Articles
Showing The Colors
Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her des
On The Surface
It is likely that many of us learned to play basketball and tennis on asphalt, with that sensation of feet baking in our shoes. With the inception of the first asphalt-paved road in 1868, and the
Joining Forces
According to statistics from DesertUSA.com, residents of Yuma, Ariz., enjoy the sunniest year-round location in the United States, with an annual average of 4,133 hours of sunshine. The town is
Appealing To The Masses
In 2007, plans began for the new YMCA of the BrandywineValley, located in West Chester, Penn. One of the goals for the new property development was to create an iconic water play structure that would
Choose Your Moment
“If I had to choose one moment To live within my heart, It would be that tender moment Recalling how we started. Darling, it would be when you smiled at me, That way, that Sunday, that summer.” --N
Pitching In
Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her des
Weathering Winter
Staff reduction, inclement weather and a decrease in visitor traffic make the winter season a challenging, but ideal, time for park maintenance. Across the country, parks and recreation departments
Major League Maintenance
The city of Goodyear, Ariz., hit a homerun in 2009 with the addition of the Goodyear Park and Recreation Complex. The new facility is the spring training home for two Major League Baseball teams, the
Stepping Up With Safer Programs
I recently read of a case in Northern California where the well-known founder of a youth soccer league was arrested for allegedly molesting a couple of boys.While reading about yet another twisted
Forecast For The Future
Although Artie felt like whistling, he thought he had better not because things had been rough at the plant lately. The layoffs, the rescinded annual cost-of-living increases and the move from
Technological Challenge
Editor’s Note: This column, “LBWA” (Leadership By Wandering Around), is based on the premise that, in order to find out what’s going on in the field, a parks and rec leader has to leave his or her des
Get A Grip On Rubber Flooring
Landfills full of used tires are becoming a thing of the past. Now, manufacturers and recyclers are finding a number of uses for discarded tires, such as horse stall and trailer mats, flooring in pet
Lighting Up Leisure
City officials in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, had wanted to build a new 43,500-square-foot facility because the Kirkwood Community Recreation Center was dark and underused. Instead, new glazing on the
Selecting Sod
Whether you do or don’t believe in global warming, drought conditions are definitely evident after reviewing the U.S. Drought Monitor (www.drought.unl.edu). One way that municipalities and park agencies
Triple Whammy
Before campers turn on the shower, drain the hot water tank, or leave the water running--there are a few components that can be installed to make life easier and the shower a little warmer.Warm Water
Before The Water Flows
Does it seem strange to talk about water slides during winter? Now is actually the best time to make sure all your park attractions look fresh and--most importantly--function for opening day.Why
Random Thoughts
I have come to grips with the fact that I may be an alien. Let me explain. It’s late January, and I’m driving in my car. All over the city there are former Christmas trees laying flat, stuck in snow on
To Fish Is To Hope
In 1996, Casting for Recovery, a national non-profit organization, began to support breast-cancer survivors in a rather unique way--through fly-fishing. This is accomplished through weekend retreats
The Same Rules Apply
Because of my volunteer work as an Audubon International steward, I have helped many golf course managers and superintendents obtain course certification for the Cooperative Sanctuary Program, which
A Healthy Partnership
The growing emphasis on maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit has led to a shift in programming provided by many park and recreation agencies. In an effort to address these needs and still