KRPA Today Summer 2014

The 8 Branches of KRPA page 10

Take your Department to the Next Level with Park Protector Software & Mobile Inspection Apppage 8

TodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayKANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

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2014KANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

TodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayKANSAS RECREATION KANSAS RECREATION KANSAS RECREATION KANSAS RECREATION KANSAS RECREATION KANSAS RECREATION KANSAS RECREATION KANSAS RECREATION KANSAS RECREATION

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TodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayTodayKANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

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KRPA Today - www.krpa.org 3

Our MissionTo advance park and recreation opportunities that enhance the quality of life through education, communication and advocacy.

Our VisionThe Kansas Recreation and Park Association is THE SOURCE for information which advances parks and recreation in the State of Kansas and beyond.

An affi liate of the National Recreation and Park Association

Kansas Recreation and Park Association700 SW Jackson St. Suite 805, Topeka, Kansas 66603www.krpa.org 785-235-6533

KRPA Board of DirectorsPresident Diann Henderson (Great Bend)President Elect Jimmy Gibbs ( Lawrence)Past President John Washington ( Garden City)Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Stewart ( Gardner)Administration Branch Scott Nichols (Grant County)Aquatics Branch Jennifer Wegener (Shawnee County)Marketing/Customer Service Branch- Nicole Asquith (Olathe)Park Law Enforcement Branch Kim Jones (KDWPT)Par and Natural Resources Branch Paul Krueger (Olathe)Recreation Branch Candi Fox (Winfi eld)Sports Branch Nick Leon (Holcomb)TR/Aging Rhonda Pollard (Johnson County)

Members At LargeWest Eric Jantz (Holcomb)Central Chris Umphres (Great Bend)East Kelby Hellwig (Johnson County)

Committees/Ex Offi cioAwards Connie Smith (Emporia)Citizen Board Kim Galbraith (Blue Valley)Conference Planning Jimmy Gibbs (Lawrence)Professional Development Steve Herrig (Blue Valley)Public Policy Scott Schoon (Winfi eld) / Nancy Wallerstein (Johnson County)Colleges and Universities Janice Jewett (Pittsburg)Parliamentarian Steve Friend (Baldwin City)KDWPT Linda Lanterman (Pratt)KRPA Executive Director Erika Devore

Editorial StaffManaging Editor Erika DevoreContributing Staff Bonnie Simon

Editorial CommitteeChair Chris Claxton (Leawood) Randy Knight (Johnson County)Roger Steinbrock (Lawrence) Dawn Harmon (Blue Valley)Amy Conkling (Hutchinson) Paul Lewis (Garden City)Chris Umphres (Great Bend) Kelby Hellwig (Johnson County)

This magazine is the offi cial quarterly publication of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association and is provided complimentary as part of membership in KRPA. The editorial committee encourages the submission of articles and photos for publication. Articles of approximately 1000 words or less may be submitted, but may be edited for length and clarity.

Deadlines for articles, photos and advertising:Spring: April 7, 2014 Fall: September 30, 2014Summer: June 30, 2014 Winter: December 1, 2014

KRPA reserves the right to approve all advertising in Kansas Recreation and Park Association. All requests for advertising should be made to Todd Pernsteiner, Account Manager, at 952-841-1111 or [email protected].

ContentsPerspective ............................................................................ 5Around Kansas .................................................................... 6Take your Department to the Next Level with Park Protector Software & Mobile Inspection App ................. 8The 8 Branches of KRPA ....................................................10

AdvertisersG. Farney and Associates, Inc. ........................................... 3Most Dependable Fountains ............... Inside Front CoverMusco Lighting .................................................................... 4RJ Thomas ........................................................................... 15Safe Sitter ............................................................................... 4

Please support our advertisers, they make this publication possible. For information on advertising, contact Todd Pernsteiner at (952) 841-1111or [email protected].

TodayKANSAS RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

KRPA

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On The Cover: Johnson County

Parks and Recreation

District

MOST DEPENDABLE FOUNTAINS, INC800-552-6331 www.mostdependable.com

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Check out the KRPA Website!Weve changed it up to increase the functionality, user friendliness, and added a Kansas touch! All the pictures on the home page are from Kansas parks and playgrounds. If you dont see a picture from a park or playground in your area, send us one, we will add it to the group.

