This-N-That
Aquatic Risk Course Available Online
Colorado Springs, Colo.—A new online, interactive course, Aquatic Risk Management (ARM), will go live on the NSPF online training Web site (www.eProAcademy.org). The course is designed to help managers and operators protect customers and staff and to reduce risk and liability. It takes about two hours, costs $50 per student and includes a copy of the ARM Handbook as a reference.
Students can register for the Aquatic Risk Management online training module at www.eProAcademy.org, or by calling (719) 540-9119.
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National Parks Bound In Book
The National Geographic’s Complete National Parks of the United States is now available. The book, which retails for $27, covers the 58 official national parks as well as the nearly 350 additional properties in the parks services domain. For more information, visit www.amazon.com.
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Shop Turf Maintenance Online
Charlotte, N.C.--Jacobsen, the Charlotte, NC-based turf maintenance equipment manufacturer, has launched ShopJacobsen.com, their new official online store for genuine parts. For more information, visit www.jacobsen.com.
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Field Notes
HealthPro Hygiene, producer of Dispoz-A-Scoop, announces the promotion of Belen Martnez, to Head of Customer Services for its Dispoz-A-Scoop Parks Program.
PBI/Gordon Corporation, a manufacturer of products for the turf, landscape and golf course markets, has recently joined the Ag Container Recycling Council.
Barebo, Inc. is celebrating the 30th anniversary of their incorporation. The company manufactures aeration and fountain systems.
In order to help reach their vision of a great place to play within walking distance of every child, national non-profit KaBOOM! has entered into a partnership with the following equipment vendors to make it easier for communities to build playgrounds for children:
• BCI Burke
• BigToys
• GameTime
• Landscape Structures
• Play & Park Structures
• Playworld Systems
• Progressive Design Playgrounds
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Survey Gives Reader A Closer Look
Dr. Panza,
We just read your article on breaking down the data in risk management in the February issue of PRB (A Closer Look). It is helpful to look at these stats from an industry-wide basis.
Thanks for taking the time to publicize the survey and consolidate results!
Robert Davis
MWR Specialist
Chesapeake, Va.
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Social Networking Is Debatable
Mr. Gaddo,
I just wanted to drop a line to say I appreciated your article in PRB (Technological Challenge, February 2010). We have a population of about 18,000 and one of our 2010 goals is to implement the use of Facebook or Twitter for our department. Your article paralleled my thoughts about all of this cyber-social networking. I’ve also been contemplating dog parks and Frisbee golf as well. You “hit home” on many items in a two-page article.
Thanks again,
Neal McNutt
Director of Parks and Recreation
Muhlenberg Township, Penn.
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Gripes Give Way To Opportunities
I read your February [Publisher’s Note] with a smile; those complaint phone calls are so much fun. One of my first complaint calls resulted in me offering the complainer a job--it was one of my best moves as a recreation professional. She has been an asset to our program for 15 years and we have done some great things.
Doug DeFabio
Recreation Supervisor
Community Services Department
Vacaville, Calif.
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Word On The Web
I find it very difficult in Silicon Valley (California) to find public playgrounds with Magna Latch gates. The only one I have found so far is … in Palo Alto. Do you know of any other public playgrounds with Magna Latch gates? My son can open other kinds of gates.
Alternatively, do you know a good way to communicate with local government on this issue? Perhaps I could spread the word to local parent groups I belong to and we could get more playgrounds with Magna gates.
Best Wishes,
Alice Yenson
Los Altos, Calif.
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Calendar
June
23-26 The Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) Annual Snow & Ice Symposium, Providence, R.I.--Rhode Island Convention Center; www.sima.org.
August
30-3 Florida Recreation and Park Association, Orlando, Fl.—Caribe Royale Resort; www.web.frpa.org