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SAS K ATCH E WA N PA R KS A N D R ECR E AT I O N AS S O C I AT I O N

Community EngagementThrough Parks and Recreation

01 JUNE 2010

SPRA STAFF

Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell

Program Manager John Firnesz

Corporate Services Manager Randy Durovick

Information and Research Services Luella Newman

Assistant Information Services Chantel Doerksen

Communications Consultant Lori Ross RECREATION CONSULTANTS:

Grants and Funding Lee Anne Balliett

Parks and Open Spaces Barry Rogers

Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar

Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe

Leadership and Evaluation Karen Thompson

Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky FIELD CONSULTANTS:

Swift Current Richie Bleau

Rosetown/North Battleford Kerry Bailey

Prince Albert Rob Boulding ADMINISTRATION:

Business Administrator Bonnie Thiessen

Half-Time Business Administrator Travis Blanchard

Executive Assistant Lois McNaught

Administrative Technician Ryan Monks Administrative Assistant II Paula Lichtenwald

Administrative Assistant I Amanda Rieger

Half-Time Administrative Assistant I Donna Matheson Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555 Fax: (306) 780-9257 www.spra.sk.ca

JUNE 2011 | VOLUME 2 | NUMBER 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPRA President’s Report 01 Being, Becoming and Belonging 03Saskatchewan in motion - Get Active in Nature 04 Lottery Lingo 05Unity Pleasant View Cemetery Beautification 06Ile a la Crosse Community Swim Program 08Growing Green with Grapes 09 Put Social Media to Work for You! 10A Daily Dose of Play 12SPRA Information Portal 13Engaging Seniors in Our Communities 14Events 15 SPRA Commercial Members 16

DIRECTION is published four times a year (December, March, June and September). The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Direct all communications to:

Editor, DIRECTION #100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5

You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant at 306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca.

Articles within this magazine are the opinions of the authour(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that full credits are shown for the author and the magazine.

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

in motion STAFF

President Darrell Lessmeister

Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman

Director for Towns Mike Schwean

Director for Villages Clive Craig

Director at Large Corrine Galarneau

Director at Large Clint McConnell

Director at Large Mimi Lodoen Director at Large Mike Powell

Director for the North Sandy Rediron

Manager Cathie Kryzanowski

Manager - Community and Target Strategies Marnie Sinclair

Manager - Marketing and Communications Christine Niemczyk

Consultant Nicole Yacishyn

Consultant Graham Richardson

Communications Consultant Kim Herperger

Communications Assistant Julie Chabot Thoring

Executive Assistant Nicole Shewchuk

Administrative Assistant Natalie Schwartz

Phone: (306) 780-9248 or 1-866-888-3648 Fax: (306) 780-9466 www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca

JUNE 2011 01

SPRA PRESIDENT’S REPORT

www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca

Have you ever wondered who organizes the community picnic, the fitness classes and ensures that facilities are available for recreation leagues in your commu-nity? Who applies for many of the grants and coordinates the funding which makes these programs and events possible? Who organizes

volunteers and ensures local recreation activities are safe and accessible?

The answer is - Recreation Professionals!

Recreation professionals deliver safe and high quality recreation activities to communities across the Province - the programs, events and activities that bring communities together! These dedicated professionals plan, organize and direct these activities in parks, community centres, schools, playgrounds and many other settings for individuals of all ages, interests and abilities. As part of their job, recreation professionals are responsible for a variety of tasks - from program development, maintenance of recreation spaces and facilities to risk management, budgeting and staff-ing, and policy and procedure development. Recreation professionals also have the capacity to train and support volunteers in delivering services to maintain standards and safety, thereby reducing dependence on the municipalities in the areas of service delivery and volunteer support. In most cases, these men and women are the advocates for active living and the adoption of healthy lifestyles in your communi-ties. The work performed by recreation practitioners is the backbone to community development and capacity building across Saskatchewan!

The future of recreation in communities depends on the availability of educational opportunities to provide our future recreation professionals with the knowledge and skills they require to complete these tasks effectively – the tasks that contribute to active and engaged communities!

However, one of the main programs in the Province for train-ing recreation and tourism professionals is being threatened by cuts. In April 2010, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), Kelsey Campus, proposed cutting its Recreation and Tourism Management Program in half, by only accepting first year students every second year.

