MRPA Review - Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association

May
Volume 08/09 Issue 9
MRPA Review
FEATURE STORY—
Inside this issue:
Members Spotlight
4
Membership Changes
12
Board Talk
14
And Much More ...
Please support the following
commercial members:
Gold Level
Farewell to Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Memorial Skating Rink
The Town of Barnstable Recreation Division announces a
farewell to the 52 year old Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Memorial
Skating Rink. This seasonal facility makes way for the 25
Million dollar New Hyannis Youth and Community Center
that will comprise of two NHL Skating Rinks, a double
gymnasium, Youth Center, Computer room, Wii Station
room which is multipurpose, United Nations
welcoming center, Police Sub-Station, and walking
track. The Skate Park will continue to operate on this
property next to the New Facility. So, March 22nd the Rink
will close forever with the New facility opening on Sept. 1st
with great opportunities for our youth year round.
M. E. O’Brien & Sons, Inc.
(see ad on page 14)
Premier Park & Play
(see ad on page 5)
Silver Level
King Pine Ski Area @ Purity
Spring Resort
Bronze Level
Sarah Behn Basketball Camp
Dibble & Sons Park
Equipment, Inc
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Fox Tours
Goric Marketing Group USA,
Inc
Musco Sports Lighting, LLC
Peak Software Systems, Inc.
Pump it Up Peabody
Read Custom Soils
Sunday River Resort
TSS Photography, Inc
Leominster Recreation Department and Leominster Pop Warner Named
NRPA/USA Football Youth Football Grant Recipient
Leominster, Massachusetts, - March 20, 2009 – Leominster Recreation Department and
Leominster Pop Warner was one of over 450 agencies from parks and recreation, schools, and
independent youth associations that applied for the NRPA/USA Football Youth Football Grant
in partnership with the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) and USA Football.
Each applicant submitted detailed information concerning the state of youth football in their
community in order to qualify for funding through this competitive process. Both tackle and
flag programs were considered for support across the country. Leominster Recreation
Department and Leominster Pop Warner received funding support for the Pop Warner Football
League in order to provide field improvements. This program effects 195 youth every fall
season.
126 agencies or organizations received funding totaling $300,000.00 to enhance programs and
create stability for the future of youth football at the grassroots level. Leominster Recreation
Department and Leominster Pop Warner was awarded a grant in the amount of $2,500.00.
“Millions of American youngsters, like those in Leominster, Massachusetts weave youth
(Continued on page 3)
Page 2
MRPA
Review
MRPA Executive Committee Officers
President
Past President
President Elect
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Professional
Development
Renee Dufour, CPRP
Fall River
508-675-5759
Renee.Dufour@state.ma.us
Jennifer Davis, CPRP
Peabody
978-536-7133
Jennifer.Davis@peabody-ma.us
Brendan Egan
Burlington
781-720-1695
began@burlmass.org
Matthew Casparius
Manchester
978-526-2019
caspariusm@manchester.ma.us
Peggy Hannon-Rizza, CPRP
Billerica
978-671-0921
Billericarecreation@town.billerica.ma.us
Patricia Armstrong, CPRP
Yarmouth
508-790-9133
Parmstrong@yarmouth.ma.us
Melissa Battite, CPRP
Brookline
617-730-20069
Mbattite@brooklinema.gov
Volume 08/09 Issue 9
COMMERCIAL / MEMBER
News & Notes
Do you know of a new professional,
someone who has changed positions or
some-one who is about to retire? Do you
know of a commercial member that has a
new product or service? We would like to
“Spotlight” their career / product in one of
our upcoming editions. All you need to do
is contact the MRPA Office and we will do the rest.
