This-N-That
PRB welcomes the following members to our Insider program:
City of Shawnee Parks and Recreation
Shawnee, Kan.
City of Dayton Parks & Recreation
Dayton, Ohio
Isabella County Parks & Recreation
Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Willoughby Parks and Recreation
Willoughby, Ohio
City of Grandview Parks & Recreation
Grandview, Mo.
New Lenox Community Park District
New Lenox, Ill.
City of Rocky River
Rocky River, Ohio
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Field Notes
Ric Stone has joined Jacobsen as Vice President of Sales. He is responsible for leading sales efforts in North, Central and South America as well as customer service and parts support.
Paul Foley, executive director of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), announced his retirement. He was be replaced by Justin Apel, assistant executive director.
Frank Parisi and Andrew Caputo have been named Associate Principals with Williams Architects Ltd., in Carol Stream, Ill., which specializes in architecture for the sports, recreation, aquatics, municipal and religious building markets.
Fluidra SA, a supplier of applications for sustainable use of water in pools, irrigation and water treatment, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Aqua Products, a manufacturer of engineered robotic cleaner technologies.
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Week-Ender Blog Picks Up Steam
Ron,
As an Iowan living on the East Coast for the last 10 years, I really appreciated your “Private Spaces” story. Though we don't have a fire pit anymore, we do fire up the grill often. We expanded our vegetable garden and try to eat under the shade of the umbrella when the suffocating humidity allows.
Thanks for reminding folks how enjoyable the small things in life (fresh air, fire, family, and six-packs) can be.
Matthew Kaiser
Deputy Public Information Officer
Fairfax County Park Authority
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Hi Ron,
I wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoyed your online article in PRB. It reminded me of my childhood. I was raised on six acres in rural Chicago. Creeks, ponds, pasture, barn, fence, animals, smells, bond fires, family and friends. Memories of old--a nice way to start my day. Thanks.
Steve Blackburn
Denver, Colo.
Note: The Week-Ender features online-only commentary by Ron Ciancutti and Randy Gaddo. Visit the archives at www.parksandrecbusiness.com, or start a subscription to the magazine to receive it via e-mail.
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Toro Announces Athletic Field Maintenance Forums
Bloomington, Minn.--A series of educational seminars hosted by The Toro Company, Diamond Pro and Beacon Athletics highlight best practices in sports-field management for the turf industry. The sessions combine hands-on and classroom instruction with proven techniques and skills to enhance field-maintenance knowledge. The following forums are scheduled for the remainder of the year:
• August 17, Michigan State University in E. Lansing, Mich.
• September 28, Council Bluffs Recreation Complex in Council Bluffs, Iowa
• October 25, Hoover East Park in Hoover, Ala.
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Landscape Structures Awarded Disability Matters
Delano, Minn.--Springboard Consulting, LLC recently announced the Disability Matters honorees for 2011. Of 16 honorees in five categories, Landscape Structures Inc. received the Marketplace Award for its commitment to providing inclusive playgrounds to children and families of all abilities. The Disability Matters awards represent businesses that serve as role models for their peers in Corporate America, the U.S. Federal Government and small businesses alike for their initiatives to recruit, provide support and market to the disability community. This year’s winners were honored April 6 and 7, in San Jose, Calif.
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Straighten Up Storage Spaces
Storage areas can be a bit of a mess if not kept tidy, not to mention that motors, and other items can become oxidized and rendered useless after a period of sitting in chemical rooms. We have just bought a shed away from the chemical room for this reason. Also, we are presently getting prices for metals (aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc.), to get rid of items no longer used or useable for our facilities. In the process, we will clean up our storage areas for safety and equipment longevity, not to mention getting a little money back for our troubles.
Dan Dailey
Trades Crew Chief
Wellington, Fla.
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Celebrate National Trails Day June 4
On June 4, 2011, American Hiking Society's National Trails Day will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country for the 19th annual celebration of America's trail system and its supporters and volunteers. Two thousand events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more. To host an event or to learn more, contact Heather Sable, Trail Programs Manager, at hsable@AmericanHiking.org or (800) 972-8608 x 208 or visit www.AmericanHiking.org.
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Construction-Safety Course Launched
Colorado Springs, Colo.--A comprehensive OSHA 30-hour course specific to construction safety is now available for pool and spa business owners through the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) online training center. The course is in compliance with OSHA-29-CFR 1926 and is intended to provide instruction on a variety of general construction safety and health standards. For more information, visit www.nspf.org.