Articles
Routing Runoff
Imagine that you’ve just prepared a ball field for the big weekend playoff game, and it looks great—the infield dirt is smoothed to perfection, and home plate and the pitcher’s mound are
Role Models For Rookies
Darryl HopkinsХ first experience playing youth football at age 7 turned out to be a life changer. “The best coach that I played for growing up was the first coach I ever had,” recal
External Mentorship
It's no secret that change is a staple in the parks and recreation profession. The current economic climate, the retirement of baby boomers, and the significa
The Anatomy Of A New Park
Traditional beginnings, beginnings of traditionsУ is how the design team began to describe the new park. Located only a block away from historic downtown Libert
Modern-Day Employment
As I progress in my career, I find certain ideas evolving around executive newcomers. Some of these findings are the result of ambitious youth and some from a revised financial mindset (circa 2008)
Freeze Frame
When to winterize? That is a question many parks and rec maintenance professionals ask almost daily as the fall breezes hint at the upcoming colder weather.
Marketing Matters
The growing number of park and recreation agencies with dedicated marketing departments bodes well for the industry because it is vital that agencies make their communities aware of
Battling A Bully
From the moment he was born, he was a gentle kid. He was the first child for his mom and dad, so he was extra coddled; he was pretty much the star of the show at every holiday and event—
Flora, Fauna, Friend, and Foe
When I first became a parks and rec director in a town of about 35,000 in Georgia, I had little experience caring for municipal ponds and lakes; however, as fate would have it, there were
Mercy Rules
If you want to get someone in a heated conversation these days, just bring up youth sports. It used to be that you weren’t supposed to talk about religion or politics in social settings, but I
Passionate Leader
Growing up in the 1960s, Jeff Berthney's days were filled with playing sportsСfrom all-day sessions with neighborhood pals to taking part in a variety of organized programs.ТAlthough my dad was in the
Truth Serum
The other day I overheard a mother-daughter exchange that really made me pause. The 5-year old was hanging on a grocery cart while she stood in line with her mother, and both were extremely bored.
A Debt Of Gratitude
My dad was handy. He did many favors for people because of his skills, and I rarely remember him refusing anyone. He wasn’t especially “trained” or anything, but he just had a logical mind when it came to appliances and mechanical things.
Public Restrooms
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
A Positive Spin
“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.” – Peggy O’Mara
As a parent of three young children, I have to second-guess so many things I’ve said to my kids. Was I too tough? Not tough enough?
Splash, Trickle, And Flow
Mistakes in design and installation give water features a mixed reputation, despite the fact they can provide valuable elements in landscaping. Several key issues are often overlooked during the
Eternal Vigilance
As representatives from the original 13 colonies gathered in Philadelphia late on the afternoon of July 4, 1776, to sign the Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress,
Dedicated To The Next Generation
Recreation professionals often put in ridiculously long hours, so even the smallest gestures from youngsters in the programs can have the biggest impact. Just ask Landon Carroll, the Recreation
What It Takes To Shine
For years, the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) has touted itself as the leading advocate for positive and safe youth sports in America. And from time to time, we get people
Riffing Off The Ritz
It is well understood that quality customer service is of utmost importance in any business, and the delivery of recreation and parks services is certainly no exception. However, what too many