NACPRO News

May 9, 2023

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ADA Compliant Charcoal Grills Available Now
Courtesy of Pilot Rock

R.J. Thomas Mfg. offers a great series of wheelchair accessible charcoal grills so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

Our ASW series charcoal grill features a single level swivel cooking grate, which meets all ADA reach and operability requirements. Two sizes available: 300 or 360 sq inch swivel cooking grates that require less than 5 lbs. of force to move. The ASW Series grills are available with high temp, non-toxic black enamel paint finish as well as a stainless steel option.

For more information:  
https://www.pilotrock.com/seriesgroup/charcoal-grills/accessible-charcoal-grill-asw-and-asws-series/

Finalists Announced for the 2023 National Gold Medal Awards
Courtesy of NRPA

Congratulations to NACPRO member agency Gwinnett County Community Services in Georgia for making it to the final round. 

The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with NRPA, is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2023 National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This year’s finalists will compete for Grand Plaque Award honor, and the winners will be announced at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference. 

Read more:
https://www.nrpa.org/about-national-recreation-and-park-association/press-room/2023-finalists-announced-for-the-national-gold-medal-awards-in-parks-and-recreation-management/

Remembering James J. Truncer
Courtesy of NRPA

By Chris Brummett

NEW JERSEY - On February 19, the Monmouth County Park System lost one of its strongest advocates, James J. Truncer. At 86 years old, Truncer had been serving as the county’s parks director for the past 58 years. With him at the helm, the Monmouth County Park System grew from three parks to 37, totaling 18,000 acres, six golf courses and 148 miles of trails.

Truncer also was the co-winner of NRPA’s 2002 National Distinguished Professional award and was involved in the establishment of the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), which remains a key part of NRPA’s mission to this day. It was noted in the announcement of Truncer’s 2002 National Distinguished Professional award win that, “Monmouth County has been recognized as one of the nation’s best places to live, and the park system, under Truncer’s leadership, is a contributing factor to the distinction.”

Read more:
https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2023/may/remembering-james-j.-truncer/

Creating Resilient Communities
Courtesy of NRPA

By Teresa L. Penbrooke, Ph.D., CPRE

Wildfires, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other types of extreme weather events and natural disasters are becoming far too common around the world. Chances are, if you have not been affected by one of these events recently, then one may be coming soon. Are you and your agency prepared?

In 2019, GP RED and RRC Associates conducted a REDLine Survey, exploring the role of parks and recreation in disaster response and recovery. Key findings include...

Read more:
https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2023/may/creating-resilient-communities/

The Importance of Data Visualization and Storytelling in Parks and Recreation
Courtesy of NRPA

By Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP

There is no question that the field of parks and recreation has become increasingly data-driven. While not everyone in our field is involved in data collection, analysis, visualization and/or storytelling, we are all becoming more dependent on data to guide, inform and justify our work. Thus, we should perhaps embrace the use of data to advance parks and recreation in the same ways that we have grown accustomed to relying on data-driven devices like smartphones, fitness trackers and global positioning system (GPS) navigation in our daily lives.   

Thanks to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), we now have access to a wide variety of data sources and studies that document and demonstrate the importance, value, and benefits of parks and recreation. Examples that immediately come to mind include the NRPA Park Metrics, Data and Mapping Resource Library and Park Pulse Surveys. While data collection and analysis are certainly important, we must also be intentional and thoughtful in how we present and tell our stories using data.

Read more:
https://www.nrpa.org/blog/the-importance-of-data-visualization-and-storytelling-in-parks-and-recreation/ 

Building resilient parks one ingredient at a time
Courtesy of Parks and Recreation Business

By Cheri Ruane

In many communities, parks are often the last remaining publicly owned, undeveloped parcels of land. Urban heat-island effect, storms, and sea-level rise are having steadily increasing impacts on neighborhoods, cities, and towns. Without buildings and pavement, parks hold the greatest opportunity to support climate resilience. When they are renovated, they are well-positioned to expand their infrastructure capacity. 

Resilient park projects are often conceived in response to a catastrophic weather event that has had a significant local or regional impact. Documenting these social and financial consequences provides powerful back-up when initiating this important work. 

Read more:
https://www.parksandrecbusiness.com/articles/stone-soup

Trails and Resilience: Review of the Role of Trails in Climate Resilience and Emergency Response
Courtesy of PBIC Messenger

Explores existing research, highlights project examples, and identifies research gaps for trails in connection to climate resilience, emergency response, and public health emergencies. Describes seven programs and funding sources to improve transportation infrastructure resilience, including investments to improve trails.