On April 27, 2010, a Task Group for the Future of Recreation Education in Saskatchewan was formed to advocate for the continuation of the program at its existing capacity, which includes an annual intake for new students. The Task Group, along with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Associa-tion and the Saskatchewan Association of Recreation Profes-sionals, implemented a letter writing campaign directed at SIAST, key Government Departments, MLAs and the media, expressing the implications of the cuts and requesting the program be restored to its original capacity. An Advocacy Tool Kit was also developed and distributed to communities and recreation departments throughout the Province. The Tool Kit included an explanation of the issue, long term impli-cations of program downsizing, fact sheets on the benefits of parks and recreation and the benefits of having trained rec-reation professionals, testimonials and letter templates. Com-munities and recreation departments were encouraged to use the Tool Kit to advocate to their local MLAs, the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport (TPCS), the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration (AEEI), and SIAST for the continuation of the program at its existing capacity.

In response to the advocacy campaign, the Task Group was invited to a meeting with the Ministry of AEEI and SIAST. The Task Group expressed their concern over the lack of an informed process directing the cuts, the absence of input from the recreation and parks sector, and the lack of involvement from the Recreation and Tourism Management Advisory Committee. In response, SIAST agreed to host four (4) Focus Group meetings in Saskatchewan (La Ronge, Saskatoon, Regina and Yorkton) to inform the Dean of the Recreation and Tourism Management Program and the Advisory Committee of program needs. Despite the Focus Group meetings being held, and the concerns expressed by the Task Group, SIAST remained equivocal as to the future of the program.

The Task Group then met with representatives from TPCS, and AEEI requesting a review of the process utilized by SIAST to make program changes. The Task Group and Ad-visory Committee have indicated they are open to changes to the program, but have been adamant that these changes must be based on evidence based information and the needs of the field.

At this time, SIAST has indicated the Recreation and Tourism Management Program will continue to run in the fall of 2011,

02 JUNE 2011

Look for your Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association 65th Conference and Annual General Meeting Conference Guide in this issue of DIRECTION, packed full of speakers and sessions to help RECREATE your organization.

REGISTER TODAY!REGISTER TODAY!

Darrell Lessmeister SPRA President

Visit the SPRA website at www.spra.sk.ca/conference for more information.

without changes. SIAST has now engaged an independent firm to conduct a labor market assessment of some of their programs, including the Recreation and Tourism Manage-ment Program. The Task Group continues to advocate for the program and is now reviewing options to access research to support Saskatchewan based recreation education.

The long-term sustainability of the SIAST Recreation and Tourism Management Program remains in jeopardy and its future depends on your support. By supporting the future of the Recreation and Tourism Management Program, you are supporting the future of our communities. Recreation profes-

sionals are the people behind the programs, the people behind community events - the people behind community en-gagement. Make sure recreation professionals continue to be a valued community resource and that they have access to the education they require to make your community healthy, active and engaged!

To become involved visit www.spra.sk.ca/recreation.edu-cation or contact SPRA at 1-800-563-2555.

S:\2010-11 Communications\DIRECTION\June\Articles\Recreation Profession-als.Docx

JUNE 2011 03

How you define ‘Quality of Life’ is something the Saskatch-ewan Abilities Council - Regina Branch has dedicated a great deal of time and energy to this past year. It is top of mind in any department or program at the branch. To guide them they’ve adopted the Centre for Health Promotion’s definition of Quality of Life. The Centre for Health Promotion (CHP) at the University of Toronto views quality of life as “the degree to which the person enjoys the important possibilities of his or her life” (Rootman et.al.1992). This is what staff assess when clients join programs at the Regina Branch. They view this statement as a best practice template in the design and delivery of their Quality of Life programming.

Being, who one is; becoming, achieving personal goals, hopes and aspirations; and belonging, connections with one’s environment makes up the life domains of the Qual-ity of Life model. This model also provides the conceptual framework for both staff and clients to work together as they examine and identify in which domain(s) lie the important possibilities of their life.

For clients accessing the Regina Branch’s Quality of Life programming, the process starts with a face-to-face meeting which then leads to an in-depth assessment of their Qual-ity of Life needs and wants, which then supports the goal of achieving their important possibilities in life.

Jane, a client who attends the Training Centre and experi-ences benefits of the program, now also participates in the Quality of Life program. Staff have seen a remarkable change in her over the past few months. Jane is much more

optimistic, “[The Quality of Life Program] makes [my life] better”, she says.

The Regina Branch has a long history of offering program-ming with the aim of providing people involvement in their community. The services provide clients opportunities and experiences they might not get on their own. These mea-sures have resulted in individuals being in the community.

The current movement is to have individuals with disabilities of the community. Michael Easton, Quality of Life Program Supervisor explains an example like this, “We can take a client bowling each week. We as an agency make all the ar-rangements and provide all the necessary support for the cli-ent to be in the community. However if it is that client’s goal to be involved in a regular bowling activity, we now put our resources into connecting them to the community group that provides the bowling league. Support is offered until the indi-vidual is a full member of the group or league. The end result is the client is not just in the community with our assistance but they are now of community as a member of a community group. There’s a sense of independence, belonging.”