MRPA Branch Representatives
Community
Therapeutic
Legislative
Commercial
Educational
Bruce Doig
Beverly
978-921-6067
bdoig@beverlyma.gov
Stephen Kelley, CTRS
Newton, MA
healthandathletics@yahoo.com
Krissanne Caron
Bourne
508-743-3003
kcaron@townofbourne.com
Nancy White, CPRP
Medfield
508-359-4200
Nancy_white@obrienandsons.com
Karianne Kelley
Millis
508-376-8182
kkelley@glenellencc.com
MRPA Regional Representatives
Gus Frederick
Mashpee
508-539-1400 e535
Leisure@ci.mashpee.ma.us
Central
Karen Goolsky
Rutland
508-886-0048
Recreation@townofrutland.org
Metro West
Kelly Rund
Ashland
508-881-0105
krund@ashlandmass.com
Northeast
Karen Simmons
Lexington
781-862-0500 e 262
ksimmons@ci.lexington.ma.us
South Shore
Barry Welch, CPRP
Quincy
617-376-1394
Bwelch@ci.quincy.ma.us
West
Bari Thomas, CPRP
Longmeadow
413-565-4160
bthomas@longmeadow.org
USTA Representative
MRPA Office
John M. Whalen, Jr., M.Ed., CPRP
Executive Director
PO Box 783
Westfield, MA 01086-0783
Phone: 413-568-8356 (if no answer leave message)
FAX: 413-568-4166
Email: jwhalen@massrpa.org
Cape Cod
Deirdre McCormack
Director of Community Tennis
Westborough
508-366-3450 ext 30
mccormack@newengland.usta.com
MRPA REVIEW
MRPA Review is published by the Massachusetts Recreation and Park
Association, PO Box 783, Westfield, MA 01086-0783.
Phone: 413-568-8356, FAX 413-568-4166, or email at
jwhalen@massrpa.org, our web site is www.massrpa.org as a membership service. Opinions expressed in advertisements and articles are
those of the advertisers and writers and not necessarily those of MRPA.
MRPA reserves the right to reject or edit any advertisements, articles or
items appearing in this publication. Members are encouraged to submit
articles, information and news releases for publication. Deadlines are
the 1st of the month. No newsletters are published during the months
of July and August.
MRPA
Review
Volume 08/09 Issue 9
Page 3
(Continued from page 1)
football into the fabric of our cities and towns,” said USA Football Executive Director SCOTT HALLENBECK. “The game
brings us together and instills team-first values for the kids who love to play it. USA Football is proud to partner with the National
Recreation and Park Association to grant financial help for equipment, uniforms and other needs to keep America’s favorite sport
and its character-building qualities thriving.”
According to Judith Sumner, Director of Recreation, the grant funding will help to make improvements at the Pop Warner Football
Field and save the league from this cost to offer the program to the community. We are grateful to receive this funding to assist the
league.
For more information on youth football at Leominster Pop Warner please visit www.leominsterpopwarner.com or contact us at
www.president@popwarner.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------About National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and
conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 21,000 recreation and park
professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural
and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org.
About USA Football
USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, hosts more than 100 football training events
annually offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players and resources for youth football
(Continued on page 6)
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MRPA
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Volume 08/09 Issue 9
MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Name:
Jerry Miller
Organization:
Norwood Recreation Department
Title:
Superintendent of Recreation
Address:
165 Nahatan Street
Norwood, MA 02062
Email:
gmiller@norwoodma.gov
Year Joined:
1975
Number of Years in the Park and Recreation Field:
37

Why did you become a member of MRPA? The honest answer was my boss signed the Department as a group representing
Norwood. He saw the benefits of an organization such as the MRPA and felt we could take advantage of the MRPA resources.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in the parks and recreation field or as a citizen advocate? I think
our greatest accomplishment has been the ability to connect with the residents and other Town Departments, Youth Groups,
Fraternal Organizations and Civic Groups within the Town. We have been able to co-produce many Special Activities that the
Town of Norwood now looks as part of the fiber of the community; Post Prom party (24 yrs), Scavenger Hunt (21 yrs), Norwood Days (7 yrs), Turkey Trot Road Race (26 yrs), Day of Hope (Jimmy Fund Day 12 yrs) and the Haunted House (3 yrs).
