This-N-That
“Dress Up” Waste Receptacles
Conveniently and properly placed waste and recycling containers (one container every 50 lineal feet is the standard for arenas and public venues) help to control litter and eliminate waste.
In addition to looking good, matching the color-scheme of a park or recreation complex and incorporating desired features, these containers are increasingly being designed with serviceability in mind. Larger volume containers, for example, extend the service interval while eliminating “spillover” and the resulting mess. Easy-access features--like liners and access doors on rollers rather than hinges--are also becoming more popular. Smudge-resistant, texturized paints and finishes--which some manufacturers refer to as “Granite or Silver Vein”--are also available to extend the maintenance interval--reducing the time spent wiping down the containers--a further cost constraint measure.
Even within the overall look of the cans, there are materials of construction to consider. Metal-slatted containers are available in differing styles--from traditional to more elaborate and decorative. The metal slat construction makes these containers resistant to graffiti--an additional concern when containers are to be used outside.
Most manufacturers also include items like leveling feet in case the surface where the units are to be deployed are not flat. An anchor kit and a lid cable are also provided as a vandalism deterrent--and to keep the units intact in the event of extreme weather.
In addition to how the receptacles look, there are considerations for how well the receptacles function. For high-moisture environments--including pools, aqua-parks, and beaches--materials of construction are important. Here an expanded metal container--with hot-dipped galvanized construction--may well be the best choice given its longevity.
For containers placed on concrete in stadiums and arenas, protective coatings are available which encapsulate the metal base. This sealing effect serves to protect the concrete over the long service life of the container.
While these factors are important to the owners of the receptacles and facilities they are placed within, from a user’s perspective, the waste and recycling containers may be rarely noticed. This--when you think about it--is actually a good sign because it means that they are properly sized and enhance the image--serving as site amenities rather than merely a repository for trash and dining detritus.
--Information provided by Witt Industries
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National Park Service Launches Civil War Website
Washington--The National Park Service has launched a Civil War themed website at www.nps.gov/civilwar that provides an overview of the war, with special emphasis on the Civil War sites administered and preserved by the National Park Service. It features stories of the Civil War; biographies of notable individuals associated with the war; and places within the National Park System that interpret the Civil War. For more information, visit www.nps.gov .
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RivCoParks Making Waves
Riverside, Calif.--The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District was awarded four awards of excellence by the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS). Two awards were for the Cove Water Park (design, marketing), which opened to rave reviews in 2012. The 7-acre Caribbean-themed site includes four small waterslides, spray features, water canyons, lazy river, dry play structure, 3 180-foot water slides, double flow rider, 35-meter pool, and a food area.
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Park Authority Lifeguards Garner Safety Award
Prince William County, Va.--The Prince William County Park Authority's Aquatics program has been awarded the 2011 Gold International Aquatic Safety Award from Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. The award recognizes member organizations that have exceeded industry standards in risk management and provide its patrons with superior safety service.
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Stake Claim To A Campsite With An App
San Diego, Calif.--Active Network, Inc. has launched two iPhone mobile applications for the ReserveAmerica.com and Recreation.gov outdoor recreation websites that allow users to find and reserve campsites at national parks, forests, campgrounds and other recreation facilities. Users can view instant site availability information on RV, tent, cabins, day-use and other campground sites. The apps are available for free on the Apple iTunes store.
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New Tennis Courts Manual Available
Ellicott City, Md.--The American Sports Builders Association, the national organization for builders, designers and suppliers of materials for tennis courts, running tracks, sports fields and indoor and outdoor synthetic sports surfaces, announces the seventh edition of Tennis Courts: A Construction and Maintenance Manual has been published. Copies are $44.95. They can be ordered by contacting ASBA at (866) 501-2722, or by going to the website, www.sportsbuilders.org. It is also available instantly as a download.
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Moved To Tears
Ron,
I have to tell you that this month's story about Miki brought me to tears (“Building The Perfect Piazza,” PRB May 2012). Your best story yet!!
--Sue Donohue Smith
Student Union Director
University of Arkansas
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Military Roots Run Deep
Randy,
I have enjoyed your articles in PRB magazine. Both of my parents (deceased) served in the Marine Corps and I am very proud of their service … Mom was a WM during WWII and met Dad while running a USO in California. Dad was a mustang who served 30 years--retiring in 1968.
Your articles bring back some memories for a “Marine Junior.”
Thanks for sharing and thanks for your service.
--Brent Krause, PGA Master Professional
General Manager/Director of Golf
Wynlakes Golf & Country Club
Montgomery, Ala.
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Field Notes
In an effort to be more visible in the marketplace, Jacobsen added three new Territory Sales Managers--Kevin Hutchins (sales manager in the west), Darrin Batisky (northeast), and Don Barowsky (northwest)
Profile Products hired Adam Popenhagen as regional market development manager. His territory will consist of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.
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American Tennis Rallies For Military Families
Washington, DC--Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) number-one Doubles Player and U.S. Open Doubles Champion Lisa Raymond will serve as a national spokesperson for ThanksUSA today, which aims to thank America’s troops through the gift of education. Raymond is partnering with Men’s Doubles Champions Bob and Mike Bryan to team with tennis clubs, professionals, players and fans around the world to help provide scholarships to military families.
“I am honored to become a spokesperson,” Raymond says. “These scholarships open up limitless opportunities to the spouses and children of our troops. I encourage everyone to give back to our future heroes.”
Tennis facilities are holding ThanksUSA tournaments, sports clinics, auctions and other fundraising events to raise money in support of the ThanksUSA mission to provide need-based scholarships for the children and spouses of active-duty men and women across all the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard and Reserves.
For more information, visit www.ThanksUSA.org
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Calendar
September
TBA Nebraska Recreation & Park Society Annual Conference, Reno, Nev.—Best Western Airport Plaza; www.nerpa.org
9-11 South Carolina Recreation and Park Association Conference, Greenville, S.C.—Embassy Suites; www.scrpa.org
17-21 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference, Knoxville, Tenn.—Knoxville Crown Plaza; www.trpa.net
18-21 Minnesota Parks & Recreation Association Annual Conference and Exhibit, Brainerd, Minn.—Cragun’s Resort; www.mnrpa.org
25-27 South Dakota Parks & Recreation Association Annual Conference, Huron, N.D.; www.sdpra.com
25-29 Montana & Idaho Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Missoula, Mont.—Holiday Inn Downtown; www.irpa-idaho.org
October
10-11 Alaska Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Anchorage, Alaska—BP Energy Center; www.alaskarpa.org
10-12 World Aquatic Health Conference, Norfolk, Va.--Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel; www.nspf.org
16-18 National Recreation and Park Association Congress and Exposition, Anaheim, Calif.—Anaheim Convention Center; www.nrpa.org/congress2012
November
5-9 Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Association Annual Conference, Chula Vista, Wis.; www.wpraweb.org
19-20 Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association Annual Tradeshow and Conference, Montville, Conn.--Mohegan Sun Casino; www.crpa.com