January 2023

Written By Guest User

Volume 21 | Issue 6

Programming

Welcome to 2023—where park departments are hopefully continuing to experience a resurgence in in-person programming in every age bracket. Whether traditional or non-traditional sports, out-of-town trips, or events for tiny tots are what you’re providing, here are some ideas to expand your portfolio.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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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
Programming Ideas For The Community, By The Community
Jefferey Spivey
Programming Ideas For The Community, By The Community
Jefferey Spivey

When it comes to programming, most communities allow their parks department to set the tone, choosing a level of engagement based on what’s available. But, increasingly, residents aren’t waiting to see what’s on the calendar—they’re stepping in to develop the programs themselves.

Jefferey Spivey
Celebrating Diversity Through Sport
Bill Salvatore
Celebrating Diversity Through Sport
Bill Salvatore

I often see the single word “sports” posted on my social media timelines. It usually refers to a great play, an incredible ending, or something more powerful. It is said that sports can heal and unify. In Philadelphia, this occurs every year through the Philadelphia International Unity Cup.

Bill Salvatore
A Trifecta Of Fun
Tina Boysha
A Trifecta Of Fun
Tina Boysha

As the fifth-largest city in Tennessee, Clarksville has had a growing need for more local sports and activities for younger age groups. To meet this need, the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department athletics staff created the Wonder Kids Triathlon.

Tina Boysha
Inside The Silver Screen
Jason Lang
Inside The Silver Screen
Jason Lang

Many park and recreation departments struggle to serve teen populations. Whether it is finding programming that appeals to this age group or offering volunteer opportunities that are creative enough to keep their attention, teens are a difficult demographic to engage successfully.

Jason Lang
Infill Depth Perfection
Thomas P. Shay
Infill Depth Perfection
Thomas P. Shay

After nearly six decades on the market, synthetic-turf fields for recreation and athletic facilities are an integral part of being able to schedule and complete games. While the technology has evolved since the Houston Astros played its first season on synthetic turf in 1966, the application remains resource-intensive to install and replace, along with regular maintenance.

Thomas P. Shay
The Hard Truths Of Youth Sports
Jamie Sabbach
The Hard Truths Of Youth Sports
Jamie Sabbach

Human nature makes it difficult to acknowledge deficiencies or inadequacies about what we like or love when it conflicts with what we want to believe. Such is the case with me and youth sports.

Jamie Sabbach
Growing Pains
Shea Sengelmann
Growing Pains
Shea Sengelmann

In a recent meeting with a city whose personnel were only in the beginning stages of developing a recreation program, I was asked what I thought the biggest challenge would be for new staff members. As I’m sure is the case with most professionals post-conversation, I realized on the drive home that I had a better response to that question than the one I gave.

Shea Sengelmann
Savor Setbacks
John Engh
Savor Setbacks
John Engh

One of my most memorable youth-sports coaching experiences was the first season I coached my son in T-ball. Having played baseball my entire life, I couldn’t wait to coach the sport I loved so much.

John Engh
When Forty Winks Are Not Enough
Ron Ciancutti
When Forty Winks Are Not Enough
Ron Ciancutti

Sleep-related problems affect 50- to 70-million Americans of all ages and socioeconomic classes, according to a 2022 study completed by www.sleephealth.org. Evidently, the most common disorders include insomnia, sleep-apnea, restless-legs syndrome, and narcolepsy.

Ron Ciancutti
“You Can Do This!”
Rodney Auth
“You Can Do This!”
Rodney Auth

I checked my watch. It was 3 a.m. I was still tossing and turning. At wit’s end, I eased out of bed, trying not to wake my wife, walked into the bathroom, and started doing pushups.

