April 2023
Volume 21 | Issue 9
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Parks & Rec Business is written by parks and recreation directors and staff. If you’re in the industry, PRB is an amazing resource that’s full of real-world experience that you can use to solve problems, create new opportunities, and keep your community healthy and happy.
This Month’s Articles
Most people who think about accessibility in aquatic facilities probably consider pool features such as lifts, ramps, and stairs. While aquatic function is the primary purpose of such a facility, they should not overlook the role that supporting facilities play in the overall user experience.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4,000 unintentional drownings occur in the United States every year. The town of Marana, Ariz., hopes to reduce that number.
Swimming pools are as much a part of summer as the end of school, Popsicles, and bright, sunny days. And with the worst of the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, it’s time for those facilities to welcome back the crowds.
Drowning is a significant health concern within the U.S., and is one of the leading causes of unintentional-injury deaths for people of all ages. Drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional-injury death for children ages 14 and under, and the second-leading cause of death from all causes for children under 4 years old.
There are more than 3-million U.S. fitness professionals helping more than 73-million Americans stay healthy through exercise, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. The fitness industry plays a central and essential role in promoting and maintaining mental, physical, and social health and well-being.
To remain relevant and attract visitors, municipal aquatic centers must make upgrades and add interest despite the challenges presented by budget constraints and the fluctuations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of forced closures of facilities, many aquatic leaders lost revenue, and funding for programs was cut, although some cities have managed to pass referenda during that time to start projects.
By most accounts and standards, a young professional is someone who is deemed “35 and younger.” While I will take that assessment for my own benefit (who wants to admit they’re getting older?) I will also honor what I see as a time-honored tradition among my colleagues and use my recent 35th birthday as a moment to “bow out” from this designation while remaining present in its purpose.
Fewer than 48 hours into the New Year, fans watching the final Monday Night Football game of the season between Cincinnati and Buffalo saw a chilling scene when the Bills’ Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field and medical personnel rushed to tend to him.
Most days I take the same on-ramp at the same highway intersection. On this particular day, I was greeted by a giant orange sign that warned me of a “Flagman Ahead.”
Here in central Idaho, we’re surrounded by water—literally. We’re home to some of the world’s best whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers.
Industry events you won’t want to miss. Check out what’s coming up.
A collection of news items, product announcements and event notices designed to keep you on the cutting edge.
Product Review
Poolside by CGT offers its Infinity Pool Surface commercial-grade membrane in its popular AZURE color that provides a refreshing light blue water color in swimming pools. The material delivers a pliable 60 mil construction for commercial pool renovation that is engineered for ease of handling with maximum strength and endurance backed by a 15-year warranty. This membrane is designed with added chemical resistance and UV protection. Available in Class C, anti-slip version.
www.poolsidebycgt.com
New Skim Buddy swimming pool skimmer cleaning tool makes cleaning skimmer baskets easier and safer. No more bending over or reaching to pull out skimmer baskets! No more using bare hands to touch chlorine sticks, pucks or tablets or cleaning out leaves or other undesirable creatures from skimmer baskets. Keep employees that maintain pools safe with this handy tool.
(800) 488-9146
www.frankwall.com
Fountain People’s FXPRO Series RGBW12 Spot LED color-changing light fixture illuminates both fountain and splash pad spray effects (underwater, wet or dry locations). This fixture has an on-board DMX driver for more control and includes an angle adjustable yoke to position the fixture as desired. Unit may be anchored to a finished floor or wall. Freestanding, 3.2-inch diameter, 316L stainless-steel construction, 12-watt LED color-changing light fixture with (3) RGBW diodes (4000K White).
(512) 393-5263
www.fountainpeople.com
SmarterSpa+ is the only saltwater chlorine generator with chlorine control built into the cell so it tests and measures the chlorine in the water and when the spa water needs more chlorine, it will start a chlorine generation cycle and will never over-chlorinate the spa. Simply mount the control box to the spa’s skirt, add salt and place the electrode into the water—it’s that simple. Now with a new look and improved mobile app.
(530) 205-4520
www.controlomatic.com
Stainless-steel “stems” support the three or six light bronze cylindrical anodized aluminum chimes, which produce tranquil and harmonic sounds when struck with small soft green mallets. Perfect for playful interactions along nature trails, in parks, or in woodlands, citizens can stop and enjoy a moment of musical mindfulness while exploring the great outdoors. Cattail Chimes are available in A-Minor Pentatonic (set of six), C-Major Triad (set of three) and A-Minor Triad (set of three).
https://www.percussionplay.com/
JED Pool Tools offers a new commercial-grade, PRO Deep Leaf Rake ideal for cleaning leaves and debris from pool water. It has an extra-large, deep net made of nylon mesh that is attached to a large, heavy-duty aluminum frame. The mesh bag holds more leaves and sticks than traditional leaf rakes making it ideal for larger pools. It comes with a deluxe enameled, rust-resistant aluminum EZ clip handle for simple clipping to any pole.
(570) 344-4137
www.JEDPoolTools.com
Rico Rock now offers new “climbing wall” castings for creating climbing walls on pools that looks like real stone structures. Made of high-tech concrete, these castings even have natural hand holds designed into them to guarantee climbing fun and jumping back into pool water. The panels are sold individually to customize the installation or can be installed by Rico Rock. Made in the USA.
(888) 717-3100
www.ricorock.com
Designed for extreme and Olympic-style weightlifting and functional training applications, Ecore's Performance Modzilla 1-inch system features Performance Beast rolls field united to the floating and interlocking Mod15 ShockPad to create a durable system with extreme shock absorption. When combined, the triple durometer system provides a floating solution that offers extreme force reduction and does not need to be adhered to the subfloor, making it an ideal choice for facilities repurposing existing spaces. Available in both 15 mm and 32 mm Vulcanized Composition Rubber (VCR) interlocking tiles.
www.ecoreintl.com
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Splash pads are a hallmark of summertime family fun for communities across the country. Typically free to use and open to the public, they’re an accessible and affordable way to keep children entertained when school’s out.