Read more:
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/publications/fhwahep23017.pdf

Playgrounds and Parks Become Ground Zero for STEM Education
Courtesy of Parks and Recreation Business

By Jefferey Spivey

In Gwinnett County, Ga., where STEM and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) programs have been offered for over a decade, learning opportunities didn’t initially incorporate play. Much of what was offered took place in a more formalized setting at the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. But, in recent years, program offerings have expanded to include public parks and playgrounds.

On the 233-acre Environmental and Heritage Center campus is a treetop adventure course, which leads to a dynamic science experience for visitors. Much of Gwinnett County’s STEM programming is customized to provide memorable visits to area parks that also align with educators’ curriculum objectives.

Read more:
https://www.parksandrecbusiness.com/articles/playgrounds-and-parks-become-ground-zero-for-stem-education

Vulnerable communities face highest risks from flooded hazardous sites
Courtesy of Climate Central

Climate Central, in partnership with UC Berkeley and UCLA, is proud to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed study analyzing the risks sea level rise and coastal flooding pose to hazardous facilities and the communities near them in California. You can explore our findings in detail using our interactive maps.

Our research found that over 120 hazardous facilities, including oil refineries, landfills, and sewage treatment plants, will be at risk of coastal flooding by 2050, and over 400 could be at risk by the end of the century if carbon pollution is allowed to grow unchecked. When hazardous facilities flood they can release dangerous substances, exposing nearby residents to toxic floodwaters. 

Read more

Anti-LGBTQIA+ Legislation Doesn’t Reflect Parks and Recreation’s Values
Courtesy of NRPA

Park and recreation professionals across the country are guided by a shared vision — everyone deserves a great park. Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 734, a federal ban on transgender and intersex sports, challenging the very mission, vision and core values of NRPA. As park and recreation professionals lead the way toward inclusive youth sports programs to ensure all youth can fairly and fully participate, here are some resources and tools available to help support these efforts.

For more information:  
https://www.nrpa.org/blog/anti-lgbtqia-legislation-doesnt-reflect-parks-and-recreations-values/

National Nature Assessment Listening Session – Outdoor Recreation

May 11th, 2023 | 2:00pm - 3:30pm ET 

How are changes in our natural environment affecting how our communities engage with nature? Why is nature important? How would understanding trends in nature help you in your work?

The National Nature Assessment will provide a comprehensive assessment of the status of nature today—a snapshot of how America’s lands, waters, wildlife, and ecosystems are doing and the benefits they provide. This assessment will also let us look ahead to the future and explore how future changes in nature may affect the nation.

The National Nature Assessment is in the early stages of development and is anticipated to be released in 2026. We are holding this collaboration opportunity to ensure the assessment answers questions that are important to you, including:

1. What does nature mean to you?
2.  What questions do you have about connections between nature and your community, including through outdoor recreation? 
3. How would you use the findings of the National Nature Assessment? What kinds of products would be useful?
4. How should the Assessment team engage the public as the National Nature Assessment is developed?

This session is open to the public. If you are unable to join, we will be hosting several additional events for diverse audiences throughout the spring and pursuing other opportunities for public comment as the assessment is developed. 

Register here: 
https://kearnswest.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIscu6opzMiHd3VsR6HlcjsmlFrocj-aK2D#/registration

For more information on the NNA:  
https://www.globalchange.gov/nna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHBBUvtJvRk

FAA sued over SpaceX Starship launch program after April explosion
Courtesy of NBC News

By Lora Kolodny

TEXAS - Five environmental and cultural heritage groups are suing the Federal Aviation Administration, alleging that the agency violated the National Environment Policy Act when it allowed SpaceX to launch the largest rocket ever built from its Boca Chica, Texas facility without a comprehensive environmental review.

SpaceX’s Starship Super Heavy test flight on April 20 blew up the company’s launch pad, hurling chunks of concrete and metal sheets thousands of feet away into sensitive habitat, spreading particulate matter including pulverized concrete for miles, and sparking a 3.5-acre fire on state park lands near the launch site.

In their complaint, the attorneys note that the FAA’s own Chief of Staff for the Office of Commercial Space Transportation in June 2020 said the agency was planning an EIS. Later, “based on SpaceX’s preference,” the lawyers wrote, the federal agency settled on using “a considerably less thorough analysis,” which enabled SpaceX to launch sooner.

Read more:
https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/faa-sued-spacex-starship-launch-program-april-explosion-rcna82289

Federal Grant Requirements Make it Hard for Rural Communities to Prepare for Climate Change
Courtesy of Headwaters Economics

By Sarah Melotte

“For decades we’ve known there are many communities that struggle to access the federal resources they need,” said Kristin Smith, PhD, of Headwaters Economics in a phone interview. “When these communities can’t [raise money for the match], they end up in a downward spiral.”

Local match requirements are the share of the project costs that federal grants require communities to pay and they typically don’t change depending on the community’s population size or wealth. That makes it harder for rural or under-resourced communities to pay the same amount for a local match as an urban area.