The Regina Branch hopes all communities can see the dif-ference being of community can make for our clients as we all work toward having people with disabilities experience the opportunities and benefits of full community citizenship. Michael Easton and Mona Loshack Saskatchewan Abilities Council - Regina Branch

BEING, BECOMING AND BELONGING

“The end result is the client is not just in the community with our assistance but they are now of community as a member of a community group. There’s a sense of independence, belong-ing.” - Michael Easton

04 JUNE 2011

SASKATCHEWAN IN MOTION GET ACTIVE IN NATURE

Saskatchewan in motion invites everyone to “remember when” by naming June “Get Active in Nature” month with the hope of encouraging parents, caregivers and role models to give the kids they care about freedom to play in nature. Many Saskatchewan children born in the last decade or two do not have memories that stem from being active in nature. Richard Louv, author of several books about community, family and nature, coined the term “Nature Deficit Disorder.” He defines Nature Deficit Disorder as, “the human cost of alienation from nature, among them: diminished use of the sense, attention difficulties and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses” (Louv 36).

Louv is one of the keynote speakers at the Improving Health for Children: What Works? Conference at Elkridge Resort from June 1 -3, 2011 (conference website link www.usask.ca/nursing/ihfc). In his book “Last Child in the Woods” Louv

explains that children can find nature in many different places, for example: “A newborn calf, a pet that lives and dies; a worn path through the woods; a fort nested in sting-ing nettles; a damp, mysterious edge of a vacant lot.” Louv believes nature gives children more than just an exciting place to play. He says, “Nature offers healing for a child living in a destructive family or neighbourhood. It serves as a blank slate upon which a child draws and reinterprets the culture’s fantasies. Nature inspires creativity in a child by demanding visualization and the full use of the senses.”

Exploring and playing in nature is also a great way for chil-dren to experience unstructured physical activity. In nature, whether that is the back yard or in a wide open stubble field, there are no coaches or instructors; children are free to make up their own games with their own rules. Unstructured play is great because it teaches children that they don’t necessar-ily need facilities or experts to help them be active. Under-

As a child, what did summer mean to you? Did it mean waking up and putting on your swim suit under your clothes so you would be ready to play when the sprinklers were turned on? Did it mean waking up early on the farm to help with chores and then setting off to build a fort amongst the trees and caraganas? Or maybe it meant waking up and planning your next adventure with your bud-dies like bike riding, hiking or exploring?

JUNE 2011 05

standing this lesson will help children stay physically active throughout their lives.

In the book “Last Child in the Woods” Louv lists several ways parents, caregivers and/or people who care about children can help bring nature into the lives of their children. Check out some of his ideas below:

Instead of ordering the latest video game, order a •truckload of dirt and some plastic buckets and shovels, chances are the dirt and the video game cost about the same.

Adopt the “sunny day rule,” if it’s nice out encourage •your kids to play outside instead of in the house.

Tell your children stories about your favourite childhood •memories of spending time in nature.

Invite native flora and fauna into your life by maintain-•ing a bird bath or replacing part of your lawn with native plants. For more ideas see the National Wildlife Federa-tion’s website at www.nwf.org/backyard.

Take a hike with your children and play the “find ten crit-•ters game,” which could be mammals, birds, insects or even signs that an animal has passed by or lives there.

Adopt a tree. Pick an existing plant or tree and take pic-•tures of it as it grows and experiences the seasons.

Take a family vacation at a provincial park and go camp-•ing or rent a cabin. Or just pitch a tent up in your own back yard!

Learning to enjoy nature will benefit both adults and children. By spending time outdoors with children you will create unforgettable memories and teach the youth you care about, that being active in nature is fun.

Louv, Richard. Last Child in the Woods. 2 ed. Chapel Hill: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2008. Print.

Julie Chabot Thoring Saskatchewan in motion

LOTTERY LINGOCrossword Tripler Win in Duck Lake!

Joy Grosco was happy to think her CROSSWORD TRIPLER lottery ticket was a $10,000 winner and thrilled to find that she had actually won $100,000!

The Duck Lake resident stopped by the Duck Lake Variety store, located at 200 Front Street and purchased two $5 CROSSWORD TRIPLER SCRATCH ’N WIN tickets.

“I went home and scratched the first ticket, but didn’t win anything,” Joy remembered. “I did a few things around the house and then sat back down to scratch the second ticket. I saw one word, then two words and thought, ‘What’s going on here?’” she laughed.

After revealing a few more words, Joy returned to the store to have the ticket checked. “I ran it through the Ticket Checker and saw a ‘1’ and all those zeroes!” Both Joy and the store owner thought the ticket had won $10,000.

