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NACPRO News

September 5, 2023

In this issue...

 

Send us your news

The next issue of NACPRO News will be delivered on September 19, 2023. 

If you have news or an article to share, please send it to the editor by September 18.

Editor:
Brenda Adams-Weyant
(814) 927-8212
[email protected]

 

Ask the membership

Tap into  our collective experience.  Send your question and some background to the editor and we will include it in the next NACPRO News. 

 

Member News

Driving Over Boundaries and Climbing Obstacles
Courtesy of Parks and Recreation Business

By Kate Layton

MICHIGAN - Hosted by Oakland County Parks in Michigan, Disability Dirt Days pair volunteer, off-road vehicle (ORV) drivers with participants with disabilities for thrilling rides around Holly Oaks ORV Park. The park is situated on former and active gravel mines and offers a wide variety of extreme terrain for ORVs. Participants can explore the different park areas and features, while bumping along trails, splashing through water, and rolling up and over hills. Some volunteer drivers use hand controls to operate their vehicles, demonstrating to riders that—with the right accommodations—people of different abilities can participate in recreation activities they find interesting and exciting, including more extreme ones like off-roading. 

Read more:
https://www.parksandrecbusiness.com/articles/driving-over-boundaries-and-climbing-obstacles

 

Charleston County Parks removes ‘no concealable weapons allowed’ signs
Courtesy of Live5News

By Molly McBride

SOUTH CAROLINA - “No concealable weapons allowed” signs have been removed from all Charleston County Parks after there has been back and forth from the public about their constitutionality.

Representative Matthew Leber, of District 116, said he got involved in the effort to remove the signs because they were unlawful, and violated Charleston County Citizens’ Second Amendment right.

However, Representative Wendell Gilliard, of District 111, said he thinks the signs belong in Charleston County Parks because they could save lives.

Currently, the Charleston County Parks and Recreation’s firearm policy is listed online as “no person in any park or recreation area shall carry, fire or discharge any gun, pistol, firearm, or firearm replica without a permit and then only in the designated area for such activity.” However, the park guidelines at least two Charleston County Parks still list firearms as “prohibited.”

Read more:
https://www.parksandrecbusiness.com/articles/hit-it-out-of-the-park

 

Resources

Overcoming Barriers to Park Equity
Courtesy of NRPA

By Jai Cole

VIRGINIA - Here at the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), we are addressing equity on multiple fronts. We just finished our Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Access (PROSA) Plan that will guide us toward improved park access, park equity and a stronger balance of park experiences countywide. This will be our way to measure how we’re serving all of our community and help us prioritize projects to get the biggest bang for our buck. Our PROSA strategy has four main components: improve 10-minute walk access to FCPA park entrances, enhance access to complete park experiences, enrich habitat connectivity between environmental corridors, and analyze and prioritize park and recreational needs and projects through an equity lens. We found that while 52 percent of county residents have a Fairfax County park located within a 10-minute walk from their home, 48 percent do not. We want to make sure that more of our residents can access nature and recreational experiences with fewer barriers. Improving the 10-minute walk access to parks ensures parks and green spaces are located equitably, serving all residents and maximizing their positive impact on the overall quality of life for everyone.

Read more:
https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2023/september/overcoming-barriers-to-park-equity/

 

Creating Equitable Spaces: Adult Changing Stations Increase Accessibility
Courtesy of NRPA

By Josh Gaunt

Adult changing stations are becoming more common, as they offer privacy, security and true accessibility to potential users. They accommodate people with disabilities and their caregivers who might not otherwise be able to visit public parks or recreation areas. Those with disabilities and their caregivers must plan out their trips around areas that include accessible spaces. These include such places as rest areas, hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, swimming pools, shopping centers and sporting events.

Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania have enacted adult changing station legislation that helps provide more access in public places like rest areas, libraries and museums. 

