Annual report 2014

Annual Report 2014

…Moving Forward

Annual Report 2014

Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Community Reinvestment – A Call To Action ……………………………………………………….…………………………………………….. 1Investing In The Quality Of Life ……..…………………………………………………………................................................................................ 2Reservations By Facility …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………..……….………. 2Reservations By Month ……….…………………………………………………………………………….……………………..……….……….. 2Accomplishments – Administrative ...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3-4Accomplishments – Programs & Services ….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5Accomplishments – Maintenance & Repairs ..……………………………………………………………………………………………………….6Volunteer Hours ……………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………….…………….... 7Accomplishments – Facility Usage ….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8Accomplishments – Community Partnerships ……………….……………………………………………………………………………………... 9Investing In Our Community ….………………………………………………………………………………………………………….............… 10Gift By Category – Total Amount Raised ….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10Dog Park Committee Members ………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10FY 2014 Financial Highlights ….……………………………….………………………………………………………………………................... 11Board of Directors / Staff ….……………………………………………………………………………………………………............................... 12Contact Information / Fiduciary Partners ….………..………….……………………………………………………………………………............ 12


MISSION STATEMENT

To grow our community with wholesome, safe,

and sustainable parks and recreation programs.

VISION STATEMENT

Enhance the well-being of our community though

partnerships

MOVING FORWARD

COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT – A CALL TO ACTION

For more than 50 years, the Gettysburg “Rec Park” has been one of the most popular places to play and enjoy a variety of recreational programs. This has been evident in several areas, such as: Little League Baseball, Youth Football, Adult Softball, Fitness Classes and Open Basketball to mention only a few. This year, we have added even more services to the list – namely a new Dog Park, the Red, White, & Blue – 5K Color Run and the Adams County – Wellness Challenge.

As part of our new delivery system, we recognize that it is no longer good enough to just sit idly and expect change to happen on its own. Instead, we have taken a pro-active approach to get people actively involved and more informed on how and where they can improve their health and well-being. In short, our approach has been more purposeful on how to improve the quality of life. Moving forward, we want to continue promoting parks and recreation services to a wider segment of the population because we understand the health benefits associated with balancing work and leisure pastimes. Furthermore, we know that providing worldclass programs will further motivate people to stay engaged and prevent chronic health issues. In this way, I invite you to join us as we strive to build a stronger community through people, parks, and programs.

In great health,Brian J. Devost

Director’s Message

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PARTICIPANT EVALUATION

“The Recreation Authority has been an integral part

of our experience as a family.”

“We love the addition of the community dog park, the

availability of the playground areas, fitness trail, and the

seasonal activities.”

“My favorite program was the Red, White & Blue – 5K

Color Run.”

MOVING FORWARD

INVESTING IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE

We are truly blessed to have a 57 acres “Rec Park” in Adams County. Located in the middle of the community, GARA is in a great position to provide ALL residents with a wide variety of recreational programs and services. Current facilities include: (1) indoor assembly room, (2) meeting rooms, (1) kitchen, (4) pavilions, (5) baseball & softball diamonds, (1) football/soccer pi tches, (3) playground areas, (1) skate park, (2) outdoor basketball courts, (1) amphitheater, (1) horseshoe pit, (1) dog park, and a one mile trail with (10) fitness stations. In addition, we operate and maintain (2) outdoor bathroom facilities, (3) concession s tands and (3) parking lots for the convenience of our patrons.

RESERVATIONS BY FACILITY

Pavilions 177

Indoor Space 161

Athletic Fields 159

JAN.FEB.

MAR.

APR.

MAY

JUN.

JUL.

AUG.

SEP.

OCT.NOV.

DEC.

General Usage 1382

RESERVATIONS BY MONTH


WHY GARA?

The creation of GARA is a watershed event that will trigger better health and

well-being in Adams County.

GARA serves as a spring board to un-leach the best

qualities in people – so they can lead a happier life.

MOVING FORWARD

ACCOMPLISHMENTS – ADMINISTRATIVE

Designed and published a new website (GARA-REC-PARK.INFO) with (6) title pages and (24) sub-category pages

Established a new payroll account and direct deposit services with Smith, Elliott, & Kearns & Co. Implemented the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) to monitor tax disbursements Wrote and published Request for Proposal (RFP) to secure legal counsel and insurance coverage Developed and presented the 2015 fiscal budget to fiduciary partners Implemented a new smoke free park policy with “Young Lungs at Play” / PA Smoke Free Coalition

Organized the GARA Open House and the Dog Park Opening Ceremony Audited all meter accounts for both gas and electric utilities on the property Conducted Red Cross CPR/AED certifications for all staff Implemented a new accounting software (QuickBooks) to manage accounts Developed chart of accounts with new line items – following DCED Standards Worked with Borough officials to solidify the MOU and a ten year lease agreement 3