Joy called the Saskatoon Prize Office and made arrange-ments to come in and claim her prize. “The office called me back a few minutes later to tell me that the ticket was actually a $100,000 winner!” said Joy. “And then, boy, did I shake! I just couldn’t believe it. I had been excited with $10,000!”

Joy said plans for her windfall include investments, home and yard improvements, and holidays.

PAYDAY Winner in Regina!

Stephen Yik purchased his $20,000 winning PAYDAY ticket from the Victoria & Fleet Petro-Canada located at 1919 Fleet Street in Regina.

“I just couldn’t believe it - my mind was empty!”

06 JUNE 2011

UNITY PLEASANT VIEW CEMETERY BEAUTIFICATION

The beautification transformation, and the endless, selfless time of volunteer committee members and hired staff, has brought the community of Unity together, to take pride of ownership of their cemetery and their loved one’s sacred place of rest.

Cemeteries are frequently perceived as dreary, sombre places people feel obliged to visit. Two years ago, the Pleasant View Cemetery of Unity, Saskatchewan had that slightly dishevelled appearance with numerous sunken graves and covers, weeds, molehills and overgrown foliage covering graves and headstones. Dismayed with the deterioration and neglect of basic cemetery maintenance; a rejuvenated local cemetery committee with dedicated, diligent, and compassionate members brought forth new ideas with an extensive, strategic plan of beautification transformations and fund-raising options to revitalize the cemetery. The town-owned property of twelve acres has since received a renewed, significant landscape facelift and has become a very special park, with a most “pleasant view” within the community – a special place of beauty and peaceful repose for loved ones who have been laid to rest, a special place for families to visit, reflect and to cherish memories. Today, the cemetery is graced with a monumental entrance gateway, evergreen memorial shelterbelt, memorial gardens with colourful shrubs, trees and potted annual flowers including rest areas with granite memorial benches, and endless rows of beautiful, granite monuments and markers. The cemetery’s first known burial was conducted in 1909. The Soldier’s plot, often referred to as the Veteran’s plot, remains an integral, respected part of the cemetery. The cemetery has grown to be a vital part of the community,

current town population of approximately 2,400 people, offering traditional in-ground burials with considerations for a future columbarium.

The beautification project – which is turning heads across the province – began in May 2009 when the local cemetery committee executed the strategic plan of transformations actively participating in the cleanup process, providing direction to a volunteer base and hired staff. Overgrown foliage was pruned and removed revealing ancient, beautiful granite monuments. Deteriorated grave covers were removed, sunken graves replenished with topsoil and reseeded to grass. Shelterbelts were reconstructed, clearing dead, overgrown trees, mulching remains for further usage. Cement pathways were developed to facilitate new grave alignments and monument placements. A new east roadway was developed to facilitate cemetery traffic and funeral processions.

Beautification processes were initiated from committee member donations and the cemetery reserve fund. In July 2009, committee member’s financial contributions provided enriched beauty to the landscape with the development of new, professionally designed memorial gardens, including the refurbishing of existing memorial gardens with the installation of irrigated, concrete curbed beds of grey shale rock, decorative mulch, and a variety of ornamental trees, shrubs, and potted annual flowers. The Evergreen Living Tree Memorial Shelterbelt, which was established by the cemetery committee and initially funded from the cemetery

JUNE 2011 07

As momentum for the beautification project escalated, community financial support was received from tree memorials and cemetery beautification tributes in memory of loved ones enabling the committee to expand the tree memorial shelterbelt in August 2010. The Living Tree Memorial Granite Plaque, honouring names of loved one’s in memory, was erected within the designated rose memorial bed within the shelterbelt. Beautification enhancements continued throughout the cemetery with professional landscape services installing concrete curbed beds of grey shale rock and decorative mulch around granite memorial benches, main entrance gates, map directories, spot tree plantings, and a newly refurbished urn memorial garden.

The beautification transformation, and the endless, selfless time of volunteer committee members and hired staff, has brought the community together through their supportive financial contributions, as they continue to take pride of ownership of their cemetery and their loved one’s sacred place of rest. May these planted seeds of hope and love, remain forever in bloom, inspiring others to take pride in ownership of their own communities’ respective cemeteries, creating special places of beauty and peace throughout the world, providing an atmosphere of tranquility for families and visitors, as they come to witness and know their loved one’s final place of rest will be forever cared for and respected.

reserve, was planted in July 2009 providing a most “pleasant view” to the cemetery’s surroundings.

In 2009, committee members established the following three memorial fund options to honour a loved one in order to continue with future projects:

LIVING TREE MEMORIAL SHELTERBELT FUND

The Living Tree Memorial Shelterbelt Fund provides families with an opportunity to honour loved ones with a living tree memorial, whereby an evergreen is planted within the Evergreen Living Tree Memorial Shelterbelt. The loved one’s name is inscribed on a granite plaque, located within the memorial garden in the shelterbelt. Keepsake tree memorial certificates are given to family members. Cost: $200.00 per evergreen tree per loved member.

