acceptance of such risk. In addition, the use of pre-participation physicals or medical clearance forms is standard practice in the sport of tackle football.

“If there are additional concerns about a higher-than-normal risk for a particular participant, the sports organization could require the participant to sign a custom-drafted waiver/release that addresses the specific concern.”

Tim Jerome, recreation supervisor for the town of Hamburg, N.Y., Department of Youth, Recreation and Senior Services, gets it, too:

“I support and encourage any young girl with the desire to participate and play youth football. With gender-appropriate football equipment and proper training, a girl is at no more risk of injury than a boy of the same age group.”

Luckily, the league had a chance to do the right thing. The board gathered to vote on whether the rule should be changed, needing only a two-thirds majority vote to get Kayli back on the field.

So how did things turn out? The board voted 10-4–to uphold the ban on girls playing.

It also turns out that Kayli isn’t the only girl who wanted to play in the league. Another team that joined the league had sisters who were looking forward to a fun-filled season of football, and now are unfairly being pushed to the sidelines, along with Kayli.

The next time you come across an organization that doesn’t allow girls to play, tell the members to get their heads out of the sand and join the 21st century.

Fred Engh is founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) in West Palm Beach, Fla. He can be reached via e-mail at fengh@nays.org. To join more than 3,000 communities by starting a NAYS chapter, visit www.nays.org or contact Emmy Martinez at emartinez@nays.org or (800) 729-2057.

You don't need freezing temperatures to set up on an "ice" rink.

There is another option–fake ice–also known as synthetic ice. This new synthetic ice is a high-tech polymer plastic engineered to create a low-friction surface similar to that of real ice.

Figure skaters, hockey players, and recreational skaters all can use the surface.

“The alternative ice skating-surface concept has been around for 30 years. Back then, it was primarily used for stage shows and was a surface to stand on with skates with silicone used as the lubricant,” says Don Mason, president of KwikRink in Minnesota.

“Fast forward 30 years and synthetic ice is now a very realistic surface for advanced training.”

How Synthetic Ice Works
Instead of the synthetic ice of the past that used a plastic surface and silicone was applied as a lubricant, new synthetic-ice products have the lubricant imbedded within the product.

“Ingredients injected into the core of the synthetic-ice polymer make their way to the surface of the synthetic ice to make a slick surface to skate on,” says Perry Boskus, president of Global Synthetic Ice.

“On the older synthetic-ice surfaces, the skater’s blades cut through the top layer of silicone and then cut through the plastic and the blade chattered or stopped, but newer synthetic ice virtually eliminates this problem.”

Synthetic-ice rinks also can be assembled in nearly any location outdoors, from Florida to Canada.

The benefit of warmer climate locations is the novelty of offering ice skating outside in 90-degree weather under palm trees; in colder climates, freezing weather for an outdoor ice rink is not required, which has recently been an issue in Canada. In fact, those in northern climates having difficulty with warm weather wreaking havoc on traditional outdoor rinks can even use synthetic ice to bridge the gap until it is cold enough to create a traditional outdoor rink.

Compare And Contrast
Since synthetic ice doesn’t require refrigeration, there is no need for extra square footage to handle the cooling and dehumidification systems or the electricity to refrigerate the ice and the natural gas to dry out the silica used in the dehumidification process.

And exactly how does the surface of synthetic ice compare to that of a traditional rink?

The new synthetic ice surfaces are a big improvement over earlier versions.

With a traditional rink, if a dehumidification process isn’t used properly, humidity creates condensation on the ceiling that literally rains down on the people using the rink; this can create potential problems on the surface of the ice, such as bumps and in some cases–stalagmites.

Plus, there is no need for a Zamboni machine that averages $100,000, requires a trained operator, and must be operated several times a day to maintain a smooth surface. There is also no need for heating coils to melt the shaved ice and plumbing to remove the water from the Zamboni’s dumping area.

“I used to run real ice rinks and they are not very profitable. [They] cost nearly $3 million to install and between $50,000 and $60,000 a month to operate,” says Boskus.

“Synthetic rinks have an extremely low cost at about $250,000 to install a full-sized rink and about $100 per month for the lubricant solution.”

Styles
Synthetic-ice rinks can be created to fit any location and any size. Some synthetic-ice rink systems use an interlocking tile design and can be disassembled and reassembled, which is beneficial for a parks and recreation department because it can be moved from location to location.

Synthetic-ice rinks can be installed on any hard, level surface from the seasonal basketball or tennis courts to an indoor gymnasium.

“Look at the size depending on what you need for the size of the rink. We typically talk people down in size,” says Mason.

“You really don’t need a full-sized rink in most cases. In fact, for park applications, all the rinks are customized.”

“Parks and recreation departments usually consider a 40-foot by 60-foot rink because it is easy to manage and easy to operate,” says Boskus.

“With the rinks being made from interlocking tiles, [this size] can be assembled in about two hours or less. The rink can be disassembled in less than two hours and moved to another location in the park district.”

One way to bring in more people to the rink is to create a unique venue.

“Skating outside is more of a novelty down here in Florida, but one thing we’ve found that brings people in is to make the rink look inviting,” says Boskus. “We made our rink look like a miniature Rockefeller center complete with lighting, decorations, and a Christmas tree.”

Low Maintenance
For synthetic ice rinks installed in the great outdoors, maintenance is as simple as keeping the rink free of dust, dirt, and leaves. The rink surface should also be protected by fencing as well as monitored to insure proper use.

“If you get a synthetic-ice rink with blue tinting, it will appear cleaner longer,” says Boskus.

“To clean the rink, use a little Dawn dishwashing solution and pressure wash it. The cleaner you keep it, the better it skates.”

