Articles
Appealing To The Masses
In 2007, plans began for the new YMCA of the BrandywineValley, located in West Chester, Penn. One of the goals for the new property development was to create an iconic water play structure that would
Ditch Goes To The Dogs
Instead of having an ugly drainage basin collecting water from the new highway, which was proposed by the Arizona Department of Transportation, community planners in Gilbert, Ariz., decided to make
Triple Whammy
Before campers turn on the shower, drain the hot water tank, or leave the water running--there are a few components that can be installed to make life easier and the shower a little warmer.Warm Water
To Fish Is To Hope
In 1996, Casting for Recovery, a national non-profit organization, began to support breast-cancer survivors in a rather unique way--through fly-fishing. This is accomplished through weekend retreats
Beach-Building Basics
Think your beach isnХt exciting enough to attract visitors? Well, think again. Making your beach the place to go can be done with minimal effort. “All you have to do is give people the space and not g
Paint With A Broad Brush
The staggering amount of information about the importance of outdoor play, combined with the alarming rise in childhood obesity, has recently given playgrounds the spotlight as places to keep kids
Solar Transportation
Zipping along at a top speed of less than 35 miles per hour, solar-electric-powered golf or work carts are helping park and recreation departments save money while reducing their carbon footprint.
Gearing Up
Keeping the growth of grass, weeds and resilient trees at bay or at least under control is a continual battle. Mowers, trimmers and brush cutters all can help in the seemingly daily fight against
A Hot Topic
While you provide secure playground equipment, safe ground-covering for spraygrounds and backstops at ball fields, are you protecting patrons from harmful UV radiation? The areas noted above are
LEED The Charge
With all the talk about being Тgreen,У it can be confusing trying to figure out exactly what that word really means. A ТgreenУ secret-decoder ring will definitely come in handy when attempting to make
Are Your Tennis Courts Getting a Workout?
With more attention being given to the nationХs obesity epidemic, people are looking for unique workouts that donХt feel like exercise. Although there are plenty of entry-level tennis activities, most
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
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
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
Tired Of Natural Turf Taking A Timeout?
What would you do with a field that does not require downtime and never needs mowed, fertilized, weeded, trimmed, watered, aerated or dethatched? How would your agency capitalize in hosting a
A Thrilling Payoff
Is it time to start looking at your park like an entrepreneur would? Business owners of outdoor adventures, such as whitewater rafting, kayaking and backcountry hiking, have a vested interest (i.e.,
Getting The Rust Out
Squeezing the last drops out of a budget is essential to making the most of any fiscal year. This includes improving the equipment on the property -- even the rusty stuff. One way to grind a few more years of life
A Closer Look
Unless you are a trail manager or an ADA-compliance supervisor, you may not know there has been a flurry of activity to address public spaces after the Department of Justice (DOJ) amended several areas of
Skating On Synthetic Ice
Want to bring the fun of an ice rink to your park, but don't have the expertise for maintenance, the building to house it, or the money to pay the utility bills? There is another option--fake ice--als
Dog-Agility Course For Beginners
Looking to spruce up your dog park? Consider adding a dog-agility course. There are many options in creating one, and you don't need to spend a ton of money.ТA dog-agility course consists of a variety