4 KRPA Today - www.krpa.org 4 KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

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To learn more visit: www.musco.com/generationsLocal area representative:Brad Thompson800/825-6030 (toll free)641/660-9554 (mobile)[email protected]


In driving to work today, I noticed at the elementary school that I drive by every morning had their electronic board displaying their fall enrollment schedule instead of our summer schedule of Recreation Commission activities hosted at that school site. It is that time of year when we are all winding down from the summer time marathon of activities, operating aquatic facilities, facilitating day camps and ball tournaments, and enduring the summer demands put upon our recreation centers and park facilities And yet I stop to pause a moment, that there is something refreshing about school starting again. It just feels like that time of year to gear up for something new.

Something new does await you via the dedicated efforts of our KRPA Branches members, KRPA Staff and Board of Directors. This fall, KRPA will be hosting a variety of educational opportunities scattered over the state of Kansas to better prepare you as a park and recreational professional. For details on any of these events, contact Bonnie Simon at the KRPA of ce.

September 9, KRPA Tomorrow Leaders InstituteLinwood, KS

September 24, KRPA/MRPA Executive ForumShawnee, KS

September 26, KRPA Golf TournamentOlathe, KS

October 15, Park & Natural Resource Equipment RodeoShawnee, KS

October 16-17, AFO Course and ExamHays, KS

KRPA continues to prepare you for the trends and challenges facing our profession. It is up to you to take advantage of those opportunities for your personal and professional progress. I encourage you to reconnect with fellow recreation and park professionals after your busy summer!

Diann

PerspectiveBy Diann Henderson, KRPA President

Something new awaits you...

6 KRPA Today - www.krpa.org

Around KANSASAround KANSAS highlights KRPA member events, news, people and more. To contribute to this section, please send a 125 word or less article and photos to Erika Devore at KRPA.

Late Night under the LightsLeavenworth, KS: For the third summer in the row, the Santa Fe Trails Kids Bike Racing Series has taken place. This event is sponsored by Santa Fe Trails Bicycle Shop and the Leavenworth Parks and Recreation, it is called Late Night under the Lights. This is a series of four nights May 28, June 25, July 9, and July 23. (August 6, weather make-up date, if needed) These are childrens bike races for ages 1-5, 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12. Med-als and Ribbons are given to the top three finishers in each division. The medals are furnished by the Leavenworth Bicycle Club. All kids participating receive cou-pons for free sandwiches at the local area Mr. Goodcents Store. Cookies are donated by Sis Sweets Coffee Shop. At the end of the four series, a grand champion in each of the four events will receive a trophy.

The races take part at the Richard Warren Middle School parking lot, with plenty of good spectator viewing space for parents and fans. There is no entry fee for the junior bike racers. Before each kids race, Brandan Sheehan, official starter, tells the kids three things. 1. To be safe 2. Have fun 3. Go Fast! After the kid racing, there are adult races. Divisions are mens, womens and senior events. These are USA Cycling certified races. The races are averaging over 50 children and 15 adults participation each night. Participants are not only coming from Leavenworth but surrounding communities, Lawrence, Platte City, MO. Olathe, Shawnee, and Lawrence. Volunteers, Joe Porter and Roger Harrison, representing the Lanterne Rouge of Kansas, provide the course set up equipment, safety, photos and course clearance. The Leavenworth Lions Club gives support to the Late Nights under the Lights.

Submitted by: Coach Jim Mathis, Chairman of Leavenworth Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Julie Anderson, Director of the Leavenworth Parks and Recre-ation Department.

Research is underway regarding shared facilities in KansasJanice Jewett, a KRPA member and professor at Pittsburg State University, has conducted a survey through KRPA to help identify shared facility spaces and trends occurring in Kansas. Over sixty recreation agencies have participated in the research thus far. The next step of the research is occurring now as site visits of shared facilities are in progress. A variety of agencies are partaking in the research. Any agency that believes they have a shared facility (one physically attached or on the grounds of another entity such as a school) is invited to contact Dr. Jewett at 620-235-4669 to participate in the study. Survey results will be released soon and additional research finding will also be published in an upcoming issue of the KRPA magazine.

Natureplay Preschool, operated by Johnson County Park & Recreation District, located in Shawnee, KansasWe are a nature-based preschool, the first of its kind in the area. Natureplay opened in January 2013 with one child. We now serve over 35 preschoolers. We believe that every child deserves the right to grow up with nature. We believe children cannot care about what they dont know or havent experienced. Thats why we get children outside daily for extended periods of time. We foster childrens natural sense of curiosity through hands-on, discovery based curriculum that develops their understanding, appreciation and love of na-ture. Children are developing a genuine atti-tude of caring towards the plants and animals we encounter on our daily adventures. These children are Kansas future environmentalists.