It usually takes one person 45 minutes to clean a 40-foot by 60-foot outdoor rink. Indoor rinks can be cleaned just like a dance floor.

Tammy York is a professional public relations consultant to outdoor recreation related businesses and parks. Her book 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Cincinnati is available via Amazon.com. To reach Tammy, email her at tammy@landsharkcommunications.com.

A soccer field doubles as an outdoor movie theater.

Cities with similar diverse populations are forcing departments to utilize existing facilities to maximize limited space and resources with innovative, low-cost ideas.

The city of Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department isn’t immune to this issue. When one of the largest venues–a 108-acre park, with the majority being open park land–closed to make way for a new marina, officials were forced to find alternative locations for many of the events.

The second-largest location–a 104-acre facility–was on the opposite side of town. In addition to overcoming limited space, the park staff now had to find alternative solutions to draw people to that side of town.

Other obstacles at this location included eight ball fields, 14 soccer fields, a skate park, a dog park and two playgrounds. In addition, part of the complex was nestled between two schools, thus limiting the amount of open green space.

The complex oversees more than 165 adult softball teams, 700 youth baseball/T-ball participants, 135 special-needs softball participants and 1,800 soccer participants and more than 28 tournaments.

It was decided staff members would need to adapt many of the events to fit this location.

Soccer fields were transformed into “sit-in” movie theaters, where hundreds of families could bring blankets and lawn chairs once a month in the summer to watch a free movie.

The four-field baseball complex was utilized to host a spring Egg-stravaganza that scattered thousands of multi-colored plastic eggs stocked with age-appropriate prizes onto each of the fields.

Eggs--instead of baseballs--are scattered over the outfield for Easter.

Since the fields were divided by age group, it actually made setting up easier than the previous location, where open green space had to be roped off to accommodate each age group and start times had to be staggered to hide more eggs.

It also provided all age groups the opportunity to begin the “hunt” for the eggs at the same time–a bonus for staff members waiting to clean up.

The same fields also were used for a “Halloween egg hunt” that utilized black and orange eggs and was held at night under the ball field lights for the ultimate effect.

Additional opportunities–such as a kickball league for adults and a game for 3- and 4-year-olds called Blastball–also were introduced.

Eventually, the community will see a return on the park when city officials are someday able to acquire funding to build more facilities. In the meantime, the existing facilities have adapted well to the growing needs and may just continue to facilitate the events currently held there, thus giving true meaning to the term “multi-purpose” complex.

Tina Boysha, CPRP, CPSI is athletic director for the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department in Clarksville, Tenn. She can be reached via e-mail at Tina.Boysha@cityofclarksville.com.

———————————————————Sidebar—————————————————————-

What is Blastball?
Blastball is an excellent introduction to T-Ball and baseball for young boys and girls, known for the base that makes a distinctive “HONK!” when kids jump on it.

Blastball is a fun, fast-paced game for tiny ball players.

The game is fast-paced and full of action, perfect for the shorter attention span of youngsters.

Blastball is very safe because players use a foam bat and ball.

It teaches fundamentals such as hitting, throwing, and fielding while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.

How is the game played?
Two teams of around five players each alternate between batting and playing the field, just like T-Ball and baseball.

Kids do not have formal field positions, so they’ll get a chance to catch and throw the ball often with guidance from their coach.

Everyone gets a turn at bat.

After hitting the ball from a batting tee, players run to the blastbase and jump on it to make the distinctive “HONK!”

When the ball is stopped by a fielder, he or she holds the ball up high and shouts “BLAST!”

If the fielder yells “BLAST!” before the batter “HONKS!” the base, the batter is out. If not, the batter scores a run.

(Source: www.leaguelineup.com)

As we approached the doors, my son chirped, “Hey, Dad? I was just wondering. What does it feel like to be old, fat and bald?”

“If I could lift my arms right now, I’d show you.”

Then I smiled, clapped him on the back and opened the door.

I’ve told this story to many of my friends and, by happenstance, their wives.

Invariably, the dads roar with laughter and, if my son is nearby, clap him on the back or riff on his line by making fun of my other deficiencies–the way I laugh, the way I tell stories, and so on.

The wives, especially the ones who may not know me well or don’t have boys of their own, always look confused–they seem to be of the opinion that my son was being rude or mean.

Of course, the exact opposite is true–and the dads intuitively understand. My son wasn’t actually calling me fat, bald or old. Instead, he was telling me he loved me and really enjoyed that bit of time we spent together.

When the other guys chimed in, they weren’t actually saying my laugh was weird (well, actually they might have been), but the larger issue was that they liked me and were reminding me that they liked me.

My wife thinks this is all weird and stupid. She’s constantly reminding me that I am not 15 and that I shouldn’t reinforce my son’s “bad behavior”–as in laugh when he tells a slightly off-color joke or hits me or his sister or his friends with a good comeback.

Unfortunately, I’m a big believer in the art of constructive needling. I believe it’s a fundamental male survival skill. It’s one way we who make up the uncivilized half of civilization communicate everything from affection to apologies. The other way? We actually apologize and say “I love you.”

It’s true. We are capable of this type of communication. It’s just that, in the ebb and flow of daily life, it’s more enjoyable to tell your wife you love her by gently chiding her for the dinner she prepared, the restaurant she chose or the color of the shirt she’s wearing to your kids’ soccer game.

It’s even better when your wife gives it right back to you.

I bring this up because the aforementioned rec center is doing a great job of helping me teach my son these essential skills. Since he’s been old enough (i.e., mature enough) to lift weights, we’ve been using the weight room three times each week.

Almost immediately, other patrons took notice and went out of their way to introduce themselves to us. As time went on, a kind of camaraderie developed–they’ve given my son a nickname (“Superstar”) and tease about how much weight he’ll be able to lift when he actually grows. And, without intentionally doing it, they’ve given him a great gift–self confidence.

