NACPRO News

September 17, 2024

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Quick Ship Campfire Rings Available Now
Courtesy of Pilot Rock

When you need park equipment fast, we offer 14-day Quick Ship on many Pilot Rock campfire rings! Our campfire rings come in sizes for smaller tent camping sites, large group areas and wheelchair accessible sites.  Choose from three FS series rings heights that are available to ship in just 14 days.

Read more:
https://www.pilotrock.com/buynowgroup/campfire-rings/fs-30-series-campfire-ring/

Detroit collaborative builds future leaders by introducing kids to hiking and camping
Courtesy of Model D

By Patrick Dunn

MICHIGAN - When Eastpointe resident Rachel Felder was a rising high school senior, her first camping trip changed her life. Through an internship at the Belle Isle Nature Center, Felder discovered Detroit Outdoors, a network Oakland County Parks and Recreation, Wayne County Parks and Recreation, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, City of Detroit, and Detroit Riverfront Conservancy focused on expanding access to outdoor recreation. She joined one of Detroit Outdoors' regular camping trips at Scout Hollow campground in Rouge Park, which she now describes as an "eye-opening experience" that inspired her to go camping 20 times the following summer.

Now, Felder has come full circle, helping others to explore outdoor activities for the first time. As a naturalist in the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department, she's one of several outdoor enthusiasts who lead Detroit Outdoors programming.

Detroit Outdoors' work has expanded far beyond Scout Hollow in recent years. The collaborative has begun offering young people outdoor adventures far beyond the Metro Detroit area through the YMCA's Bold and Gold program, an outdoor leadership development initiative.

Read more:
https://www.modeldmedia.com/features/detroitoutdoors08282024.aspx


Southwinds Golf Course Announced as Audubon International BioBlitz Winner for Second Year in a Row
Courtesy of Palm Beach County

FLORIDA - In Audubon International’s Bio-Blitz, Southwinds Golf Course received the Community Engagement Award (1st place) for the second year in a row, with a total of 225 participants. 

Now in its eighth year, the Audubon International BioBlitz is a free, annual species-counting competition designed to showcase the environmental value of the natural habitats found on golf courses. 

Read more:
https://discover.pbc.gov/parks/Lists/NewsReleases/NewsDispForm.aspx?ID=768


Columbus nonprofit gets $900K to plant 500 trees in city’s under-served parks
Courtesy of the Ledger Inquirer

By Kala Hunter

GEORGIA - Since its inception in 2000, Trees Columbus’ goal has been to protect and restore Columbus’ tree canopy, which has declined over time. But with little resources and funding, the nonprofit hasn’t been able to make the desired sizable shifts in the urban forest.

That is set to change — the organization received a $900,000 grant earlier this year that will allow Trees Columbus to plant 500 trees between now and 2028 in overburdened and under-served parks that haven’t experienced tree restoration and proper tree planting in over 60 years.

The money must be used to support environmental justice and disadvantaged communities experiencing low tree canopy as part of the Justice40 initiative, which requires 40% of federal climate investments to flow to communities that haven’t seen enough investment to fight an overburden of pollution.

Read more:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/columbus-nonprofit-gets-900k-plant-090000921.html


Lake Chaminwood debuts new kayak rental station
Courtesy of the Forest Preserve of Will County 

ILLINOIS - A new kayak rental station is now up and running at the Forest Preserve District’s Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Channahon. The Rent.Fun station opened on Friday, Aug. 30, and is ready to go for the Labor Day weekend. The station consists of a metal locker unit located near the launch and contains eight locked compartments. Each compartment is equipped with a single sit-on-top kayak.

“Preserve patrons will be able to rent a kayak from the locker by downloading the Rent.Fun app, creating an account, entering their credit card information, and signing the waiver,” explained Jenna Wright, the Forest Preserve’s permitting and recreation supervisor. “There are QR codes on the unit to help them along. Once they complete those steps, they will be able to unlock the locker with the app and remove the equipment. Each locker includes a kayak, paddle, and life vest.”

Read more:
https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/news/lake-chaminwood-debuts-new-kayak-rental-station/

Washington to fix accessibility violations at its state parks
Courtesy of Columbian.com

By Laurel Demkovich

WASHINGTON - Deb Hodge and James Evans arrived at an accessible campsite at Paradise Point State Park in southwest Washington last May and quickly noticed something was off. The site was very far from the bathroom and had uneven paths and deep ruts in the camping area – all of which is unusual for a facility deemed accessible under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

The uneven surfaces caused 65-year-old Evans, who has a disability, to fall and twist his back and need medical treatment. The couple returned back to their home in Oregon “disappointed to say the least,” said Hodge, who filed a complaint arguing the site violated the ADA.