BENEFITS OF PARKS AND

RECREATION

• Increases property value

• Improves community health and wellness

• Reduces juvenile crime

• Preservation of the environment

• Economic development

MOVING FORWARD

ACCOMPLISHMENTS – ADMINISTRATIVE

Developed the personnel manual for the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority Implemented a marketing plan using “Constant Contact” and the TIMES to improve branding Expanded the hours of operation to better meet the needs in community Introduced a simplified carbonless receipt system and merchant account to monitor payments Developed a new fee structure based on accountability and best practices Researched and upgraded communication system for Phone/WIFI/Computer services

Instituted criminal background checks and new-staff orientation curriculum Received new AED unit through the community grant fund program Completed the Red Cross (Heart Savers – Instructor) certification Negotiated contracts for concessions and vending profit sharing with Pepsi Corp. Negotiated the relocation of the Adams County – Sports Hall of Fame Implemented Injury/Accident protocol to improve risk management 4


SPONSORSHIPS

The tremendous success of our programs are due in large part to local residents, businesses and civic organizations who

have given of their time, talent, and treasure.

In addition to investing in the health and wellness of the community, sponsors also receive the added bonus of

getting their name out into the community.

MOVING FORWARD

ACCOMPLISHMENTS – PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Group Exercise Classes – Pilates Dog Obedience Classes Red, White & Blue – 5K Color Run Horseshoes Tournament Longest Golf Drive Competition Fitness Course Challenge Shuffleboard Tournament Summer Adventure Camp

Free Summer Meals Program Youth Football & Cheerleading League Adams County – Wellness Challenge Yard Sales (Spring & Fall) Multiphasic Blood Screening Chartered Bus Tours Coed Volleyball League (Fall/Winter) Open Volleyball Night Girls Volleyball Clinic Community H.S. Walking Program Youth Baseball League Adult Softball League 5


PROPERTY VALUE

“Did you know that property adjacent to a well maintained park see an increase value of 20%. Homes one block away see a 10% increase, and those

two blocks off see a 10% increase in property value.”

The Keys to Park and Recreation Future Viability

(2007) – Dr. John L. Crompton

MOVING FORWARD

ACCOMPLISHMENTS – MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

Re-Keyed Buildings on Property Implemented In-House Pest Control Installed Chemical Dispenser Recycling Initiative Fitness Trail / Safety Check Installed No Loitering / No Smoking signs Installed No Pets on Infield signs Clean & Re-Organized Maintenance Shed Installed Backstop Windscreen Built & Installed Horseshoe Pit Painted Backboards & Basketball Court Sealed Outdoor Bathroom Floors

Replaced Wood on Park Benches Improve Garden Area on Long Lane Re-Mulched – South Playground Area Power Washed Sidewalk Area Interior/Exterior Window Cleaning Painted/Installed Park Benches Refinished Assembly Room Floor Installed new bathroom dispenser Painted Bathroom Facilities (South)

Cleaned/Upgraded Skate Park

Painted Concession Stand (West)

Inspected Fire Extinguisher & Kitchen 6


VALUE PROPOSITION

Incredibly, in years past, the amount of money needed to

operate the Rec Park was double what it is today.

In the first year of operations, the new Gettysburg Area

Recreation Authority, managed the Rec Park for less

then the proposed budget.

MOVING FORWARD

VOLUNTEER HOURS

70

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUN. JUL. AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC.

Re-Entry & Release Program

Probationary Services

Community Volunteers


GRANTS & GIFTS

The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority works diligently to seek out and

utilize grants and donations to supplement and enhance its

existing funding.

This additional income allows GARA to offer programs and

amenities that might otherwise be inaccessible to many

families in Adams County.

MOVING FORWARD

ACCOMPLISHMENTS – FACILITY USAGE

Youth Baseball League / 53 games Men’s Softball League / 25 games Heritage Club Multicultural Festival High Heat Baseball Tournament Girls Fast Pitch League / 10 games

Fire Department Carnival / 9 days Youth Football & Cheerleading League Kickball Tournament – Fundraiser JROTC Volunteer Service Project H.S. Key Club Service Project World Tai Chi Demonstration Healthy Adams Bicycle & Pedestrian, Inc. Kiwanis Blueberry Sale / 2 days Kiwanis Cranberry Sale / 1 day Drug Take Back Fitness Task Force – Walk United Way / Letter Carrier – Food Drive Future Stars Baseball Tournament / 5 fields

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INVESTING TOGETHER

GARA’s success can be attributed to the residents,

businesses, and organizations who we partner with.

