Articles
Forecast For The Future
Although Artie felt like whistling, he thought he had better not because things had been rough at the plant lately. The layoffs, the rescinded annual cost-of-living increases and the move from
The Same Rules Apply
Because of my volunteer work as an Audubon International steward, I have helped many golf course managers and superintendents obtain course certification for the Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which
Waves Of The Future
From Roman baths to modern water parks, from plunge pools of the early 20th century to the spray grounds of the early 21st, water has played a major role in civilization for well over 2,000 years.
Seeking Knowledge And Experience In 2010
EditorХs Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out whatХs going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her des
Is There A Future In The Past?
Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood in Long Beach, Calif., are 4.7 acres of Spanish, Mexican and American history, where families helped transform southern California from its ranching
Here To Spray
Known as a vacation destination to many, the city of St. Petersburg, Fla., is nestled on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. To those who call it home, the “Sunshine City” boasts a
Mental Notes On Metal Desks
In years past, it was at the heart of almost all recreation centers. Scrapes and bruises were treated on it; kids as well as staff seemed to hang from it. You could kick it, stand on it, and even eat
Take A Stand
Many months ago, I received an e-mail from Sandra, the mother of a 9-year-old baseball player. During a game, her son suffered a facial injury while at bat. That minor injury has evolved into a
Crossing The Recreation Path On Reality TV
Whether we admit it or not, most of us have watched a reality-TV show. A few years ago, I received a call from the producer of the FOX reality show, ТTrading Spouses.У The premise of the show is to ha
Breaking The Silence
In fall 2006, the Parks and Recreation Department of DeKalb County, Ga., decided to build three community centers for residents, but there was just one problem--the department had not built a new
Committed To "Greener Days And Healthier Ways"
Pick up a newspaper or watch any of the 24-hour news channels long enough and youХre sure to find a story about how Michigan has been--and continues to be--one of the economically hardest-hit areas in
Getting Mileage From The Sun
Combine ChicagoХs reputation as a leader in green initiatives by its consistently adopting innovative environmental solutions with the park districtХs motto, ТOpen Active Green Connected,У and the res
From Splash Pad To Sprinkler
The city of Colton, Calif., recently completed work on a $3-million renovation to its Veterans Park. The project includes the installation of a three-field baseball/softball sports complex, two
Senior Focus
As park and recreation professionals, we know it’s easy to plan programs for children and families--just organize some wild games, teach a new class, or lead an activity involving fun and food. However, planning for seniors takes more thought and effort.
Swimming In Sustainability
LEED certification for natatoriums is the same as for buildings, but the strategy to obtain it is a little different. Start by deciding the goals for the property, and then match those goals with the
Good Intentions
If your community is like most, you may either be contacted or have already been contacted by a private community/citizens group about a new playground project that the members think is needed or
Planning For Flexibility
Parks and recreation leaders across the country are trying to figure out how to provide a wider variety of programming options to satisfy as many sectors of a community as possible. That means cities
Innovative Problem-Solving
Achieving LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for a natatorium requires a dedicated team that thinks creatively and seizes every opportunity. The East Portland
Marking Fields For Functionality
Raise your hand if your fields have an identity crisis.Oh, come on. You know what I mean. With all the games that take place on an athletic field--soccer, football, lacrosse, field hockey, softball,
A Field Day In The Field House
It's no wonder people do only the minimum to maintain field-house floors. After all, when there's grass to mow, leaves to blow away and weeds to keep in check, why go inside to tend a surface that is