All of these activities have tied us to so many groups and organizations and have provide a smile for thousands of people.

Who influenced your decision to be a parks and recreation professional/citizen advocate the most? Kevin Dixon, he was
the Superintendent who saw something in me back in 1972 when I was still at Northeastern. He proudly states that his most
important decision he ever made was the hiring of me.

What have you found to be the greatest challenge as a park and recreation professional/citizen advocate? The greatest
challenge now and unfortunately will probably be with us for some time to come is doing more with less. This is both a blessing and a curse as it requires us to be even more creative.

What recommendations or “words of wisdom” do you have for new professionals/citizen advocates? WORDS OF WISDOM - look to your fellow professionals, whether in your neighboring town or out in the Western part of the country. They are
your source of ideas and activities that may fit your community. There are two quotes that I feel describe our field of Recreation “There are no better thieves (borrowing ideas) than Recreation Professionals.” Don’t tale this as a slam because we are as a
group very creative and resourceful. And “If I ever find a job I thoroughly enjoy I’ll never go to work.” Our field epitomizes
this philosophy because we are the happiest people to work with.”

What are some of the benefits you value most as a member of MRPA? I think my number one benefit from being a member of MRPA is the friends you develop over the years. These friends and fellow professionals have shared their experiences,
problems, successes, failures and wisdom. There never is that petty jealousy you see in other work environments. The MRPA
has given me the opportunity to meet these wonderful professionals and has also been a great resource to me. The MRPA has
grown as I have over the years and I feel MRPA is now in its best standing since I joined in 1975, and I am proud to be a member.
***********************
Do You Know of a Member in your region that we can highlight - contact the MRPA Office for details on how to get that professional recognized in future issues of the MRPA Review.
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Volume 08/09 Issue 9
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Volume 08/09 Issue 9
Check out this Website
Ultimate Camp Resource
http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activities/november-2005.page-1.html
Mark Your Calendars
25th Annual State Conference and Trade Show
October 28, 29 and 30, 2009
(Continued from page 3)
league commissioners. The independent non-profit manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competitions
and has provided more than $1.5 million in equipment grants and volunteer background check subsidies for youth football
leagues since 2006. USA Football was started by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund and is
chaired by former U.S. Congressman and professional quarterback Jack Kemp.
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Volume 08/09 Issue 9
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Volume 08/09 Issue 9
VOC-Free Brite Stripe Ultra-Friendly Earns Breakthrough EPA Recognition
Jan. 15, 2009
"Design for the Environment" Designation is Industry-First
Pioneer Athletics announced today that its high-performing Brite Stripe Ultra-Friendly (www.ultrafriendly.com) has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency with the first-ever "Design for the Environment" designation for field-marking paint.
Brite Stripe Ultra-Friendly is completely free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and includes more readily biodegradable components than ever before. Intensive ingredient research contributed to formulation breakthroughs that help relieve environmental
stress and improve field surface health. "Ingredients have always been the key to making our paints high-performing," noted Pioneer
President Doug Schattinger. "What's different with Brite Stripe Ultra-Friendly is that we've taken our dedication to a whole new
level that's earned EPA recognition."
"Field-marking paint is very different from other paints," said George Sajner, Pioneer's Product Manager. "Some people don't give it
a second thought, but what goes into a product like Brite Stripe Ultra-Friendly makes all the difference in terms of performance,
safety and impact. That's the approach that keeps us focused every day on better products for our customers."
Brite Stripe Ultra-Friendly exclusively launches at the 2009 Sports Turf Managers Association Conference and Exposition beginning on January 13, 2009. More information and pre-orders are available at www.pioneerathletics.com.