I imagine this type of encounter is happening at rec centers and sports fields all over the country on a daily basis.

I bring it up now because as you start selling memberships to all those folks who are making New Year’s resolutions, maybe there’s something you can do to foster this type of interaction for new members to ensure that they come back several times a week for the rest of their lives.

My son and I started going for the workout, but we continue our regimen for the interactions with friends.

Till next month…

Rodney J. Auth
Publisher

A public-private partnership brings synthetic turf fields to Stratton Park.

But the idea was even better than that; officials decided to partner with the Richmond Kickers and utilize the multi-purpose fields adjacent to the private soccer group’s existing natural-grass and synthetic-turf fields so that the fields could be jointly programmed for larger events.

The plan was developed through a public process involving the Kickers organization and stakeholder groups representing soccer, football, lacrosse, and field hockey.

Design And Grading
The grading for the two fields was designed as one plane with a minimal slope of .0067, allowing flexibility of use for various sports. The fields are 210 feet x 330 feet with a minimum 15-foot safety zone.

A paved walking/jogging trail around the two fields provides access to spectator areas and a family exercise outlet. The area between the fields is programmed for coaching and players. A welcoming plaza with shade trees accommodates concessions and provides convenient restrooms. Reinforced concrete in the plaza allows access to the fields for both emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Building The System
The new synthetic-turf system’s appearance is amazingly similar to that of natural turf, with grass blades that are three dimensional and multi-color green.

The front-end cost for a synthetic-turf system is a major investment, so it pays to visit several installations to set realistic expectations for the appearance and performance of the system within the project budget.

A performance specification was prepared to allow multiple manufacturers to bid on the project, since each manufacturer had a different system to achieve similar results. Specification and bidding were a collaborative effort between consultant and owner, resulting in several “lessons learned” through the process (see sidebar).

Building a synthetic-turf system utilizing a traditional drainage approach begins with a sub-base layer of stone in a herringbone trench pattern around a system of 4-inch perforated tubing. Above this, a layer of geotextile is placed, overlaid with a dynamic base of dense graded stone and a fine topping layer.

All is compacted to 95-percent Standard Proctor.

Other drainage methods have been developed by the manufacturers. The option selected for Stratton utilizes a pre-molded drainage board of lightweight, injection-molded plastic tiles instead of the traditional under-drain system. The drainage board is made of 100-percent recyclable material, and forms a porous shock pad.

The pad allows for water infiltration and conveyance through hollow drainage channels on the bottom of the pad that slope towards the field perimeter. The pad offers a potential savings by eliminating the under-drain tubing system, decreasing the required depth of the stone base, and minimizing the depth of excavation.

It also allows for virtually level fields, with a minimal slope center to ends of .0067.

This paved path links the fields and provides an exercise area.

There is an additional benefit in using a drainage pad since it provides added resilience for player safety–decreasing the tested G-Max by a minimum of 20. Resilience of the surface is measured as a factor of gravitational pull, and is noted as the G-Max rating of a surface system.

Several factors in the design of the field section impact the G-Max rating, including the drainage system and the sand/rubber ratio of the infill mix. The recommended G-Max rating varies, but a range is between 80 and 110. However, the softer, more resilient surface that results from a lower G-Max rating also results in slower speed of play and ball roll. A balance between safety and speed is the goal.

The fiber height or finished pile height varies from 1.5 to 2.5 inches, but the real test of a system’s performance is the weight. The total turf weight, as well as the face weight of each system, needs to be compared.

The face weight is the weight of the grass or pile fiber without the backing. Comparing the face weight based on the same fiber height will reflect the density of the fibers. Like carpeting, this impacts the appearance of the turf and can also impact the performance and life of the system.

The face weight ranges from 35 to 48 ounces per square yard. The pile tufting also plays a role in the density of the pile fibers. It is generally recommended to have a 3/8- to ½-inch gauge with a stitch rate of approximately 10 stitches per 3 inches (10/3). The total turf weight also includes the backing layers.

Most manufacturers provide a three- or four-layer backing consisting of two layers of woven fabric and one layer of non-woven fabric. The secondary backing is a high grade of polyurethane, and is applied to the entire primary backing. If the backing is not porous, 3/8-inch drainage holes should be perforated through the backing every 2 to 4 inches in both directions.

The best field markings are 4-inch-wide inlaid lines, either factory-installed or seamed into the field after installation. Varied colors of the turf fibers are used to mark a field for multiple sports.

The turf is anchored to the field by fastening it to a wood nailer board inset in a concrete curb that is flush along the field perimeter. The perimeter curb must be set a minimum of 15 feet out from the playing field to allow for the safety zone.

A 4-foot-high chain-link fence at the field perimeter prevents ball roll away from the fields. Although the concrete curb is typically 6 inches wide at Stratton, the curb is widened in order to embed the fence posts in the curb.

Infill must be thoroughly mixed before the synthetic-turf surface is installed. The sand is rounded silica, and the rubber is typically SBR crumb rubber made from recycled tires, usually mixed in a ratio of 30:70, sand to rubber, although with a drainage pad the ratio may be 50:50.

The infill acts as a ballast to help hold the field in place and adds resiliency based on the percentage of rubber used in mix. Infill helps to hold the grass blades in a vertical position and adds to the life of the blade since less of the blade leaf is exposed to wear during play.

The depth of the infill at the time of installation should be about ½ inch below the blade tip so it settles to a maximum of 5/8 inches below the tip.

Maintenance And Warranty
Cost and frequency of maintenance and replacement are part of the selection criteria for a synthetic-pile system. Life expectancy of the synthetic-turf surface is generally 8 to 10 years, while the life expectancy of a pad/drainage board is 16 to 20 years.