Many rural communities have what Smith calls capacity gaps, or a lack of staff and resources they need to plan and obtain funding for mitigation projects. The federal grant application process is tedious, and many other communities don’t know where to start.

Read more:
https://dailyyonder.com/federal-grant-requirements-make-it-hard-for-rural-communities-to-prepare-for-climate-change/2023/02/13/

After $7 million renovation, Gretna City Park can hold 6.5 million gallons more stormwater
Courtesy of nola.com

By Blake Paterson 

LOUISIANA - What was once an 80-acre expanse of undeveloped green space is now a flood-fighting tool for Gretna. The park falls within what Gretna officials have dubbed the city's “resilience district,” which has among the highest concentration of properties with multiple National Flood Insurance Program claims in the state.

City Council member Mark Miller said since the improvements were completed, he’s noticed more and more real estate agents listing their property’s proximity to the park as a selling point.

Read more:
https://www.nola.com/news/jefferson_parish/gretna-city-park-renovations-improve-stormwater-retention/article_5a5ac3be-e607-11ed-99b1-9b99d8430482.html

E-BIKE Act Revised, Reintroduced
Courtesy of PBIC Messenger

The revised Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment (E-BIKE) Act (H.R. 1685/S. 881) recently reintroduced in Congress would give a refundable tax credit of 30 percent on the purchase of a new e-bike, up to $1,500, on bikes that cost less than $8,000. Individuals making less than $150,000 or $300,000 in joint households are eligible for this tax credit. The bill also mandates a report from the IRS after two years to understand the distribution of the credit by income tax bracket and adjust for equity in the future. 

Read more:
https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/ebike-act-reintroduced-in-congress

Greater & Greener 2024 - Call for Proposals
Courtesy of the City Parks Alliance

Seattle, WA | June 21-25, 2024

Our curated educational sessions and mobile workshops foster open and honest conversations about challenges and solutions and provide opportunities for cross-sector and peer networking to share best practices and innovations for building successful park partnerships.

Program tracks for the Seattle event are:

• Parks and a Changing Climate
• Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
• Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
• Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing

We will also prioritize proposals that address any of the following five themes as relevant to each track: Resilience, Data & Technology, Design Solutions, Community Engagement, and the Year 2020 (structural changes parks & recreation agencies and their partners have undergone in response to the pandemic and racial justice awakening).

Submissions will be accepted until June 26, 2023, and all speakers will be notified in December.

For more information:  
https://www.cvent.com/c/abstracts/b36fbc9f-c7d8-4274-9a18-88535f5ea572

Upcoming Webinars from American Trails
Courtesy of American Trails

May 18, 2023: Informing the Trail Experience: The Process of Signing a Trail

May 25, 2023: Pack Goats: The Agile Trail Helpers

June 1, 2023: Trail Skills Project

June 29, 2023: Helping Wheelchair Hikers Find Hiking Trails

August 24, 2023: Porous Flexible Pavement, Asphalt, or Porous Asphalt

For more information: 
https://www.americantrails.org/training/webinars

NEW - Regional Operations Manager
County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation
Alhambra, California
$123,830 - $192,581 Annually
Application Deadline: May 24, 2023

Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
City of Pasadena, California
$186,288 - $232,860 Annually
Application Deadline: Jun 9, 2023

Deputy Director of Regional Parks
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino, California
$113,006 - $157,934
Application Deadline: May 26, 2023

Park Maintenance Worker I
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Los Gatos, California
$56,912.00 - $68,710.00 Annually
Application Deadline: May 24, 2023

Executive Director
Glen Ellyn Park District, Illinois
$145,000 - $195,000 Annually
Application Deadline: May 22, 2023

Parks and Recreation Director
City of Golden, Colorado 
$148,540 - $181,961 Annually
Application Deadline: May 12, 2023

Assistant Park Superintendent
San Bernardino County, California
$54,662 - $75,005 Annually
Application Deadline: May 5, 2023

Program Manager I - Cultural Resources
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Los Gatos, California
$112,1950 - $136,431 Annually
Application Deadline: May 10, 2023

Environmental Specialist II
Sarasota County Government
Nokomis, Florida
$43,7220 - $59,821 Annually
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Park Ranger I
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Los Gatos, California
$70,599 - $85,386 Annually
Application Deadline: Jun 6, 2023

For more information:
https://nacpro.mcjobboard.net/jobs

Got a vacancy to fill? 
NACPRO will post your vacancy on our website and email a copy to our mailing list of over 1100 parks and recreation professionals for a fee of $100 for NACPRO members and $200 for non-members.

National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials
PO Box 74, Marienville PA 16239
(814) 927-8212
www.NACPRO.org