June 2023
Volume 21 | Issue 11
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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
Community gardens are increasingly appreciated as urban amenities, where social isolation—both from standardized-housing tract design and from COVID-19 pandemic restrictions—can be relieved. For example, the community of Rancho Mission Viejo in southeast Orange County, Calif., advertises “Get closer to nature and neighbors with all the elements to grow and thrive.”
Now in its 11th year, the Great Iowa River Race begins within Iowa City (at a river access managed by the city) and ends 9.25 miles downstream on the Iowa River at Hills Access Campground, a property managed by Johnson County Conservation. Canoers, kayakers, and paddle boarders are welcome to compete in the event, which is divided into recreational and competitive heats.
East of one of the busiest freeways in California, bright lights beckon southbound drivers coming from San Jose on Highway 101. Those who have wondered but never stopped to inquire may be surprised to learn they have just passed the only publicly-owned firing range in the Bay Area.
Casablanca Waterfront Park is a dynamic park that offers visitors a diverse range of experiences with spectacular views of Lake Ontario. The park is in the town of Grimsby, and the surrounding area is becoming an upscale, desired location.
Aquaticity is a term historically used in biology and refers to the capacity of an organism to function or be comfortable in an aquatic environment (Vaveri et al., 2016). By focusing on skills such as breath-hold capacity, buoyancy, propulsion, and physical conditioning (endurance and strength), participants can develop a higher level of comfort in the water (aquaticity improves).
In the summer of 2020, parks and recreation departments across the country were looking for ways to engage community members safely since the COVID-19 pandemic brought most traditional programming to a halt. In Appleton, Wis., the parks and recreation team took on a “2020 Summer Reimagined” theme and set to work on brainstorming safe, community-engagement programs.
There is a feature on the National Alliance for Youth Sports website (www.nays.org) available for parents to report a coach who is behaving badly. The feature is called, you guessed it, “Report a Coach.”
I don’t know many families that still collectively sit down to dinner anymore. In fact, I’ve seen a lot of modern homes with a “breakfast bar” but not many with actual kitchen tables.
It was a long, long winter here in Idaho which meant the spring mud season was longer, too. More snow. More run-off. More ice on the lake.
A collection of news items, product announcements and event notices designed to keep you on the cutting edge.
Industry events you won’t want to miss. Check out what’s coming up.
Product Review
Forma brings a contemporary vibe to any playground. Kids of all ages love the dynamic, challenging and inclusive play opportunities provided by the play system’s angular design and sensory-rich mix of materials. Plus, its architectural influences, endless color possibilities and open sightlines create the perfect complement to any play setting.
www.playlsi.com/forma
Used in combination or as single-color accents, PlayGuard molded tiles create bright and engaging atmospheres that beg for participation and activity. This collection’s vivid patterns bring design themes to life and transform playgrounds into lively community attractions. PlayGuard has a standardized 24- by 24-inch tile design that allows for ease of installation while keeping safety, ergonomics, and acoustics in mind. The product comes in a variety of color options with customization abilities and can be used as an indoor-outdoor surface.
https://www.ecoreintl.com
JORDILIGHT is the only multifaceted flashlight tool designed with a bendable U-shape that is attachable, wearable, waterproof in up to 164 feet of water (great for scuba-diving) and made with advanced technology like the built-in e-compass, navigation and app. Created with high-risk scenarios and emergencies in mind, JORDILIGHT detects if a user falls or needs help, and sends a help signal via the app to a pre-saved contact in their phone.
https://www.jordilight.com
CEORA, a new commercial autonomous mowing solution from green space leader Husqvarna, is ideal for sports, parks, and recreation facilities management. It is low-noise, emissions-free, and features exclusive Husqvarna EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System), a satellite-based technology, for boundary wire-free operation on up to 18 acres of turf.
https://www.husqvarna.com
Provides a video wall solution for high-traffic and public spaces with better performance and power consumption features. Direct View LED displays feature next generation durability and uses the latest flip chip technology to deliver unmatched contrast and brightness for digital signage.
https://www.sharpnecdisplays.us
Tee-2-Green has announced Prestige Premium, their latest and highest performing blend bentgrasses, a combination of Pure Distinction and Pure Select. Prestige is a durable formula made for greens, collars, and approaches, engineered to withstand various climate elements including extreme heat, cold, frost, salt and wear tolerance.
https://www.tee-2-green.com/
This fully electric track loader offers the full benefits of eliminating hydraulic systems, components, emissions, and vibrations—all while providing cleaner, quieter machines. The heart of the machine is its powerful, 60.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Each charge can support common daily work operations for up to four hours of continuous operation time and a full day of operation during intermittent use. Unlike other compact loaders, the T7X doesn’t rely on a hydraulic system to transfer power to the machine’s work group. Instead, it features an electrical drive system consisting of electric motors and ball screw actuators.
https://www.bobcat.com
The latest generation of the all-electric, fully autonomous Scythe M.52 features enhanced performance in key areas that are vitally important to landscape contractors. Increased battery capacity, greater durability, and faster and more powerful computer systems ensure M.52 stands up to the demands of commercial landscape operations. https://scytherobotics.com
Buyer’s Guide
Marketspace Spotlight
Coming Up
July 2023
Waterparks
For Your Information:
Shade Structures
Splash Pads
Spray Grounds
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ATV riding continues to be a popular American pastime—one that is often of tremendous value for many states.