CEMETERY BEAUTIFICATION TRIBUTE FUND

The Cemetery Beautification Tribute Fund Option provides families and friends another fund option for cemetery beautification projects, other than tree memorials, in memory of their loved ones.

MAIN ENTRANCE GATE FUND

A new main entrance gateway was designed and erected by a local artist and machinist, creating a beautiful, monumental entrance way to Pleasant View Cemetery providing families and businesses opportunity to help fund the establishment of a marker worthy of honouring the pioneers, residents and fallen soldiers, who have shaped Unity into the moral fabric it exudes today.

Sophia Code Unity Parks and Recreation Department

08 JUNE 2011

ILE A LA CROSSECOMMUNITY SWIM PROGRAM

Our goal was to have a sustainable, locally run swim pro-gram, so rather than hiring lifeguards from southern com-munities travelling north to work in the summer, we trained 10 local Métis youth to become lifeguards in year 2007. The following summer we hired two of these lifeguards to super-vise our public beach and trained them as swim instructors through the Swim for Life program offered by the Lifesaving Society. This enabled the two youth to begin teaching swim-ming lessons free of cost to children in Ile a la Crosse in year 2008. The following year (2009) we trained another six youth as swim instructors and lifeguard instructors, employing the youth to train more local youth as lifeguards and teach swim lessons.

Last summer we hired local Ile a la Crosse lifeguards again to teach lifeguard training. This time expanding the program to seven surrounding Métis and First Nation communities including La Loche, Birch Narrows First Nation, Canoe Lake First Nation, Cole Bay, Beauval, English River First Nation and Pinehouse. Over 20 lifeguards were trained and em-ployed as lifeguards in their respective communities.

Ile a la Crosse is a small Métis community with a population of 1600 residents, consisting of 95% with Aboriginal ancestry. North-ern Saskatchewan has the highest incidence of drowning, 10 times our provincial average. Because of this and our desire to improve physical activity levels of our youth and children in the summer, we began a community swim program.

Finally this year (2011) we are training the above mentioned communities as lifesaving instructors, enabling them to teach swim lessons and offer lifeguard training in their own com-munities.

By training local youth, we are empowering communities to be able to provide for their own needs, reduce drowning incidents, and increase physical activity levels in our northern youth and children. We are very grateful for grant funding provided mainly from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recre-ation Association as well as the Community Initiatives Fund, to be able to offer lifeguard training in our northwest region. Thank you for your continued support of our program.

Jocelyn Chandler Ile a la Crosse Recreation Board

JUNE 2011 09

GROWING GREEN WITH GRAPES

Each year we organize a Communities in Bloom ‘Soiree’ com-plete with local wine, cheese and other delectable appetizers. As luck would have it, the connoisseurs of this evening affair are also the tender hearts for the Communities in Bloom pro-gram. Apparently those with pallets for fine food and drink also develop a pallet for helping to create a finer community. Fortunately, at this event we offer both.

Throughout the evening, guests are able to sample the di-verse and appealing menu that Communities in Bloom has to offer. From flowers to tidiness, landscaping to tree care, Com-munities in Bloom offers mouth-watering choices that can lead to both instant gratification but also long term rewards.

In 2009, this event attracted 30 people and was the catalyst for generating a core group of dedicated individuals to be on our steering committee. Then, in 2011 this event rallied a small army of 65. As a result, our committee now boasts over 50 active volunteers.

With lofty goals such as developing a community garden, building a downtown pocket park, coordinating a spring work-shop series and implementing numerous waste reduction fundraising campaigns, this committee is rapidly changing both the volunteer and physical landscape of the community. This battalion of volunteers has now dug themselves in for the long haul realizing that tackling many of the Communities in Bloom objectives is a long-term process.

However, these volunteers are quick to remember their roots and realize that after a long day of volunteering they can taste their success and have a drink to a job well done!

Duncan Whittick Manager of Community Development Parks, Recreation, Culture & Tourism Town of Maple Creek www.maplecreek.ca

In recent years, Maple Creek and the Cypress Hills have become synonymous with wine country. How has Maple Creek translated this horticultural success story into cultivating its Communities in Bloom program? Simple...

ILE A LA CROSSECOMMUNITY SWIM PROGRAM

10 JUNE 2011

PUTTING SOCIAL MEDIA TO WORK FOR YOU!

Customer communications have been developed over the course of the past 170+ years, with advertising posters in London appearing in 1839. From 1839 to 1980 there was very little innovation and the control remained firmly in the hands of the message owner.