Whether through volunteer hours, in-kind donations, or

monetary gifts, these supporters affirm to the value

we place on the health and wellness in our community.

MOVING FORWARD

ACCOMPLISHMENTS – COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

GASD – Facility Use Agreement Thrivent Financial – Co-Sponsor Destination Gettysburg – Member HACC – Co-Sponsor GoOutdoorsPA.com - Member DCNR – Circuit Rider Grant Healthy Adams County – Co-Sponsor WellSpan – Multiphasic Screening Gettysburg Heritage Festival Adams County – Re-Entry Program Gettysburg Art Council – Grant Wounded Warriors Project – Co Sponsor PA Smoke Free Coalition – Member

United Way – Food Drive YWCA – CWC Kiwanis Club – Donation Optimist Club – Donation American Legion – Donation Chamber of Commerce – Member Rotary Club – Donation Fire Department – Annual Carnival Strawberry Hill – Summer Camp Gettysburg Little League Baseball Boyer’s Nursery – Donation Agway – Donation HABPI – Member 9


DOG PARK CAMPAIGN

As part of the Rec Park Master Plan, the community ranked a Dog Park as the #1 priority.

As a result, the funds were raised to build the first dog

park facility in Gettysburg.

Today, Gettysburg is ranked nationally as the 2nd most

dog friendly community in the Country.

MOVING FORWARD

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY

Simply said, the community dog park campaign was a huge success. With a goal of raising $25,000, community dog owners answered the call by donating $29,546 to support the cause. Completed in August, the dog park is a great example of a projectthat reflects the power of “citizen-lead involvement” and the “effectiveness of public-private collaborations”. We are grateful to all those who helped make the dog park a huge success.

GIFTS BY CATEGORY – TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED: $29,546

DOG PARK COMMITTEE MEMBERS

LEVEL 1: Furry Paw ($10-$49) -- $1,388 LEVEL 2: Bronze Paw ($50-$99) -- $1,283LEVEL 3: Silver Paw ($100-$249) -- $7,425 LEVEL 4: Gold Paw ($250-$499) -- $3,650LEVEL 5: Platinum Paw ($500-$999) -- $3,800 LEVEL 6: Diamond Paw ($1,000-$2,499) -- $7,000LEVEL 7: Top Dog ($2,500 +) -- $5,000

Mary Miner (Chair) John Dodson Jody Dickey Rose Deluca Walker Woods Steve ToddesLisa Wolkind Marguerite Plank Debra Flake Joanna McGuire Ben Miner Nina KlosterBetty Brownley Brian Devost 10


FUND BALANCE

The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority has been an excellent steward of its funds… matching

revenues with expenses while creating a fund balance for future repairs, maintenance

items, and capital development needs.

MOVING FORWARD

FY 2014 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

INCOME BUD. ‘14 ACT. DIFF.

Contributions $166,550 $206,974 $40,424Program Fees $27,001 $37,639 $10,638Special Events $450 $12,589 $12,139

Sub-Total: $194,000 $257,805 $63,805

EXPENSESSalaries $104,801 $69,334 $35,467Benefits & Taxes $12,800 $8,764 $4,036Contract Services $17,502 $32,086 $14,584Supplies $12,700 $16,958 $4,258Technology $3,702 $7,372 $3,670Postage $500 $259 $241Utilities $25,296 $18,952 $6,344Equipment $12,850 $16,624 $3,774Advertising $3,000 $3.005 $5Professional $850 $9,894 $9,044

Sub-Total: $194,000 $184,651 $9,349 11

Salaries54%

Benefits & Taxes

7%

Contract Services

9%

Supplies6%

Technology 2%

Postage0%

Utilities13%

Equipment7%

Advertising2%

Professional0%


QUALITY CONTROL

The job of providing high quality parks & recreation programs and services is

something the board tries to fulfill with a goal to exceed

expectations.

Through continued support, of our fiduciary partners, GARA is able to make a difference in peoples lives

by building a “livable community”.

MOVING FORWARD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John “Jack” Bream – Chairperson Jacob “Jake” Schindel – Vice-Chair Steven Toddes – Treasurer Michael Cooper-White – Secretary Mary Miner – Member Dewaine Finkenbinder – Member Michael Williams – GASD (At Large Rep.) Legal Council: John Phillips – Attorneys at Law

STAFF

Brian Devost – Executive Director Lisa Fendelander – Service Specialist Edward Hildebrand – Maintenance

CONTACT INFORMATION

Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA)545 Long Lane | Gettysburg, PA | 17325-2530717.334.2028

www.gara-recpark.info

FIDUCIARY PARTNERS

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Annual report 2014

Documents

Transcript of Annual report 2014