Rodney Auth
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
 
 
 
 

Product Review

Product Reviews
Exmark Commercial 21 V-Series Walk-Behind Electric Mower
Exmark Commercial 21 V-Series Walk-Behind Electric Mower

The Commercial 21 V-Series is powered by a rechargeable 60 Volt 7.5Ah lithium-ion Professional Power System that provides up to 40 minutes of runtime per charge, depending on conditions. The 5.5A rapid charger provides 90 percent charge in 75 minutes. Two 60V 7.5 Ah batteries and a rapid charger are included with each machine. Additional features include a ¼-inch thick die-cast aluminum cutting deck and a 2.5-bushel bag and mulch kit. Cut height is adjustable in half-inch increments, from 1-inch to 4.5-inches.

www.Exmark.com

Dearborn Safety Series ADA-Compliant Lavatory Tubular Covers
Dearborn Safety Series ADA-Compliant Lavatory Tubular Covers

Designed for under-lavatory exposed plumbing in bathrooms, the Universal Design securely covers brass and plastic tubular with and without cleanouts and accommodates both 1-1/4- and 1-1/2-inch tubular systems. Covering under-the-sink pipes provides much-needed safety and peace of mind for individuals in wheelchairs. Hook-and-Loop fasteners allow for quick installation and can be easily removed without damaging points of connection. 

www.oatey.com

WAC Landscape Lighting Surface Mount Indicator LED Lights
WAC Landscape Lighting Surface Mount Indicator LED Lights

Easy to install, save installation time and avoid core drilling holes with LED Indicator Fixtures which mount right on top of the desired surface. The 2-inch 12-Volt Indicators are round and directional, providing soft, diffused illumination for walkways and other exterior spaces. The luminaires are available in stainless steel or bronzed stainless-steel finishes. Warm 2700K or pure white 3000K color temperatures are available. Various styles are offered in 90 CRI with a 60,000-hour rated life. 10-foot lead wire is also included.  

www.WACLandscapeLighting.com 

Whitewater West Blasterango Battle
Whitewater West Blasterango Battle

This water slide fuses the mega drops and uphill blasts of Master Blaster with the indescribable zero-gravity sensation of Boomerango. Configured in two side-by-side racing lanes, riders compete against their friends and family for interactive fun that encourages repeat ridership.

www.whitewaterwest.com

ECHO RB-85S Broadcast Spreader
ECHO RB-85S Broadcast Spreader

The ECHO RB-85S features a stainless-steel frame for superior corrosion resistance and includes a hopper grate and cover to protect materials from the environment. It is intended for turf applications like spreading seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Comes with a 2-year commercial warranty and 5-year consumer warranty. 

www.ECHO-USA.com

Steam Jenny Belt-Drive Cold Pressure Washers
Steam Jenny Belt-Drive Cold Pressure Washers

Steam Jenny belt-drive cold pressure washers are powered by 9- or 13-horsepower Honda GX Series engines and offer flow rates between 3 and 4 gpm. Standard features to ensure long service life include thermal pump protection, unloader valve, and high-pressure relief valve. Flat-free pneumatic tires help move over any terrain.

www.steamjenny.com 

Legacy Tension Fabric Buildings
Legacy Tension Fabric Buildings

Legacy Building Solutions engineers fabric buildings with a structural steel frame, allowing customization to the exact dimensions required. This provides flexibility when designing sports/recreational facilities, event centers, and more. The ExxoTec PVC fabric cladding allows natural light to permeate the structure’s roof during daytime hours.

(877) 259-1528

www.legacybuildingsolutions.com

Yanmar SV100-2A Mini Excavator
Yanmar SV100-2A Mini Excavator

Yanmar Compact Equipment offers the SV100-2A, one the largest models in their mini excavator line. It features a four-year/4,000-hour bumper-to-bumper mini excavator warranty and an ultra-tight tail-swing that has just 6.7 inches of overhang. It has a 21,550-pound operating weight while providing 72 horsepower and a maximum digging depth of 15 feet, 9 inches. Standard features include ECO Mode, Auto-Decel Mode and auto shift 2-speed travel. ECO Mode helps extend engine life, lengthen oil change intervals, and reduce fuel consumption by reducing engine speed and power draw when not needed. 

www.Yanmar.com 

 
 
 

Buyer’s Guide

 

Marketspace Spotlight

 

Coming Up

February 2022

Programming

For Your Information:

  • Pavilions, Restrooms, & Signage

  • Wayfinding

  • Sponsored Content

For Your Inspiration:

  • Sustainable Facilities, Trails & Preserves

  • Prairies, Gardens, & Forestry

  • Restoration

 
 

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