The advent of the personal computer and subsequently, the internet, a shift in thinking began, however the last ten years of innovation have been at light speed and have firmly placed the consumer at the centre of the conversation, so much so that in many cases their opinion is more important than the “brand owner”.

Many organizations have been slow to adapt, fearful of the implications and have been caught off-guard by the change in ownership. While the change is significant, embracing it offers a tremendous opportunity to connect with your custom-ers in ways that seemed impossible only a few years ago.

The change in “ownership” has been amplified by the rise of Social Media. In our market the dominant social media plat-forms are Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. In Saskatchewan there are over 433,000 people (based on Facebooks adver-tising platform) over the age of 18 who are on Facebook. Canadians are the heaviest users of online video in the world and Twitter is rapidly gaining ground. When you include the above with the growing proliferation of smart phones and the growth of SaskTel’s network coverage you have a highly con-nected audience that is capable of receiving your messages in text, video or as an image.

Even if you are not ready to begin broadcasting, you should at least be listening to what others are saying about your brand online. There are several free tools that can be used but here are two you can start with:

Google Alerts: allows you to set-up terms to “listen” to, • for example Saskatchewan Association for Community Living, when this term is published online by anyone an email is sent to the account owner.

HootSuite: a Canadian company out of Vancouver. • HootSuite is a social media dashboard that allows you to broadcast and listen to social media. This dashboard, like Google Alerts allows you to set-up listening terms, in this case for Twitter.

If you are ready to start using the tools, begin by establishing your goals, platforms and parameters.

1. Parameters:

Establish who will be publishing, what will be published • and how often you will publish

Develop a policy, this link provides many examples • that can be used as a guideline http://socialmedia-governance.com/policies.php

Establish the lines of communication when questions are • asked, remember to use existing procedures whenever you can

In our market the dominant social media platforms are Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Embracing the new innovation offers a tremendous opportunity to connect with your customers in ways that seemed impossible only a few years ago.

JUNE 2011 11

2. Your goals need to be clearly established so that your success can be measured. Some common goals include:

Total number of Likes, followers or video views•

The amount of traffic that social media generates to • your website

The number of questions answered •

The number of times there is a positive mention of your • facility or event, in social media

3. Choose your platforms. As mentioned, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are the market leaders; however, your goals should determine what platforms you choose.

Now that you are publishing lets look at the content that will help engage customers and drive interactions.

EVENTS

Are perfect for Social Media as they are timely and measur-able, they also provide an opportunity to report on the event during and after. FEEDBACK

Using social media alone or in combination with your web-site provides a perfect opportunity to gather feedback. It can be as simple as asking what their favourite widget is or sending them to a more comprehensive survey. Once you have built up some trust among your followers it will become easier to ask and receive useful feedback.

PHOTOS

People are drawn to photographs; if you choose Facebook as a platform you see a spike in traffic every time photos are posted. Photos of events work well as records and as a wrap up.

CONVERSATION

When conversation happens the true power of social media is revealed. It is also the point at which you have the oppor-tunity to create the greatest impact. A positive remark from a follower has an exponential effect, as not only will your fol-lowers see the comment, but also your followers’, followers. With an average of 140 followers per Facebook and Twitter user, the compound effect can be substantial.

VIDEO

Although it may seem intimidating, video does not need to be. Many digital cameras have the ability to take short videos and a 30 second clip can be very compelling piece of con-tent. What is important to remember is that the video does not need to be television quality; it is for YouTube / Facebook and the reality honesty and message of the clip is more important then the lighting and special effects.

BENEFITS

If planned and executed properly, social media becomes an incredibly valuable tool in your communication mix. It can enhance loyalty, provide timely customer service, honest feedback and help your business goals.

Ultimately the landscaped has changed and will continue to change. As an organization you need to go where your customers are.

Good luck!

Philippe Leclerc

12 JUNE 2011

A DAILY DOSE OF PLAY

Think back to a late spring day when you were a child. Remember when you couldn’t wait to escape outside to play after finishing your homework and any household chores your parents charged you to do?

Long before the terms “BMI” and “trans fat” were part of the lexicon, kids would run out to the backyard or local play-ground to meet up with friends for a game of tag, stealing bases or “king of the hill.” When they got thirsty, they’d drink unfiltered water from a water fountain or water hose. They’d jump, run and chase around till dusk fell, reluctantly traips-ing home to eat dinner, take a warm bath and maybe read a chapter or two of a favorite book. They’d tumble into bed and fall asleep before their heads hit the pillow.

In an ideal world, kids would still look forward to physical activity. Recess would be the best part of the school day. Exercise wouldn’t be something to dread, but a natural, joyful and cherished part of every day.

