This-N-That
A Virtual Park Tour
Chimani, LLC announces the release of its newest app, Chimani National Parks--a complete resource for visitors and fans of the National Park System. It allows users to create a virtual passport of their visits to any one of the 394 National Park System locations. The app includes details on all national parks, monuments, memorials, seashores, recreational areas, sites, battlefields, historical parks, and parkways. For more information, visit www.chimani.com .
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Geyser Makes Debut In Michigan
Richmond, Canada--WhiteWater's gigantic water geyser made its debut at Michigan's Adventure Park. At the height of the geyser's eruption, this AquaPlay feature surges water up 95 feet in the air from a three-dimensional, custom-themed lighthouse. For more information, visit www.whitewaterwest.com .
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Online Training For Pool And Spa Inspections
Colorado Springs, Colo.--There is a new online Certified Pool/Spa Inspector (CPI) training program and handbook launched jointly by the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). The course is a national training program designed to help environmental health specialists to conduct effective pool and spa inspections and to minimize exposure to public health hazards. For more information, visit www.nspf.org .
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Drainage of Synthetic Turf Sports Fields Examined
W. Conshohocken, Penn.--The new standard, ASTM F2898, Test Method for Permeability of Synthetic Turf Sports Field Base Stone and Surface System by Non-confined Area Flood, is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F08.65 on Artificial Turf Surfaces and Systems. According to John Amato, JJA Sports LLC, and an F08 member, synthetic turf system and base system permeability test methods that existed prior to the development of ASTM F2898 were not ideal. None were consistent and all were subject to user technique and assumption errors. For more information, visit www.astm.org .
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IPEMA Teams With National Institute For Play
Harrisburg, Penn.--The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) announces collaboration with the National Institute for Play (NIFP) to create the first known database of scientific, academic research that will demonstrate the importance of free, outdoor play. The Play Science Database will be a free, online tool for all interested in the science behind the free play movement. For more information, visit www.voiceofplay.org .
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Community Members Take Notice
To keep patrons coming back, put the message out that you are open for business. Even if they can’t remember where they “heard that name before,” they will stop and take notice the more they hear about your organization. Here are a few ways to kick up your presence in the community:
1. Create a photo-sharing page. Families can upload their photographs on your website or Facebook. Everyone loves to brag and it will introduce their friends to you.
2. Use the power of direct mail. People still look forward to getting mail and set aside time to review it. It’s also more likely to be delivered than e-mails that require exact addresses and can be caught in spam filters.
3. Drive traffic effectively. Social media was made for opt-in, “friend-only” items like coupons or promotions. Don’t forget to include offers and your social media sites on ads, too.
4. Brand your business. Create fun take-home snacks or trinkets with your name and website. You can easily use existing concession machines to create tasty treats and store them in personalized containers.
5. Mix up your marketing. Studies have shown response rates increase the more times customers see your name. Plus, using a variety of channels--like direct mail and e-marketing--increases your chances of grabbing their attention.
6. Build your mailing lists. Offer discounts and insider information as carrots to build your e-mail and mail databases.
7. Host community events. Partner with local non-profit organizations or chambers of commerce. You’ll reach numerous new customers, build goodwill, and they’ll share in the marketing costs and responsibilities.
8. Clean your mail lists. Forty-million Americans change their addresses annually. Consider options like the USPS’ National Change of Address software ( www.usps.com/ncsc/addressservices/moveupdate/changeaddress.htm ).
Information provided by Bethe Ferguson, Marketing Communications Coordinator at Gold Medal Products Co.
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Field Notes
On June 1, 2011, PlayGuard Playground Safety Surfacing said goodbye to its old logo in favor of a more modern and playful one.
Bison Inc., a manufacturer of sports equipment for over 25 years, acquired the BRP Enterprises product line, which includes bench seating, chairs, tables, bike racks and trash.
Jacobsen, the Charlotte, N.C.-based manufacturer of turf-maintenance equipment will rely on dealer Horizon Distributors, Inc. for the sale of its turf-maintenance equipment in the South Florida and Caribbean markets.
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Thanks And Praise
Hello Ron,
I'd like to let you know that I enjoy reading your articles in PRB and especially like your note about not being on Facebook (“Living Smarter,” June 2011). Your recent articles about safety and self-reflection are important reminders for everyone in the parks and recreation business or otherwise.
Many thanks,
Mary Van Haaften, RLA
Landscape Architect
Preservation Parks of Delaware County
Sunbury, Ohio
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Word On The Web
On “Slow Down, You Move Too Fast,” May 20 Week-Ender Blog Post:
“I too grew up in the 1960s. That song has had the same impact on me before. Great point you make. Sometimes we just have to kick back and enjoy the music, the trees, the clouds and feel groovy.”
--Billy Moore, Gloucester, Va.
“Thanks for helping us to slow down and think--nice story.”
--Dan Downey
“Now that’s a good way to start the weekend!”
--Jill Korsok, Mentor, Ohio
Note: Not receiving the Week-Ender blog? Start/renew your subscription at www.parksandrecbusiness.com for this exclusive online content.
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Calendar
September
7-10 Alaska Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Seward, Alaska; www.alaskarpa.org
12-13 South Carolina/North Carolina Recreation and Park Association Joint Conference, Charleston, SC—North Charleston Convention Center; www.scrpa.org
13-15 Iowa Parks & Recreation Association Fall Workshop, Clinton, Iowa—Wild Rose Hotel, Convention Center, Casino; www.iowaparksandrecreation.org
14-16 New England Park Association, Inc. Annual Fall Meeting & Conference, West Dennis on Cape Cod, Mass.--The Lighthouse Inn; www.newenglandparks.org
20-22 North Dakota/South Dakota Parks & Recreation Association Annual Conference, Bismarck, N.D.; www.sdpra.com
20-23 Minnesota Parks & Recreation Association Annual Conference and Exhibit, Prior Lake, Minn.—Mystic Lake Casino Hotel; www.mnrpa.org
21-23 Lyle B. Beaver Leadership Development Institute, St. Charles, Mo. Gary Gates, gary@mopark.org or 573-636-3828; More information at www.mopark.org
October
2-5 Mid America Trails & Greenways Conference, Fort Wayne, Ind.—Grand Wayne Convention Center; www.americantrails.org.
2-6 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference, Paris Landing State Park; www.trpa.net
11-12 Aquatic Facility Operator Course, Little Rock, Ark.--Statehouse Convention Center; www.arkarpa.org
12 -14 World Aquatic Health Conference, Seattle, Wash—Sheraton Seattle Hotel; www.nspf.org; (719) 540-9119