This-N-That
Kickstart A Bike Park Project
Whistler, B.C., Canada--Alpine Bike Parks introduces a new program called Parkstart to help a bike park get built in a community. The bundle of products and services includes everything needed to present a premium bike park concept to a local government for approval and funding for construction documents and construction. For more information, call (604) 962-1951, or visit www.alpinebikeparks.com .
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Field Notes
Underhill International has tapped Eagle Sales of Grass Valley, Calif., as the company’s new sales agency for Arizona, California and Nevada. Eagle Sales will represent Underhill’s lines of irrigation products for residential/commercial installations, golf courses and sports fields.
Jacobsen, a manufacturer of turf equipment, announces that Britton Harold is the new product manager responsible for multi-deck and outfront rotary products. Prior to coming to Jacobsen almost 5 years ago, Britton served as Product Marketing Manager at Husqvarna.
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Thanks For The Motivation
Ron,
I just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed and looked forward to reading your inspirational stories in PRB each month over the years. I have passed a number of them on to my own kids, church groups and [co-workers]. I am planning on retiring at the end of April this year and my wife and I plan to do what I have spent most of my life doing for others and that is recreating and traveling around this beautiful country in our motor home and enjoying the lovely scenery that God has created. Also, I plan to spend more time in Minnesota playing with the four grandkids we have living up there with our daughter and son-in-law. Keep up the good work--I will miss getting to read your articles in the future.
Happy Trails,
Tom Cook
Director
Hutchinson Recreation Commission
Hutchinson, Kan.
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To Your Health
Hi Ron,
Just read your real-life story and am happy to read you take your lifestyle change seriously (“Become A Moral Compass,” January 2012).
Cheryl Plankey
West Bend, Wis.
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I just read your article in PRB January. Wow. Very well-written and right to the point. I hope many people read it and pass it along … AND take it to heart.
Barbie Johnson
Administrative Assistant
Valpo Parks Dept.
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Turn On The Waterworks
Hi Ron,
I enjoyed your article in the February issue, as always (“Give Of Yourself”). This one brought some tears to my eyes, so I thought I’d tell you so.
Julianne Chadwick
Recreation Supervisor--Arts & Crafts
Greenville, N.C.
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Dear Ron,
I just received PRB in the mail this morning. I just wanted to let you know what a nice article “Give Of Yourself” was. As I read the first page, I had to stop and flip back to the cover of the magazine to make sure it was the same one I picked up. It made me stop and reflect that what actions we do to others--big or small--do have an impact.
John Merkl
Oconomowoc, Wis.
Retired from the Milwaukee County Parks system
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Now Tweeting Turf Topics: @FMCturf
Philadelphia, Penn.--Follow @FMCturf on Twitter to get valuable business tips, learn about FMC Professional Solutions promotions, and keep up with industry buzz. FMC created the Twitter handle to keep turf-management professionals informed about best-management practices and solutions, as well as answer questions on industry and technical topics. Tweet your questions or comments to @FMCturf. Visit www.twitter.com/FMCturf and begin following today!
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Original GCBAA Member Passes Away
Lincoln, Neb.--Jim Kirchdorfer, Sr., an original member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA), died Feb. 3. He contributed to the golf industry for nearly 50 years. He founded Irrigation Supply Company (today known as ISCO Industries) and Kirchdorfer Irrigation Company in 1962. The companies teamed to install the first multi-row fairway automatic system at the Louisville (Ky.) Country Club in 1963 and Kirchdorfer was the first to install the multi-row irrigation using HDPE pipe throughout the entire system at Quail Chase Golf Club in Louisville in 1988. The practice is now an industry standard.
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STC In Search Of Field Of Dreams
Atlanta, Ga.--The Synthetic Turf Council is now accepting submissions for its fourth annual Search for the Real Field of Dreams, which recognizes the power that synthetic turf has to transform communities and schools, and keep youth active, healthy and fit. The national contest is open to schools (K-12 and college), parks, businesses and public spaces in the United States and Canada that have compelling stories about the impact of their synthetic-turf field or installation. Submissions are due by September 1, 2012 and will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges. The Grand Prize is $1,000, and all winners receive publicity and a modest cash award. Visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org to learn more.
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iPhone App Identifies Harmful, Nonnative Plants
U.S. Forest Service research and funding have led to the development of a free software application that will help people identify and control destructive invasive plants in Southern forests and grasslands. The Invasive Plants in Southern Forests: Identification and Management application is currently only compatible with Apple products – iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch – and available through iTunes. The software provides photos and information that allow users to identify the 56 nonnative plants and plant groups currently invading the forests of the 13 Southern states. Versions for other operating systems are being explored.
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New Format For Aquatic Play Feature Course
Colorado Springs, Colo.--The National Swimming Pool Foundation announces the Aquatic Play Feature online training course is now available in a new format. The new format offers better user interface, more interactivity, and easier navigation. A Spanish version has also been launched. Participants can register for the course at www.nspf.org and click on online training.
Calendar
July
17-18 North Dakota Recreation & Park Association Quarterly Meeting, Williston, N.D.; www.ndrpa.com
August
27-31 Florida Recreation and Park Association, Orlando, Fla.—Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek; www.web.frpa.org
September
TBA Nebraska Recreation & Park Society Annual Conference, Reno, Nev.—Best Western Airport Plaza; www.nerpa.org
9-11 South Carolina Recreation and Park Association Conference, Greenville, S.C.—Embassy Suites; www.scrpa.org
17-21 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference, Knoxville, Tenn.—Knoxville Crown Plaza; www.trpa.net
18-21 Minnesota Parks & Recreation Association Annual Conference and Exhibit, Brainerd, Minn.—Cragun’s Resort; www.mnrpa.org