Hays Recreation Commission hosted their fi rst annual Baseball/Softball Opening Day Celebration on May, 28

Over 1500 patrons attended the new event, which was highlighted by team introductions, the singing of the National Anthem, and the fi rst pitch of the season. The celebration also provided kids the opportunity to participate in a home run derby, accuracy toss, and a fi rst to third dash contest. Local businesses/community leaders provided various sponsorships to help with the cost. HRC received a ton of positive feedback, and will continue to grow the events in the coming years!

Three with ties to Blue Valley Rec represent the United States abroadSadie Varhall, Calista Schechinger, and Christie Ambrosi traveled to Italy in July as part of Americas Team, a 16-and-under team, to generate support in reinstating softball as an Olympic sport. Ambrosi, a 2000 Olympic gold medalist, conducts softball clinics for BVRC and both girls played in Blue Valley Rec leagues. The girls also have a deeper connection as Schechinger is the daughter of BVRCs gymnastics coordinator and Varhalls mother is the Blue Valley School Boards liaison to the Commission.

The eight-day trip featured four doubleheaders against Italian teams. The team also explored the country, visiting Milan, Padua, Tuscany, Florence and Rome, and visited the Colosseum and St. Peters Basilica. It was as much a life experience as it was an athletic one.

Haysville kids jump for joy during the Citys Annual 4th of July CelebrationFrog Races have been a highlight of the Citys 4th of July Celebration since 2008. The Haysville Recreation Department loves organizing this squeamishly awesome event because it gets kids outdoors and engaged in nature. This year 65 kids (3-8 years old) searched ponds, streams and backyards to fi nd the perfect frog or toad for the races. Kids, fi ve at a time, place their frogs in a small circle, wait for the horn to sound, then release their hoppers hoping they cross the outer circle fi rst. It takes many volunteers to monitor the circle for winners and to catch the competitors once the race is over! Toads were no match for the bullfrogs this time around. One hop was all it took for Mason Smiths Superfrog yes, he was even wearing a cape! to earn fi rst prize in the 5-6 year old age group. The Frog Races arent the only event during Haysvilles Celebration, but it is by far the most exciting!

Submitted By: Kelsey Blue Community Wellness Supervisor, Haysville Recreation Department


Take Your Department to the Next Level with

PARK PROTECTOR SOFTWARE

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Playground Guardians exclusive Cloud based inspection software, Park Protector, is benefitting park and recreation departments all over the United States. From Riverbanks, CA to Doylestown, PA and Austin, TX Park Protector is moving park and playground equipment inspection processes forward.

Park Protector inspection software isnt just for inspecting playground equipment. Recently, Playground Guardian released an Inspect ALL add on module allowing users to inspect anything in their parks systems, including skate parks, trails, shelters, restrooms, ball fields, recreation centers, etc.

In a matter of minutes, Playground Guardian can upload a departments existing inspection forms into Park Protectors software to be used for field inspections on a handheld tablet.

Last year, Austin Parks and Recreation Department began using Park Protector software to inspect playgrounds in the field using their handheld tablets. Using the online software, the Department can track issues found during inspections, produce work orders for needed maintenance print reports, prioritize risk management concerns as well as maintain a digital inventory of all park sites and playground equipment.

Park Protector inspection software has made my job much easier with its mobile inspection application, said Lance Seveska, CPSI with Austin Parks and Recreation. This system has helped streamline my process of inspections, repairs and maintaining a digital inventory of all our playground equipment throughout our parks, and makes us more efficient as a department.

Because of the success Seveska found with the software in his area of playground inspections, other staff within the department began to inquire about their being able to use Park Protector inspection software for their specific areas.

Now the Austin Parks and Recreation Department has since purchased another subscription and began using the Inspect ALL module of Park Protector to inspect their trails.

Eventually they will use Park Protector to inspect restrooms, parking lots, sports fields and sports courts among other amenities found in their parks. According to Gene Faulk in Asset Management, this will provide them the tools to be able to evaluate the departments assets not only on current issues and upgrades and maintenance needed but

long term budgeting plans.

Plymouth Parks and Recreation in Minnesota also subscribed to Park Protector last year. Barb Northway, Deputy Director, and her staff have been actively using the software and feel it has benefitted their department greatly.

Park Protector inspection software and mobile app makes our inspection process more efficient and saves us a good deal of time in completing inspections. Its a slick program, said Northway.

School districts have also benefited greatly using Park Protectors online software. One of the Nations largest

districts, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools first started using Playground Guardian as a vendor to perform inspections, audits and ADA assessments. Last year, CMS decided to begin using the inspection software to inspect and maintain their own playgrounds.

Parks and playgrounds are long-term investments, and if properly maintained can provide fun and recreational opportunities for families for decades. Research shows that well-maintained parks and playgrounds could lower the risk of costly litigation, increase the life expectancy of play equipment and park amenities, reduce complaints and most importantly keep recreational users safe.