About Pioneer
Pioneer Manufacturing has provided commercial and industrial products to discerning customers since 1905. Today, Pioneer offers a
breadth of athletic field paints, equipment, antimicrobials and accessories that suit the needs of professional, collegiate and local
athletic programs throughout the United States. Learn more about Pioneer's product array at www.pioneerathletics.com.
MRPA
Review
Volume 08/09 Issue 9
High-Frequency Playground Inspections
An ounce of prevention may save a child’s life
·
By Marilynn Glasser
A worn, rusty S-hook at the top of a swing gives way, and a child tumbles to the ground.
Another child falls from a climber onto a surface where mulch hasn’t
been replenished in more than a year.
Still another child happily playing with friends slips on the playground
and is cut on broken glass.
These types of accidents can easily be prevented if maintenance folks
practice high-frequency playground inspections. These routine inspections take a minimal amount of time, and are the ideal way to maintain a
safe playground between comprehensive inspections by certified safety
inspectors.
Why Are They Needed?
Of course, children’s safety is the priority. Maintenance employees responsible for routine tasks, such as trash pick-up or mowing, can be
trained to spot an S-hook that needs replacing, notice and discard a broken bottle, or report that mulch needs to be replenished. In addition, high
-frequency inspections can help avoid and reduce an agency’s exposure
to litigation due to a playground accident.
·
Page 9
gloves to pick up and discard most, if not all items, is always a
good idea.
Equipment/facility hazards--These include broken equipment, missing parts, loose bolts, uncapped ends of pipes and
kinked, twisted or broken chains. In cases where needed corrections go beyond simple bolt tightening or untwisting
chains, employees may need to contact the manufacturer for
replacement parts.
Surfacing hazards--Since 70 percent of playground injuries
involve falls, regular upkeep on surfacing is imperative. Regardless of the type of surfacing, employees can easily make
playgrounds safer by raking areas of compacted materials, and
by making sure footings are adequately covered. Of particular
importance when checking loose-fill surfacing, the depth of
the material must be measured to be sure that it is deep enough
for the fall-height of the equipment. For poured-in-place surfacing or rubber tiles/mats, sweeping may be required.
The Difference In Inspections
It’s important to realize the difference between high-frequency and lowfrequency inspections, as well as safety audits, and their individual roles
in playground safety. Although high-frequency inspections are highlighted in this article, they should be viewed as a way to help maintain
safe playgrounds between the more in-depth--usually annual--lowfrequency inspections that must be conducted by certified playground
safety inspectors.
How Often?
High-frequency playground inspections usually are conducted on a daily The low-frequency inspection:
to weekly basis to identify and correct potential hazards. Maintenance
·
Involves a detailed, itemized inventory of all playground
employees can either correct the hazards they find immediately or, if
components
they encounter a more serious problem, report it to superiors for correc·
Examines and evaluates the structural integrity and wear
tion. If necessary, the equipment may need to be rendered “unusable”
concerns
of each piece.
for a period of time until repairs can be made. “Quick fixes” with temporary devices--such as wiring a broken chain or using a small bolt (the
Ideally, annual low-frequency inspections should follow a one-time,
only size that can be found where a large one is missing)--are inapproformal, comprehensive playground audit which:
priate and should not be tolerated.
What Needs To Be Done?
Start by inspecting the playground for obvious safety concerns, those
simple to identify, and remove or correct, such as removing trash or
glass, raking mulch material back into fall zones beneath and around
play equipment, and sweeping debris from walkways to prevent slipping
hazards. Next, correct would-be problems, such as twisted swing
chains, broken or loose components, exposed footings and vandalism.
Typically a high-frequency inspection form is designed and customized
for specific playgrounds:
·
·
·
·
·
·
The name and location of the playground
The date and name of the employee conducting the inspection
A general inspection list of items/hazards to be identified
A specific list of the playground components (whether freestanding or parts of a composite unit)
A series of codes indicating whether a listed item is OK or
needs some type of corrective attention
Space for additional comments.