The typical warranty length for the turf is 8 years. In considering life-cycle evaluation, be sure to budget for removal of the old system, in addition to the replacement cost. The system warranty should include that the surface system is to maintain the specified G-Max range for the life of the field.

Maintenance of the infill material is critical, particularly in hot spots like corner-kick areas. As the percentage of sand is increased, the frequency of grooming the infill also increases to prevent the compaction of the infill mix.

Require additional sacks of infill, seaming tape, and patch turf as part of the bid package. It is recommended to groom the infill every 3 to 4 weeks. Hot spots should be filled by hand and raked in bi-weekly.

Defibrillation–brushing synthetic turf in the opposite direction of its turf lean–is also a maintenance requirement to bring turf vertical and increase the field life. This is done manually with a push broom or mechanically with a Gator and motorized sweeper.

The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) is a recognized professional association in the synthetic-turf marketplace that offers a third-party certification. This is a voluntary commitment to deliver products and services that meet or exceed the specifications. The specifications should include qualifications and the experience of the installer. An insured third-party warranty also should be required.

Nancy Rodrique is a Landscape Architect with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., in Virginia Beach, Va. She can be reached at (757) 490-0132 or nrodrique@vhb.com. For more information on the firm, visit www.vhb.com.

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Lessons Learned
• Involvement of stakeholders
• Cost benefit of synthetic turf vs. natural turf
• Selling local officials on the investment
• Public procurement of performance-based specifications
• Obtaining approvals prior to bidding

Combine adventure and safety when designing playgrounds.

If that is the case, then our nation’s playgrounds are our most important laboratories.

Playgrounds offer children challenge, excitement, and a place for strenuous physical activity that health experts tell us is vitally important. Playgrounds are a place to test physical limits, interact socially in coordinated play, and learn first-hand the implications of the laws of physics.

Like most laboratories, playgrounds are risky places, but that is part of the fun.

Despite the potential for injury, children are readily attracted by the challenge and excitement of taking risks.

On average, there are 200,000 visits annually to hospital emergency rooms across the country by children injured on playgrounds. These numbers include both public and home playgrounds. Most of these injuries are associated with falls.

Our challenge, as designers, is to maximize the sense of adventure and risk, while minimizing the potential for actual injury. Experience and testing have shown that the two most important ways of accomplishing this goal are to:

1. Maintain proper fall zones in the immediate vicinity of equipment

2. Provide resilient surfacing that can break a fall without causing injury

Standard Of Care
There are no laws governing playground equipment and surfacing safety, but two documents have come to represent the “standard of care” for playground safety in the United States.

The first is a federal guideline prepared for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), titled Handbook for Public Playground Safety; the second is the Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use, published by the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) Playground Safety Standard F1487.

Another testing protocol, ASTM F1292, Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment has become the national standard for testing impact attenuation of playground surfacing materials.

A trade organization representing playground and surfacing manufacturers–the International Play Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (IPEMA)–provides third-party testing of equipment to ensure it meets the requirements of the documents identified above.

Playground fun is all about taking risks -- safely.

There is a truly broad range of play equipment that can be selected and combined to create unique play experiences for almost any situation. Designers and administrators limit exposure to risk of litigation by ensuring playground equipment is 100-percent IPEMA certified.

There is playground equipment that has been in use for some time, which experience has shown should be avoided due to safety concerns. Some examples include:

• Swinging exercise rings or trapeze bars
• Multiple-occupancy swings
• Spinning equipment without speed governors
• Swings attached to composite play structures
• Ropes or cables not affixed at both ends
• Heavy swings (made of metal or wood)
• Trampolines

Maintain Fall Zones And Clear Zones
It is an art to create and combine play equipment in such a way that it is exciting and attractive to users, and it is not the intent of this article to downplay the importance of that process. However, due to the number and nature of injuries on playgrounds, the best value a designer or administrator can often bring to playground design is to ensure:

1. Equipment is properly spaced to allow for clear fall zones

2. Safety surfacing will cushion falls so that emergency-room visits are not needed

Fall zones for individual and composite pieces of equipment are fairly simple to figure out. For most platforms and pieces of equipment higher than 24 inches, there is a need to maintain a 6-foot-wide horizontal zone surrounding the equipment that is cushioned with safety surfacing and free of any posts, solid curbing, or other elements that might cause injury in a fall.

Fall zones can overlap in some cases, but in others they can’t. These are generally governed by the height of the equipment.

Additionally, it is important to note that some categories of equipment have added requirements for clear zones. These include swings, slides, spring toys, and merry-go-rounds. As an example, spring toys and merry-go-rounds are not more than 24 inches above the ground, yet they still require a 6-foot or greater clear zone around the perimeter.

It is important to verify clear-zone requirements; they can be found in the Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment.

Most reputable play-equipment manufacturers provide clear-zone diagrams for each of the pieces of equipment they make, and these templates can be very helpful in developing a playground layout.

For those new to playground design, it is a good idea in the early stages of design to allow more space for a playground than you think should be required. It is not unusual for an elementary-school playground with multiple pieces of equipment to occupy 8,000 to 12,000 square feet of area.

Selecting Safety Surfacing
Playground safety surfacing is often addressed in playground design as an afterthought. In actuality, there is almost nothing more important. Selection of a surfacing type is a key decision, and should be made early in the design process.

Surfacing can be an aesthetic consideration as poured-in-place rubber, tiles, and rubber fill are available in a variety of colors, and can be coordinated with playground equipment.

Key considerations, however, for selection of surfacing materials include the following in order of descending importance:

• Impact attenuation and safety
• Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility
• Initial cost and long-term maintenance (life-cycle cost)

It is telling that risk managers for school districts are often as well-versed as designers on the guidelines for safety surfacing and the characteristics of surfacing types. This is the case because lawsuits due to playground injuries are not uncommon, and the outcome is often dependent on whether the safety surfacing meets or exceeds the minimum criteria of ASTM 1292.