Playground Guardians exclusive inspection software, Park Protector, can help you maintain and manage your entire park and playground system. Go digital with your park and recreation inspections and asset management. For more information, call (800) 438-2780 ext. 200, or visit playgroundguardian.com.

Park Protector inspection software and mobile app

makes our inspection process more efficient and

saves us a good deal of time in completing inspections.

Its a slick programBarb Northway, Plymouth Parks &

Recreation Deputy Director



KRPA INCLUDES 8 BRANCHES WITH A VARIETY OF INTERESTS AND SPECIALTIES.

Their goals are to:

To support the objectives of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association.

To foster greater membership participation and voice in Association projects.

To make people aware of the f unctions and work of the Branch and the Association.

To provide opportunities for members to serve in leadership capacities.

To provide quality workshops and training opportunities.

To provide support for the fi scal needs of the Association.

KRPAbranches of

Administrative Branch

thebranches of

2012 marked the fi rst year for the Administration Branch. To date the branch has conducted a state wide salary survey and two workshops on changes to health care system. Michael Howell, Area Vice President of Gallagher Benefi t Services, Inc. presented at both workshops, one in Hays, KS and the other in Lawrence, KS. The Branch is currently implementing the annual Leadership award that is recognized during the Branch Breakfast.

Meetings Conduct annual Branch meeting with the full

membership at the State Conference Hold a minimum of 4 meetings of branch

board yearly Meetings are held at various locations

throughout the state and via conference call.

Objectives of Administration Branch To support the objectives of the Kansas

Recreation and Park Association. To make people aware of the functions and

work of the Branch and Association To provide opportunities for members to

serve in leadership capacities To provide quality workshops and training

opportunities To provide support for the fi scal needs of

the Association

Branch Of cers Chair, Chair Elect, Secretary, members at large, and Past Chair Positions hold 2 year commitment (East, Central, West & at large positions).

2012Dianne Henderson Chair CentralChris Claxton Secretary EastDawn Grosdidier EastJeff Stewart (West) Travis Scheele (Central)Scott Nichols (West)

2013Scott Nichols Chair (West)Chris Claxton Chair-Elect (East)Dawn Grosdidier Secretary (East)Jeff Stewart (East)Travis Scheele - Chris Curtis (Central)Scott Schoon - (Central)Roger Bixeman - (West, appointed)

2014Scott Nichols Chair (West) (2012-2014)Chris Claxton Chair Elect (East) (2012 - 2016)Jill Geller Secretary (East) (2014-2015)Chris Curtis (Central) (2013 appointed / elected 2014-2015)Scott Schoon - (Central) (2013-2014)Roger Bixeman - (West) (2013 appointed / elected 2014-2015


Aquatic BranchGet your feet a little wet by getting to know the Aquatic Branch! The Aquatic Branch of KRPA meets several times throughout the year to meet the needs of the aquatic members. The branch officers plan Aquatic Facility Operators (AFO) courses to help members gain the knowledge needed to operate aquatic facilities based upon national standards. During the annual KRPA conference, the officers work to ensure that there are session topics available to keep that knowledge current and applicable. Periodically, the branch will also plan additional workshops to meet the ever-changing needs of aquatic members. All of the trainings and workshops support the fiscal needs of the Association, ensuring the longevity of KRPA.

Now lets wade a little deeper into the objectives of the Aquatic Branch. In addition to the educational opportunities, the branch encourages greater membership participation within KRPA for aquatic members. Branch awards are offered for members to nominate aquatic personnel and events that make a splash for the state of Kansas. The nominations are accepted until October 1 for Most Outstanding Aquatic Employee, Most Outstanding Aquatic Professional, Most Outstanding Instructor, and Most Outstanding Aquatic Event. The awards are presented at the annual KRPA conference in January. Highlight someone within your organization now for one of these prestigious awards!

The branch has also developed a new program this year to encourage membership participation. The program is the Secret Swimmer program. This program gives members an opportunity to have their facility evaluated by another member or to evaluate another members facility. Its a great way to pick up ideas from other members. Swim out and get to know your peers.

So how can you become a Super Aquatic Professional? Get involved! Attend an aquatic workshop or training, submit a nomination for an aquatic award, or participate in the Secret Swimmer program. The Aquatic Branch is also a great opportunity for a state-wide leadership position. The branch consists of a Chair, Chair-Elect, Secretary, Members-At-Large, and Regional Members. All positions are to be elected in the fall. If you are interested in a coveted leadership position, please contact Jennifer at [email protected].