What Are The Hazards?
There are three primary types of hazards on a playground:
·
Materials/trash hazards--These include trash, cans, bottles,
broken glass, sharp objects, miscellaneous debris, low-hanging
or damaged tree branches and even animal feces. Wearing
·
·
·
Identifies, evaluates. and prioritizes safety issues
Addresses accessibility as reflected in the American with
Disabilities Act requirements
Provides a schematic design of the layout and use zones, and
determines age/size appropriateness, environmental issues and
border concerns.
Audits should be performed prior to children using new or renovated
playgrounds. If an agency with existing playgrounds has only recently
recognized the importance and benefit of inspections, an initial playground safety audit can be performed to establish a baseline report for
low-frequency inspections in the future. Although every potential safety
concern in a playground cannot be covered, such as child developmental
differences, the most common safety concerns are addressed in these
inspections.
Training employees to perform high-frequency safety inspections can
provide that “ounce of prevention” for safer playgrounds and safer children.
Dr. Marilynn R. Glasser, CPRP, owns Parks and Pastimes, Inc., a
consulting firm specializing in dog parks. She can be reached at (800)
967-2757 or via e-mail at www.parksandpastimes.com.
This article first appeared in Parks and Rec Business magazine - March 2009
Page 10
MRPA
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Volume 08/09 Issue 9
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The last word...
We don't want the last word to come
from us--we want to hear from you! Is
there a topic you'd like to see covered
in the next newsletter? Do you have a
unique program? A success story? A
great volunteer or staff member? A new facility
under construction? Community support from a
new group? We'd love to hear about it!
Email us at jwhalen@massrpa.org
Page 12
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Volume 08/09 Issue 9
Membership Directory Updates
PROFESSIONAL
Change of Information
Melissa Battite
mbattite@brooklinema.gov
Lisa Paradis
lparadis@brooklinema.gov
Gerry Kelly
gkelly@brooklinema.gov
Melissa Roy
Recreation Director
Hamilton-Wenham
16 Union Stree
South Hamilton, MA 01982
978-468-5590
mroy@hamiltonma.gov
Brendan Egan
Superintendent
Recreation, Parks & Forestry
10 Humphrey Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
781-631-3350
eganb@marblehead.org
New Members
Tim Kennedy
Program Administrator
Warren Building
90 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
781-235-2370
tkennedy@wellesleyma.gov
Amy Wilmot
DCR
RIC
PO Box 66
S. Carver, MA 02366
COMMERCIAL MEMBER
Norton Kayak Co, Inc.
David Lennon
VP Operations
90 Maple Street
Norton, MA 02766-2606
508-740-7728
info@nortonkayakco.com
www.nortonkayakco.com
New England Air Museum
Deborah Reed
Assistant Director
36 Perimeter Road
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
860-623-3305
debbier@neam.org
www.neam.org
Ninepoints Entertainment
Brett Outchcunis
Owner
PO Box 399
Onset, MA 02558
508-245-3117
brettoutch@gmail.com
www.ninepoints.net
It’s Survey Time
MRPA from time to time , has conducted several survey’s including but not
limited to: Summer Salaries, Full Time Salaries, and Department Responsibilities. We ask everyone to visit our web site to view the survey’s that we have
online. We ask that everyone review the information and if needed supply us
with updates.
Please visit:
http://massrpa.org/surveys.aspx
(Continued on page 13)
MRPA
Review
TSS Photography
Natalie Lynch
Picture Day Photographer
205 Feeding Hills
Southwick, MA 01077
413-315-4319
nlyinch@tssphotography.com
www.tssphotography.com
Please notify us if at anytime you have a change of address,
position change, change of staff, or any other information that the
MRPA Office needs to change our database. Send it to:
jwhalen@massrpa.org
Volume 08/09 Issue 9
Page 13
Mini Warehousing
Mini Warehousing 6', 8' or 10' Storage containers make
great Equipment Sheds!