There are two measures used to determine fall attenuation for playground surfacing:

1. Head Injury Criterion (HIC)–a mathematical formula used to quantify the likelihood of head injury

2. Simple deceleration–measured in G-max

Resilient surfacing should attenuate a fall such that HIC measures less than 1,000, and G-max measures less than 200. As the height of equipment increases, the depth of resilient surfacing for the fall zones of that equipment must also increase.

It is also important to understand that different materials have different resiliency characteristics. As an example, 9 inches of pea gravel will adequately stop a 6-foot fall. It only takes 2-1/2 inches of poured-in-place rubber resilient surfacing to provide the same resilient landing.

Most surfacing materials are tested in carefully established and optimum laboratory settings. Measurements of impact attenuation after installation may vary significantly from laboratory conditions, and the unique circumstances of a playground should play a role in what material is used for surfacing.

As an example, engineered wood fiber demonstrates excellent resiliency in a controlled setting; however, it tends to absorb and hold moisture. When frozen, engineered wood fiber can form a very dense surface with almost no resiliency; therefore, there are surfacing materials that may be more appropriate for locations where play equipment is used throughout harsh winter conditions.

Through maintaining proper fall zones and providing the best possible surfacing, designers can increase the safety of playgrounds without limiting the excitement and adventure for children.

Terry Schoenthal, ASLA, is a Landscape Architect practicing in Alaska. Terry has spent more than 25 years studying , designing , (and using) playgrounds in Alaska, Washington State, and Europe. Most recently, Terry has completed a study of resilient surfacing options for the playgrounds of the Anchorage School District.

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Resources For Playground Design
The design of playgrounds today has become a complex effort, but a number of reference and training sources are available and can be very helpful.

Some examples include:

The Certification Course for Playground Safety Inspectors, presented by the National Recreation and Park Association
Two-day courses are held throughout the United States, and offer thorough training in current safety recommendations for playgrounds. Upon passing a test, participants are certified as Playground Safety Inspectors. Schedules for classes and schedules may be found at its website, www.nrpa.org.

ASTM F 1487-07 (or most current) Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use
This is the accepted general standard for playground-equipment safety.

ASTM F 2223-04: Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing
This is the accepted standard for playground safety surfacing.

ASTM F1292, Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment
This is the standard for testing the impact attenuation of safety surfacing.

Handbook for Public Playground Safety
Produced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, this handbook is one of the accepted primary guides for playground design.

A Guide to Playground Planning, produced by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
This is a great all-round resource for all of the decisions that go into developing a new playground, and can be found at www.dnr.state.il.us/ocd/IDNRPlaygroundManual.pdf.

A synthetic soccer field turned out to be a smart economic option for this department.

Luckily, teams can still play youth football.

Until recently, the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department was in the same situation as many other facilities–teams needed to play, but it was a tough decision whether to sacrifice the integrity of the fields. So, after asking questions and getting advice about the feasibility of switching the playing surfaces from natural to synthetic, here we are, a year later, and it’s time for kickoff.

The park district recently finished several major construction and revitalization projects to give the recreation department nine synthetic-surface playing fields of various sizes.

Youth/flag football, soccer, lacrosse, etc., can now be accommodated on a near year-round basis without having to restrict play due to field limitations.

This article will take a look at an estimated cost comparison of one of the district’s athletic fields that measures 100 yards by 40 yards, versus natural turf of the same size over an eight-year time period.

This period was chosen due to the life cycle of a synthetic surface. Since many of the costs are fixed for both surfaces, it makes it easier to provide an analysis on if “biting the synthetic bullet” and changing to a different playing surface is an appropriate choice for some communities.

It is important to realize that there are some assumptions being made in this comparison. For starters, the cost of one field is figured and multiplied by four in order to obtain a more accurate yearly estimate.

Second, the field is graded with solid turf and a superior root system, so this work was not performed. An irrigation system has already been installed, so the associated costs are not figured into the equation.

The five main considerations are:

• Irrigation
• Mowing
• Painting
• Pesticides
• Fertilization

Irrigation
Since irrigation is a large contributor to the overall cost of field maintenance, let’s start here. The field is irrigated almost daily for eight months of the year, which amounts to 240 cycles. There are 28 sprinkler heads for this size field, and the water cycle runs about 80 minutes. A complete cycle sprays nearly 8,000 gallons of water.

Additionally, the utilities department charges different prices for different water consumptions, so the total cost of water usage for the month is divided by 30 to get an average daily expense. The cost of commercial water also consists of sewer charges, so 8,000 gallons will equal $35.82 per day.

From these numbers, the proposed water cost for one year is $8,596.80.

Weigh the costs for synthetic turf vs. natural turf.

Mowing, Pesticides, And Fertilization
Mowing and pesticide applications are costs that rival those of water. Mowing is calculated at a minimum of three times per week for nine months. Fuel is included at roughly two gallons ($6.00) per cut, as well as 40 minutes of manpower at a rate of $10 per hour ($6.67).

Fertilization covers over-seeding and scheduled fertilization. Over-seeding with 600 pounds is $597, while scheduled fertilization done a minimum of four times per year equals $210.

Pesticide application is done twice each year on a pre-emergent and post-emergent schedule. Pre-emergent spraying is done in the early fall to resist the growth of fall and winter weeds. Post-emergent is done on an as-needed basis.

Both of these applications are used with a broadcast sprayer. The application normally takes roughly 1.5 hours for a field this size; since the sprayer is used for additional grounds and landscapes, the cost of the machinery is not included in the comparison–only the pesticide, manpower, and fuel consumption.

