This-N-That
Fort Lauderdale DDA, City Partner To Reimagine Huizenga Park
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.—The city of Fort Lauderdale’s has committed $5 million to the reimagining of Huizenga Park through a unanimous vote by the city commission. These funds from the city, in addition to $950,000 recently committed by the state, will contribute towards the $15 million transformation of more than three acres of property owned by the city and the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority into a signature gathering space.
The new design will revitalize the park by introducing a series of outdoor rooms that will set Huizenga Park apart from traditional parks, offering opportunities for leisure, dining, physical activity, events, and meet-ups. The park design also includes an updated Spirit of Fort Lauderdale Fountain, an enhanced section of the Riverwalk, a lush shade canopy and civic lawn, a dog run, and a restaurant along the water.
For more information, visit www.huizengapark.org.
Melichar-Martinez Named Qranc Ambassador
Tennis and pickleball equipment manufacturer Qrac is partnering with doubles champion Nicole Melichar-Martinez, who has signed on to act as the company’s new ambassador.
Melichar-Martinez has won one Grand Slam title, winning the mixed-doubles crown at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships, and is also a two-time Grand Slam finalist in women's doubles, finishing runner-up at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships and the 2020 US Open. She has also reached three WTA 1000 finals; two at the Cincinnati Open in 2020 and 2022, and one at the Canadian Open, also in 2022.
Melichar-Martinez will be helping Qranc roll out its subscription tennis ball service. Consumers will have the option to subscribe to a set ball order that will be placed and shipped to them every 30 days.
For more info, visit Qranc.com.
Yanmar Announces Expansion Plans
Grand Rapids, Minn.—Yanmar Compact Equipment North America (Yanmar CE NA), encompassing the Yanmar Compact Equipment and ASV brands, announces plans for a 32,000-square-foot expansion to its Grand Rapids, Minnesota facility. The new expansion and a subsequent paint system will increase paint capacity by up to three times with maximum automation and allow a parts manufacturing capacity increase of up to two times in the previously occupied space. This project sets the stage for future capacity increases with company officials projecting the addition of hundreds of full-time positions over the next five years.
The new paint system will be more efficient, have less environmental impact, and convert a liquid paint process to a powder coating system with more paint capacity for a higher production rate. The relocated paint system will allow the space previously occupied to be outfitted with robotic weld cells and cutting tables, optimizing plant flow.
The company expects to break ground in the spring of 2023 on its expansion with a target for completion the following year. For more information, visit www.asvi.com.
Field Notes:
Gene Smith, President of Hunter Industries’ Residential, Commercial, and Golf Irrigation and Lighting division, has retired after a career spanning more than two decades. Denise Mullikin, a 25-year Hunter veteran, is the next president of the division. She previously served as Vice President of Global Sales where she led domestic and international sales teams in multiple countries, along with Global Sales Operations, Global Sales Support, and Domestic Customer Service teams.
Codelocks Inc., an access control company that designs and distributes keyless door locks and access solutions, announces an alliance with D&D Technologies, a provider of safety gate hardware. The alliance will position Codelocks to expand its Gate Solutions by Codelocks range of locks to the fence industry.
Hospeco Brands Group, a manufacturer of products that protect, clean, and provide care and comfort to millions around the globe, has named John Fanizza sales director. Fanizza has more than 25 years’ experience in the field. His territory will encompass Wisconsin and Illinois.
Indianapolis-based Schmidt Associates, a regional architecture, engineering, and interior design firm, hired SiDonna H. Cox has joined the company’s Louisville office as a project manager for interior design. She will be responsible for the firm’s K-12, higher education, community, and healthcare studios.
Gametime Playground Out Of This World
Chicago, Ill.—Sunset Woods Park in Highland Park features a custom rocket ship that is out of this world. This space-themed playground celebrates exploration and discovery. From the custom rocket ship tower to the interactive control center, every aspect of the playground was designed to help a child’s imagination take flight. The rocket ship is the focal point of the playground, but it’s one of many fun and innovative play experiences. Children can experience the sensation of flight on the TriRunner or pretend they are weightless as they climb and spin on the massive net spinner. There are plenty of traditional play activities like climbers and slides throughout the play area, and everything is themed to create a unique play experience.
Oakville News / Unsplash
3 Overlooked Benefits Of Playgrounds
The health and wellness benefits to children and adults when they have access to playgrounds and recreational areas are well documented. However, there are several benefits to local community playgrounds that should also be kept top of mind when considering how to spend funding.
They raise property values. Research shows that the presence of a playground surrounding residential homes can increase property values by five percent or more.
They attract families and build community. A sure way to attract families to residential areas is to provide a safe, quality outdoor gathering spot where they can come together to connect, play, and socialize. A neighborhood without a playground may find that families are flocking to other neighborhoods that invested in outdoor space.
Playground equipment enhances real estate. The National Institute of Realtors found in a survey that half of homebuyers would be willing to pay 10 percent more for a home that was close to a park or playground. This could lead to an increase in sales for developers who include and invest in playgrounds near their developments.
Brad Pittam
President
International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association
© Can Stock Photo / arekmalang
Six Reasons Workouts Fizzle
Becoming consistent with a workout routine is challenging, but failing to see significant results can be even more frustrating. Experts at Fitness Volt have highlighted six reasons why patrons might not see results:
Neglecting sleep
Not warming up
Skipping food before a workout
Not consuming enough protein
Not pushing yourself hard enough
Not letting your body rest
The research was conducted by Fitness Volt which is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to Strength Sports, from healthy eating to exercise and everything in between. For more information, visit fitnessvolt.com.