August 2023

Written By Guest User

Volume 22 | Issue 1

Special Needs

Many limited by mobility or ability are frequently told what they “can’t” or “shouldn’t” do. Instead of reinforcing the message, turn the argument into why someone can’t afford to sit on the sidelines or shouldn’t let an opportunity slip away. It takes a special program to strike the perfect balance of meeting the needs of all participants while showing that making memories and building friendships are attainable goals for anyone—so long as you show up.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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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

Featured
Beyond Bingo
Jefferey Spivey
Beyond Bingo
Jefferey Spivey

Some longstanding senior programs endure regardless of trends.

Jefferey Spivey
Driving Over Boundaries And Climbing Obstacles
Kate Layton
Driving Over Boundaries And Climbing Obstacles
Kate Layton

Hosted by Oakland County Parks (OCP) in Michigan, Disability Dirt Days pair volunteer, off-road vehicle (ORV) drivers with participants with disabilities for thrilling rides around Holly Oaks ORV Park. The park is situated on former and active gravel mines and offers a wide variety of extreme terrain for ORVs.

Kate Layton
Hit It Out Of The Park
Troy Houtman
Hit It Out Of The Park
Troy Houtman

On a Saturday morning at Miracle Field in Wichita, Kan., one will find a group of special athletes participating in America’s pastime—baseball. While some use wheelchairs or walkers, others are blind or have intellectual disabilities—all are ready to have a swing of the bat, round the bases, and catch a ball.

Troy Houtman
Finding Excellence In Exercise
Tammy Martinez
Finding Excellence In Exercise
Tammy Martinez

In 1983, members of a local disability community helped bring a Wheelchair Accessible Heart Trail to John Prince Park, located in Lake Worth, Fla.

Tammy Martinez
Point To The Possibilities
Carolyn Mondlock
Point To The Possibilities
Carolyn Mondlock

Water, food, air, and shelter are essential for survival. But to thrive instead of just surviving, a person needs more, such as sleep, clothing, and education.

Carolyn Mondlock
Gone To The Dogs
LeeAnn Plumer
Gone To The Dogs
LeeAnn Plumer

For years many communities have offered places for people to run, play, and have fun, but now many agencies are hearing the call to provide safe, accessible dog parks, too. This shift is not a new trend, but continues to build.

LeeAnn Plumer
Ask The Right Questions
Tim Roetman
Ask The Right Questions
Tim Roetman

An accessible playspace has never been easier to build. With options from several playground manufacturers, the sky is the limit.

Tim Roetman
Get In The Game
Cameron Levis
Get In The Game
Cameron Levis

The daily mission of park and recreation professionals is to enhance the quality of life for residents through a variety of programs, services, and facilities. However, some professionals may not fully recognize their power to create true social change for a population that is often forgotten about.

Cameron Levis
Accessible Facilities
Mary Helen Sprecher
Accessible Facilities
Mary Helen Sprecher

More than three decades ago the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. At the time, it was groundbreaking, ushering in an era in which accessible restrooms, wheelchair ramps for public facilities, curb cuts, and other means of accommodation were mandated.

Mary Helen Sprecher
A Winning Sense-ation
Marika Carley
A Winning Sense-ation
Marika Carley

On an overcast, late April day, a young boy runs along Georgia Avenue—a busy thoroughfare in Montgomery County, Md.,—barely avoiding being hit by passing vehicles. The child is spotted by Sgt. Trevin Sherard, a Montgomery Parks Police officer, who happens to be driving past the scene.

Marika Carley
Sidelining Spectators
John Engh
Sidelining Spectators
John Engh

On a recent drive to work, I decided to write a column about the importance of coaches and administrators knowing about heat illness and how to help prevent it in youth sports. Living in South Florida, I always found the subject intriguing.

John Engh
Eyes On The Road
Ron Ciancutti
Eyes On The Road
Ron Ciancutti

I recently saw a truck commercial where the driver took his hands off the wheel and began to play patty-cake by himself. As the music swelled with the beat, he sat back comfortably, presumably to await the oncoming 18-wheeler being driven by a guy who was probably busy trying to reset his cell phone clock.

Ron Ciancutti
This-N-That
Guest User
This-N-That
Guest User

A collection of news items, product announcements and event notices designed to keep you on the cutting edge.

Guest User
Calendar
Guest User
Calendar
Guest User

Industry events you won’t want to miss. Check out what’s coming up.