Read more:
https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2023/september/overcoming-barriers-to-park-equity/

 

Now accepting 30 Under 30 nominations 
Courtesy of NRPA

Parks & Recreation magazine's 30 Under 30 honors the top stories of young park and recreation professionals who serve as everyday heroes in their respective communities. We're looking for 30 of our brightest professionals ages 30 and younger to feature in the February 2024 issue of Parks & Recreation magazine! Nominations -- including self-nominations -- are due Friday, October 20.

For more information:  
https://www.nrpa.org/30under30/

 

News

Huron-Clinton Metroparks work to expand green infrastructure to prevent flooding
Courtesy of Michigan Public Radio

By Lester Graham

MICHIGAN - The Huron-Clinton Metroparks system wants to expand the ability to manage stormwater runoff that causes problems for some of the communities the parks serve.

Areas that once rarely or never flooded are now seeing flooded basements and streets because of the intense rainstorms caused by climate change.

The park system is working to change the landscape on parkland to slow stormwater. In some cases, what were once manicured lawns at the parks are now allowed to grow, capturing stormwater to give it time to soak into the ground. It’s part of a climate action plan that calls for expanding green infrastructure.

Read more:
https://www.michiganradio.org/environment-climate-change/2023-08-29/huron-clinton-metroparks-work-to-expand-green-infrastructure-to-prevent-flooding

 

77 groups come together to launch effort to educate Texans about $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund
Courtesy of WoodlandsOnline.com

TEXAS - On November 7, Texans will have the opportunity to vote statewide on Proposition 14, a Constitutional Amendment that will create the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund. The $1 billion fund will help secure new parks for future generations of Texans to explore and enjoy without increasing taxes. To educate Texans about this amendment, the Texas Coalition for State Parks — a diverse range of 77 organizations from around the state—has come together to support this once-in-a-generation effort to grow Texas parks.

Read more:
https://www.woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=76608

 

Two-county solution offers urban Nevada kids a rural retreat
Courtesy of NACo

By Charlie Ban

NEVADA - With millions of dollars in tax revenue built up to create a 4-H camp, the world would seem to be Commissioner Kirkpatrick’s oyster. But much like oysters, available land surrounding Las Vegas is in short supply, dramatically limited by federally owned land throughout the county — the norm for the state. Over three years, the largest plot she could find for the camp was 10 acres. She and Varlin Higbee, a commissioner in neighboring Lincoln County, hatched a plan.

A corporate events center in Higbee’s hometown of Alamo that was on sale after declining use since the COVID-19 pandemic. It meant a lot to Higbee to see it find a renewed purpose, and one close to his heart. One that inspires him to add his efforts, partially out of muscle memory, to make the camp a success.

That’s what Higbee and Kirkpatrick are aiming for — giving a new experience to children who don’t usually get to leave their urban neighborhoods. An hour and 15 minutes on a bus can change their perspectives and blow their minds, and that’s before they even arrive at the 72-acre camp and see the 17-bedroom, 17,000 square-foot building that may soon support overnight trips that can give kids their first view of a full night sky. 

Read more:
https://www.naco.org/articles/two-county-solution-offers-urban-nevada-kids-rural-retreat

 

Rural Outdoor Investment Act Reintroduced in Congress
Courtesy of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

Leading outdoor recreation organizations are fully supporting Senator Michael Bennet and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury’s newly-introduced Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act. This bill provides much-needed support for rural communities seeking to build and plan for recreation economies.

If passed, the ROI Act’s funding could not come at a better time. Outdoor recreation participation sky-rocketed during the pandemic as millions of Americans flocked toward local and federal public lands and waters. For the gateway communities alongside these treasured destinations, this new interest presents excellent opportunities for economic diversification and stability, as well as new challenges to manage around stewardship, housing, and visitor management. The ROI Act would direct resources to help communities strategically integrate outdoor recreation into their plans.