Im sure most of youve heard the staggering statistics on the baby boomers: 10,000 boomers will turn the age of 65 EACH and EVERY DAY for the next 19 years!!! And that makes our job here in the Therapeutic Recreation & Aging Branch just that much more pertinent, that much more important and that much more valuable to our members! Were responsible for bringing 7 8 sessions to conference each year and we strive to find professionals with a wide variety of programming backgrounds to bring you the most up-to-date ideas on whats working in their areas as well as the most up-to-date research concerning our participants whether theyre the 50 Forward crowd or our Special Pops folks. If you have an idea of someone youd like to speak at conference or a topic youd like us to find a speaker for, we always welcome your ideas!

Our awards consist of Distinguished Therapeutic Recreation & Aging Professional, New/Innovative Program or Event and Most Outstanding Instructor. I do hope youll send in nomina-tions to highlight these very deserving professionals/programs as they make a huge difference in the lives of our patrons and their families.

Were a very small branch, but I do trust that youll see the need for these vital programs in your community and join us to make a difference! See you at conference! If youd like to contact me, my information is: [email protected] or 913-826-3020

Therapeutic Recreation & Aging Branch


There are some states that are almost entirely defi ned by their public spaces based on the natural features contained within the state, such as the mountains in Colorado or the sandy beaches in Florida. But, people dont often associate natural features and public lands when they think of Kansas. However, as with the best things in life, amazing things can be discovered when you have to work for it. With a little bit of effort, those who seek it will start to see the complexity and wonders of our diverse natural resources and the park facilities that support them across Kansas. Local, State and Federal parks sometimes are overlooked and underappreciated, which is why the duties of the Park and Natural Resource Branch of KRPA are so essential. We have an obligation to educate our professionals, highlight our rich resources and expose what many of us in the fi eld already know - our parks are awesome!

The hard working men and women working in our parks are sometimes under appreciated and overlooked as well. But, like the parks, the personnel managing and maintaining the parks are awesome too! The experience and expertise of our professional personnel are essential to positively contributing to the visitor experience. The parks and natural resource branch aims to assist and support our professionals. These are the experts in maintaining the infrastructure, producing aesthetically pleasing places, and creating safe environments for the enjoyment of the public. Our branch helps to enrich and equip our professionals with knowledge and current best management practices by organizing fall workshops, bringing in engaging speakers for the annual conference, and providing recognition to individuals who completed exceptional projects through our awards program.

There is a great deal of responsibility placed on the park and natural resource group to assist with the development of our professionals, but this is also the most rewarding part of serving on this branch. The committee consists of experienced, talented and dedicated professionals from various parts of the state. Just being a part of the committee promotes professional growth, enhances learning and provides quality networking opportunities. Additionally, we still have room for more to join our branch committee. If you would like to consider serving on this branch committee or would like more information, please email me at [email protected]. All who have served and who may serve in the future continue to meet the charge of preserving our beauty, maintaining our landscapes and defi ning our communities!

Park and Natural Resource BranchPreserving the Beauty, Maintaining our Landscapes and Defining our Communities

By Paul Krueger, Branch Chair


The Rec Branch is responsible for planning 6-8 sessions for the KRPA State Conference in January. Branch members brainstorm ideas and find presenters for the break-out sessions. One of the sessions for the 2015 conference is The Little Black Book of Programs. We would like each agency to give us details of programs that are offered in your community. We will compile entries and make a book for each agency that submits a program to us. Program details can be sent to [email protected]. The Branch can also plan one day workshops throughout the year. Currently, members are working on a workshop idea that will deal with specific topics related to day camps and after school programs. Look for more details in the near future.

The Rec Branch also gives out three awards each year at the KRPA State Conference. The awards consist of Distinguished Rec Professional, KRPA Service Award and New/Innovative Program. Details and nomination forms will be sent out to members in September. Nominations are due by Nov. 14.

Current members of the Rec Branch are:Candi Fox, Chair Winfield Recreation Commission [email protected] Mayer, Secretary Shawnee County Parks & Recreation [email protected] Henderson Great Bend Recreation Commission [email protected] Walters Turner Recreation Commission [email protected] Anderson Grant County Recreation Commission [email protected] Kendrick Fort Riley

[email protected]

To become more involved or to get your name on the ballot to become a member of the Rec Branch, e-mail Candi Fox at [email protected].

Additional Branches:Park Law Enforcement Chair: Kim Jones KDWPT, Cross Timbers State ParkMarketing/Customer Service Chair: Nichole Asquith, Olathe Parks and RecreationSports Chair: Nick Leon, Holcomb Recreation Commission

Rec Branch

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KRPA Today Summer 2014

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Transcript of KRPA Today Summer 2014