Guest User
Fun For All
Rodney Auth
Fun For All
Rodney Auth

Each afternoon, around 2 p.m., a man walks by the front of my office. He wears a backpack, broad-brimmed hat, and a smile. Each day I wave to him, and each day he waves back.

Rodney Auth
 
 
 
 

Product Review

Product Reviews
KURU ATOM Trail Footwear
KURU ATOM Trail Footwear

Experience the ultimate in hiking footwear with the ATOM Trail from KURU. Pain-relieving technology and adaptive heel cushioning provide comfort, while advanced traction and protection ensure stability. Abrasion-resistant mesh uppers offer breathable comfort and a protective toe bumper ensures a secure step. Tackle any terrain with confidence and comfort in the ATOM Trail.

https://www.kurufootwear.com

Gyms For Dogs JUMP DOG Jump Training Agility Box Set
Gyms For Dogs JUMP DOG Jump Training Agility Box Set

This set of five multi-sized boxes are designed and manufactured for indoor sports performance, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and obedience training. They are covered in premium high-density textured vinyl which is ideal for training use with extra texture on top landing and loading surface. A small bumper box is available to allow adjustability to the box set (sold separately). Jump training with other dogs is great socialization and friendly competition.

www.JumpDog.com

Bona SuperSport ELITE
Bona SuperSport ELITE

This two-component waterborne urethane finish is specifically formulated for professional use on maple sport floors and the new technology of the Satin Sheen helps minimize glare and reflections on the court surface. With low VOCs and a consistent look that lasts, this newly formulated finish is available in satin and gloss sheens. It also offers superior protection against wear and tear while simplifying daily cleaning practices—making it ideal for any high-traffic area such as gymnasiums, fitness centers, or sports arenas.

Bona.com 

WAC Landscape Lighting SCOOP Bollard
WAC Landscape Lighting SCOOP Bollard

Ideal for illuminating and accenting landscaping, walkways, buildings, and parking areas. Add ambient lighting to the property and improve security by increasing visibility. IP66-rated and protected against high-pressure water jets, these new LED landscape luminaires are factory-sealed watertight fixtures with a constant output for 9-15 volt input. Sleek linear designs blend seamlessly into pathways while providing soft, even illumination. Engineered to operate with 12-volt, 120-volt, and 277-volt systems.

www.waclandscapelighting.com

West Coast Turf Ready Play Grass
West Coast Turf Ready Play Grass

Natural-grass sod grown on plastic for instant use and for the strength of the plant. Similar to buying a plant at a nursery where the roots are bound in a ball since they can’t go through the plastic, it makes the strength of the sod three to four times of what a normal sod field is by becoming root bound. The intertwining roots develop a tight mat of rhizomes to firm up the surface, giving it a study base of strength. It weighs about 18 pounds per square foot and can be grown up to 2 inches thick. Ideal for sports fields, golf course tees, and driving ranges, and on top of artificial turf fields when a temporary natural-grass field is required.

www.westcoastturf.com

Husqvarna Z560LS Commercial Zero-Turn Mower
Husqvarna Z560LS Commercial Zero-Turn Mower

Features a 38.5 HP Kawasaki FX1000 EFI with the ZT-5400 Drive System that propels the mower forward with ground speeds up to 12 mph. The 6-inch deep, 60-inch cutting deck produces exceptional cut quality while the 10-gauge fabricated construction and oversized 10-inch diameter blade spindles offer the durability needed for consistent performance. Add in comfort features including a full suspension seat, automatic park brake and hands-free deck lift system and the result is a durable commercial mower that’s ready for a full day’s work. A 12-gallon fuel capacity with LED gauge complements the performance and comfort features.

www.Husqvarna.com

Steiner AirFX Mower Deck Attachment
Steiner AirFX Mower Deck Attachment

Available in 61 or 72 inches, the attachment features a deep-deck, bullnose design and patented Air-Gap baffle system for a superior quality of cut. It is engineered to handle a variety of turf types and can cut at varied heights between 1 and 5 inches. The deck’s hydraulic lift provides the ability to raise and lower the deck from the operator’s seat for height of cut adjustments and transport. In addition, an 80-degree hydraulic flip up and various blow out ports allow for improved cleaning and maintenance.

www.steinerturf.com

 
 
 

Buyer’s Guide

 

Marketspace Spotlight

 

Coming Up

September 2023

Stadiums

• Turf & Lighting

• Stadiums & Field Maintenance

• Surfacing

• Sports Complexes

 
 

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