Painting
Presently, when painting the fields, aerosol cans are used instead of concentrated paint mix. While football uses the field 10 weeks per year and soccer needs 25 weeks per year, the two programs do not overlap in the playing season, so we are not able to save paint by doing both simultaneously.

Soccer requires half the amount of time and paint of a normal football field. A case of paint retails at $51.50; it takes seven cases and four man-hours for each football field and three cases and two hours for each soccer field.

The yearly total is $8,367.50 for both.

Add It Up
To summarize, the cost of maintenance for natural turf:

Water–240 cycles x 35.82 = $8,596.80 per year
Mowing–40 weeks x $12.97 = $518.80 per year
Fertilization– $597 (over-seeding) + 4 applications of fertilizer = $807.00 per year
Pesticide application–$39.20 per year
Paint–35 weeks = $8,367.50 per year
Total = yearly total ($18,329. 30) x four fields x 8 years = $586,537.60

Synthetic Turf
Since synthetic turf is very much like carpet, it is beneficial that lines of different colors for all types of sports can be stitched together, so the need for additional marking paint is almost nonexistent. On the other hand, if you wish to have a simple football or soccer field, you can then apply extra temporary lines with field paint to fit the need for different programs.

Although the $263,000 price tag for synthetic turf may seem like a no-brainer compared to the $586,537.60 for natural-turf maintenance, there are still costs to consider when converting a field.

For instance, the site will need multiple types of stone or gravel to create a strong surface and a combination 50/50 blend of evenly distributed, rounded sand and rubber pellets. And don’t forget about purchasing the turf and repairing it on occasion, which tends to be costly.

A grooming machine (approximately $13,000) also is needed periodically to “stand up” individual strands and redistribute the pellets so that it takes on an appearance of grass rather than carpet.

Below is a diagram of a common base system that is used to create the substrate of a field. Keep in mind all of these components carry a price tag as well:

BaseDrainage

The synthetic turf became a viable option to replace natural turf for the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department. This may not be an option for every district or agency, but be sure to consider all of the factors to understand how a department can maximize its programs and rentals while lowering the cost to maintain playing surfaces.

Alex Sullins is the adult athletic supervisor for the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department. He can be reached via email ASullins@cityofdalton-ga.gov.

Brock was awarded the Silver Designation for its PowerBase, an interlocking panel system with the highest quality, food-grade 100-percent pure polypropylene. The panels can be easily removed, cleaned and begin their next life as a quality, durable material with minimal use of additional energy or waste. Alternatively, as a pure mono-component material, the panels can be easily recycled and remade into new panels, eliminating the demand for new fossil fuels for this use.

For more information, visit www.brock-international.com.

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Top Instructors Recognized By NSPF
Colorado Springs, Colo.–Nine instructors with non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation received awards for exceptional performance at the annual instructor meeting.

Distinguished Instructor awards were given to:

• Bob Buettner, Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz.
• Jose Miquel Torres, Paraiso Pools, Deltona, Fla.
• Scott Ford, Tropical Aquatics Marketing, Dunedin, Fla.
• Michael Lowry, Lowry & Associates, Newmarket, Ontario
• Trevor Sherwood, Pool Operation Management, Brick, New Jersey
• Pat Kirk, CPO Wyoming, Gillette Wyo.
• Allen Crumley, The Pool Management Group, Inc., Marietta, Ga.
• Steven Morgan, Sunbelt Pools of Georgia, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.
• Sarah Gruttemeyer, Pool Professionals, Inc., Cary, N.C.

For more information, visit www.nspf.org.

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BSN Awards Grant To St. Philip’s School
Dallas, Texas–BSN SPORTS (flagship division of Sport Supply Group, Inc.), a sporting-goods distributor to schools and leagues, awarded its first Victory Grant to the St. Philip’s School and Community Center of Dallas, which provides an academic environment and athletic programs for inner-city children from low-income families. The new equipment will be used to help improve and expand athletic programs that would have been otherwise impacted by ongoing funding challenges.

Programs nationwide are invited to apply for Victory Grant consideration at www.BSNSPORTS.com/sponsorme. Grants will be allocated on a rolling basis and are open to all organizations.

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Field Notes

Signature Systems Group, LLC (formerly Signature Fencing & Flooring Systems, LLC) announced the hiring of Don Douvillon as VP of Heavy Matting.

SPRI Products, Inc., a distributor of rubberized resistance products and fitness accessories, has promoted Lizz Erickson to Commercial Sales Manager, where she oversees all commercial sales in the U.S., including health clubs, yoga studios, universities, municipalities, hospitality, military and corporate wellness.

Allyn Frerichs retired as director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry after more than 50 years of service to the city of Brookings, S.D.

PROFILE Products LLC announces it is changing its master brand to better represent its evolving business. The master brand is best expressed in its updated logo and new tagline: Solutions for your Environment.

Poo Free Parks, a Denver-based, privately held company providing environmentally responsible pet-waste supplies and services to local communities, announces that it has named Tatum Bell as the new director of sales.

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Working Together To Keep Calif. State Parks Open
Three California State Parks on the closure list will be kept open through an agreement reached between the National Park Service (NPS) and the California State Parks (CSP).The parks included are: Tomales Bay State Park, located within both Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Samuel P. Taylor State Park, located within Golden Gate National Recreation Area; and, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, located within Redwood National Park near Crescent City.

The key to this arrangement is that the three state parks are within the legislative boundaries of National Parks where joint federal/state agreements have existed for years for the sharing of staffing, resource protection and park operations. Closure of any state park within National Park Service’ boundaries would likely have negative impacts on national park resources and visitor experiences, as well as negative impacts on the local economies.