Read more:
https://recreationroundtable.org/news/outdoor-recreation-leaders-back-bill-to-bolster-rural-communities-outdoor-rec-economy/

 

Underused underpass near Market Square now an urban recreational space
Courtesy of San Antonio Report

By Shari Biediger and Raquel Torres

TEXAS - The concept of turning underutilized space created by overpasses has been catching on for the last 10 years or so. Brightly painted and described as an urban gathering space designed for relaxation and play, The Pass includes new lighting, a shaded basketball court, ping pong tables, large picnic tables, wrap-around seating areas, two sets of swinging chairs and long benches. 

Read more:
https://sanantonioreport.org/san-antonio-pass-market-square-underpass-recreational-space/

 

Training

Webinar: Getting Around Town - Exploring Partnerships with Safe Routes to Parks
Courtesy of the Federal Lands Transportation Institute Training Newsletter

Date: September 12, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm ET
Cost: Free 
Organization: Safe Routes Partnership

Safe Routes programs extend beyond routes to school Students travel to other destinations including playgrounds, recreation center, and parks. Join us as we explore how Safe Routes to Parks programs are improving park access and safety in Colorado. We will also share opportunities for Safe Routes to School and Safe Routes to Parks to collaborate on projects and community engagement activities.

For more information:
https://www.saferoutespartnership.org/resources/webinar/getting-around-town-parks-partnerships

 

Webinar: Repurposing Park Space — Making Multiple Uses Work
Courtesy of NRPA

On-Demand
Free for premier members, $35 for all other members

Discover unique ways to create functional recreation facilities for your community during this Talk. Our expert speakers will share insights and experiences on how they repurposed buildings for recreation programming in Seattle and Suffolk, Virginia. Speakers will present valuable case studies that demonstrate how to develop effective private-public partnerships, create budgets and devise successful strategies for large-scale facility repurposing projects. 

For more information: 
https://learning.nrpa.org/products/september-premier-repurposing-park-space-making-multiple-uses-work

 

NRPA Research Clinic: Beyond the Basics of Park Metrics

Live Event
September 14, at 2 p.m. EDT
Registration fee

Join NRPA’s Research team for this interactive Clinic directed toward intermediate and above NRPA Park Metrics users. Attendees will be given the opportunity to collaborate with peers in a small group work environment as they step through the questions of the Agency Performance Review survey, identify and discuss frequently asked questions and challenges, and examine what is new in the 2023 Agency Performance Review. Access to your Park Metrics account is required.


For more information:  
https://learning.nrpa.org/products/nrpa-research-clinic-beyond-the-basics-of-park-metrics

 

LA County's Park Needs Assessment: A Case Study on Park Equity Collaboration 
Courtesy of City Parks Alliance

Thursday, September 21
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern

This webinar, hosted in partnership with Prevention Institute, will feature a case study of the Los Angeles Countywide Park Needs Assessment. We’ll cover its purpose and scope, data collection methods, and targeted community engagement process in park-poor neighborhoods and low-income and diverse communities.

The session will include perspectives from the county parks and recreation department, another California parks and recreation department that has utilized the assessment in their community, and a community advocate.

For more information: 
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/728157506058225242

 

Job Openings

NEW - Associate Environmental Health and Safety Analyst
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Los Gatos, California
$85,860 - $104,416 Annually
Application Deadline: Sep 28, 2023

NEW - Executive Director
Oswegoland Park District, Oswego, Illinois
$150,000 - $200,000 Annually
Application Deadline: Sep 25, 2023

Deputy Director
Monmouth County Park System
Lincroft, New Jersey
Salary: Depends on qualifications
Application Deadline: Sep 15, 2023

Park Maintenance Supervisor
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Los Gatos, California
$110,593 - $134,453 Annually
Application Deadline: Sep 8, 2023

Park Heavy Equipment Operator
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
Los Gatos, California
$79,780 - $96,412 Annually
Application Deadline: Sep 5, 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