No End To Creativity

This last month has seen the staff here at PRB (Parks & Rec Business) crisscrossing the country to attend industry trade shows, catch up with readers, introduce many of you to our new ParksNReviews.com mobile app and, of course, find out what new products and services our advertisers have in store for all of us in 2013.

Like most years, I’ve come away from the show experience blown away at the creativity and dogged determination both of you (readers and advertisers) have to making things better for anybody interested in using a park or public space.

On the supplier side, I saw new “water channels” you can add to your spraypark, custom-themed playgrounds designed by reality TV stars, unique use of QR codes and Microsoft tags on playground and fitness equipment, new corporate partnerships, new products to the market (like a light-up frog kids can play on), and more.

On the reader side, I learned about all the interesting ways you are working to expand your trail networks, revamp tired parks, create new open spaces, and market your programs and facilities to your communities.

This issue, like most that have come before, highlights that creativity with a special focus on how you’re helping your communities tackle the 21 ^st -century epidemic that is obesity. Check out “Community Fitness Challenge” on page 14 or “Get 'ReVVed Up’ About Fitness” on page 18.

We also delve into unique playground designs, preparing your parks and facilities for the changing of the seasons and the usual popular columns by Ron Ciancutti, Randy Gaddo and Fred Engh.

All in all, I believe it’s another great issue. I hope you agree.

If you get a moment, let me know what you think.

Till next month…

Rodney J. Auth

Publisher