In today’s age of video games, cell phones and computers, physical activity has taken a back seat. Now, we are facing a childhood obesity problem across the country. To that end, we have to think differently about how we entice children to get outside and enjoy all the benefits of play.

Playworld Systems, a leading manufacturer of imaginative playground equipment, has made it their mission to provide healthy play for all children. The company has launched several new products that offer unique play and fitness op-portunities at maximum value.

Late last year Playworld Systems launched ENERGI, A fun, fresh-air fitness regimen for the entire community.

ENERGI delivers a guided, fat-burning workout that exer-cises nearly all 600 of the body’s muscles. Using the latest fitness technologies, ENERGI provides a gym-like, personal training experience for a variety of age groups, optimizing the number of people who make use of community parks. The self-contained fitness regimen allows people to engage in exercise while connecting with nature. ENERGI will feature Microsoft Tag technology. Utilizing a smartphone and the Tag Reader app, users scan the Tags to access video demos to ensure they exercise safely and with the proper form for maximum benefit.

Playworld Systems also recently launched PlaySimple™, affordable, commercial-grade playgrounds that make play accessible to even more children. Engineered and built in the U.S. to the same rigorous quality standards as all Playworld Systems products, PlaySimple is based on the company’s belief that budget constraints shouldn’t stand in the way of bringing outdoor play to children in every community.

PlaySimple exceeds the same high safety standards estab-lished by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) for commercial-grade play equipment. Built to conform to Playworld Systems’ durability standards, the entire structure is PVC-free, backed by a five-year, comprehensive warranty, and can withstand the toughest elements – from extreme weather to rough-and-tumble play. On average, PlaySimple components are made with 40 per-cent pre- and post-consumer recycled materials. Starting at $4,644 (US), PlaySimple’s ease of installation also minimizes the overall cost for buyers. Local maintenance professionals or a few handy volunteers can assemble PlaySimple equip-ment in a day with basic tools, and no complex site work or

A lack of physical fitness is one of the biggest threats the nation faces today. Playing outdoors with other children has been shown to benefit every aspect of a child’s wellness and development, including weight control.

JUNE 2011 13

elaborate surfacing materials are required. Customers will receive their PlaySimple structures in 15 days or less from the date the order is placed.

PlaySimple features climbing, sliding and running – all play activities to build a child’s gross motor and socialization skills as well as agility, dexterity, body strength and self-confidence. The structures are ADA-compliant and many of the sets feature ground-level activities, which accommodate children with special needs. The line includes six designs in two color schemes: primary and natural.

Studies indicate that a lack of physical fitness is one of the biggest threats the nation faces today. Playing outdoors with other children has been shown to benefit every aspect of a child’s wellness and development. Other Playworld Products that aim to get kids outside and active include:

NEOS: THE WORLD’S FIRST ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR THE PLAYGROUND A crossover between outdoor play and ever-popular video gaming, NEOS brings an entirely new experience to the com-munity. The unique system combines the speed and action of video games with the explosive movement of aerobic exer-cise. With its flashing lights and engaging sounds, NEOS is a multi-sensory experience that draws crowds with competi-tive fun while it works the heart and lungs for an invigorating workout.

CASTLE THEMED PRODUCT: WHERE IMAGINATION COMES TO LIFE Playworld System’s Castle is an example of the type of themed play products many parks and recreation directors want for their parks. Offering the industry’s most options both in color and realistic experiences, Playworld System’s themed products focus on imaginative play, where kids can reach their highest potential. With equipment like the Castle, children have free reign to take risks and explore roles in the safety of their own imagination.

We know that parks and recreation directors are competing with video games, computers and other entertainment sourc-es as they try to differentiate their parks and get children off the couch, away from the computer or TV screen and outside into the fresh air. By simply making play so much fun today’s kids want to get outside, unique products like Playworld Systems’ equipment can truly impact the rising obesity rates in this country.

Jeff Jackson Playground Pro Phone: 1-866-757-5502 Email: playgroundpro@sasktel.net

SPRA INFORMATION PORTAL SPRA Information and Research Services has created the Information Portal to help you get the resources you need to support decision-making, innovation and ongoing learning. The Information Portal is now available online at www.spra.sk.ca/information. This comprehensive resource, connects you to articles, websites, news, Resource Centre materials, research and funding opportunities organized by the follow-ing subject areas: - Recreation Facilities - Physical Activity and Fitness - Parks and Open Spaces - Recreation Programming - Sports Coaching - Volunteer and Nonprofit Management - Grants and Fundraising

To help you find relevant information more quickly, you can search by keyword, search the library catalogue or browse information by subject! – this means you are just one click away from finding all the information you need in one con-venient location! Our goal is to make the Information Portal your “go-to” resource. Your feedback and requests help us develop a collection of resources that meets your specific needs.