That complaint ignited an investigation and a deal, announced Thursday, requiring Washington to identify and fix ADA violations at all of its state parks. The settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice will also require the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to come up with a formal process to maintain current accessible facilities and construct new ones.

Read more:
https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/sep/09/washington-to-fix-accessibility-violations-at-its-state-parks/


KOA: Kids Who Camp More Likely to be Lifelong Campers
Courtesy of RV Business

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) has released its Families & Kids report, part of the Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report series, which examines the evolution of the camping and outdoor hospitality industry over the past decade. The report underscores the role of camping in family dynamics, with over three-fourths of family campers believing it strengthens their relationships.

Read more:
https://rvbusiness.com/koa-kids-who-camp-more-likely-to-be-lifelong-campers/

CA State Parks and Parks California announce joint effort to bolster park workforce throughout state
Courtesy of SORP

California State Parks and Parks California are excited to announce the awardees for the 2024-2026 Career Pathways Grants. Fourteen local organizations will receive a total of over $1.1 million to help train people for careers in parks and public lands. The Career Pathways Program helps California State Parks work with local organizations to prepare people and overcome barriers to access for careers in parks.

The Career Pathways Grants Program aims to not only prepare the next generation workforce with necessary skills but also expand awareness about the diversity of careers in parks and public lands, connect participants to mentors and professional networks to support them in their career journey, and help participants navigate state hiring processes.

Read more:
https://antiochherald.com/2024/08/ca-state-parks-and-parks-california-announce-joint-effort-to-bolster-park-workforce-throughout-state/

SEEDing the Future of Environmental Education
Courtesy of NRPA

By Melissa Chotiner

SEED Classrooms are intentionally unfinished, providing students with a close-up view of the many systems that support the classroom and how they work. At the Black Hill SEED Classroom, a section of one of the walls is left open to showcase the building’s insulation. The plumbing and electrical systems are also exposed, and a monitor displays the electricity savings. The classroom includes a rainwater cistern, a living plant wall, a composting toilet and solar panels. It functions as a net-zero living lab space, which means the building produces all the water and power necessary to function.

Read more:
https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2024/september/seeding-the-future-of-environmental-education/


Creating community in North Carolina’s outdoors
Courtesy of SORP

When Daniel Palacios was a young boy, he would go on adventures with his dad, but only once did they camp. Now 31 years old and the father of two young boys, he wants to take his sons camping more regularly.

Palacios and his sons joined Latinos Aventureros for Family Camping 101 to learn the basics—setting up a tent, trail etiquette, wildlife education—and to be with other Latino families enjoying the outdoors, some for the first time.  

Latinos Aventureros supports people at every step in the process. They lead hikes. They give directions to the nearest trailheads. They answer questions about equipment. They provide families with tents and explain how to set them up. The group also engages in advocacy—pushing state and federal agencies for more language-inclusive signage—and promotes the physical and mental benefits of outdoor recreation. 

Read more:
https://www.wilderness.org/articles/blog/creating-community-north-carolinas-outdoors/


Armed with Backpacks of Seeds, Local Pooches Enlisted to Help Rewild Urban Nature Reserve
Courtesy of Good News Network

By Andy Corbley

Inspired by an innovative Chilean forest restoration effort, the English town of Lewes is enlisting the help of dog walkers to rewild a local nature reserve.

Heavily degraded by foot traffic, the project co-ops dogs’ tendency to run about in the woods to spread wildflower seed from saddlebags strapped to a harness around the dog’s abdomen.

“In a smaller urban nature reserve it’s really hard to do those things. So, to replicate the effect that those animals have on the ecosystem we aimed to utilize the vast number of dog walkers that are visiting the nature reserve daily.”

Read more:
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/saddled-with-backpacks-of-seeds-local-pooches-enlisted-to-help-rewild-urban-nature-reserve/


Using synthetic turf to minimize dark days and maximize facility usage
Courtesy of Parks and Recreation Business+

By Haley Darling

It’s no secret that northern climates impose challenges to practice and game time for outdoor sports like soccer, football, and baseball. While southern states enjoy the outdoors, their northern neighbors endure drastic conditions, from blizzards and ice to rain, winds, and floods—often cutting several weeks from the season and limiting off-season practices.  |

While natural-grass fields are difficult to clear of rain, snow, and ice, outdoor synthetic-turf fields are resilient and can be cleared expeditiously, offering advantages in water drainage and maintenance costs. With more control over the facility and its programming, indoor synthetic-turf facilities provide more opportunities for users to practice and play.