The NPS will support normal day-to-day operations needed to keep the parks open. However, no additional federal funding will be available and no major or long-term infrastructure repairs will be accomplished. Operations managed by the NPS for California State Parks will be dependent upon existing NPS funds along with the regular State Park fees collected at the respective parks.

This is a one-year agreement on a trial basis and renewable as long as both the National Park Service and California State Parks desire to continue such an arrangement.

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STC Donates Field To Washington, D.C. Middle School
The Synthetic Turf Council awarded Stuart-Hobson Middle School in Washington, D.C. a new synthetic playing field. The non-profit trade association revealed plans for a 13,200-square-foot, synthetic turf playing surface to be used by students year-round for team sports and to increase their fitness levels.

For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.

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Making An Impact In The Industry

Hello Ron,

I just finished the article you wrote “Shedding Cement Shoes” in PRB October. I want to thank you for your story, for the reminder that every day we have the opportunity in some small way to touch the lives of people who may be struggling with demons of some kind, to recognize the personal traits that we have been blessed with and take the opportunity to share them with others that might help draw them to a better place.

Thank you for doing what you do, keep sharing your skills and self with others–you do the profession proud.

Cheers,

Peggy Watters
Community Services Director
City of Wilsonville, Ore.
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Hi Ron,

I wanted to say what a great article you wrote in PRB October. It’s amazing how we have the ability to positively impact so many people’s lives with little effort really. I coach high school sports and work in sales. I love making a difference and I love seeing the kids I work with give back.

Thanks again for a great article!

Heather Simpson
BrittenGear
Traverse City, Mich.

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Word On The Web

On “Surely,” October 28 Week-Ender blog post:

Ron,

Nice job with your article. Funny that you wanted to be Walt Disney, the artist and I wanted to be Walt Disney, the theme park guru. I actually followed my dream briefly. After several seasons working at Geauga Lake [in northern Ohio] I did a stint at Walt Disney World (and then moved on to Cedar Point in western Ohio), but found that what I thought I wanted wasn’t exactly what I really wanted.

Here I am in a career I thoroughly enjoy, which wasn’t even on my radar when I started college. I suppose I could be a general manager at an amusement park today, but I really do thank God for that unanswered prayer.

While I don’t miss the Cleveland weather, I sure do miss those fall leaves. Enjoy it before the snow starts flying!

Don Decker
Director of Parks & Recreation
Weston, Fla.

Note: Not receiving the Week-Ender blog? Start/renew your subscription at www.parksandrecbusiness.com for this exclusive online content.

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Calendar

January
3-Feb. 17 UMass Winter School for Turf Managers, Amherst, Mass.—University of Massachusetts; academicprograms@contined.umass.edu
10-12 Northern New England Recreation and Parks Conference, Bartlett, NH–Attitash Grand Summit Resort; www.northernnewenglands.com
10-14 Sports Turf Managers Association Conference and Exhibition, Long Beach, Calif. www.stma.org
16-20 Mid-America Pool & Spa Show, Schaumburg, Ill.– Schaumburg Convention Center; www.midamericashow.com
18-20 Indiana Park and Recreation Association Annual Conference, Michigan City, Ind.—Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa; www.inpra.org
29-1 Mid-America Pool and Spa Show, Southeast Region, Atlanta, Ga.–Cobb Galleria Centre; www.southeastshow.com

February
6-7 Ohio Parks & Recreation Conference and Trade Show, Sandusky, Ohio—Kalahari Resort; www.opraonline.org

March
7-9 National Drowning Prevention Symposium, San Diego, Calif.–Hyatt Mission Bay; www.ndpa.org

Dogs in your community wonder when you'll provide them with their very own park!

And still your pooch looks at you afterwards with a sad face that you interpret as…“More play time, pleeease!”

You are out of breath–and options–until you remember…the dog park.

This destination for people and their pets serves as an additional way for dog owners to keep their canines healthy and well adjusted.

Experts like Elizabeth Barker–a veterinarian technician at Greenwood Farms Veterinary Clinic in Macon, Ga.–swears by dog parks, and uses her hometown’s designated green space in the city’s west-central district as a venue to train and rehabilitate the dogs in need at her workplace.

Barker describes dog parks as a convenient, neutral space that introduces dog owners to an alternative place for their pets to run and play.

“Dog parks provide stimulation and afford the animal and owner a chance to bond beyond their daily routine,” she explains.

On a sunny fall day, Barker’s statement resonated loudly as a woman who referred to herself only as Heidi and her 6-year-old Boston terrier named Terrence took full advantage of the opportunity to get out and about in the overtly Fido-friendly environment.

She and her “guy” have been frequenting this spot for the last five years, and Heidi says a day at the dog park is a much better way of expressing love, respect, and appreciation for a pet than the ongoing confines of a small backyard, the inside of a house, or the end of a rope or chain.

“People who bring their dogs here obviously care about their pets. I bring him here every week,” she says. “And it’s nice and relaxing for me.”

Diana Williams agrees with Heidi and uses the park when she’s not serving as treasurer to the Macon Dog Park Pals to Animals. The nonprofit organization oversees and maintains the city-owned property with the help of the Macon-Bibb Parks and Recreation Department’s Grounds Division.

She believes the social, psychological, and physical benefits of going to the park for both dogs and their owners are immeasurable. And with obesity at an epidemic level across the country, going to the dog park might contribute to the creation of a more-fit nation.

“The park gets people out and communicating, and reminds them that pets are very, very healthy for owners,” Williams notes.

A dog park is a friendly place for canine and human visitors.

A Dog-Lover’s Paradise
Going to the park is easy. In most municipalities that have one or more, they are just a walk, car cruise, or mass-transit ride away.

But what to do once owners and dogs are there? If looking for the answer, the award-winning Cosmo Dog Park in Gilbert, Ariz., is a dog-lover’s paradise.

