This-N-That
PPG Issues Advisory On Aquatic Facilities
Pittsburgh, Penn.--The Accu-Tabsystem commercial pool water treatment group of PPG Industries announces the release of “Smooth Operator: Maintenance & Training Best Practices,” the second in a series of informational advisories. Data from the survey indicates that 20 percent of pool owners and operators questioned had to shut down their facilities due to a concern over water quality. Of these owners and operators, 76 percent cited the equipment they use to regulate water quality as being difficult to operate. The advisory provides seasonal action steps that can be implemented to make pool maintenance and operator training an ongoing process. Included in the action steps are recommendations for staff-certification programs. For more information, visit www.accu-tab.com/operations.
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ChlorKing Generator Receives NSF-50 Certification
ChlorKing Inc. a manufacturer of commercial salt chlorinators announces that it has received NSF-50 certification on its X-GEN on-site chlorine generators for commercial swimming pools. The generators are available in 20- and 40-pound/day models and feature a pH-neutral module, which allows for the pH in the production tank to be controlled, thus delivering neutral pH chlorine to the swimming pool. For more information, call (800) 536-8180.
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SCS Announces Partner For Ordering Parts
Denver, Colo.--SCS is partnering with PurePlay Waterpark Restoration Services so you can now find SCS parts on PurePlay’s new Web site. The Web site, myparksupply.com, was created as a resource for the recreation and waterpark industries. It was designed to help simplify dealing with maintenance issues and improve the ordering new or replacement parts. Whether it’s cleaning products or splash pad elements you are looking for, or even replacement slide pads, myparksupply.com has what you need.
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May Is National Water Safety Month
Alexandria, Va.--In recognition of the popularity of swimming and other water-related recreational activities, the month of May has been designated as National Water Safety Month. The purpose is to highlight the need for ongoing public education on safe water practices and always being "water aware." This designation has been proclaimed as a joint effort of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the World Waterpark Association. National Water Safety Month can be celebrated through educational programs, public services announcements, governmental proclamations, and the distribution of water safety-themed materials, all aimed primarily at the public and designed to prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries. For more information, visit www.watersafetymonth.org.
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National Wildlife Looking For Your Best Shot
National Wildlife Federation is now accepting entries for their 40th annual contest. Cash prizes totaling more than $30,000 and other gifts will be awarded to the winners in seven categories in three separate divisions: professional, amateur and youth. Winners will be published on their Web site. The deadline for submissions is July 6, 2010. For more information, visit www.nwf.org/photocontest.
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Extra Effort Deserves Bigger Award
Mr Engh,
I read the article on trophies in PRB (December 2009).
I believe kids should get small participation ribbons or medals, but higher rewards should be given to the ones that win or excel. One of the problems we see is the expectation many young have today that if they show up, it’s good enough. The real world does not work that way and we should be raising young people to be productive adults. Many forget the end goal and just think they are raising children.
Extra effort should be encouraged because in the end, that is what gets a person further in life. A bigger trophy generally represents more effort. I am afraid if we go down the path of "all being equal," we are teaching the wrong and stifling message.
Terry Hays
Sallisaw/FT Smith W KOA
Sallisaw, Okla.
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Fred,
I coached many years before my son, Andy, was born and started coaching him in T-ball. We did the annual ‘who orders the trophies and how much?’ After a couple of years, some parents volunteered to make plaques instead of trophies. I would find some wood and they would take pictures all season and cut them out and cover them with a plastic sheet for each player. Then it evolved to adding pictures of the parents, a posed shot and even an inset of a team picture. After the moms who started the plaques retired, my wife invited all the moms to bring their pictures from the season and meet at our house. With boxes of pictures and scissors, they had more fun helping each other.
My son is in his last year of playing college ball and still has all of the plaques on his bedroom wall. The moms made one for me also, which allows me to glance over to get a quick reminder of all of the kids that have played for me, memories that last forever. I wonder how many of my players still have them up on the wall. I bet they don’t have their 4th-grade soccer trophy where anyone can see it.
Mike Hebrard
Athletic Field Design
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Unexpected Lift A Real Gift
As an avid reader of PRB, I wanted to send a letter of appreciation for the “An Unexpected Lift” article submitted by Ron Ciancutti (December 2009). From my perspective, I wanted to call it “An Unexpected Gift.” Clearly the author, Kirby Jonas, is in touch with the warmest recesses of human kindness and is "regifting" that to his readers through his writing. As I read the piece, I found myself tearing up along with Dowdy Branson; wonderful literature is able to stir the deepest emotions, the most encompassing compassion and provocative response. Further, the detail allows the reader to visualize the character to reality; I was drawn to the image of the old cowboy who graced the cover of every “Pure Prairie League” album back in the day. Thank you for taking a chance on publishing this piece. As an avid Louis L’amour reader in my youth, I think I’ll be checking out Mr. Jonas’ work.
Don Bessler
Longmont, Colo.
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Word On The Web
Comments from online readers
“You still haven't removed muriatic acid which is much more dangerous than sodium hypochlorite. Nothing is said about the maintenance issues, namely cleaning and replacement of the cells and addition of salt to the pool. I ahve also heard complaints of increased degradation of the concrete deck from the salt. I don't know if that one is true or not from personal experience. Anyone else? These issues take away from the appeal for us pump room jockeys. I agree the water quality is good and feels great.”
--Jim King
Swimming Pool Technical Supervisor
“The short article is interesting. The need for meeting water-sanitation standards safely with great customer acceptance is critical. To do it at the least possible cost is equally important. I suggest a follow-up article providing competent cost analysis of disinfection alternatives. Without that data, we still won't be motivated to stray from our status quo. I should add we are doing our own research into alternatives, but a follow-up article would help guide/fact check our own analysis.” (Electrolytic Chlorine Generators, By Connie Sue Centrella, PRB January 2009)
--Matthew Roberts
Parks and Recreation Director
Dear Jim and Matthew,
We’re way ahead of you. Be sure to keep an eye out for a follow-up article to address your concerns. Thanks for the feedback!
Sincerely,
Christine Sima
Editor
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Correction
In “Before The Water Flows” in the February 2010 issue of PRB, the cost of gel-coat resurfacing for water slides was reported as $10 per square foot. It should have read $25 per square foot. PRB regrets the error.
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Calendar
April
5-7 Iowa Parks & Recreation Association, Sioux City, Iowa—Sioux City Convention Center; www.iowaparkandrecreation.org
13-15 Maryland Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference & Exhibit, Ocean City, Md.; www.mrpanet.org
13-16 Washington Recreation & Park Association Annual Conference and Trade Show, Tacoma, Wash.—Tacoma Convention Center; www.wrpatoday.org
14-15 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Prior Lake, Minn.—Mystic Lake Casino; www.mnrpa.org
18-20 Midwest Regional Conference for Parks and Recreation, Kearney, Nebraska—Holiday Inn; www.nerpa.us
19 Nevada Recreation & Park Society Annual Conference, Reno, Nev.; www.nrps.org