Larry French stood in the marina in Safety Harbor, Fla., eyeing kayaks on a trailer. The 67-year-old above-elbow amputee looked at his right arm, which ended just 4 inches below his shoulder, and

In group classes—such as water aerobics and deep-water toning—camaraderie is typically one of the characteristics participants appreciate. But the one aspect of the program that might be self-sustaining is

A newspaper article about a classroom water-quality monitoring program inspired honors biology teacher Connie Gannon to literally send her Waterford Mott High School students “up a creek” in Waterford, Mich.

A few years ago, we at the Genesee County Parks in Flint, Mich., realized that the citizens didn't know nearly as much about the parks as we thought they did, and some of what they said they knew wasn

Kim Turner loved competing in track during her high-school days. She thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the school's cheerleading squad, too. But her favorite memoriesСthe ones that still resonate a

“Now I have come to the crossroads in my life. I always knew what the right path was. Without exception, I knew. But I never took it. You know why? It was too damn hard. Now here's Charlie. He's come to the

During a recent visit to Beaufort, S.C., my wife and I discovered the Naval Heritage Park in adjacent Port Royal. The amenity that first attracted us was a huge skate park, open on all sides with a metal roof.

Here it comes again—another youth-sports season approaching quickly! I keep telling myself that this year will be better than the last. When I first started working with youth-sports coaches, I took the opportunity to

Early in 2018, I asked some key staff members what they thought were the biggest challenges facing youth-sports administrators in today’s world. We went beyond the typical talk about dealing with

She’s the first person you see. You’re fortunate, too, because in your life, you will never know someone who cares for you this deeply from the second you arrive. In fact, she was caring for you for months before you

Grateful for all of the friendships she forged while playing sports, Leslie Brinson is intent on making sure youngsters who participate in programs at the city of Bloomington’s (Ind.) Parks & Recreation Department

No matter the region of the country, the transition from winter to spring is a busy one for parks and recreation maintenance workers.

One of the ironies of our technologically connected world is that people have great difficulty communicating with each other face-to-face. Managers who have to approach situations with political

Aiming for a Labor Day opening, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contracted Easi-Easi-Set precast concrete building licensed manufacturer Smith-Midland Corp., to complete a time-sensitive, 15 restroom project.

In an effort to fulfill a great need within the community, Osceola County created SENSES Park in Kissimmee, Fla. Unlike most playgrounds, this park was designed to be a truly inclusive play space catered

R.J. Thomas Mfg. Company was officially incorporated on May 1 in 1959 by R.J. and Doris Thomas, the result of a lifelong vision held by R.J. As a child, he was fascinated by anything mechanical and dismantled

High-school students have a variety of options for after-school activitiesСsome more constructive than others. So how do you connect with teenagers and engage them in the healthy, positive, and produc

What happens when you take children with physical and emotional handicaps to a swimming pool? They often become confident and socialized and more able in other areas of their lives. At least that is what

Group swim-lesson participants are becoming increasingly more diverse—in ability, language, learning type, age, etc. It is becoming the norm rather than the exception of yesteryear. Using the strategies that

My motto for aquatics has always been, “Proactive—not reactive.” Although the phrase applies to every facet of the industry, it unequivocally applies to maintenance. Being proactive means being well ahead of

We have all heard the popular term “going green.” In making a commitment to reduce global warming, pollution, loss of animal habitats, and other environmental concerns, many organizations, government

Visitors to Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in Rockford, Ill., have been seeing plenty of green—not on the ground—but on the roof. Construction of a 4,300-square-foot green-roof garden at the conservatory

Sometimes, the biggest concern is not keeping up with the neighbors--it's keeping a profile so low they barely know you're there. When Verde Design Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., began designing a new softball stadium for Foothill College,

With the identity crisis they face, multi-sport fields could spend the entire playing season on a therapist's couch. At the very least, they could wind up in a sports-medicine clinic from over-use

The fds Sport Series Dethatcher comes in 3 sizes and is capable of being towed by tractor or All Terrain Quad for light or heavy maintenance on Arenas or Race Tracks. Check the video out for more details.

Multiple factors should be considered when installing playing fields for parks and sports complexes, and chief among them is whether to install synthetic or natural turf. Each type has

Communal spaces unite communities. Athletic surfaces are not solely dedicated fields: In open and flat areas, spontaneous games pop up among friends, families, and sports teams. Facility

A weed is most commonly defined as “a plant out of place.” It can more formally be defined as a plant that interferes with the welfare of humans or livestock or is otherwise objectionable. In

In recent years, most parks and recreation agencies have had to deal with the economic realities of reduced revenue and higher personnel costs. On the recreation side, program fees

Soil salinity refers to the concentration of total dissolved salts in the soil. The dissolved salts release cations (positive charge) and anions (negative charge) to water.

How can parks departments, school districts and others who manage recreational facilities balance the conflicting needs of their many user groups (players, parents, athletic directors,

Although high summer temperatures just ended, anytime is a good time to make sure your irrigation system is running at its peak potential. An irrigation audit ensures you are not

Gainesville, Fla. --- When are trees worth millions of dollars? When they cover parts of your city. Take Tampa, for example, which has established an Urban Forest Management Plan. According to a 2016

WEST FARGO, N.D. – Bobcat Company today announced its 2019 Dealer Leadership Group. These 16 authorized Bobcat dealerships were the highest-performing dealers according to the Dealer Performance

Montreal – Vortex Aquatic Structures International’s new line of Water Journey elements won four International Design Awards, taking Bronze in the Children Products, Toddler Products, Outdoor and

Alexandria, Va. – The Board of Directors of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) met with staff recently at the association’s headquarters building to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead for

LaGrange, Ga. – When the best of the best face off in the next FIFA World Cup, they will do so on the premium turfgrass known as Platinum TE™ Paspalum. After years of comprehensive testing, the Supreme

More and more swimmers are flocking to indoor pools and waterparks for physical activity and fun, especially during the cold months of winter and early spring. As the use of indoor pools, water parks, and

Vancouver, Canada – WhiteWater, the world’s leading water park manufacturer, is proud to announce that the company has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 2019. Canada’s

South of Salt Lake City is the city of Sandy, Utah—home of Big Bear Park. With beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains, it's the perfect place to relax with family and friends. With the new custom playground it's also

WASHINGTON – The Propane Education & Research Council recently launched a new look for its website to better showcase all the things propane can do, including how propane

BUFFALO GROVE, IL. – Turface Athletics, a leader in sports field construction and maintenance, is pleased to announce that one of the company’s sports field market development managers, Chris Ball, has

Skater owned and operated, American Ramp Company builds over 200 skateparks annually throughout the world and is the only firm that offers 4 distinct product lines. Quality, selection and credibility distinguish ARC as the clear leader in the industry.

Play Moves Us in a big way and is inherent in our culture here at Burke. We are constantly studying play, evolving our products and pushing ourselves to be better - all to bring a higher level of play to the communities we serve.

At the Public Restroom Company, We're Known Throughout The Nation For Building Better Places to Go.

WhiteWater was born in 1980 with one clear purpose, to create places where families unite and make joyful lasting memories.