Read more:
https://www.prbplus.com/a-dynamic-differentiator/


NPS completes environmental review for continued management of e-bikes in parks
Courtesy of American Trails

WASHINGTON – The National Park Service (NPS) today released a programmatic environmental assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) reaffirming park superintendents’ authority to allow visitors to use electric bicycles (e-bikes) in national parks on a case-by-case basis, consistent with public safety and consideration of natural and cultural resources. Public lands designated by Congress as “wilderness areas” remain off-limits to both traditional bicycles and e-bikes. 

Read more:
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/nps-completes-environmental-review-for-continued-management-of-e-bikes-in-parks.htm


Study: Retrofitting Old Buildings Has Lower Total Carbon Footprint Than New Construction
Courtesy of Planetizen

By Diana Ionescu

Considering a building’s entire lifespan, renovating an existing building has significantly lower carbon emissions over its whole life cycle, including operational and embodied carbon, Hu said. As a result, demolishing an existing building to construct a new one makes little sense from an environmental perspective, even if that new building is more energy efficient, according to the research note. 

The type of retrofit or renovation being considered largely depends on the building owner’s objectives, though, Hu said. “If the goal is to enhance energy efficiency and achieve long-term cost savings, upgrading the HVAC system and improving the building envelope should be prioritized,” Hu said. 

Read more:
https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/retrofits-buildings-operational-embodied-carbon-emissions-new-construction/726719/


September 28th is National Public Lands Day
Courtesy of American Trails

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands.  Held on the fourth Saturday in September each year, NPLD is also a “Fee-Free Day” where entrance fees are waived at national parks and public lands. 

For more information:  
https://www.neefusa.org/what-we-do/conservation/national-public-lands-day


Recreation Economy for Rural Communities
Courtesy of American Trails

The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities planning assistance program helps communities identify strategies to grow their outdoor recreation economy and revitalize their main streets.

Outdoor activities are increasingly popular across the United States, and many communities are seeking to grow their outdoor recreation and tourism economy, while investing in their main streets and conserving forests and natural lands. Encouraging growth on main streets while promoting outdoor recreation can help foster community revitalization, protect air and water quality, create jobs and support economic diversification, and offer new opportunities for people to connect with the natural world.  

EPA, USDA Forest Service, the Northern Border Regional Commission, the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Denali Commission invite communities to apply for the next round of Recreation Economy for Rural Communities assistance. The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm Eastern Time on October 16, 2024. 

For more information:  
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/recreation-economy-rural-communities

ActivEnviro ThinkTank 2024

November 21 - 22, 2024 - San Antonio, TX

We are bringing both the ActivEnviro allied thought leaders ThinkTank and the Global Outdoor Health Summit (formerly SHIFT Summit) to San Antonio. Join us the week of November 17th at Phil Hardberger Park’s state-of-the-art Urban Ecology Center to connect, collaborate, and convene with the brightest problem solvers and leaders in our parks, recreation, preventive health, and related fields.  You can attend one or both of the gatherings at a reduced registration rate (available now!)

For more information:  
https://www.activenviro.org/thinktank


Upcoming In-Person Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) Courses
Courtesy of NICP

January 27 – 31, 2025
Basic Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design 
Laguna Beach, CA

February 24 - 28, 2025
Basic Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Las Vegas, NV

April 8-10, 2025 
Advanced Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Las Vegas, NV

May 12 – 16, 2025
Basic Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Carmel, CA

September 15 - 19, 2025
Basic Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Las Vegas, NV

October 21 - 23, 2025
Advanced Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Las Vegas, NV

For more information:  
https://thenicp.com/events/


Advancing the Outdoor Professional Podcast
Courtesy of SORP

In early 2024 the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) launched the Advancing the Outdoor Professional podcast. This podcast is a great way to learn more about industry topics and jobs. Get ready to dive into the world of adventure and opportunity with interviews with industry changemakers and employers. 

AORE is bringing you insider secrets and fresh perspectives on the hottest trends in the outdoor industry, plus a peek into the diverse career paths you can explore. Whether you're looking to elevate your career or make a meaningful impact in the field, this is your chance to get inspired and take action.

Some top episodes to check out: 

• Podcast S1 E20: Changemakers and Trailblazers: What You Need to Know About the EXPLORE Act
• Podcast S1 E18: So You Want to Work in Parks and Rec?
• Podcast S1 E17: Changemakers and Trailblazers: Establishing the Center for Veterans Employment (CVEO)
• Podcast S1 E11: So you want to CREATE an Inclusive Outdoor Working Environment
  
  For more information: 
  https://aore.org/podcast.php

NEW – Manager of Park Maintenance Services
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
San Jose, California
$138,490 - $168,344 Annually
Application Deadline: Oct 15, 2024

Senior Park Maintenance Technician
Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation
San Jose, California
$92,832 - $112,315 Annually
Application Deadline: Sep 30, 2024

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.