The 2007 Dog Fancy magazine’s Best Dog Park winner opened in July 2006. Today, nearly 600,000 people visit annually from all over the country and bring their canines to run, jump and…do what dogs do in great dog parks.

According to Gilbert’s Public Information Officer Beth Lucas, the primary draw at Cosmo is the amenities. Built in the shape of a dog’s paw and named after Gilbert’s first police dog and local hero, the park sits on 17 acres, and features two dog-wash stations, a wet-dog area, a lighted, open dog park, a timid-dog area, and a water-crazy canine’s favorite–a doggy beach.

In addition, owners can take advantage of a basketball court, walking trails, picnic tables, and an amphitheater.

Lucas says Cosmo epitomizes what a great dog park should look like and also serves as a place where the community comes together.

“People love their pets and [love] having a great place to take them. Cosmo Park is not just a drop-off area, but a place that people bring their dogs for a good time for both their animals and themselves,” said Lucas.

Health Benefits
Barker says the hallmark of an excellent dog park is great accommodations. Macon’s park has a water stream and fountains for both dogs and people. A small bridge, vertical car tires, and ramps lace the property on one side adjacent to shaded rest areas for worn-out “mommies” and “daddies.”

This type of environment is just what the doctor ordered for owners trying to improve their pet’s health. The dogs being treated at Greenwood Farms that she brings to the park for workouts are fit and trim as a result of their routine visits. They also rest better, maintain beautiful skin and coats, and don’t have as many joint and digestive issues as their inactive counterparts.

Barker adds that dog parks enhance animal and people skills through contact with other dogs and residents, and typifies a dog-park visit. And all this equates to a better way of life for the entire community: “Having a socialized dog is another world. These dogs are more versatile and can handle various situations well.”

The Power Of Dog Parks
The power of dog parks goes beyond the quality of life for local residents and their pets, however. Lucas says Cosmo has created additional reasons for non-residents to visit Gilbert and even stay awhile, which translates into more tourism dollars.

Back in Macon, Lucas’ words come to pass as Danny Vanvalkinburgh relaxes under a shade tree across from Heidi, while his buddy, a stray wiener dog he found a week earlier, tussles with Terrence the terrier. The Chattanooga, Tenn., senior biology major at nearby Mercer University says that he is just one of many people who use the park.

His and Heidi’s presence along with that of an elderly couple and their two four-legged comrades supports Williams’ and Lucas’ claims that dog parks attract an array of people, including professionals, the young and old, people of various races, and even the less-fortunate.

“It’s an escape for both the dog and me,” Vanvalkinburgh admits. “Dog parks are a really good idea because they bring people together in a safe haven. They are great places for people to get together.”

Clarence Thomas, Jr., works full-time as an Athletic Coordinator and Marketing Assistant with the Macon-Bibb County Georgia Parks and Recreation Department, and doubles as a freelance writer and public-relations specialist. He can be reached at thomas4111@cox.net.

For some, this raises questions like “Is it time to move to a new company or even to a new career?” or “Should I ask for a promotion?” and many more.

For those who want to retain the best people and get the most from them, take the time to reflect on whether you are the type of leader others would want to work for.

Make a fresh start this year by taking a long, tough look in the mirror and asking yourself:

Am I As Tough On Myself As I Am On My Employees?
Because we are human, many times we fall into the trap of being tough with people we believe have great potential, yet we forget to hold ourselves to the same standards.

There is no doubt that talented and ambitious people have high expectations–for themselves, their team or agency, and their colleagues in general. As their leader, this includes you!

The ultimate challenge in a position of authority is to demonstrate the same values, attitudes, and mindsets you want to see from employees.

Am I Adding Value To My Employees’ Lives?
Employees are paid to perform specific tasks with specific job titles. But does their job add any significance to their lives?

As a leader, providing meaning is arguably one of your roles.

Show employees that you hold them in high regard by delegating and assigning them to oversee projects. This will let them know they matter not only to the agency/company, but to you, too!

Do I Motivate Talented People To Want To Work With Me?
Most talented employees are not motivated primarily by money or status or a parking spot. They want to work on projects that excite, stimulate, and motivate them.

Why? They feel their work has an impact.

Put simply, great people want to feel like they’re part of something greater than themselves–an agency’s vision, a company’s mission statement, etc. So, part of your job is to keep everyone energized and determined.

Can I Find Great People Who Aren’t Looking For Me?
Perhaps the most challenging task for leaders is to seek out people who are not looking for them.

Running a team, a department, an agency, or even a company filled with the most talented people could be any leaders’ dream. But persuading people who may be outside your agency or company, or even someone in a different department, to work for you is more difficult than it sounds!

It requires a compelling vision of the future–one that meets both the needs of the department, agency, or company, and your employees. So, can you use this compelling vision to your advantage when recruiting people who initially have no interest in working for you?

Am I An Advocate Of Change?
Most of the time, leaders have no say on change, especially outside their scope of responsibility.

However, part of your job is to recognize that change is a process that takes time and that employees will move through it at different phases.

So, provide as much information as possible about why these changes have occurred, listen to employees’ concerns and fears, and then finally let them be a part of the process as far as what’s ahead.

Including everyone in the process of change enhances their ownership about their team, department, or agency. But remember this: if you want them to change, you need to be the first to do so!

Dr. Tatiana Chalkidou is a post-doctoral fellow at Oklahoma State University, working in different park management projects. She holds a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University in Health, Leisure, and Human Performance, a M.BA. and a M.Sc. in Human Resources Management and Development from University of Leicester in the UK, and a B.S. in Physical Education and Sport Science from University of Athens, Greece. She can be reached via email at tat.chalkidou@okstate.edu.