SPRA Information and Research Services also provides free access to information, trends and research to support the nonprofit, voluntary sector, with a specific focus on the areas of sport, fitness, recreation and culture. For more information, visit us online at www.spra.sk.ca/information, or email us at resourcecentre@spra.sk.ca.

14 JUNE 2011

ENGAGING SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

To be a “community” we should best engage all members, without general exclusions based on gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disabilities; even knowing that specific characteristics of each group may need unique accommodation.

To ask how to engage seniors in our community begs the question, because if we have a community at all, our se-niors have already been engaged for decades (albeit not as seniors). One might ask why they disengaged, or did they? Were they pushed? Certain stereotypical attitudes towards seniors can tend to isolate them, as would be the case for any components of our community. Do our children know that their interests and contributions are welcome? Do minorities? Are there any groups within our community who appear distant, who tend not to participate, who live in a parallel but separate “mini-community”? Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

To be a “community” we should best engage all members, without general exclusions based on gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disabilities; even knowing that specific characteristics of each group may need unique accommodations. Excellent articles in previous editions of DIRECTION explain how to “build communities”, how to en-gage youth, how to promote Active Living. Apply those same approaches to seniors, et voila. But one might ask, “Why”? Why should we try to engage seniors in our community?

In its simplest form, a community without seniors would be as abnormal as one without children. Many military bases are bustling with activity, with intensely engaged adults and with a challenging range of activities for youth. But the noticeably absent component on those bases is the missing

older adult contribution. Civilian communities don’t need to suffer that void. Seniors can bring perspective and experi-ence to community planning; a first hand perspective of all of life’s stages, and an appreciation of life’s social, economic, and even meteorological cycles, plus that deep seated experience of hard lessons from sure success and too often repeated failures.

Seniors usually have more free or available time during the working day than other adults occupied in child-raising and the work force. While often mocked for their archaic prac-tices, seniors actually remember practical skills from years spent close to the earth, before the days of virtual activity. In terms of physical and mental capability, the majority of seniors are strong, resilient and independent, enjoying their so-called retirement years, either here or in more hospitable climes. Do you need a mentor for a youth initiatives proj-ect? Do you need off-court officials for youth sports? Do you need “greeters” for events? Do you need fundraisers or patrons for major undertakings? Ask a senior. Even better, pair adults and seniors in two member committees, or best, include three generations in committees in order to generate real synergy, and to promote intergenerational understanding as a by-product.

What about the “frail elderly”? Of course, there are some se-niors who reflect some documented characteristics of aging: grey hair, or baldness, failing eyesight, hearing loss, wrinkled

JUNE 2011 15

Charles Keple Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism

skin, stooped, weak, limited mobility, sedentary, or perhaps dementia … all the joys of aging! All must be valued in our communities, not just for past contributions but also for their appreciative patronage. Consciously bringing children and the elderly in close contact gives genuine meaning to life for both, and promotes a community-sustaining understanding of the human condition. Isolating “seniors” creates a wide range of problems, both for the seniors and for the commu-nity.

Bottom line. Ensuring that community programs are open, inviting, and accessible to seniors, is important not only to seniors’ well-being, but to the health of the community too. In whatever activity our communities promote, there will be bountiful benefits whenever we strive to make those activities as intergenerational as possible.

EVENTSJUNE 8 - 11, 2011 Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication 2011 National Conference Regina, SK This conference will focus on exploring the issues of learning and being active in society and our environment. For additional information visit www.eecom.org.

JUNE 11, 2011 June is Recreation & Parks Month Launch Event Yorkton, SK - Weinmaster Park Join SPRA and the City of Yorkton for the official Launch of June is Recreation & Parks Month. Come celebrate the return of summer programming, recognize the great work of the recreation and parks sector and participate in a wide variety of fun outdoor activities! For additional information contact Barry at (306) 780-9262.

JUNE 24 - 26 AND JULY 5 - 7, 2011

Aboriginal Summer Program for Youth in Recreation Camps Ochapowace First Nation (June) Muskoday First Nation (July)

Offered by SPRA, ASPYR works in partnership with Aboriginal and Métis communities to teach Aboriginal youth quality recreation leadership and programming skills For additional information contact Charity at (306) 780-9228.

JUNE 28 and 29, 2011 Everybody gets to play™ Workshops Various locations The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and SPRA are hosting a two day Everybody gets to play™ Workshop. This new program aims to engage Aboriginal communities and recreational professionals serving these populations. For additional information, contact Tim at (306) 780-9276.

For more events, visit the SPRA website at www.spra.sk.ca/events or visit Events Saskatchewan at www.saskevents.com.

16 JUNE 2011

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