Mini Warehousing offers new condition containers available for rent to put all of your recreational contents in a
clean, dry secure storage area right on your fields.
Clean, Secure, On Site Storage.
Call us today
Mini Warehousing, Inc.
1-800-548-5408
www.miniwarehousing.com
Page 14
MRPA
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Volume 08/09 Issue 9
BOARD TALK
Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association
This page is an exciting new venture through the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association, and will be a regular feature of the monthly newsletter. It is being created
WITH and FOR members of appointed and elected boards, to provide an opportunity for them to share and learn from each other. Please make copies of this page and hand
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
In the current economic environment, the investment into parks
continually comes into question and its important that the board
members strengthen their advocacy roles and reach out to regular users to become vocal proponents.
When the economy takes a downturn, most people stay close to
home and look for opportunities for their leisure time. Help
them discover what is nearby through special marketing. When
is the last time you visited all of your parks, looking at it
through your role on the board? Do you leave the visits up to
the staff, or do you go out and see it with your own eyes? Are
you a regular user of your own parks, setting the example for
others?
Photos can be the best promotional item you have. Can you
help take photos? Can you hold a contest for others to submit
their favorite photos of your parks? Will a local store allow you
to put photos of some of your parks in the window?
How do people know what your community or organization
have to offer? Can they get maps of trails? Can they get a listing of what is available at each park? Do you have a website
that provides directions to the park, and includes parking instructions?
senior couple why they are using the walking path around the
park. Ask the jogger why he/she is using the track. Ask the
playgroup why they are meeting in the playground area. Ask
the youth why they are playing pick-up basketball on the park
court.
Sometimes these visitors are willing to write down what they
like best. You can even hold an essay writing contest to get
interesting views of your parks!
So what does any of this have to do with economic benefits?
For the individual, what a cost savings it is to walk or ride a
bike to a local park and just enjoy the amenities. If picnic facilities are available, a lunch from home will save money.
Your local real estate agents are one of your best promotional
tools. What information do you provide to them so that they in
turn can use it for marketing the homes they sell? Chances are,
they already have photos of your facilities on their websites!
The more information they have to share, the more likely it is
the homes they represent will sell, and that brings good value to
your community.
Parks & Trails New York just released an analysis of the economic impact of the New York State park system. What they
found was that the park system generated five times more in
revenue than what was invested into the parks. Their report
evaluated the positive impact on the ecosystem. It also noted
how private businesses flourished when providing amenities to
the parks - restaurants, boat rentals, fishing lures and bait, athletic shoes and equipment, beach chairs. For more information,
go to www.ptny.org
Can you create a small program to highlight the parks? If you
go to the Massachusetts Division of Conservation and Recreation Services you’ll find a great program to promote for your
region and to model in your own area: The Park Passport Program. www.mass.gov/dcr/passport Using a stamp in a booklet format, the DCR is encouraging people to get out and visit as
many of the state parks as possible.
Times are overwhelming, but most of these suggestions can be
done at little or no cost. Let’s take advantage of the economy
Visitors can be your best advocates. As you tour the facilities
and remind people of why it’s great to live in their little corners
you advocate for, take some time to talk to visitors. Ask the
in Massachusetts!
parent and child why they enjoy fishing in the pond. Ask the
Patricia Carey, CPRP, Director
Needham Park and Recreation Commission
1471 Highland Avenue - Needham, MA 02492
Telephone:
(781) 455-7521
E-Mail:
pcarey@town.needham.ma.us
Renee Dufour, CPRP, MRPA President
MA Dept of Conservation & Recreation
200 Davol Street - Fall River, MA 02720
Telephone:
(508) 675-3455
E-Mail: Renee.Dufour@massmail.state.ma.us
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Westfield, MA 01086-0783
PO Box 783
Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association
Please Deliver To
Bulk Rate
Postage Paid
Permit No. 112
Westfield, MA
01086